#Rylie Mills

[jrob64]

Writing Patterns

I was tagged for this game by @searchingwardrobes & @kmomof4. Sounds like fun!

Rules: List the first line of your last 10 posted fics and see if there's a pattern. (With links to the stories on Ao3)

Pet for Rent

Emma Swan flopped down onto her sofa with a sigh.

Freed to Love (Collab fic with @snowbellewells & @statustemporary - these first words were actually written by one of them, so I'm not sure if that counts!)

Early morning dew soaks through Emma's boots to her stockings.

Hitting a High Note

Killian Jones buttoned his black pea coat, then wrapped a festive green and gold scarf around his neck.

I Loved You First

David Nolan paced in the hallway outside the room where Mary Margaret was helping Emma get ready for her wedding.

Silly Songs with Killian

It's been one hell of a day.

Turning a Foul Ball into a Home Run

Emma Swan joined the group of people who were making their way down the hallway and into the press room.

Saying Goodbye and Moving On

Storybrooke was peaceful for perhaps the first time since Emma Swan crashed into the town sign three years ago.

Never Leave Me (reposted after I added a 2nd chapter)

"It's nice when our schedules sync up," Emma Swan said, rubbing her foot up and down the calf of her boyfriend's bare leg, as they lingered in bed.

Cave Cruises, Cabin Capers, & Cracked Craniums (Another Collab fic with @kmomof4, @snowbellewells & @whimsicallyenchantedrose - again, I don't think the first sentence was written by me)

Emma Swan and her girlfriends–Mary Margaret Blanchard, Ruby Lucas, Regina Mills, Belle French, and Elsa Arendelle–were on the first day of their yearly, week-long girls trip.

Long Overdue Conversations (This work is in parts, not chapters, so I'll post the first sentence of the last part I added)

“You guys gonna finally tell me the name of my little brother or should I just keep calling him ‘hey there’?” (direct quote from the show)

I guess the pattern I see is that I almost always use the name of at least one main character for the story, especially Emma.

Tagging @statustemporary @cs-rylie @kymbersmith-90

[kmomof4]

Self-Promo Sunday: Clipping an Angel’s Wings

And now it’s time for Regina and Robin’s story!!! A Swan Family Christmas will post two weeks from today, so to get everyone ready for it, I’m featuring the original four fics in the series for SPS! If you haven’t read it before, I really hope you do because I’m SO STINKIN PROUD OF THIS ONE!!!! It was TREMENDOUSLY fun to write and everyone who’s read it already really enjoyed their dynamic and the mystery, as well as the appearance of the other family members.

Summary: Hollywood star Regina Mills is being stalked. When she finally admits she needs help, her agent, Will Scarlet contacts his old friend Robin Locksley to find the stalker and keep Regina safe in the meantime. Sparks immediately fly between Regina and Robin, but falling in love was the last thing either of them planned or wanted.

Ao3 link

Tagging the usuals. Please let me know if you’d like to be added or removed.

@jrob64 @teamhook @winterbaby89 @hollyethecurious @artistic-writer @xarandomdreamx @undercaffinatednightmare @the-darkdragonfly @stahlop @superchocovian @pirateprincessofpizza @tiganasummertree @anmylica @cosette141 @motherkatereloyshipper @zaharadessert @jonesfandomfanatic @ultraluckycatnd @jennjenn615 @allons-y-to-hogwarts-713 @kymbersmith-90 @booksteaandtoomuchtv @wistfulcynic @mie779 @snowbellewells @lfh1226-linda @aprilqueen84 @whimsicallyenchantedrose @pirateherokillian @elfiola @ilovemesomekillianjones @justanother-unluckysoul @poptart-cat-78 @myfearless-love @goforlaunchcee @searchingwardrobes @gingerpolyglot @gingerchangeling @djlbg @cocohook38 @cs-rylie @thisonesatellite @donteattheappleshook @deckerstarblanche @veryverynotgoodwrites @wefoundloveunderthelight @fleurdepetite @alexa-fangirl-forever @bluewildcatfanatic @qualitycoffeethings

[xoxoproject21]

Best dancer predictions (Orlando)

Hi

Here are my predictions. Please keep in mind that i don't know all of the dancers which are competing and just because I am not including a dancer doesn't mean I don't think they are good. I made these just for fun.

I struggled a lot with these because I don't really know many candian and east coast dancers

Mini female best dancer:

Winner: Ellary Day (Club)

1st runner up: Anita Rodriguez (Stars)

2nd runner up: Camila Giraldo (Stars)

3rd runner up: Sylvie Win (Club)

Top 10:

Ashley Otano (Stars)

Lily Hackney (New Level)

Bella Marie Arauz (Dancetown)

Morgan Stahl (Evolve)

Cydnee Abbott (Canadian Dance Company)

Rylie Borden (Dance Unlimited)

Nyla McCarthy (Project 21)

Dakota Casteel (SpotLite)

Calleigh Eaton (SpotLite)

Sienna DiPietro (the nine)

Top 20:

Macey Strickland (New Level)

Reese Braga (New Level)

Mikaela Florez (Dancetown)

Madelyn Nasu (Project 21)

Mila Simunic (Legacy dance studio)

Leah Disla (Studio 61)

Mini male best dancer:

Winner: ?

Junior female best dancer:

Winner: Isabella Kouznetsova (Project 21)

1st runner up: Esme Chou (Project 21)

2nd runner up: Zoe Flores (Stars)

3rd runner up: Allie Plott (The Dance Centre)

Top 10:

Berkely Scifres (Project 21)

Diana Kouznetsova (Project 21)

Sara von Rotz (Project 21)

Regan Gerena (Project 21)

Kennedy Anderson (The vision dance alliance)

Braylynn Grizzaffi (The Pointe Performing Arts Center)

Elizabeth Scott Lanier (Southern Strutt)

Bella Rey D'Armas (Stars)

Lexus Natalie (Evolve)

Madeleine Shen (Northpointe)

Top 20:

Bristyn Scifres (Project 21)

Cali Cassidy (Project 21)

Makeila Bartlett (Project 21)

Airi Dela Cruz (Project 21)

Savy Luechtefeld (Carolina Collective Dance)

Ruby Arnold (True Dance and Company)

Ella Dobler (New Level)

Zoe Holladay (Performance Edge Dance Complex)

Kaylee Schwamb (Kane & Company Dance Productions)

Junior male best dancer:

Winner: Santiago Sosa (Stars)

1st runner up: Ethan Ferrante (The NINE Dance Academy)

2nd runner up: Neo Del Corral (Stars)

3rd runner up: Josh Lundy (Studio 413)

Blake Metcalf (Xtreme Dance Studio)

Penn Alderman (Ryhtym dance)

Teen female best dancer

Winner: Sophie Garcia (Stars)

1st runner up: Cami Voorhees (Evolve)

2nd runner up: Gracyn French (Project 21)

3rd runner up: Giselle Gandarilla (Stars)

Top 10:

Bella Rose Penrose (Evolve)

Mariandrea Villegas (Epic Motion Dance Studio)

Kynadi Crain (Jean Leigh Academy of Dance)

Caroline Quiner (Hunterdon Hills Ballet)

Brooklyn Simpson (Williams Center Rhythm Factory )

Kate Roman (Canadian Dance Company)

Maya Loureiro (Project 21)

Kendyl Fay (Project 21)

Avery Reyes (Project 21)

Kameron Couch (Project 21)

Top 20:

Elyse Wingertsahn (Evolve)

Hayley Marshall (True Dance and Company)

Rylee Young (Project 21)

Anya Inger (Project 21)

Katie Couch (Project 21)

Ava D'Ambrosio (Westchester dance)

Sofia Rosella (Performing dance arts)

Daniela SanGiacomo (Stars)

Teen male best dancer:

Winner: Nicholas Bustos (Stars)

1st runner up: Ian Stegeman (Woodbury dance center)

2nd runner up: Tim Zvifel (Vlad's)

Hugo Silva (Stars)

Alejandro Ruiz (Stars)

Darius Goodson (The Southern Strutt)

Richie Granese (Project 21)

Tristan Gerzon (Elite danceworx)

Senior female best dancer:

Winner: Bella Tagle (Stars)

1st runner up: Destanye Diaz (Stars)

2nd runner up: Kaitlyn Santos (Dancetown)

3rd runner up: Rachel Quiner (Hunterdon Hills Ballet)

