#trr mc x oc?

[bebepac]

Trust Fall

This is @choicesmonthlychallenge​​ day 26 for “Sorry” which will appear in bold.

This is also chapter 4 of the Blue Honey Cafe, if you need to catch up please click: 

The Blue Honey Cafe Masterlist

The Book:  TRR: No Royals Pairings: None,  TRR MC is single Rating and Warnings:  Teen / Sexual innuendo   Word Count: 2647 Song Inspiration:  Diva by Beyonce

Summary:  Riley goes with with her coworkers on a team building retreat.

Original Post: 05/25/22 at 10:10PM EST.

“I’ve legit never thought I would be a part of a company that did things like this. I’ve legit only seen this mess on television.”  

“Well apparently Bertrand got a great deal, for a Team Building Retreat. We get money from Corporate every month to do activities.  When Liam left it was my responsibility, it’s hard to figure out what would bring the best turnout.  So this is what we’re doing this weekend. This allows us to use up the previous month’s funds and do something big.  All the activities Liam does, there’s always a big turnout.”  

“Which is why Liam will be taking back over that responsibility.”  

“I don’t mind at all.”  Liam commented, smiling  at the group.

“My SUV seats 4 rather comfortably, if anyone would like to ride with me to Emerald Isle please let me know.”  

Liam’s eyes were on Riley the whole time,  he hoped that she would be one of the people that would take the offer to carpool.  

After his announcement she approached him.

“Would you like a travel buddy?  I can ride shotgun and be your Navigation specialist, or keeper of the snacks? Whichever you prefer.”

Liam smiled.

“I’ve got GPS on board cadet, so I think your keeper of the snack foods, and hydration specialist will be what I need. One has to stay hydrated and fueled for a trip across the state.”

“You can count on me.”  Riley gave a little salute.  

“Good to know Riley.”  

That evening Riley packed a little bit of everything for her trip.  She wanted nice, cool and comfortable clothes for the trip but she was torn about bathing suits.  She went to her favorite fashion blogger’s site 

to see if she had some advice on it, and of course, she did, complete with pictures.   So Riley packed a few tasteful bathing suits with cover ups and none of her “I’m living my best life” string bikini bathing suits for her work retreat.  She did not know if there would be a formal dinner, but she did pack a few nice summery dresses and heels which the Fashionista Blogger highly recommended.

When Riley was done packing, her suitcase was heavy with items, but she felt she had planned adequately for multiple scenarios.

 Riley arrived early by Liam’s standards, that next morning and she was the first one there that would be riding in Liam’s vehicle.

“I wondered who’s vehicle this was.  It’s nice.”  

“Graduation gift from my father.  Instead of showing up to my graduation, he had a vehicle delivered with a red bow on it to my graduation party. His card said, ‘Enjoy the superior driving experience of German technology’, not happy graduation.”  

“Yikes…. But on the flip at least he got you a car.  Wish my dad had gotten me a car for graduation or… ever.”    

The look on his face made Riley realize the error of what she had just said, her smile quickly fading.  

“I’m sorry,  your dad must be one of those, that instead of showing up, sends gifts when he doesn’t.”

“Yeah he is.  I should be grateful for all the things he’s given me, but my mom is my rock.  She has always been there for me. Dad just drops in, when convenient for him.  He didn’t want a family, he didn’t want us. He wanted possessions.  His contribution to the family wasn’t quality time,  it was just money.”

“That’s sad.  I’m sorry.”  

“It taught me, when I find the woman that’s meant to be my Queen,  

I will know how to treat her the right way. Which is basically the opposite of how my father treats a woman.  Let me help you with your bag.”

Liam went to pick up her bag and was surprised.

“Damn Woman!!!! What on earth did you pack?  You do realize that we’re only going to be gone for a weekend, not opening a new coastal office right!?!?!”

“I didn’t pack that much, but you know, I prepared for all possible scenarios.”  

“What a tsunami, fire rain, the zombie apocalypse?”  

“Pretty much.”  

Liam laughed hard and let out a small  grunt as he swung Riley’s bag into the trunk.

“And this?”  

“The cooler stays with me.  I take my job as Keeper of the snacks and Chief Operating Officer of Hydration Services very seriously.”  

“You brought snacks for me?”

“I did. Hopefully you’ll like what I picked for you.”

“I will definitely eat anything you put in my mouth.”

Riley nervously giggled.  Liam most definitely had a way with words. The way he looked at her, made her temperature rise.  

“You look a little warm Riley,  how about, I’ll start the car, and let you cool off a bit.”  

Riley nodded as Liam started the vehicle and opened the door for her to get in.   

Liam got in the vehicle a few moments later.  

“Is this music fine with you for now?  Maxwell is going to take over when he gets here with his ultimate road trip playlist.”  

Smooth jazz was playing softly on the speakers.  

“I really like it.”  

“I’m glad.”  

Before long Maxwell and Hana arrived and they were beach bound and just like Liam had mentioned Maxwell’s kooky road trip playlist was running through the playlist,  it was an eclectic mashup of songs past and present made to make you sing and dance.  One minute they were rocking out to Queen, the next song Eminem, and currently they were singing the Village People’s YMCA.  

When the song ended Riley went into her cooler.  She handed Liam one of the healthy juice drinks she had seen him drink in the office.  

Liam tried not to smile as she cracked the seal a little and handed it to him.

“C.O.O. of Hydration Services  at your beckon call.”  

She had taken notice of his likes and dislikes.  

“I think it’s also snack time too.”

She opened the snack pack for Liam.  

“Did you really buy me a mickey mouse snack pack with grapes, cheese cubes and pretzels?”  

“It’s all the things I’ve seen you eat, and it’s packaged together in one container for traveling convenience. So yes. What would you like first?”  

“Grapes.”  

Liam knew he was perfectly capable of driving and eating but something about Riley being so attentive to him he loved.  

“Thank you Riley.”  

“Do we get snacks back here too?”  Maxwell asked.

“We can stop at the store for you Max.”

“Even better.”  

While Hana and Maxwell were in the store, Liam glanced at Riley.  

"Are you seeing anyone Riley?"

"Of course, I'm not blind, I'm looking at you right now."

Liam laughed at her joke.

"Cute Riley. I meant romantically."

"Oh I know what you meant Liam Ryerson. Not currently, but I am taking applications to set up interviews."

"How does one submit an application to be considered if they are interested?"

"Didn't you ever hear the saying never get your honey and your money in the same place?"

"Well, you already told me you're going to take my job."

Riley laughed.

"I believe you to be a woman of your word."

"I am."

"So that doesn't apply here. I would like to be considered for the position."

"And what position is that?"

"I'm very versatile, so any position you need that satisfies the task at hand; I aim to please."

Riley laughed out loud. He was the master of the double entendre.

"Management already has your file Liam."

Liam's smile widened.

“So, when do you think I might be called for my interview?”

“How do you know you’re not already on it?”  

“But how do you prepare for a surprise interview?”

“Management will be in touch Liam.”  

"But…"

Riley slipped on her sunglasses to cover her eyes.

"Management will be in touch Liam."

When they finally reached the small island resort they were pleasantly surprised at the cute little two person bungalows.

“Before we check into our rooms,  I have something special for everyone.  Something that signifies that we're a team and a strong one at that.”  Bertrand handed everyone packages with their names on it, and all the staff tore into their packages.

“Do we really have matching wind suits? Green suits?”  

“Green signifies money which we are all going to make a lot of, and it was on sale.”

“Um if we’re playing red light green light, and these are numbered, I’m gonna have to call HR unless I have 456!"

"This is not The Squid Game Miss Brooks, however, once we all get dressed we do have our first team building activity with another company. Meet me back here in ten minutes."

They met Bertrand in the check-in lobby, everyone in their green jumpsuits.

"We're really doing tug of war?”

“I don’t know how I feel about this.  None of you other guys have seen The Squid Game?”

Liam had a big smile on his face.  

“Only Liam, Bertrand and I?  I’m telling you guys, nothing good can come of this, and how is this team building?"

"Because we're gonna CRUSH the other group as a team!"

 Hana screamed as she made throat slicing  motions as she stared at the other team.

"Bertrand, they're not wearing matching jumpsuits.”

“They’re not as strong as a team as we are.”  

Wouldn’t you know it?  Team Mean Green actually took the win. After the game,  the Team Builder coach had them all sit in a circle and share one thing about them.  

Liam’s was by far the most profound.  Liam shared that though he had the opportunity to be the right hand to his father in the family business, he had decided not to.  Money did not mean everything to him.  

A clear conscience, for an honest job well done, was more important.

Riley looked around the room before she spoke, she decided to share something personal about herself and her life, as Liam had.    

“I’ve never lost anyone I considered to be close to me before.  I have all my grandparents, even my pet I had as a teenager is still alive.   People say loss makes you stronger and develops your character, and I haven’t had any of that.  Sometimes I wonder if I’m walking through life with glasses with rose colored lenses, because I feel like life has been incredibly good to me, and nothing truly awful has ever happened to me.”

Now Liam understood why Riley always had a smile on her face, how she was so optimistic, and why he was so drawn to her.  She was his polar opposite.

“Good news team, the afternoon is yours to explore and go to the beach, or use the amenities here.  This will be your evening to do whatever you wish, tomorrow after team building we’ll have a group dinner at  the local watering hole here Sand Castles for dinner and Karaoke.”  

Riley opted for the amenities around the bungalows, to relax  at, the pool and pool bar.   She was sitting  on the bar stool in the water sipping her pina colada when she heard Liam’s voice.

“I thought I would be the only one not hitting the beach  this afternoon.”  He waded in the water over to where she was sitting in a brightly  colored Hawaiian shirt that was open revealing this bare chest and finely chiseled physique proving Liam Rys worked hard at the gym and his blue matching swim trunks.  

“Mind if I sit next to you?”  

“Not at all! It’s hot, and I have my umbrella drink and my floppy hat, nice refreshing water to kick around in.  This is nice.  Besides, I love to stroll on the beach at night.”

“So if this is my interview can I just say, I too like long romantic walks on the beach.”  

“Noted Liam."

When the bartender asked Liam what he would like he opted for a pina colada as well, and mentioned that Riley needed refill.  She smiled, letting him buy her another drink.  

“You have to have at least one umbrella drink or a coconut at the beach right?”

“Exactly.”

Well, one drink turned into several more during the afternoon and early evening, and the flirting between the two became a little more and more off-color.  Riley went to rest her head  in her hand to coyly side glance  at Liam, but  her elbow slipped  making her off balance, of all the things to grab, instead of Liam, she grabbed her drink before she fell, before Liam could fully understand what had happened.  At the last second though, before she hit the water, Riley lifted her arm.  The only thing currently  above the water at that point was Riley’s hand and her drink.    

When she jumped up the first thing out of her mouth was “Whooo, I saved the drink.  That’s all that matters.” she took a sip for good measure.

The people around them cheered.   

Liam laughed, “That you did.  And we should cut ourselves off.  No more umbrella drinks for either of us.  Let’s get some dinner?”  

“Are you driving?”  

“No, we’re going to get something delivered, my treat along with the bottles of water we’re going to drink with our meals.”  

“That sounds great.”  

“Yeah?”  

“Yes but first we finish our drinks. Mama said ‘never waste alcohol’!”

They decided on ordering from the local Mexican restaurant and after their food arrived, they decided since it had cooled off considerably outside, to eat at one of the picnic tables.   Liam went to get ice for their waters, Riley went ahead and dug into her food.  Liam sat back down and looked through the bags, he paused when his eyes met Riley's.

"What's wrong?"

“Um… Riley, you’re eating my food. I ordered the steak burrito.”  

She abruptly stopped mid bite.  

“Oh shit! What the hell am I doing?  It’s really good though.”  

Liam smiled, “Guess the taco salad is mine now.”  

“I’m just looking out for you Mr. Washboard abs.  You enjoy that salad.”  

“Then my steak burrito is feeding those curves.  This definitely works out, and besides, that means the next time we have dinner, it’s your treat Riley.”  

“I could do that.”  

Sounded like Riley just consented to a date with him.  

“If this is the worst thing that happens this trip, I think we’re doing alright.”

It was not the worst thing.    

“How the hell did you not catch her?!?!”  Liam screamed.

“I wasn’t ready!  Wasn’t she supposed to give a warning?!?!?!”

“She’s not a falling tree Maxwell, she wasn’t supposed to scream timber when she fell?”  

“No! It’s a trust fall, you’re supposed to fall and trust the person standing behind you will catch you.”  

“I didn’t know!!!!!! This is why I asked for us not to be first!” Maxwell hollered.

Liam crouched down on the ground next to Riley.  She had hit the ground hard and was still unconscious.  

“Is there a medic? We need a medic stat.”  Bertrand said to the instructor.

“What the hell is happening right now? Are we in World War One??”  Drake inquired.

“Can someone get me some pain relieving tinctures from the Apothecary post haste?”

Everyone looked at Riley still laying on the ground.

“I’m fine guys.” she grumbled.

Riley opened her eyes and Liam’s panicked face was the first one she saw.  

“You should lie still Riley, you fell hard.”  

“Thanks a lot Maxwell.”  

“I’m sorry!!!  I wasn’t ready!!!”  

“I hear that a lot from men.”  

“Then you’re falling for the wrong ones. You should try falling for me next time.  I promise I’ll catch you. Check out these guns.”

Liam flexed his muscles; A slow smile  spread across her lips.  

“Double meaning, noted.”

"You sure you're alright?" Liam' s voice was riddled with caring concern.

"I'm fine."

"Let's get you up from there."

Liam effortlessly pulled her to her feet, and Riley still off balance fell against his chest.

"I got you Riley." He whispered.

Riley smiled at him. "Welcome to the second round of interviews Liam Ryerson."

Definitely not the worst thing.

[ao719]

Vancross

Vancross - My Way Back To You (Chapter 22)

Most of the characters belong to Pixelberry.

Summary: A group of friends embark on their final year at Vancross Institute with the hopes of making it their best year yet. When a new face with a complicated family plagued by secrets and rumors arrives on campus, new friendships are formed, a new relationship blossoms, and threatening challenges arise.  

Title inspiration: Find My Way Back - Eric Arjes

Main Pairing: Liam x F!OC

A/N: Multiple crossover series. There will be random sprinkles of canon throughout this story, but for the most part, it’s pretty much out the window. Not beta’d. Please excuse any errors.

Rating: M • Warnings: This series will contain nsfw material, language, some alcohol and drug use, and is not suitable for minors. If you read, you acknowledge you are 18+

Catch up here

Standing inside the living area of his campus suite, Liam leaned against the back of the sofa and drummed his fingers against the cushion as he glanced around the room at the others. 

On one end of the sofa, Alia sat next to Blaine and Simon, watching the two of them go over the details of their aliases despite having memorized them in grave detail over the last week.

Amalas was nestled in the corner with a laptop resting on her lap and Olivia beside her, showing her the program she would be using to hack into the Drakovian palace’s security cameras. 

Trystan and Leo were on the other end of the sectional, whispering as they looked over the palace blueprints for what had to be the hundredth time in the last month. 

The rest of the group had just left, but not before wishing them luck and demanding they keep them updated. 

With nothing to do but stare, Liam turned and quietly slipped out onto the balcony. He climbed the ladder to the roof and walked toward their makeshift lounge; it now had one less chair after his meltdown last week. Instead of sitting in a chair, he moved to the parapet and dropped down on it as he looked out at the view of campus below. 

They were leaving for Rivala tomorrow, and Liam found himself on edge with worry despite them having spent the last month planning every detail of this trip down to the wire. 

An old friend of Leo’s was letting them use his SUV to take them to the private jet he was also letting them use so as to not draw suspicion from their parents until they had to. Having their guards’ schedules down, they planned to sneak out in the early morning hours while they were running perimeter checks. Liam had already played his Crown Prince card and ordered Anthony not to tell his parents that Leo and Trystan were there, but once they were “missing”, it would only be a matter of time before their parents would be alerted of their absence. 

Trystan’s friend, who ran a security company in Rivala and was allowing them to use his cabin, offered to have a vehicle waiting for them once they landed. 

Simon, Blaine, and Leo had packed their finest suits and acquired masks that concealed most of their faces to go with the masquerade theme. They had spent the last week being prepped by Amalas for any situations that may arise once they were inside while Trystan made sure the locations of the two exits they needed to know about were drilled into their memory.

Amalas planned to tap into the security cameras as soon as they were at the cabin, wanting to ensure everything was running as it should. Once they were inside, she’d be able to monitor everything going on and she and Olivia would feed Trystan and the others any information they would need. 

Liam and Alia would be there simply as moral support to one another. They weren’t allowed to leave the cabin and Amalas made it explicitly clear that they were not to hover and watch the cameras on the off chance of seeing something that would upset either of them. 

Hearing someone behind him, Liam glanced over his shoulder to see Trystan just as he stepped onto the roof. He walked over and sat on the parapet beside him. “You ok?” 

“Yeah,” Liam nodded as he looked back out at the view of the campus below. “Just anxious.”

“It’s going to be fine.” 

Liam glanced over at him to see the lukewarm smile he was wearing. For the most part, Trystan had remained composed over the last month of planning, but throughout the past week, his stoic facade seemed to falter now and then. It was little things most wouldn’t notice, like now and his halfhearted smile. He hadn’t said anything because he didn’t want to allow himself to believe that Trystan’s optimism was fading; it was the thing keeping not only his spirits up but everyone else’s. 

Still looking at him, Liam thought about something that had been on his mind that he hadn’t recalled Trystan mentioning. “I meant to ask you … we’ve made these plans to get her out, but … what about after?” 

“What do you mean?”

Liam swallowed thickly. “Are you going to take her back to New York with you?” It was the only place he could think of that they might go. 

Trystan shook his head. “I can’t take her to New York.”

“Why?”

“The Homeland Accord,” Trystan answered, earning a questioning look from him. “It’s an extradition agreement Drakovia has with the U.S. It allows them to summon any Drakovian home at will, no questions asked, and the U.S. government has to comply. So I can’t risk taking her back to the States because they would have no choice but to send her back.”

“Then where will you go?”

“Honestly, I’ve been so focused on the task of getting her out, I haven’t planned that part out yet. We can stay in Rivala for a couple of days, but after that … I’m not sure yet.”

“You can bring her to Cordonia,” Liam offered without hesitation.

Trystan shook his head. “I don’t want to cause any unnecessary issues for Cordonia when my mother eventually figures out where she is, which she will. Plus, your parents are probably going to be livid with me for dragging you into this plan …” 

Getting on the Cordonian monarch’s bad side wasn’t what Trystan wanted, but he had to risk it to save not only his sister but Liam as well; he was still convinced that had he not let him help, he would have gone rogue.

“Yeah, they’re going to be pissed, but more so at me than you,” Liam said. “At the end of the day, I’m an adult, and you didn’t force me to be a part of this … it was kind of the other way around. Regardless, they wouldn’t turn you or Croía away from refuge over it. And I know we don’t have any kind of agreement with Drakovia, extradition or otherwise, so that’s not something you’d have to worry about. And I … I’d be able to stay with her.”

Trystan furrowed his brows. “You do realize you still have school, right?”

“I did some research,” Liam explained. “I knew you’d have to take her somewhere and I … I didn’t want to have to be apart from her after only getting her back, so I looked into what my options were, and hers as well if she’s up to it. We can finish out the remainder of the year doing our classes online if the Dean receives a request with a legitimate reason as to why. She’s behind because she’s been gone, but she can catch up and still graduate at the end of the semester. And considering the circumstances, I’m sure the Dean would grant us the permission we need.” 

Trystan stared at Liam, a little bit in awe at the lengths he was willing to go to be by Croía’s side, but he wasn’t sure why he was surprised by it at that point, either. “That’s a pretty big sacrifice to make, Liam. You’d be missing the rest of your senior year.”

“I’d rather miss the rest of it than be away from her,” Liam replied. “We could stay in Cordonia and do the classes that way … and she’d be safe there. Like I said, my parents wouldn’t turn either of you away regardless of how pissed they are. And again, most of that anger will be directed at me for lying and going behind their backs.”

Trystan looked away from him, thinking for a moment. “Well … let’s just focus on getting her out for now. After that, we’ll discuss our options. Because we have to see how she is first before we go making any decisions …” 

Liam nodded and glanced away, and Trystan was thankful he either hadn’t caught what he’d said about seeing how Croía was or he just didn’t think much of it to ask him. He wasn’t sure he wanted to elaborate. 

Just then, his phone rang, and Trystan pulled it from his pocket. Liam saw him sigh as he looked at the screen. “Who is it?”

“Mags. I think she’s becoming a little suspicious.” Trystan slid his thumb across the screen to answer it before putting it on speaker so Liam could hear. “Hello.”

“Hey, yourself. What are you doing?”

“Hanging out on some rooftop,” Trystan answered. It wasn’t a lie. 

“Sounds delightful. Hey, listen … have you spoken to Croía?” Trystan winced before closing his eyes; he knew it was only a matter of time. “I haven’t spoken to her in a few weeks, and it’s not like her to not call me back … unless she’s pissed at me for some reason I can’t recall.”

“Don’t worry. She’s alright.” That was semi-true; Trystan had still been receiving updates from Everett, who had promised him that Croía had remained physically unharmed. 

But that answer was the wrong one to give because it set off Marguerite’s alarm bells. 

“What does that mean?” Marguerite snapped. “Trystan, what the hell is going on?”

Blowing out a breath, Trystan met Liam’s worried gaze. Marguerite had already been suspicious of his “trip” with Leo because of how long he’d been gone, and how he hadn’t been in touch with her — or Cameron, because of course they shared notes — as much as he typically would. His answer just now had inadvertently sent her suspicions into overdrive. And she now knew that whatever it was he was hiding somehow involved their baby sister. 

Trystan hated lying to her, but he remained steadfast in his choice not to involve her. The less she knew, the better. “Listen … I know this is going to be difficult for you, but I need you to not ask me any more questions because I don’t want to lie to you, Mags. I promise that when I can tell you something, which will be very soon, I will.”

