wackydrabbles

[wackydrabbles]

Wacky Drabbles #145 -- the end!

On May 1, 2022, a challenge was put into the world to write a drabble using the following prompt: “That was really, really good.”

You know what else was really, really good? The response we had to the final week of Wacky Drabbles and the fics you wrote for this prompt. There are so many that as I (Burns) am putting this list together at 3:25 a.m. sjfdkslfjk I am very concerned I’ll miss one. Let me know if I do and I’ll fix it. Thanks for everything xoxoxo

@petiteboheme - Redemption Song Part 1

@liaromancewriter - All About Tonight

@bebepac - Last Call

@angelasscribbles - Lavender and Crimson Ch. 12

@peonierose - My Love Won’t Let You Down

@debramcg1106 - Greater Good

@jerzwriter - And the Winner Is?

@sfb123 - King Father of the Bride Ch. 5

@bebepac - A Piece of Heaven on Earth Part 6

@kat-tia801 - Right Where You Are

@dcbbw - Almost

@lucy-268 - Happy Birthday Charley

@phoenixrising308 - The Time Apart: Stargazing and Heartbreak

@burnsoslow - One Rainy Day in Valtoria Epilogue

@queenrileyrose - Downward Nobility: I Am Always Queen!

[wackydrabbles]

Downward Nobility: I Am Always Queen!

Series premise: 25 years from The Royal Heir, Cordonia is struggling; the expense of the Royal balls wiped out the country’s reserves. Bertrand finds a loophole that allows him to ascend the throne. Liam and Riley, along with their two adult children are forced to return to Walker Ranch, where Drake and Hana have made a home. Think Schitt’s Creek/Arrested Development vibes with the TRR/TRH gang. It is ridiculous and bless you for reading it.

Some canon. Barthelemy tried to take Eleanor and failed. Characters are exaggerated versions of canon characters, belonging to Pixelberry. Philip, Eleanor, and Jackson belong to me, as does this story.

Catch up here!

A/N: When I got the idea for this series, I knew it had to be a Wacky Drabbles one. I didn’t finish it before Wacky Drabbles ended, but I am so grateful for @burnsoslow and @sirbeepsalot for keeping it going as long as they have. 💕 I stumbled across WD when I was a brand new to this site, and I have loved participating. This is late, sorry!

A/N 2: I’ve had this mostly written since December. 🙈 I’m so sorry it’s been so long since I updated.

I am participating in this week’s @wackydrabbles The prompt is “That was really, really good.” It will be in bold.

Chapter Summary: Drake’s plan hits a snag. Leo snoops around the palace. Philip gets a job and Riley helps him celebrate.

TW: Cursing, crude language, suggestiveness

Music Inspo: This is the Life-Two Door Cinema

Thank you to everyone who likes, comments, and/or reblogs this. I appreciate it so much. ❤️

Hana opened the curtain, the steam from the shower billowing out. She’d fled Bertrand’s study after agreeing to a meeting in a few hours.

Hana wouldn’t let Leo’s presence bother her. He’d be off drinking soon enough. Hana’s eyes landed on the bar that held her towel and sundress. It was empty. 

Hana clenched her fists. Leo. She was in one of the bathrooms down the hall, the more luxurious ones. She’d been in Texas sharing a bathroom with Drake for the last two decades. He made art out of the hair on the shower walls. Hana shuddered at the memory.

Hana looked around for anything to cover herself. Leo had taken everything but the shower curtain.

Hana sighed and removed the white ruffled fabric from the rod. It’d have to do.

Hana stepped into the hallway, startled once again by Leo’s smirking face.

“Hana, I know the rules are different on that ranch,” Leo said, patronizingly sweet. “But this is the palace. You can’t be Scarlett O’Hara here.”

Hana straightened her shoulders and tightened her hold on the shower curtain. “It would be a shame if you pulled a Scarlett O’Hara and tripped down the stairs. Careful, there.”

Hana strode past Leo, back to her room. Leo smirked again. If Hana thought she had the last word, she was wrong.

Leo sauntered down the hallway to one of Riley’s old rooms. Time to see what items he could save of the former queen’s.

———

Riley picked her way through the long grass to the pond. She had a flashlight, but it refused to produce any light to help her see better. She wrinkled her nose. Everything smelled like cows.

Riley got closer to the gleaming water of the pond, Drake’s shadow recognizable. She beamed and let him sweep her into his arms for a long kiss. 

“Find the place, okay?” Drake murmured into her ear, his warm breath making a curly tendril dance across her neck.

“Yes,” Riley replied. “My memory is good, even if the flashlight is useless.”

Drake took the small red instrument from her hand, noting its lightness. “It doesn’t have any batteries.”

“How was I to know?”

Drake led Riley to the bank and sat, pulling her beside him. Riley leaned on him with a satisfied exhale.

“It’s quiet,” Riley observed. “Cordonia never is. Someone is always making noise. Usually Maxwell.”

“The simple life suits you.” Drake tossed a small pebble into the water before them. “You glow here.”

“That is sweat.” Riley frowned. “I am not used to it unless I am in my special room with Liam.”

“You and I never needed a special room.” Drake pressed a kiss to her temple. “We just needed each other.”

“That was years ago.” Riley nudged Drake’s arm with her shoulder. “I was young.”

“You’re still young.” Drake snaked his arms around her waist. “You’re only fifty.”

“Shhh!” Riley whisper yelled. “I tell everyone I am forty.”

“Fair enough.” Drake left small kisses down her neck. “I should go. The chickens will be here early. Banana isn’t here to help, and it’s a lot of work.”

“I can!” Riley exclaimed. “We don’t need Hana.”

“Are you sure?” Drake asked, feigning reluctance. “It’s not easy.”

“I am sure that assisting with chickens is easier than trying to make sure Madeleine doesn’t “accidentally” murder me so she can try to be queen again.” Riley huffed. “I can do it.”

“Thanks, Brooks. What did I do without you?”

“Hana.” Riley snorted.

Drake chuckled and took in Riley’s outfit. “Are you only wearing a denim shirt?”

“It’s yours.” Riley smiled. “You should see what’s under it.”

“Is that an invitation, Brooks?”

“Unfortunately not,” Riley blew out a puff of air. “Liam and I have decided not to have playtime with others any longer. Not after the Princess Kate fiasco of 2009.”

“Huh?” Drake furrowed his brow. “I was in Texas.”

“We kept it very quiet.” Riley dropped her voice to a whisper. “The Queen didn’t want everyone to know that her social climber daughter-in-law tried to burn down Applewood because I refused to run away with her.”

“We kissed…” Drake trailed off.

“Kissing doesn’t count.”

“Am I interrupting something?” Liam’s voice startled the pair. 

“Teddy Bear!” Riley sprang to her feet. “You were so tired earlier.”

“I woke. I can’t sleep without you,” Liam huffed, tightening the belt on his thigh-length silk robe. 

He glanced at Drake. His old friend looked annoyed. Liam hid a smile. 

“Come, my love.” Liam reached out his hand. Riley daintily pressed her hand against his and followed him from the pond. “We can come back tomorrow night.”

Drake watched them go. He might have to figure out a new plan.

———

Liam opened his eyes slowly, a loud knocking waking him. He looked over to see Riley deep asleep. 

Liam got out of bed, hitching his brown cowboy patterned pajama pants up.

Drake stood at the door. “It’s 5 am! Time to feed the cows.”

Liam made his eyes wide, attempting to hide the exhaustion. “One moment, I need appropriate attire.”

Liam left the door open, rushing to his suitcase. He pulled out a pair of jeans and a blue striped button-down before disappearing into the bathroom.

Drake glimpsed Riley, still sprawled on the bed. Drake crossed the room and brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. “Brooks. Chickens.”

“I told you I wouldn’t cook them again,” Riley mumbled sleepily. “I was not trying to make anyone ill.”

“What?

Riley popped open one eye. “Nightmare. Where's Liam?”

“He’s getting dressed for the cows. The chickens are here; they need some food too. Remember?”

Riley nodded. “Yes, of course.”  She made no move to get up.

Liam came back into the room, fussing with the white bandana he’d slung around his collar. “Love, this is more complicated than a tie.”

Drake untied the bandana around his neck and mopped his brow. He quickly knotted it around his collar again. Liam narrowed his eyes.

Riley heaved a sigh and sat up. “Here, my king.”

Liam sat in front of her and she quickly fashioned an easy knot in the fabric. “Is this from the last time we were held hostage on this ranch?”

Liam nodded proudly. “I knew I might use it again. I had hoped the circumstances would be better, obviously.”

“Obviously,” Riley agreed. She’d never have set foot on this ranch voluntarily again. Perhaps they would host a cowboy themed ball at the palace when they returned. It would make Liam so happy.

“Brooks?” Drake interrupted her thoughts of a grand ball. “Chickens?”

“I know,” Riley stood, stretching her arms over her head. “I have this leather sundress that’s perfect for the occasion. I won’t be but a moment.”

Liam and Drake exchanged a dubious look. “We shall tend to the cows and come back for you, love.” Liam offered.

“Brooks, the chickens can’t wait for you to do whatever it is you do to get dressed!” Drake said in exasperation. “You have ten minutes.”

Riley gasped in horror.

“See here,” Liam stood to his full height. “You shall not speak to my queen that way!”

“She is nobody’s queen!” Drake countered. “It’s why you’re here!”

“I am always queen!” Riley stalked to her suitcase and plucked a king black dress. “I shall show you!”

Liam and Drake glared, willing the other to look away first.

———

Philip pulled the SUV carefully into the parking lot. He took in the outside of the building. It was small, with a giant cow skull painted on the side. Beside it were the words “Can’t Let Go.”

Philip scrunched his face. “So many options. Can’t let go of the past? The store? That no one watches DVDs? Oh god, it’s not a commission job, is it? Ugh. I guess I will find out.”

Philip realized he wasn’t sure what commission meant. He’d worry about it if he needed to. 

Philip stepped out of the car. He’d worn his best khaki trousers and blue seersucker blazer with a white button-down. “You don’t dress for the job; you dress for yourself.”