Top 10:

Ying Lei Pham (Movement Emporium)

Sammi Chung (Project 21)

Arianna Quant (Stars)

Iliana Victor (Stars)

Lola Iglesias (Michelle Latimer Dance Academy)

Alyssa Carpeneto (Performing Dance arts)

Savannah Manning (CCJ Conservatory)

Tatiana Hagee (Northpointe)

Sierra Drayton (Elite Danceworx)

Bella Mills (Rythym Dance Center)

Sophie Tosh (Artistic Edge Dance Centre )

Top 20:

Carmen Beiner (Dancetown)

Preslie Rosamond (Studio 413)

Ava Burgham (PULSE Dance Centre)

Toryn Hester (Denise Wall)

Loila Rhee (Project 21)

Zuzu Duchon (Project 21)

Elle O'Donnell (Project 21)

Addy Beckham (Southern Strutt)

Isabella Weidmann (Westchester)

Senior male best dancer:

Winner: Sam Fine (Stars)

1st runner up: Jackson Roloff-Hafenbreadl (Stars)

2nd runner up: Edon Hartzy (Stars)

3rd runner up: Andres Jimenez (Artistic Edge Dance Centre)

Davyd Williams (Project 21)

Trent Grappe (Dancezone)

Mekhi Johnson (Denise Wall)

Damian Caraballo (Stars)

Chance Phelps (Powerdance Company)

[beauxned-blog]

Rylie Mills (DL), 6'-5", 296 lbs.

[prompt-verse]

Round 2 Over! Summary!

Gee, who even has the time for those? I do apparently

Blue VS Orange: Blue did an impromptu concert in the street and was promptly arrested. Orange detonated an explosive and fled the scene. They are not the same.

Rylie VS Cirrus: Rylie went sight-seeing with her blue boot and forgot about her chaos mission, just occasionally scaring the life out of some citizens. Cirrus threw a fit about the snow not being up to his stratoversian standard and blew the powergrid. He wins the round.

Red VS Purple: Red punched some cops and is currently trying to get Blue out of jail. Purple willingly surrendered to see how inverse's justice and prison system works

Clermont VS Harold: Clermont got in touch with some rebels and is now plotting some nefarious acts! Harold decided he would let the lemon kids cause the chaos for him. Unfortunately, he is now eliminated.

Pi VS Lemon Kid: Pi almost fainted from being in inverse, caught a cold, and walked straight into the police station to ask for a coffee. He is now happily working on his paperwork in a jail. Lemon Kid is inside your walls. They see you. They watch you. Beware.

Alpha!Green VS Mooching Hobo: Green had better things to take care of than throwing Inverse into chaos. I mean, second chance at life? They're gonna enjoy it, not get killed! Hobo hung out ominously into alleyways, became a cryptid, and fed the inversian rumour mill for days. They say the dark lord is haunting the city and it is hungry.

Nim VS Hyacinth: Wait, who is hyacinth? Oh she's a powerful historic figure who scared a violent revolution leader into behaving? Huh! Wonder why she's not here, almost like she prefers to act from the shad- HEy it's Nim! She's brewing up a storm over there!

Seaweed VS Green: There's only snow and ice in Inverse, no water. Kinda suck for seaweed, so she decided to lay low. Looks like her adversary got this.

[lindyloosims]

So fifth born Calum is probably the most faithful and unproblematic of the boys so far! He always wanted to be a werewolf and when he met Rory Oaklow, he fell in love! She took a while to warm to him but they were soon doing the beast with two backs and she moved in with him and his sister Isla who had been recently widowed with two little girls to take care of. He convinced a pregnant Rory to turn him and he joined the Wildfangs shortly after their son Lobo was born. He could never seem to pin her down to any kind of label, not even girlfriend, she was a free spirit! Eventually though she agreed to girlfriend status and Raelynn came along followed by Rylie (girl). When Isla moved out, Rory started to become more and more affectionate and even agreed to marry Cal! They had twins of their own, Elisha and Roland, and are still happily living in Moonwood Mill!

Chaotic Fact: Although Calum is older than the next in line Rowan, he would often be led astray by his younger brother and was caught doing weed several times by his dad. Rowan never got caught by their dad, their mum however was another story entirely!

[shakedownthethundersports]

ND Football: Coan Shines In Debut Versus 'Noles

ND Football is back And Jack Coan Is The New Sheriff In Town ☘🏈🌩

The cardiac kids are back! There is no other way to put it. Week one games are always interesting. Their is rust to kick off. There is the whole deal of getting into a game week routine. Then there’s the execution of the game plan. QB1 Jack Coan really displayed some great traits of a QB. No one can argue that the kid isn’t a gamer. Some key injuries on the offensive line, forced the Fightin’…

[rylie-studies]

hey y’all it’s here it’s officially ya girl’s birthday today and once again i’m absolutely shaken by the passage and illusive nature of time and the fact that i have been alive on this earth for more than two decades like it feels very surreal and i’m most definitely not an adult

[the---hermit]

ciao cris!! this is a bit random, but i just wanted to stop by and say that it always puts a smile on my face whenever i see you and your posts on my dash! they're truly all a blessing and i'm so grateful that you're here in the community! i'm sending lots of love to you; i hope that your week is starting off well so far! ♡

Ciao rylie!! You have no idea what this means to me. You are the sweetest. Thank you so much for your kind words, you really just made my day💛. I have looked up to your blog way before having a studyblr of my own, and this just means so much. I am infinitely happy to know that someone out there sees my stuff and smiles, it's such a pure thing.

Grazie mille per le tue parole 💛🍂 I hope your week will be great, and I am sending all my love to you💛

[biigscene-a]

a list of my muses and what hogwarts house I think they would be in  ( because i think it would be fun )

Tyler Gates -  totally a slytherin,  and for sure a pure blood.  the mans got the  ‘my father will hear about this’  look through and though. Rylie Gates -  Slytherin as well.  but unlike her brother she’s just gonna fight you if you’re talking shit.  no need to get teacher or parents involved. Zander Dean -  very much so a Gryffindor.  idk he just gives off  *my house has the main characters in it*  vibes. Alania Dean -  Ravenclaw.  not even because she’s just good at school,  but the girl as  so much  wisdom in her!  she’d give you the best advice for anything cause she just  knows.  Brenner Mathews -  right off the bat I wanna say  muggle  but if I had to pick..  Gryffindor i suppose.  Tomas Green -  I’ve never seen someone that’s such a Hufflepuff.  the sweetest little stoner boy are you kidding?? Hunter Roth -  also a Hufflepuff.  she’s a stoner artist whose family is her friends. what else can i say? Baby Sousa - very much a Slytherin.  i’m scared of her,  we all should be.  the girl would probably tell someone to cruciatus curse her just for the thrill of it. Angel Mills -  really it’s between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff,  but i’ll go with Gryffindor cause i think he’s got a little more of that in him.

     *honorable mentions*  ( aka I got tired of writing everyone out. )

Ravenclaw -  Brianna Sullivan and Marina Richardson Hufflepuff -  Krista Green,  Blake Sullivan,  and Callie Harper Gryffindor -  Noah Mathews and Naya Mathews  Slytherin -  Salem Montgomery, Cassandra Montgomery,  and Blair Graves

[nsula]

President’s List Fall 2018

NATCHITOCHES – Six hundred and fifty-four students were named to the Fall 2018 President’s List at Northwestern State University. Students on the list earned a grade point average of 4.0. Those named to the President’s List listed by hometown are as follows.

