#Savannah Re

[1000-year-old-virgin]

Savannah Re - Wake Up

[darksouls2yuri]

if the tanks ARE okay to hold water instead of selling them i talked to danno about setting them up in his office. hes iffy about it but he likes fish and i know i could make him a cool guppy tank. boomer dads love guppies i know this in my heart.

[sta7z]

Drafts are looking a little fluffy 👁️

[spinus-pinus]

Reticulated Giraffe Giraffa reticulata

8/14/2022 The Living Desert Zoo, California

[tessa-liam]

I 😍 this! I am so happy to read the next part of their journey with Fabian ... can't wait for more!🥹

“No Savvanah. Never. Do you think I can be so cruel?”

She shakes her head, the fear still lingering in her mind.

🫢🥺 ... she is 😨

Book: TRR AU/ Once upon a time prequel

Belongs to my series: Estranged

Pairings: Liam x Savannah

Word count: 2029

Disclaimer: All characters belong to pixelberry.

Rating: Mature

Warning: none

Prompt: The @kingliamappreciationweek day 5 : Healing.

Thank you @lizzybeth1986 for beta reading this.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

Liam walks down the corridors of the ‘Middle School of Maltifao. He is excited. In years, this is the first time he is excited about something. Finally, he is going to meet Savannah after almost eight long years. So much has happened. He has a son! They have a son. Liam shakes his head and smiles at the thought of Fabian.

‘Fabian. I would love that name for my son.’ He had once mentioned in a casual teenage chat amongst his friends.

‘She remembered.’ He whispers to himself.

A smile plastered on his face, he walks down to the classrooms. The class has just begun. He politely stands outside listening to her voice. He didn’t realise how much he had missed her. The children are learning about Cordonia.

‘What a coincidence!’ he leans against the walls and closes his eyes. Soon the discussion in the classroom shifts from Cordonia to King Liam and his Subjects. He chuckles. ‘Its fun to listen the views of these little ones’, he thinks. His heart somersaults with happiness when Savannah describes him. ‘She still loves me.’ But then he realises she abruptly cuts off the discussion and dismisses the class.

The children run out and he faces the exit, waiting for her to walk out. He doesn’t know how to greet her. He is unable to recollect the things he had planned for this very moment. So, when she bangs into him, he says the first thing that comes to his mind.

“If you like me so much, why did you leave me?”

He gives her a minute. He is sure she recognises him. Just by his touch. His heart is beating fast in anticipation. But when she looks at him, his world comes crashing down. She quickly turns away her head and pulls away from him.

‘What was that? Did I see fear in her eyes? Why? Who is she scared of? Me? Why?’

He controls his spiralling thoughts and tries to speak again.

“Hello Savannah.”

“Hi.”

‘Just a plain hi ? Is she upset to see me? Why?’ Liam has a parallel row of thoughts going on.

“Sava...”

“Can we talk somewhere else? Not here.” She pleads.

“Yes. Yes.” Liam starts nodding his head. “Sure. Sure. My car is standing...”

“No, no, no.” She again cuts him. “There is a coffee shop down the road. It has a private cabin. We can sit there.”

“Coffee shop? Okay. Okay.” He starts nodding again. “Lead the way.”

“Please, wait for a minute. I need to inform in the office.”

“Sure. Sure.” Liam realises he is repeating and nodding again. He tries to shake away the nervousness that has shadowed his excitement within fractions of meeting her.

Savannah quickly comes back from the office and starts walking. Liam follows. On his way out he signals his security standing around an SUV to stand down. Its a small village of Lozzi on the island of Corsica, faraway from the hullabaloo of the cities and capitals. It looks safe. He wants her to feel safe. So he quietly follows her to the coffee shop.

“Hey, Maria!” Savannah walks in, waving to the old lady behind the counter.

Maria’s smile falters for a second before Liam acknowledges her forced smile, “Bonjour Madame.”

“Bonjour.” She stutters.

“Maria, puis-je utiliser la cabine privée?” Savannah asks.

“Oui.” Maria replies and Savannah scurries to the small secluded room in the back.

Liam trudges in. ‘She was very fluent out there. Did Kiara teach her that well or has she refined her language over all these years? And Maria? Does she know who I am to Savannah?’

Savannah clears her throat. He looks at her gesturing to the seat across her. He sits down.

“Liam, It’s been years since I travelled anywhere or contacted anyone.” She starts immediately explaining herself. “I have never called anyone in Cordonia, at any given point of time. I have made sure that even my own brother doesn’t know my whereabouts. I am living a quiet secluded life here. I don’t know what brought you here but..”

“You.”

“Me?” she looks at him wide eyed.

“I came for you.”

“Why?”

“Why not?” he questions her back.

“After all these years?”

“Yes, even after all these years, Savannah.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I want you to come back. It was a mistake . Letting you go. Letting you walk away. But believe me, not a day went by when I didn’t think about you.” He says, with his gaze intense.

Savannah shifts in her chair. “Liam, that day when you were talking to your father, I overheard the conversation. I heard you agreeing to him that a commoner will never fit in the nobility of Cordonia.”

“No, Savannah. That’s what my father said. I replied back to him.”

“I know, Liam. I understand. It’s okay. He blackmailed you with Leo’s abdication and he was calling you his sole support. After all, he was your father and I know you, being you, could never say no.”

“Savannah, I think you did not listen to the complete conversation. I did say ‘No.’”

“No.” She lets out a heavy breath.

“Yes, Savannah. It was the only time in my life that I felt strong enough to stand against the odds and fight for what was mine. I had a major argument with my father that day and I said such things to him that I would have never ever dreamt of saying.”

How could she miss it. Did she make a decision in haste. Was it all futile. ‘Oh no!’ she thinks.

“Savannah, I had a misunderstanding when I came to you next day. But you made it all sound so real. I was already shaken and I got carried away with your white lies. I must say you are a fine actor.” He smiles at her.

Savannah on the other hand is thoroughly confused. What has she done? If he was fighting for them and she heard only half part of the conversation, it means she misread all the signs and she threw everything away. The love of her life.....the family she could have had.....all the happiness her son could have had. Fabian! The thought of Fabian sends her in a panic.

She jumps in her seat. “Liam! I am so sorry. I am so sorry, Liam. I ... I never told you. I wanted to. Actually I had come to tell you but then I heard your conversation with your father and I thought other wise.” She puts her head in her hands and pulls on her hair. “Oh dear God, What have I done! Please forgive me.” She looks back at Liam again with tears in her eyes. “That day , I came to tell you... Tell you that...

“That you were pregnant. “ he completes her sentence for her.

“You knew?” she stares at him in surprise.

“No. Not then. I came to know few months back.”

Now another worry starts picking up in Savannah’s mind. “Liam... So you are here to take away your heir? You want to take him away from me, don’t you? You can’t take away my only happiness from my life. You can’t do that to me.” Tears start rolling down her cheeks. “God cannot be so unfair to me.” She shakes her head wildly in dismay. Her fright sets in and she unknowingly squeezes farther into the corner of the booth.

“Savannah! Savannah! Sav.... Look at me.” Liam tries to pull her back. He gets up moving on her side. He grabs her tightly closed fists in one hand and with the other hand he tries caressing her cheek.

“Savannah I came for you, my love!” she stops shaking. “Knowing that we have a son is just an icing on the cake. But you and I? We come first . I made a mistake once. I won’t like to repeat it ever again. So I have come to see you. Only, and only if you allow, I would like to meet our son. Please.”

Savannah wipes her tears with the back of her hand. “ It’s a lot to take in, Liam. Can you please give me a day to settle things. My son...”

“Our son.” Liam says with a pride, cupping her face.

“Our son..” she corrects herself. “I will have to tell him.”

Liam pulls his hands down. He starts pulling on his fingers to curb his apprehensions. His eyes shy away, “Did he ever ask about me?”

“Yes. He is as curious as you were as a child.” She reminisces. Her words make him gaze back at her again, with hope.

She tries to reason, “You know, I couldn’t tell him who you are but he knows his father as a wise man who is protecting lives of many people. He takes pride in it. He knows his father loves him and will come one day to see him.”

Liam presses his lips tight. His trembling hands try covering Savannah’s. “I wanted to be good. A good son, a loyal friend, a just king. But while accomplishing these roles I didn’t realise that I betrayed my love and never stood up for my son.”

“Liam, you never knew.”

“How can I give you back all the years that you lost?”

