riddles-n-games

[riddles-n-games]

Kiss me on the dancefloor

Grayson x Lyra.

Synopsis: After winning the game Grayson and Lyra share a private moment together. Will it be their last?

Savannah had won the game. Avery was missing. Jameson had blamed Grayson and Lyra for everything. In Lyra's mind, this was the worst thing that could happen. Sure, she knew she wasn't guaranteed to win the game, but everything else? That she DIDN'T account for.

She had been alone in her room getting ready to pack when she heard a knock. Opening the door, she found a single envelope: crisp white. It smelled like fallen leaves and ceder.

Grayson.

With nothing but her name perfectly scrawled on the front, she opened it.

"Meet me in the ballroom. Quarter past 10. Wear your best dress."

Nothing else.

Part of her wanted to ignore the note and leave. Never to return. But as she thought about it, the more she realized how badly she wanted to see Grayson one more time. To feel him brush her hair from her face and kiss her like it was their last.

Only this time it was.

She had lost. It was what it was. There was nothing left for her to do but go back home. She's lost Miles end. She had failed. But blaming herself for something she couldn't control wasn't going to help either.

Achingly, she pulled the Sunset orange dress on one more time. Laced the oh so comfortable ballet flats one more time. Put on the bejeweled mask on one more time. For one more time she'd pretend she was living the fairytale every girl imagined.

Except hers wasn't getting a happy ending.

At exactly 10:12 she left her room, locking it behind her. Her feet glided lightly over the richly carpeted halls. No one was around. Just her.

She reached the ballroom at the scheduled time.

Everything was as she remembered it only a few days before. The crystal chandeliers, high wooden walls with decorative paintings. Polished floors that stretched hundreds of feet, with floor to ceiling all glass windows overlooking the ocean. But most importantly was Grayson Hawthorne standing in the middle of the ballroom.

He was wearing the same black suit he had worn the first time she had danced with him. When he was still the arrogant, above it all, Asshole of a Hawthorne. That was before she had gotten to know him. And found out behind that well-worn mask was a young man hurting just as much as she was. Someone who wanted to be loved and love just like she did. Someone who wore his heart on his sleeve and was willing to jump a cliff to save her.

He turned and she stopped. Blue, almost gray eyes locked on to her amber ones.

"You came." It wasn't a question. It was a statement. Like Grayson was sure, like he was all the damn time.

"You think I wasn't" Lyra said it like challenge.

"Of course not." Damn, that voice. So smooth and confident.

He reached out his hand. "May I?" Grayson and his May I's.

She bowed her head. "You may." At the same moment she took his hand was the moment the lights dimmed. As if Grayson Hawthorne had commanded them himself.

He probably did.

Gigantic curtains slowly closed over the glass windows as soft music began to play. It was just them. No one else.

Grayson slowly pulled her in. Their legs became angled just right as he extended his left hand with hers. Except hers wouldn't reach all the way. Her fingers barely reached his wide wrist. Grayson noticed this as slowly dialed his arm back till his and her fingertips were touching.

"Better?" He whispered.

"Yes." she breathed.

Without hesitation, he began a slow waltz.

Legs never stepped out of rhythm as they slowly circled the room. Once. twice. Now a third.

Lyra never wanted it to end. Both their heads were touching. She could feel his breath on her skin: of fresh mint and parsley.

She had to tell him. That this was it. No more pretend or wishing for something that will never happen. But she couldn't. All she wanted was to keep dancing till her legs gave out and Grayson had to carry back to her room. Then she'd have an excuse to stay.

Grayson seemed to notice her distress. "Lyra. Lierra Are you alright?"

"Of course." She lied. "Why wouldn't I be?" But her tone betrayed her. It cracked as her lips slowly trembled. A silent tear rolled down her cheek.

Grayson immediately stopped with the slow dancing. He cupped his hands under her chin as he gently wiped the tear with thumb. "Lyra. Sweetheart. You are not alright."

Lyra couldn't deny it. The harder she tried the more the tears fell. She wasn't supposed to fall in love with him. She wasn't supposed to be the feelings she was now. Sadness. Anger. Longing.

"Grayson." She choaked. "I..I have to tell you something."

He looked at her and looking away from his piercing glaze was nearly impossible. How could he look so sad yet concerned at the same time?

"I'm leaving. Back to Miles End." She paused and gave a shaky breath. "And I'm not coming back."

"Lyra.."

"No. Please let me finish." If she stopped, he might damn well convince her stay. "I have to go home. I lost, and that's ok. But I can't stay. Avery is missing and you heard Jameson; he wants nothing to do with me. Leaving will be the best for all of us."

"Lyra, no." Grayson's voice sounded so disparate. "Whatever Jameson said I know he didn't mean it. I know him, He says things he doesn't mean."

"But he did." Lyra said. No matter what Grayson said, she knew Jameson meant every word he said. "Gray, I have to go. The game is done, and everyone has to go back to where they belong. And I belong at Miles End." No more living the fairytale life.

Grayson said nothing but his face said everything. He looked so confused and heartbroken she wanted to cry just for him. "I don't understand." He whispered.

"I know you don't. I'm not asking you to. But I have to go and I'm asking you not stop me."