Philip strode inside, his shoulders back. He wasn’t the heir like Ellie, but his father insisted he have the same training, in case Ellie made decisions like Uncle Leo.

———

Leo rifled through Riley’s elaborately carved dresser. She’d wanted it to resemble the wardrobe from Beauty and the Beast, devastated when Liam gently broke the news that castles did not have talking wardrobes. 

Leo’s curious fingers touched a piece of paper. He pulled it from the depths of the Queen’s empty underwear drawer, unfurling it. Not paper, a photo. It was him and Riley at the coronation, before Liam chose Madeleine.

Leo’s ears perked up as Hana’s voice carried down the hall. He tucked the photograph in his pocket. 

“My Riley had a blow dart gun here, once upon a time.” Leo murmured.

He quickly crossed the room to the closet, Riley’s gun still hidden at the back. After giving birth to Ellie during the ball, Riley bought one and kept tranquilizer darts stocked next to it. Leo grabbed it and waited next to the door until Hana’s voice faded away before venturing out. 

———

Philip threw open his door and slid into the driver’s seat. He looked around, and seeing no one decided to let his feelings out.

“FUCK YES,” Philip punched the steering wheel. “Who just got a job without help from Dad? Me! I’m a bad mother fucker!”

A groan from the backseat caused Philip to whip his head around in horror.

“Must you be so exubailant?” Riley sighed, covering her mouth as she yawned. 

“Mom!” Philip screeched. “How long have you been back there?”

Riley sat upright. “Your father and Uncle Drake were having an argument only rulers could solve. I snuck away.” 

Philip shuddered. “Gross, Mom.”

“I took thirty dollars from Drake’s wallet,” Riley crawled into the passenger seat. “Let’s celebrate your new adventure!”

“With what?” Philip turned the key in the ignition. “One candy bar?”

Riley shook her head violently. “Something called a value menu at McDermots has frozen treats. They are only two dollars, Philip!”

Philip backed out carefully and merged onto the road, following the directions Riley gave him. “Mom, weren’t you not royalty for like, I don’t know. thirty years?”

“Twenty!” Riley admonished with a slap to his arm. “It would have been shorter if not for your grandfather. May he burn in eternal hellfire.”

“Shouldn’t you know more about civilian life?” Philip signaled and pulled into the McDermot’s parking lot. “Maybe Uncle Bertrand was right. We’re all out of touch.”

“It was Bertrand’s job to knock the waitress out of me,” Riley crossed her arms over her chest. “He can’t be angry now, that he did his job too well. No take backs.”

Philip opened his door when Riley dug her fingers into his arm. “I can’t be seen here! Drive through!”

Riley adjusted her large hat and dark sunglasses as Philip sat back in the car. 

Riley gasped as she read the menu. “There are so many choices! What are you choosing?”

Philip peered at the small font. “I’m getting a vanilla milkshake.”

“Your father would be so proud,” Riley sniffed. “I’ll have the same.”

“Mom, we don’t have to get vanilla,” Philip looked at the long list of options. “Dad won’t care if we do or not.”

“Perhaps we are just used to it?” Riley frowned before rearranging her features into a stoic expression. She didn’t know the Botox availability in Texas. “You’re right, we should try new things!”

“What about vanilla with caramel?”

“Yes!” Riley clapped. “We can bring one for your father! Broaden his horizons!”

Phillip gave his order and pulled around to a small window. “That was really, really good, the feeling of actually getting a job of my own.”

Riley patted Philip’s arm. “My son, the entrepreneur. I’ll make you a special dinner. Enchiladas!”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Philip accepted a ten dollar bill from his mother. “This is more than enough.”

“I insist!” Riley beamed as a young woman in a hat with the McDermot’s logo held out a cup holder with three large milkshakes. “Our frozen treats!”

Philip passed one to his mother and set the other two on the large console between them. “Wait, this is gonna melt. We can’t give it to Dad that way.”

“Silly me,” Riley closed her eyes in contentment as she slurped through a straw. “We can split it.”

Philip pulled into a parking spot carefully before taking a long drink. “Wow.”

“We shall have to tell your father to add caramel from now on.” Riley nodded in agreement. 

———

Eleanor looked up from the chaise lounge she’d fashioned out of two lawn chairs. Her brother’s shadow was blocking the sun on her face.

“Where did you come from?” Eleanor groused.

“I got a job,” Philip beamed, ignoring his sister’s gesture to move aside. “I get to recommend movies to the townspeople.”

“They’ll have their pitchforks out in no time,” Eleanor rolled her eyes. “Seriously?”

“I get off the ranch every day, and I get to drive,” Philip said smugly. “More than I can say for you. Quick question. Uncle Drake wanted to know who fucked up the hay bales. They’re that way for a reason, now there’s hay everywhere.”

“Let me guess,” Eleanor jumped to her feet. “You told him it was me.”

“Wasn’t it?” Philip shrugged. “There was a definite ass print. I saw you sneaking off with one of Uncle Drake’s non-children. I figured he was taking pics for the ‘gram.”

Ellie looked away quickly, her already rosy cheeks turning a shade darker. 

“No!” Philip gasped. “You didn’t!”

“His name is Jackson and stop pinning this on me!” Ellie flounced toward the barn.

“EW!” Philip screeched. “I know Dad is always saying to eat local, but this is beyond! BEYOND!”

———

Leo looked up and down the stone tunnel. He’d gotten turned around while following Hana and had no idea where he was. Or where he set the dart gun.

Hana’s voice echoed and Leo followed the sound, trampling through puddles. 

“Why is she even down here?” Leo grumped, brushing aside a wider web. “If she wants me, too damn bad. I’d rather make out with Bertrand.”

Leo stopped at a fork, wondering which hallway to take. Hana’s voice was so close, he wasn’t sure how he couldn’t see her. 

Leo stepped over to a small dent in the rock wall. A tape recorder, playing Hana’s voice, talking about flowers. 

“Fuck,” Leo griped. He threw the recorder in the ground and stomped it, deciding to take the closest tunnel. A door he had never seen before was ajar.

Leo cautiously approached, popping his head in. It was full of file cabinets. Leo tested the knob, noting it only locked with a key.

“Well well well,” Leo rubbed his hands together. “Let’s see why these papers were so secret.”

———

Tags

@alyssalauren @angelasscribbles @appleone @burnsoslow @charlotteg234 @choiceskatie @cordonian-literature @dcbbw @emkay512 @forallthatitsworth @foreverethereal123 @gabesmommie1130 @gardeningourmet @gkittylove99 @iaminlovewithtrr @kat-tia801 @kingliam2019 @ladyangel70 @lovingchoices14 @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @mom2000aggie @originaljudgepiepaper @pixelatedpassion @platapirexy @princessleac1 @queenwalton @royalpest @tessa-liam @texaskitten30 @thegreentwin @trrfanaddict @21-wishes

TRR/TRH: @jared2612 @sfb123

Liam x MC: @cordonia-gothqueen @ofpixelsandscribbles

Downward Nobility: @busywoman

[wackydrabbles]

Happy Birthday Charley

Series/Pairing: Open Heart - Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Charley Valentine)

Disclaimer: Most characters belong to PB, Charley is sort of mine

Rating / Warnings: General

Summary: It’s Charley’s birthday. Why is Ethan also getting a surprise?

Comments/Notes: @wackydrabbles was started by @emceesynonymroll and continued by @burnsoslow and @sirbeepsalot. @wackydrabbles, what can I say? Thank you for the prompts. I had stopped writing for years and when I started again, some of these prompts really helped. In honor of your final week, I’m using the very first prompt and very last prompt. Both will be bolded. I’m also using a prompt from day 8 of the May challenge on @choicesmonthlychallenge.

Word count: ~1291

Friday Afternoon

Sienna Trinh darted into the open doorway of the lounge on the administration floor, pressing herself against the wall. She really hoped that her best friend didn’t intend to stop her for a snack as she pressed herself against the wall. Soon she saw Charley walking by towards the elevators. Once she heard the tell-tale ‘ding’ of the elevator she continued on her mission.

Proceeding down the hall, she paused outside the door labeled Chief Ethan Ramsey. The door was ajar, but Sienna gave a light knock.

Ethan looked up, frowning, until he saw his wife’s best friend. “Sienna! Welcome.” She crossed and sat in one of the plush chairs in front of his desk. “What can I do for you?”

Keep reading

[wackydrabbles]

Wacky Drabbles #145 -- the end!

On May 1, 2022, a challenge was put into the world to write a drabble using the following prompt: "That was really, really good.”

You know what else was really, really good? The response we had to the final week of Wacky Drabbles and the fics you wrote for this prompt. There are so many that as I (Burns) am putting this list together at 3:25 a.m. sjfdkslfjk I am very concerned I’ll miss one. Let me know if I do and I’ll fix it. Thanks for everything xoxoxo

@petiteboheme - Redemption Song Part 1

@liaromancewriter - All About Tonight

@bebepac - Last Call

@angelasscribbles - Lavender and Crimson Ch. 12

@peonierose - My Love Won’t Let You Down

@debramcg1106 - Greater Good

@jerzwriter - And the Winner Is?

@sfb123 - King Father of the Bride Ch. 5

@bebepac - A Piece of Heaven on Earth Part 6

@kat-tia801 - Right Where You Are

@dcbbw - Almost

@lucy-268 - Happy Birthday Charley

@phoenixrising308 - The Time Apart: Stargazing and Heartbreak

@burnsoslow - One Rainy Day in Valtoria Epilogue

@queenrileyrose - Downward Nobility: I Am Always Queen!

[wackydrabbles]

One Rainy Day in Valtoria Epilogue

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Alyssa Devereaux Walker), King Liam x OC (Riley Brooks)

A/N: I wrote Part 1 of this series in August 2020, Part 33 in July 2021, and now, today, the epilogue. It’s been a tremendous amount of time, and I’m so grateful to everyone who has read what started out as a tiny set of baby drabbles.