“But Trystan—”

“Mags, please,” Trystan interrupted in a plea. 

Marguerite remained quiet for several long moments before speaking again. “Just … tell me you’re ok. That you and Croía are both ok …” 

“We’re ok. Promise.” 

****

Later, Liam stood in his room, changing into a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt after he’d finished packing his bag. He wasn’t sure how he was going to attempt to get any sleep that night because as the time for them to leave drew nearer, he found himself more and more restless.  

Hearing a knock on his door, Liam called for them to enter, and Leo stepped inside a moment later. “You good?” he asked as he shut the door behind him.

“Antsy,” Liam answered. 

Leo nodded in understanding. “It won’t be long now. We’ll get in and get this thing done and it’ll be over before you know it.” 

Liam could only hope it would be that easy. “I offered for Trystan to bring Croía to Cordonia to stay after we get her out. I know Mom and Dad are going to be pissed … but I told him they wouldn’t turn them away when they needed someplace safe to stay.”

“They won’t,” Leo agreed. “Yeah, they’re going to lay into both of us, but they’ll get over it. I’m sure once they hear why we did what we did, they’ll understand.” 

“Leo …” Liam looked at his brother, searching for the right words. “Thank you … for helping with all of this.” 

“You don’t have to thank me,” Leo smiled. “I’ve grown pretty fond of Cocoa Bean.”

Liam cracked a small smile at the mention of the nickname his brother called her, a play on his Cocoa. It was the first genuine smile he had in weeks. 

A chime on Liam’s laptop broke the moment, and they both glanced over. “Speaking of Mom and Dad …” 

Without thinking, Leo dropped to the floor; Liam flung his arm toward the door, a silent question to ask why he didn’t just slip out, but didn’t have time to wait for a response before he turned to answer the incoming video call.

“Hey,” Liam smiled when his mother’s face came on the screen. 

“Hello, sweetheart. How are you?”

“I’m …” Liam trailed off, seeing the door behind him on the screen start to open; he glanced over his shoulder to see his brother, still on the floor, army crawling out.

“Liam?”

“Yeah,” Liam snapped his gaze back to the laptop and picked it up, bringing it to his bed. “Sorry. I’m good. How are things back home?”

“They’re fine …” Eleanor eyed him curiously. “Are you alright?”

“Fine, why?” Liam answered a little too quickly. 

“You just haven’t seemed like yourself lately. You seem … distracted.” 

Liam chewed the inside of his cheek; he hated lying to anyone, especially his mother, but he couldn’t tell her what was going on. Not yet anyway. “Just busy with assignments.”

“Ok,” Eleanor nodded, but Liam could tell she wasn’t truly buying his answer. “And how’s Croía?”

“She — she’s fine.” 

Again, Eleanor eyed him curiously because she caught the slight slip in his tone when he answered. “Where has she been? I haven’t seen or heard her with you when we’ve talked over the last few weeks.”

“She’s been busy … with assignments, too.”

“Hm,” Eleanor nodded. Liam knew that “hm” was her ‘I don’t believe a word you said, but I’m going to let it slide for now’ response. “Are you sure you’re ok?”

“Yeah,” Liam nodded. “I’ve just got a lot going on.” That was the truth. He glanced up when Leo’s head poked through the door; he flapped his hand in a talking motion and then threw his thumb over his shoulder. Code for ‘We’re having a meeting in the living area, hurry up and get your ass out here.’ “Hey, Mom, I’m sorry to cut this so short, but I gotta get going. I’m in the middle of working on, uh … a big project …” Kind of true, just not the kind of project she was probably thinking of. 

“Ok, sweetheart.” Eleanor offered a smile, but he could see the concern behind it. “We’ll talk soon. I love you.”

Liam felt a pang of guilt ripple through him. “Love you, too, Mom.” 

When he ended the video chat, Liam tossed his laptop onto the bed before heading out to the living area where Trystan was waiting with Leo, Olivia, Amalas, Blaine, Alia, and Simon. 

“Simon, Olivia, Alia, and Amalas are getting ready to head back to their suites, so I just want to be sure we all know where to meet later,” Trystan explained.

“Edge of campus on the north side,” the others all said in unison. 

“Time?”

“The guards start their morning perimeter checks precisely at five,” Alia replied. 

“And if one of you gets caught …?”

“We stay behind,” Simon answered. 

Trystan nodded. “It should take you no more than five minutes to get there once you’re outside. We’ll wait another five minutes at the spot. If you’re not there, I’m going to assume you got caught and we’ll leave without you. Be sure you have everything you need with you because you won’t be able to go back if you forget something. And make sure to leave your phones behind so your locations can’t be pinged.”

They all nodded.

*******

Standing along the edge of campus, hidden in the shadows of the trees, Liam, Leo, Blaine, Alia, Amalas, and Trystan were waiting for Olivia and Simon. They had easily slipped out undetected by Anthony, Jacob, and Alia’s guard Rowan while they stepped away from their posts outside their suites to do their morning perimeter checks around their buildings. 

Hearing the snap of a twig, all their heads snapped to the left just as Olivia stepped into view. “Had me worried for a minute there,” Liam quipped.

“Apparently my guard is a chatty-fucking-Cathy in the morning. He barely speaks during the day, but stood outside the damn front door gossiping with Evelyn’s guard,” she rolled her eyes before looking at the others. “Where’s Simon?”

“Still waiting for him,” Blaine answered. 

The group fell quiet as the minutes ticked by. Trystan broke the silence when he cursed under his breath. “Where the fuck is he?” They’d have to rearrange their whole plan going into the ball if Simon didn’t show.

“He’ll be here,” Liam said. 

Suddenly, they heard the sound of stamping feet and looked over to see Simon barreling towards them in a full-on run. “Go, go, go!” he shouted.

“He’s going to wake up the whole damn campus,” Trystan grumbled. “This way!”  

They all turned and rushed into the pathway that led to the outside of the campus gates on the north side, where Leo’s friend had parked an SUV for them to take to the airport.   

“What the fuck happened?” Olivia shouted over her shoulder at Simon who had caught up to her.

“My guard came around the corner as I slipped out the front door!” Simon huffed through breaths. “Apparently the old bloke starts his checks early! And he’s bloody fast when he wants to be!” 

They raced through the path, swatting low-hanging branches out of their way as they went until they broke through the clearing on the other side. Leo pulled a set of keys from his pocket given to him earlier by his friend and hit a button; he snapped his gaze to the left when lights started to blink from being unlocked. “There!” he pointed. 

“Lord Simon!” the guard bellowed from inside the pathway. 

“Haul ass!” Blaine said as he raced toward the vehicle, gripping Alia’s hand and pulling her behind him. 

Once at the vehicle, Amalas, Olivia, and Simon climbed in first to the third row; Liam, Alia, and Blaine followed, sliding into the second row while Leo and Trystan jumped into the front seats. 

Leo started the SUV and threw it into drive just as Simon’s guard burst through the clearing; he peeled away from the curb before making a sharp right onto the main road.

As they made their way to the airport, the inside of the vehicle was silent save for the eight of them trying to catch their breath. 

Suddenly, Leo began to laugh as he glanced at Trystan. “That brought back some fucking memories, huh?” 

Trystan snorted as he dropped his head back against the seat. “Sure the hell did.” 

“If that was a regular occurrence for you two, I’m going to need to hear some stories,” Blaine breathed. 

Leo and Trystan both chuckled. “We’ll have some time on the flight,” Trystan said. 

“We could tell them about that time we gave taking a pill in Ibiza a whole new meaning,” Leo snorted. 

Blaine and Liam shared a wide-eyed look as Leo pressed his foot more firmly on the gas pedal. 

******

Sitting in the back of the cabin by himself, Liam stared out the window of the jet, lost in thought as he watched the morning sun cast a golden glow across the tops of the clouds. He hadn’t even thought to ask how long the flight to Rivala would be; he guessed around two hours, maybe two and a half. A yawn escaped him as he rested his head back against the seat, but he couldn’t sleep; he hadn’t gotten any sleep the night before, either, too on edge and anxious to shut his mind off. And he was sure he wasn’t going to sleep much if at all that night with the ball taking place tomorrow evening. 

While Liam was on edge with worry, he was also consumed by anticipation. He couldn’t stop thinking about the moment he’d be able to see Croía, about the moment he’d be able to wrap her in his arms for the first time in over a month. And that anticipation felt like the only thing keeping his head above water at the moment. If he focused on that, he wasn’t drowning in thoughts of all the ways in which this plan they’d spent the last month devising could go wrong. 

The feel of someone plopping down into the seat beside him jerked Liam from his thoughts; he glanced over to see Blaine. “How are you holding up?” he asked as he nestled into the seat. 

“I’m ok.”

“Liar.” 

Liam let out a breath. “How about you? Are you nervous about going in there?” 

“Surprisingly, no,” Blaine answered. “I blame the adrenaline, though. Either that or I’ve just fucking lost it.” 

Liam laughed despite himself, thankful for the dose of levity his friend could give him at that moment. “I don’t know if I’ve said it, but … thank you.”

Blaine knit his brows and glanced over at him. “What the hell are you thanking me for?”

“For doing this … for being willing to do it.”

“You don’t have to thank me, Li,” Blaine shook his head. “You’d do the same thing if it was Alia. Not just because of who she is to me, but because she’s your friend, just like Croía is mine.” He stared at him for a moment. “Are you really ok?”

“I just want to see her,” Liam said quietly. “I need to see that she’s ok. And I … I’m trying not to think about it, but I keep wondering … what if something goes wrong? What if you guys can’t get her out? What if you guys get caught and you can’t get out? What will happen then? What do we do? Because we’ve planned everything else in grave detail, but nothing has been mentioned about those possibilities.” 

“I think not planning for those what-ifs just shows how confident Trystan is that we’ll get this done,” Blaine said. “He’s very … ‘this is how it’s going to happen’, not ‘this is what I hope will happen’. And not in a cocky way. I think he’s just determined as fuck because this is his baby sister. Watching him plan all of this out … I don’t have any doubt that we’ll get in, do what we need, and get out. And maybe that’s why I’m not feeling as nervous as I probably should.”

“His confidence and optimism can be somewhat contagious,” Liam said. “It’s definitely helped me out the past month.”

“I’m not going to pretend to know what it’s been like for you, but just … keep your head up, brother,” Blaine smiled. “That’s really all any of us can do at this point.” 

****

Once they landed in Rivala later that morning, the group filed into an SUV; Trystan plugged the address of the cabin into the GPS and they drove off. 

The cabin was situated deep in the Rivalan mountains, not too far from the Drakovian border, and was about an hour’s drive to the palace. A few of them had brought up concerns of whether or not the cabin would be able to fit them all, but Trystan told them not to worry. 

After a drive that felt entirely too long inside the cramped SUV, Trystan turned into a driveway that went up the mountain about a half mile. When the cabin came into view, everyone’s eyes widened save for Trystan’s. He put the vehicle in park and chuckled at their reflections in the rearview mirror. “I told you not to worry.”

“You said it was a cabin. Not a damn mountain mansion,” Blaine said as he flung the door open.

The “cabin” was massive, and sat on the edge of the mountain, offering a picturesque view from the front. “There’s five bedrooms,” Trystan said. “Someone will have to take the sofa, and there’s another sofa with a pull-out bed.” 

“I’ll take the sofa, and you can take the pull-out,” Leo said to Trystan. “Everyone else can grab a room.” 

Trystan nodded as they stopped at the front door; he unlocked it and pushed it open, stepping inside as the others followed. “If only we were here for another reason …” Simon trailed off as he looked around. 

“It’s nice,” Olivia smiled. 

“I’m not really a cabin in the woods kind of girl,” Amalas said, “but if I was, I’d have to agree.”

“Bedrooms are upstairs,” Trystan explained as he dropped his bag down behind one of the sofas. “He made sure the kitchen was stocked, so help yourselves to anything you want. We’re on our own for dinner, so work with whatever’s here.” 

****

That night, after relaxing most of the day and having a thrown-together dinner, everyone headed to their respective rooms to try and get some rest. 

Earlier, Amalas had set up her equipment and gotten into the Drakovian security system, pulling up the cameras on her laptop. And true to her word, she wouldn’t let Liam or Alia near her for even a glimpse of the screen. Olivia came to Liam a while later and told him that they hadn’t seen Croía on any of the footage, and promised him that she’d find a way to let him know if they did. 

After lying in bed and staring at the ceiling for an hour straight, Liam got up and headed downstairs to get a glass of water. It wasn’t that late, but between their early morning and the flight and drive, the others were more tired than usual. 

When Liam crept down the stairs, he spotted his brother asleep on one of the sofas; the pull-out bed that Trystan was sleeping on was empty. His brows furrowed as he looked around while making his way to the kitchen, and he stopped near the sliding door that led to the back deck. A wooden gangway was connected to the deck and led to another smaller dock, floating on a pond that sat nestled in the back of the property. 

And on that smaller dock, silhouetted in the lights that surrounded it, stood Trystan.  

Careful not to wake his brother, Liam slipped out through the sliding door and made his way across the gangway. He’d noticed since arriving at the cabin that Trystan had seemed quieter than usual. There was obviously something on his mind, and at first, he suspected that it was just anticipation now that they were there. Now, seeing him standing out there alone, he couldn’t shake the feeling that it was something else. 

Not wanting to startle him, Liam didn’t mask his footsteps, and when Trystan heard them, he looked over his shoulder. “What are you doing out here?” Liam asked as he approached. 

“Just thinking,” Trystan replied before looking back out at the water. “Are you doing ok?” he asked Liam as he stopped beside him. 

“I’m … as best as can be expected, I guess. I just wish there was more that I could do to help tomorrow.” 

Liam hated feeling useless, and that’s exactly how he felt. He knew he was only there with the others as a courtesy and that his presence made no difference in their plan for tomorrow evening. 

“You’re going to help, Liam,” Trystan said. “The minute she sees you, it will help.”  

Liam remained quiet for a few moments before looking at him. “Everyone keeps asking me how I’m doing … but how are you doing?”

Trystan let out a wry chuckle. “I’m ready to get it over with.” 

At that moment, Liam saw that same falter in his facade that he’d noticed over the last week, and knowing something was bothering him, a pang of panic struck him. He’d mentioned it to Blaine on the jet but had avoided asking Trystan this question for the last month, but now … he had to know. “Are you … are you worried? That something will go wrong and you won’t get her out?” 

Trystan glanced over and met his gaze in the dim lighting that surrounded the dock. He was worried, yes, but not for the reason Liam thought. He hadn’t wanted to say anything, not wanting to cause him more concern than he knew he was already feeling. But maybe in being honest and telling him about the growing worry that had been nagging at him, he could, in turn, prepare him. 

Looking back out at the water, Trystan blew out a breath. “I’m scared out of my damn mind, not because I don’t think we’ll get her out … but because I’m worried we’ll get her out too late …”

“Too late?” Liam questioned as his brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

Trystan sighed, looking at Liam with a vulnerability in his eyes he hadn’t seen from him before. “Croía’s been there for over a month. And I know the mind games my mother is playing with her and the kinds of things she’s been filling her head with — that no one cares, that no one’s reached out, that you and Alia and everyone else she thought she meant something to have just forgotten her. She’ll keep saying it to her over and over and over in an attempt to pull her further into her thrall. And if Croía loses hope … if everything goes dark and she doesn’t see a way out … she’s going to believe those things. I’ve seen her lose hope before … I’ve seen it go dark and watched her retreat into her shell … and I’m worried about how far inside that shell she’s going to be when we get to her.” 

Liam swallowed thickly as he took in his words. He’d also seen her retreat into that shell, and that was after just a one-day visit from her mother. After five weeks … he didn’t want to think about it. 

“We’ll get her out of Drakovia tomorrow, that I’m certain of because I will not leave there without her. It’s what comes after that I’m worried about.” Trystan turned to him. “I didn’t agree to let you come along simply to placate you. You being here will show her that everything my mother has filled her head with isn’t true. That you didn’t forget her … that you fought for her. That’s why you being here helps more than you realize, Liam. So please don’t feel like you’re not doing anything, because out of this entire plan … you being here is one of the most essential parts. You make her feel safe. You make her feel loved. And she’s going to need that … need you … more than anything else.” 

Liam rubbed a hand over his mouth as he blinked away the sting in his eyes. He’d been so focused on getting her out and the what-ifs of the plan, he hadn’t really stopped to consider the aftermath.

About how shredded apart her self-worth could be. 

About how broken she might be. 

If Croía had lost hope and things were dark, Liam would do anything he could to pull her out of that darkness, to remind her of how loved and worthy she was. He could only hope that she’d believe it … believe him.

*******

The following afternoon, Amalas and Olivia were seated in the dining room with their equipment in front of them, making sure everything was still running as it should. 

Blaine, Simon, Leo, and Trystan were upstairs changing. 

In the living room, Liam sat next to Alia, both of them silent; his leg bounced anxiously while she drummed her fingers against her thighs. 

Liam’s mind was a storm of thoughts and his emotions were no better. The guys would be leaving shortly for Drakovia and he’d be left there … waiting and hoping they returned with Croía in tow. 

“Are you nervous?” Alia whispered beside him. “I’m nervous. I kind of want to throw up.” 

Liam kept his gaze straight ahead as he reached over and patted her leg in a poor attempt for comfort. “It’ll be ok,” he said with a resigned nod. He wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince her or himself. 

“Well, one thing is for sure,” Blaine’s voice sounded from the stairs, “I can wear the fuck out of a tux.”

Liam and Alia both turned to see Blaine walking down the stairs, dressed in a sleek black tuxedo and carrying a mask. Alia stood and moved toward him with a grin. “Of course you can, baby,” she chuckled, reaching up and adjusting his black silk bow tie when he hit the bottom of the stairs. 

“What about me?” Simon drawled.

Alia glanced up to see Simon and Leo, both in similar attire, both holding their masks. “Looking snazzy.” 

A moment later, Trystan appeared; he was dressed in black dress pants, a black shirt, and a black suit jacket. “Then we have Bond here,” Leo quipped. 

“I’m not going into the ball,” Trystan said as he buttoned his jacket. “I don’t need the penguin suit.”

“Why dress up at all?” Simon asked.

“I may be sneaking in to break my sister out, but I’m still going to look good doing it,” Trystan smirked as he tugged the lapels of his jacket. 

“Here,” Amalas said, approaching them as they huddled in the living room. “Your earpieces. Put them in so I know they’re working.” She handed them a small device and they each placed them in one ear; they were clear and so small they were practically invisible. Amalas turned to where Olivia was standing outside on the back deck and gave a thumbs up. 

“Hey, assholes,” her voice crackled in each of their ears. “You’re all looking very debonair.” 

The guys chuckled with nods. “They’re working,” Trystan said. 

“They’re equipped with a tracker,” Amalas explained as Olivia came back inside. “Leave them in and I’ll keep checking throughout your drive to make sure they’re still working.” 

They all nodded again. 

“And I’ve checked to verify your aliases are still on the guest list, which they are,” Amalas said. “I’ll check again when you arrive just to be sure we don’t have any surprises.”

“You guys have your masks?” Trystan asked. Blaine, Simon, and Leo held them up. “Alright …” He glanced at his watch: 4:30 p.m. The drive was an hour, give or take, and the ball started at six. “Let’s head out.” 

Everyone blew out a collective breath. 

Amalas and Olivia wished them luck and walked away. 

Blaine and Alia stepped aside, and she threw her arms around him.

Liam walked up to Leo and shook his hand before they pulled one another into a brotherly embrace. “Stay safe,” he whispered.

“You know me,” Leo stepped back with a small grin. “See you soon.” He turned and walked out the door. 

Simon clapped Liam’s shoulder before following Leo outside. Trystan approached him a moment later and held his hand out. “Try not to wear a path in the carpet with your pacing,” he joked as they shook hands. 

Liam offered a halfhearted smile and nodded. “Be safe.” 

Trystan turned and walked out the door as Blaine stepped up to Liam. “You good?”

“Not really,” Liam answered truthfully.

“We’ll be back with her before you know it,” Blaine said before he held a fist out to him. The two went through their playful handshake routine before clapping one another’s shoulders. “Remember what I said. Head up, brother.” 

Liam and Alia followed Blaine outside, stopping on the front porch; he gave Alia one last kiss before moving to the vehicle. He slid into the backseat and tossed them one last wave before shutting the door. 

They held their breath as the SUV pulled away, and they both threw up a silent prayer as they watched it disappear down the driveway.

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

Perma Tags (if you’d like to be added or removed for this story, please let me know): @zaffrenotes @cocomaxley @emichelle @sweetest-marbear @indiacater @gibbles82 @the-soot-sprite @esmckenzie @dcbbw @burnsoslow @deb-1106 @bbrandy2002 @charlotteg234 @neotericthemis @foreverethereal123 @choiceskatie @sirbeepsalot @gnatbrain @openheart12 @sincerelyella @superharriet @queenrileyrose @aestheticartsx @kingliam2019 @indiana-jr @bascmve01 @rainbowsinthestorm @emkay512 @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @forallthatitsworth @walker7519 @iaminlovewithtrr @amandablink @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @princessleac1 @21-wishes @appleone @tessa-liam @pixelatedpassion @malblk21 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @forthebrokenheartedthings @nomadics-stuff @differenttyphoonwerewolf

[kristinamae093]

Hello and happy Sunday, friends! I hope it's been a great week for everyone! It's been hot as balls here with humidity to match, so I've been holed up inside perfecting my hermit-ism (I am a legendary hermit, I legit have messages in my inbox asking if I'm still alive.😂)

With that being said, I've been working on a lot in my moments of mental clarity! Not only with stuff here, but I'm getting back into photography as well, so I guess that's exciting 😬. I'm also working on a character profile for Kyla, my OC from HCTS that I'm fairly pumped about.

Okay, below is the stuff I beckoned you for 🤣😘. I guess you could expect at least one of these this coming week, hopefully maybe probably. Per usual, there's more than six sentences and everything is subject to change and probably will because helloooooooooo, it's me. 🤷‍♀️

One bad word below (thanks, Kyla.)