“Stop giving all the time Liam. You deserve to have somethings for yourself too.”

“ I don’t know how to apologise. I want to make up for all the loss.” He pulls at her hands in a pleading tone. “Tell me how can I abate the fear I saw in yours eyes when you met me?

“You noticed?”

“How couldn’t I, Savvie? I was seeing you after ages and while I was so thrilled about our reunion it broke my heart to see you distressed.”

It was Savannah’s turn to lower down her eyes, to hide her emotions. “I thought I had saved myself from the prying eyes and in turn saved my son. When I realised I have been found, I got scared that....” she chokes.

“Hey there. Shhhhh!” Liam circles his arm around her trying to reassure her.

Savannah whimpers, “I thought you have come to take what is yours.”

“Mine?” He looks at her puzzled.

Savannah nods. “Fabian.” She whispers.

“No Savvanah. Never. Do you think I can be so cruel?”

She shakes her head, the fear still lingering in her mind.

“I told you Savvanah, I won’t even meet him without your permission.” He wipes her tears and talks while her sobs fade away. “I am afraid of imagining how you must have gone through all the hardships alone. I was not there for your pregnancy or childbirth. You brought him up all alone. The least I can do is....”

Savannah’s phone starts vibrating. She looks at the caller id and signals Liam to wait.

“Allô?” She receives the call.

“Désolée!” She starts picking up at her purse. “ J’arrive. S’il te plaît, donne-moi dix minutes.” She quickly cuts the call and addresses Liam.

“I need to pick up Fabian from the day care. I am sorry, you were saying something.”

“You should go. I was just saying that...” he scratches his sidelock making Savannah smile.

“You were saying , the least you could...”

“Oh yes! I wanted to tell you that the least I can do is make this meeting pleasant for you and for him. I don’t want to be a monster in his eyes, someone who separated him from his mother.”

Savannah stands up while talking, “You can never be a monster to him. I will talk to him and once he is ready, I will call you.”

“Thank you. I will be eagerly waiting to hear from you.”

“Bye.” She starts walking towards the door.

“Savannah?”

“Yes?” She turns back.

He looks around to check if anybody is watching them. He closes the distance between them and hugs her. Savannah stiffens for a moment.

In a minute that passes, she relaxes and takes a deep breath of hopefulness. She lifts her head to look up into his optimistic eyes. He bends down to place a kiss on her forehead. “Go my love, I will wait for your call. I hope we meet this time to never let go.”

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

Tags : @angelasscribbles @alj4890 @tessa-liam @lizzybeth1986 @3pawandme @annabellewynter @bascmve01 @bebepac @busywoman @dcbbw @choicesficwriterscreations @harleybeaumont @iaminlovewithtrr @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @neotericthemis @mom2000aggie @phoenixrising0308 @princess-geek @sazanes @secretaryunpaid @sfb123 @sillydg @tinkie1973 @txemrn @walkerdrakewalker @rubiwalker @703cowbarn @kyra75 @likealotus @kskvb20 @marietrinmimi @aussiegurl1234

[mrs-stans]

Sebastian Stan Is “Still Shaking” After Getting Two Golden Globe Nominations

On the heels of recognition for both The Apprentice and A Different Man, Stan speaks to Vanity Fair about his “surreal” journey to awards recognition, as well as being nominated in the same year as Pamela Anderson.

BY SAVANNAH WALSH

It’s not every day that an actor earns a Golden Globe nomination, much less two in the same morning. But Sebastian Stan joined the likes of Selena Gomez and Kate Winslet on Monday by getting dual Globe nominations. “It’s certainly surreal,” he tells Vanity Fair, “still sort of shaking from it.”

Stan secured recognition for both his dramatic turn as Donald Trump in The Apprentice and his more comedic performance as a tormented aspiring actor named Edward in A Different Man. It is the first time that a male performer has pulled off double nominations in the lead acting categories since Ryan Gosling managed to do it back in 2012. “Listen, one of my favorite actors of all time,” Stan says. “I’d be very glad to be in that little stat with him.”

In the early hours of nomination morning, Stan was getting some shuteye—or, at least attempting to. “I actually woke up in the middle of the night at 4:00, and was like, Oh, okay, there’s an hour and a half. I fell asleep again, and then I got a call from my publicist,” he tells VF. Since then, “I’ve been sending a lot of pictures to my mom.”

Some excitement is to be expected, especially when considering what it took to get both of Stan’s nominated films to the screen. “I never would’ve dreamt that I was going to be going to the Globes with both of these films, I never would’ve dreamt that both of the films would’ve come out in the same year,” he says.

Aaron Schimberg’s A Different Man sat in limbo for two years before debuting on the festival circuit this year. At the Sundance Film Festival, it was acquired by A24 for a fall release. The film then screened in Berlin, where Stan won the Silver Bear for best lead performance. Meanwhile, The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi and written by Vanity Fair special contributor Gabriel Sherman, premiered at May’s Cannes Film Festival to positive reviews. But the film faced a treacherous road to distribution in the days before the 2024 presidential election.

“To even be in one room with both films is not something that’s ever crossed my mind,” Stan says. “So, I’ll be digesting that probably throughout the holiday season.” The recognition for each movie feels extra gratifying because “they both felt really challenging in terms of what the roles we’re requiring,” he says, “obviously one being one of the most famous people in the world, with a lot of people having very strong feelings about [him], and many, many impressions having been done. How do you go in there and find something new, or try to offer a different perspective?”

As it turns out, bringing a young Donald Trump to life during the dawn of his fortuitous relationship with Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong, now Globe-nominated for best supporting actor in a feature film) was only half the fight. Stan recently opened up about the struggle to promote The Apprentice in the wake of Trump’s re-election, including having to pass on Variety’s Actors on Actors because other participants were reluctant to talk about the president-elect.

“The movie has had a really uphill battle since Cannes,” says Stan, who also recently nabbed an Independent Spirit Award nomination for the movie. “It’s been hard for people to have permission to express how they feel about the movie, and today feels very gratifying in terms of having the Golden Globes recognize the film, and the work. It feels like hopefully going forward people can feel okay talking about it, and see it.”

Stan earned his first Globes nomination for playing Tommy Lee in 2022’s similarly controversial based-on-a-true-story project, Pam & Tommy. How does he feel to be nominated in the same year as the real-life Pamela Anderson, who became a first-time nominee for The Last Showgirl? “I’m so happy for her, and [it’s] so well deserved. It’s a beautiful film and a beautiful performance,” says Stan. “From our end, this was always part of the goal and the intention [of the series]—to somehow shine a light where it hasn’t been shined before, and hopefully contribute in a way [to her success]. So yeah, I’m ecstatic for her.”

Stan is also rooting for many of his other fellow nominees. “My two favorite films of the year are Sing Sing and A Real Pain,” says the actor, who then praises one of his competitors in the musical/comedy lead actor race. “Jesse Eisenberg, I want to say congratulations to him because he’s somebody I worked with years ago, in 2006 [via Fred Durst’s feature directorial debut, The Education of Charlie Banks], and the man’s a genius. I love that movie so much.”

He also spotlights The Substance, a film that, along with a release date, also shares themes with A Different Man—more specifically, issues of transformation and fixation on physical appearance. “There were a lot of articles that kind of put us together, in terms of the themes of the movies,” says Stan. “But they’re unique in the sense that they are original. Sing Sing, A Real Pain, I should say Anora while I’m at it—to be able to have films that are standing on their own without any IP, or anything about them that we know but their true original film storytelling, is amazing.”

The Globes are seen as something of a precursor on the way to potential Oscar gold—but Stan isn’t getting ahead of himself. “The fact that we’re here today in itself is such a massive step, but it is very much a one day at a time experience,” says the 42-year-old. “As an actor in this community, besides the work that you do on the day, when you go home at night and feel like you’ve left it all on the field, there’s nothing more gratifying than the actual recognition of your peers. I’ve been doing this for 20-some odd years, and I’m pretty grateful. So, knock on wood, and whatever happens next happens—but we’ve already won in a major way.”

[officialclangen]

CLANGEN UPDATE: ALL IS FAIR (in love and war)

New update has gone live!

BIG CHANGES:

- Cats can now have more than one mate, with no upper limit.  The choose mate screen has been redesigned to support selecting multiple mates!

- In addition to two biological parents, cats can have an unlimited number of adoptive parents. Adoptive parents are treated the same as biological parents for relation-tracking. You can manually add new adoptive parents.