 Abbeville – Annemarie Broussard, Heather Mayard;

 Alexandria – Eric Weinzettle, Brandi Beaudoin, Leslie Bordelon, Claudia Gauthier, Ian Grant, Angela Hardin, Martha Hopewell, Jaliyah Jasper, Kasey Lacombe, Hunter Lewis, DeShonta Manning, Allison McCloud, Jalyn Mvcneal, Madeline Mitchell, Jennifer Prevot, Jabari Reed, Sailor Reed, Shacora Simpson, Kayla Whittington;                            

 Anacoco -- Nicole Fitzgerald, Brittany Lewis, Caitlin McKee, Cassandra Osborne, Seth Ponthieux, Casey Williams, Megan Williams;

 Anchorage – Sydney Bulot;

 Arcadia – Antavious Roberson, Ralyn Simpson;

 Arnaudville -- Zachary Leboeuf, Alayna Moreau, Misti Richard;

Ashland – Victoria Roderick;

Baker – Katelyn Kennedy;

 Ball – Nickolas Juneau, Joseph Reynolds;

 Barksdale, AFB – Kimberly Ventura Gonzalez;                  

 Basile – Adam Elkins;

 Bastrop – Nikkia Lewis;

 Baton Rouge – Meagan Barbay, Diamanisha Betts, Madison Harris, Hannah Knoff, Jordan Lancaster, Tremia Lockett, Henrietta Mercer, Daniel Midyett, Emma Rivet, Victoria Simmons;                              

 Belcher – Sierra Lang;

 Belgrade, Serbia -- Emilija Dancetovic;

 Belmont – Kelly Bass;

 Benton – Victoria Berry, Tamara Korner, Bridget Miller, Jessica O’Neal, Finnley Plaster, Comis Waddell, Kathryn Watts;

 Bienville – Julie Martin;

 Boise, Idaho – Jessica Anderson;

 Bossier City – Maddison Abreo, Jayde Barnett, Brittany Batchelor, Hannah Brooks, Kendall Caple, Izabela Carabelli, Callie Crockett, Peyton Davis, Hannah Gates, Joshua Greer, Jada Grigsby, Peyton Harville, Caylin Head, Savanna Head, Nicholas Hopkins, Kijah Johnson, Brandon Larkin, Chelsea Laverdiere, April Lebick, Katherine Parson, Colby Ponder, Taylor Powell, Jade Reich, Jami Rivers, Jalyn Robertson, Reid Rogers, Madison Rowland, Donna Spurgeon, Savannah Stevens, James Taylor, Kaitlyn Walker, Eric Zheng;

 Boutte – Samantha Vernor;

 Boyce – Katelyn Brister, Dylan Frazier, Sonya Hill;

 Breaux Bridge – Beyonkan Heine, Emily Roy;

 Broussard – Dylan Dunford;

 Brownsville, Texas – Emily Saldivar;

 Brussels – Leyla Fettweis;

 Bunkie – Emily Arnaud,

 Burleson, Texas -- Addison Pellegrino, Cassandra Smith;

 Calhoun – Grace Cummings, Robert Mccandlish;

 Calvin – Erin Price;

 Campti – Alisha Bedgood, Rebekah Cole, Madelynne Greer;

Carencro – Melody Woodard;

 Carrollton, Texas – Victoria Miller;

 Cartagena, Colombia – Aura Hernandez Canedo, Jorge Ojeda Munoz, Hassik Vasquez Narvaez;

Cheneyville -- Katelyn Baronne;

 Clarence – Jalicia Small;

 Clifton – Brittany Shackleford;

 Colfax – Alyssa Coleman, Lessie Rushing, Elizabeth Slayter, Morgan Vandegevel;

 Conroe, Texas – Sidney Salmans;

 Converse – Shayna Brown, Hayley Farmer, Wade Hicks, Mallory Mitchell, Hannah Womack, Logan Woodward;

Cotton Valley -- Nicholas Smith;

 Coushatta – Sydney Anderson, Kaylee Antilley, Debra Hanson, Jon Hester, Mary James, Cynthia Lawson, Baley McAlexander, Precious Smith;

 Covington -- Henri Blanchat, Justin Brogdon, Rachael Coyne, Sarah Shiflett;

 Crowley -- Ma'Kayleen Milson;

 Custer, South Dakota – China Whitwer;

 Cypress, Texas – Alexis Warren;

Dakota Dunes, South Dakota – Eryn Sandwell;

 Denham Springs – Joni Burlew;

DeRidder – Delia Amadiz, Lauren Callis, Tabitha Deer, Colten Denning, Falon Drake, Rebekah Frantz, Shydae Hammond, Karli Kennedy, Briana March, Brittney March, Shayla Miller, Jessica Mullican, Hannah Plummer, Rebecca Richmond, Cheyenne Vander, Michael Waryas;

 Des Allemands – Emily Blanchard, Claire Schouest;

 Destrehan – Hannah Boquet, Stephanie Webre;

 Deville – Briana Ashley, Allison Deglandon, Amber Kreideweis, Aubree Lampert, Kenedy Lampert, Madison Lejeune, Maci Mayeux, Caleb Rhodes;

 Diamondhead, Mississippi – Melissa Boyanton;

 Dodson – Rachel Broomfield;

 Doyline – Lucas Darbonne;

 Dry Prong – Jared Boydstun, Ashlee Elliott;

 Edmond, Oklahoma – Payton Hartwick, Ashley Medawattage;

 El Paso, Texas – Christopher Barron;

 Elizabeth – Amanda Cloud, Sadie Perkins;

 Elton – Kayla Bellard;

 Endicott, New York – Tonya Rackett;

 Evergreen – Walter Armand;

 Falfurrias, Texas – Marco Arevalo;

 Farmerville – Malissa Loyd;

 Florien – Shayla Duhon, Amber Lewing, Caroline Matthews, Dylan Roberts, Jordan Weldon;

Folson – Shaylee Laird, Sarah Moore;

 Forest Hill – Rafael Sierra;

 Forney, Texas – Jobey Rusk, Jared Walker, Jayden Wheeler;

 Fort Polk – Brittany Chadwick, Kyley Cole, Shaunda Gordon, Miranda Illsley, Cynthia Schwartz, Sasha Trevino, Cherie Martel;

 Fort Worth, Texas – Corban James;

 Franklin – Emily Kutchenriter;

 Franklinton – Crystal Newman;

 Frisco, Texas – Caroline Shepherd;

 Garland, Texas – Sierra Stone;

Glenmora – Alan Crowder, Reagan Humphries, Melissa Lanier, Faith Lawrence;

 Goldonna – David Day, Harley Godwin;

 Gonzales – Rebecca Marchand, Nicole Moody, Molly Moran, Bailee Ramey, Denee Smith;

 Grand Prairie, Texas – Clayton Casner;

 Grapevine, Texas – Margaret Black;

 Greenwell Springs -- Cheramie Kravitz;

Greenwood -- Char'Tarian Wilson;

 Gretna – Nadia Johnson;

 Haughton – Luther Cain, Jessica Chase, Brittony Cole, Randi Corley, Bethanie Couch, Alexis Hoeltje, Victoria Lodrini, Savanah Molina, Amber Simmons, Heather Wooden, Dawn Young;

 Heath, Texas – Megan Lohmiller;

 Henderson, Texas – John Floyd, Emily Ortiz;

 Hermon, Maine -- Allessa Ingraham-Albert;

 Hessmer – Ryan Armand, Lacee-Beth Cazelot;

Hineston – Gabrielle Merchant Langley, Tylee Stokes;

 Hope Mills, North Carolina -- Taylor Camidge;                          

 Hornbeck – Brandy Alford, Lane Alford, Kimberly Runyon;

 Houma – Alexis Dardar, Billy Gorr, Sarah Lajaunie, Corinne Paris;

Houston, Texas – Kendall Westfall;

 Humble, Texas – Aiyana Bean;

 Huntington, Texas – Travis Carrell;

 Iowa – Keiona Guy, Matthew Phillips;

 Irving, Texas – Darria Williams;

 Jacksonville Beach, Floria – Katherine Medlin;

 Jefferson – Jaleia Parker;

 Jena – Christian Aymond, Alanna Hailey;

 Jennings – Aimee Boothe, Alyson Brown, Janee Charles, Rachel Edwards, Rachelle Edwards, Wesley Simien, Lydia Williams;

 Jonesboro – Jordan Winston;

 Kaplan – Gabriel LeMoine;

 Katy, Texas – Erik Carver;

Keithville – John-David May, Cora Procell, Janae Richardson, Joanna Sims;

 Kenner -- Brooke Petkovich, Parul Sharma;

 Kentwood – Jenna Morris;

Kileen, Texas - Temitope Buraimoh, Arlyn Johnson;

 Kinder -- Jonathon Villareal;

 Lacombe – William Simpson;

Lafayette -- Jeffrey Blossom, Abbey Broussard, Luke Dupre, Michael Joseph, Emilee Leger, Robert Middleton, Andrea Saelios, Dante Saelios, Forest Strang;                            

 Lake Charles – Jovan Avery, Abigail Brady, Shawn Becton, Ashtyn Heap, Amanda Mustian, Sarah Sargent;

