#Both 3 eyelashes and two on a side are Loop privilege

[buttercupshands]

Missed the Cook! Siffrin post yesterday SO I had to sketch them the moment I saw them

Cook Siffrin is from @anxiousapplepie's Swap AU

[i-choose-liam]

Two’s Better Than One - Liam x MC (The Royal Heir)

Summary: Riley and Dani’s parents visit Cordonia for the first time. Liam is pulling out all the stops to impress them, especially since he is convinced one of his mothers-in-law hates him. 

Rating for Chapter 3: Adult, for sexual scenes (yep, been too long since I sprinkled some smut all over your dash)

Chapter 1  Chapter 2 

Chapter 3 

Little Eleanor was so easily entertained. She was thrashing her feet in excitement on seeing the toy Riley held up in front of her. For Riley, her baby was all the distraction she needed from the tight knot of anticipation in her stomach. It had been over a year since she had seen her parents. She alone knew how dearly she had missed them at every single step of her new life in Cordonia. Her Mama had been understanding when Riley had said she couldn’t attend her grandfather’s funeral. It had been less than a week since Constantine’s death and Liam had needed her more. Her conscience gnawed at her often, wanting to make her believe she had abandoned her family for a life with Liam. She could only hope that wasn’t what her mothers believed. “Mama! Mom!” She heard Dani squeal from behind her. Her twin ran to the two women who had just entered the nursery. Tears filled Riley’s eyes as she turned to look at them. ‘Just the way I left them’, she thought. While Dani and Mom were squeezing each other out like bears embracing, Riley watched her Mama smile at her. “Hi, baby”, Analyn said. Two words that broke through all her queenly composure. She felt like her four-year old self again, wanting nothing more than the comfort of her parents’ embrace. Riley got up to throw herself into those arms, only to be beaten to it by her mother. Analyn gathered her in a fierce hug, sighing as if she had felt the relief of a lifetime. “Oh I missed you, my darling. I missed you”, Analyn whispered. Riley almost sobbed, saying, “I missed you too, Mama. I missed you so much. I’m so sorry” “It’s okay. You did nothing wrong. I’m so proud of you”, Analyn kissed her forehead, “You are so brave, my love. So brave” Even through her tears, Riley could see the pride and love reflected in her mother’s eyes. It was the one thing she knew that would never change. 

“Family hug!”, Razia announced. Riley was immediately squished on both sides by her Mom and Dani. Wiping at her tear-stained cheeks, she turned to Razia and wrapped her arms around the slender frame. “Aw. There’s my Riley” Her 57-year old mother still smelled like bubblegum and candy floss, and just a touch of vinyl. Riley felt those minute calluses from her fingertips as Razia’s hands rested on her cheeks, calluses from years of plucking guitar strings and pressing piano keys. Her eyes closed as Razia planted a hearty kiss on her forehead. “Let me look at you” “Mooom. We just had a video call yesterday”, Riley grinned. “Exactly. And”, Dani interrupted, “You two have wasted too much time on the opening act. The showstopper’s there” Riley and her Mama rolled their eyes at the same time at Dani’s words, and watched Razia nearly sprinting towards Eleanor’s crib. She emitted a loud gasp as if she had discovered treasure. “Oh my god. Oh my goodness”, she kept saying in awe. Riley watched from a little distance, so as not to crowd Eleanor’s crib on all four sides. Her Mom was clutching Mama’s arm, saying over and over, “That’s our granddaughter. Oh baby, she’s so cute” “She is”, Analyn smiled. Riley offered, “Do you want to hold her?” “Yes please”, Analyn said. “Go ahead then” Tenderly, Analyn reached into the crib and took her grandchild in her arms for the first time. A pleasant warmth seemed to bloom in Riley’s chest, watching her mothers and her sister gaze so adoringly at her daughter. “Hi, Eleanor. I’m your grandma. My name is Razia. Oh you’re so precious, sweetheart, I might just cry” Dani was the first one to notice. She said, “Mama? Are you crying?” “No, I’m not” Razia immediately put her arm around Analyn, who was biting her lip and keeping her head bowed to hide her eyes. “Aw, my baby. You’re not fooling us” “She’s just…”, Analyn looked up at Riley and Dani, her eyes glistening and her brow creased in a frown, “She’s just so cute” As if accepting the compliment, Eleanor grinned at her grandmothers and let out a delightful squeal.