- New war system, with more fleshed out events. The game will now remember wars when you close and reopen.

- The way traits are assigned has been changed. Under the hood, cats have four personality facets that determine their trait.

- New skill system! Apprentices and kits now get low-level skills, and cats can have up to two skills. Skills are no longer linked to status/rank. Cats can now improve their skill as they age!

- With a new trait and skill system, the way mentors influence personality and skills has also changed.

- New sprite inspect screen, with options for viewing a cat in previous life-stages and saving the sprite as a transparent image.

- New murder events!

NEW VISUALS:

- Re-draw of the Classic Forest Camp!

- New colors: SIENNA, LILAC, GOLDEN-BROWN and CHOCOLATE

- New tortie patterns: ROSETAIL, SAFI, HALF, CHIMERA, SMUDGED, DAUB, DAPPLENIGHT, STREAK, MASK, CHEST, ARMTAIL, and EMBER

- New white patches: DIVA, SAVANNAH, FADESPOTS, SHIBAINU, TOPCOVER, DAPPLEPAW, BEARD, PEBBLESHINE, OWL, WOODPECKER, MISS, BOOTS, COW, COWTWO and BUB

- New vitiligo pattern: BLEACHED

- Pelt tints have been adjusted.

OTHER CHANGES:

- More cat history information is now stored, including the moon-number that some important events occur. (Note: some history information on old saves may be lost)

- More in-depth relationship information on the family tree.

- The current event-list is now saved with clan information, and persists upon closing and reopening the game.

- You can now "un-retire" cats.

- A new way for same-sex couples to adopt if same-sex breeding is turned off.

- New personality traits have been added: arrogant, competitive, grumpy, cunning, oblivious, gloomy, sincere, flamboyant, and rebellious

- Severe conditions no longer have a 100% chance of causing early retirement.

- Fleshed out leader ceremonies, with more trait dependence and tasty flavor text.

- New patrols, thoughts, events, names

- Official Social Media buttons added to the start screen.

- Some keybinds added for easy navigation.

- "Cat List" and "StarClan" tabs have been combined. Some buttons on the cat profile page have been reorganized.

- Save-file corruption (nullification) has been fixed.

- Lots of small tweaks to event chances.

- Bugfixes galore!

[salemoleander]

If and when they enhance savannahs they should add small rivers/a more jungle-like sub-biome akin to parts of southeast Australia, or re-code mangrove swamps to generate closer to drier regions like that!

...this is just a ploy to ask for platypi in Minecraft. Think about it!

New egg-laying critter

Poison barb if threatened (all adults, since mc mobs aren't gendered)

They sense prey in the water via electrolocation, which imo could be sculk shrieker-style cries OR a new redstone signal mechanic

They eat shrimp and crayfish, and imo it's about time we had a new fish type. Could also add lobster cages or some other afk fishing form, that randomly catches potsherds and other detritus?

Produce milk when clicked on with a bucket

I just want them to be the savannah/mangrove swamp equivalent to lush cave's axolotl 🥺 little multicolored friends

[thebeastofblackmoor]

some of these have been posted before, but I figured I'd compile them in one place. Here are some unused/possibly just unbeknownst to me audio files that WILL and already HAVE kept me up at night:

Addison believing that Jessalyn is dead and blaming herself

MORE SAVANNAH/WADE

Savannah calling Nancy a yenta = possible Jewish Savannah!??

Wade and Savannah breaking up because of Wade going to jail

Confirmation that Jackson was a Bad Man with no family values 📝📝👀👀

Wade was originally going to be a more distant cousin

Wade using the Grey Lady's grave to throw shade at Clara

Young Clara being so severely traumatized and convinced her aunt and uncle didn't want her DEAR GOD

Wade waiting for his own death :( FROWNY FACE :(

Addison's sad comment on Clara's parenting

Harper's super dramatic metaphor for her and Clara's fallen sisterhood that breaks my heart every time

Harper explaining her affinity for books... (#supportyourlocallibraries) Also re-contextualizes her "I don't function well in reality" comment a bit

Colton (righteously) yelling at his parents/his parents wanting him to ask for money from the grieving Thorntons lmaooo

Colton doing some SHADY SHIT that I don't even know what it is but good for him

Jessalyn dramatically telling someone they can't keep running away. Originally assumed it was Clara, but since Colton literally tries to run away, I think it was actually meant to be a confrontation between Jess and Colton

Addison somehow getting scared off of helping Nancy

Jessalyn realizing Clara's controlling behavior is part of a much bigger and more disturbing pattern (delicious)

(Kind of suggests Wade was originally going to be more estranged, too? Since in-game dialogue has Wade saying he and everyone is close to Jessalyn, but this bit of dialogue suggests Clara tried to keep them away from each other.)

Possible Wade & Harper scene?

Wade saving Nancy

Nancy letting Clara stay in the fire all suicidalcore OR possibly, based on the prev dialogue, HARPER doing it and Nancy coming to save Clara

"I CHANGED MY MIND" ruh roh!!!

Possibly Nancy listening to Clara burning alive and just

Ned's tongue 🤪🤪🤪

[inkblot22]

What's Worse?

I finally finished this. This unpostable thing. It's done and even if it's bad, I do not care. In the end, it ended up being 4k words and I'm okay with this. Header by @/cafekitsune

Who is this fic for? I tried to keep this one very neutral despite the many references to body parts, so anyone who can handle it is free to read! Keep in mind that pronouns such as you and they are used to refer to the reader. The reader is human and does have hair.

TW for coercion, noncon, dubcon, allusions to a physically and emotionally abusive dynamic, captivity, everyone is at least a little bit untrustworthy in this, mentions of the smell of blood, beastman-specific oddities and anatomy, violent and morbid similes. Just in case, I'd like to say that this is DEAD DOVE, DO NOT EAT. A lot of the stuff is more so implied than explicitly stated, but it's still there.

The day he moved up a grade and began his “internship” is the same day he took you with him. Sure, Grim came along, but you’re often so busy, or he’s often so busy, either way. So you haven’t seen your familiar in months, and your life is filled with Leona.

You don’t know why he did this, but the first night you were there, he tapped your uvula with his fingers as he orally serviced you so feverishly that you left teeth indent bruises on his knuckles from biting down so hard as you tried not to be loud. He wore them like jewelry, and you know his brother saw them. Everyone at the table knew what happened, because, according to Leona, no matter how often you shower, the way you smell will always give you away.

That was a little over six months ago. As far as captivity goes, it’s rather cushy. You stay within the confines of the Afterglow Savannah’s palace. Sometimes Leona gets a bit aggressive and you take it, but you’re fed, clothed, and possibly pampered. It could be worse. It could be far worse. You could be in the dungeons. 

You actually don’t know if this place has a dungeon, come to think of it. The last time you asked Leona, he asked you if there was an issue with the room you shared with him. When you tried to explain why you asked, he called you a “dumb herbivore” in a very fond tone of voice, then fell asleep. You didn’t try asking again.

It didn’t stop you from wandering. As it turns out, the Afterglow is mostly populated by beastmen… beastpeople? Aren’t all people beasts? Whatever, the point is, you’re basically the only person in the palace with muted senses. You often think back to Rook, wondering how he trained himself to use his senses so well. You tried to practice once, but Leona caught you hiding a  ball and chucked the thing out the window, telling you to find something better to do with your “skills.” You sure used one of your senses, at least.

Unfortunately, these “muted” senses, despite them being completely sensible for your human state of being, have led to some issues. For instance, when someone approaches you, you don’t notice until they’re within your field of awareness. Beyond that, according to Leona, Farena, Cheka, and Farena’s wife, you also tend to just reek of blood.

You have no idea why, and you’ve never noticed this before. You get out of the shower, having scrubbed hard enough to rid yourself of any dirt but not enough to create micro-abrasions on your skin, and Leona still complains about it. You play fight with Cheka, gentle enough that neither of you gets harmed and he’s giggly, and he pauses his mirth and wrinkles his little nose before asking if you got hurt. Zuri, Farena’s wife, regularly would stop you whenever she saw you, her eyes wide as she asked you if everything was okay. The palace staff didn’t say anything, but they’d constantly be re-filling your first-aid kit, one that was “gifted” to you and one that the staff and Kifaji (despite him being human like you, or maybe just not obviously a beastman) insisted that you carry at all times.