In this part of HCTS, Bastien asks Liam if he'd like him to contact authorities (regarding Constantine's whereabouts), Liam says we don't want the same thing happening as last time. So, I wrote a little one shot to fill in that blank. 😬 It's called An Apple A Day.

After a time, a loud engine could be heard in the distance. As it got closer, Liam realized it was a semi hauling something to them. The truck stopped a ways away and started backing up. He saw what it was that was being carried, but had no time to register it as the trailer started heading directly for one of the statues at the entrance to the garden.

"No no no–" Liam started, but the loud shatter as the marble hit pavement cut him off. The driver got out and apologized profusely, to which Liam could only clench his jaw and nod. It wasn't that the statue was important, the issue was the gathered press still taking pictures of the ordeal; he knew he was going to have to get creative to try and explain this.

Next, here's a peak into the next part of Here Comes The Sun ☀

Kyla handed Constantine his pole and he took it with wide eyes. “You didn’t tell me you were a professional! That was record time!”

Kyla shrugged. “I guess it’s one of the only good things I picked up from being raised in Farmville.” She chuckled.

A bark of laughter escaped Constantine, but he started coughing immediately after. Kyla quickly grabbed a bottle of water and handed it to him with a concerned expression. He took a swig, inhaled a few deep breaths, and finally calmed himself. He sat his drink down, grabbed his pole, and launched his line into the water as if nothing happened at all.

Kyla stood watching his every move, unsure of what to do. The pollen probably isn’t doing any good for his lungs. We should go back. Constantine sat back down in his chair and rested the pole close beside him; he let out a content sigh, closed his eyes, and raised his head to look up at the sky. He looks so fucking relaxed… Trent didn’t come down here, so maybe this is fine. Yeah… this is fine. I’m not going to mess this up for him.

Last, here's a excerpt from Ghosted titled The Apple Banquet.

“No.” Bertrand firmly responded as he pulled himself from Maxwell’s embrace, “You are not to blame here whatsoever Maxwell… In fact, I may be more at fault here than you..." He took a deep breath and quietly said, "I… I'm afraid I may need to come clean about something…"

Maxwell immediately moved and stood next to Liam with a furrowed brow. Liam felt his heart rate increase and stepped forward instantly. "What do you mean?"

"I… I worry you may find out anyway during your investigation, and I feel after my other atrocious actions I may as well come clean and take my punishment."

Bertrand was suddenly yanked up from his seat by Liam's strong hands. Liam held Bertrand by the collar of his sweater and pulled his face to eye level, nearly lifting him off his feet. "What did you do?"

-------------------------------------------------------

I don't know who I'm supposed to tag, so everyone is getting it lololol. However, please consider this your open invitation to share anything you may be working on, and please make sure to tag me in return if you do! (No pressure, but FEEL ALL THE PRESSURE 🙃)

Ghosted tags - @ao719 @txemrn @imashybish @queenrileyrose @kingliam2019 @riseandshinelittleblossom @dcbbw @tessa-liam @twinkleallnight @amandablink @cordonia-gothqueen @sfb123 @jared2612 @harleybeaumont @bebepac @charlotteg234 @busywoman @malblk21 @angelasscribbles @bascmve01 @iaminlovewithtrr @hopelessromanticmonie @mysticalfangirl @umccall71 @fuckitweball0000 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @lovingchoices14 @emersyn-in-cordonia @aussiegurl1234 @karahalloway @the0afnan

HCTS tags - @ao719 @queenrileyrose @tessa-liam @angelasscribbles @kingliam2019 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @bascmve01 @busywoman @belencha77 @mysticalfangirl @nestledonthaveone @lovingchoices14 @lunaseasblog @malblk21 @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @emersyn-in-cordonia @walkerdrakewalker @tinkie1973 @queenmiarys

[justcallmefox89]

Cinderfella's Adventures in Cordonia - Chapter Seventeen

An AU of The Royal Romance with a male MC and a bisexual prince.

Masterlist

Callum speaks to his former competition and receives an offer from Madeline.

“What just happened?” Drake asks, stunned.  

Liam slowly shakes his head.  “I honestly have no idea.”

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

I lean my head against elevator doors, the cool steel soothing the sharp pain stabbing at my frontal lobe. 

Hi, God.  It’s me, Callum.  I say this with full disrespect… you have a sick sense of humor.  Believe me when I say I am not one of your strongest warriors; I definitely don’t need to be tested any further.  And another thing –

The doors spring open, interrupting my impromptu heart to heart with God.  I unobtrusively straighten my jacket as I step out of the elevator and back into the ballroom, and quickly work my way to the bar, keeping an eye out for Maxwell and Hana as I do. 

I slide onto a barstool, coming face to face with the bartender from earlier.

“Back so soon?” he asks coyly, leaning his elbows onto the bar top, bringing his face close to mine.

“Couldn’t stay away.”  I manage to give him a half-hearted smile.  “Could I get a bottle of the Baird Dark Sky and two shots of the seventeen year old Hibiki whiskey, neat?  Please?”

“Anything for you, sir.” he says playfully, smirking as he turns away to get my order.

Hi, God.  It’s me again… am I a joke to you, old man?

“Here you are, sir.”  The bartender slides my order to me, peeking up at me from beneath his lashes.  “I was wondering if you had any plans – ”

“Seducing the help already, Callum?”

I’d know that shrill voice anywhere.  I still hear it in my nightmares.

“Excuse me, darlin’.  I need to speak to Satan’s mistress for a moment.”  I twist on my barstool to come face-to-face to with her. How’ve you been, Smokeshow?”

 She takes a sip of her drink, gazing at me over the rim of her glass, and shrugs one delicate shoulder.  “Busy. Traveling with the court as we partake in this,” she grimaces.  “Engagement tour.”

I toss back my first shot, chasing it with a sip of beer before I say anything.  “Yeah, about that.”  I lean forward and lower my voice.  “What the hell happened?  Madeline?  Madeline, of all people?!”

“She was the best choice out of all the remaining suitors,” Olivia says sourly.  “Liam had very few choices by the end of the social season.”

“Where the hell were you when he was making his choice?”

“I was forced to leave the competition shortly after you dropped out.”  She gives me a tight smile.

“Why?”  I squint at her suspiciously.

“Someone had information about my parents.  Something that could hurt them, damage their memory.  I couldn’t let that happen.  Not even for Liam.”

“Somebody was rigging the competition,” I realize.  “They wanted Madeline to win.”

“Exactly,” Olivia says grimly.

“Did you ever figure out who it was?” I ask, sipping my beer.

She looks away, draining the last of her drink before answering me.  “Constantine.”

“Why am I not even surprised?” I mutter, throwing back my second shot.  “Does Liam know?”

Olivia nods.

“And he still chose to go through with this?”  I raise my eyebrows.

She shrugs.  “Liam agreed with Constantine that Madeline was the most qualified suitor left.  He wasn’t willing to leave Cordonia without a queen.”

“And he’ll do anything for Cordonia,” I finish her thought.

“What else could he do?  You had already left; all Constantine had to do was eliminate the remaining competitors until the only appropriate choice was Madeline.  He backed Liam into a corner.”  She gracefully slides off her barstool.  “As fun as this little reunion has been, I’m ready to leave now.”

“See you around, Smokeshow.”  I give her a slight finger wave, watching the back of her red dress until she disappears into the crowd.  I swivel in my seat, leaning back against the bar top and gazing out into the ballroom.  I slowly sip my beer as I study the party guests, scanning carefully as I attempt to locate a certain former king.

Gotcha, old man.

Beer in hand, I slide off my barstool and weave my way into the crowd, moving towards a recessed corner of the room where Constantine stands, accompanied by two bodyguards. 

Where’s Bastien?

I leave a few people between myself and the trio, patiently waiting until Constantine becomes distracted by the mayor, who draws him into a lively conversation.  A few seconds later the bodyguards turn their attention away from the king and begin scanning the ballroom for threats, each one looking in a different direction.  Using the surrounding party goers as cover, I slink over towards Constantine, coming to a stop directly behind him.

“Don’t move,” I say quietly as the mayor moves away, drawing my index finger down his back until it rests between his shoulder blades.

“What are you doing?” he hisses, stopping himself mid-turn.

“I didn’t appreciate you leaking all the private details of my life to the Cordonian media,” I say conversationally.

“MacKenzie.”  Constantine clenches his jaw so tightly I can hear his teeth grind together.

“I heard you threatened to do the same thing to Lady Olivia.”

“Liam could not be trusted to make the decision on his own.  I needed to make sure that he would make the correct choice for Cordonia,” he says coldly.

“He deserves to have better than you as a father,” I seethe.

“Think what you want.  Liam’s decision to wed Madeline is final, and there is nothing that can change that.  Did you come over here just to discuss my son’s engagement?”

“No,” I say softly.  “I just wanted to let you know I know exactly what you did.  And to you remind that no matter how many bodyguards you have, someone will always be able to get to you.  Have a lovely evening.”

I melt back into the crowd, quickly putting some distance between me and Constantine’s bodyguards.  I spy Hana and Maxwell on the dancefloor, and move to take up a spot nearby to watch them, hoping to speak to them when the song is over.  After a few moments, someone steps over to stand next to me.  I glance down and see Madeline scowling at me.

“What are you doing here?” she demands.

“I was invited,” I say in a bored voice.

Madeline snorts.  “If you’re back in Liam’s life that’s fine.  Have all the feelings you want for one another.  A tryst here and there can be managed but do not embarrass me.”

“You don’t care that you’re about to marry a man who is in love with someone else?”

“When you’re behind closed doors, you can have his heart and whatever other part of him you want.  As long as I have the crown and an heir and a spare, I really don’t care what he does.  This is practically the best thing that could’ve happened to you.”

I glance at her out of the corner of my eye.  “I think you’re severely overestimating my interest in your future marriage.”

“I’m trying to work with you,” Madeline sighs.

“Once again, not interested.”  I shrug my shoulders.  “But… if I do decide I want Liam again, I won’t be sharing him.  Don’t get too comfortable, Madeline.”

She opens her mouth to snap back, quickly closing it as she sees Maxwell and Hana hurrying towards us.  Madeline sneers at me one last time before stalking off.

“Was that Madeline?” Maxwell asks, peeking around me.  “Where’s Drake?  Have you talked to Liam yet?”

“Drake is with Liam.  I’ve talked to him… we’re just taking some time to think about things.”

“We don’t time to think about things,” Maxwell replies.  “Liam is getting married in a few days!”

Hana gives him an exasperated look.  “Callum is well aware of that, Maxwell.”

“As fun as this has been, I think I’m ready to call it a night,” I quickly interject.  “Hana, I’m going to text you my address.  If you happen to see Liam or Drake…”

“I’ll be sure to pass it on,” she assures me with a smile.

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

One long Uber ride later I’m finally back in my building and unlocking the door to my apartment.  Sashimi meets me at the door, purring and winding herself around my ankles.  I bend down to scratch beneath her chin, and she rumbles with happiness.   “Hey, my beauty.  How was your night?  Did grandda stop by and feed you?”

After living in the same building as my father and his boyfriend for the past nine months, my girl has become accustomed to their visits and the pampering the two of them shower on her.  I shed my suit jacket and dress shirt as I move through my apartment, dropping them on the floor as I make my way to my bedroom.  I fall backwards onto my bed and stare up at my ceiling with a deep sigh.

What a fucking night.

I close my eyes and sink deeper into my mattress.  They shoot right back open a few seconds later as someone loudly knocks on my front door.  Groaning, I roll off of my bed and shuffle towards the door.  I press my eye to the peephole and have to stifle a gasp when I see who is standing outside in the hallway.  I quickly unlock my door and throw it open.

“Now what are you two beauties doing here?” I ask, leaning against the doorjamb and raking my gaze over Drake and Liam.

“We need to talk,” Drake says bluntly.

I arch one eyebrow in interest and step aside, silently inviting the two best friends into my apartment.  I wait until we’re settled in my living room to say anything.  “So… who wants to start?”

[sfb123]

I Know Places (Happy Birthday Burns!)

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Liam x Riley, Drake x Alyssa

All characters belong to Pixelberry, except for Alyssa Devereaux, who belongs to the birthday girl @burnsoslow

Summary: In a prequel to last year's birthday fic, Riley notices some odd behavior from Drake and is determined to find out what he is hiding.

Song: I Know Places - Taylor Swift

You are the only person on the planet who could get me to drop a Taylor Swift song anywhere. That's how much I love you.

Rating: PG (a couple of swear words)

Word Count: 2,703

A/N: Happy birthday to my wonderful friend @burnsoslow. You are so sweet, and funny, and thoughtful. When I came to Tumblr however long ago, and started obsessively reading your stories, I never, in a million years, thought that I would actually be lucky enough to call you my friend. I'm sitting here trying to put together words about how much having you in my life means to me, but I'm not sure they even exist. I just love you so so much, and hope that you spent today partying like it's 1999! 😘

A/N 2: No pre-reader, so you get what you get. If it sucks, and the grammar is terrible, that's all on me. Godspeed.

Tags: This is my first run with the new tag list, so if you're not on here but would like to be added, just let me know!

Liam and Riley sat on the couch in his office, reviewing their opening remarks for the Five Kingdoms Festival that would be happening the following day. A knock on the door pulled their attention away, Liam called for the visitor to come in.

“Well, well, well,” Riley said as Drake entered the room. “Look what the cat dragged in.” 

Drake rolled his eyes and approached the pair. “Hello Brooks.” He walked over to Liam, who was now standing. “Hey, Li.”

“Drake,” Liam shook his friend’s hand. “It has been a while.”

“Yeah,” Drake rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ve been pretty busy lately.” 

“Why don’t you stay for dinner?” Riley suggested, noticing that something was off with him. “Eleanor has been asking for you, she misses her Uncle Drake.” 

Drake’s expression softened. He hadn’t been spending as much time with Eleanor as he usually would. She had just become a big sister, and he knew how hard it could be going from being an only child to having to share attention with a younger sibling. 

“I really wish I could…” He trailed off, his eyes darting between his friends. “I promised Savannah I’d go up to Ramsford tonight. But I’ll be at the festival tomorrow. I’ll take Eleanor for some cotton candy or something.” 

“Sure, she’d love that.” Riley agreed. 

Drake said his goodbyes and exited the office. Once he was gone, Liam and Riley settled themselves back on the couch, Liam lifted his wife’s legs to rest across his lap. 

“That was weird, right?” Riley asked. 

“Not really,” Liam shrugged as he slipped off her shoes and began rubbing her feet. “Drake and his sister are close, of course he would want to have dinner with her.” 

Riley sighed at her husband’s response. “You know, for someone who was trained to read people, you can be awfully thick sometimes.” 

Liam’s movements stopped as his head snapped in her direction. “Excuse me?”  

“Come on Liam, he was being so dodgy! He couldn’t give us a straight answer about where he’s been.” 

“To be fair,” Liam began. “We never asked him for one. Besides, Drake has always been a pretty private person, if he wanted us to know, he would have told us.” 

She returned her feet to the ground, retrieving her shoes and putting them on. “Ugh! You’re so bad at being nosy!” She groaned. “Let’s go, I miss our babies.” 

Regina had offered to watch Eleanor, and the newest edition to the royal family, Prince David, while Liam and Riley worked on the final preparations for the festival. They left Liam’s office and met up with Regina to pick up the kids before returning to their quarters for the evening. 

***

After dinner, and a few rounds of Candy Land, it was time for Eleanor to go to bed. In an effort to help her with the transition from only child to big sister, her parents decided to take turns putting her to bed each night ensuring she had some quality one-on-one time with each of them. It was Liam’s turn to tuck her in, so Eleanor said goodnight to her mother and brother and walked hand in hand with her father to her room. 

Liam sat on Eleanor’s bed, his arm wrapped around her, holding a book in front of them. Eleanor was learning how to read, so as they made their way through the story, Liam would pause, pressing his finger against the words, encouraging his daughter to read along, and helping her as she went. 

“... and they,” he pointed to the next word and nodded encouragingly at her. 

“Lived happ… happy…” 

“Almost, princess. Happil…”

“Happily!” She exclaimed, Liam chuckled at her excitement and kissed the side of her head. “Happily ever after!” 

“That’s right! Good work, Eleanor!” Liam pulled her close, kissing the top of her head before closing the book and carrying it to the bookshelf. “Now, I believe we have one more item of business,” he made his way to the collection of stuffed animals that were gathered in the corner of her room. “Who would you like to keep you company tonight?” 

Eleanor’s eyes traveled through the crowd, her index finger tapping against her lips as she contemplated her selection. Her movements halted, and her smile grew upon making her decision, “Hunny Bunny please.” 

“Excellent choice.” Liam turned to the pile searching for the golden rabbit. He moved the other animals around, trying to locate it. “Hmm… she doesn’t seem to be here.” 

“But where is she, Daddy?” Eleanor looked at her father with tired, sad eyes. 

“I’m… well, I’m not sure, princess. Where do you last remember having her?” He made his way around the room, looking anywhere Hunny Bunny could possibly be hiding.

“I… I don’t know.” Eleanor replied through her sniffles. “Daddy, please find her.” 

Liam looked up at his daughter, her eyes were beginning to water, and her chin was trembling. He knew between Eleanor being tired, and wanting her toy, a meltdown would be inevitable if they didn’t find this rabbit. 

“Oh Eleanor, don’t cry.” He rushed to his daughter’s side. “Why don’t we ask Mommy if she has seen Hunny Bunny?” Eleanor rubbed her eyes as she nodded at her father. He kissed her on the forehead before going to the door. “Riley, love, could you come here for a moment?” He called down the hallway. 

Riley entered the room to find Liam consoling a crying Eleanor. “What happened here?” She said as she approached the pair, placing a comforting hand on Eleanor’s back. “What’s wrong, sweetie?” 

“We can’t find Hunny Bunny.” Eleanor cried before falling into her mother’s arms. 

Riley looked up at Liam and she could see the worry in his face. “Okay, it’s all okay. Let’s just calm down here. She has to be somewhere, she didn’t get up and hop away.”

“When do you remember seeing her with it last?” Liam asked Riley as she continued to console her daughter. 

She racked her brain, thinking back over the past couple of days, trying to picture everywhere they went, when it suddenly hit her. “Ramsford! She wanted to show Bartie, so she brought it when we were there for lunch the other day.” Riley put her hands on Eleanor’s shoulders and pulled her back gently. “Eleanor, I’m going to go call Uncle Max to see if Hunny is there, okay?” 

Eleanor nodded as she rubbed her eyes. Riley stood from the bed and pulled her phone out of her back pocket as she stepped into the hallway.

“Hey Riley!” Maxwell greeted her on the second ring.

“Max, thank god! We have a bit of an emergency.” 

“What’s wrong? Who’s coming for the throne now?” 

Riley chuckled at his response, which helped ease her concern about the issue. After everything they had been through, if the worst thing to happen to them is a lost stuffed animal, then everything was going to be just fine. “It’s nothing like that. Eleanor can’t find her Hunny Bunny. I think we may have left it there.” 

“Oh yeah, she’s here. I’ll bring it tomorrow when we come for the festival.” 

“Actually, could you just give it to Drake? I’m sure he won’t mind dropping it off on his way home.” There was silence on the other end of the line. “Max? Are you still there?” 

“I’m here, but Drake’s not.”

“But he said he was having dinner with Savannah tonight.” 

“Nope, he hasn’t been by in a couple of weeks actually.” 

“Man, I knew he was being shady!” 

“Wait, what do you mean? What’s going on?” 

“I’ll fill you in tomorrow. For now, please please bring Hunny Bunny with you tomorrow.” 

“You bet, see you then!” 

Riley hung up the phone and took a deep breath before returning to her daughter’s room. Without Eleanor’s stuffed animal of choice, it was going to be a long night.

***

The next day, the royal family walked through the crowd greeting people, and exploring everything the festival had to offer. 

“I get what you’re saying,” Riley said to Liam. “But he’s not just not telling us stuff, he’s straight up lying to us. That’s not a Drake thing.” 

Liam looked at his wife thoughtfully. “That’s true. As much as he’s kept to himself, I’ve never known him to lie to me.” 

“So, we can confront him and ask him what’s going on?” 

“Uncle Drake!” Eleanor’s excited shout pulled Liam and Riley’s attention. They looked ahead and saw Drake approaching them. 

“Hey, kiddo.” Drake smiled as he lifted Eleanor into a hug. 

As Eleanor and Drake greeted each other, Liam and Riley had a conversation with their eyes. Liam pleaded with Riley not to confront him, to which she agreed. 

“So Eleanor, how would you like some cotton candy?” Drake asked. 

The princess’s eyes went wide as she turned to her parents for permission. Liam and Riley chuckled at her hopeful expression. “Mommy, Daddy, please?” Eleanor begged. “I’ll bring some back for baby David.” 

“That’s very sweet of you, princess,” Liam leaned in, kissing his daughter on the cheek. “But babies can’t eat cotton candy.” 

“That’s right, baby girl,” Riley added. “So why don’t you just go ahead and eat extra for your brother?” 

Eleanor cheered and jumped up and down in excitement. “Come on, Uncle Drake!” She grabbed his hand and rushed him toward the food vendors. 

A while later, Riley was mercifully pulled away from a conversation with Hakim and Joelle Theron when David started crying from his stroller. She excused herself, and once she was out of their earshot, she thanked her son profusely for his timing. 

“Riley! Riley, wait up!” Maxwell called as he rushed to catch up with his friend. 

“Diaper emergency Max, no time.” She replied, just as he fell into step with her. 

The pair stepped into the palace and into a small sitting area. As Riley set up a makeshift diaper station on a nearby table, Maxwell bounced on his heels behind her. 

“Riley, you’re never going to guess what I saw?”

Riley recoiled back as she opened David’s soiled diaper. “Ugh, it can’t be any worse than this.” 

“I think I know what’s going on with Drake.” 

Riley turned to face Maxwell. “Spill right now, Beaumont.” 

***

The next day, as the Royal Council meeting let out, Liam caught Drake before he could slip out, and invited him back to his office for a drink. As soon as they walked in the office, Liam’s desk chair slowly turned, revealing Riley, her arms crossed over her chest. 