She knew he so badly wanted to, but he didn't. Before she left there was no more thing she had to do. "Gray?"

"Yes sweetheart." So broken and raw.

"Kiss me?" Her voice broke as she began to sob. "One more time please kiss me."

He obliged, and it wasn't anything less than heartbreaking. They kissed like there was no tomorrow. Crushing, biting, smooching, and everything else. Tears were falling fast, and it wasn't just Lyra's. Grayson shed tears and that made Lyra cry harder. They grappled each other's shoulders, never wishing to let go.

For several minutes that is how they stayed. Lyra pulled back.

"I...I have to go now." She sobbed.

"Please don't go." Grayson Hawthorne never begged, but here he was.

She shook her head.

"Then let me give you something before you go." With silent tears still sliding down his face, Grayson shed his suit coat. "I know you'll get cold sometime."

She laughed through her tears. Remembering the time she refused his coat when she was cold but was to stubborn to admit it.

Looking into his piercing gray eyes one more time she whispered. "Bye Asshole." She walked away crying. Never looking back.

Hey, I hope you all like this story I made. If any of you have heard the song "Secret love song" This is loosely based on it. I may have cried while making this.

Enjoy!

Tagging a few people who might like this.

@lyrakanefanatic @elif-in-wonderland @reminiscentreader @no1lyrakanedefender @herondalesbooklover @darlingletters @saythewordheiress

[riddles-n-games]

Uncle Grayson with one of the twins.

[riddles-n-games]

Exposed

Pairing: N/A Summary: Grayson gets to enjoy a late start for once with his best girl, Tiramisu. Unfortunately, someone decides to spoil that dreamless sleep and expose his closely guarded secret. Puppy cuddles are therapeutic for the soul. Sue him. Length: Moderate Story Type: One Shot

A/N: Hey guys, sorry this is a bit late but this is my dedication to Grayson's birthday appreciation. Originally this was supposed to be a bonus fic after I released my second horse fic but as you can see that hasn't happened so I thought why not just get it done for his bday? (Ok, I know it's past his birthday but ignore that.)

    Disaster struck, tragedy ensued. He was discovered, his secret exposed. The world would know his wrath but world domination would have to wait a bit because at the moment, there was still a snuggly bundle curled up next to him asleep in his arms. He smiled down at her. 

    Tiramisu Panini Hawthorne. The Hawthorne puppy was not so small anymore as she was five months old now but she was just as wriggly, happy, and fluffier than ever. And also a backstabber by choosing him as her favorite Hawthorne which must have been the reason for the flash breakin that woke him. He heard sniggering and hushed voices down the hall which meant two suspects; Xander and Jameson. On an infamous night when a certain incident occurred perhaps involving the tightest pair of leather pants in existence, videos and photos were taken and posted that unfortunately went viral.

    While he managed to deep clean the Internet in only the way Grayson Hawthorne could, the original menac-posters still had the content saved to their devices, several of them. He feared how much new blackmail material they got away with this time. He would scour every corner, surface and dark web, deep cleaning the Internet of all footage just like the first time. He’d get his revenge, he just had to bide his time.     

Grayson would not be dubbed Mr. Cuddles and yes, he would decline the puppy interview to keep his sanity, no matter how many hearts were broken or the adorableness of the pups. He would not yield. This was a call to war; a total and absolute declaration. In such a case, Hawthornes loved getting down in the dirt and Grayson didn’t mind getting his hands dirty to get things squared. Playing dirty meant gloves off; that was the Hawthorne way. So maybe his homicidal mother was right about something after all.

    But till then he’d relax in his bed and enjoy a late morning for once, though the photographer in him was now itching for a photo. The rays of sunlight coming in through the blinds, the way it lit up the carpet and the left side of his bed, the adorable puppy snoozing happily under his comforter- Ah yes, her. She would be his subject but he was too comfortable to get up and he didn’t want to disturb her. Besides, growing puppies still need plenty of sleep.  “Just don’t grow up too quickly,” he whispered. The photoshoot could happen later.

    Suddenly, Tiramisu shifted in his arms and started pawing at his chest, whimpering as the swiping got faster. Nightmare?  Note to self, look into dog dreaming. “Shh, girl. You’re alright.”

   Grayson moved away to avoid getting scratched and quickly turned her over so that her legs were away from him, hugging her tight and readjusting the blanket over them. When he got resettled, he brought a hand to her ear and rubbed gentle circles into the fur with his thumb. He loved her ears; they were super soft, curly, fluffy, and floppy. Oh how time went by; it was funny, he mused, how attached to the puppy he became after a few short months. Who knew that all it took was a puppy to single-handedly turn Grayson Hawthorne into a pile of mush? 

    Yes, so he was wrapped around her cute little paw. He’d hurt anyone who dared make a move. But it’d taken being at his lowest to get where he was now. 

    After Atonement Night, he often found her wandering his wing or lying down at the foot of his door, waiting to be let in. Her tail would instantly start wagging when he approached and those forlorn puppy eyes would stare deep into his soul, so hopeful that he’d let her in and how could he say no to that face? 