I am participating in @wackydrabbles​ prompts. Prompt #145, the last one, is “That was so, so good.” and will appear in bold.

If you want to catch up on Parts 1-33 …

One Rainy Day in Valtoria Masterlist

A/N #2: Thank you to @mskaneko​ for the stunning!!!! edit of Lyssa and Drake in the moodboard and the moodboard that closes this fic! Love you so much.

Thank you to @bbrandy2002​ for the preread and to my snippet readers.

Some dialogue and all characters belong to Pixelberry except my best girl Alyssa Devereaux Walker. @bbrandy2002​‘s Riley Brooks is used with loving permission.

Keep reading

[wackydrabbles]

The Time Apart: Stargazing and heartbreak

So I couldn't say goodbye to @wackydrabbles without a story. So this is my farewell piece and after semi-retirement I wanted to go back to a friendship pairing that I love writing about the most. I must admit I wasn't ready to say goodbye to @wackydrabbles however, it will forever be in my heart. I am proud to be one of the original writers for the blog thank you for allowing me to be a part of this amazing project. So till we meet again. The prompt will appear in bold....#145*: “That was really, really good.” 

Books: The Royal Romance

Rating: G

Triggers: None Identified by this author

Pairing: (no pairing/friendship) Jessica Garcia and Drake Walker

A/U: Agent Phoenix: Forged in Fire - The time apart: This timeline occurs during Jessica’s absence in Cordonia or when not formally paired in Cordonia with Liam as the TRR cast and original characters deal with her absence as well as Jessica and Liam attempt to go through life without each other. Stories may or may not have an in the present timeline component and are not always in order. It depends on the prompt, random inner thoughts, and the muse whenever they stop by. There are no chapter numbers as they are written as just a series of events in story form. Multi-part stories, as always, are labeled.

Detailed disclaimer

Catch me here

A/N #1: Jessica and Drake share a moment together.

A/N #2 This is an Agent Phoenix forged in fire directors cut one-shot and drabble series. This story has been in my drafts forever. Frankly, I wasn't sure if I could get back to writing, but I needed to for this moment. Wacky drabbles connected me with some amazing lifelong friends and I wouldn't trade my experience with the blog for the world.

Thank you to my friends that have shown me nothing but love and support. I would be lost without you all. Thank you to @twinkleallnight for the beta read you are amazing my friend and I love you dearly.

Song Inspiration: Airplanes - B.o.B featuring Haley Williams

Word count: 1,996*As always, forgive my typos and grammatical errors.

* Reading time: 8 minutes

*it's kinda late and I see that tumblr changed its format so I will be back to tag*

Cordonia

Social Season…. 

It was another stuffy gala that to Drake seemed pointless when Liam knew who he wanted. Jessica had been around him for a moment while they hung out at the edge of the ballroom. 

"You sure you don't want to be at your big fancy gala?" Drake said. "Might miss hobnobbing with the elite. " 

Jessica shook her head as they both got away from the crowd. "Nope, my Spanx are riding up on me, Bertrand has his period tonight, and if he says one more thing I think I'm going to stab him with a fork. Besides, Liam just had his dance with me and I won't be able to catch his attention for another hour at least." 

Jessica glanced at him, "Want to people watch?" 

Drake huffed, "Tempting but you've seen one snobbish asshole you've seen them all." 

To Jessica's surprise, he led her to the garden's sitting area, he leaned against the stone wall and looked up. 

Jessica chuckled. "Oh stargazing." 

"It's nature. Nature is manly, so shut up."

She playfully rolled her eyes, “Relax. I love stargazing. It was one of my favorite things to do growing up. Still is." 

 A moment of silence passed by when Drake informed her, "...You know, my Dad used to take me camping and we would stare while our food cooked on the campfire. Not nearly as many here as there are in the woods. Too many lights blocking them out." 

Jessica joined him, looking up in wonder. "Yeah, my Dad and I did something similar at my old treehouse when I was younger." She smiled and pointed. "Oh look, there's Orion's belt." 

Drake was quiet next to her as he looked up and pointed. "What's that one? The one kind of off by itself?" 

"I don't know that one." She shrugged.

Drake nodded while staring up at it. "Me neither. I always wondered though. Should look it up later." 

She smiled. "Or better yet...Since we don't know the name, want to name it anyway? Make a memory out of it. " 

"Seriously?" 

"Fuck it, why not?" She shrugged. She chuckled to herself and said, "I think it should be the...The Connector...See how it branches out to those others? Even though it's by itself it's diagonal to the others. So it could be a million miles away but it's still shining with every other star in that cluster there. It's a stray star that still forms different shapes with the distant stars over there." 

Drake huffed with a smirk, "It's probably just a part of a constellation, Garcia." 

"Yeah, probably. But screw it." 

He nodded. "Alright...Screw it." He glanced over at her. Social Season was almost over and Drake knew she was Liam's choice. Out of all the choices; Drake slowly but surely approved of her the most. 

He cleared his throat and said, "You know, Garcia. I didn't think you'd make it this long but you did. I'm fucking surprised but not mad about it." 

She gasped dramatically, "Oh my God! Am I hearing Drake Walker saying he's enjoying someone's company?" 

He turned to leave and she urged him back. He sighed and leaned against the railing again. "Yeah, yeah. You're okay."

She smirked. "Yeah, you're okay too. A major asshole but not as hard as you want to be, Marshmallow." 

He groaned, "I told you not to call me that-' 

"Too late." 

She laughed as she gazed up at the stars. Her makeup and hair were still perfectly done with her gala dress. 

Drake gestured to her, "I'm glad this didn't get to your head. The fancy dresses, the hair, the makeup, this lifestyle. You have always been true to yourself. I really was an asshole to you. I just didn't want to see the poor guy's heart ripped to shreds. I’m sorry." 

"Yeah, you were." Jessica huffed. "I love Liam, Drake. I'm in love with him, not the fame or fortune. I don't even feel comfortable in the spotlight. If he chooses me, I won't change. I hope that's enough for him. He means everything to me." 

Drake said, "He feels the same way, Garcia." 

"...So, do I have the best friend's approval?" 

Drake gave her a rare smile. "Yeah, you do. You'll make a damn good Queen. Maybe whip this Country into what it needs; a modern twist to stuffy old bullshit." 

She smiled at him. "Thanks for being here for me. You made me a little less homesick. I told you on the jet that we will be friends at the end of this. Well, you aren't just my friend Drake, you're more like a bother."

"You're such a pain in my ass. But I love you like a sister."

They both looked at each other with warm smiles. Drake broke the silence and said "Enough of the sentimental bull shit." Drake dipped into his pocket and removed a flask and took a sip and passed it to Jessica. Jessica took the flask and without hesitation drank from it and nodded her head as she said, “That was really, really good.”

Drake laughed and said, “Of course, it’s from Constantine’s private reserve.”

“Yea fuck that guy.” Jessica chuckled and took another sip. Drake snatched the flask and chiddled “Well don’t fucken drink it all.”

Years Later…

New York

It was cloudy as Jessica sighed to herself and tried to look out at the sky. A memory hit her and she frowned deeply. The lights reflected off the clouds and not a star in sight.

Tonight, she really needed that star.

She had become a recluse into her apartment all day after finding an article online she accidentally clicked on that talked about Cordonia. She didn't read it, she just couldn't.

She thought, 'Probably a new baby or some marriage alliance already formed with their kids.' She sadly thought as it burned her throat and made her chest ache to think about it. 

She sighed to herself, closing her eyes to prevent the tears as thunder and lightning sounded and flashed overhead. She reluctantly shut her window, letting her hand rest on it for a moment in thought.

'I wish I could just go back and hug you like I used to no matter how shitty the news you always made it better.' She thought as a stray tear slid down her cheek, knowing she could never go back no matter how much she missed it.

Meanwhile…

Cordonia

It had rained all day and there was just enough of a clearing for Drake to see stars in his backyard. He was just going out to get something and bring it in from the rain when something told him to look up. He did so, sighing deeply to himself as he saw that lone star twinkling a small distance from the others but still formed shapes if you connected it to them. 

"Do you even look for our star?... Would you even recognize it, Garcia?" He mumbled to himself as if she would answer. 

He shook his head at himself, feeling foolish for talking to her out loud as if she could hear. He went in, looking back at it one last time and he made a wish “Come back” he softly whispered before heading indoors.

Years later...

Cordonia, Ramsford

Drake opened the door and stood in the patio gazing up at the sky. He needed to decompress from the commotion, even with people he was close to.

"What are you doing out here?" Jessica said as she smiled and stood beside him. "Alone time? Want me to leave?" 

Drake gave a slight smile. "Nah. you can stay."

She said, "I can step away for a while. It's not like I'm going anywhere." 

He nodded at that. "Good. Don't ever do that shit again.”

"I’m sorry-" 

He held up a hand. "You don't have to explain yourself, I get it. I understood then too.”

She looked up with him and smiled. "Hey, there's our star." 

Drake muttered “The connector.”

Jessica admired it. It was silent for just a moment before she softly told him. " Yup that's right. That star always pops out to me now more than ever...You know, I looked for that star every time I felt alone. I spent hours one night trying to find it, but once I found it, it was easy after that...Whenever I needed a reminder of you, I always just looked up." 

His smile softened as he didn't look at her, continuing to gaze up at the sky his chocolate eyes pooled with tears threatening to spill if he looked at her. 

"...Everytime I went outside at night I looked up… I thought of you. It was a different type of heartache and I can’t do it again." He looked down at her with a sadness in his gaze he usually kept under lock and key except for a select few people. “Stay in my life even if you leave here tomorrow.” Drake let his guard down and closed his eyes and tears ran down his cheeks.

Jessica took a shaky breath and she hugged as she said, “ I just never thought I could comeback Drake.” Drake held her in his arms and rubbed her back and said, “You could always come home, this is as much your home as New York is.” They held each other in silence before stepping away, both wiping their own tears on their sleeves. 

She looked back at him and said, "I made you cry.” 