 Larose – Eric Bourg;

 Las Vegas, Nevada – April Ficarrotta;

 Lawtell – Karoline Guidry;                            

 Lecompte – Hannah Glaze;

 Leesville – Sara Bishop, Autumn Boggs, Anthony Cantrell, Raven Collins, Carter Coriell, Junette Cutshaw, Cameron Davis, Chloe Dowden, Sarah Gibbs-Jarrell, Geoffrey Goins, Jessica Gray, Cheyenne Grigg, Jessica Herring, Ashley Hunt, Leigha Jackson, Bethany Kay, Emilee Keuten, Mercedes Mattes, Kelsea Mckinney, Paula Pilkenton, Linsey Preddy, Danielle Smyth, Peggy Stanley, Linda Strauss, Megan Tucker, Kristin Whistine;

 Little Elm, Texas – Hunter Gagnon;

 Logansport – Trenton Timmons, Rebecca Tomlin;

 Longview, Texas – Gustavo Corrales, Kelli Hickerson, Samantha Morris;

 Lyons, Kansas – Jennifer Rogers, Mary Rogers;

Machesney Park, Illinois – Alicia Teran;

 Mamou – Alex Chapman, Meggie Granger, Nicholas Saucier;

 Mandeville -- Shannon Roussell;

Mangham -- Rebekah Aultman;

Mansfield – Brooke Smith, Madylin Sullivan;

 Mansura – Bailey Quebedeaux, Distiny Thompson;

 Many – Skyler Ezernack, Heidi Knight, Jaleah Lee, Lathan Meyers, Xavier Montgomery, Chas Pilcher, Tessa Reeves, Samantha Simmons;

 Marksville – Zachary Moreau, Paulette Thomas;  

 Marrero – Lorn Bourgeois;

 Marshall, Texas – Laurann Graham, D’Sherrick Williams;

 Marthaville – Emeri Manasco, Hanna Pardee;

Maurepas – Cameron Mayfield, Abigail Smith;

 Maurice – Adam Courville;

 Melissa, Texas – Kylah Banasky;

 Merryville -- Kalan Townsley;

 Metairie – Kaitlyn Arena, Morgan Nuss, Holly Schiler, Mary Strickland, Sadye Treadway;                          

 Minden – Aubrey Dennis, Jess Easley, Laura Gryder, Taya Hester, Kiara Jenkins, Abigail Reynolds, Amanda Rogers, Heather White;

 Mississauga, Ontario, Canada – Kayla Bomben;

 Mobile, Alabama – Emily Cristina;

 Monroe – Demonta Brown, Aaron Hunt, Grace Underwood;

 Montgomery -- Shelly Crew, Katelym Feazell;

 Mooringsport – Abigail Wolfe;

 Mora – Gracy Rowell;

Moreauville – Sean Casey;

 Morgan City – Allie Atkinson, Jeremy Orgeron;

 Morse – Kierra Linden;

 Mount Hermon -- Warren McFarlain;

Muleshoe, Texas -- Caitlyn Barber;

 Murphy, Texas – Bronte Rhoden;

 Murrieta, California – LaQuitta Wilkins;

Napoleonville – Elizabeth Coleman;

Natchitoches -- Austin Aldredge, Ragan Aple, Luz Arrieta Jimenez, Rebecca Autrey, Sarah Aviles, Francisco Ballestas-Sayas, Joshua Below, Dylan Bennett, Sarah Bergeron, Allison Berry, Sara Coates, Anna Coffey, Fabian Correa Guette, Haley Dahlhoff, Elliot Davis, Ruth Garcia Rodriguez, Samantha Hall, Kaitlin Hatten, Taylor Johnson, Anthony Jones, Mary Keran, Colby Koontz, Scott Macqueen, Miranda Mayeaux, Rylie Mcfarlain, Jordan Mitchell, Maina Ibn Mohammed, Kaitlyn Nieman, Brooklyn Noe, Abigail Poe, Jonah Poe, Melissa Remo, Shelby Riedel, Alyssa Roberts, Kayla  Roquemore, Emily Ryder, Emily Salter, Madison Shade, Melissa Slaughter, Madeline Taylor, David Thibodaux, Kristan Valdez, Lantz Vercher, Elizabeth Vienne, Madysen Watts;

New Iberia -- Jaci Jones, Grace Kerns, Payton Romero:

 New Llano – Nicole Naral;

New Milford, Connecticut -- Lisa Rosenberg;

 New Orleans – Jerome Baudy, Haleigh Giorlando Wall, Jaime Hendrickson, Tayla Oliver;

Noble – Allie Ebarb, Collin Procell;

Noyen sur Serthe, France -- Emma Miachon;

Oakdale -- Cheyenne Bertrand, Alyssa Cole, Katelyn Johnson, Coriana Moreaux, James Obrien;

 Oil City – Ryan Connella;

 Olla – Brianna Corley, Kristen Smith;

Opelousas -- Lauren Hebert, Keshayla Jackson, Alexia Rubin, Jaylen St. Romain;

Pacifica, California -- Nicholas Pierotti;

Palmetto, Florida --   Cindy Hernandez;

 Paris, Texas -- Jordan Whatley;

 Pearland, Texas – Tanisha Williams;

 Pelican – Mary Myers;

Pereira Risaralda, Colombia -- Mariana Ospina Rivas;

 Pineville – Malek Abdelhadi, Taylor Bailey, Riley Bell, Tasha Blanchard, Christian Boudreaux, Latasha Cain, Noelle Carruth, Amber Edmisson, Erin Fallis, Kara Johnson, Michael Martin, Emily McCarty, Cade Mitchell, Wendi Powell, Morgan VanBuren, Corbi Walters, Wesley Williams, Alan Winegeart;                        

 Pitkin – Mattie Stewart;

 Plaquemine – Kameron Landry;

 Plaucheville -- Brooke Dauzat;                            

Pollock – Jadynn Giles;

 Pontotoc, Mississippi – Elizabeth McCullar;

 Port Allen – Makayla Lacy;

 Port Barre – Madison Estis;

 Port Orange, Florida – Sean Logan;

 Prairieville – Rebekah Bonner, Colleen Carline, Roy Cobb, Andrea Gathercole, Sarah Makin;

Princeton – LeKayla Smith;

 Provencal – Kara Gandy, Rebekah Orsborn, Bailey Scarbrough;

Ragley – Elizabeth Jaycox, Cole Spponer;

 Raleigh, North Carolina – Aleida, Alfonso;

 Ringgold – Regan Edwards;

 Riverview, Florida – Robyn Larson;

 Robeline – Jessica Clark, Patricia Goodwin, Alyssa Maley, Bergen Oge, Caleb Wester;

 Round Rock, Texas – Evan Nafe;

 Ruston – Jena Green;

 Saint Francisville – Sara Baggett, Jordan Bringedahl;

 Saint Martinville – Blake Blanchard, Alli Douet;                        

 Saint Rose – Alexis Mancuso;

 Saline – Madelyn Cheatwood;

 San Antonio, Texas – Tiffany Rubin;

 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Loren MacLennan;

 Scott – Sydni Larriviere, Kristen Prejean;

 Seabrook, Texas -- Amy Whitecotton;

 Searcy, Arkansas – Lora Wood;

 Shenzhen, China – Yinglin Yuan;

Shreveport -- Lindsey Adkins, Mackenzie Allen, Hannah Angell, Yasmeen Bader, James Baldwin, Katelynn Benge, Maddison Benge, Hallie Bloxom, Erin Brown, Kaysie Burgess, Abigail Davis, Jackson Driggers, Jennifer Eaves, Jennifer Elliott, Samantha Freeman, Peyton Gamble, Leah Gould, Melina Johnson, Tatyanna Kinsey, Kaitlyn Knighton, Katherine Mckay, Maxey McSwain, Madison Milligan, Myles Mitchell, Cayla Morris, Megan Osborn, Mallory Parker, Bailey Patton, Zachary Person, Haley Pickett, Taylor Poleman, Patricia Reed, Madelyn Ruiz, Catherine Shaw, Shelby Sowers, DeAndre Stevenson, Khaila Tucker, Ansonia Wisner;

 Sibley – Julianna Schober;

 Simmesport – Bailie Marsh, Elise Normand;

 Simsboro – Autumn Smith, Shelby Wall;

 Slaughter – Ciara Gibbs;