“Welcome, Drake.” She said as she rested her elbows on the desk, steepling her fingers in front of her.

Liam pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. When he and Riley talked about confronting Drake, they agreed that they would speak to him rationally. His wife appeared to have other plans. 

“What’s up with you, weirdo?” Drake asked at Riley’s dramatic display. 

Liam invited Drake to sit before stepping to the bar cart and making two drinks. He handed one to Drake before stepping around the desk and standing beside his wife. “Drake, we wanted to talk to you. To make sure you were alright.”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He responded. “Why would you ask?” 

“Because you’re a big fat liar!” Riley blurted out. Liam placed a hand on her shoulder at the outburst as Drake’s brow furrowed in confusion. 

“Drake,” Liam interjected. “The other night, when you told us that you were going to Ramsford, Riley spoke with Maxwell, and he told her you hadn’t been there.” 

“Hold on,” Drake stood from his chair. “You guys are checking up on me?” 

“Not intentionally. We lost one of Eleanor’s toys, and I called Maxwell to find it.” Riley crossed her arms over her chest. “And don’t try to turn this around on us.” 

“Love, stand down.” Liam leaned down, kissing her on the cheek before turning back to Drake. “Drake, we’re just worried about you. You know we don’t mind that you keep to yourself, but it’s not like you to lie.”

Drake let out a deep breath as he fell back into his chair, finishing off the rest of his drink. “I’m sorry you guys. I didn’t mean to worry you, I just needed some time to myself for a while.” 

“Well that’s another lie.” Riley scoffed, Drake arched a brow at her. “You have a girlfriend!” 

Drake’s eyes went wide, and his jaw dropped. “How did you…” 

“Maxwell saw you canoodling at the festival yesterday.” She responded. “What’s wrong with her? Why don’t you want to show her off? Does she have an eyepatch? Pegleg? Hook hand?” 

Liam and Drake both froze and stared at Riley curiously. 

“What the fuck, Brooks?” Drake finally broke the silence. 

“Love, I don’t think Drake is seeing a pirate.” 

“Sorry, Eleanor’s been on a real Peter Pan kick. I’ve got pirates on the brain.” She shrugged. 

“Riley, can you give Drake and I a moment alone?” Liam asked. 

Riley stood from the chair, and moved to leave the office, pausing before she opened the door and turning back to her husband and her friend. “I just want the chance to be there for you the way you always have for me.” Before Drake could respond, she was gone. 

“I’m sorry, Drake.” Liam apologized as he sat in his chair. “I didn’t mean for this to be an attack on you.”

“It’s alright,” Drake shrugged. “And for the record, I’m sorry I lied to you guys.”

The pair sat in comfortable silence for a moment. Liam finished off his drink and stood, tilting his chin toward Drake’s glass. He nodded, affirming that he wanted a refill. Liam took the glasses and took them to the bar cart. 

“So,” Liam began as he refilled their drinks, “What’s her name?” 

“Alyssa, Alyssa Devereaux.” He said. Even with his back to his friend, Liam could hear the smile in his voice. 

“You’re happy?” Liam asked as he handed Drake his drink.

“I am Li, she’s amazing. I never expected to fall as hard as I did.” 

Liam nodded as he returned to his seat, placing his drink down in front of him. “Why wouldn’t you want to share that happiness with your friends?”

Drake shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s not that I didn’t want to tell you, it’s just,” he trailed off, trying to find the best way to explain what he was feeling. “This whole world, the court, nobles, all that, it’s a lot. I know what it can do to an outsider, I wanted to protect her from it.” 

“That’s reasonable, I understand wanting to protect someone you care about, you know that.” Drake nodded in response. “But Drake, if this is something that you see as long term, it’s an inevitability that you will need to start introducing her into this whole world. As much as I know it pains you to admit it, you are a part of the court.” 

“Yeah, you’re right. There are just so many things that could go wrong. I don’t want to lose her, Liam.”

Liam smiled, he had known Drake his whole life, and he had never talked about a girl like this. He had it bad, and it was painfully obvious. “Why don’t you ease her into it. She doesn’t have to dive into it all at once.” 

“What do you mean?” Drake asked. 

“Introduce her to people that will be at court functions ahead of time. That way, she will have allies to turn to if she gets uneasy.”

Drake arched a brow. “Allies like the king and queen?” 

“If you’re going to have allies, it doesn’t hurt for them to be at the top.” Liam grinned sheepishly. 

Drake let out a deep breath. “I guess I can’t keep her hidden forever.”

“Wonderful!” Liam exclaimed. “You should bring her by for dinner this weekend. Just a small, unofficial get together. We’ll do it in our quarters, Riley will cook. Completely informal, just your friends meeting your… girlfriend?” Drake nodded, confirming Alyssa’s title. 

“I guess that sounds alright. I mean, if it’s just you guys, I can’t imagine what could go wrong.” 

Permatag:

@3pawandme @alj4890 @busywoman @charlotteg234 @cordonia-gothqueen @cordoniaqueensworld @differenttyphoonwerewolf @emkay512 @foreverethereal123 @hopelessromanticmonie @iaminlovewithtrr @imashybish @kat-tia801 @kingliam2019 @malblk21 @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @nestledonthaveone @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @secretaryunpaid @sincerelyella @theroyalheirshadowhunter @tessa-liam @twinkleallnight @txemrn

Liam:

@amandablink @custaroonie @jared2612

TRR:

@21-wishes @ao719 @belencha77 @burnsoslow @lovingchoices14 @the0afnan @xpandass420x

[harleybeaumont]

Drake Walker Appreciation, Day 5 - Romance

Here are the pairings I've written for Drake! @drake-walker-appreciation:

The Other Nevrakis- Drake x Lilith Nevrakis (my OC) - these two start off as a snarky, cynical, whiskey drinking pair who don't believe in love. By the end, they're a snarky, less cynical, still whiskey drinking couple of smitten idiots in love 😍

Unintentional - Drake x Riley - though not the main pairing in this fic, Drake and Riley are amazing friends to Liam, who in this story, needs loyal friends more than anything! And we know Drake is devoted to his friendship with his childhood best friend!

Between Friends - Drake x Maxwell - this was a one shot I wrote where Drake explores his bisexuality with the help of his friend, Max. (Who turns out to be more than a friend by the end.) We all know Drake can be a bit serious, but sometimes it's good to have a partner to help bring you out of your shell and learn to have a little fun and relax!

Love Me The Way I Am - Drake x Liam - they are only a minor part of the story, but I see the two of them as a couple in this fic. Having to hide their love from the rest of the court, these two explore the old friends to lovers trope (which I LOVE). They are such an angsty pairing, and I adore writing and reading them.

[queenmiarys]

Good day people, I hope you all had a wonderful start to your New Year and it continues. I want to thank everyone who takes the time to read my work, and thanks to all who like it. Please excuse any typos or grammar mistakes

Book: TRR

Summary: Aliania returns to the Palace and she and Liam spend time together. The newcomer confesses her feelings to Drake.

Pairings: Liam x Aliania (mc), Drake x Riley (oc)-kinda

Rated:M

🍋

Word Count 3, 025

All characters belong to pixelberry, but Aliania Perez belong to me

Warning: Strong sexual content, Drinking and deception. This content is for persons over the age of 18 and older. You are advised not to read if you're under the age of 18

Song inspiration for Liam and Aliania

I would like to thank @dcbbw for pre reding and doing some editing for me and giving me some good ideas, I really appreciate it.

Song inspiration for Liam and Aliania

Song inspiration for Drake and Riley

Blinded Lines, Part 2

Liam and I were in a weird place:Two days after making love, he announced that he was looking for a wife; he ended our relationship, saying that I needed to give Drake a chance. I can hardly look at Drake without feeling super guilty. I tried to be a good girlfriend to him, but I can't when another has my heart.

It’s been almost two months since the last time I was at the Palace. Drake and I were walking down the hall, and there he was looking all good. It looked as if Liam had been working out more or something. He stood with a dark headed woman named Riley, Drake told me as we approached them, whom I avoided speaking to. It seemed as if time had stopped. I couldn't breathe.

"Please, can someone get me some water?'' She said just before passing out.

Drake went to fetch the beverage, while Liam stayed with Aliania. He asked Riley to get Bastien.

"Aliania are you okay?”

"Thanks but I got it. Enjoy your little date."

"We need to talk, meet me in our room later? Please, Aliania.” before she could answer Riley and Bastien emerged.

"Are you okay Ms. Perez?" Bastien asked

"Yes, I think I just need something to drink, although I haven't eaten anything today. Oh, there's Drake now."

"Sorry it took so long, I got you something to eat and drink. I know you, Perez; when you are stressed you don't eat.”

Liam let Drake take over, after all she was Drake's girlfriend. He got up and walked over to Riley, wrapping his arm around her. My blood was boiling, I closed my eyes so I wouldn’t see them

Drake and I made our way to his room, where I laid down for a while after I ate the food he got me; when I woke up, at 9pm, Drake was watching me sleep.

"Oh my God, Drake! I slept from 3pm until now?" Omg Liam, he probably thought I stood him up.

"I need some fresh air, I'm going for a walk. "

"After your episode today do you really think that's a great idea?"

"I'm okay."

"I can come with you." She placed her hand on his arm."

"Drake baby, while you’ve been amazing today, I just need some space please don't take it personally. "

------

I wandered down the hall, and as I reached the east hall, I took a deep breath as I got closer to the door. I opened it, and there Liam sat shirtless, I must say he looked so sexy his muscles were more tone then before.

"Hey, my love, I didn't think you'd come. We need to talk.” He was wearing my favorite Creed cologne, while smooth jazz played softy in the background .

"Are you okay? Or did you just want get me away from Riley? He smirked

"I am okay as long as I got the job done, she's not really into you.

"How do you know she's not?"

"I'm pretty sure the way she looked at Drake when he returned says it all."

"Really? So you're not just jealous over her liking Drake?"

"I'm not, because I love you and only you."

"Can you stay with me tonight?" I haven't been able to touch you in almost two months! Please stay? I need you."

"I will, I miss you so much, let me just text Drake and tell him I went home."

________________

Riley sent Liam another text but still no response

She made it down to bar to see Hana and Maxwell already there.

It was late, and Drake found himself at the bar. Not alone; Riley and Maxwell and Hana were all there. Drake smiled a greeting to the others, feeling happy he had a chance to see Riley again

"So, where's Li?”

"I'm not sure,he's not answering my calls or text.

"So no Aliania tonight?" Max asked.

"She went home."

"Are you sure?" Max asked

"Beaumont, what do you mean?"

"I saw her car outside, that's all."

Maybe she took a cab." He didn't say anything to the others. but he had a feeling that his girlfriend was lying about something.

He tapped her a quick text

_______________

"You like what you see?" Liam asked with a chuckle. "That's the third time you’ve looked at me like that."

"Well I must admit, you looking damn good." She smiled.

"Honestly, I been hitting the gym extra hard for last few weeks now." I try my best not to think of you and Drake and no matter how hard I try,all I see is him touching you and doing other things and it drives me crazy. "

"Honestly we only been together once since the last two months, I ended up stopping him right in the middle, you had announced that your looking for a wife, I had to really process this

"I love you too, but are you sure? I mean, I know you don't want to ruin my relationship with him, but I made this bed. I gave in to loving you, so I must face the consequences of losing my best friend."

"I believe he'll be mad, but there is a certain person who can pull him through, I'm telling you Riley really likes him, she likes you but it's not the same as Drake."

" It's okay, I don't have feelings for Riley meeting her in NY, I mean for most part it was to try to get over you, I didn't know Maxwell would convince her to come here."

"You really have no feelings for her?

"Aliania my love, honestly I only have eyes for you, I know what's expected of me but I don't know if I can do it if your not by my side.

"We've been here for over an hour. I'm hungry, how about you?"He asked.

"I could eat something. I want scallops, roasted potatoes, and mixed greens”. He looked up at her and smiled.” What? I didn't eat much today."

Someone brought the food up.

Riley watched from a corner of the hallway.

She remembered when Maxwell gave a tour, he said no one stayed in that wing of the Palace, but she was curious to whom was using it. Making sure no one was around, she pressed her ear to the door; she made out Liam's voice, but she barely heard the female's voice. Riley hung around the doorway for about 20 minutes until she saw a guard walking the wing’s hallway. He asked her what she was doing there.

She replied she had gotten lost, which wasn’t a total lie. When the guard led her to her room, she saw Drake was knocking on her door.

________

"There you are Brooks, don't tell me you got lost again. Well, you'll learn.”

"Yeah, I was for a minute, but Spencer showed me the way.Thank you Spencer."

"So do you want to go get some real food? I heard a new American restaurant just opened up in the Square. It’s called Wayne's Chicken and Waffles.

"Sure,I’d love to. I really haven't ate much, because a certain someone stood me up for dinner." He won't even answer my calls or texts."

"It's something you might need to get used to; I mean, if you marry him he is the king and gets very busy at times."

"Do you think he's seeing someone?"

"Why would you ask such a thing?"

"It might be my imagination, but he seems kinda distracted. I don't have his full attention."

It crossed her mind when he changed. Liam was getting to know her, but today he cut their date short as soon as Aliania came around. But that couldn’t be the reason because Aliania was with Drake.

How could she choose him over Drake? Riley thought.

She and Drake ate, then went to the beer garden where they spotted Maxwell with a female.

"Drake, can we speak?" Max asked

"What's up, Beaumont?"

"What the hell do you think you're doing with little Blossom?

"What? We’re just friends, nothing more."

"Are you sure? I believe she likes you. I caught her checking you out the other day."

Drake tried not to look excited about Riley checking him out.

"Beaumont why don’t you and your date join us, you'll see for yourself nothing is going on. "

------

After a delicious dinner, Liam and Aliania watched a movie before falling asleep. Aliania woke up around 2am. Liam had been watching her sleep for about an hour, sitting in a chair next to the bed. "Hey, why are you over there?"

"Just watching the most beautiful woman in the world sleep.I couldn't sleep with so much on my mind lately, especially you my love."

She smiled. "You've been on my mind as well. I can't stop thinking about you, no matter how hard I try. I had a dream that you married someone who wouldn't let you see any of your friends. This lady was so evil towards you. Drake woke me, saying I was cursing in my sleep. Don’t look at me like that, we didn't sleep together. He just thought I would sleep if he was there, and I did for a minute but after he woke me I couldn't go back.For weeks now this social season has been bothering me."

"I'm sorry to worry you, it's just I need to marry and have an heir; it would fulfill my duties, but what I feel for you is not just a duty, I'm actually in love with you." You consume my every thought. "Enough about that, let's focus the rest of our night on us."

Come here my love?" I miss everything about you, no other can compare."

She sat in his lap, and he wrapped his arms around her while caressing her breast. He moved his mouth, kissing her neck and nibbling her earlobes a whimper escape her, he continued to get her worked up, She felt her body relax under his touch. He scooped her up and took her to bed. Her eyes closed as he dipped between her legs.

It had been almost two long months of not touching her, seeing her; he wanted to make her never want anyone else but him. He worked his tongue before inserting his finger deep inside of her; he worked his finger making her come multiple times.

He knew what he was doing.

He smiled as she came a fourth time.

"Shit, Liam! You are an amazing lover. I want to taste you, please?"

Aliania wrapped her lips around him, stroking him up and down. She loved satisfying the man she loved. Liam looked in her eyes as she took him all in.

He was now ready.

He pulled her up and flipped her over, licking her from the back before he slipped inside. "Damn baby, you're so wet and you feel so good."

"Yes, my king! Oh yes! I missed you too.”

He had her lay on her back as he entered from the side. She loved every inch of him.

He pulled out and rolled off the condom. " I want to feel you, If that’s okay. I have another condom if you say no.”

"Yes, My king she said almostout of breath. I've been wanting to feel you.”

He slipped back in and she wrapped her legs around him. He pulled himself into standing position while holding Aliania in place,he could feel himself getting harder, he started lifting her up and down they both could feel every inch of each other, she closed her as his movement because more rapid and faster, he was definitely in the zone, she tried to protest saying she was too heavy, but he just laughed." My love, do you know I lift weights heavier than you? He said a little out of breath.

He walked the room while pumping inside her a few more times before he could feel his own release coming, Both collapsed on the bed after Liam laid her down. After all, Liam was 6'4 and she was only 5"3.

"That was incredible." Liam praised.

"Yes, my king it was."

"My love, please don't feel guilty. I can tell you that you do."

"Sorry, but I can't help it, my king. I mean, what we're doing is not right yet we can't stay away from each other.You can't stand to see me with him, and I can't stand to see you with any other woman. We need to tell him because I want to just be yours."

"I'm only yours, my love. I've tried to move forward, but as long as you're around I don't see that happening. I only see us getting married, us having children, us together forever."

—---

Riley and Drake returned about 4 am, both tipsy but not too drunk. Once they got to Riley's room, she stood for a minute.

"Thank you, Drake. My date abandoned me, and you came to my rescue. I know at first you hated me, but I hope we're good now."

"Brooks, why do you believe I hated you?”

"Well you're so mean sometimes Drake, I just assumed.”

"Look Brooks, I'm sorry if I made you feel any kind of way. I had to get to know you first. See, the world I lived in for all my life wasn't the best, so my walls are always up.”

She took Drake's hand. "Please don’t get mad at what I'm about to say?"

"What's that?"

"Ali doesn't deserve you, she's not good for you. How could she have a man as incredible as you, and not value you." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

" But you just met her, Riley. You don't know her."

"I don't need to know her.I know plenty of women like her, and she doesn't deserve you.”

Riley stood on her tiptoes and kissed Drake; he pulled back. "Brooks, you know I have a girlfriend."

She let out a sigh. "I know, but I can't help how I'm starting to feel for you. I mean I've tried to fight my attraction to you, I've tried giving Liam a real chance. But honestly, his heart is somewhere else. It seems like he forces himself to spend time with me."

"Brooks, what are you talking about?"

"Well Liam is sweet, but he only kisses me on the cheek. I went to kiss him and he pushed me away, like he’s keeping me at arm's length because he's waiting on someone better to come along. He's canceled a lot of dates he's planned with me. It's like he's sabotaging finding a wife."

"Interesting, Brooks. Li is usually a smooth operator."

Drake laughed out loud. “Look, it's almost 5; I’d better be going. Get some rest okay?”

"Okay, I will and thank you for a good time. I wish we could have gone further." She winked before disappearing into her roo.

The wheels in Drake's mind started turning: The way Perez reacted when she saw Riley with Liam; how she had been behaving the last month. She had definitely been keeping him at arm's length. Since Liam’s announcement two months ago, Perez hardly wanted to be bothered.

He found himself at Liam’s door. Drake knew Liam got up around 5am, but no answer. He was still standing in front of the door when the maid arrived to do her morning cleaning.

"Good morning Estelle?" "Is Li having a meeting this morning?”

"I'm not sure, Mr. Walker. His Majesty did not stay here last night; I came earlier and his bed was not slept in.I just went to get a few things; since His Majesty is not here, we will deep clean his quarters.”

"Oh okay, I'll let you get to it."

It didn't make sense, Liam not in his suite.

Riley was with me, that's the only woman he's showed any interest in.

Perez had disappeared.

Max said her car was still here. She said she took Liam asked someone to take her home after what happened earlier

That explanation came through in a text that she had sent Drake after he texted her about her car. He got to his room, and crashed down on the bed, for a few minutes before taking off his clothes. He fell asleep, forgetting to shower.

Iit was now 5:30.

Riley on the other hand, couldn't sleep. All she could think about was who Liam was with.She also thought how nice it would have been if the kiss she laid on Drake had been returned. She thought of how good Drake must be in bed.

He was so fine. She could see his ripped chest through his shirt he wore.

Riley got up and made her way to east hall; this time when she got to the room, she was in luck. That was most definitely Liam leaving the room. But, she wasn't prepared for what she saw next.

Stunned and in shock, Riley stood with her mouth open in disbelief.

Aliania came to the door with a very revealing nighty on; there was no mistaking that they were indeed involved with each other.

Author's note: hello everyone I would like to ask what Riley's next move should be?

Confront Liam or Aliania?

Confront both?

Go to Drake?

If you don't like any of those ideas please, tell me your opinion of what Riley should do next you can inbox me or leave a comment.

----

@bebepac @shewillreadyou @mom2000aggie @tessa-liam @ao719

[choicesfrog]

The Royal Romance (OC)

Name: Eloise Park

Age: 24

Pronouns: She/Her

LI: Hana

Hobbies: Dancing, Reading, Playing Piano, Painting

Eloise is the sixth child of the Park clan. Though she’s somewhat of a middle child, she definitely wasn’t lost in the shuffle. Similar in personality, temperament, as well as having similar interests to her grandparent and one of her mothers, she was doted on as much as if she were a youngest child.

Eloise is prim, proper, and loves all things pretty. As a child, she was probably a bit overdressed for school, but she loves wearing fancy dresses. She’s also a voracious reader and learned to read at age four. She started piano and dance lessons not too long after. When she was in high school, she began taking ballroom dancing lessons.

Eloise also learned a lot of proper royal etiquette from her grandparent. While not born into nobility themself, they did grow up as a member of a wealthy British family before coming to America. In a lot of ways, Eloise was more prepared to be part of the social season than her friend Elaine. In fact she ended up helping Elaine out when she could (so that job wouldn’t fall solely on Hana).

Instead, she ended up following her to Cordonia because to Eloise the whole premise of her supposedly meeting a prince and a random noble offering to sponsor her seemed super sketchy, and she wanted to make sure her friend wasn’t getting into something more dangerous.

Due to her grandparent’s family having a long history and being widely spread through both Europe and the states, Eloise claimed to be a part of that family, and it was enough to allow her to travel along with the rest of the nobles. Of course Elaine, Liam, Hana, Maxwell, and Drake knew the truth, but they promised not reveal her secret. She was very upfront with all of them. She was also quite upfront about not trying to win Liam’s hand. As a lesbian, she had no interest.