He flipped her off with a smirk that he tried to hide and she flipped him off back as she headed back inside with an airy laugh.

Drake went to follow before looking back up. That star twinkling in sync with the others. Drake made a silent wish on their star. He shook his head with a smile and went inside with her. 

He took a moment to look around the crowded room Savannah shuffled plates, Bertrand arguing with Maxwell over the music, Leo lounging on a chair, Hana sitting at the piano, Olivia staring at the Beaumont code of arms on the wall, and Liam sitting on the sofa covered in cake by Bartie who was attempting to eat birthday cake on his lap. 

Jessica went to him and said softly "Liam your tie is covered in cake." He could see the hope in Liam’s eyes as Liam leaned over to her. Jessica nervously bit her lip as moved forward and loosened his tie. Liam looked on with a loving and longing glaze almost as he had been waiting a century to feel her touch.

Drake took a deep breath as he watched them hoping that another one of his wishes on their star could come true that two broken hearts could be mended and become one again.

[wackydrabbles]

Almost (the last #WackyDrabble)

This story is my final submission for the #WackyDrabbles. My first story for this weekly exercise was Driam, and it only seemed fitting that my last fic is Driam as well. (Thanks to @burnsoslow​ for the suggestion!)

I have had so much fun over the past practically three years coming up with stories, bouncing ideas, and interacting with the authors and participants, and while I know it’s time to take a bow … I kind of don’t wanna. I’m gonna miss this.

Thanks to all who read this over and bounced ideas with me. Any and all mistakes are mine. Forgive them.

The prompt is: That was really, really good and will appear in bold.

All characters belong to Pixelberry except for Wesley and George.

Word Count: 2,770

Song Inspiration: Younger, Palace

The two friends settled back in their chairs, snifters of brandy cradled in their hands. Remnants of dinner littered the white china plates before them: Porterhouse steak in garlic butter; baked potatoes topped with butter, cheese, and sour cream; summer squash and onions sauteed in butter. Dessert had been vanilla bean cheesecake drizzled in caramel sauce.

Drake Walker leaned back in his chair, patting a palm against his still-taut stomach. “Damn, Li. That was really, really good. I don’t think I could eat another bite,” he complimented.

Liam glanced up, a forkful of cheesecake poised at his slightly parted lips. “I’ll be sure to pass your praises along to the kitchens.”

Drake’s eyes took in the King’s appearance: his raven locks were still full, although streaked with some gray as was the stubble dotting his jawline; his body was still toned and firm. Dark bags sat beneath his eyes, speaking to nights that were either long or sleepless.

It was still beautiful.  

Similarly, King Liam was appraising his childhood friend: Drake’s physique was still broad and muscular, his dark brown hair still worn just a little too long; his nose crooked from being broken when he fell out of a tree at Applewood many moons ago.

A life spent outdoors amongst nature had burnished his skin; that coupled with the gray hairs at his temples had made him even more handsome, if that were possible.

The men had been friends for nearly all their lives, with over half of those years spent with an uneasiness that had become almost comfortable.

But not quite.

“How are you doing after the divorce?” Drake asked quietly as he tipped the glass to his lips.

Liam looked away from Drake, contemplating his dinner plate as he swirled the dark liquid in his snifter. “It was a long time coming, and for the best,” he answered slowly. “The girls seem happier, and certainly the former Queen is.”

Drake nodded. “I’ll bet. People always talk about staying together for the sake of the kids, but I think kids just want to see their parents happy.”

“Wise words from the man who never married nor fathered children,” Liam gently teased.

Drake shrugged. “Hey, life advice is why you keep me around.”

Liam shook his head slightly as he lowered his head to hide the blush blooming on his cheeks.

There are other reasons.

The uneasiness that had lain between them for over 20 years reared its head quickly as if startled from slumber, but both men learned long ago how to navigate around the elephant in the room.

Age 16: The teenagers were in the Palace gym’s shower; bodies that were formerly covered in sweat were now slick with soap and iridescent bubbles. Liam’s eyes had wandered over to look at Drake’s naked physique while the young Commoner was rinsing shampoo from his hair. He was mesmerized by the rivulets of water running freely down Drake’s back to disappear into the cleave of his buttocks.

When Drake caught Liam staring, the Prince quickly averted his eyes, cursing his raging erection., which he couldn’t hide.

Age 17

The two boys were on the balcony off the West Wing ballroom; in their hands they clutched gold and crystal patterned highball glasses filled with vodka, ice, and lemon-lime soda. Liam takes a sip, his expression one of frustration.

“I can’t even taste the vodka!” he complained.

Drake smirked at him. “Because it’s the good shit. Pure vodka tastes and goes down like water, until you’re flat on your ass drunk. That’s why I try to stick to dark liquor.”

Liam stared at Drake, his eyes wide with surprise. “This isn’t your first time?”

Drake sat his glass on the stone parapet, the tinkle of glass against rock swallowed by the music and laughter of partygoers drifting from the open doors. He shook his head as he stared into the gardens below.

“No,” he replied in a voice pregnant with emotion.

His answer hung heavy in the air between them, both knowing he was referring to more than just the vodka.

Liam angrily punched Drake’s arm. “We’re BEST FRIENDS, Drake! We’re supposed to share these things with each other!”

Drake turned, his face a myriad of emotions. When he spoke, his voice was deceptively calm.

“Share what, Li? That my mom no longer accepts my phone calls? That you and Beaumont were the only ones to remember my birthday? That all I want to do some days is pack a bag and just … go! But I can’t because I’m the only guardian my little sister has now.”

Drake brushed angry tears from his eyes as he turned back to face the balustrade, his eyes blinking rapidly. Liam took a cautious sip of his forbidden drink before stepping closer to his friend. He wanted to take Drake in his arms, kiss his tears away, and promise him everything would get better.

Be better.

But he didn’t. He couldn’t. Instead, he stood next to Drake, looking up at a night sky filled with stars that twinkled mockingly at him.

“What do you need from me, Drake?” he asked softly, knowing he would do whatever Drake asked.

Drake stiffened. “Anything?”

Liam nodded. “Anything,” he affirmed.

“Go camping with me! This weekend, just me and you. I have the equipment, and we can borrow the Jeep from the garage,” Drake’s voice and eyes pleaded with Liam to join him, assure him … be with him.

Before Liam could answer, they were interrupted by Leo, the Crown Prince, clearing his throat. The two teenagers glowered at him, irate at being interrupted.

“Dinner’s being served and heads up … we’re accompanying father to a summit in Switzerland this weekend, so don’t make any plans.”

Liam turned to Drake, his eyes threatening to spill over with tears. His arm reached out, but Drake shrugged him off as he backed away. The Commoner scooped his drink from the ledge, taking a long swallow.

“Go, Liam. Just … go.”

Age 21:

“C’mon, just eat a little of the soup,” Drake coaxed as he lifted a literal silver spoon to Liam’s mouth.

Liam shook his head. “I’m not hungry,” he muttered through the wire holding his broken jaw in place.

Drake sighed as he placed the utensil and bowl of nourishing broth on the bedside table. “You need food for strength and energy, Li.”

Liam’s ebony eyes slid from the open window to meet Drake’s gaze. “So someone can try to kill me again?” His voice was monotone, devoid of any emotion.

That scared Drake more than the physical wounds.

Everything about Cordonia scared Drake now.

When he left a year ago to pursue university studies in the States, the country was peaceful and at peace. Liam was Liam: happy with life and his lifestyle. He was spending time with the Duchess of Lythikos, but everyone knew Olivia was the driving force behind whatever was transpiring.

In America, Drake found fast food, cheap beer, and the star of the wrestling team, Wesley Chiang. Despite Wesley being a different ethnicity, the wrestler reminded Drake of Liam, a lot. Tall, broad shouldered, quiet but with an incredible sense of humor, studious, kind.

They dated.

Then three nights ago Crown Prince Leo and a group of King’s Guards burst into Drake’s dorm room while he and Wesley were cooking pasta for dinner, which was to be followed by a Chuck Norris movie; without a word, the sentries unceremoniously hauled Drake out of his domicile and into a waiting black limousine. A bewildered Wesley gave chase, but the muscle and bulk that served him well on the wrestling mat slowed his movements.

The wrestler had his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath as he watched the car’s taillights disappear into the darkness.

Wesley never saw Drake again.

Now Drake was back in Cordonia, tending to his best friend who had been the target of an assassination attack. He hadn’t left the Prince’s side since he arrived. Drake positioned himself on the bed so he was closer to Liam. His chocolate-brown eyes darted about the beautiful face before him, taking in scars, bruises, lacerations, whelps.

Liam’s eyes followed his suspiciously.

Drake leaned in closely, his lips kissing every aberration. Liam exhaled a shaky sigh, his breath hot and sour against Drake’s face. Lastly, Drake closed his eyes and placed a lingering kiss against Liam’s dry, cracked, and swollen lips.

He pulled away, his eyes gazing directly into the Prince’s blackened ones. “I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again. I swear it.”

Age 23

“It’s BULLSHIT, Li, and you know it!” Drake raged as he paced the floor of Liam’s private study.

“I admit it isn’t fair, but what’s done is done,” Liam replied calmly as he poured himself a tumbler of scotch.

“WE are supposed to be going to America in two months! Why the FUCK did you say YES?”

Liam set the crystal-cut glass down with more force than necessary before whirling on his heel to confront Drake. “You think I had a CHOICE? If not me, then WHO? Tell me WHO, Drake!”

“OLIVIA! BARTHELEMY! ANYFUCKINGBODY!” Drake yelled.

“It’s not that simple and you know it. Yes, the Duchess of Lythikos is next in the line of succession if for some reason the Rys bloodline no longer sits on the throne, but she and her duchy are still under suspicion for the assassination attack! If she assumes the Crown, the country is tossed into civil unrest. I won’t have bloodshed on my hands because you want to take a trip!”

Drake’s eyes widened in anger and disbelief. “A TRIP? THIS was our chance to live our lives! TOGETHER! To finally stop dancing around what we both feel, what we both want!”