 Slidell – Ayrianna Edwards, Katherine Gallinghouse, Parker Gwaltney, Abigail Miller, Sabrina Miller, Holly Penta, Rachel Reed, Jourdan Waddell, Olivia Warren;                      

 Spring, Texas -- Sydney Normand;

 Stinnett, Texas – Dalin Williams;

 Stonewall – Mildred Hooper, Mallory McConathy, Emily McConnell, Brooke Meade, Clinton Oliver, Mackenzie Panther, Kassidy Parker;                          

 Stuttgart, Germany -- Antonia Blattner;

 Sulphur – Tiffany Lyons, Bryttani MacNamara;

 Sunset – Lindsay Thibodeaux;

 The Woodlands, Texas – Tyler Rapp;

 Thibodaux – Sheridan Duet, Maegan Davis;

Tool, Texas – Kimberly Kidney;

 Toronto Ontario – Rhea Verma;

 Trout – Makayla King, Zachary Long, Deana Poole, Devon Smith, Andrea Walters;

 Venice, Florida – Alexis Weaver;

 Ventress – Racheal Gaude;

 Ville Platte – Gabrielle Chapman, Joshua Galland, Alex Gautreaux;

 Waco, Texas – Isabella Hudson;

 Walker – Johnny Brister;

 Washington – Tarik Andrus;

 Welsh – Alisha Ledoux;

 West Helena, Arkansas – Brittani Arana;

 West Monroe – Julianne Cousans, Laura Lovell;

 White Castle – Cassidy Blanchard, Gavin Landry;

 Whitehouse, Texas – Jackson Allen;

 Wilmington, Delaware – Amy Bourett;

 Winnfield -- Tamierrea Alexander, John Collins, Simona Curry, Michael Duke, D’Tyria Duncan, Joshua Goins, Kassidy Grantadams, Kelsey Jordan, Elizabeth Parker, Caroline Womack, Maggie Womack;

 Winnipeg, Manitoba – Tyra Duma;

Woodworth – Christian Jeansonne, Jonathan Magnano;

Wylie, Texas – Alexis Perry;

 Yaroslav, Russia -- Polina Mutel;

Youngsville – Jessica Gilmore, Brandon Granger;

 Zakopane, Poland -- Patrycja Polanska;

 Zwolle – Shakelia Maxie, Holden Rivers.                          

[ersatz-effigy]

i had a day or two of productivity and now i am back to feeling like i should visit whatever pill mill doctor rylie went to and like talk at lengths about my focus problems

[falleyes]

Somewhere Else pt. 5 - The Theater

Summary: All of the what ifs of Drake & Riley meeting somewhere else, in any other way.] 

Part 5 to Somewhere Else

Part 1, Part 2 , Part 3, Part 4

“If we’d met somewhere else…anywhere else. At a club in New York or in an airport, or at a party…If you hadn’t been our waitress that night, and I hadn’t been sitting next to Liam…Do you think all of this…do you think it could’ve been different…between us?

Drake had been involved in many bad ideas.

There was the whole hiding-forever-in-the-palace-maze with Liam shebang. Then there was that plan to sail away on a boat and never come back, which had nearly ended with the prince dying on his watch. There were countless escapades with the Beaumont brothers and the prince, all of which he begrudgingly participated in and all of which resulted in nothing but trouble. And of course, he couldn’t forget the fact that the whole reason he came to New York in the first place was because of his own bad idea.

But out of all of that, this one was quite possibly his least favorite of all. And the most uncomfortable.

He knew he should have told Rylie to forget the whole Broadway thing. It was obviously a lot of trouble for her, and he still didn’t understand why she was willing to do this for him. But then she had slipped her small hand into his, led him towards the boutique across the way, and he’d forgotten what he’d wanted to say.

The moment they slipped through the doors, Drake was immediately swarmed with a sense of familiarity as he took in the store’s white and gold theme, crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and the fancy perfume that flooded his nose. It reminded him of the palace.

As Drake stood there, simultaneously hating how polished and glitzy everything looked and also feeling slightly homesick, Riley squeezed his hand and leaned up on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear. “Stay here and try not to break anything. I know someone who works here. I’m sure we can get a deal.”

Before he could protest and shamefully beg her not to leave him in this stuffy looking place, Rylie let go of his hand and walked over to speak to a woman who was busy folding clothes. Drake watched, hands in his pockets as he tried – and failed - to look casual, while Rylie and the employee exchanged a few words. The other woman nodded and disappeared into the backroom.

Smiling, Rylie turned to give him a thumbs up. He returned the gesture, a pained grin plastered on his face. After his initial surprise had worn off, Drake no longer felt homesick but rather out of place, which wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling that he missed back in Cordonia.

An excited squeal stole Rylie’s attention away and Drake looked up to see a tall woman in a black dress with platinum blonde hair that was pulled back into a tight pony tail excitedly fast walk towards Riley, high heels click-clacking across the glossy floor and her arms outstretched.

“Riley!” she exclaimed, enveloping the shorter girl in a hug. “It’s so good to see you! It’s been too long.”

“Yeah, well, when you work in high end places like this, I can’t blame you for not coming back to the bar,” Riley shrugged, pulling away. “You look happy here, though. Fashion. It’s your calling.”

“Oh, it’s wonderful, I love working here,” the blonde said, bouncing up and down on her toes. “But I definitely owe you one because if you hadn’t had my back when we were bussing tables together, I definitely would have lost that job and never would have been able to afford my rent anymore.”

“The tips were pretty great,” Riley chuckled.

“For you, they were. I hardly got anything. I was horrible, of course, but…” the woman shrugged, smiling. As she glanced around the room, her eyes landed on Drake, an eyebrow quirking up. “So, Ryles, who’s your friend over there?”

“Oh, right, I totally forgot to introduce you two!” Rylie looked over her shoulder and waved Drake over. When he came to stand by her, she placed her hand on his arm and gestured between them. “Drake, this is Maisie. Maisie this is Drake. He’s my uh…” she looked up at Drake questioningly and he pretended to be interested in a crystal vase on the table next to him. Rylie turned back to Maisie, brow furrowed. “…friend, I guess?”

Maisie nodded, looking slowly from Drake to Rylie as a small smile formed on her face. “Right…” she said, extending her hand to Drake. “Well, it’s nice to meet you Drake. Rylie and I go way back, like college years back. She and I used to work in the same diner. You have no idea how many times this girl saved my ass. I was the worst waitress ever.”

“Oh, you weren’t…” Riley trailed off, shaking her head with a laugh. “No. Yeah, I guess you were pretty bad.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Maisie rolled her eyes. “Rub it in. But hey, not that I’m not glad to see you, but is there anything I can do for you guys? Or did you just drop by to say hello?”

“Oh, right, right!” Riley said, snapping her fingers. “Well, there’s kind of something I was hoping you could help us with…”

Rylie’s hand slid from Drake’s arm and she gestured for Maisie to follow her a few feet away. Rylie spoke in hushed tones, eyes sparkling as her hands animatedly moved about. Drake couldn’t tell what she was saying, but her hands eventually ended up palm to palm, a pleading gesture.

Suddenly, Maisie’s eyes flicked to Drake and he quickly looked away to inspect the vase again. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see her turn back to Rylie, grinning and excitedly shaking her head.

“Thank you!” Rylie exclaimed, no longer keeping her voice down as she threw her arms around Maisie. “You’re really helping us out big time, I owe you one.”

Maisie shook her head. “It’s the least I could do after how much you’ve helped me. Now… what to do with this one?” As she spoke, she faced Drake, tapping her lip thoughtfully. She turned and plucked an expensive-looking shirt off the rack next to her.

Drake looked hesitantly at Rylie, who was grinning and giving him another thumbs up as if to say, Good luck! Have fun!

He was suddenly filled with dread. This did not fit his definition of fun.

“You do what you have to do with him,” Riley said, backing away as she pulled out her phone. “I have to make a few calls… You know, friends in high places, see if they can get us in. I’ll find something to wear when I’m done and then come find you, okay?”

Drake’s vocal cords were straining to shout, Nope! Not okay, I change my mind! Just get me out of this fancy place before I throw up.

“Mhm,” he grunted instead. “Wonderful.”

About twenty minutes later, Drake sat on a bench just outside the boutique. His legs – now clad in dark dress pants - were stretched out before him and crossed at the ankles as he grumbled and tugged at his tie to loosen it up.