Eloise was not a fan of most of the other ladies at court, especially after what happened at the coronation, and though they knew of her dislike of them, she maintained a civil and polite relationship in public. In private, she avoided them. Out of everyone, she really only respected and got along with Kiara. She admires Kiara’s ambition. Eloise also knows French, and she and Kiara had a bit of fun having conversations in it when they wanted to speak in private. Eloise is wary of Olivia, and outright disgusted by Madeleine’s treatment of Hana. She was indifferent towards Penelope until she learned that she was part of the plot against Elaine.

What Eloise didn’t expect was to fall in love during her time in Cordonia. She was immediately attracted to Hana, but she wasn’t sure if Hana felt the same way. She also knew all the pressure Hana was under from her parents to win Liam’s hand, so she decided not to push things and was happy to befriend her.

Eloise also was able to quickly figure out that there was a lot more to how Hana’s parents treated her than she was letting on. The isolation, the abuse, being forced to earn their affection all reminded her of how her grandfather described his upbringing before he was disowned from his family. Eloise wanted to help Hana to get out of her bad situation, but she also knew it wasn’t easy. She just let Hana know she was there for her if she wanted to vent, cry, or just escape her problems for a while. While she was glad Elaine encouraged Hana to stand up to her parents, she also knew that could make abusive situations worse.

Spending time with Hana, she realized they had a lot in common. Both had a love of reading, flowers, and playing the piano. At Olivia’s estate after Hana played for her, Eloise played a song for Hana. The two of them spent the rest of the night laughing and playing together. They became very close during the social season and spent time swapping book recommendations, talking about music, watching shows together (there was so much Hana had never seen, and Eloise was the one who showed her some of the dance movies/competition shows she mentioned studying when she had her dance battle with Maxwell). They talked about their hopes and dreams and everything in between.

There were little romantic moments shared between the two. Some handholding, gentle reassuring touches here and there, and they even waltzed together a few times. Nothing had progressed very far until Hana was forced to leave at the end of the season. After sharing their first kiss together, and having such a heartfelt confession of their feelings, Eloise was determined she’d see Hana again. She almost flew to Shanghai, afraid that Hana’s parents wouldn’t let her come back to be one of Madeleine’s ladies in waiting.

The two continued to grow closer and spent even more time together during the engagement tour. Eloise became very protective towards Hana and kept a close eye on her, especially after Madeleine admitted to wanting to “break her” (Eloise came very close to slapping her to wipe that smirk off her face), and after Hana’s falling out with her father. She spent time with Hana trying to find a place for her to stay and helping her think about what she truly wanted from life.

Hana and Eloise both decided to move to Castelsarreillan and eventually moved in together. The two became engaged during the Unity Tour and were married about a year later. Hana and Eloise meet with Kiara often since they live nearby, and travel to the capital to see their friends there. They sometimes go to visit Eloise’s family, and sometimes her family comes to them. Hana still has a very rocky relationship with her parents, and she’s taking the time to heal. She occasionally will call or visit her father, but it’s on her terms. Hana isn’t quite sure if her relationship with her mother is something she wants to continue.

Hana and Eloise enjoy a happy and quiet life, Hana working at a library and Eloise teaching dance lessons to children. They both also teach piano on the side. They plan on having at least two children, as they each want to experience pregnancy, but they could expand their family beyond that.

A few more random facts:

Hana was Eloise’s first everything. She was really glad she didn’t have to say anything about her first kiss because she hadn’t had one yet. Though Eloise had several crushes growing up, she never acted on her feelings.

Since Eloise grew up with several other lgbtq+ family and friends and lived in a generally very accepting community, she came to terms with and became comfortable with her sexuality pretty early on. Once Hana felt more comfortable admitting she was also interested in women (I headcannon her as bisexual), Eloise was there to support her and answer any questions she might have.

The night of the coronation, Eloise painted a portrait of Hana as something to remember her by during their time apart.

Like most of her family, Eloise is a big cat person.

Eloise can speak English, Spanish, French, and also knows a little bit of Latin.

On rainy days, Eloise and Hana like to snuggle together under a blanket and read.

Eloise’s family was very worried about her with everything that happened in Cordonia, but since she’s rather stubborn, she insisted on staying to help her friends. That didn’t keep them from calling her daily to check on her.

[angelasscribbles]

Savage Love Chapter 14: Derby

 Series: Savage Love

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Riley x Liam, Riley x Drake

Rating: R         

Warnings: Mature themes

Word Count: 2,215 (not counting text messages)

My other stuff: Master List.

The next morning I slipped from Liam’s room back to mine through the secret passageways. After morning sex and breakfast, of course. He made sure there was coffee and sugar. I could only shake my head. These men. As if one of them was going to win my heart on the basis of getting my coffee to sugar ratio right. I mean, I’m not complaining. All the attention to details, all the catering to my needs. I didn’t hate it.

I was still with Liam when Drake text the first time.

The second time was right after I got out of the shower.

Then Liam.

They both made me smile.

I finished getting dressed just as knock rang out. It was Maxwell Beaumont. “Max, hey! What are you doing here?”

“Ah…I’m here to escort you to the derby. As your sponsor, remember?”

“Ok. Are all the suitors being escorted by someone from their house?”

“Not really, but Liam asked me to make sure you made it there ok and found your way to the royal box by ‘accident’.” He did air quotes with his fingers.

“Alright, then. I’m not complaining, we can get to know each other a little on the way.”                                     

He smiled and it was a wide, open, genuine smile. The kind that makes you smile back without realizing you’re doing it. I returned it and we headed for the Beaumont limo.

In the car, Max was focused, funny, and engaging for the roughly fifteen minutes it took to reach our destination. He escorted me into the derby, stopping for the reporters to ask me questions. They were the standard questions they asked everyone. What did I think of Leo? What did I think of the other suitors? How thrilled was I to be here? Max stood by with his hands in his pockets looking bored.

Once we stepped away from the reporters, he explained how to get to the royal box then sauntered off into the crowd looking vaguely distracted. He did a good job of projecting the image he wanted the world to see. I was sure no one at court had any idea he knew any more about computers than how to update his Instagram. I could see why the crown used his services.

His directions took me right to where I needed to be. I tugged my skirt down and smoothed the top before opening the door and entering the box.

Every head turned in my direction. Leo, Liam, Neville and a couple of other men I didn’t recognize.

“Lady Riley! What are you doing here?” Liam called out.

“Oh! Sorry! I….I must have gotten turned around! I was looking for the box for the suitors, obviously.”

“It’s fine Lady Riley.” Leo responded, “Come on in and let me introduce you to everyone.”

Leo quicky made introductions. The other two men were Lord Tariq Lambros and Lord Rashad Faheem. When he got to Neville, I exclaimed, “We’ve already had the pleasure of meeting at the Masquerade ball!”

A smile the size of a football field crawled across his face, “I’m so gratified you remember me!”

“Of course! You made quiet the impression!” I let him kiss the back of my hand as I fluttered my lashes at him.

I had to make small talk with everyone for two reasons. One, because it couldn’t be obvious that I was sucking up to Neville since I was allegedly there to court Leo and two, because Rashad and Tariq were both tripping over themselves for my attention as well.

When Neville stepped away to take a phone call, Liam pulled me aside. “Excuse me while I borrow her for a moment gentleman.”

“Certainly.”

“Of course.”

“Just make sure you return her the way you found her.” Leo joked. I shot him a look and he laughed.

“What could you possibly need to talk to me about? I just saw you this morning.” I asked him.

“I just wanted to ask if you’d like to get together later-“

“I’m sorry, as you know, there’s a luncheon with the queen after this, a cocktail party for all the suitors later followed by the Derby Gala, then I have plans for a late dinner with-“

“Will you at least save a dance for me at the gala?”

“Oh, I will save you several!”

He started to respond but just then the door opened, and Drake stepped into the room. “Sorry I’m late, I got tied up with some last-minute bullshit.”

“Hey Captain.” I greeted him.

Drake turned to me with a smile then froze as he caught sight of Liam’s neck. His eyes flicked from Liam’s neck to me then back again. When his eyes went to Liam’s chest, I somehow knew what was about to happen a fraction of a second before it did. Drake stepped in closer to Liam and landed a punch on his chest. The right side to be exact, precisely where the bruise I had left with my teeth resided.

He didn’t hit him hard enough to be a real punch, an angry one designed to start a fight, but more of a playful one, the kind guys give when they’re horsing around. It was hard enough to hurt just a little, except for the fact that he was already injured there. Liam flinched and his hand flew up to cover the spot, “Ow! What the hell, man?”

Drake smirked, leaning in close so no one else in the room could hear, “You think I don’t know where the fucking teeth marks go when she cums?”

“What?”

Drake pulled the collar of his shirt down just enough to show the patchwork of bruises on his own chest, quite a few of them, all in varying stages of healing, from almost completely faded to dark and angry.

Liam’s eyes flicked from Drake’s chest to my face then to Drake’s face as he settled back on his heels with a cocky grin in place, “It’s ok to feel threatened by me, Drake. I get it. I am a pretty damn good catch.”

“I’m not threatened by you, Li.”

“Could have fooled me.” Liam leaned in closer to Drake, so I had to strain to hear his response, “Quality over quantity, right?”

I cleared my throat and leaned in to hiss at them, “Stop it, both of you! This is not the time or place for a pissing contest and if your posturing fucks up my case, I’m done with both of you, understand?”

They stepped away from each other immediately, both flushing as they tried to apologize.

“I’m sorry Riley-“

“Brooks, I didn’t mean-“

“Just drop it! I’m literally in the middle of trying to build a rapport with a suspect right now! If my personal life starts interfering with my job, I’ll have no choice but to shut it down!” I was not going to start bungling investigations at this late date. I always got my man, or woman as the case may be. I hadn’t become the agent with the highest clear rate by letting myself get distracted by my personal life and I wasn’t about to start now.

They both opened their mouths but before either one could get a word out, I told them, “Don’t say anything else! Just nod if you understand.”

They both nodded. “Ok. Good. I’m going back to work now. Don’t either of you talk to me for at least an hour!” I spun and walked back to Leo and the rest of the group.

Leo leaned over to whisper in my ear, “Everything ok?”

“It’s fine.” I told him, “Just a bunch of male ego bullshit.”

He stifled a laugh, “What did you expect? They’re both crazy about you. Don’t act like you don’t know that miss reverse harem.”

It was my turn to stifle a smile as I punched his arm playfully, “Shut up, Rys. I’m here for a reason, remember?”

“Right.” His eyes searched the room for a moment then he called out, “Neville, a favor?”

“Certainly, Your Majesty. What can I do for you?” He asked as he hurried over.

“Lady Riley requires an escort to the proper box. As much as I enjoy her company, it would cause quite a scandal if I’m accused of favoring one suitor over the others, so it can’t be me that escorts her.” Just like we’d rehearsed. Leo really would make a good agent. Too bad he’s going to be king. What a waste.

Neville looked hesitant at first, likely not wanting to miss out on an opportunity to suck up to the future king. So, I leaned toward him, placing my hand on his arm with a coy smile, “I requested you.” I shot my eyes over to Tariq and Rashad then back to him to emphasize the point that I had other options.

That did the trick instantly. His face brightened as he offered me his arm, “I would be honored and delighted to escort you, my lady!”

I wrapped my arms around his as we left the room. I made eye contact with both Drake and Liam on my way out. I glared at them to be more specific. They both looked completely chastised but hell if I was letting them off the hook. Let them stew for an hour wondering if I was going to forgive them or not. They deserved it.

I plastered a fake smile on my face and tipped my head up to stare at Neville with a calculated look of adoration as he droned on about his collection of elephant figurines. His collection of ivory elephant figurines.

It was disgusting. Imagine slaughtering an endangered animal then carving its likeness out of its own tusks. Who does that? Who buys that? Do they not see the horrible irony?

“That’s so interesting.” I lied. “I’d much rather spend time with you than go back to the rest of the suitors.”

“How are you getting on with them?” He asked, “Any impressions so far?”

“Well,” I demurred, “I do find Lady Madeleine interesting. We share some similar philosophies and I believe she’d make a fine queen.”

It was a calculated gamble. If I was correct that both Madeleine and Neville were members of the Via Imperii, this should net me both his approval and trust as well as hers. It worked. I could see the wheels turning in his head before he asked me, “Similar philosophies? Such as? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Oh, I don’t mind at all, Neville! I’m sure that you would agree, being the man of great discernment that you are.” I gave him a dazzling smile before leaning in to confide, “I just hope that whoever Leo chooses is one of us, you know what I mean? Someone that understands how to prioritize the interests of the upper classes. I mean, if poor people were so important to society, they wouldn’t be poor, would they?”

The smile that spread across his face told me I’d struck pay dirt. He squeezed my hand as he replied, “My God, yes! It’s so refreshing to meet a woman that gets it! I know that being charitable is all the rage right now, but interest in the lower classes is really just a hobby and should have no place in government.”

I managed to give him a real smile by imagining shoving his face into a pile of steaming dog shit as I responded, “Oh, absolutely! I mean, spend your money on whatever you want. I suppose giving it away to the filthy hoards isn’t any less wasteful than gambling it away. But at least when you gamble, you have a chance of getting a return on your investment!”

He laughed like I’d said something hilarious. “Ah, here we are, this is your box. But before you go, I’m attending a dinner party tomorrow with a group of friends I think you’d fit right in with. Would you care to accompany me?”

I fluttered my lashes and adopted body language that screamed I was shy. One of my best moves considering I am actually the opposite of that. But all those years of community theater while I was at university certainly paid off. “Well, I would love to, Neville, but if it’s not an engagement for all the suitors, I can’t risk my reputation….”

His face fell then I pretended to reconsider, “Unless…”

His head snapped up, “Unless what?”

“I mean…if I could bring one of my sponsors with me, then no one could think anything untoward was going on.” I mentally held my breath as he considered that.

“Do your sponsors share your…philosophy?”

“Oh, yes! I can assure you that they do!”

His smile broadened, “Excellent! Bring them along then! I’ll send a car for you at six.”

I suppressed my glee, not only was I going to a dinner party most likely filled with Via Imperii members, but I’d wrangled an invitation for Max as well. Two sets of eyes was always better than one and if we were exceedingly lucky we might be able to tag team, one of us providing a distraction while the other planted some listening devices.

I practically skipped into the box. Drake’s plan had worked like a dream.

[findingdrake]

The Common Romance

I finally landed in Melbourne, Australia. I have worked my ass off to get this dream job as a Software Engineer in this dream city. Getting the job wasn’t as difficult as getting the Visa. Even though my employer has sponsored me, the last formality for the visa is still pending. After landing in Oz, I have to attend an interview and get my visa stamped by the immigration officer. Pheww... "Keep calm, it’s the last step, and there are hardly any rejections at this step... Deep breaths...", keeping my composure, I head to my sister’s place, where I’ll stay for the initial days.

The next morning, I hurriedly collect my documents, and then take a cab to the Immigration office. As I walk across the Immigration Office my clumsy and anxious ass drops a document or my mobile or wallet every few steps.

Drake Walker, Immigration officer, I read the nameplate outside his office. I wait outside in the waiting lobby, impatiently making E-O-E-O faces. It’s been 2 hours, and my name has not been called. Everyone seems to have a prior appointment except me. Waiting... And waiting...

It’s lunchtime now. I know this because I see the immigration officer move out of his office, and yes, also there is a display board that says ‘Office will be closed for a lunch break between 12:30-1:30’. But mostly the immigration officer. I didn’t get a good look but he’s ruggedly handsome. Tall, I guess 6 feet and a good build. I follow him as if I was charmed. “Pss.. stop following the immigration officer you idiot!”, says my rational self. They win this time, but I am already in the canteen following him. I head to the vending machine while he is, well, I lost him. I look around as I get my snack pack. Obviously, he’s eating a salad. “Handsome men don’t eat like pigs and you”, says my critical self.

“How about we sit next to him? He’s eating alone”, says my swooned self.

“Have it occurred to you that maybe he wants to, not like he can’t get a company”, says Miss rational.

“I’ll sit next to him and bring up my visa appointment”, says my smart self. “And we can ogle at his handsomeness”, says Miss Swooned. So after a detailed discussion with myself, I decided to head to him with my snack pack and a water bottle. I hope he’s not done by now.

I am at his table and he’s busy looking at his phone. My tongue seems numb, but somehow I mutter, “I sit here!”. I wanted to make it a question, but it came out as an exclamation in broken English. He looks up. Those gorgeous eyes filled with depth and annoyance? He looks around, and he can see a few empty tables. “Covid protocol, can’t share tables”. “That’s not a covid protocol!”, my ego frowns as I take a seat at the next table.

“Ok! We have lost hope of a romantic relationship because of this pathetic and desperate start. Now, he’s the immigration officer, and you are the applicant. Try it that way”, came Miss Smart for rescue.

“I have an appointment for my 186 application with you. I need to get it stamped before I can join the office, so how long does it generally take”, I am suddenly more confident when I talk professionally, in a totally unprofessional and inappropriate setting.

At first, the handsome officer tries to ignore me and pretend that the question was not directed at him. But taking a quick look at my leaning posture, question mark face and constant stare, he sighs. “It can take 1-46 days.”

“His voice is so raspy and the accent…. Shut up slut!”, fight Miss swooned and Miss rationality.

“46 days?”, I was seriously concerned until I saw him give a sly smile.

“Emm... I can keep coming here for 46 days, no problem. Not like I have a job”, I smile confidently at him. I’m sure he can sense the cockiness in my voice.

“Should I wait the second half of today, Mr Walker?”, I dare to ask him, while this is going in my head, “Mr Walker, that sounds so sexy!”

He finished up, and I think early, because of my irritating presence. “I’m afraid we are all booked today and won’t be able to take any on-spot cases. You got your appointment right? You can come when you get a call”

“I’ll definitely cum when I get your call”, I blurt out.

“I won’t be calling you, my office will”, he said with a straight face.

“Why don’t you just jump into his arms, that will be more desperate and embarrassing”, he leaves with his salad plate while I’m being slut shamed by myself.

…………………………………………………………………………

“Come in!”, Drake tries to stifle a giggle and keep a straight face as he calls in the next applicant. A few routine questions before he stamps the Chinese family’s Visa.

“Come in!” he calls in the next applicant. “Fuck that idiot tiny woman! She ruined come in for me.”, Drake frowns, thinking to himself and the Pakistani applicant gets nervous. “Is anything wrong Sir?”, asked Ahmed. “No, Mr Khan, your papers seem just right. Welcome to Australia”. Drake goes about stamping his Visa.

“Next!”, Drake sighs tiredly as he calls the next applicant. 4 more hours of this before he glides towards his car.

…………………………………………………………………………

He likes taking the scenic route home. It’s long but has no traffic, it does remind him of a far land he once called home. This is a bittersweet path because Home is the beautiful memories, but home is also the pain and the betrayals. Some days, he can’t brace the memories, and either take a sharp u-turn to a different route or speed past this one. Today, was not such a day. Today he tried to distract himself. His hand reaches toward the car radio, but who is he kidding. Australian music doesn’t excite him like the Cordonian classics. It has been almost 2 years in Aussieland, but he still hasn't completely adapted. “Huh.. hmm. Hmm.. hmm..”, he tries to hum, but he knows he can’t do it. He’s clicking his fingers on the steering wheel. “Today was fine, that Syrian family totally deserves to move here. That’s what the humanitarian Visa is for. I’ll speak to Kyle to escalate the process tomorrow.”, he tries to think about something interesting in his day. “What else... the British journalist and that tiny lady can wait a few more days. The tiny lady, she was utterly annoying.”, he involuntarily chuckles at her naiveness. Then he freezes for a second. He clearly remembers how Naive Riley was. That’s exactly how she used to look at him, at Liam. He sharply crams the accelerator and speeds home, to his kids.

[ao719]

…Sometimes Not (Part 2)

Left To Chance

This is a submission for @choicesflashfics, using prompt #1, “I don’t have a date, so would you … maybe want to be my plus one?”

Song inspo: Chasing All The Stars - Fleurie

A/N: This is an au mini series to my Always You series. This part is a flashback to the first half of the three years apart from Reyna’s POV. Not beta’d. Please excuse any errors.  

Book/Pairing: TRR; Liam x OC (Reyna)

Rating: T • Warnings: None but some mild language.

Word count: 2500

Catch up here

Staring out the window of her high-rise office, Reyna tapped her pen against the desk in rhythm with the ticking clock on the wall. The law firm had been unusually quiet the past few days with everyone but her, a couple of interns, and the office secretary gone for the week.

The firm’s lawyers and paralegals were attending an international conference in Paris. It was a work trip that Reyna’s boss, Luca, had invited her to join them on, but she politely declined. Her presence as the office’s financial manager was not required or needed, but that wasn’t the only reason she had turned down the free trip to the City of Light.

Their kiss.

Although Reyna enjoyed the brief moment between them, she declined Luca’s invitation to Paris because she didn’t want to send the wrong message. She still wasn’t in a place where she was ready to explore anything new with anyone because despite knowing she needed to let go, Liam was still very heavy on her mind and heart.

It had been over a month since Reyna last saw Liam the night of his coronation, the night she watched him choose the woman he’d soon be marrying. She hadn’t spoken to him since; she’d sent him a message on his birthday, a message he read but never responded to. She hadn’t tried reaching out again.

Liam was currently somewhere in Europe on his Engagement Tour and planning his upcoming nuptials.

Reyna was trying to go through the motions and deal with everything in her own way. She had been trying to move on even though most days it felt futile. She was working full-time. She was finally starting her master’s program next month after missing her first chance during her spiral. She was doing everything she could to keep herself occupied … to keep herself from falling apart like she wanted to most days.

No matter how hard she tried, though, Reyna couldn’t seem to fill that void left inside her. A piece of her was missing and it hurt like hell to try and force herself to come to terms with the reality of losing Liam, both as a friend and more.

For over a decade, Liam had been a monumental part of Reyna’s life; he was her best friend, her person, the one she told everything to, and eventually, the man she deemed to be the love of her life. Going from what they shared to absolutely nothing … it destroyed a part of her, a part of her that was just for him and no one else … a part of her that would never be the same again.