Liam’s head fell forward; his heartbeat accelerated, and his throat constricted. “The needs of this country come before whatever I may want, Drake.”

His head lifted, his eyes pooled with tears. “I won’t stop you from pursuing your life, your dreams. Leo’s abdication only affects me.” His hand reached out to grasp Drake’s. “Maybe in another lifetime, another universe I could be free to explore with you. But not this one.”

Age 25

Liam stood in front of the full-length standing mirror, nervously knotting his tie. He was doing a poor job of it. His eyes lifted slightly, catching Drake’s reflection. His best friend, his best man was shaking his head, hand against his mouth trying to muffle his guffaws.

“There is nothing funny about this, Drake! Come help me!”

Drake tipped his whiskey flask to his lips before making his way over to the groom. He thrust the flask into Liam’s hand. “Drink up and then stand still.”

Liam followed the directives, licking excess whisky from his lower lip as Drake straightened the silk tie around his collar.

“Thank you for agreeing to be my best man,” he said, running a hand through his hair.

“Stand still!” Drake ordered as he began expertly looping fabric. “I’m honored you would ask.”

“You’re my best friend!” Liam exclaimed. “And … thank you for staying in Cordonia. I know you didn’t have to.”

Drake shrugged. “It’s not every day I can rub elbows with a real-life, honest-to-God King. I won’t find that in America.”

He grinned at Liam before stepping back. “Voila, a perfectly tied necktie.”

He stepped aside to allow Liam to study his reflection. “You really love her, don’t you?”

Liam smiled happily. “I never thought I would be able to have love, but the fates have proven me wrong.”

The two men locked eyes in the mirror; Liam’s smile faltered as guilt flushed his cheeks.

Drake shook his head slightly, sadness filling his eyes and voice. “Another lifetime.”

Drake drained the last of his brandy before looking up at the clock. “Whoa, it got late quick! I’d best be shoving off.”

Liam’s hand reached out quickly, grabbing hold of the Commoner’s wrist. “You can stay overnight here at the Palace and leave in the morning. You can’t hold your liquor the way you used to, and those back roads are quite dark at night.”

Drake stared at the hand circling his wrist, feeling the heat radiating from Liam’s skin and marveling at the goosebumps raising on his arm in its wake. He slowly lifted his eyes to meet Liam’s; chocolate and ebony held gazes.

After so many years, there was no way Liam’s offer was an invitation for anything more.

Drake saw uncertainty and desire in Liam’s eyes; Liam saw the confusion and hopefulness in Drake’s. Silence, heavy and uncomfortable, hung between them.

But Drake held onto the slightest sliver of hope.

Drake broke the quiet with fake laughter and a weak joke. “What are you, the Cordonian Safety Officer now?”

“I am concerned for your safety, Drake.”

Drake rolled his eyes in annoyance and anger, feeling his heart crash into his stomach. The hope he had felt was now burnt ash on his tongue, clogging his throat as he swallowed heavily.

“How many times over the past 20 years have I been here or Valtoria or anyfuckingwhere in Cordonia, and driven myself home after drinking? And you let me? Don’t be so concerned about me now.”

“I’ve made this offer every time, Drake! Every time. Despite my duties, my responsibilities. Why would this be any different?”

“Because you expect my answer to be different!” Drake snapped harshly as he snatched his hand away. “You think because you’re free from a Queen, I’m supposed to suddenly shift gears and take you up on it? YOU told me 20 years ago that duty to Cordonia came first. I saw you fall in love with the Queen, I watched you raise a family. YOU told me that maybe in another lifetime, we could explore what we felt, what we could have had. And I went along with it! I adjusted, I accepted that.”

He shook his head. “I … I thought that maybe this time … Liam the MAN would ask me to stay, not the King.”

Liam’s eyes were trained on the tablecloth. He chewed his lower lip as he processed Drake’s words. Over the course of his life, Liam had always put others’ needs before his own. He had let others’ actions dictate the paths he would walk. His wife never returned the love, support and respect he offered her; she was happy to enjoy the rewards of being Queen but shirked all the responsibilities.

And through it all, Drake had been there; accepting Liam’s decisions, and living with Liam’s choices. The lives they found themselves leading were the consequence.

After a few moments, he rose and walked around the table, coming to a stop directly in front of his friend before squatting, his imploring eyes forcing Drake’s gaze to fall upon them.

Drake watched him carefully, unsure of what Liam’s next move would be. He froze as Liam’s palms cupped his cheeks; his heartbeat was a jackhammer, each beat pouring lust and anticipation into his bloodstream. Involuntarily, he leaned in closer to Liam as the King moved in closer to him. Their lips parted, a fraction away from their first kiss when there was a knock on the closed door.

Liam’s motions stilled while Drake uttered an expletive as he let his forehead rest gently against Liam’s.

Another lifetime.

Liam rose quickly, composing his expression before calling for the person to enter. It was his assistant, George. Liam looked at his employee quizzically.

“George, what are you still doing here? I dismissed you before dinner.”

George bowed deferentially. “I realize that, Your Majesty, but wanted to put the finishing touches on the documents for your Monday morning meetings. I was on my way out when the telephone rang, sir; it’s the French President. He says it’s urgent.”

“I’m entertaining company,” Liam argued.

“I told him that, sir. He insists it’s vital he speak to you now.”

Liam nodded his head in resignation. “Tell him I’ll pick up shortly.”

George bowed before leaving the room, closing the door quietly behind him. Liam glanced at Drake with apologetic eyes and flushed cheeks.

“It … it won’t take long, Drake. Please, stay.”

Drake bit his lip, his eyes staring at the tops of his shoes before he rose from his chair. “I’m going home, Li. Maybe another time.”

Liam’s chin quivered, but he maintained a stoic façade. “Be careful. Text me when you get there?”

Drake nodded, his face averted as he patted his pockets. “Hey, Li?”

“Yes?” the King replied, a tad too eagerly.

“When we meet up again in another lifetime, do me a favor. Don’t be royal.”

Keep reading

[wackydrabbles]

Right Where You Are

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Alaina Walker)

Some characters and storylines belong to Pixelberry Studios. I’m just borrowing them. 

Summary: After an unexpected situation happens at their home, Drake and Alaina reminisce on their lives together. This story takes place in my Unspoken universe. 

Song Inspiration: Boxes by Goo Goo Dolls

Words: ~1,950

Rating/Warnings: T, no real warnings. Maybe a couple of swears

A/N: I’m sorry for the double tags in 24 hours, but I couldn’t let @wackydrabbles end without one last story. I started wacky drabbles with Drake and Alaina, so it was only fitting to return to them. I am so grateful for @emceesynonymroll for creating the challenge, as well as @burnsoslow and @sirbeepsalot for continuing it all this time. I found your blog when I was a brand new writer in this fandom. I did not expect that deciding to participate would lead to some amazing friendships and experiences. You guys have done so much hard work to keep this going and to keep people in the fandom writing. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. It is sad to see wacky drabbles go, but I am so grateful you guys kept it running for so long. I am participating in this week’s challenge. The prompt is “That was really, really good.” It will appear in bold.

 A/N #2: This wasn’t pre-read or beta’d so please excuse any errors!

Thank you so much to anyone who takes the time to read, like, comment, or share this story. It means the world to me!

Drake released an audible groan as he pulled out yet another box, hidden away in the dining room cabinet with dozens of others. In all of the years they’ve lived in the cabin, he's never searched through it before. It was an unspoken rule in their marriage. While Drake was one for order, Alaina was more of a controlled chaos kind of person. She tried her best to keep things organized for his sake, but there were certain things and spaces that were all her own. This cabinet was all hers. Drake didn’t dare touch it. 

At least until last week...when it suddenly burst open; dozens of boxes of photographs and other saved trinkets pouring out all over the room. 

When it first happened, Alaina insisted on taking care of the mess herself. But after two days of bursting into tears over all of the memories, she reluctantly agreed to let Drake assist her. But it was not without stipulations. 

The most important rule: no throwing anything away. 

Drake agreed, thinking it would be easy enough, but how wrong he’d been. His wife had always been a packrat, unable to part with almost anything their kids had touched since they were born. But this was out of hand. As he attempted to sort through the ridiculous number of items she had saved, he could feel his blood pressure start to rise. She kept everything. Report cards, every art piece made at daycare, and even old toys that the children had outgrown, all stashed away in the depths of the cabinet. He tried to keep it together for Alaina’s sake, knowing that she meant well by saving it all. But after finding a stack of about 50 sketches from Hope’s very brief artist stage back in first grade, he knew he had to draw the line. He watched Alaina’s face as he dropped the majority of the doodles in the trash, knowing damn well what was about to occur. 

The fight that followed forced both of them to walk away from the task, declaring the dining room off-limits until they could decide how to proceed. 

Like many of their past arguments, it didn’t take long for them to see past their anger. While both of the Walkers had a stubborn streak, they had learned to put aside their pride in favor of compromise over the years. As they sat at the dining room table, a sea of memorabilia laid out in front of them, both admitted their faults. Alaina, that she was too attached to the items for sentimental reasons and needed to let some things go; Drake, that he could've been more sensitive to her feelings. 

At the end of the conversation, a plan of action became clear. Drake would need to be the one to go through the rest of the things and Alaina would find herself as far away from their home as possible while he did. 

The next day, while his wife joined the queen at the spa, Drake prepared to complete his task. But even though Alaina agreed to leave, he knew better than to handle everything on his own. Across the table sat his two reinforcements, both of their toothy smiles wide as they stared at all of the things Drake pulled out of the cabinet. As he watched them chatter excitedly, Drake smirked to himself, proud of the plan that he had come up with. 

How could anything go wrong?

****

Almost four hours later, Drake was eating his words. If he thought his wife was bad, the two children in front of him were a million times worse. While Alaina reminisced constantly, the kids wanted to know the stories behind every picture and item. Drakeś head spun from the number of questions, some he couldn't even answer because the memories were long gone.