“Stupid fancy clothes,” he muttered without much malice, smoothing out his new, white, button up shirt. A much as he hated the dress clothes – and he did, he wouldn’t even dress up for dances during the social season in Cordonia – he felt a little better about it all considering the circumstances. Leave it to Rylie to be the only one ever, besides maybe Savannah, to get him to dress up when he didn’t absolutely have to.

Drake let out a sigh as his eyes roamed around. He’d gotten a little more used to the zoo-like atmosphere of Times Square and it was even starting to grow a little on him. Everything about New York was.

Watching all of the people mill about and listening to the blend of different languages, Drake understood why Rylie loved it here so much. He hadn’t known her for long and he still didn’t know her that well, but she seemed to thrive here. So far, she’d handled everything with ease and she certainly had the connections to make things work. Drake had a feeling she’d fit in anywhere.

The thought of anywhere had Drake thinking about home. Rylie and home. When she’d found out where he was from, Rylie had been so fascinated by Cordonia. He’d been gruff about it first and pushed her away, but ever since he’d apologized and told her about his country, he couldn’t help but imagine her there. Rylie in Cordonia, without all of the harsh and colorful lights that made her look almost untouchable but also vibrant and alive. Whenever he thought of her in Cordonia, she was softer and smooth around the edges, just like she was when he told her about his life and when she held his hand.

Behind him, bells softly jingled and he heard a door open and close.

“There you are. Ready to go?”

Drake stood, turning to face Riley. “Yeah, let’s – “

He froze. Oh.

Rylie stood before him, dressed in a flowing white dress with a plunging neckline that could have been stolen straight from Marilyn Monroe’s closet and simple flats. Her hair, dry once again, had been left to casually fall over one shoulder in gentle, dark waves. Her lips were now colored in a bright red rather than their usual soft pink.

Suddenly, words didn’t seem like a thing Drake knew how to form anymore because now, Riley was standing in front of him and she was beautiful.

“Yes?” Riley said, raising an eyebrow. She gripped a small leather clutch tightly in both of her hands, her eyes steady on him.

“Cole, you, uh…” he scratched the back of his neck, forcing his lips to move. “You look…”

“Can’t even speak, can you? Is it really that bad?” Rylie teased, although a bashful smile was tugging at the corners of her lips.

“No!” Drake said quickly, shaking his head. “No, you look…You look beautiful, Rylie.”

Instantly, she felt her cheeks warm and her hands felt all tingly. For some reason she felt like grinning from ear to ear, but she managed to contain it. “Thank you, Drake. You look quite handsome yourself.”

He nodded and turned towards the theater, ready to walk because he didn’t trust himself to stand there any longer without making an idiot of himself. But before they started off, he felt her hand on the back of his shoulder and then her arm looped under his. He looked down at her, brows raised.

“We’ve got to look the part,” she told him.

“Right.” He nodded, swallowing thickly, and they continued on.

As they wove their way through crowds of people, Drake thought endlessly about her arm linked with his and her dress and her red lipstick.

He let his arm fall to the side, untangling with hers. But before she could move away or someone could squeeze between them, he took her hand.

He decided he quite liked the way they fit.

They didn’t enter through the front doors.

Instead, Rylie led him past the line of people waiting to get in and around to an unlabeled gray metal door on the side of the building. Drake quickly saw that no one else seemed to be around and he wondered vaguely what exactly Rylie’s plan was.

“VIP Entrance,” Rylie explained. “People who want to keep a low profile usually come through here and head up to the balconies.”

“And we’re supposed to just walk right in?”

“Of course not,” she rolled her eyes and gave the handle a twist to show him. “The door’s locked.”

“You got stuff to pick a lock in there or something, Cole?” he asked, nodding his head towards her leather clutch.

She smiled faintly. “I’ve got a little more class than that, Drake. Now, play along.”

With that, she unlaced their hands and looped her arm through his, straightening up and pushing her shoulders back, expression aloof.

Drake raised an eyebrow, taking her lead and straightening up as well, although he didn’t know what they were preparing for. “Wait, what are we – “

Before he could finish, Rylie rapped on the door furiously. She drummed her knuckles against the door insistently until it finally swung inwards, revealing a tall, broad-shouldered man whose frame filled the doorway. He wore a black button up and black dress pants, an earpiece dangling over the cuff of his ear. Security. A clipboard was in his hands and he looked down at Rylie coolly, mouth slowly opening to speak.

“Finally,” she huffed before he could speak, shaking her head and placing her other hand on Drake’s arm. “Do you know how long we’ve been waiting here?”

The security guard looked surprised and slightly confounded. “How long…? I only just heard – “

“We’ve been out here for nearly half an hour!” Rylie cried out, rubbing her forehead as if distressed. She stepped away from Drake and began to pace, her hands wringing her hair worriedly. “I was told we could come around back to avoid the crowd – I’m very claustrophobic - and our friends are already inside without us because traffic was such a nightmare so we didn’t have time to eat dinner beforehand and…”

Drake’s eyes flicked to the guard who looked just as confused as Drake felt, which he guessed meant whatever Rylie was trying to do, worked.

“…And on the way here,” she continued, winded,  “there was this awful man who hassled us and I just wanted tonight to be special for our anniversary and so far it’s been nothing but a disaster – we haven’t even eaten all day and I…” Riley trailed off, out of breath and her eyes, unfocused. She shook her head and swayed slightly on her feet. “And I – I think I’m about to…”

Suddenly, Rylie’s eyes fluttered and she fell forward.

“Hey!” Drake cried out, lunging forward just in time to catch her before she hit the ground.

What kind of plan is this? Drake shouted in his head, which lead him to wonder if this really was still part of the plan. What if he hadn’t been ready to catch her?

Not sure what to do, Drake did his best to continue on although his concern was genuine as his eyes darted from Rylie’s unconscious face, serene and unaware, to the guard, who looked positively bewildered. “Don’t just stand there! Do something!”

Wordlessly, the man opened and closed his mouth before backing away to hold the door open for the two. Drake quickly scooped Rylie up and rushed through the door. He looked at the guard questioningly.

“Uh, go down that hall and to the left,” he said, using his hand to gesture down a hallway. “There’s a couch you can, uh… There’s a couch.”

“Thanks,” Drake muttered under his breath and took off down the hall. As he walked, he noticed how limp and unresponsive Rylie felt in his arms. She still had yet to show any signs that this was what she intended to happen and he was actually beginning to worry.

Eventually, Drake ended up in a well-furbished room that looked as if it had been taken straight out of a 1930’s Hollywood hotel. There was a crystal chandelier, much older and more elaborate than the one in the boutique, and cream colored wallpaper with golden designs covered the walls. He moved across the plush maroon carpet and gently set Rylie down on a velvet fainting couch, ignoring the surprised looks he got from the few people who milled about, chatting.

He knelt beside her, hand cupping her cheek. “Christ, Cole…”

Her lip quirked up and Rylie opened one eye slightly to look at him. “So it worked?”

“Did what – “Drake stopped midsentence, his mouth falling open as the realization dawned on him. “So that really was your plan? Riley, what the hell - ”

“Shh!” she said quickly, trying not to smile as she slowly sat up and placed her hand on her head. She looked disoriented and Drake shook his head, knowing now for sure that it was all for show. “What happened?”

Subtly, she gestured for him to lean in and her eyes signaled for him to stay in character.

“You… You fainted,” he said begrudgingly, sitting back on his heels as he shook his head slightly. He couldn’t believe he had actually begun to fall for it.

Rylie nodded slowly, her eyes travelling around the room. They flashed in recognition and she pushed herself up into a sitting position. Drake turned and backed away as a short, nicely dressed man hurried towards them. He had pale skin, dark hair that was styled back with gel, and blue eyes that flicked around as he knelt beside Rylie and handed her a glass of water.

“Fainting, huh?” the man whispered, smiling slightly as Rylie took the glass and drank. Watching them, Drake realized with a start that this guy was in on the plan too.

“Worked, didn’t it?” she said over the rim.

“Amazingly, yes,” he chuckled, reaching into his suit pocket and discreetly producing two ticket stubs. He slipped them into her hand. “Here, these are for you. The best I could do last minute.”

Rylie grinned, lowering the glass and handing it back to him before kissing his cheek. “I owe you one, Daniel.”