     He’d sigh a little dramatically and just before he unlocked the door, she’d get up, waiting expectantly as he scanned the hall for uninvited visitors and extra cameras. When he opened the door, he would pause so she could go in first and prance right past him, heading for his closet. It confused him as to what the pup found so interesting there as he would set down his stuff on and around the desk before heading for the ensuite. Most times he’d leave her be as there were spare clothes in the bathroom but one time he forgot so when he entered the closet, he found her wrapped in old shirts and socks with one of his slippers in her possession. He wasn’t sure what to make of it but she looked too cute and innocent with those big eyes that he just had to take a picture. 

    Some weeks passed and the pattern continued; every time he checked on her, she had his slipper and rested on a particular shirt that he discovered was from his HCD days. She also started staying late into the night in his room, sleeping at the foot of his bed right next to his slippers; another photo op. Eventually that too changed as when he woke early to swim, a chocolate brown lump would greet him at the edge of his bed which often got him smiling to himself. He would do his best to slip out of bed without disturbing her and before he left, scratched behind her ears and placed a fluffy blanket on top of her. 

    It didn’t take long for him to jump the gun and when he finally caught her sneaking onto the bed one night, he called to her and patted the spot next to him. Tiramisu had all too eagerly bounded toward him, all happy tail wags and pants before she laid her head on his side and settled down. 

    When she fell asleep, Grayson stayed awake, stroking her fur and staring at the ceiling, deep in thought. For the first time he’d realized that something about him was changing; he’d been careless. No, not in a bad way but he hadn’t been paying much attention to his actions for once, at least, in regards to the puppy. Though he remained his usual controlled self wherever he was in the House and in his wing with Tiramisu in tow, he hadn’t bothered acting removed or unaffected by her happy presence. He could just be. Sure, he wasn’t around her much those first few weeks but he hadn’t been cold or distanced when they were alone. It was just that the little happy accidents had finally gotten the ball rolling and pushed them together to start bonding properly. He never relaxed that quickly around anybody so it was a shock to him how quickly he adapted to being laid back and receptive to her in his privacy, his safe space. She made him happier, more smiley (that was still something he didn’t want to easily admit); that was when he knew Xander had been right. No wall was too high or too strong for her to knock down with just a blink of her big eyes. But Xan would never get to know that unless he ran out of secrets to share during Chutes and Ladders which he doubted would ever happen. But most important of all, she made him feel carefree. 

    For so long, he had to keep his guard up and be perfect; that was his curse as heir apparent. Former heir apparent. Eve and Emily, they’d been awful lapses in judgment but dwelling on the past did nothing to wash away the sins. And he’d been learning to let that go, slowly. Spending time with the puppy in his room helped that progress and relieved the ache of responsibility off his shoulders. With Tiramisu, he finally felt that long needed peace and it was nice that she had no expectations of that sort. All she needed was food, water, sleep, and play while all she wanted was a bit of attention, snuggles, walks, and love. Grayson knew he could give that much because what was a dog’s duty as man’s best friend in comparison? 

    They were expected to be loyal, trusting, fearless, protective, playful, and loving. They had to give all of themselves to their purpose and one could beat them, hurt them, scare them into submission, break them completely and a dog would still give and give and give in hopes that they would be enough for their owner’s expectations. That they would be worthy of just a bit of affection that their owner could spare no matter what they went through because it was in their nature. And hadn’t that been him his entire life thus far?

    He’d given and given more every time as he bent over backwards trying to please his grandfather and the world as the heir, as the second eldest, as the one with the brightest future of all his brothers. He dedicated himself wholly; heart, body, mind, and soul to perfecting each talent, every skill, every part of his being to be the perfect well-oiled machine of control. And it was all for naught. But that hadn’t been Avery’s fault. It was just that begged the question, What now? What to do with his life after all he’d been promised and told to do so he could become the rightful successor worthy of his grandfather’s place was ripped right from under him? He didn’t know. The foundation wasn’t going to need him forever and he dropped Harvard so what next? 

    The chocolate Labradoodle obscured that and he’d been immensely thankful for it. She reminded him that there was a time and a place and maybe where he needed to be was just in the right now. He could do that and he would have her to keep that new motto going. Having a new pet in Hawthorne House in general had been good; it gave him and his brothers a change of pace. He looked into the science of pet therapy and the specifics of having a dog as said therapeutic animal. It had to be done from a secret laptop to ensure Xan wouldn’t snoop; he already had too many hacked gadgets, even an old camera! At first, it had been mild interest but the more papers he read and explanations from credited sources, he became more and more invested. It was very a Hawthorne thing for him to do. But in the end, it did serve a purpose as he shifted from needing everything to be perfect.

    When he went home after working into the night at the office and he was too tired to properly function, he gladly scooped up the puppy and leaned his head against her neck as he fell asleep. He didn’t care that he shouldn’t need a cuddle buddy. He started keeping a bag of her favorite treats in a desk drawer and got a dog bed complete with a little pillow and the old swim athletics shirt. Grayson had realized his scent was still on the shirt since he hadn’t washed that one in a long time and she liked his smell so he let her have it. There was also a little basket with some toys wrapped in an old pillowcase but her favorite thing was still his slipper which he amended by getting a new pair so the other single slipper would be hers as well if she wanted. He even came up with a special secret nickname for her that he’d use when no one was around and used it indulgently; Misu. Funny enough, he found out that it was also a real thing, a Korean beverage made of grain powder.