***

At the luncheon, Liam felt like he was witnessing the scene unfold from a different dimension. He had ensured that only their closest friends, whom he could trust to make Cordonia look good to Analyn’s eyes, were the other guests at the luncheon. With a smile, he watched Razia recount some embarrassing tale from Riley and Dani’s childhood. Analyn held Eleanor in her arms, her empty plate of food still in front of her on the table. What pleased him most was that he hadn’t seen his wife so happy and relaxed in a long, long time. As the Queen of Cordonia, Riley seldom let her guard down anymore. But sitting next to her mothers, she reminded him of the spontaneous, daring girl he had met in New York once upon a time. He was beyond grateful to Analyn, distant as she was, and to Razia for making him see Riley at such ease. The happiness he was feeling imbued him with some nerve.

Liam rose from his chair, hoping no one would follow the royal table manners and stand up because the King had done so. He walked around the table to Analyn’s side. Eleanor noticed him right away and her face scrunched up in an excited grin. She kept raising her little butt and flailing her arms, squealing a litany of baby noises at him. Analyn smiled at her and then at him. “She wants Daddy”, she said. Liam was only too happy to take his pride and joy in his arms, holding her straight so he could kiss her little nose. He was lost in his daughter’s sunshine-like smile when Analyn said, “Thank you for such a thoughtful meal” ‘Are my ears ringing?’, he wondered. Analyn thanked someone from the waiting staff who was clearing away the tables. She stood up next to Liam. His relief on seeing her smile at him was tinged with anticipation. She continued, “My daughters told me you planned every part of this lunch down to the last detail. The fried chicken, my favourite brand of vodka, the caramel ice-cream with the Madeline cookies my wife likes – it was really sweet of you” Holding Eleanor against his shoulder, with a hand behind her neck, Liam exhaled a deep sigh of relief. “I’m really glad to hear that. I wasn’t sure how you would feel about it. But honestly, everyone helped. The credit goes to the staff and our advisers” Analyn gave him a curious look, as if he had said something that secretly pleased her. “Of course”, she said, “I do feel bad that you felt the need to go to such lengths for us though. Dani told me you have planned everything yourself to make sure my wife and I feel at home here” She placed a placating hand on his forearm, the corners of her eyes crinkling slightly as she spoke. “But you don’t have to impress us. Especially not me. Whatever my political views are, it is my duty towards my daughter to see you as my son-in-law and not just another monarch. As long as you make your wife and child happy, and keep them safe, I have no right to complain” Liam could feel the tender affection in her tone, which made him wish his own mother had been there with them today. “Thank you, Analyn”, he said. “You’re welcome, Liam” Their attention was diverted by the sound of Maxwell’s voice from the stage as he announced the arrival of Celine Dion. Liam heard a high-pitched squeal coming from the other end of the lawn and saw Razia staring wide-eyed at the stage in disbelief. “Your efforts may be slightly extravagant, Liam, but for making my wife happy like that”, Analyn smirked, “…I can overlook it” 