“What’s this picture from?” the little girl curled in his lap asked, her big, brown eyes glancing up at him. Drake ran his hand through her tight, red curls, trying to recall exactly when it was taken. He couldn’t help but smile at his wife’s annoyed expression, her small frame swallowed up in a sea of blue taffeta. No doubt from the social season, probably one of the dresses Maxwell forced her to wear, but he couldn’t place which event it was from . 

Just as he started to say as much, the side door swung open, and Alaina called out in greeting. After dropping her stuff off on the counter, she joined the other three in the dining room, kissing her husband and both children softly. Looking over the table, she arched her eyebrow in amusement, noting what little progress they’d made. 

Drake held up the photo for her to see. “Ẅhen did you wear this dress?”

Alaina took the photo from his hand, scoffing at the image.“Uggh, my first Beaumont Bash,” she groaned. “Max made me dress like fuc—freaking Cinderella.” She handed the photo back to Drake. “Feel free to chuck that one.”

“No way, Walker,” he laughed. “I think I’m gonna have it framed and placed over the mantle.”

Alaina reached down, covering the children’s ears before whispering, “Not if you want me to do that….thing you like so much again.” 

“What thing?” the young boy asked, his unruly, blond tufts peeking out from Alaina’s hand. 

“Nothing, Theo,” Alaina said, pressing a kiss to his forehead, “Your grandpa thinks he’s funny, that’s all.”

“And we all know…” Drake added, leaning in to tickle his granddaughter’s tummy. “That grandpa is hilarious.” As Lily chuckled wildly in his lap, he reached his arm around Theo, tucking him against his side so he could tickle his side as well. 

Alaina smiled as she watched them together before glancing up at the clock. “Is Iris still sleeping?” 

“Yup. She’s in the office. Curled right up as soon as I put her down,” Drake answered, releasing both of his grandchildren from his arms. “What are we thinking for food? You guys want burgers, or should we go a little fancy for this special occasion?”

“I want ba-lala,” Lily called out. “Papa let me have it for dinner when he watched us. That was really, really good!”

“Of course he did,” Drake scoffed, making a mental note to call Liam out the next time they saw each other. Never could he have pictured his best friend as the lenient grandfather of the two, breaking all of the rules carefully outlined by the girls’ parents. But Drake couldn’t help but love how happy it made Liam to spoil them endlessly. 

While Drake started preparing dinner, Alaina set the children up in the living room, grabbing the baby before joining her husband in the kitchen. “I see you got a lot accomplished,” she teased. 

“Maybe if my wife wasn’t such a damn hoarder, we wouldn’t be having this problem,” he smirked back, leaning in to softly kiss her lips. “The kids wanted to know everything! Everything, Walker.” He shook his head, “Oh, and they were also very confused on why we had printed pictures when they could just be on our phones.”

Alaina laughed, placing the baby in her bouncer before picking up a pile of pictures. She giggled to herself as she looked through them, stopping at various points to share them with her husband. 

“Oh!” she suddenly said. Still holding the picture in one hand, Alaina sat down in the chair, lifting her other hand to her face. Drake stopped what he was doing to watch her, not sure what grabbed her attention. She turned the picture around, showing Drake a photo of the two of them from the social season. It was a candid shot from their trip to Lythikos, most likely taken by Maxwell in an attempt to document every step of Alaina and Liam’s courtship. 

Little did Maxwell know, he captured the moment right before Alaina stole Drake’s heart. 

He could still smell the evergreen trees, recall the bite of snow on his back as he stared at the strange girl who followed him into the woods. For a long time before that, he had built impenetrable walls around himself, sure that everyone had sinister motives for their actions. But then Alaina chased after him through the bitter cold, reminding him what it felt like to open up to someone. It was the moment everything changed. While he spent the following months denying his feelings and trying to push her toward Liam, in his heart he knew the truth. She was it for him.

Even after 30 years, he still felt the same. Yes, there had difficult moments, fights that cut vicious and deep, but they were completely eclipsed by all the joy that they’ve shared. Never once did he question if Alaina was the person he wanted to share his life with, and he knew she felt the same.

Looking out into the living room, he sighed contently, wishing that his younger self could see how his life turned out. Throughout all of the moments of doubt and insecurity, all he ever wanted was this: a family that loved each other deeply and fiercely. 

But as Drake started getting emotional, Alaina let out a loud laugh, distracting him by holding up another photograph. That dress he recognized instantly. When he saw Alaina arrive at the Lythios ball in the white, silk gown, he almost lost all of his senses, wanting to take her on every surface of the room. As she read his face, Alaina chuckled again, “You liked that one, huh?”

“That damn dress almost killed me, Walker.”

She chuckled before running her finger over her younger self. Her expression hardened, a soft sigh escaping her lips. “I wish I still looked like that.” Alaina reached forward to play with Iris, raising her voice in a sing-song tone. “This getting old shit sucks, little one.”

Drake placed the tray in the oven, then joined his wife’s side, pulling her up into his arms. “I think you’re even more beautiful now, baby.”

“Oh yeah?” she replied sardonically. “You still love me even with wrinkles, gray hairs, and stretch marks?”

Drake looked at his wife, arching his brow in confusion. She didn’t see what he saw. Every mark she hated was a piece of their lives together. Yes, she was beautiful when she was younger, but the woman in front of him now was everything. He leaned down, kissing the crown of her head. “Even more, baby,” he whispered. 

She playfully pushed him off, but Drake could see the blush that tinged her cheeks. Alaina returned to the pile of photographs, letting out a little gasp as she searched through the next stack. Smirking over her shoulder, she held it up for Drake to see. 

It was one of the countless pictures Maxwell took during their trip to New York for Liam’s first bachelor party. Drake could still remember the loud groan he made when Maxwell convinced their waitress at the dive bar to join them for a photo. He’d been sure they’d never be able to place her once they got home. He was happily wrong, lovingly staring at the picture where Alaina was tucked against the edge of the booth.

He glanced at his past self, surprised by what he saw. While everyone else’s gazes were fixed on the camera, he was looking at her, a fraction of a smile turning up the corner of his lips. Drake laughed, running his hand through his hair. How could he have been so blind? 

Alaina smiled up at him, “Do you ever wish you could go back to that night and do everything differently?”

“No.” Alaina stared at him in surprise. “Yeah, some things could have worked out better, but who knows what that would've looked like. This…” he said, motioning to mess all over the table. “This is our story. It’s never gonna be some perfect fairytale, Walker. But it’s ours.” He leaned down, brushing his lips over hers softly before continuing. “And I wouldn’t change a single part.”

[wackydrabbles]

A Piece of Heaven on Earth Part 6

This is my second submission for the last @wackydrabbles​​​​ prompt # 145 That was really really good which will appear in bold.

My OG Riley had to be a part of this.  She had to be. She started the wacky drabbles journey with me, it’s only fitting, my final submission is with her.  

This also is a submission for @choicesmonthlychallenge​​​​ for day 3 for paranormal.

The series:  A Piece of Heaven on Earth

The Book:  TRR

The Pairings: Liam x Riley /  Riley x Nico 

Word Count: 4599

Warnings and Ratings:  Profanity, Sexual Situation, 18+

Song Inspiration: When Can I see You by Babyface

Song Inspiration: Come Away With Me by Norah Jones

Song Inspiration Just a Dream by Nelly  

Summary: Riley moves in with Taylor until her apartment is vacated by Liam. Nico and Riley begin an relationship together. Team Liam launches an offensive to help bring Liam and Riley back together.

Original Post: 05/06/22 at 11:24PM  EST

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[wackydrabbles]

King Father of the Bride - Chapter 5

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Liam x Riley, Eleanor x OC

The TRR regulars belong to Pixelberry, David, Thomas, and the Warner family are my own characters. 

Series Description: Liam is excited to welcome Eleanor back from an extended trip to the states, but things change when she returns with unexpected news.

Catch up here.

Rating: PG

Word Count: 2,433

A/N: I am participating in the final week of @wackydrabbles. The prompt will be in bold below. Thank you to @emceesynonymroll​ for creating this wonderful challenge, and to @burnsoslow​ & @sirbeepsalot​ for running with it and making it such a force in the fandom. Some of my favorite stories (that I have read, and written) have been drabble prompts, and I will miss spending my Sunday wracking my brain of how I can fit a prompt into a story, and then the race to get it written within the week. 💚💜

A/N 2: Shout out @txemrn​ for always being a kick ass pre-reader, despite how angry you get at my Riley. 😂

Tags: The new tag list is up and running, if you’d like to be added or removed, feel free to let me know. 

Two weeks later, and the wedding was still on. Riley and I were in New York for some meetings, and Eleanor insisted that while we were in town, we meet Brian’s parents. They invited us to their home for brunch on the last day of our trip. The day that had been meant for Riley and I to relax and visit our usual spots in the city. Instead, we were in the back of a car driving to Long Island.

“I don’t understand why we have to spend our last day in New York with total strangers.” Liam complained as their SUV drove through the streets of New York.

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[wackydrabbles]

[TRR: WD106] Avoiding A Blunder

Summary: Prince Liam has to fill in for Crown Prince Leo, and Murphy’s Law is put into motion at the end of his trip. Chaos ensues, condensed Wacky Drabble style. Fic Rating/Warning: M; alcohol consumption, minor health/medical emergency, anxiety/angst Author’s Note: All main characters belong to Pixelberry/The Royal Romance, I’m just borrowing them * Fictional versions of IRL individuals are included with affection; any other characters mentioned in this piece are my creation * This is my submission for @wackydrabbles Prompt 106: You’re gonna get us busted! * You have @the-soot-sprite and @ao719 to thank for this ridiculousness, lol - Soot reblogged a photo, Betsy sent me this request

and...this is what my brain came up with (PS - thank you both for the movie discussion) * For the purposes of this story, Triydalia is a fictional country that shares a border with Thailand * Word Count: 1999 😅 (7 minutes reading time)

Taglist (if your name is crossed out, I'll tag you in the comments): @/ao719 @burnsoslow @gkittylove99 @neotericthemis @ofpixelsandscribbles @rainbowsinthestorm @superharriet @/the-soot-sprite @choiceskatie @jaqren @aestheticartsx @bbrandy2002 @dcbbw @gnatbrain @jared2612 @kingliam2019 @ladyangel70 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @princessleac1 @queenjilian @sfb123 @texaskitten30 @theroyalheirshadowhunter @yourmajesty09

Liam was used to filling in for Leo at a moment’s notice; participating in conference calls with ambassadors for early morning updates when Leo overslept, and attending meetings with ministers when Leo went AWOL. He’d grown accustomed to his brother’s antics, but he wondered how Bastien managed to keep his position, when he’d lost track of Leo’s whereabouts countless times.