    On sleepless nights, he would start telling her about his day which eventually led to him admitting his fears out loud and whispering his worst secrets in the dark. At first, he tried to refrain but when he forced him to say it, he felt better. It didn’t have to be this way anymore. He could have something better, something he wanted. And anyways, it wasn’t like Tiramisu was going to say anything but knowing that he could confess without fear of judgment or anyone knowing yet before he was ready to share, he felt relief. So much so that sometimes he could feel the sting of tears prickling at the corners of his eyes but he’d swiped them away before they could become fully formed. He wasn’t there yet in his emotional acceptance. Long story short, since then, she’d become his closest confidante and as of the moment, favorite family member. 

    At some point in his mindless reminiscing, somebody had woken up. Grayson had been stroking her fur, letting his hand glide through the curls and when he once again reached the top of her head, he felt eyes on him. He turned his head and saw Tiramisu looking at him in that innocent way that dogs did when they were expecting something. He smiled. “Hi girl, did you sleep well?” 

    She butted her head against his palm gently as he stroked the side of her snout. Then, she got up and shook herself off before stepping over him and sniffed curiously at his neck and shoulders. He scratched her neck in response. 

    “We had some very rude intruders this morning, Misu. Wanna help me get back at them? You distract and I will set up cameras.”

    She licked his nose. He chuckled.

    “I’ll take that as a yes.”

A/N: Well, hope you enjoyed that. See you in the next one. But before I forget, I'm thinking of starting a tag list. Let me know if you want to be put on it for my next fic. Bye!

Bonus:

These were some earlier tries (don't even ask about the dozens of awful attempts which will stay there to purposefully haunt me) that were among my faves. Unfortunately, different AI generators either couldn't get Grayson to look like a young man WITHOUT a beard (they insisted that be a feature almost every time) or they messed up the chocolate brown of Tiramisu. Not to mention the extra limbs, eugh.

[riddles-n-games]

The Accountability Problem

I see we are again debating who is being held accountable and who isn't. As a Jameson stan, let me be the first to say I absolutely will hold Jamie accountable for when he has been wrong and out of line. I hate some of his decisions and actions, especially in the last few books as of late. For those that are Grayson stans and keep him accountable for his actions, good on you. For the fans who agree in general all characters should be held accountable for certain actions, wonderful. Glad we're on the same page. But let's get something straight.

As unbiased and neutral as I try to be, I often saw that Jameson fans were far more attacked about their favorite than Grayson fans especially back when I joined tumblr in 2022. And let's be honest, as much as Avery and Jamie are among the faves, I would argue that no matter where you turn, whatever the social media, the fan fave character was always Grayson. He's quite literally the Harry Styles of this cast of characters.

Not that I'm mad at anyone for it but it always felt like Jameson fans had to work harder defending their choice and you could see that especially pre-release of TFG. Once TFG came out, I felt those statement posts felt even more valid (the good stuff about him, that is) but once TBH came out, some of that fell into the water. As I've said before, it always did feel like Jamie's development finished in TFG and ever since then, he stopped having progress.

It felt like JLB wrote herself into a corner with him because this series was already meant to be finished (look at TFG acknowledgments). Once Avery's story was done, we technically considered Jameson's that way too, right? Hence, she never knew what to do with him because of his arc being over and that's why I always had the feeling of being stuck in a loop post TFG regarding Jamie's character development or lack there of. But that was not the case with Gray. We knew exactly that TFG was his rock bottom and because he was the fan fave, he was going to get a redemption AND a love interest. JLB had a story to still tell and he had progress which he deserved but that's why Jamie hasn't been as much of a lovable character I'd say. That's why Lyra and TGG exist. That's why Lyra was always loved from the start; because we knew her role through the Grayson lens.

Now don't get me wrong, I certainly get that not everyone loves Lyra or Lyra and Gray as a couple but I think I see more love for them to the point they outshine Avery and Jameson. They weren't even a couple before we started dishing out so many fanfics about them, meanwhile how much time did it take for Averyjameson fics to roll out? 2-3 years on here. In general, it took like a good two years to start rolling out the fics for this series on tumblr, not that this is the point I am trying to make with that statement. Now, yes, times have changed but certain dynamics haven't and that would be the Jameson vs Grayson fans.

I think more valid criticism of Grayson's actions was only really pushed forward once the series originally ended but Jameson's was from the start because of his unruly nature. Now I get that he is a tough character to like so no judgment but the calling out was always there. Maybe Gray had some but not nearly as much. I know right now it seems more Jameson fans are defending his behavior and not all of it is justified because some stuff is for sure his AND Avery's fault (yup I am def saying our Heiress too) but let's not pretend that Jameson hasn't been called out 100 times more at this point than Grayson. If there was anything that Jamie has been right about, it's that even when Emily was playing both of them, it was always Gray. And you guys have always been the louder critics about Jamie's actions ever since TIG came out. There's never been a competition on that front, I just hope you can see that outside your bubble.

Thanks for reading and from now on, let's just say every character deserves criticism no matter how loved or not they are. Keep or change your opinion, that is your right. Just don't be blind.