***

Liam was taking a moment for himself in the garden maze. He had finally felt some relief from the anguish of the past two weeks. Analyn wasn’t as critical of him as reading her research papers on the privileged classes had led him to believe. She had just needed some time to warm up to him. Now with the fear of being despised by his mother-in-law vanquished, he was looking forward to taking her and the family sightseeing. As he walked in the maze with his hands behind his back, he knew he would have to ask Analyn and Razia first if they were interested in sightseeing. “Boo!” Grinning, Liam caught those hands over his chest as Riley hugged him from behind. He brushed his lips against her knuckles. “Aw. I didn’t scare you?”, she asked. Liam looped his arm around her and pulled her in front of him, hugging her waist. He grazed his nose against hers, stealing a quick kiss. “Nope”, he said. Riley looked up at him with such a pleasant smile. It made him want to cover her face with kisses. “You seem happy”, she said. “I am” “Really? You’re not worried about my mother anymore?” He shook his head, saying, “I was so afraid of being judged harshly by Analyn that I jumped to some conclusions of my own. Your mother is definitely… intense” “Mhm” Riley’s playful tone suggested that Liam be careful with his wording. All those diplomacy lessons throughout his childhood were not for nothing though. He smiled. “But she seems like a very interesting and open minded woman. And I hope I get to spend more time with her and Razia” “Good answer. But…”, Riley said. Liam raised an eyebrow as she took hold of his lapels, looking up at him through her eyelashes. Riley ran her fingers down his sleeve, saying softly, “How about… you spend some time with me?” “What about…” She cut him off, saying, “Eleanor’s sleeping. Hana has engaged Mama in a very detailed conversation about modern Chinese history. And Mom’s probably asleep by now on the couch in the nursery” “Ah. I see”, Liam said. Riley moved away from his arms, swaying her hips, doing her version of a sexy dance which was anything but. Liam grinned as he watched her making waves in the air with her arms. After almost a year of marriage, Riley knew the effect her dorky dancing had on him. “This is, after all, the place where we first made love” She gave him a wink, still swaying where she stood. Liam took a step towards her, biting his lower lip as he gazed hungrily at her opulent hips. “What if someone walks in on us?”, he asked. “When has that ever stopped you, my King?”, she said. Liam slid his hand around Riley’s waist, resting it on her lower back. She turned up her chin at him. Her hair fell away from her shoulders, exposing her neck to his lustful gaze. Liam nearly growled, “Riley”

He had lifted her off her feet in an instant and pinned her against the tall hedge. Liam rested his hands under Riley’s ample butt to support her weight. She seemed to be pulling him even closer with her legs around his waist. Liam could practically feel the heat radiating from between her legs, and he was sure she could feel his. Riley sought his lips in a passionate kiss, impatiently tasting his mouth with her tongue. The low moans from her throat stoked his fire further. “Mmm” Riley moaned into his mouth as Liam squeezed her cheeks from below. She was panting for breath when he broke away from their kiss to nip at the sensitive skin of her neck. “You’re incredible”, he said hoarsely. Riley slipped her hand between their bodies and rubbed him through his trousers. Liam gasped, sensitive to her touch despite of the layers of fabric between them. “You’re locked and loaded to go, huh?”, she teased him, still rubbing the front of his trousers. Liam slid his hand up her dress and between her thighs, making Riley shiver and tighten her thighs around his fingers. Liam swirled his fingertips in the wetness which now coated his fingers. “You’re one to talk”, he said. Riley braced her hands on his shoulders, trying to put her feet back on the ground. Liam let her. He reached for her breast with one hand gave it a gentle squeeze. Her breasts were so full lately, from having to feed their daughter, it drove him crazy to even think about them. “L-Liam…” He flicked her stiff nipple through her clothes with his thumb, feeling the slight dampness that wasn’t there a moment ago. “I wanna taste you”, he said. “I wanna taste you first. Please” Liam watched Riley get down on her knees before him with delicious anticipation. She unzipped his pants and tugged them low. Liam hissed a breath as she reached in lovingly to free him. “Riley…” She rubbed her thumb over the head, making him wince with pleasure. Liam looked down into her eyes as Riley took him in her mouth, and slowly passed her lips along his girth. He curled his fingers at the back of her head. Her silky hair in his hands, her soft lips on his raging erection, her teasing tongue, the warmth of her mouth – Liam was in… “Oh my god!” Riley let go of him quickly, startling him further. Liam barely had time to pull up his pants as she got to her feet and looked behind him. Her petrified gaze told him all he needed to know. But as Liam turned around, trying to zip up his pants, his fears were confirmed. Razia was hiding her face in her wife’s shoulder, and Analyn stared at him with a subdued look of horror on her face. Riley whispered to him, sounding mortified, “I can’t believe my Moms just saw your butt”

[kassandra-lorelei]

Can you do a n/cc story for prompt #24 if you have time?