But out of all of them, Farena was the worst. If you were in Cheka’s nursery, even just seconds after the kid fell asleep, Farena would pop out of nowhere. If you lingered a bit too long in the kitchen or hallways, anywhere too far from Leona’s wing, he’d approach with a smile, his arms spread wide. If you came to the dining hall without Leona’ his glowing brown eyes would find you, the intensity akin to a sudden knife wound. His persistence in being around you was all blanketed by his uncomfortable implications when he spoke to you.

Even so, you happened to somehow get lost. The hallways are sort of color-coded, but you’ve passed this same hallway several times, enough for you to be okay with admitting that you’ve been walking in a circle for the past twenty minutes. And, much like the devil, as soon as you thought that if you were there any longer, a certain lion-man would appear, Farena popped up and scooped you into a hearty hug as greeting, your feet coming off the floor.

“Leona’s partner!” He never calls you by name. It’s always just that. You are Leona’s partner, not your own person, you guess, “I knew I’d find you eventually.”

“Yes. Hello, your highness.” You wheezed as he placed you back on the floor.

“Oh, you’re so prickly, just like my baby brother. You two are a perfect match- he does like a bit of bite.”

You rarely knew how to respond to him, so you often didn’t. You just stared at him, like a total moron, but he continued talking like you aren’t giving him the most anserine of looks- a word he has used to describe you before, basically to your face.

“I’ve heard that you forgot your first aid kit. We don’t need you tripping and scratching yourself on Leona’s dresser again, and not with an inability to heal yourself.” He never gave you time to answer, “Of course, I know you aren’t magic, but those of you without it have made some wonderful inventions to make up for that.”

“Oh. Yeah, I just left for, like, two seconds so I could return something to the kitchen.”

He nodded, thoughtful, still smiling, “Well, did you hit your head? You’ve been walking in a circle, and you didn’t even stop to say hi to me.”

“No. I, uh.” You cast your gaze down the hallway closest to you, then looked back at Farena, “I am a bit lost. I guess someone else is usually with me when I’m wandering around.”

Leona is not the only person in his family with a cunning streak. You are marginally aware of this, and when Farena’s eyes narrowed, you sucked in a breath.

“Hmm. You’re right, Leona’s partner. It is rather strange not to see you by my baby brother’s side.”

It struck you multiple times in the past that the amount of times you bumped into Farena couldn’t possibly be a coincidence. He’s a king, so why was he never ruling or whatever kings did all day? It was incredibly strange, and you made the same subtle discomforted motions like clockwork. He usually pretended not to notice whatsoever.

His grin was always too bright. You did prefer Leona’s smirk, “Very well. It looks like I’ll need to escort you back to Leona’s quarters, won’t I?”

“Uh. I mean, if you’re not busy.”

“You’re such a mousy thing. Come,” He offered you his arm.

You took it, and true to his word, he led you back to Leona’s wing, then straight up to the door. He knocked, and you ducked out of his arm to cautiously open the door. Leona strolled out of the bathroom, hair and skin wet, his eyes not even skimming over you before they flashed to his brother, who strolled in as though he owned the place. Maybe he did. Who owns a palace if not the king?

“Ah, Leona! I found your partner, wandering the halls like a lost lamb.”

As soon as the words process in Leona’s mind, his green eyes are sliding to pin you down. Your limbs feel like lead, and you don’t move or emote, lest he strike. He’s like a snake when he’s like this, which is ironic. Perhaps it’s not ironic, and just comedic. Who knows?

Regardless, Farena keeps talking, “And I missed you at lunch! What a shame. They had your favorite, you know. Meat! And lots of it. Don’t you ever get hungry, being in here all the time?”

If not for everyone talking about the way your skin smells, that comment could have been written off entirely. It didn’t feel great, being indirectly told that you smell like fresh meat, and Leona wasn’t helping much.

“Mmm. No. I don’t like my meat that rare.” Leona grumbles, taking a seat on his bed and waving you over. “Hey, c’mere and braid my hair.”

What was worse? Being told you smell delicious or being told you didn’t smell delicious enough? It was one of those things. You cautiously tied off his braids, capping both of them in beads that Cheka had gifted you. His hair was wet, clinging to his skin as desperately as the water did. You caught yourself watching a drop sliding over Leona’s tattoo and hummed softly. 

Farena was still talking. You didn’t hear the beginning, and you didn’t care about the end, so you completely tuned him out so you could finger detangle the rest of Leona’s wet hair. While you were ignoring Farena, you were pointedly all too aware of Leona’s sounds of pleasure. It took you a while to get used to it. You were a primate, and he was a lion. More lion than ape. He snorted and rumbled, huffed and chuffed, his face twisted in a scowl. 

“Ah, what a shame. I’ll have to speak to you later, Leona. Perhaps you could talk about those plans with Zuri. I’m sure she’d love to listen.” You tuned back in as Farena turned to the door, opening it before remembering himself and waving at you, “Bye bye, Leona’s partner!”

When he was gone, almost as soon as the door was closed, Leona twisted his torso to grab you around the waist and pull you into one of his kisses. You read somewhere that the reason men kiss so… wetly is so they can mark their partner. It makes more sense if they just didn’t want to kiss with dry lips, but you’re no kissing expert. Leona is not an exception to this, you supposed. He always licked his lips before pressing them against yours, slicked with his saliva and often accompanied by a quiet, barely perceptible growl. 

His kisses were dizzying. Possibly because it was difficult to breathe while kissing someone, and possibly because you were usually held in a crushing vice whenever he kissed you. Your poor ribcage had been squeezed many times. 

And just as soon as it started, he dropped you unceremoniously and stood up, walking past your sprawled body on his floor, “We’ve got some big dinner to get to. Get dressed.”

You scrambled to your feet, “Big dinner?”

“Mhm. It’s some official’s birthday. I can’t be bothered to remember who.”

That made enough sense. In the time you’d been here, you’d learned pretty quickly that it wasn’t exactly worth it to go out of your way to be remembered positively by everyone, especially not since you were… with Leona. In all the time you’d been here, you’d never been sure about what the nature of your relationship with him was, either. Asking would get you some kind of snarky or irritated answer, and not asking but thinking about it made it hard to focus on anything else, so you didn’t think about it.

“Oh. You see Grim today?” You asked while getting dressed in your own green and black dashiki, like a couple’s outfit in the matching pattern of Leona’s.

Like he always did, he stared for a moment before making a few small adjustments. It was funny, he couldn’t be bothered to care about his own appearance, and yet, when it came to you…

“Yeah, He’s good. Still working on the mage stuff.”

“Mmm. Okay. Thanks.” You mumbled, lifting your arms so Leona could look you over again, “What?”

“You stink like my brother. If we had time, I’d fix that, but…”

“What does he smell like?”

“Shouldn’t you be asking what I smell like?” He snapped, and you flinched. Sometimes his irritation came with physical indications, but heavier than the physical indications was the energy around him, “Forget it. Stay close to me tonight.”

You usually did. You hated parties here, but more than the parties themselves, you hated the strangers who came up to you and just said whatever. Last time, someone approached you and asked how big Leona’s wallet was for you to stick around. You’re learning to like nobility less, not that you particularly liked them before..

You’re tucked against Leona’s back for the entirety of the evening. He’s like a ward. People see him and walk the opposite direction unless they’re drunk or stupid, and those types are in short supply at the beginning of the night. Unfortunately, by the middle of the night, amongst sips of his drinks and nibbles of various finger foods, you felt exhausted and Leona was straight up pissed.

You wondered why for a bit too long. You barely even realized when you ended up back in his room, outside on his balcony. He was stewing, pouting like a toddler. You unstuck yourself from his side and sat in one of the chairs.

“Mmm.” He grumbled. He often did this, putting a noise to his emotion, but no words to explain himself. You’d wised up and figured out early on that it was best not to approach him for this type of thing, “Hey, runt.”

Uh oh. He tended to use that nickname before he did something foul to you. You squirmed in your chair and flinched as he turned around and yanked his shirt over his head. His pants went next. Leona didn’t bother with underwear.

“C’mere. What are you hidin’ in the corner for?” He mumbles, “We’ve got time now.”

Your uh oh gets multiplied. It’s not that you aren’t attracted to Leona, or that you’re not in the mood. It’s not that you’re terrified of him, not that you’re confused by his awkward libido. It’s that you honestly don’t know what he sees in you, sprinkled with a bit of relationship insecurity. You’re here because of him, you and Grim have a home because of him, but what’s going to happen when he gets bored with you? 