[riddles-n-games]

So guys, I just wanted to bring something up for a second. You remember this picture, right, yes? We're well acquainted with it all by this point, hopefully.

Um, so long story short, I randomly looked at it again and decided to zoom in. This is what I found:

I just... this has to be Avery's eyelashes and eyebrows because I somehow didn't notice this at all and after I realized that, I sat there laughing at myself. Anyways, I wanted to share this revelation with y'all. HAHHAHAHAHA.

[riddles-n-games]

Alice Hawthorne's Links

Since not everything is known regarding the overarching plot about Alice, I had some thoughts to share. So, recently I've been told that JLB stated there are enough clues in the og trilogy to basically solve the mystery. Well, I have some theories. My mind keeps being drawn back to that message from after the release of TBH and the hardcovers of TIG where some people got the scrambled sentence: There are clues in The Final Gambit. Ever since then, my mind has been mulling over what those clues could be.

Me and a few people went over it and the best ties at that time were regarding Lyra and her father. Going back to when the gang was pouring over Tobias's files of all the people he screwed over, we found a few interesting things about a father, his child who died, and the father's profession. I'm not gonna go into detail but that was the premise. Now, given that we have some more insight to Alice, I just had an idea. What if she has her own type of personal hidden history with the Blakes?

We know Tobias and Toby's ties with the Blake family but we don't know Alice's. So I went back through the book and found the part where Avery and Jamie were talking to Nan. Here are those parts to refresh the memory:

Based on the second snippet where Nan lists out some of the potential things that maybe came to mind for Avery as she's trying to assess the dynamics between Tobias and Vincent, I think given our context now, it may be safe to say that Alice went through stuff. As Eve has been among the kidnapped group alongside Gigi and Slate, there has to be reason for that. And I think definitely, that maybe whatever happened with Alice during the time the Hawthornes were involved with the Blakes, that may have been a huge shifting point for her but she didn't feel the effects of resentment and anger as much until later on.

But anyways, I don't have too much to say, just wanted to bring this up as it's one of the only other major things we learn about Alice in the original books so whoever wanted to could try putting together this together further.

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I read like all of your GR rant and i just wanna say i agree with everything you said

Hey girl, thanks. Reading your comments too makes me glad someone else is seeing through this madness. Like, I want to enjoy the series but at this point, I can’t like I did when I started it because of all the things I see it becoming. Feel free to share any other opinions you have in dms if you're uncomfortable saying them publicly.

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This might be an unpopular opinion, but OMG it pisses me off that Jameson and Avery are breaking the law and are proud of it.

ARE WE DEADASS? Two grown adults acting like fucking 5 year olds. Jameson is literally getting banned from countries and Avery is giving him a gold star and a thumbs up. You know Avery’s whole “I’m never gonna get used to this.” She seems pretty fine being rich and using it to get away with things and not have any consequences for her actions. Not used to it my ass. Don’t even get me started on Jameson I’m gonna start raging.

(Side note I love them very much they have my whole heart But OMGGGG)

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What absolutely drives me crazy is that again GR continues in the timeframe of a day and with the addition of another POV, we waste valuable time for character development and if we're already concerned with our "couples", the romantic advancements too. And now, instead of trying for original plotlines since so many were already reused from the first three books, guess it's time for a cult plot like two series previously used... But here I'm supposed to believe JLB is gonna wrap this up in ONE MORE BOOK? Please.

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Lyra really said she was looking for a man in finance, with a trust fund, 6'5", blue eyes and she did but he's kind of working in a charity to give away the rest of what was supposed to go into his trust fund, he's actually 6'0" (he lied on his Tinder profile) and the blue in his eyes is more on the gray side. But you know, same thing.

[riddles-n-games]

Whispered Protests

ROHAN

"-sure it's this way? I thought we were supposed to take the left turn before."

"Leave it alone, Gigi. I told you to go that-”

He stopped in his tracks when he heard the voices. Gigi and Savannah. They were heading down the hall but it seemed a disagreement was going on. Rohan immediately backed up to the wall and quietly moved down toward the main hall.

“-can split up and you can go another way to search for the clue. What’s wrong with that? You anyways don’t want me to be with you all the time since you claim I hover a lot. Why not now when I’m asking and it’s likely going to be quicker this way for you to be the one to find it.” “Well, I didn’t want to leave when I saw that you were so affected. Plus, you’re always there for me, why shouldn’t I do the same for you?”

“Geeg, I appreciate the concern but right now I just need to be alone. For a little while, I need to be by myself and have time to think.”

“But…”

“Please, I’ll text you and call if it’s worse, okay? Just fifteen minutes to myself.”

He heard her twin sigh. “Okay. But I’ll be making some tea for you tonight and bringing you cookies, too.”

Savannah snorted. “Of course.”

Rohan assumed they were hugging so he braced himself for a little longer of a wait. Savannah was acting off; she was always insistent on being near her sister and rarely strayed from her side especially during the challenges. From their short time on the island, he observed that she was rather reserved, quiet, pensive, very intelligent and snarky when she wanted to be, but most defining of all was that she was very protective of Gigi. He also sensed that beneath that controlled exterior she was hiding something but that wasn't exclusive to her; all the participants had their secrets including himself.