While Leo spent more time avoiding his duties as Crown Prince of Cordonia, Liam dutifully took on the extra responsibilities in stride. It often meant partitioning his already packed schedule to sit in on vital cabinet meetings or dining with visiting dignitaries, but sometimes Leo’s vanishing acts gave Liam the opportunity to travel.

Though their ambassadors handled the majority of day-to-day relations with other countries for trade, Constantine preferred to meet face-to-face when he could. One such time, a lingering cough turned to walking pneumonia, restricting Constantine to as much bed rest as possible. It also meant sending Leo to Japan for a meeting with the Prime Minister in his stead.

It would have been fine, if Leo hadn’t pulled another one of his disappearing acts.

--

A week later, Liam was seated on the royal jet on his way back from Tokyo, navy attache with espresso brown leather trim in the chair next to him. Across from him, Maxwell chatted with Anya over various Thai dishes. On the other side of the plane, Drake was in a heated discussion with leggy blonde Anitah while the ladies’ petite friend Donna observed in silence, fighting back a grin. “You’re an imbecile if that’s your opinion,” Anitah declared, raising her hands up in the air. “Are you sure that’s the hill you wanna die on?”

Drake smugly sipped from the crystal tumbler in his hand. “I’m right and you know it.”

“What are you two talking about?” Liam asked, relieved to think about anything other than what was in the bag and why it was so important he hand deliver it to his father.

“Fight Club being a better cinematic masterpiece than The Princess Bride,” Drake replied. “You guys agree, right? If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, you’d want to watch Tyler Durden fight the system instead of some…” he paused to sneer at Anitah, who crossed her arms and stuck out her tongue at him, “...story about a swashbuckler rescuing a princess? She’s not even a real princess!”

“Fight Club is such a guy movie though,” Anya argued, turning in her seat to face Drake. “Princess Bride appeals to men and women, with a much larger audience.”

“Okay, that’s two for Buttercup,” Drake sighed. “Maxwell? Li?” He looked at his friends expectantly.

“Fight Club, definitely,” Maxwell said, nodding his head. He’d spent the better part of the trip doing everything to get into Drake’s good graces after the octopus incident on the first night in Tokyo.

Before Liam could respond, a commotion from the front of the plane made everyone’s heads turn, where a pair of Kings Guards and two flight attendants were seated near the galley. One of the guards slipped into the cockpit, rushing out a moment later in Liam’s direction, as the jet slowly tilted to the right. “Apologies, Your Highness. Do you or any of your guests happen to speak Triydalian?”

Anya slowly raised her hand. “I knew a bit when I was a kid, but I haven’t used it in years.”

The guard motioned for her to join him. “Please come with us, miss. The pilots need a translator.”

“Is everything alright, Remy?” Liam peered past the guard, eyes widening at the sight of the other guard and one attendant hovering in front of the other attendant in a chair.

“We need to land the plane, Sir,” Remy answered, ushering Anya up from her seat. “Ramona passed out. She’s breathing but unresponsive.”

--

Twenty minutes later and after a jarring landing, they’d arrived at a small airport in the Republic of Triydalia, at the edge of one of the country’s many jungle forests. Calling it an airport was generous - it was more of a cleared dirt path in the middle of the jungle with a shack for an airport tower, and a man that looked like more of a hunter than an air traffic controller. After a choppy conversation that required pantomiming and hand signals, Anya left with Remy and the man from the tower to fetch a tribal doctor, while Anitah and Donna assisted the other member of the cabin crew to look after Ramona. They were warned to remain as quiet as possible and to stay inside the jet.

Minutes passed by in tense observation; Anitah and Drake continued their debate in low whispers, growing louder as they defended their choices. Liam could see the pilots discussing something pointedly as they checked readings on the instrument panel and worked on calculations. One of them stepped out, claiming that he needed to stretch his legs, and walked cautiously down the runway. When he returned, the other pilot joined him outside, despite the original warning to stay inside. Liam peered out the windows and checked his watch, worrying about Anya and Remy, along with his father’s instructions to avoid delaying their return.

While the remaining guard headed towards the back of the plane to pace back and forth for the eighth time, Liam took it upon himself to speak with the pilots. The air was thick and stifling the moment he stepped outside. Around them, there was nothing but green, green, and more green from the wilderness that surrounded them, abuzz with tropical birds and insects. At his side he carried the blue attache, remembering the promise to his father that the bag wouldn’t leave his sight. He spoke in a hushed tone when he approached the pilots. “You’re doing more than just stretching your legs, aren’t you, Captain?”

Both men grimaced slightly. “Yes, Your Highness. Even if we pulled back to one end of the runway, we’re still at least five hundred feet short of clearing takeoff.”

“What if we worked to try and clear the brush on either end?” Liam offered, looking off into the distance.

“There’s no way to clear out the trees, even the young ones,” the co-captain answered. “We might be able to take off if we could drop some weight, but the larger concern is the longer we wait, we increase the risk of encountering someone who doesn’t want us here.”

Liam nodded gravely; months of civil unrest in Triydalia meant rebel groups assembled faster than the government could contain them. There was no guarantee of anyone’s safety, stranded on a remote runway. There was no telling what was wrong with Ramona while she was unconscious, and therefore no way to treat her without the aid of a doctor. Ensuring the safety of the crew and his friends could have been avoided altogether if Leo didn’t constantly opt out of handling the duties of his station. In that moment, Liam abhorred the never-ending list of responsibilities thrust at him as a result of having to pick up the slack for his brother, knowing if their roles were reversed, Leo would manage to find a way to leave Liam to solve problems on his own.

“Could you excuse me for a moment?”

He’d barely finished asking the question before walking into the tall grass by the edge of the runway. Ignoring the pilots’ calls to return, Liam sprinted into the dense greenery, dodging between vines and scanning the ground for tripwires until he could no longer see the plane over his shoulder. When he finally stopped running, he bent over, hands on his knees as he gulped in air. Liam looked down at the blue bag in his hand, wondering what on earth was so precious to reduce him to a courier.

Shaking the bag did nothing; it felt practically empty, though he could tell something was inside. He couldn’t open the bag to check, since Prime Minister Abe and his father were the only ones with keys, and PM Abe handed him the sealed bag when they parted ways. Liam wanted to throw the infernal “murse” the ladies had good-naturedly teased him for into the bushes. Perspiration dotted his hairline, and he let out a primal scream, before taking slow, deep breaths to quiet the worrisome thoughts racing in his head and bring his heartbeat down to normal.

Cursed courier bag in his right hand, Liam braced his arm against his torso, pinning it in place with his elbow when he bent his other arm up towards his face. Curling his fingers into a relaxed fist, he pressed his lips against his thumb, thick brows furrowing in thought. All around him, wild birds called to one another amidst the chittering clamor of insects hidden in the foliage. He was so busy running through scenarios in his head that he didn’t hear the quiet click of a camera, turning to look up only when he heard a branch snap in the distance.

“Watch it! You’re gonna get us busted!” Donna hissed to Drake. She pocketed her phone, elbowing Drake in the ribs as they crouched behind large leaves. She ticked her head in Liam’s direction. “Go get your boy, none of us are safe out here.”

After some coaxing, Liam headed back to the plane with Donna and Drake, walking briskly through the jungle, eyes trained to look for anything out of the ordinary. Liam was alarmed when he heard and then saw the engines running, until Drake explained the pilots were burning off fuel to lighten the plane. They’d begun to walk up the steps, when Maxwell popped out above them. “Whoo!” Maxwell exclaimed, digging for another snack from the container he cradled in his arm. “Feels like a sauna out here!”

“Lower your voice, Maxwell! Please!” Liam seethed. His features pinched together in disbelief. “Are you...eating? Now?”

“You know I stress snack,” Maxwell replied, shrugging his shoulders. He shoved another cookie into his mouth.

Liam’s eyes lit up and he took the stairs two by two, knocking on the cockpit door before swinging it open. “What if we unloaded whatever’s not bolted down? The decor, dinnerware, the food and drink?”

“That...would certainly help,” the captain replied, looking back over his shoulder. He turned to his co-pilot. “It could be enough to get in the air after burning off the excess fuel.”

“You heard the man, Maxwell,” Liam said, offering his friend a nervous grin. “Get Drake to help you start unloading the plane. Has Ramona’s status changed?”

“Donna found the first aid kit just before she took off with Drake to go after you. Anitah found some smelling salts that gave her a rude wakeup call. Turns out her insulin pump shorted and she just needed some juice.”

Several more minutes passed as the group removed whatever they could from the plane, leaving piles of cookware, food, throw pillows, and even seat cushions to lighten the load. Drake whined when they gathered up the liquor, but he stuffed a bottle of whiskey in a cabinet by his seat. They’d nearly finished when Anya and Remy returned, running on foot. “That thing better be ready to take off!” Anya hollered, motioning for everyone to board. “Rebels on our tail! Time to go!”

Everyone scrambled back onto the plane; Liam relayed the urgency to depart to the pilots, who rapidly went through their flight checklist. Remy pulled Anya up onto the steps and they all clamored to buckle into their seats, the sound of gunfire in the air as the jet rolled forward and lurched up into the air, barely clearing the canopy.

Adrenaline pumping and breaths shallow, Liam looked around at his friends and the crew, thankful they were safely in the air again.