*******

•Two Months Later•

On an early Friday morning, before the sun had risen, Reyna lay awake in bed.

It was near afternoon in Cordonia … and Liam’s wedding day.

Reyna had managed to avoid any news of Liam since her return from his coronation three months ago; she refrained from doing any internet searches, and even though he spoke to Constantine a few times or more a month, her father respected her request for no updates. She didn’t want to hear about Liam and the life he was living without her. And while she still struggled every day to truly grasp the reality that he was no longer a part of her life, today was especially difficult.

It was the worst Reyna had felt in months, and that chasm in her heart left by their fallout and Liam’s absence in her life felt as though it was being ripped wide open, knowing what he would be doing that day.

As Reyna continued to toss and turn, her gaze kept shifting from the clock on her nightstand to her desk. Despite knowing it was a terrible idea, she couldn’t help but eye her laptop; she knew one little search would bring her to extended coverage of the royal wedding.

Eventually, Reyna flung the covers off herself and stood from the bed. She moved to her desk and lowered herself into the chair; she opened her laptop and pulled up the internet search bar, typing the words, ‘Cordonian royal wedding.’

Instant results popped up from multiple media sources. The first result, however, had Reyna’s stomach twisting in knots. Live coverage. She could see it happening in real time.  

Reyna closed her eyes, pressing the tips of her fingers to her forehead as she let out a breath. She knew she shouldn’t because of what it would do to her. She couldn’t seem to help herself, though.

It was like she had to see it to believe it.

When she opened her eyes, Reyna clicked the link. A video popped up, buffering for a moment before footage of inside the Bossina Cathedral filled her screen. Her eyes instantly welled with tears.

There, at the front of the aisle, was Liam. Dressed in his royal regalia, he stood across from Riley, who was clad in a flowing gown of white lace … and in the middle of her vows.

Reyna listened as her tears started to fall; as painful as it was, she couldn’t look away. When Riley finished, the bishop turned to Liam as the camera panned to him. Reyna swore her heart stopped as she stared at his face on the screen, and she held her breath when she recognized the look of hesitation in his eyes … along with a glimmer of affliction.

A few silent moments later, Liam started to speak.

While Riley’s vows were straight from the book, Liam’s were slightly altered; where she’d spoken the words, “to love and to cherish,” Liam changed his. “To be a companion in life and duty.”

A companion. A friend.

It didn’t matter to Reyna what words were altered, it fucking hurt. More so when she watched him slip that ring onto her finger.

Reyna pressed her palm to her aching chest with a quiet sob. Twice now she thought she’d felt the worst of it, of her heartbreak. The first time was when Liam told her he needed to have a Social Season … that they couldn’t be together. The second was when she watched him choose someone at his coronation. But this … hearing him recite vows to someone else, watching him slip a promise in the form of a ring on another’s finger … It was at that exact moment her heart ruptured in her chest.

Reyna could physically feel it, the splintering and cracking and shattering. The death of something vital inside her.

Despite what Liam told her at his coronation, that he saw Riley as nothing more than a friend, Reyna knew what those vows and that promise would mean to him.

Liam would try to love Riley in some form. He would keep those vows and that promise because that’s just who he was. He would try and build something out of scraps in an attempt to assuage the guilt Reyna knew he would feel over not giving himself entirely.

And there was a chance in Liam’s willingness to try that he could grow to see her beyond a friend … that he could grow to truly love her. And that meant Reyna had really lost him.

A man of his word, those vows solidified it.

****

That night, Reyna sat in her room with heavy eyes and an even heavier heart. She’d spent most of the day in a daze. Her parents were with her; they let her cry as much as she wanted and tried their best to comfort her.

Constantine and Regina understood when Gideon and Catherine declined their invitation to the royal wedding. It wasn’t because they held a grudge but because they didn’t want to leave Reyna alone; when she walked out of her bedroom that morning, one look at her was precisely why.

That was a day Reyna found herself wanting to talk to Liam more than most. There were so many things she wanted to say to him, so much she wanted to tell him and vent to him about. She couldn’t and wouldn’t, but she wished she could.

Reaching for her bottle of water on her nightstand, Reyna’s eyes fell on a brown leather cover of a journal. She’d gotten it a month ago while out shopping with her Aunt Elsie. She hadn’t written in it … yet.

An idea then struck. Perhaps Reyna could tell Liam everything she wanted to. She could pour her heart and soul out to him onto blank pages, and though he’d never know or respond, maybe this could help her heal, even if only a little.

Reyna grabbed the journal and a pen from the nightstand drawer; she opened it to the first page, staring down at the blank sheet of paper for a moment as a tear rolled down her cheek.

“Dear Liam …”

*******

•Two Months Later•

Reyna stood in her office as she slipped on her coat. It was Friday and, ahead of her assignments, she was looking forward to a weekend of … nothing. Isolating herself had become her norm.

It had been five months since Reyna last spoke to Liam and while better, she was still working on trying to let go and come to terms with everything.

Writing in the journal seemed to help somewhat.

Reyna wrote to Liam almost every day. She wrote about her days. She wrote every time something reminded her of him. She wrote to reminisce and added photos to some pages. She wrote every happy and lonely thought. Some entries were long and deep and vulnerable, and she cried over the pages and words he’d never read; others were short, a mere sentence, a simple, “I really missed you today.”

It wasn’t what Reyna wanted, but it was all she could have.

As she grabbed her purse off the back of her chair, a knock on her office door pulled Reyna’s attention; she glanced up to see Luca. “Hey,” she smiled.

“Hi,” Luca grinned. “I know you’re getting ready to head out, but, uh …” He trailed off, letting out a breath. “You know the gala my father is hosting for his firm tomorrow night?”

“Yeah,” Reyna smiled. “My parents are going.”

Luca nodded. “I know this is last minute, but I wanted to ask … I don’t have a date, so would you … maybe want to be my plus one?”

Reyna stared at Luca for a moment. She’d turned him down for a date months ago because she wasn’t ready; he’d told her that if and when she was, he’d be there. They had shared that kiss a month or so later, but nothing since.

Although Reyna was still healing, would it be so bad to put herself back out there? To take that first step in really moving forward? He was only asking for one date.

“I know you said a while back that you weren’t in a headspace for dating, and if that’s still the case, I completely under—”

“I’d love to,” Reyna interrupted.

Luca beamed. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Reyna softly smiled. “Really.”

*******

•Four Months Later•

Luca slipped an arm around Reyna’s waist as they walked out of the restaurant after dinner one night. She glanced up at him, and he smiled as he leaned in, pulling her closer as he placed a lingering kiss on her lips.

After that first date to the gala, Reyna explained to Luca that while she enjoyed his company, she needed patience; she told him about Liam — who he had been to her, their history and relationship, her heartache, and what she went through when things ended.

Luca had been understanding, and was more than happy to give Reyna the time she needed, but four months in, he found himself falling hard for her and was ready to make things more … official.

As they walked along the pier, Luca slowed their pace to a stop; Reyna leaned against the railing, looking out at the harbor. “Can I ask you something?” Luca said, and she looked at him, nodding with a smile. “What is this?” he questioned. “With you and I, I mean …”

“I —” Reyna paused for a moment. “We … we’re dating.”

“Yes,” Luca nodded with a halfhearted smile. “What I mean is … is there a point when this will … I don’t know,” he shrugged, “take that next step into something more … serious?”

“Serious as in …?”

“As in … when we go out, I can introduce you as my girlfriend instead of just my date.”

Luca knew that what was holding Reyna back from him was the piece of her that was holding onto her past. Perhaps he was a fool for holding onto his own hope that she would eventually see what was standing right in front of her — someone willing to love her the way Liam chose not to. He was tired of the chokehold this Prince still had on her.

Luca wanted to be all in with Reyna, and he would be if she could just get out of her own damn way.

“Look,” Luca began. “I know that there’s some small part of you that’s holding onto something for him …” At his words, Reyna let out a breath, feeling that dull ache start to roil in her chest mixed with a pang of heavy guilt. “I understand what he meant to you. But regardless of choice or circumstance, you were hurt because of him. And he’s the reason that you keep putting your life on hold while he’s out there living his. Have you ever thought that maybe if you just let him go … you’d finally be able to breathe again?” She dropped his gaze, blinking back the sting in her eyes and the strike his words had hit her with. “I don’t want to upset you, Reyna. All I’m saying is that you deserve to be happy, too.”

Reyna snapped her eyes back to him. You deserve to be happy, too. It wasn’t him telling her that she deserved to be happy that had stolen the air from her lungs.

It was the ‘too.’

Liam was happy … without her. It was a truth she had yet to allow herself to accept the possibility of.

And here was Luca … forcing her to face it.

Reyna couldn’t say Luca was wrong; she was holding onto Liam. And she felt guilty because she knew Luca cared about her; he’d gone out of his way to show her since that first date. And she cared for him.

“Reyna—”

“You’re right,” Reyna interrupted as she shook her head. “I’m sorry. I …” She trailed off, letting out a breath.

Luca stepped forward; he cupped her face in his hands, forcing her gaze to his. He searched her eyes for a moment before capturing her lips in a deep kiss.

****

Later that night, Reyna sat on her bed, staring down at her journal; she’d still been writing in it almost every day.

The pen hovered over the page for a long while before Reyna finally put ink to paper.

“Dear Liam …

I have a boyfriend …”

*******

•Nine Months Later•

“This is amazing,” Reyna said as she took in the sunset at Castello di Amorosa.

Luca had planned a trip for them to Napa Valley, and one of their stops was the medieval-style Tuscan castle.

“I knew you’d love it here,” Luca said behind her.

“It’s gorgeous.”

As she stared at the castle, Reyna couldn’t help but be reminded of a certain someone. He always loved places like this, she thought to herself. And he loved good wine.

It had been a year and a half since Reyna had last seen or spoken to Liam. If someone told her just a couple of years ago where they would be now, she would have laughed in their face. Not them. Never. Yet, here they were, living two separate lives, no longer a part of each other’s. Devastated didn’t begin to describe how she still felt about it, even after all this time.

While Reyna missed everything she shared with Liam, more than anything, she missed her best friend. Not a day went by where he didn’t cross her mind at least a dozen times. She hadn’t reached out, however, and neither had he.

All she could do was hope that he was ok … and happy.

When Reyna turned back toward the vineyards, her gaze dropped to Luca; he was on one knee in front of her wearing a brilliant smile. She let out a breath, feeling her heart imperceptibly drop when he opened the box in his hands, revealing a glittering diamond ring.

“Reyna … will you marry me?”

The man kneeling before Reyna was holding his heart in his hands and asking her to take it, and the first thing that crossed her mind was not an answer … or perhaps it was.

Liam.

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

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[kristinamae093]

Ghosted — Liam x F!MC (Riley) — Prince Liam fell for Riley Brooks hard and fast. A marriage filled with love and devotion was within his reach. But everything changed when she vanished just before the end of the social season. As everyone voices their concerns regarding her scandalous departure, a confession from an unlikely source turns Liam's world upside down and makes him question everything around him.

Here Comes The Sun — Liam x F!OC (Kyla) — Two lost souls longing for hope stumble upon each other in a random encounter. When fate brings them back face-to-face, can what should be a devastating situation end up bringing the sunshine back for both?

A Wild Ride — Liam x F!MC (Riley) — A small rewrite of the diamond scene from Book 1 Chapter 11 (Drake’s birthday) and… beyond. 🍋

Baking Memories — No pairing — Constantine and Liam make a very special recipe. (HCTS AU)

Trick or... Treat? — Liam xF!OC (Kyla) — Constantine and Kyla enjoy Halloween... at Liam's expense. (HCTS AU)

Dashing Through The Snow — Liam x F!OC (Kyla) — A new festival commences at the palace, and the terror twins get creative to ensure their victory. (HCTS AU)

Blame It On The Mistletoe — A festive rewrite of Liam and Kyla's meeting/HCTS P1 (HCTS AU - AU) 🍋

Blame It On The Mistletoe Art

[justcallmefox89]

The Royal Romance: Cinderfella’s Adventures in Cordonia - Chapter Sixteen

An AU of The Royal Romance with a male MC and a bisexual prince.

It all comes out...

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

“You said ‘don’t give him the same speech you gave me’,” I murmur.

The two friends freeze in place.

“Were you together?”

My words hang heavy in the air, the tension around the three of us so thick you can practically see it crackling in the air.

“Answer the question,” I demand.  “Were the two of you in a relationship?”

Drake and Liam glance over at each other guiltily.

“Look at me, not each other!” I snap impatiently, running my hand through my hair in agitation.  “And tell me the truth or I am walking away right now, and this time I will not look back.”

“We were… together, yes,” Liam admits haltingly.

I grit my teeth and pinch the bridge of my nose to ease the pain of a rapidly oncoming headache.  “For how long?”

Drake mumbles something under his breath and I glare at him, knowing that he’s trying to avoid telling me.  “Five years,” he repeats, loud enough for me to hear this time.

“Five years…” I stupidly parrot his answer.  “Five years?!”

“Callum…” Liam takes a step towards me, reaching out to take my hand.

I slip away from him, holding up my hands to keep him away.  “No.  No, no, no, no, no.  No kissing or sweet talking your way out of this one, Liam.”

Drake smirks and huff out a laugh, quieting instantly when I scowl at him.  “You’re not home free either Chuckles, so don’t get all giggly just yet.”

I pace back and forth, trying to arrange my racing thoughts.  “Ok, so you guys are exes and still best friends.  That’s fine, I can work with that; I can deal with that.  When did the two of you break up?”

The pair avoid my gaze, staring at the ground and shuffling their feet.

“Oh, let’s not all go talking at once now.”  I cross my arms and give them my best disappointed schoolteacher look.

“A few weeks before we met you,” Liam finally answers, still not able to meet my eyes.  “The social season made it impossible for our relationship to continue.”

My mouth drops open.  “Run that by me again, big man?”

“We broke up a few weeks -”

“I fucking heard him the first time!” I shout, interrupting Drake.  “What I require some clarification on is why neither of you thought that this little nugget of information was something I should have been told about!”

“And another thing!”  I take a few steps towards Liam, poking him in the chest with my index finger.  “What the fuck is your damage?  Why did you need to have a social season if you were already with Drake?  Is my Brat not good enough for you, huh?  Or is he not good enough for your father?”

Liam’s eyes harden at my mention of Constatine.

“Oh, did I hit a nerve with that one, Your Majesty?”  I poke him again.  “Little Liam, always doing what daddy wants.  But I’m not sure why I’m surprised; ditching me was easy enough for you, of course you didn’t have the balls to stand up for Drake either.”

His face flushes with anger, he steps closer to me, close enough that now his chest is lightly pressed against mine.  I can feel him through the thin fabric of my dress shirt, feel the heat radiating off of him and every labored breath he takes as he tries to control his temper.

“Things are never as simple as you want them to be, Callum.  I have commitments, responsibilities to the people of Cordonia-”

“Fuck them!”  I throw my hands up in frustration.  “There, I said it.  Fuck the people of Cordonia.  Fuck your commitments to your family, to the monarchy, to the absolutely insufferable asshats that make up the Cordonian nobility.  Fuck ‘em all!  What about your responsibilities to me?  To Drake?  What about us?  The men who loved you, who wanted to build a life with you!  What about us, huh?”

Liam freezes in place, staring up at me with wide, brown eyes.  “You loved me?” he whispers, his voice quiet and pained.

I take a step back as I feel my cheeks heat up.  “What… no, what?  This is… no, we’re not talking about me right now!  This is about you and your… your inability to… to…”

“You loved me,” he says again, this time a little louder.  “Do you still love me?”

I glance over at Drake, telepathically promising him the best blowjob of his life if he will just get me out of this situation.  He stares back at me, one eyebrow arched, seemingly just as interested as Liam in my answer to the question.

I begin to pace in a tight circle, flapping my hands in front of myself in an effort to wave away the two men’s searching looks.  “No.  No, this isn’t fair.  I’m pissed off and I'm horny and you can’t expect me to answer a question like that when I’m like this!”

“I’m sorry… you’re what?” Liam asks, struggling to keep a straight face while Drake snickers.

“You both kept a huge secret from me!  I’m fucking pissed!  And it was a sexy secret… Like people probably have written fanfics about the sexy Cordonian prince and his dark and broody best friend and you’re telling me that you two banged like a screen door in a hurricane for real?!  For five fucking years?  My imagination is in hyperdrive right now…”  I link my hands behind my neck and take a few deep breaths.  “I need a drink.  Or five.  Don’t you dare follow me.”

I storm off to the elevator and smash the ‘DOWN’ button, tapping my foot impatiently as I wait for the elevator cab to reach the rooftop.  I look back over my shoulder to see Drake and Liam watching me with forlorn looks on their faces.  I turn back and resolutely stare at the closed steel elevator doors, determined to ignore them. 

I will not go back, I will not go back, I will no-

“Goddamn it,” I groan, turning on my heel and stomping back to the two best friends.

“Callum?” Drake’s eyes widen in surprise.

I wrap my hand around the back of his neck and jerk him towards me, causing him to stumble a bit.  “Shut up.  I’m mad at you.”

I crush my mouth against his in a rough, aggressive kiss.  Drake’s lips part beneath mine in instant obedience, and his tongue tentatively brushes against mine.  My hand moves from back of his neck to tenderly cup the side of his face while I ravage his mouth, drinking in his taste like a man dying of thirst.  I bite his lower lip, hard enough to make him whine, soothing it with a flick of my tongue before finally pulling away.  Drake sways forward, chasing my lips, his cheeks red and eyes half-lidded.  I smirk at his dazed expression before pressing one last firm, but chaste, kiss to his lips.

Liam awkwardly shuffles next to us, but the interested look on his face says he’s not entirely unaffected by watching Drake and I kiss.  I turn towards him, wrapping my arms around his waist and pulling him flush against me.  Liam tips his face up, meeting my lips in a kiss that’s been over a year in the making.  There’s nothing hurried about our kiss; Liam takes his time, his tongue languidly sliding against mine in a slow rhythm causes me to softly moan into his mouth.  I feel him smile as we kiss, pleased with my reaction.  I pull back just a bit, til our lips are only just touching. 

“Of course I still love you, darlin’,” I murmur.  “I never stopped.  Insulted you even had to ask, to be honest.”

Liam giggles softly, his lips brushing against mine.  “I’m not sorry… not if it gets you to kiss me like this.”

“And you.”  I turn and point directly at Drake.  “Before you get any silly ideas in that pretty little head of yours… You should know that fucking I love you too.”

Before either of them can respond a ding sounds from behind us and the elevator doors slide open.

“Fucking finally,” I mutter, stalking into the elevator cab and frantically and repeatedly jabbing the ‘DOOR CLOSE’ button.

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

Drake and Liam stand next to each other in complete silence, watching the elevator doors close behind a clearly frazzled Callum.

“What just happened?” Drake asks, stunned.  

Liam slowly shakes his head.  “I honestly have no idea.”

[bebepac]

Six Sentence Sunday 03.31.24

Is it me you're looking for? Yes, I know I've been M.I.A. for a bit, but you guys I'm really trying to upper level adult here. I have decided I'm going to buy a house. So I have hired a realtor and have started the process. When my lease is up again, I WILL be moving into my home.

Let's see if I remember how to set one of these up!

Original post 03/31/24 at 8:02PM EST

Chapter 9: Riley Brooks's Day Off

The Series: Life of Riley Book 2

The Book: TRR

Pairings: Liam x Riley (Liam x F!MC)

Status: Still in the writing process

Since the challenges Constantine had been coming up with weekly for the suitors were getting a lot of publicity for the crown, the suitors met weekly for a meeting with a PR specialist to make sure they had the crown’s best interests in everything they did. They also passed out weekly itineraries of what the Suitors would be doing. Did it ever reveal any events they would be participating in? No, but that their sponsor would be revealing the new task and prize for that week."

Riley thumbed through the itinerary, once than again looking confused.

“Is something wrong Lady Riley?”

“Jenna, my booklet seems to be missing a page. I have nothing for Friday’s itinerary .”

“Actually no you’re not. None of you are. Since I've just been brought into this role, I know you ladies are going through a lot being thrust into the public eye in this magnitude. Lady Riley, you for example, you are coming to us from America and have no experience with dealing with the nobility on a daily basis, and are completely learning how to navigate court successfully from scratch. I recognize this to be quite the experience. The potential reward of all of this is indescribable, but you all need breathing moments for mental and physical wellbeing. We are building in “off days” to your schedule to do what you want with it, a recharge day of sorts, or a mental health day if you will.”

“Well if you’re weak you need days off. I will spend my time training.” Olivia chimed in.

“If that is how you want to spend your day Olivia, there are no wrong answers, it’s free to do whatever you want, as long as you enjoy it.”

That evening:

“Of course, you would have an off day when I’m out of the country.” Liam sounded genuinely disappointed.

“I know I thought about that too.”

“Take it as an opportunity Riley, do some exploring, sleep in a little bit, we both know you like your sleep. Relax. You know, life moves really fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

“You’re completely right Liam. Thanks.”

“Sounds like you have a plan.”

“I do.”

When she hung up with him, she called Maxwell.

“What’s up Little Blossom?”

“I need your help.”

WIP 2

Part 3: Spice Spice Baby

Series: Not officially one: Previous Parts include: Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice

The Book: TRR

Pairings: Liam x Bebe (Liam x F!OC)

Status: Still in the writing process

I have never required that much sleep. There has always been something so peaceful about the world at night for me. I glanced at her once more before getting out of bed. She was soundly sleeping and didn’t even stir from her slumber as I rose. A good mattress will do that, and honestly I think she needed the rest. I slipped on my pajama pants and walked to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.

Night time was when I did my best thinking, and the thought crossed my mind that the two of us would be able to pull off this ruse with my coworkers. Bebe really did seem invested to make “us work.” Or maybe she was invested in the paycheck.

“Was my snoring keeping you awake?”

Bebe was standing in the doorway of the kitchen, resting her hip on the frame, her robe loosely tied.

“You don’t snore.”