Gigi was leaving and only when he heard her footsteps receding did he dare peak out from his hidden corridor. Savannah’s back was facing him; she appeared to be watching her sister go until she finally disappeared around the corner and he saw his opportunity. When she started to turn, he slipped back into position with an arm against the wall.

He heard her exhale heavily and her shoes scuff on the floor. One, two, three, four. She was on the move. Five, six. Pause. Seven, eight, nine. She was closer and he wondered if she knew that he was there or just taking her time. Eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen. Sixteen, seventeen. There was no pattern to her beat and it irked him but he continued to count with bated breath.

Eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one. She had to know he was there, she had to. Relative to him, she wasn’t that far away and could have passed him by then but she hadn’t. There was no way she wasn’t doing this on purpose. Twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four. Twenty-five, twenty-six, twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirt- Her hand came into view. He stopped breathing and held it, stiffening his posture; this was his chance. Next he saw her white tennis shoe and his hand shot out, yanking her into his hiding spot.

In record time, he whirled around with her and switched their positions, Savannah against the wall and him in front of her. He’d spun them around so fast that it even blindsided him, a side effect of trained fast reflexes which gave him the advantage against his opponents in the ring. But this was different. Savannah may have been his opponent in the Grandest Game but not one in a game that begged the question of life and death although from his perspective it still was. He had to win to get the Prospector’s final approval and become the secured heir of the Devil’s Mercy. But, lately he had been… distracted, to say the least.

He looked at her, trying to slow his own racing heart and loosened his hold on her hand. She hadn't looked up, clearly in shock from the sudden intrusion on her silent loathing but then she did.

“Rohan?” she asked breathlessly. Her eyes were wide with confusion, ponytail a little loose, and chest heaving. She was beautiful. He took her in slowly until she snapped him out of it. "What are you doing here? Why did you do that?" She pushed at him to put a little space between them, making him slightly fumble.

"Hmm? Oh, I wanted to speak with you. In private or as private as you can get around here."

"Ok-ay, and you didn't think to schedule a meet instead of this?"

"A man like me knows when to take his chances, love."

"Don't call me that. I told you already."

He smirked, she always got flustered when he called her that. Rohan 1, Savannah 0. If things were going to continue this way, he could easily get what he wanted and he usually did. After all, when was the last time a lady complained about his charm? He certainly couldn't remember. "My apologies. I’ll cut to the chase; I believe we should address what’s going on between us.”

There was a heavy silence as she took that in. “What do you mean by that? There’s nothing between us.”

He arched a brow at her skeptically. Denial. And she was playing dumb, that was the game he was dealing with. Women. Well, he knew it wasn’t going to be easy but hated going through this phase with girls. Hence why he was still single. “Are you really going to play that card? You’re intelligent, darling, but I didn’t think you’d stoop down to this level.”

She glared at him. “Genuinely, what are you talking about? I said the truth; there is nothing between us. There never was.”

Rohan sighed but the frustration was halfhearted. “Apparently you’re the only one to think so because I guarantee you everyone else on this island thinks otherwise. Don’t pretend, everyone has noticed something by now about our interactions. We both know dear old Miss Morales is certainly not senile. And I’m willing to bet that your twin has teased you about it more than once. Am I wrong, Miss Grayson?”

Her glare grew steely and there was a slight twitch in her undereye. His only response was raising his other eyebrow and stared at her, daring her to tell him different. For a long moment, they engaged in a heated staring contest, each waiting for the other to give up and bow out. The tension in the air with minimal space between them was growing too thick that neither dared to breathe, too focused on making the other break eye contact.

Finally, she rolled her eyes and looked away, huffing in annoyance. Rohan smirked triumphantly; he’d been trying to hold back a sly grin since she started staring at him so dubiously.

“This is ridiculous. You’re ridiculous.” She shook her head before tucking a loose hair behind her ear. Suddenly he wished very much that she’d have let him do that instead.

"Well, unfortunate of you to be the one setting this in the What Makes You Beautiful music video and One Direction isn't even together to sing it for your little set up here. What a great scene this would be if you were the very naïve main character attracting the jock in a high school flick but sweetheart, hate it to break it to you-"

"Shut up!" Savannah's eyes widened and then she covered her mouth with both hands, surprised by her own outburst. Rohan backed up a little. Slowly, she let her hands drop and her shoulder relaxed again as she exhaled and took in a calming breath to recollect. "I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me just then. Look, do you have anything actually valid to say worth my time or are you just-"

"Why yes, I was just about to say what a shame it is that the band aren't here to sing the song for us live. Really inconsiderate of them not getting back together by now when they still have millions of fans waiting on them. I remember seeing them once at the 2012 Olympics closing-"

"Rohan!"

"Yes, milady? Are you ready to admit we are going on a wild goose chase which is very unnecessary if you ask me." He flashed a bright grin.

"Would you just-Ugh, Duncan never infuriated me this much," she muttered. His smile dimmed. Her old boyfriend was a sour topic and though he knew very little about him, he did find out what a bastard he was thanks to Gigi. He also realized this was it; Savannah’s vulnerable centre and maybe it was just a small part but was prominent enough that he could peek through the crack. It showed there were chinks in her armor and he didn’t have to probe, just harmlessly rile her up to get something out of her. Despite him having more work to get around that, he called it a start. 