“Yeah, you do,” Daniel nodded, standing. He glanced around the room as if to make sure no one was watching. “Enjoy your show, Ryles.”

Rylie nodded and swung her legs off of the couch as Daniel walked away. She looked down at the tickets and smiled faintly.

“Another friend?” Drake sat next to her, his hands in his lap as he looked at her in wonder. What she just did… He couldn’t believe the stunt she just pulled – or the fact that it actually worked. She had guts and she was definitely daring. He couldn’t help but be impressed, yet again.

“Yeah,” Rylie nodded, eyes flitting up to meet his. “What’s that look for?”

Drake looked away quickly, and shook his head. “Nothing. I just… I can’t believe that actually worked. You actually had me going for a moment, there, Cole. I was worried it was all real.”

Rylie giggled. “It’s nice to know you care, Drake. But you have to admit, it was a brilliant plan.”

“Sure, sure it was,” Drake rolled his eyes and ran a hand though his hair before tugging at his tie. “Just… warn me next time you take a dive like that. I might not be able to catch you next time.”

She smirked, nudging his arm with her elbow. “Oh, Drake. You know I like to keep you on your toes.”

Drake clucked his tongue and shook his head. He let out a long sigh and glanced sideways at her. “What am I going to do with you, Cole?”

“Well,” Rylie stood, holding her hand out to him. “For starters, you can follow me to our seats and thank me by buying me a drink later? I think I deserve it, after all. Don’t you think?”

Drake scoffed, taking her hand and letting her lead the way. “Sure thing, Cole. I know I sure as hell could use one.”

The play was great, Drake was sure of it.

Sitting in the theater had dredged up some nostalgic feelings of home that were nice to entertain for a while, but he couldn’t pay attention for the life of him. Not with Rylie sitting next to him.

He couldn’t help but glance her way every so often. Even in the dim lighting, he thought Rylie looked incredible. Stunning, even. But as he watched her, he realized that his interest went beyond how nicely her hair fell, or the gentle slope of her nose, or even how red her lips were.

Forget what he’d thought earlier about Rylie not being particularly striking or comparable to the ladies of the court. He was wrong. He realized that as he found himself caught up in the way she tucked her hair behind her ear, how her lips mouthed the words to the songs, how her eyes sparkled during some of the more powerful acts.

That was beautiful.

“Didn’t anyone teach you that it’s rude to stare?” Rylie whispered out of the corner of her mouth without looking at him.

Her words reminded him of the first ones she’d ever spoken to him. He smiled slightly, not even bothered by the fact she’d caught him staring. “Didn’t anyone ever teach you?”

Her lips curved upwards. “I don’t think I’m the one staring.”

“Touché,” Drake said quietly. He looked at her thoughtfully for a few more seconds. He couldn’t believe that it was possible that they’d started their day together at odds, snapping at each other every chance they got. And even after they’d called a truce, they still argued and bickered over almost everything they’d disagreed on. She never let him get away with anything, yet she’d gotten him out here and showed him a good time even though that shouldn’t have been possible.

She was like a weak link in the defenses he’d set up around him, a chink in his armor, a storm that he never saw coming. She’d snuck up on him when he was least expecting it, made herself a place within those walls he’d built, and he didn’t know how to get her out.

But as far as weaknesses went, well… She wasn’t the worst.

Drake forced himself to look away, fixing his eyes on the performers on stage.

During the show’s intermission, the two found themselves in some corner in the back of the theater’s lobby, away from the main crowd of people who were swarming the concession stand and mingling with others.

“Are you enjoying the show?” Drake asked as they leaned against the wall.

“Definitely,” Riley nodded, looking up at him. “Are you?”

“Yeah.” He turned towards her, his shoulder pressing into the wall. “Thanks, Cole. For… all of this. I know I’m a pain in the ass half the time, but this… it means a lot to me. That someone would do as much as you have for me tonight.”

“So you don’t regret coming to New York, now?”

Drake let a few moments pass before responding. Sure, circumstances weren’t ideal and the whole thing was a giant mess. But considering everything, his trip could have gone much worse. He could think of very few things that would make it perfect. “No,” he shook his head. “It’s a mess. But it’s worth it.”

Rylie nodded as she looked down at her dress, fiddling with the hem of it. A comfortable silence lapsed between the both of them as they enjoyed the quiet they had found together amidst the crowd.

After a while, Rylie pushed off the wall and stood up straight, grabbing his hand to hold their arms out between them. She shifted her grip so their knuckles pressed into each other’s palms, thumbs resting on top. “Drake. Hey, Drake.”

“Cole,” he mimicked her, raising his voice a few octaves just to bug her. “Hey, Cole.”

“You’re so annoying, I swear,” Rylie rolled her eyes and tugged on his arm. “Thumb war. Come on, let’s go.”

“You want to have a thumb war?” Drake raised an eyebrow, pushing off against the wall.

“Yeah,” she shrugged, wagging her thumb from side to side. “Unless you’re scared I’m going to beat you.”

Drake scoffed. “Right. Believe what you want, Cole. Let’s go, I can take you any day.”

“Uh huh, less talk more do,” Rylie challenged with a grin. Never once did it occur to her how odd it might look to others that two, nicely dressed and grown adults were competitively having a thumb war in the corner of a theater lobby.

“You’re on, Cole.”

Without waiting, Riley started nudging his thumb with hers, trying to trap it down. They went on like this, laughing and yelping every now and then, not caring a single bit who was watching. After neither could get the best of the other, Rylie gave in to impatience and reached up with her other hand and pushed his thumb down to cover it with hers.

“Hey!”

“I think I win,” Rylie chuckled as she took in his extremely offended expression.

“Like hell, you cheater,” Drake scowled, dropping her hand in mock disgust.

They bantered back and forth for a while, Drake bringing in morals and accusing her of breaking made-up Cordonian laws about cheating in thumb wrestling, Rylie giggling and telling him she didn’t care because this wasn’t Cordonia and there weren’t laws here in the United States against “using one’s resources” to win. He told her that was unfair, she laughed harder.

He liked it. He liked it when she laughed. They way her skin crinkled near the corner of her eyes and her cheeks became full to accommodate her large and uncontrollable smile. He liked her laugh lines and the way her nose scrunched up.

“Cole, you’re so…” he peered at her, wonder in his eyes. “What is it about you? You’re so frustrating, but…”

Rylie raised an eyebrow, her lip quirking up as if to egg him on. “But?”

Drake was silent for a few moments before he shook his head. “But… nothing. You’re just frustrating. That’s all.”

“No, I don’t think so, Drake. You were going to say something else.” Riley grinned, shoving his shoulder. Suddenly, her face lit up and her mouth dropped open. “Wait, were you going to compliment me?”

He scoffed. “Me, compliment you? Dream on, Cole. Not in a million years.”

“You’re a bad liar, you know that?” she smirked, folding her arms.

“Am not! And I’m not lying. You’ll never find a guy more truthful than myself.”

“Yeah, right,” Rylie rolled her eyes. “I’ll believe that when pigs fly. I think you, Drake,” she poked his chest, “were just about to say something nice to me.”

“I would never…” He tucked his chin into his neck indignantly as his hand covered hers on his chest.

“Oh, I think you would,” Rylie grinned, slowly drawing closer. “Admit it. I’m growing on you, Drake.”

As she leaned up on her tiptoes so that their faces were inches apart, she became hyper aware of the fact that her hand was flat against his chest and trapped beneath his own. Drake’s expression faltered as he felt her breath on his cheeks, she was that close. The air between them suddenly grew tense, like someone had sucked the air out of the room.

Without meaning to, Drake began to study her face up close. Every detail of her face was now bared to him and his eyes rushed to take it all in, commit it to memory. Her big brown eyes, the faint and few pigmented freckles that had formed from the sun, her gentle but prominent Cupid’s bow. Suddenly, he felt as if they were back in the fountain, drenched and bodies pressed closely together. Not even thinking, he reached up to tuck her hair behind her ear and left his hand on her cheek.

“Maybe so,” he murmured. The thought was laughable, that some stranger from America could possibly grow on him the way Riley did when no one else could even make a mark. But as he gazed at her now, he realized that there was nothing funny about this and the way he suddenly felt about her.

“Knew it,” Rylie breathed out, her face heating as she flourished under his gaze, those dark eyes locking her in place and stealing her breath away. Her other hand came up to press against his chest, feeling his warmth through the fabric of his shirt.