He looks over his shoulder at you sharply, “What the hell are you doin’? I said c’mere.”

You swallowed and took a few steps forward, stripping as you walked. The night air makes your skin tingle with goosebumps, your nipples hardening and a shiver rattling through you. It’s a very strong possibility that these feelings have beset you based only on the fact that someone could look up from Zuri’s garden and see you and Leona, both naked on his balcony.

 When you’re standing in front of him, he just stares, one of his hands ever so gently stroking himself. You think it’s funny, the phrase “playing with yourself,” because that is what it is. His fingers softly paw at his heavy balls, gliding up the base of his shaft to tweak the head of his cock under his foreskin. He doesn’t break his gaze on you to look at himself. The hand that is not busy with himself reaches out to grab your waist, just above the start of your hip, and yank you closer.

He’s not gentle. Not really. You know he has the capacity to be gentle, but he doesn’t really seem to care. In the past, when you’ve pleaded with him to be gentle, he’s told you that he would treat you like glass if he thought you were made of it, but since he’s seen you suffer worse (what is worse?) he doesn’t see the point in bothering. That doesn’t change the fact that his touch often hurts. Now is not an exception, and you make your displeasure clear with a soft noise of discomfort.

“Shhh. You wanna tell me what happened earlier?” Leona mumbles, pressing his face against the skin on your stomach, taking a deep breath and letting out a sigh.

You absolutely hate it when he smells you like this, but that’s not important right now, “Wh-what?”

“With Farena. You looked freaked out.” Leona ever so lightly kisses the pit of your bellybutton, “He do anything to you?”

You’re not a fan of Leona acting like this. While it seems like he cares, you know from past experience that he’s typically, if not always, on the brink of a jealous meltdown. His jealous meltdowns almost always end with you sitting alone in the bathroom, tending to your own wounds as he sleeps like a kid who just threw a tantrum. So you decide to give a simple answer before distracting him, at least for a moment.

You scratch the nape of his neck, since he doesn’t like you touching his ears, “He was just his usual off-putting self. Nothing else.”

Leona grunts and looks up at you, so you take your chance. You lean down, sitting on your knees, and press a mock-reverent kiss to Leona’s thigh. He’s surprisingly hairless, for someone who is more lion than ape. You suppose the same could be said for yourself, as someone who is more ape than lion. 

Leona’s unimpressed face slants into a smirk, and his hand that was previously fondling his genitals slides to cup your cheek, fingertips rubbing behind your ear.

Now that it’s right in front of your face, you wish that you hadn’t decided that this was the best option for distraction. You think maybe anything would be better than catching those barbs in the back of your throat. The little softly-curved nubs circling the base of the head of Leona’s cock flare out a bit, resembling one of those Elizabethan ruffs, tattered by the passage of time and reduced to the skeleton. They aren’t sharp, not truly, but they’re uncomfortable, especially when you forget that the more worked up Leona gets, the further they poke out and the harsher they feel. It’s similar to someone’s very carefully blunted fingernail and fingertip rubbing against your cheeks.

You try to suck up your carefully hidden disgust and press a soft kiss to the very tip of Leona’s dick, wetting your lips with his salty pre. Surprisingly, he doesn’t taste bad. You would think that his skin, his cum, would taste bitter and harsh, but it’s not the worst thing you’ve ever tasted. Perhaps that’s a silver lining in this wicked situation.

Regardless, a quiet grumble from him makes you snap back into the reality of where you are, and you figure you may as well get to work. You slide your lips down to his base, wincing as the spongy head of his member punches the back of your throat and his hand slides back to grip your nape.

“You trying to bore me to death, runt? You know I hate this teasing shit.”

That’s right. He absolutely loathes it. You bob your head a little more expeditiously, trying to ignore the slick mixture of drool and pre that is escaping from the corners of your lips and the ever-increasing strength of Leona’s thrusts against your face.

Despite your senses being the most dull in the palace, you can sort of hear the festivities downstairs, and Leona chuckles, standing with your head still cradled in his hand so he can actually start thrusting. It always begins with you trying to set a gentle pace and it always quickly dissolves into chaos. He’s lazy, but if he’s anything more than lazy, it’s a shameless pleasure chaser. You would think that you would have learned by now.

“You can’t hear them. They’re not at all concerned with me, they’re wondering where you went off to. But everyone knows that you belong to me, so they should know that you’re with me.” Leona mumbles. 

You gag, his dickhead wetly popping against the back of your throat as the fluids in your mouth froth with the speed of his motions, gooey trails roping down to cling to your cheeks and collarbones, connecting to Leona’s shifting hips. At least he doesn’t stink today.

A bug lands on your shoulder and flits away as you choke on Leona as he shoves his cock down your throat. Maybe you should feel a bit more grateful that this is happening partially outside, and that way you can have constant reminders that you’re still alive and not in some form of purgatory, serving time for your very minor moments of humanity when you were alive. 

Leona snarls, “You’re just so cute, with those lips wrapped around me. I wonder if my brother would keep flirting with you if he knew that you were like this in private.”

The implications of that statement are absolutely lost on you. You’re aware that Leona knows how you feel about your current life to a degree, but he doesn’t give a damn about your emotions. Whatever he’s talking about is absolutely just him babbling out some sex-addled nonsense. As the barbs scrape against your uvula, you gag and try to push his hips away so you can catch your breath for a second.

He doesn’t let up. Sweat is sliding over his skin, beading into crystal pearls and sliding down to flavor the skin in your mouth with their salt. If you don’t puke from his roughness, you’re going to puke from ingesting so much sodium. His smirk grows and his fingers massage the base of your head as if he isn’t pounding into your throat.

“Aw… too much? Maybe if you were a bit more active, I’d be done a bit sooner.” He coos.

You don’t fully hate Leona. He has given you somewhere to stay, food to eat, clothes to wear, for both you and Grim, but whenever he gets like this, taunting you even though he’s using you like a cheap sleeve, you feel an indescribable, hopeless anger. Regardless, you bring one of your hands up to the copious amounts of drool and pre and sweat that are covering your skin, collecting the goop on your fingers. You cup his ass with your non-gooey hand and spread that cheek, plunging a finger into his asshole and aimlessly crooking your finger.

His hips spasm, his hand fists into your hair and he lets out a low grumble, “Rrr.”

You slowly ease your other gooey finger into his ass and hope that he will cum soon so you can catch your breath. You need a shower, and he’s probably going to just go to bed after this. You’re more tired than he is, and you’re actually beginning to think that you both might be a bit tipsy. You need this to end, and you need it to end soon.

Your prayers are answered. You feel his cock bob in the back of your throat, the glans tapping that soft spot that makes you feel it in the back of your nose, and he yanks your head back, your lips releasing him with a somewhat loud pop.

His cum is hotter than it has any right being. You suppose since he runs hot, it’s not that shocking, but you’re also aware that the whole reason that the balls are not an internal thing is because the human body is way too hot for sperm to live for long periods of time inside of the body. This information is irrelevant, however, because Leona has just made the mess on your skin that much worse. You sigh as he lets go of you, flopping back into his chair and gesturing to his cock again.

“Can you clean me up before you go running off?”

You’d love to tell him no, to ask him to shove it, but you grunt your acquiescence and tongue-clean his messy skin, as if you aren’t covered in more slime than he is. Once done, you stand up and gather your clothes, placing them in the laundry bin in the bathroom and getting in the shower.

You scrub a little harder than usual, but not hard enough to break skin, not even enough to create micro-abrasions. Once out, you throw on one of Leona’s gaudy yellow tees and take a seat on the bed. He’s already curled up under the covers, but the soft tapping of his tail lets you know that he isn’t sleeping. You slide under the covers yourself and Leona rolls over, pulling your back into his chest.

“Hey.” He mumbles into your hair, “You stink like a fresh kill.”

What’s worse? Smelling like blood in a den of predators or being in the den of predators to begin with?

[deeranon]

Whatever You Wish

Twisted Wonderland X Furina |

Summary: After Leona’s overblot, he is still avoidant of his family yet not as much as before. Perhaps he is willing to extend his perception of the word “family”.

Leona did not care for shopping. Shopping was Ruggie’s job. It was supposed to be, at least. 

How did he find himself in the town at the bottom of the mountain? It’s simple: Ruggie was slacking off somewhere(he was working a shift at the Mostro Lounge). And Leona didn’t have time nor the patience to wait for the foolish hyena. 