But he ignored his selfish ambition for once. Her past did concern him and she clearly was having a hard time recovering from it. Yet, he didn’t want to make it worse so he went on with a lighthearted jab at her old boyfriend. “Well, he was obviously missing something because he didn’t have the same chemistry that you and I have from simple flirtations.”

"Really? I don't recall ever flirting with you. Are you sure you weren't hallucinating that? I was simply being polite and getting to know you."

He grinned again, happy she took his opening for banter. "I'm sorry I misinterpreted if that's the case but I don't think we've been talking niceties for a while. Maybe you just forgot what it's like for a guy to be interested in you and not so subtly flirting since you've been off the market. Until now." His grin was more than a little devious and he was sure Savannah saw the mischief in his eyes promising more.

She gulped and looked down, suddenly shy. "We can't do this, Rohan. Not here.”

“Why not?” “Because anyone can find us here. I-” But he wasn’t listening as he was already leaning in, kissing where her jaw met her throat. Her breathing hitched and she stilled at the contact. “Rohan,” she hissed. He simply smiled; she may have been verbally protesting but in the same moment, he felt her fingers digging into his shoulder blades. She liked it.

This was one of the things he was best at; seduction. But it wasn’t because he truly wanted to, not then at least. He wasn't quite sure what he was feeling for her but it certainly wasn't the same thing he had felt with other girls. He trailed little kisses across her jaw, at the corner of her mouth before his lips were hovering right above hers. Their breaths mingled. For a moment, they were frozen in time, neither moving or backing away and like earlier, each waiting for the other to make a move. And then he did.

He slowly closed the gap, savoring the feel of her acceptance as he cupped her jaw. Her lips felt chapped and bitten from her bad lip chewing habits and the taste of strawberry lip balm made them sweet. But knowing that it was going to come off due to him kissing her and her having to reapply made him smile. However that ended their kiss too soon and Savannah wasn’t liking that at all.

She caught him by surprise when she pulled him back down as her hands tugged at his jacket collar. Her eager mouth was insistent when their lips met again. His eyes opened in surprise but brought up his other hand to her jaw and tipped her head back further, deepening the kiss. This one lasted much longer until the need to breathe was greater.

They shared a few more short kisses, Savannah initiating a few more as if her courage had finally won until he decided he wanted a longer one again. She leaned into him this time and kept her arms pressed to his chest as he shifted his lips against hers. As it ended, he playfully grazed her bottom lip and she gasped, pulling away with a bright red flush in her neck and cute blushing pink cheeks. He smiled, feeling very satisfied. He did that, he made her that way. His ego was roaring, this was a win. Ugh, pride was an ugly thing sometimes but he didn’t mind it when he got a pretty girl blushing. There was some amazing chemistry between them and if he got to kiss her a few more times like that, he’d be landing on the moon. He could imagine her being his and then he could see her smile more, blush at him like that, hear her rare laugh that drove him crazy and… and that’s when he crashed back to reality. Remember your goals, why you’re here. This was the girl he deemed the queen he sought-no-needed to bring down. She was a means to an end; it was still part of his grand plan. He hadn’t lost sight of that but he also felt somewhat torn about going through with it.

Plus, there was still plenty of time before he had to twist the knife. A break from the clues and challenges never hurt. After all, getting a moment away from the Game was rare and ones like these came along even more uncommonly. Savannah herself looked like she needed it; they both did. This was something real and raw, a memory he could look back on fondly amidst the scattered mess of his life.

And she deserved better than that. Rohan knew he wasn’t being any better than that scumbag ex of hers, but after he saw a glimpse of that aching heart, bleeding and wounded from so much… He owed her something real of himself too. He took a breath and spoke in a hushed tone, “I like you, Savannah.”

She looked at him with devastation as her mouth quivered, still freshly red from their kiss. “I have to go.” And she ran down the hall. Rohan sighed. Apparently that was too forward.

A/N: Tagging @hiya-itsamber since she asked to be notified. For the rest of y’all, come hell or high water. Hope you enjoyed!

[riddles-n-games]

I feel so bad for future Grayson because I'm quite sure he's going to have a heart attack when his and Lyra's first child comes out saying assh*le straight out the womb. The photo album's going to be spectacular (courtesy of Uncle Jameson and Uncle Xander).

[riddles-n-games]

going into this 1d anniversary a little bit (a lot) heartbroken. it is such an upsetting and still totally incomprehensible thing that one direction can never truly be whole again. i miss liam all the time. but i'm going to take the day to remember how happy one direction has made me throughout the years and how much they still do, even with that heavy HEAVY cloud that lingers over it now. i'm so glad we got to experience a 1d with liam in it. thank you liam for all the joy you have created and the joy you will continue to give me through the music and the memories. you were such an essential part to that feeling all those years.

[riddles-n-games]

TIG Drabble #1-Hannah

As she watched her breathing even out and felt the grip on her hand grow lax, she leaned down, softly brushing hair away with a light touch and pressed a soft kiss to her daughter's forehead. Then, sitting up, for a second more she remained seated, sighing tiredly, before getting up and heading for the kitchen.