This was strange, so unbelievably strange. A begrudgingly formed friendship between two people from very different worlds so suddenly flipped as they stood, pressed together in the back of a theater lobby.

His eyes fell to her lips.

He wanted to kiss her.

God, he wanted to kiss her.

Her voice was low and gravelly when she spoke. “Drake…”

At the sound of her voice, he looked up again and met her eyes. Instantly, he was sobered, blinking to shake off the wild thoughts that had ran rampant in his mind. He couldn’t…

Drake stepped back, letting his hands fall to his side.

Kissing Rylie suddenly felt impossible, like a bridge he wasn’t meant to cross. No matter what he was feeling, it didn’t matter. While he might go as far as to call Rylie a friend, she was still the stranger he’d met earlier in the day and nothing could change that, not in the time they were allowed. She didn’t have a place in his world, and he didn’t have one in hers. He was only here until morning, and by tomorrow night, he’d be back in Cordonia while Rylie remained in New York. By morning, they’d say their goodbyes, head in separate ways, and life would go back to normal. Nothing could change that, so there was no use to getting attached now.

It was a bad idea from the start, he should have never let things get this far. He should have never let her in.

“We can’t,” he said softly, looking away so he didn’t have to see her expression. He didn’t have to see her face to know that she was just a disappointed as he was, but he knew that looking would only weaken his resolve.

Before Riley could question him further, the crowd around them started shifting and pushed back towards the doors that lead back to the show. Intermission was over.

“Looks like we better head back,” Drake said, tucking his hands into his pockets as he fell in step with everyone else.

Rylie looked after him, her fingertips absently touching the spot on her cheek where his hand had been seconds before.

What the hell was that?

Shaking her head, Rylie shoved those thoughts, those feelings, down and followed him.

(tagging @thedrakeside )

also pixelberry wtf was that last chapter I’m?? upset??

edit: i just realized i switched the spelling of Riley to Rylie i'm so MAD

[hxppykiller]

@bxdbxbygirl Happy didn't know what to do. After seeing Rylie. He just drove, had no place in mind just wanted to think things through. She was the only love he had in his life, not that he would tell Alice that, but she was the only one that could see past his monster disguise and here she was 5 years later with a kid, a girl, his daughter. Maria, his daughter. He didn't know what to think. Rylie had be the only one to be on level with his Ma with the amount of love he had for them. He was a complete mess after she left and here she was back in Charming, back in his life with a daughter. So it wasn't like he could ignore her. He had to be apart of his daughters life and that meant back in Rylies. But he didn't know how it was going to work. He had a new girl. One that was nearly as fucked in the head as he was. Their relationship wasn't perfect but it worked for them. His feelings for Rylie hadn't left and in fact they all came flooding back to the surface when he saw her but how was Alice going to deal with it all? He didn't know. It was past midnight by the time he got home. Thoughts still milling around in his head. He knew Alice would be there, she always was. He had walked through the door and went to look for her straight away. Pushing her up against the wall as his lips attacked her neck.

[rylie-barton]

4.6.2017

Rylie didn’t even want to be at prom.

Two years ago, it’d been exciting. A year ago, something to kill the time. Now, it was just a hassle dressing up in a fancy outfit, just to mill around sipping punch that was supposed to be non alcoholic, all the while watching happy couples sway on the dancefloor. No, thanks - she’d pass. It wasn’t really something she wanted to waste a night doing anymore -

Except, Alex was back in her dorm room, and, she’d take a night wasted than a night back there. He was like a bad cold - she couldn’t shake him, no matter how hard she tried. Though the night before hadn’t gone the way she’d imagined his return would go... nothing was fixed. She hadn’t forgiven him. He’d left, and she had so much she wanted (and, in a way, needed) to say... but in true Rylie Barton fashion, she chose getting drunk at prom over having it out with him. 

At least she’d had an outfit, just in case.

The night was, unsurprisingly, nothing special. Or, maybe it was, and the wow factor just didn’t work on Rylie anymore. She had to admit that the prom committee had outdone themselves with the decorations, and the idea to have the prom royals represent the champions was kinda cute, but... she didn’t have the same wide eyed reaction as someone of the other students who walked through the doors with her. Nor did she really go out of her way to get involved in the festivities, which was probably a huge part of her problem. Prom was simply a way to get out of her invaded dorm (which, hopefully, would be empty by the time she returned), and so, she made a beeline for the punch and stayed pretty close to that table for the first half of the night. She clapped when the royals were announced, she politely declined a few offers to dance, and when her cup emptied, she refilled it pretty snappily. 

She wasn’t having fun, but, she was at least filling up the minutes. 

The thing was, though, that by not getting involved in everything going on... she was a lot more aware of what was happening. She wasn’t distracted on the dancefloor or otherwise - she was just watching everything, taking it all in, listening. That was how she knew something was happening - her cup did a little shimmy on the table before her, and beneath her feet, the ground rumbled.

That wasn’t good.

Her gaze flitted around the ballroom. Like her, a few students had frozen - they seemed a little apprehensive, like they’d felt it, too, but were unsure what it could be, but for the most part.... the dance continued as normal. Seconds passed. That was all it boiled down to - seconds, and then, the ballroom began to shake. 

Rylie had only experienced an earthquake once before in her life. She was on a mission in Mexico and, they were about halfway through when the ground had done that same, shuddery shake. It hadn’t been too serious, really - a few seconds and it was over, the damage minimal. But she remembered the feeling. The sudden fear, that it might be worse than what it seemed. She recalled being told over her com to duck beneath a table, immediately, but it’d been done before she could. 

This wasn’t the same as that earthquake. This, she could tell within the very first moment, was serious, and though her mind was slow to catch up, it immediately went to her fellow students. Rylie jumped up from her chair, shocked into action, and with no thought at all began to grab students by their shoulders and arms and even just the fabric of their outfits, shouting above the growing noise and telling them to get beneath any of the tables in the ballroom. Instead of joining the sea of students trying to reach the door, she went against them - fighting to get the opposite way. In stood to reason that people would get lost in the crowd, get knocked down and crushed, get forgotten about... and Rylie wouldn’t have it. 

They came first.

Decorations began to fall. The ground continued to shake. Rylie moved further and further down the ballroom, grabbing people to pull them up from where they’d fallen and urging them in the direction of safety, the only safety they’d reach. She was keeping her focus on the danger from above - the ground wasn’t going to quake open, but, the ceiling might just cave. That was the fear. Support beams and plaster from that height could knock someone clean out of it... could kill someone, if they were heavy enough. She was keeping her focus high -

And that’s how she knew when the chandelier was on it’s way down. She was near enough to the middle of the ballroom and thus, the light fixture, to close the distance in a few strides and begin waving people that had been beneath it away, shouting at them what she’d shouted at everyone, so far - get beneath something. They paid heed. A circle was cleared on the ballroom floor, the light avoided. 

But, swinging in place, violently, the cracks in the ceiling around it had only grown as she’d cleared the area. A whole chunk of the plaster around it fell away and crashed down not a foot from her - and that seemed to be the catalyst for its descent. Loose enough, finally, it shuddered - and it fell.

She’d expected it. She’d known it was coming, even, as sure as the morning ahead of them, and she’d been prepared for the inevitable dive out of the way. She just hadn’t been prepared for a slight miscalculation... a major miscalculation, really. The light was larger than she’d thought - she almost cleared it, but one of the branches slammed into her. 

Instead of rolling, safely, and remaining relatively unharmed, Rylie crashed to the ground. She didn’t have the time to pull in her limbs, the distance too short to hope to do so, anyway. Her head, not protected the way it should have been, cracked against the floor and her vision, immediately, went black. How long she was out for, she didn’t know - seconds, minutes, hours, it was all the same. All that mattered was when she came back to consciousness, her head throbbing painfully while black spots danced across her vision... was that the quake had stopped. It was deathly silent save for the ringing in her right ear -

That is, until the panicked screams started up again. 

[rylie-studies]

okay so i have suddenly been reminded that tom hiddleston knows both latin and ancient greek because he studied classics at cambridge and there’s even clips of him speaking and performing both,, perhaps i am speechless

okay y’all ngl but the more i get to know tom hiddleston the more i realize that he’s literally the impeccable man like he’s intelligent and wise and has the looks and is talented and funny and caring and respectful towards everyone so i guess what i’m trying to say is that i’m shook