Why not just go to Sam’s store, then? A stupid question. If Leona was caught buying what he needed, he’d never hear the end of it from other students who clearly wanted a pummeling. Not that he really cared, but I’d be a thorn in his side. 

Leona was buying gifts for his family in Sunset Savannah. Not out of kindness, no—and ew. 

He had promised to come visit during a break, but was a no show once again. It wouldn’t have been a problem if it was just Farena and Cheka, but Farena’s wife knew of the supposed-to-be visit as well. Leona didn’t feel like getting on the Queen’s bad side, not to mention she was a warrior of Sunset Savanna. 

Luckily Leona was always one step ahead, making the excuse of a Magift game being on the same day he was supposed to set off from the Dark Mirror. His family couldn’t argue against him being there for his team during a game. The gifts Leona planned to send were merely a formality: a way to sweeten the deal. 

The townspeople at the bottom of the mountain crowded the streets, filling the cold air with such laughter and joy that Leona almost wanted to rip off his ears. 

With only two more shops to go, and Leona’s good mood dead and buried twenty feet under, the man almost didn’t notice the fluff of unnatural white hair amidst the crowd of people on the other side of the street. But he did. 

Standing before a shop window was Furina. Her tussled snow white hair streaked with baby blue was impossible to miss even in the largest seas of people. Her clothes were mundane compared to her natural beauty, they were monochromatic and boring—not to mention overly large. Vil was sure to have a fit if he ever saw Furina wearing the gaudy pieces of clothing, Leona surmised with a smirk. 

The woman held multiple bags in her hands. Leona noted that many were from the grocery stores in town, a select few had clothing brand names on their bags. Furina stood beside a window for only a few seconds, head barely tilted enough to stare inside. Then, she continued on her way, pace quicker than needed. 

When Furina was out of sight, Leona walked across the bustling street and sauntered up to the display to see just what the Ramshackle resident had been staring at. What he saw confused him. 

A mannequin the size of a young adult was adorned with a plain wig, the hair covered in a rainbow of plastic ornaments and accessories. It wore a gentle white sundress that reached just below the knees and hugged the waist with a pearl colored ribbon tied into a bow at the back. The outfit was what Furina had to have been staring at, with rolls of imported silk fabric the only other thing on display, it wasn’t very hard to figure out. Looking up at the sign gave Leona all the information he needed. It was a boutique catered towards the younger generation and tourists. The prices were nothing to Leona, but they were the kind that Ruggie was sure to complain about more than he usually would. 

Leona knew that Furina was practically on her own in Ramshackle, no other dorm members or people to watch out for her. She was strong in that regard. Self sufficient and incredibly smart. Otherwise Furina wouldn’t have outsmarted him before his overblot. Leona respected her for it. Though he would never admit the truth out loud. 

Leona still remembered how Furina had taken control during the overblot. Vivid memories paired with the remembrance from the harsh sting of his cheek when she slapped him. Leona’s cheek had remained bruised for two entire weeks afterwards.

The day Leona met her in the garden, he didn’t think Furina was the type to not indulge herself when she wanted something. 

Perhaps other views of her were only shallow at best. 

Furina was long gone by the time Leona pushed away the familiar thoughts and walked away from the tourist trap to Rouge, a store brimming with makeup and homemade jewelry. Some pompous Pomefiore students had been going on and on about it after school while working on their science club experiment. Leona just so happened to overhear. Maybe he could find decent apology gifts that didn’t scream ‘I tried too hard, I’m insincere’ or ‘I didn’t try at all, sucks to be you’ in there. 

With thoughts of his own past buried to deal with later, Leona opened the glass door and stepped inside the store. Bell singing gently as it closed. The shop, actually the first floor of the owner’s house, expanded into a decently sized wooden floored living room refurbished to fit rows of glass boxes filled with exquisite gem encrusted items on shelves. Polished wood tables held racks of mascara and a plethora of lipstick in so many colors Leona’s head hurt. The cashier, a child of the shop owner, greeted him with a minimal effort “welcome” before turning back to their book. 

Leona lazily browsed the selection of warm colored lipsticks, walking at a snail’s pace as his mind attempted to comprehend the names of each red lipstick that looked exactly the same as the last. He was in no rush to grab something and leave, half-pleased at the thought of his dorm members losing their minds over the disappearance of their dorm leader on a weekend. 

Finding nothing of particular interest with the lipstick he had picked up, it’s color dubbed “eternally young” according to the sticker taped to the table, Leona started for the eyeliner section on a different table when a light caught his attention from the corner of his eye. 

Leona turned to the source with the barest hint of interest. It was a set of gem inlaid hair accessories paired with two hair combs, all arranged in a plush black velvet box under the light of a window. Walking closer, Leona saw the laminated note explaining what was within the protective box and promptly ignored it. 

Seven rose gold hair accessories held flowers crafted from pink tourmaline in their grasp, proudly shining in the sunlight like contented house cats. 

Pearls shaped into teardrops hung from two rosy metal hair sticks shaped into sakura blossom branches in perfect bloom, rose chains weaving around the black velvet folds. 

Three large tourmaline flower clips laid next to the sticks, white beads attached to golden wire shaped to imitate leaves. The three clips all had different flowers carved out. The first was a branch of the iconic sakura flower almost identical to the hair picks. The second a mix of small but intricate delphinium and lavender made of a gentle purple tourmaline swaying in an imaginary breeze. The third an imitation of freesia dotted with webs of small opal beads with the occasional yarrow flower.  

Then, there was the rosy colored bobby pin with a single lily flower attached by four small claws between the petals. 

Finally, there was the hair chain. It wasn’t decorated with flower shaped gems like the other items, only a branch of leaves on each clip with a singular tear shaped tourmaline hanging between the chains. 

Along with the accessories came two wooden combs made from dark oak, one a wide-tooth while the other was a rake. Both had painted golden vines creeping along the handles, coiling like snakes steadily choking their prey. They were nowhere near as extravagant as the hair pieces, yet they were just as useful. 

The items all came in a set, and the note went on and on in a monologue about the sentimental value as the maker carved the brushes and assembled the clips, then imbuing the accessories with a protective charm that would keep them from breaking or being too heavy. Leona skipped through it all until he found the price tag at the bottom on a smaller sticker. 

10,894.99 

It was dirt cheap. 

After mulling over whether the accessories would seem sincere enough, Leona shrugged and called the cashier over. The person seemed surprised at actually being needed, jumping in place before looking down mournfully at their book before stepping away with a set of keys in hand. Leona walked back as they sorted through the keys one by one at a sloth’s pace. 

“Gettin’ these for a lover?” 

A voice broke the silence, making Leona internally groan. It was the cashier, fishing for small talk. This could not be any worse. 

“Sister in law, actually.” They hummed faintly at the response, returning focus to their endeavor of finding the right key. 

“Hmm. Then it wouldn’t hurt to tell you that the set is actually made for two people. Cuz’ of the two brushes,” Leona couldn’t care less. “Some of the accessories are for someone with long hair, the others made specifically for a short haired person.” Yes, Leona knew how accessories worked, please stop talking. 

“If ya plan to buy all of it, you might want to save some for a later date—or a different person. Ya have any other sisters? Older, younger? You could give ‘em to her.” 

That made Leona pause. He didn’t want to go through the hassle of splitting the uneven amount of accessories into ‘buy’ or ‘don’t buy’ categories, that was too much effort for something so little as this. Leona would buy the complete set, yet what would he do with the remaining accessories? They certainly weren’t his style. 

Actually, he didn’t care about what happened to the unused pieces. Ruggie would take them off his hands at some point. 

Yet the cashier’s last words rang in his head. “Any other sisters? You could give ‘em to her.” ….A younger Sister. Someone else who would use them. 

A loud click brought Leona out of his thoughts. The employee had finally found the correct key and had already started to lift the velvet box from the case. Shaking his head to clear it of strange thoughts, Leona pulled out his wallet to grab a handful of bills as they approached the counter. The cash register chirped as the cashier typed away, scanning the code at the bottom of the box and placing it in a supposed-to-be fancy looking bag before pausing to look up at Leona with a plastic smile. 

“Cash or card?” 

Instead of deeming them with an actual answer Leona said “Keep the change.” then tossed the money at the cashier, taking the bag from the counter and beelining for the front door. 