“And you,” she gently tapped my nose with her pointer finger, “are a liar.”

“I wasn’t lying, I didn’t hear you snoring, or if you were, you weren’t disturbing me.”

“Why are you up, Liam?”

“Why are you up, Bebe?”

She quirked her eyebrow at me, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I rarely sleep through the whole night, I’m always up for a bit.”

“Why?”

Her stare from across the room was almost piercing my soul.

“Therapist was not one of your duties I'm paying you for in our contract.”

She looked surprised, but more importantly, hurt by my remark. In a split second I had turned her into a business arrangement that she was a prostitute, that I was paying for a service.

“Oh, well you’re paying me a handsome sum, therefore I feel like I should be anything you need me to be at the moment. I’ll just….”

I had hurt her feelings, and snapped at her, and I didn’t even know why, and the look in her eyes, I didn’t want to ever see that again.

“Life.” I called out to her before she was out of the room. Bebe immediately stopped and turned to face me.

“I can relate to that. Do you mind if I just sit up with you for a bit then?”

“No, not at all.”

Bebe settled into the couch next to me. She didn’t say a word, but I found her silence and non-judgment strangely comforting.

WIP 3

Part 4

Series: The Vampires Live On

The Book: TRR

The Pairing: Liam x Riley (in this decade Gabriel x Alice in the past)

Status: Still in the writing process

“We’re here.”

“I really didn’t think it would be this clean here. I know what you said, but looking at the other graves along the way here, I expected the same condition.”

“You know, I can be very persuasive, and keeping in contact as the groundskeeper’s changed over the years, very important in this. “

“I didn’t think they would be buried side by side.”

“Because that didn’t matter here, and since he died, protecting the two of you, his family wanted nothing to do with him.”

“Poor Max. He was such a good sweet guy. What we were, or not completely, never mattered to him.”

I placed the small flower arrangement into the vase at his grave.

“I have missed you dear friend,”

“I’m going to give you some time alone with your sister and friend.”

“You can stay.”

“No, I’ve been with you for an eternity, you have not had any time with her or him since that night. I want you to have some time alone with them. You deserve that.”

“Thank you, Liam.”

Even though the space around her grave was clean, I found myself picking up and pushing the few leaves and debris away to make her area more pristine.

I sat down in the grass in front of her grave and closed my eyes, letting the emotions of finally being here with her again wash over me.

“Hi Clara. I have missed you so much.”

WIP 4

Chapter 17: Finale Part 4: The Wedding

Series: The Rotten Apple 🍎

The Book: TRH & Beyond

Pairings: Eleanor x Nico (Elle x M!OC) / Liam x Riley

Status: Still in the writing process

Final exams for Liberty had ensured that she wouldn’t be able to come to Greece early to take part in some of the pre-wedding festivities that Elle had planned. Elle felt guilty that Liberty would be missing her graduation from the Crown Academy to come to her wedding; her father had wanted to pull some strings for Liberty, but Elle declined, citing the importance of her education, though she did want her there.

Elle smiled as she panned the camera around the back yard.

"I really wish I was there Ellie."

"I really wish I was there. Libby! Look at you in your cap and gown. Father and I stepped away for a bit to watch the live feed of the baccalaureate."

"Thanks Ellie."

"For what?"

"Just making an effort. I can't wait to see you and everyone."

“Does that include Michail? He looked so sad when I told him you would not be here tonight.”

A slow smile crept over Liberty’s face.

“He looks sad?”

Elle laughed, “You’re clearly not about that.”

“Did he dance with any other girls?”

“Just one.”

“Who?”

Elle’s smile widened.

“Only me, when he could pull me away from Nico, all he talked about was you. He really likes you Libby.”

“You think so?”

“I know so, and he can’t wait to see you tomorrow and neither can I.”

“Neither can I!”

[karahalloway]

Devil May Care

Fandom: Heaven’s Secret (Book 1: Season 1)

Pairing: Lucifer x F!OC (Devon Hart)

Series: Oh, So Devilish

Chapter summary: Devon sneaks off to track down a lead on her death... But she's not alone.

Word count: 5,100

Warnings: M (swearing, angst, suicidal thoughts, aggro, toxic behaviour, references to death, physical violence)

Chapter theme song:

A/N1: So. This is not what I was supposed to be working on. At all. Not only is this not Intentions, but it’s not even TRR… or Choices, for that matter. However, a couple of weeks ago, @angelasscribbles convinced me to take the plunge with a Romance Club choices game called Heaven’s Secret and I became instantly hooked… especially on Lucifer’s character. I have a type; can’t you tell? 😆

A/N2: This first part of what turned into a two-parter (it just got too long, so I had to split it) focuses on the events that take place at the end of HS S1E5 and the second part focuses on the start of S1E6. Because while I love the character of Lucifer, I felt like that his characterisation missed the mark a bit (especially considering that he is the literal Son of Satan) so, I decided to make… adjustments 😏

A/N3: I appreciate that this is not what most people on my tag list signed up to read, but I have tagged my Permas anyway, in case anyone wants to indulge me. However, in the (highly likely) event that I end up writing more for this fandom, moving forward, I will only tag people who specifically request to be tagged. So if you want in on Part 2, let your preferences be known, or forever hold your peace.

A/N4: By way of context for people who decide to read, but are not familiar with canon for this story, here is some background (which I have also tried to incorporate as much as possible into the fic itself): MC (default name, Vicky Walker, but for various reasons, I decided to create an OC instead) is killed in a car crash. However, instead of ‘simply’ dying, she is offered the choice to become an immortal and join the Angels & Demons Academy (located in Heaven) and train to become either an angel or a demon (your choices in the game actually affect your path — prior to choosing an eventual side, you are referred to as an ‘Unclaimed’). As part of her training, MC is sent down to Earth to complete assignments that require her to influence humans into making various choices… however, MC is also secretly trying to investigate the circumstances of her (highly suspicious) death. Also, for the purposes of this universe, Lucifer is the demon son of Satan and Lilith (not a fallen angel as per Biblical canon). Dino, Sammy and Fencio are true-born angels (don’t ask about the names), Mimi and Adi are true-born demons. Both angels and demons (and Unclaimed) are anthropomorphic and have wings; however, when they go down to Earth, they disguise themselves in human form. Hope that helps! 🤗

Devil May Care

“Ah, there you are…”

Jerking my gaze away from Dino, I spot Sammy’s human form standing a few feet away.

“Sorry,” I say, quickly wiping the remnants of the wetness from my face. “I… I just needed a minute.”

Sammy nods in understanding. “If it’s any consolation, the fact that you care is a good thing. It shows you still have your humanity. No death should be treated lightly, yet most demons… and a fair number of angels have lost sight of that. But it’s a strength. Don’t let Adi or Mimi tell you otherwise.”

“Thanks, Sammy…” I say with a sniffle, forcing myself to stand.

“Any time,” he acknowledges with a lop-sided smirk. “But we should get going.”

“Yes. It is time to return,” confirms Dino, coming to stand beside me.

As if on cue, the air begins to thicken around us, and a familiar crackle of energy raises the hairs on my arms. Glancing up, I see the very fabric of the night sky stretch and strain as an otherworldly wind whips the now-familiar bridge between the dimensions into shape.

Dino steps into the centre of the maelstrom first, lifting into the air as the vortex sucks him back to the ethereal realm. 

“See you on the other side,” Sammy winks as he leaps after the other angel.

With a heavy exhale, I shove my hands into the pockets of my biker jacket, and force myself to move towards the epicentre of the storm.

Finding myself back on Earth in the wake of my death hadn’t been easy the first time, and it sure as hell hasn’t gotten any easier the second time either. Because even though everyone at the Academy keeps reminding me that my mortal life is well and truly over, and there is no going back, for whatever inexplicable reason I can’t seem to accept my new-found providence.

And coming back here — to the human realm — just feels like a massive kick in the gut each and every time… Like a kid being taunted with everything they can’t have from the other side of a toy store window. A cruel reminder of what that was wrenched away from me. My friends… My family… Even myself.

The undeniable force of the vortex tugs at my clothes, trying to lift me skywards, but I find myself fighting it.

Maybe because my death had been thrust upon me with such shocking suddenness… giving me no time to prepare, much less come to terms with it before I fell into the world of angels and demons. Maybe because the grief I saw etched into my father’s face has woven itself into the threads of my soul as well, reinforcing the harshness of the truth that we got cheated out of what could have been left of our precious, irretrievable time together. Or maybe it’s because I know that my killer is still out there, living it up despite the crime he committed against me, free from punishment, free from the scythe of justice.

The tip of my finger brushes against the folded letter buried in my pocket.

Since picking it up outside of my house a few days ago — though, to be fair, I have no idea how time converted between Earth and the angelic realm, so for all I know, it could’ve been years since my last visit – I’ve carried the piece of paper with me everywhere. In part because I don’t want anyone finding it and wondering how I managed to get my hands on it in the first place… As given that we aren’t supposed to interact with mortals outside of our given assignments, I am not particularly interested in the chewing out that is no doubt in store for me if someone decides to rat on me. But also, in part because I cannot let what happened to me go… and desperately crave answers.

Digging my heels in on the edge of the swirling whirlpool of energy, I pull the letter out…

…but as if by fate, the square of paper is ripped from my grasp by a particularly vicious gust of wind.

“No…!” I gasp, throwing myself heedlessly after my only lead.

The letter zooms around the circumference of the vortex — like a hapless butterfly riding the edge of a tornado — and begins to track upwards, ever further from my reach…

But just as it’s on the verge of vanishing into the void, it is suddenly snatched out of the air with inhuman speed and precision.

I stumble to stop, mouth agape and arm outstretched like some drunken ballerina as I lay eyes on the dark form on the other side of the vortex.

Crap…

Of all the possible ways this screw-up could’ve gone, this is — hands down — the worst.

As even in human skin… without the horned wings gathered around him like a dark halo, or the pulsing, ethereal tattoos that seem to constantly shift along the visible surface of his skin… there is no mistaking the raw power emanating from the being standing across from me.

Lucifer cocks a lazy brow in my direction as he holds the note up. “Lost something, have we?” 

His eyes meets mine, and in spite of the distance separating us, I feel the full heat of the fire that burns in his demonic gaze scorch into me like the blade of a hot knife.

And despite drawing upon every ounce of my willpower to prevent it from happening, I feel an incriminating blush rise up my cheeks.

A slow smile curves at his lips. “I thought so…”

“Give it back!” I snap, my momentary embarrassment morphing instantly into anger… even though I know in the back of my mind this is exactly the reaction he is probably looking to goad me into.

Because I am angry. Angry at myself for being stupid enough to arm someone like Lucifer with such potent ammunition to use against me. Angry with him for the fact that he managed to sneak up on me like this in the first place.

But most of all, my heart is still bleeding for that little girl who died a senseless death mere minutes ago… and the knowledge that I had been complicit in it. 

And I cannot keep a latch on the tidal wave of red rising over me. Nor do I really want to. 

I have already cried a river on the bench with Dino — commiserating not just for the fate of the girl, but for the fucked up situation I now find myself in as well — and I have no tears left. Just raw, frothing rage at the inherent unjustness of the world, at the flippant and uncaring attitude of my fellow immortals who see humans as mere pawns on their eternal chess board, and my own powerlessness in the face of forces and rules that I don’t yet fully understand, but which I’m being steered to blindly conform to anyway.

And the arrogant demon standing in front of me is just as good a scapegoat for my ire as any.

“Or what?” he taunts, sliding his thumb slowly across the paper… taunting me shamelessly with the missive he now holds in his hand.

Something inside of me snaps and I launch myself at him with a wordless yell.

But the vortex has apparently had enough of being kept on hold by my indecision, and before I’ve made it two steps, I find myself being sucked up to go careening through time and space like a discombobulated pinball.

“Damn it!” I cuss as I’m tugged through the shimmering funnel against my will.

I had one chance to make some much-needed progress on figuring out who killed me and why, and I’ve managed to blow it.

And who knows when I’ll have the opportunity to try again? Or even if I’ll be able to try again…

As knowing Lucifer — the literal Spawn of Satan — he’ll end up throwing me under the bus the moment we get back to the Academy… just for perverse kicks.

“Asshole…” I gripe under my breath as I feel the speed of the vortex slow, indicating that my unplanned trip is about to come to an end.

But as my feet touch down once more, it is not back at the Academy where I find myself. Instead, I’m standing outside of a building that looks very much like a police station… in my hometown.

“Huh…”

Dino had mentioned previously that destinations in the vortex are set by one’s intentions.

Since I had been so focused on the letter — which my father had received from the lead detective assigned to my case — the vortex must’ve thought this is where I had wanted to go.

And I’m not about to look an unexpected gift horse in the mouth.

Knowing that I didn’t have a lot of time before my classmates — and Fencio! — notice my absence back in the angelic realm, I hurry across the street.

Taking the steps two at a time, I shove myself through the revolving door and step into the station. Luckily, I have the contents of the letter memorised, given that I no longer have it in my possession, so I’m hoping that I’ll be able to blag my way through this with some semblance of grace.

The receptionist manning the counter looks up at my arrival. “Can I help you?”

“Erm… Yes,” I confirm, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear as I step forward. “I’m looking for DC Lawton. He was heading up the Hart case…?”

I cross my fingers behind my back, hoping against hope that it’s only been mere weeks and not decades since my death, and the police are still investigating.

The receptionist takes a moment to consult her computer. “Yes. He should still be in.”

A relieved breath bursts out of me. Another break!

“Do you have an appointment?”

“Not exactly…” I admit. “But… I do have some information relating to the case that he needs to hear.”

The woman behind the desk studies me for a long moment, no doubt wondering what a petite Korean girl wearing pink pigtails and spiked leather could possibly have to contribute to a homicide investigation… given that that is the mortal skin I am currently masquerading around in.

But she nevertheless seems to take me at my word. “Down the hall, second door on the left.”

“Thank you!” I blurt, already turning away.

Speedwalking past the desk and down the corridor, I locate the correct door and push down on the handle without knocking.

The lone man occupying the room barely glances up from his stack of papers at the sound of my arrival. “Yeah?”

“DC Lawton?” I ask, stepping into the room.

“That’s what it says on the name plaque,” he grunts, indicating the front of his desk.

“Great!” I exclaim, moving up to him. “I…”

I trail off, realising that I haven’t actually planned out what I was going to say when I got here. As I can’t exactly reveal that I am the dead victim from one of his case files, come to demand answers about the circumstances of the car crash that killed her.

The detective raises his head, waiting for a response..

I take a deep breath. “I hear you’re the lead investigator on the Hart case.”

He nods. “That’s right. And you are?”

“An interested party,” I admit. It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the whole truth either.

His brows furrow, no doubt in response to the same train of thought that chugged down the tracks of the receptionist’s mind earlier. “What kind of interested party?”

Shit…

I’m not sure exactly how I had expected this conversation to go, but it definitely wasn’t like this. 

But then I remember that I’m not a mere human anymore…

And I’m not willing to leave empty-handed.

Ditching any rational approach, I scrunch my face up in pretend grief as I flop dramatically into the chair at the side of the detective’s desk. “I didn’t want to say anything before because I didn’t want anyone to know… especially my parents… but I can’t keep it in anymore and I need to tell someone!”

DC Lawton startles slightly at my unexpected and borderline theatrical flip of composure. “Keep what in anymore?”

I slap an aggrieved hand onto his. “That Devon and I were in a relationship!”

The detective’s eyes widen in shock, and I use his momentary surprise to lock my gaze with his, just like we practiced back at the Academy.

The physical contact, combined with the suddenly unrestricted access to the window of his soul, allows me to breach the energetic wall encasing his body, and dive right into the hidden recesses of his mind.

Yes! It worked!

But I force myself to curtail my celebration, knowing that I need to focus all my attention on maintaining the delicate connection with the man sitting in front of me.

“You must help me, Detective,” I urge, tightening my hold on his hand.

DC Lawton looks somewhat dazed — like he’s been whacked over the back of the head — but at the sound of my voice, his pupils dilate eagerly. “How can I help?”

“The girl in the Hart case that you’re investigating… she was run off the road. Do you know by who?”

“No,” he intones, his voice slightly groggy. “The vehicle was a rental. A black minivan. I haven’t had a chance to talk to the rental company yet…”

“Which rental company?” I press.

“Global Drive,” he says. “The license plate is NYK 357.”

“Can you write that all down for me?”

He lifts his pen up with a nod to scribble onto a Post-It. “Your hand is so warm…”

“Thanks,” I say, snatching the note from him and breaking off the contact in the process.

He blinks up at me rapidly. “Any time…?”

Jumping up from the chair, I turn to dash out of the room…

…and nearly trip over my own feet when I come face to face with the glowering form leaning against the door jamb.

“What th—?”

Lucifer’s lips curl back to reveal teeth. “I should have you racked in the Pits.”

An involuntary shiver runs down my spine at his words. Not because of the sinister nature of the threat — I’ve been to Hell, and it certainly is no picnic! — but because I can see from the tight set of his jaw that he is actively considering carrying it out.

I force myself to meet his burning gaze head-on. “Well, unfortunately for you, I didn’t end up in Hell when I died. So, you don’t get to make that call.”

“No,” he growls back. “But your flagrant disregard for the rules makes you a liability, and I refuse to take the fall for you.”

“Well, maybe you should’ve thought of that before you decided to follow me,” I hit back, bumping him with my shoulder as I shove past him on my way out of the room.

His hand shoots out to latch around my arm with a vice-like grip, and suddenly I find myself nose-to-nose with him.

“I didn’t follow you,” he hisses into my face, his coal-black irises alight with the very fires of Hell. “The vortex brought me here because you can’t keep hold of your own fucking trash.”

“It’s not trash!” I spit back. “It’s—“

“Was it worth it?”

The question — and the sudden change in his tone — catches me off guard. 

I blink in confusion, wondering if I maybe misheard him. But while his piercing gaze is still locked onto me with the same degree of ferociousness as a moment ago, behind the raging inferno of irritation glimmers a genuine spark of curiosity.

“Maybe,” I concede tightly, trying to get a read on him.

As demons, I’ve learnt, are inherent wildcards. Unpredictable at the best of times, and downright diabolical at the worst. Which means their whims and whiles can change at the drop of a hat, and it is dangerous to get caught in a compromising position with them.

Which — unfortunately — is exactly where I have managed to find myself with Lucifer. Trapped in a corner, with him holding all the trumps. So, I don’t want to admit any more than I strictly have to.

He rakes his hot gaze over me one more time — as if trying to catch me out in a lie — before pulling back slightly.

“Hmm… Not a complete waste of wings then…”

I wrench my arm from his grasp. “Fuck you.”

I swear I hear a snort of amusement escape him as I stomp away… But I resist the urge to sucker punch him. He is not worth it, and I have better things to do with my limited time on Earth anyway.

Glancing down at the Post-It in my hand, I can see that DC Lawton has been kind enough to scrawl down the address of the rental centre… and that it is only a few blocks away.

Which is a blessing, given that I don’t have any money on me with which to hail a cab or jump on a bus, and our lessons at the Academy have yet to cover how to magically hotwire a car. 

So, walking it is. At least the physical exertion will give me a chance to blow off some steam.

Shoving the note into my pocket, I push through the revolving doors of the station, and back out onto the street. Pausing for a second to get my bearings – it’s been a while since I last frequented this part of town, having spent the preceding four years of my mortal life off at college – I quickly rake through my mental map of the neighbourhood before setting off to the right.

Except, I don’t even make it to the end of the block before I feel a tell-tale prick in the back of my neck. Glancing over my shoulder, my stomach drops as I catch sight of Lucifer a few yards behind me.

Gritting my teeth, I pick up my pace, hoping that it’s merely an unfortunate coincidence that he happens to be going in the same direction as me.

But it seems that I am in no such luck, as he’s still tailing me two blocks later, like an annoying black fly that I cannot seem to shake, no matter how hard I try.

With the result that by the time I get to the next crosswalk, my cool has evaporated completely, and instead of crossing the road in front of me, I end up rounding on him like a rabid pitbull.

“You’re such a fucking hypocrite!”

My outburst seems to catch him off-guard. But whatever jump I may have managed to get on him is fleeting at best, and in the next instant, he’s up in my face again, teeth bared and hackles raised. “Watch your tongue, Unclaimed. Before I rip it out of your mouth.”

“Oh, the truth hurts, does it?” I snip up at him.

“You don’t know the meaning of pain,” he grits, his hand snapping around the base of my throat.

My eyes narrow. “I know more than you think.”

“No. You don’t.” The flames in his eyes lick over me contemptuously. “And your arrogance will get you killed. Permanently.”

“Bet you’d love to be the one to do it, too,” I goad with a humourless smile. 

I know I’m playing with hellfire. But I don’t care. I didn’t ask for this life, and I’m still not convinced I want it. So, if Lucifer is willing to put me out of my misery, then so be it. Being who he is, I’m sure he has the means… and I’ve just handed him the opportunity on a silver platter.

The Prince of Darkness stares at me for what feels like an age, his hand wrapped around my throat, face a mere breath from mine, his gaze simmering as if trying to read my very soul.

“Unlike you, angel, I’m not that stupid,” he murmurs, his voice barely a whisper. His hand drops from my neck as he steps abruptly past me.

“Then why are you still here?” I demand, whirling around after him.

He stops a few feet away, shoulders tense. But when he looks back at me, rather than anger or annoyance, it’s that devilish grin playing at his lips again. “Maybe I’m just enjoying the show.”

“Eugh!” I grit, throwing my hands up in the air as I plow past him.

Conceited, egotistical, patronising bastard! Why can’t he fall back into the Seventh Circle of Hell, where he fucking—

I’m so incessed that I end up storming right by the rental centre… and have to retrace my steps from the other end of the block to correct my mistake.

So, by the time I arrive back at the correct entranceway, my mood is even more foul than when I left the police station.

“Save it,” I spit as I reach the still-smirking form of Lucifer, leaning against the metal fence post of the lot.

His brow arches. “Did you hear me—?”

I flip him off in no uncertain terms as I stride past without a backwards glance.