Of course, my Anon friend! Here we are.

@missbabcocks1 @holomoriarty

The reunion could not have come at a worse time. Not thatC.C. would’ve thought that just three days ago, when it looked as though Sheffield-BabcockProductions was going to be nominated for a Tony, and she had a handsome andwell-connected boyfriend that she could take along and show off. But thenomination list had come out and proven that hers and Maxwell’s hopes werebased on nothing but rumours, and her boyfriend had dumped her soon after that.

Everyone in her high school class would know about at leastone of those things, too, bunch of prying gossips that they were. Hopefullythere’d be alcohol at this thing – she could see herself reuniting with a glassor two very nicely.

Lucky really that she wasn’t driving – when Maxwell hadoverheard she was going to this thing, he’d enlisted Niles’ (unwilling) help asher designated driver for the night. C.C. had tried to protest, but her employerhad insisted. He’d said that it would give her plenty of time to chat to allher old friends, and not have to worry about getting herself back late. Notthat there would’ve been any danger of that. She would’ve given the room theonce-over, had her drinks and gone, had she not been granted the anti-privilegeof the butler’s silent company for the drive there and back.

Sighing heavily, she looked out the window. She could seethe school in the distance, getting closer. It wouldn’t be long before she hadto get out, plaster on a smile, and walk into the building like nothing was wrong.

The only trouble was, she didn’t think she could do it.After all the years that had gone by, and despite the wealth and the prestigeshe had, she was still the class loser, and everybody there knew it. And they’dtake it out on her again, just as they did every time she showed up. Just likethey’d done in high school, only now she was a grownup and the things theymuttered to each other about her were slightly different.

That was a depressing thought to end on, as Niles pulled thecar into the school parking lot.

“Well, here we are,” it was the first thing he’d said to herfor the whole trip. He then reached over and pulled a book out of the glove compartment.���If they pour pig’s blood over you, just count to ten in your head and try notto kill anybody telepathically, alright?”

She was barely listening to his insult, though. She was juststaring outwards, up towards the steps of the school entrance.

“I can’t do it.”

Niles was listening to her, though, and he didn’t seem tounderstand, “I’m sorry?”

“I said, I can’t do it,” she repeated, turning to him. “Ican’t go in there.”

The butler shifted in his seat, dropping his book on the dashboard,“Miss Babcock, why ever not?”

“What’s the point? Nothing’s changed,” she could feel hervoice growing higher in her panic, and there were tears threatening to well up.“I’m still the lonely, bitter producer I was last time we all met. I haven’tsettled down, I’m not married, I don’t have any children…”

“Why does that matter? You’re wealthy, aren’t you? You’resuccessful, aren’t you?” he was trying to sound reassuring, but it wasn’tworking.

C.C. knew her classmates too well for that.

“That doesn’t matter to them! Every one’s just as wealthyand successful as I am,” she shook her head, now visibly distressed even if she’ddeny it if asked. “But they all have their partners, too, and their kids. Whatdo I have that they don’t?”

What did she have that the rest of them didn’t? Not an awfullot, really. Apart from the fact that she had a driver for the night there wasn’tanything…

Wait a moment. A driver could potentially count as a plusone. And he was dressed nice enough for the occasion. She knew he wasn’t bad company,really, and it would stop the others from saying anything if she was seen witha man…

She snapped her eyes to him, “Come in with me.”

Niles blanched, “I beg your pardon?”

“You heard; you might be ancient, but decades of listeningat doors has kept those old things in shape,” she gestured to his ears before grabbing at his wrist. “Comein with me.”

“You’re seriously asking me to accompany you in there?” Nilesgestured with his head towards the building. “Why? What can I do for you thatgetting wasted and throwing yourself at former classmates won’t do for you?”

“I’m sorry, have you got something better to do in here withyour old Jackie Collins?” she scowled, letting go of him to flick his discardedbook. After a moment of seeing his hurt face, she sighed. “I know Maxwell didn’texactly give you a lot of choice in this, but seeing as you’re here now, wouldn’tyou rather be inside?”