--

Liam thought he was having a stroke at twenty-four when he saw the contents of the bag. Constantine smiled with glee at the small gold cat, one paw raised.

[wackydrabbles]

When in Rome: My Life’s Booked

I am participating in @wackydrabbles question of the week:

What wacky habit, hobby, or interest does your MC or favorite character have? You have 500 words to tell us about it! Bonus prize: @sirbeepsalot will try their hardest to make an edit of our favorite one!

This takes place about a year after the epilogue. Leo discovers a habit of Riley’s.

When in Rome Masterlist

Characters belong to Pixelberry, the story belongs to me.

Word Count: 500

TW: Suggestive language, cursing.

Riley and Leo sat on the bench in the Piazza di Spagna, near the fountain. They always came here when they were in Rome.

Leo’s arm was across the back of the bench, Riley’s head on his shoulder. She held a book, a new thriller she wanted to finish before they had to go back to the circuit.

As Leo watched, she read the last few pages, then flipped back to the first page.

“Riley, did you just read the end?” Leo squinted in the sun. “What’s the point of the book now?”

“I have to know how it ends first,” Riley said distractedly, already engrossed in the book. “It will make me crazy otherwise.”

“Wait.” Leo frowned. “That’s the whole point of reading. To figure it out.”

“No, it isn’t,” Riley argued. “I like knowing.”

“Do you always do that?” Leo asked.

“Yes,” Riley confirmed. “You didn’t notice before?”

“No,” Leo admitted. “What else don’t I know?”

Riley sighed and closed the book. “Are you going to make me play twenty questions again?”

“Excuse me for thinking it was weird I knew your body’s little hotspots before your middle name.” Leo rolled his eyes.

“You still don’t know them all,” Riley smirked.

Leo nipped her ear. “We have the next two weeks off. Guess we aren’t leaving the apartment after today.”

“Like we were going to anyway.” Riley snorted and reopened her book.

“Hey, I’m not done.” Leo nudged her, prompting her to reclose the book. “What if you could do that with life? Read the last page?”

“Totally,” Riley said without hesitation.

“You’d wanna know how it all ends?”

“You wouldn’t?”

“Nope,” Leo announced. “I saw how my life would be when I was a prince.”

“That makes sense,” Riley said. “I’ve always just gone where I wanted. Sometimes it might be nice to know the way it ends up.”

“It’s why you’re awesome,” Leo smirked. “You go all in.”

“Turned out okay with you.”

“Only okay?”

“Amazing. Wonderful.” Riley deadpanned.

“Careful,” Leo warned. “I’ll get used to the flattery. I might have to call you boo.”

“Not again,” Riley grumbled.

“Do you think we’ll be on each other’s last pages?” Leo asked softly.

“You’d never know.” Riley reminded him. “You’d do that thing like when I almost spoiled the end of Fight Club.”

“I hadn’t seen it!” Leo had covered his ears and ran out of the room. “Life full of learning manners and shit.”

“That paid off.” Riley cackled.

“Just answer the damn question.” Leo sighed.

“Definitely.” Riley reopened her book. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to pick up on every detail that makes the ending happen.”

Something heavy fell into Riley’s lap. She lifted her head off Leo’s shoulder and fished it out of the fabric of her dress.

It was an emerald ring.

Riley looked up to see Leo kneeling.

“This is the beginning of the book.” Leo grinned. “That’s why you didn’t see it coming. You’re still looking at the end.”

[wackydrabbles]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 💜

Bestieeeeee I love you! I am going to pick my 5 favorite @wackydrabbles for this ask, in honor of the final week.

The OG, One Rainy Day in Valtoria! Ahhhh the first and the last, prompts 1, 145, and a ton in between.

The first series I ever finished, UnBEARable! I love this one so much -- Lyss' temper, the pining, the sexual tension, and their first kiss ever. ahhhhh babiessss

All Mixed Up. OMG I swear to God I'll get back to this one someday, I swear it! Drake. Alyssa. Damien. Victoria. Lyssa bangs Damien, Drake bangs Tory, there's bad!Riley and hot Liam, and a fuckton of problems. At least Bastien is still stupid.

Team Walker Ever After is the followup to ORDIV and I'm so, so soft for it. Always.

I always wondered if this would end up being a WD series after the prologue was. Now I know it won't be lmao. August and Everything After is going to happen someday, I swear it! But in the meantime, I still like the prologue. :)

[wackydrabbles]

And The Winner Is?

Book:  Open Heart

Pairing:  Ethan Ramsey, Tobias Carrick (Platonic)

Rating:  Teen

Category:  Fluff, Bromance

Summary:  Ethan and Tobias decide to pick up a bet they abandoned back at Hopkins, but who will really win and lose?

Words:  1766

A/N:  So romance is all well and good, but I’ve been itching for more bromance.  Once again the brilliant, talented and simply lovely, @/artbyainna delivered this incredible fanart that perfectly captured the story I wanted to write! She blows me away! Once I had this, the story wrote itself!

A/N 1:  I’m participating in May’s @choicesmonthlychallenge  , day 12, Thursday.  I’m also participating in the very last @wackydrabbles . Thanks so much to @burnsoslow and @sirbeepsalot for bringing it to us.  I have enjoyed Wackydrabbles ever since I’ve been in the fandom and I will miss it! Thank you for bringing it to us!  

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS.

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[wackydrabbles]

Over You

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Alaina Gold)

Summary: This is an in-between moment from chapter 19 of book 1, between the garden scene with Drake and Liam's announcement. I've never written any canon moments with Drake and Alaina, but this song made me instantly think of this scene.

Song Inspiration: Over You by Ingrid Michaelson & Great Big World

Word Count: 498

Warnings: None really, maybe one or two swears

A/N: I’m participating in @wackydrabbles​​​ challenge #100 (!!!). The prompt is This is huge - we need to celebrate! It will appear in bold.

A/N #2: This piece was inspired by the Royal Roulette challenge, which is the brainchild of the incredible @txemrn​. To play, you shuffle your music selections and write based on the first song that appears. This has had minimal editing, so please forgive any spelling/grammatical errors.

Alaina re-entered the ballroom from the gardens, trying to steady her shaking nerves. This was what she had been waiting for, what she’d been dreaming of since she boarded the jet to Cordonia without a second thought.

So why was she suddenly filled with dread?

She closed her eyes, trying to push the thought of Drake from her mind, trying to forget the way his lips felt pressed against hers, the way she felt incredibly safe in his arms.

The way she lit up every time he was next to her.

She glanced up towards the front, Liam shooting her a sly wink through the crowd. He was a kind man, as close to perfect as possible. Everything she should want.

But as the doors open, revealing the same dark brown eyes that haunted her every thought, she knew that her heart was no longer hers to give.

It had already been claimed.

………………………………………………….

Drake sucked in a sharp breath, pulling on the handles of the ballroom doors. He told himself it was a mistake, that he should head back to the quiet solace of the outside. But his body involuntarily forced him in, the buzz of anticipation surrounding him.

How the fuck did this happen?

How the hell had he managed to fall for the one girl he wasn’t supposed to?

He couldn’t even pin it on an exact moment. Alaina surprised him constantly, but he was never expecting this. How quickly she went from driving him batshit crazy, to becoming the one that kept him up all hours of the night.

But all thoughts were silenced as his gaze met hers, the brilliant blue hue of her eyes commanding all of his attention.

………………………………………………….

Drake took a sip of his drink before he felt someone grab his arm, pulling him to the front of the room. He settled next to Alaina, clearing his throat as her gaze met his, a sudden blush filling her cheeks.

“We made it!” Maxwell danced excitedly in between the two. “This is huge - we need to celebrate! We’re finally going to learn Liam’s choice.”

But Alaina and Drake said nothing, a silent conversation passing between them. As Constantine started his announcement, Drake offered her an unconvincing smile, trying to remove any doubts.

Alaina inhaled sharply, forcing her gaze back towards Liam. But her heart hammered in her chest. Her eyes flicked back toward Drake, who was still watching her intently, attempting to convince herself that he was not the one she wanted.

As Liam began to announce his choice, the room started to spin around her, Alaina reaching out to hold Max’s arm. She closed her eyes, trying to keep her breathing steady. Images of her time with Drake flooded her mind, screaming out that she was making a mistake.

She couldn’t do this.

She started to pull Max to the side, but before she could, a wave of alerts rang out from everyone’s phones.

“Gold, there’s something you should see.”

[wackydrabbles]

For my last day reminiscing about @wackydrabbles, I had a hard time picking just one more fic to share, so I decided to create a master list of all of the drabbles I posted in my short time participating. 

Count on Me - Prompt #77

Quit Your Life - Prompt #80

Stealing Moments - Prompt #88

Whatcha Wearin’ Under There? - Prompt #93

Knit Me Baby, One More Time - Wacky Drabble 100 Week Challenge

Ballerina Girl - Prompt #100

What Do You Think? - Prompt #105

Unmasked - Prompt #119

Sick Day - Prompt #120

A Royal Recipe - Prompt #131

King Father of the Bride - Prompts #135, #136, #140, #142

Though KFOTB started as a Wacky Drabble series, it will continue on. Stay tuned for chapter 5, coming up tomorrow as my final WD submission. 

[wackydrabbles]

Greater Good (A ‘Looking For Trouble’ Wacky Drabble)

I’m participating in @wackydrabbles​ last prompt #145  “That was really, really good.” which will appear in bold. First I want to once again thank @emceesynonymroll , @burnsoslow and @sirbeepsalot for starting and keeping this thing going for as long as it has.  We’ve had so much fun reading and writing these drabbles and it was your dedication that allowed us to continue the fun as long as we did. 🙏❤

Secondly, It’s been a hot minute since I wrote anything, but the end of wacky drabbles seemed like as good of a reason as any to come out of retirement.  I’m super rusty, so keep your expectations low, and you might not be disappointed.  lol Pairing: Drake X  Flash (Bromance)

Word Count: 1900 (Which is short for a wordy bitch like me, but long for a wacky drabble.  lol)

Rating: Bad language (I mean, it’s Drake so…)

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