He wants to stick around? Fine. But that doesn’t mean I need to be nice to him. Hell will have to freeze over first.

Arriving at the first row of parked cars, I pull the Post-It out from my pocket and begin scanning the plates, looking for the black van.

“Good afternoon, miss. Can I help you find anything in particular?”

Looking up, I see a suited man with a combover and a name tag looking at me expectantly. The rental rep, by the looks of him.

“Yes, actually,” I affirm. “I’m looking for a black minivan.”

“You have come to the right place,” he tells me with an eager smile as he starts to lead me to the other side of the lot. “Global Drive stocks the largest selection of rental vans available for hire in the area, and we’re happy to accommodate both long- and short-term requirements. Are you moving, by any chance?”

“Huh?” I’d been too busy trying to match the van plates to the number on the Post-It that I totally missed the question.

The rep’s smile falters slightly. “Since your interest is in a minivan, am I correct to assume that y—?”

“No.”

Both mine and the rep’s gaze snap around to land on the hulking presence of Lucifer, who has managed to slither up behind us without either of us noticing.

“We’re not planning on renting it,” he adds, with what I can only deduce is his interpretation of an angelic smile.

My stomach drops. Oh, no…

The rep frowns. “Then why—?”

“Because this lovely young lady is of the belief that she may have left a rather intimate item in one of your vans following a recent excursion of ours. And she’s desperate to retrieve it.”

“Oh, well of course!" agrees the rep. “We pride ourselves on—"

“It’s lacy… And expensive…” Lucifer clarifies with a sly look. “And probably lodged between the—”

“The point is!” I interject loudly, my cheeks burning with mortification despite the fact that the entire story is a shameless lie. “We would like to take a look in the van. The plate number was NYK 357.”

The demeanour of the rep suddenly shifts. “Umm… Are you certain?”

“Yes,” I say, laying a hand on his arm to try and sway him like I did the detective. “Very—”

The rep snatches his arm away. “I’m going to need to see some ID. I cannot allow access to the vehicles without verifying that—”

I reach towards him again. “Surely that’s not necessary… We just want to take a quick peek, and—”

“He’s going to bolt…” breathes Lucifer in my ear.

I flick my head away irately. “Shut—”

But the rep has already turned tail and fled.

“Damn it!” I grit.

“Told you,” Lucifer smirks down at me.

I give him an annoyed shove. “He only did that because of you! If you hadn’t stuck your nose in it, I would’ve—”

“I did nothing,” he counters tersely, the coals of his eyes flaring in warning. “Your attempt to influence him was doomed from the start. But you were too obstinate to notice.”

“Obstinate!” I cry. “You were breathing in my ear!”

“And did you like it?” he purrs, suddenly all up in my space again as he flips the tables on me with diabolical speed.

“No,” I snort, turning pointedly away. 

Asshole…

He deliberately sabotaged my attempt to establish a connection with the rental rep. Whether for his own perverse enjoyment — like the Devil temping Eve in the Garden — or whether for some more sinister reason, it doesn’t matter. The end result is the same. And I have no clue how I’m going to be able to salvage this rapidly snowballing clusterfuck, given that I am already working on borrowed time.

But I know I have to try. I’ve somehow managed to make it this far, in spite of the successive obstacles Lucifer’s thrown in my way, and I refuse to give that bastard the satisfaction of believing that I’m going to let him win whatever one-sided game he’s playing.

“He is gay.”

I stumble to a stop. “Say what?”

Lucifer is standing in front of me, blocking the way to the door of the rental centre. “The rental rep. He is gay. That is why your feeble attempts to influence him didn’t work.”

“Yeah… Right…” I snap, trying to push past him. I’m not falling for whatever kind of trick this is supposed to be.

He grabs my arm. “Check that attitude before I check it for you, Unclaimed. Because you’re not going to like my methods…”

“Is that supposed to be a threat?” I hit back. “Because based on what I’ve seen of your ‘methods’, they are mediocre at best.”

His eyes flash in fury. “You’ve seen nothing, angel…”

“I’m not an angel,” I deride, wrenching my arm from his grasp.

He scoffs. “Well, you’re certainly no demon. The way you’re floundering around like—”

I catch sight of something through the window. “Oh, no…”

Lucifer jerks his gaze over his shoulder…

…and before I can blink, he’s vanished into the rental centre, the glass door flapping wildly in his wake.

Catching the handle on the out-swing, I dash after him as fast as my stiletto boots can carry me… and an involuntary gasp escapes me as I lay eyes on the scene in front of me.

The rental rep is pressed up against the wall, his feet dangling a good foot off the ground as Lucifer holds him suspended with the hand locked around his neck. The phone that I’d spotted the rep frantically trying to dial a moment ago lies shattered on the floor.

“Please…” begs the man, clawing desperately at the fingers that are squashing his trachea. “I—“

“Shut up,” growls Lucifer, shoving the rep higher. “You have exactly two seconds to tell us everything we need to know before I rip your throat out. And if you even think about lying… Well, you don’t even want to go there…”

The rep blanches visibly. “Anything! I’ll… I’ll tell you anything! Please, just—“

“Ask him,” Lucifer barks without even a glance in my direction.

I take a shaky step forward. “We… We’re looking for the driver who rented the black van. License plate—”

“I… I know…” croaks the rep, his face starting to redden from the lack of oxygen. “I worked the shift and… and remember him. He never bought the van back…”

My throat tightens painfully. Because he rammed me off the road…

“Who was he?” demands Lucifer.

“Not… local,” the man rasps, struggling for breath. “Gave a hotel as an address… Hotel… Hotel Aphrodite. And his name… His name sounded strange… almost French. But he didn’t speak—”

“To Hell with all that,” comes the short-tempered command. “Give us the fucking name.”

“Am-Amidi Laurent!”

Lucifer drops the rep like a sack of trash. “You got that?”

“Yeah…” I confirm tightly, watching the man wheeze on the floor.

“Good,” he grits. “Let’s go.”

Without giving me a say in the matter, he grabs my wrist to haul me out the door.

I stumble after him like a witless marionette, trying to process what I just witnessed.

Lucifer… Willing to kill… For me…?

The concept simply does not compute.

“Happy now?”

The sound of Lucifer’s voice wrenches me from the whirlpool of my thoughts…

…and looking up, I find that we’re back out on the street, just around the corner from the rental centre.

“I…” I glance back in the direction of Global Drive with a lump in my throat. “Why did you do that?”

“To save time,” he replies dispassionately. “And get the truth out of him.”

“Yeah… But…” A shiver courses through me at the ease with which he’d immobilised the rep… The ease with which he’d threatened him. “Why?”

Lucifer lets out an exasperated exhale. “Hell’s bells, you Unclaimed are dense sometimes… Because that’s what you wanted.”

I gape at him, stupefied. This must be some kind of fever dream…

“Don’t I get a thank you?”

The simplicity of his question knocks me off kilter completely.

My eyes lift to his almost on their own volition, and I find him gazing down at me silently, intently… like a cat waiting to see in which direction the mouse will jump.

Except there is no malice or mockery in his gaze. Just plain old curiosity once again.

And because my tongue has become stuck in my throat, and after everything that’s just happened, my mind is a non-functioning mess, I do the stupidest thing imaginable…

…and reach up to kiss him on the cheek.

He stiffens — probably just as shocked by what’s happening as I would be if I could think coherently right now. But for whatever reason, he doesn’t laugh or pull away. He simply stands, still as a statue, hardly even drawing breath.

I have no idea how long we stay there, frozen in time with my lips pressed against his jaw — the heat of his skin burning me even through the dampener of his mortal guise — before we finally break apart.

I turn quickly away, face flushed and heart hammering, not being able to bring myself to look him in the eye for fear of what I might find there.

Oh, Christ… What the hell did I just do?

The story continues in Devil You Know

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[peonierose]

Masterlist

☁️ (Fluff) | 🎭 (Angst) | Series 📚 | 📱 (Text Fic / Social Media) | 🔥 (NSFW) | Ⓜ️ (Mature) | 🃏 (Teen) | 🌈 (LGBTQ+)| 🎨 (Artwork)| 🎁 (Gifts from friends)

Open Heart

Set after OH ended

Pink Lemonade ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary:

Las hijas de Luna ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: It’s time for Luna and Bryce to welcome their twins into the world. Will there be any complications? Or will the birth go without a hitch?

Don‘t call me Angel ☁️ | - Characters involved: Luna Auclair (F!OC - OH), Bryce Lahela (M!MC - OH), Tobias Carrick (M!MC - OH, Maxwell Beaumont (M!MC - TRR) and Bertrand Beaumont (M!MC - TRR)

Summary: Luna helps Tobias to polish his image. Will she be successful?

Losing Game (4/4) 📚 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce and Luna have worked things out. But there is still one visit to make before Bryce and Luna find closure.

Losing Game (3/4) 📚 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce visited his dad in prison and now he and Luna are oceans apart, but after a scare during his surgery he can only think of one person to call.

Losing Game (2/4) 📚 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce comes back from visiting his father in prison. Though he didn’t tell Luna. Will things work out between them? Or will they drift further apart?

Losing Game (1/4) 📚 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary:  Bryce visits his dad in prison. How will that go? Will they reunite or will they stay apart forever? 

Summer‘s Kiss ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Luna and Bryce enjoy a bit of alone time together by Manoa Falls.

I‘m a Sucker for You ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela

Summary: Bryce and Luna spend some time on Valentine‘s Day (even though they’re not the biggest Valentine’s Day fans). With one or two presents in between.

Rosé all Day ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC), Evie Auclair (F!OC), Soraya Auclair (F!OC), Meilani Leahi (F!OC) and Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary:  It’s Maxines birthday on February 14th, but Luna knows that Maxine doesn’t like Valentine‘s day. So she and the girls spend some quality time together. Drinking eating, and playing some games.

Looks like Pizza to me ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Soraya Auclair (F!OC), Evie Auclair (FOC), Skyler Auclair (M!OC)

Summary: Luna, her cousins Soraya, Evie and Sky make pizza and debate if pineapple belong on pizza or not. Who will win the debate?

Cake by the Ocean ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Before Bryce and Luna get a special surprise before their cake testing. Are they ready for this next step in their relationship?

A Pinch of Pink and Blue...This one's for you ☁️🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce and Luna have the talk about trying for kids. Are they ready for that yet?

Go Blonder ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce makes a bet with Jackie. What happens if he loses?

I Do ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Hayley. Valentine-Ramsey (F!MC)

Summary: Bryce, Luna and their friends and family were invited to attend Ethan and Hayley‘s wedding.

My Love won't let you down ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Soraya Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Skyler Auclair (M!OC) and Evie Auclair (F!OC)

Summary: Soraya is heartbroken. Luna, Bryce and Luna's cousin Sky and Evie help her go through it.

Paint Wars ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce and Luna turn painting into an afternoon of fun.

A new Chapter ☁️ 🎭 📱 | - Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC), Luna Auclair (F!OC) and Dylan Yu (M!OC)

Summary: It’s prom night for Keiki, but it’s not exactly how she pictured it would go.

'How were we ever strangers...' ☁️ 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Luna wants to ask Bryce to marry her, not knowing Bryce wants to ask her too. Will they get a chance to ask each other?

By a Landslide ☁️ 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce and Luna take a trip to Hawaii, though they have a tough decision to make.

'I'll love you through the Madness, babe' ☁️ 🎭 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: It’s Henry's anniversary, Bryce's best friend. Someone at work made some nasty comments and Bryce got into a fight. Luna tries to cheer him up a bit.

Go with the Flow ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce gets Luna to try out surfing. It doesn't go as planned.

Always & Forever ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Luna decides to get a tattoo. But she's scared to get one alone so Bryce goes with her.

Only Love ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce shows Luna how to french braid, since she can't do it.

Cinnamon Sugar ☁️ | - Maxine Moore (F!OC) x Adam Sinclair (M!OC)

Summary: Maxine go out on their first date. How will it go? Will sparks fly or will it be a flop?

Bittersweet Symphony ☁️ | - Maxine Moore (F!OC) x Adam Sinclair (M!OC)

Summary: Maxine’s & Adams relationship goes a step further. Will they become official? Or will it take them more time?

Kintsugi ☁️ 🎭 Ⓜ️ | - Maxine Moore (F!OC) x Adam Sinclair (M!OC)

Summary: Maxine has trouble with anxiety and depression. Adam shows up to help her through it. As well as her best friend Luna.

Wildflower ☁️ | - Keiki Lahela (F!MC) x Koa Haulani (M!OC)

Summary: Keiki who still struggles with trusting guys and entering a new relationship after Dylan broke her heart. That's when she meets Koa. Will she give him a chance or will she let her fear of getting hurt win and therefore miss out on a great connection with Koa?

Dear John ☁️ | - Keiki Lahela (F!MC) x Koa Haulani (M!OC)

Summary: Keiki and Koa find love letters on the beach and try to find who they belong to. Meanwhile they are exploring where they're relationship and feelings lie.

Mona Lisa ☁️ 📱| - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Luna and Bryce have a fun tex t exchange between them, involving coffee.

Nightmare before Christmas ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Bryce and Luna have a debate if Nightmare before Christmas is a Halloween or Christmas movie.

Hau’oli la Heleui ☁️ 📱- Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC) and more

Summary: Luna, Bryce and their friends and family celebrate Halloween.

Viva Las Vegas ☁️ 📱 🌈 | - Soraya Auclair (F!OC) x Meilani Leihi (F!OC)

Summary: Two beautiful people are getting married and start a new chapter in their lives.

Pumpkin Spice ☁️ 📱 | - Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Luna Auclair (F!OC) and more

Summary: It’s fall time meaning Luna and Bryce celebrate Halloween with their friends and family.

Pink Champagne - Part 2 ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC) and more

Pink Champagne - Part 1 ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC) and more

Summary: Luna and her friends celebrate her birthday and her bachelorette party. Going away on a trip to Greece. 

Best asked question ☁️ 📱 | - Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC), Luna Auclair (F!OC), Maxine Moore (F!OC), Evie Auclair (F!OC), Soraya Auclair (F!OC)

Summary: Bryce and Luna have very important questions to ask.

My number One ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC)

Summary: If Luna and Bryce were a Disney couple which one would they be?

Sunshine ☀️ - ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair, Bryce Lahela, Keiki Lahela, Maxine Moore, Grace Auclair, Skylar Auclair, Soraya Auclair, Evie Auclair

Summary: Luna, Bryce, their family and friends celebrate Brian, Luna's dad's birthday.

Mother's Day - 📱| - Luna Auclair, Bryce Lahela, Keiki Lahela, Maxine Moore, Grace Auclair, Skylar Auclair, Soraya Auclair, Evie Auclair and more

Summary: Just a few picta edits for Mother‘s Day 💐 Enjoy 😊

Homecoming Part 2 📱 | - Luna Auclair, Bryce Lahela, Keiki Lahela and more

Summary: It’s Bryce’s Birthday. Meaning celebrating and opening presents.

Homecoming Part 1 - ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair, Bryce Lahela, Keiki Lahela and more

Summary: It’s not only Bryce and Luna moving back to Hawaii…it’s also Bryce’s Birthday on April, 16th (Yes, I took my own birthday and used it for Bryce’s as well)

Shamrock Kisses - ☁️ 📱 | - Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Luna Auclair (F!OC), Maxine Moore (F!OC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC) and Hayley Valentine (F!MC)

Summary: It’s Saint Patrick’s Day and the group‘s celebrating 🥳

L-O-V-E - ☁️ 📱 | - Luna Auclair (F!OC), Bryce Lahela (M!MC), Keiki Lahela (F!MC)

Summary: Bryce, Luna, Keiki and their friends celebrate valentines day.

Let them eat...healthy? 📱 | - Characters involved: Bryce Lahela, Luna Auclair, Keiki Lahela, Maxine, Dylan Yu.

Summary: Bryce tries to motivate everyone to eat more healthy.

❗️On Hiatus ❗️

Nightbound vs. Hänsel & Gretel

Introduction Ⓜ️ | -Gretel van Andresen (F!OC) and Hänsel van Andresen (M!OC)

Chapter 1: Wake up Little Susie Ⓜ️ | - Gretel van Andresen (F!OC) and Hänsel van Andresen (M!OC)

Summary: Hänsel and Gretel two amazing supernatural hunters are working on a new case that leads them to New Orleans and to old friends. So let the good times roll.

Chapter 2: Strange Encounters Ⓜ️ | - Gretel van Andresen (F!OC), Hänsel van Andresen (M!OC), Nik (M!MC), Katherine (F!MC) and Garros (M!MC)

Summary: Hänsel and Gretel arrive in New Orleans and meet some old friends. Will they be able to help them with the case?

Chapter 3: Unexpected Ⓜ️ | - Gretel van Andresen (F!OC), Hänsel van Andresen (M!OC), Grey (M!OC), Vi (F!OC) and Vine (

Summary: Hänsel and Gretel are now in New Orleans. Looking for clues. They’ll encounter someone new. Friend or Foe?

Once TNA & OH Crossover

Sam Dalton (M!MC), Addison Dalton (F!MC), Ethan Ramsey (M!MC) and Robin Flores (M!MC)

Summary: Addison has stage four ovarian cancer. So Sam and Addi seek a consultation with Dr. Ethan Ramsey at Edenbrook. Will they make it in time?

Part (1/5) Ⓜ️ 🎭 | - Sam Dalton (M!MC) x Addison Dalton (F!MC)

Part (2/5) Ⓜ️ 🎭 | - Sam Dalton (M!MC) x Addison Dalton (F!MC)

Part (3/5) Ⓜ️ 🎭 | - Sam Dalton (M!MC), Addison Dalton (F!MC) and Ethan Ramsey (M!MC)

Part (4/5) Ⓜ️ 🎭 | - Sam Dalton (M!MC), Robin Flores (M!MC), Ethan Ramsey (M!MC)

Part (5/5) Ⓜ️ 🎭 | - Sam Dalton (M!MC), and Addison Dalton (F!MC)

Girls Night

Sam Dalton (M!MC), Emma Anderson (F!MC) and more

Summary: The girls have a fun night together, but things don’t go as planned.

Chapter 1 - What's the Secret password - Ⓜ️ | - Emma Anderson (F!MC), Addison Dalton (F!MC) and more

Part 2 - Party like you mean it - Ⓜ️ | - Emma Anderson (F!MC), Addison Dalton (F!MC) and more

Part 3 - Streaking past your neighbors house Ⓜ️ | - Emma Anderson (F!MC), Addison Dalton (F!MC) and more

Part 4 - Epilogue - You & I Ⓜ️ | - Addison Dalton (F!MC) x Robin Flores (M!MC)

The Tell-All

Robin Flores (M!MC)

Summary: Robins Tell-All interview with Serena Knight. Told from his point of view.

Part 1 - Ⓜ️

Part 2 - Ⓜ️

Thankful

Summary: Robin spends thanksgiving with Sam, Emma, Jenny and Addison.

Green Green Mystery Machine | Rose De Luca (F!MC) x Trystan Thorne (M!MC)

Moja Ruža - ☁️ | Rose De Luca (F!MC) x Trystan Thorne (M!MC)

Summary:

Peppermint Kisses | Rose De Luca (F!MC) x Trystan Thorne (M!MC)

Summary: It’s Christmas time and Rose and Trystan spend some time with their family and friends, when their quality time gets interrupted by a pickpocket. Can Rose and Trystan solve the case?

Week 1: All Smiles and Giggles - Luna Auclair (F!OC - Open Heart)

Week 2: Picture this - Hänsel & Gretel (OC‘s - Nightbound)

Week 3: Kala Kala - Luna Auclair (F!OC - Open Heart)

Under Construction 🚧

Other Fics

Both are good 🌈 | - Bryce Lahela (M!MC) x Raleigh Carrera (M!MC)

Colab with @aallotarenunelma

Aallotar's A/N: This project started exactly a month ago, as my great friend Peonie and I were complaining about the lack of fictions about friendship. We discussed and chose a great pair of friends across the Choices universe. Since then, everything has fallen into place, so this fiction is an entry for the Let's Hear it for the Boys event by @choicesficwriterscreations , as well as for the Bi Awareness Week hosted by @choicespride ! This is a labour of love and a lot of fun. Hopefully you'll enjoy it! 💛

Peonie's A/N: I’ve worked on this project with one of my favorite friends, they’ve become one of my closest friends and this is our project. Hope you’ll enjoy this story as much fun as we had writing it 😍💚😚

Set after Open Heart ended

Under the Mistletoe ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary:  Luna and Bryce spend some time with their friends Ethan and Hayley and the open heart gang in Boston. 

Neon Lights ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Luna, Bryce and the Open Heart gang go mini golfing. Who will win?

Home is where the heart is ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: It’s Christmas time. Luna and Bryce get visited by Ethan & Hayley. But it looks like Luna gets to fangirl a little first.

Last Christmas...I gave you my heart ☁️ | - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Summary: Luna and Bryce spend their first Christmas together.

Chapter 1 - It's getting...green and merry in here

Chapter 2 - Underneath the Christmas tree

Chapter 3 - Unwrapping Presents

Luna Auclair & Bryce Lahela

On the dance floor - Luna Auclair (F!OC) x Bryce Lahela (M!MC)

Asks about Luna Auclair (F!OC)

Luna‘s guilty pleasures

Auclair Family

Auclair Family Tree

My OC - Luna Auclair (F!OC) - @choicesficwriterscreations

Auclair Triplets

Gifts from friends - Edits & Art work

Secret Santa by @ladylamrian

Grey (M!OC - NB) @bayleedraws

April 16th (Another great birthday gift) - @annieruok94

Birthday Gift by @cariantha

Maxine & Adam by @loveliemadness

Luna Auclair 💚 Bryce Lahela by @cariantha and @bayleedraws-sometimesx

Bryce & Luna by @messprongs

Making Waves - @cariantha

My little artsy Luna Auclair (F!OC) - @inlocusmads

Beautiful Beige - by Linds

A beautiful birthday gift by my amazing friend @mysticalgalaxysstuff

Bryce Lahela (M!MC) - @weetlebeetle