She had to have a point, there. But Niles’ face made himlook like there was something that he still wanted to ask, even though she’d ratherhe either just agreed or said no, so that she could make a decision about whatto do.

“There’s something else going on here, isn’t there?”

That just made C.C. more annoyed than she already was, “Whydoes something else have to be going on? Can’t I just invite you in without anyulterior motive?!”

“You’re really afraid of them, aren’t you?” his voice wasdisarmingly calm, and gentle. “Of what they’ll say if you went in there by yourself.”

He’d got it practically in one. And he didn’t seem to be tryingto turn it into a joke. What was the point in doing anything other than tellingthe truth, at that stage?

It all came out in one go when she answered him, “I’m sosick of hearing them say “Oh, couldn’t scare up a date even for one night,could you, C.C.? Or is it more like “couldn’t prevent yourself from scaring himoff”?” and other crap like that that’s only designed to make me feel bad!”

Niles looked like he was still thinking about it. Like he wantedto say yes, but had doubts.

“It’s still early, couldn’t you phone someone you know toaccompany you?” he suggested. “Someone who might make a better impression thanme?”

C.C. sighed. As much as it killed her to admit it, therewasn’t anyone better to do this than him. She’d known him longer than mostother men she wasn’t related to, and she’d had a good time out with him beforenow. Why did convincing him take so much time, though?

“You’re the only one I trust to do this. For better orworse, we both know each other better than anyone else and it’ll look at leasta little less pathetic than if I’d gone in by myself,” her zinger might have upsethim some, because she saw him frown. But she was still determined. “Please,Niles. We can forget about it afterwards, but just for a few hours, I…reallyneed your help.”

Silence, before the butler sighed and gave a small smile.

“Alright,” he nodded, opening the driver’s side door. “I’lldo it.”

He got out and slammed the door behind him. C.C. thenrealised that he was coming to open her door.

When he did, she stepped out and let him close it to lockthe car, “Thank you…I’ll pay you back however you want…”

“No need for that, Miss Babcock,” Niles shook his head, andhis smile got a little wider. “An evening’s entertainment is all I require.”

Taking a chance, she looped her arm through his as theybegan to walk towards the school, “Well, you might witness a few jabs launchedin my direction, so that ought to keep you happy for a little while.”

Niles halted in his tracks, forcing her to stop, too.

She blinked in confusion, “What?”

The butler looked back at her sternly.

“I’m not intending to go in there, arm in arm with you, and startganging up on you after what you just said,” he said firmly. Upon noticing thatthis made her upset, he softened his voice and his features. “What do you sayif, for this evening, we turn our attentions and our zingers on a few peoplewho might deserve it a little more?”

His proposal didn’t sound that unattractive, if she washonest. If the two of them teamed up, then who knew what kind of chaos theycould cause?

They could turn the whole high school reunion upside-down!

“That…actually sounds like a good idea,” she began to grin,and tugged on his arm to keep them walking. “I’d like to try it.”

Niles gave his lopsided grin, and kept walking.

“Alright, then; we have ourselves a plan,” he said. “Isthere any one tormenter in particular that you want me to meet first?”

C.C. didn’t have to even think about it, “MichelleHoward-Murray. She’s told me every year since Senior Year that I’ll die aloneand unloved in some variation.”

“How will I spot her?” he sounded almost professional aboutit. Good.

She could see the other woman in her mind’s eye right then, “She’llbe the one with amber-ish hair, and the longest neck, legs, and eyelashes.”

“Ah, the giraffe-looking one, alright then,” Niles said,looking at C.C. out of the corner of his eye. “Any others?”

Stifling laughter from his previous comment, C.C. thoughtaloud, “Well, there’ll be Victoria Davenport, and Felicity Richmond…”

Niles’ eyebrow raised, “Sounds like there’s going to bequite a list.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” she grinned at him as theymade their way up the steps and into the building. “I might have to invite youback next year.”

Niles laughed in return, pausing in his steps only to openthe door for her, and she didn’t know what it was that made her feel that way, butC.C. didn’t think he’d mind if she did invite him, either.