 Leona was already out the door and starting for his final stop, unable to hear or perhaps uncaring about the cashier’s cry of “Wait, you overpaid!” from inside. 

Walking down the street, Leona found himself walking past the same tourist trap Furina had been glancing at as he headed for the port market. The dress, unchanging since the last hour and a half, still stood smugly within its sill. He ignored it, taking a sharp turn to the left so that the store would be out of sight. He had a fake apology to finish. 

—

Leona would never admit it, but it brought him closure when Furina came around to visit Savanaclaw regularly. In a school full of boys, Furina had higher odds of gaining unwanted attention. Ever since his overblot, Furina occasionally tread the line of danger and reluctance to check up on him. What started out as cautious check ins steeped in distrust had turned into a weekly routine Leona almost looked forward to. Almost. 

Once or twice every other day or so, Furina wandered through the dorm mirror to spend at least an hour in Leona’s presence. The other dorm members didn’t even blink or raise complaints when she appeared, not anymore. Leona had silenced them all  

The chill of October had stretched into November, and Furina’s visits were growing more and more common. In the time they spent together, Leona learned things about Furina just as Furina learned about Leona. Chess was a common game the two played, though Leona had yet to beat her. Other times they simply soaked in each other’s presence. Each visit was random, yet the time spent together was precious in a way. 

When Furina appeared in the middle of November, gently knocking on his door in the dead of night, Leona snapped to attention. The moment Leona wrenched his door open and let her inside, she spilled everything with a smile on her face. If Leona hadn’t known Furina for so long, he would have thought she was delirious for smiling joyfully while explaining her bet against the scamming cephalopod. Fortunately, Leona knew Furina better than that. 

The smile on her face marked her fear. Furina was terrified of losing the deal. She staked not only Ramshackle, but a great deal of mora—whatever that was—and her freedom on the contract. In any other situation or if it were any other person, Leona would have called them an idiot and kicked them out after making such a deal. Not Furina, though. Never Furina. 

Furina had serious problems, always raising the stakes to a dramatic level. Leona had thought the motto “high risk high reward” described her once, yet he knew there was more to her than that. In her obsession for make it or break her deals was a deeply rooted desire to prove herself better or smarter than her opponent. A need for perfection, for total control.

A mask of faked superiority.

Leona also knew Furina was desperate to break the bad habit, to stop putting so much at risk and finally let old habits die. Yet her mouth ran with the mask before her mind could catch up. 

Perhaps that was a part of why Furina never let herself indulge in her own wants. 

Leona wasn’t good with comforting words. Never was, never will be. Watching as Furina almost imperceptibly shook, body barely containing her stress as she sat at on the edge of the wide bed with his blanket wrapped around her shoulders, Leona knew he should do something. 

Heaving a heavy breath, Leona silently stalked over to his desk scattered with hoards of jewelry. Carding through the mess, Leona opened a drawer and slid out a velvet black box. Stealthily as he could, Leona opened the box to check its contents. The hair picks along with the wide comb and sakura flower clip had been mailed to the Sunset Savannah Queen along with the other gifts. The lily bobby pin was missing from the remainder of the set(thanks, Ruggie) yet Leona was more focused on the other items. Making sure they were all accounted for, Leona closed the box and quietly wandered to his closet where a large white box lay hidden. 

Inside the box was a dress. The one with the silver bow and the same color as Furina’s short snowy hair. 

Taking the box from the closet, Leona turned to make sure Furina hadn’t seen him leave her side before tip toeing his way back to his bed. Furina was unresponsive even when the mattress dipped from Leona’s weight, too deep in thought to notice anything going on around her. 

“Oi, listen to me.” Leona called, snapping his fingers in front of Furina’s face as her eyes glazed over and her mind ate itself with regret. “You gotta snap out of it.”

Furina recoiled slightly at the sudden sight of Leona’s hand before her face, blinking repeatedly as her trance broke. Furina looked up at Leona with confusion, moth opening to question him when he pushed two boxes into her trembling hands. 

“Just open them, would you?” He interrupted, poking a single finger against her forehead. Furina paused, brain slowly calming as she registered Leona’s touch. Nodding absently, Furina looked down at the two boxes with thinly veiled curiosity. 

As if she were handling a fragile porcelain teacup, Furina gently opened the long black box. Her eyes went wide as she stared at the contents inside. Two expensive looking hair charms along with a thick comb and almost necklace-like chain and leaf accessory sat inside the plush velvet box. They all shone with a proud glimmer underneath the moonlight, looking more expensive than what Furina would ever allow herself to own with her minimalistic budget. 

Furina’s hands, blue as both the midnight and morning sky, shook for an entirely different reason than fear as she opened the second box. 

It was the dress Furina had wanted from the store in town last week. Folded perfectly to fit in the box, the dress felt unreal even as Furina reached out to pick it up, azure and pale blue thumbs feeling the soft fabric of the long moon white sleeves shift underneath her touch. 

“I-I don’t understand.” Furina stumbled, eyes filling with tears. She didn’t understand why Leona would give her such beautiful things, especially after what she has done. 

“What’s there to not understand? I got these for you because you don’t have to put up a mask around me,” Leona reached out, taking a flower clip and catching the hair blocking Furina’s right eye before he locked it in place above her ear. “Whatever you desire, you can get. No one is watching you here. You’re safe, Furina.” Thinking for only a moment, Leona tilted forward, resting his chin against the crown of her tangled hair in what was possibly the most intimate act he had ever initiated. 

Furina stared up at him, eyes wide from shock as she processed his words. Tears started to fall from her eyes in a steady river. Leona shifted the boxes away from Furina’s lap as her once contained shaking broke loose, entire body quaking as she cried into Leona’s chest. Her hands gripped at his clothes, wrinkling the expensive fabric and dampening it with her tears, yet he didn’t care. Leona’s toned arms wrapped around Furina’s shoulders in a protective hold, keeping her safe in his arms as he closed his eyes listened to her weep. 

Leona was bad at comforting others, so perhaps silence was the best medicine. 

—

Yarrow- healing and love 

Freesia-innocence and friendship 

Delphinium-new life

Lavender- calm, purity, devotion 

Sakura-life, death, renewal 

Pink Lily-admiration

Saltwater Pearl-purity, wisdom, enduring elegance, often associated with the moon

Opal-good luck,an October birth stone 

Pink tourmaline-love, compassion, an October birth stone 

-

@idkfitememate here’s the birthday special! Also no, I can’t write anything without sprinkling angst in.

[tessa-liam]

Turning the Page

Only You Can Love Me This Way 

Chapter 13 

Choices, The Royal Romance, The Royal Heir AU 

Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son. 

Turning the Page Series Masterlist

My Complete Masterlist 

Main pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks 

All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who both belong to this series. 

Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match. 

Rating: M 🔞 - Warnings – Series will have crude language, weapons, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors. 

Words: 3624 

Only You Can Love Me This Way

Chapter Summary: Olivia continues to mentor Riley on how to adapt to Cordonian nobility. Maxwell, Bertrand and Savannah babysit William and Bartie, taking them on a Lythikan adventure. Liam and Riley re-connect and discover that their love story is stronger and better than ever. 

Music & Title Inspiration: Only You Can Love Me This Way, Keith Urban 

A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.  

A/N2: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard. (Series cross-over with ‘Perfect Match’) 

A/N3: My submission for choicesjunechallenge, prompts: spatial-hotel / temporal-beginning/   dialogue- “Up for a little trip?” 

El Alami residence, Rabat, Morocco 

With her ankles crossed delicately underneath her, Madeleine El Alami pulled out her cellular to check the status of the Uber driver. It was still incredibly early in the morning in Morocco, and time was of the essence. Her flight was scheduled to leave in ninety minutes from Rabat – Sale International airport and nothing and/or no one was going to halt her journey. Not even her husband.  

Peeking out from between the fence columns outside her home, she could see the city coming alive as the sun's first rays illuminated the horizon. The people who had been hushed moments before, now filled the streets, greeting each other and heading off to start their day. It was a side of life Madeleine had never experienced before, a stark contrast to the opulence and splendor of her former life at the Cordonian palace. It was a reminder of the sacrifices she had made to follow her heart to be with her lover, Eduardo.  

Now five months pregnant, the former queen, now the wife to the Moroccan diplomat, was leaving this world behind. While her husband slept, Madeleine, along with two hand servants were waiting for the Uber vehicle to roll to a stop at the estate’s front entrance. Her suitcases were hefted on board, as she sat down in the rear seat and buckled herself in. The driver shut the door and the car slowly rolled away, the servants went back inro the estate. 