There were still chores to finish up even with her little one tucked away. Unwashed dishes and leftover dinner that needed to be packed away for tomorrow. After all, every bit counted nowadays. And if she had to, she would give extras to her little girl, just so she would thrive even with the little they had.

Once she reached the door, Hannah stopped and turned, one more time taking in Avery. She was asleep. She was safe. She was perfect. That's all that mattered. But cruel was fate to remind her of him. She still thought of him every time she looked at her daughter, even though she wasn't his there were many things that reminded her of her lost love; her quirks and especially her intelligence-the resemblance was uncanny. How ironic. Sometimes she let herself believe that she was his and not Ricky's but she never admitted it out loud. But she would tonight.

Into the quiet of the room, she whispered, "Sometimes, I wish she was your daughter." She pretended he heard. Another night it would break her heart, but this time it was enough. Oh to lie to oneself. What a luxury.

[riddles-n-games]

Tagline for Glorious Rivals: Love will fall.

More like: Bombastic side eye. Criminal offensive side eye.

[riddles-n-games]

Thanks girl!

GR Rant:

I am so done with Gray and Jamie constantly being in fights. JLB, you already had this plot line in the previous series. Make like Elsa and let it go. You literally wrote a short story about it. Maybe it's time you take your own advice.

Also, I don't understand why these brothers continue to be dumbasses and keep secrets that always affect who they love at large which end up evolving into bigger problems when they don't. It's literally happened time and time again which just shows they never learn. This is a big problem on JLB's part as an author because if she is constantly regressing these characters, it makes you wonder why the current series exists.

And be honest with yourselves, there are so many repeated plot lines that I already saw coming back from a mile away from the start. There is literally NOTHING NEW to read here. The only mildly worthy plot line is the one with the truth behind Sheffield Grayson's death being kept from Savannah and Eve's involvement in their lives being a big threat again. If nothing new can be written here without constantly calling back the old stuff and even going so far as to repeating plot points with the SAME characters, you don't have a new story to tell. There is no reason for The Grandest Game to exist as a continuation and for those who continue to defend it, you're lying to yourself. Period.

Maybe the series could have been continued but having had a good few years gap between the publication of The Final Gambit and The Brothers Hawthorne. Right now, this version that exists is so forced and acting the major cash cow because the og series continues to be hyped. I want new content, believe me, but I can't justify it if the new content I am being given is the same stuff I previously read but repackaged with a new cover and a pretty bow.

Except, the blame can't just be placed on JLB. This is unfortunately part of a bigger problem in entertainment media right now. Be that movies, tv shows, books, whatever, if the original is successful, that is seen as justification for a sequel. But what happens when you are excited and go to pick up that media which you loved up until that point, hoping to see something new and interesting but instead you're given the same thing repackaged? And then it goes on and on, with another installment, and maybe we go at it again because we still desperately hope that it will do justice but no. Again and again we get disappointed because originality and creativity are frowned upon now and because repeating a good story is apparently going to work every time. Well we need to put our foot down and say enough is enough. When that happens, a mountain will move and the sea will divide its waves. But until then we will be stuck in a loop and unless we're willing to break out of the cycle, we're going to continue spiraling.

Thanks for reading.

[riddles-n-games]

GR Rant:

I am so done with Gray and Jamie constantly being in fights. JLB, you already had this plot line in the previous series. Make like Elsa and let it go. You literally wrote a short story about it. Maybe it's time you take your own advice.

Also, I don't understand why these brothers continue to be dumbasses and keep secrets that always affect who they love at large which end up evolving into bigger problems when they don't. It's literally happened time and time again which just shows they never learn. This is a big problem on JLB's part as an author because if she is constantly regressing these characters, it makes you wonder why the current series exists.

And be honest with yourselves, there are so many repeated plot lines that I already saw coming back from a mile away from the start. There is literally NOTHING NEW to read here. The only mildly worthy plot line is the one with the truth behind Sheffield Grayson's death being kept from Savannah and Eve's involvement in their lives being a big threat again. If nothing new can be written here without constantly calling back the old stuff and even going so far as to repeating plot points with the SAME characters, you don't have a new story to tell. There is no reason for The Grandest Game to exist as a continuation and for those who continue to defend it, you're lying to yourself. Period.

Maybe the series could have been continued but having had a good few years gap between the publication of The Final Gambit and The Brothers Hawthorne. Right now, this version that exists is so forced and acting the major cash cow because the og series continues to be hyped. I want new content, believe me, but I can't justify it if the new content I am being given is the same stuff I previously read but repackaged with a new cover and a pretty bow.

Except, the blame can't just be placed on JLB. This is unfortunately part of a bigger problem in entertainment media right now. Be that movies, tv shows, books, whatever, if the original is successful, that is seen as justification for a sequel. But what happens when you are excited and go to pick up that media which you loved up until that point, hoping to see something new and interesting but instead you're given the same thing repackaged? And then it goes on and on, with another installment, and maybe we go at it again because we still desperately hope that it will do justice but no. Again and again we get disappointed because originality and creativity are frowned upon now and because repeating a good story is apparently going to work every time. Well we need to put our foot down and say enough is enough. When that happens, a mountain will move and the sea will divide its waves. But until then we will be stuck in a loop and unless we're willing to break out of the cycle, we're going to continue spiraling.

Thanks for reading.