Her parents' disappointment and dismay had only grown when she told them about her unborn baby on their last visit. Her father coaxed her to pack up and return to his duchy in Karlington, England and start over. Her mother wanted her to move back home to Krona, Cordonia. As usual her parents were worlds apart when it came to their only daughter and her well-being, but they were united against Eduardo. 

However, she was done with being controlled by Eduardo.  Done with her father's demands and her mother's nagging. This time, she was going to do what she wanted to do. And what she wanted to do was to spend the rest of her pregnancy alone. 

As she Uber drove to the airport, Madeleine left her husband, forever closing that chapter, watching the world go by; but not seeing anything. Her mind turned to the letter she had left for her husband. She had no regrets for her actions but hoped her words would provide solace for him. 

She felt nothing. No sadness. No loss.  

She had already mourned her former life and the loss of her title as queen. In its place was a new sense of freedom. And with that new sense of freedom came the hope for a new life, with the baby growing inside her. 

Nevrakis Lodge, Lythikos, Cordonia 

"Are you excited to see Uncle Maxwell and Aunt Savannah today, William?" Liam spoke as he was getting his little prince ready for the day. William giggled. "Yeah!" 

"And you get to ride in a carriage! You have never ridden in one before, have you?" Liam smiled as his son's excitement grew. "YES! Horsies!" the little boy replied enthusiastically, his eyes wide with excitement. Liam chuckled. "Let's go get some breakfast and then we can go and wait for Uncle Max.” 

"Okay, daddy!" William beamed; his excitement shined brightly from his big blue eyes. 

As they entered the hallway, they heard a familiar voice call out, "William! Look at how big you are!" 

"Unca Max!" William cried out, running towards his favorite uncle. 

Maxwell scooped the little boy up in a bear hug, smiling widely. "We're going to have so much fun today, little man!" 

"Where's Bartie?" William was concerned, his eyes searching for his newfound best friend. 

"I'm over here," Bartie replied, popping out from behind his mother. "I wanna play with the horses, too. Can we, Mommy? Pleeease?" 

Savannah gave her son a loving smile. "Well as long as the two of you eat your breakfast first." William bounded over to his little friend. "YAY!" The boys both cheered. Liam strolled over, "Savannah, hello. You look well this morning," Liam kissed her cheek. 

"As do you, your majesty," she replied with a curtsy, bowing her head. “Liam, I am so happy and excited for you and Riley.”

"Thank you, Savannah."

Liam clapped Maxwell on the shoulder. "It is good to see you both, too, Lord Beaumont, Duke Ramsford." 

“Your majesty.” Bertrand bowed and smiled, then stepped back to join his wife. 

"Good to see you too, Li." Maxwell grinned at his childhood friend, as the men watched the boys follow Savannah as she grasped their hands. 

Liam shook his head, a grin on his face. "Those two are inseparable. It's a good thing Bertrand has gotten over his fear of children." 

Maxwell laughed. "Bertrand loves kids, he just has to be the most uptight person on the planet." 

Liam chuckled. "I suppose that's true." 

"Hey Max, are you ready?" called out Savannah from down the hall. 

"Ready to eat always, Savvie ... as I"ll ever be," Maxwell replied, turning to Liam. "So, what's the plan for today?" 

Liam gave a mischievous smile. "Well, I thought you could spend the day with William and Bartie, giving Riley and I a chance to have some alone time." 

Maxwell grinned. "Hah ... sounds like fun," he winked. "You're going to owe me, though." 

Liam rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever you want." 

Maxwell chuckled. "Alright, let's get this show on the road. The kids and my stomach are waiting." 

Liam turned back to adjust his tie and reached for his suit jacket which was draped over a wing chair. He walked to the foyer to meet with Riley and Olivia, Bastien following discreetly behind him. 

"You're dismissed, Damien," Liam said. "I appreciate your vigilance. 

“Of course," Damien bowed and took his leave, joining the other members of the Royal Guard in the hallway. As he closed the door, his eyes wandered across the hallway, where he watched Olivia wrapping William in a hug before turning toward the foyer and the waiting limo outside. 

Damien had been captivated by Olivia from the moment they were introduced. As he watched her wrap the little crown prince in a hug, his mind wandered. 

He could not help but admire her grace and elegance, the way her fiery hair shone underneath the chandelier or when her eyes sparkled when she laughed. 

Damien knew he could never have her, but the thought of being able to spend time with her, to make her laugh and see her smile, was enough to fuel his dreams. 

He wondered what it would be like to hold her in his arms, to kiss her soft lips and feel her body pressed against his. 

But that was all it could ever be, a fantasy, a dream. 

‘What would a Duchess ever see in a guardsman? Olivia is a rare beauty,’ Damien mused. ‘She's not like any other noble, and she doesn't seem to care about the status or title.’ 

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening, and he straightened up, adjusting his uniform. 

As Damien thoughts went back to his post, his eyes drifted back to Olivia, and he could not help but wonder if there was a chance, however small, that his dreams could become a reality. 

*** 

“Olivia, why are you being so secretive?”  Riley inquired again, after spending the morning shopping for clothes and accessories in the city center, the limousine rolled to a stop at the Nevrakis lodge entrance. 

Bastien opened the limousine door as Olivia stepped out. Glancing back to Riley, she smirked, “You are one lucky lady”. Riley’s eyebrow lifted in question. “You, my dear have a final challenge to endure." 

Riley sat and blinked as she took in her words. After reaching for her bags Riley turned her attention to exit the limo after Olivia, when she heard a deep baritone voice, "...Hi." 

Riley looked up to see a six-foot, 4-inch-tall familiar man looking at her with a huge smile. Dressed in a crisp, sleek suit overtopped by an Armani topcoat 

"Liam? ...What are you doing here?" Riley’s eyes went wide as she looked up at her lover. 

"...And dressed like that?”  

“Love, I wouldn't dream of being underdressed for your final challenge." Liam smirked and then chuckled softly watching Riley’s look of disbelief. 

"So, you're here for the challenge too?" 

"You bet. I've been waiting for this moment since you came back to Cordonia." 

"Liam, what is going on?" 

 “This is our final destination. According to Olivia, I am the challenge.” 

"And that would be?" 

Liam smiled wide, not giving out any clues.

"Oh my, this isn't a game show, right?" 

"Not to worry, love. All I know is that Olivia has prepared something for us and it's a surprise." 

"Okay. So, what is this surprise? Please tell me."

"Oh, I wouldn't want to spoil the fun." 

"Liam, I don't like surprises." 

"Love, I know ...I can see that. But, I think you will like this one. This is our last day in Lythikos; I've already been briefed and we're going to have a blast." 

Olivia’s watched their exchange and added, “the last thing you need to get back into fighting form is to reconnect with what you are fighting for. 

...And you have always been driven by your love for Liam; for your family.”

Liam slid his arm around Riley’s waist pulling her close to him. “Which was an unusually sentimental thing to hear Olivia say.” 

Olivia sighed, “a bit saccharine for my tastes, but to each their own. I always thought love was a weakness, but you seem to actually draw strength from each other.” 

Riley’s scrunched her eyebrows, “Just to be clear, my last challenge is to spend time with King Liam Rys?” 

“The whole day, actually. Olivia is taking us into town.” 

“Everyone else will help me take care of William while you’re away.” Olivia added.

“Sweet! Free daycare! I’m really warming up to Lythikos hospitality.” 

“It’s a circumstantial offer. Cherish it while it lasts.” 

Liam kissed Riley’s cheek, “believe me, we plan to.” 

“But Olivia, you’re supposed to be looking into our Madeleine problem....and the press.” 

“Damien and I will dhave everything covered; I promise. 

And you have your marching orders. Reconnect and start fresh, that you may crush your enemies on the morrow.” 

Liam grinned, “Ah, Romantic.” Placing his hand on the small of her back, Liam steered Riley back into the lodge to change into the evening wear that she bought in town. 

Standing at the entrance of the dining room, along with the other guards, Damien Nazario stood vigilantly watching the crown prince. His eyes were sharp and ever watchful. As a trained ex-secret service agent and bodyguard, he knew when people were watching. 

His attention was suddenly drawn to a smattering of voices outside in the main hall, and a moment later, Duchess Olivia Nevrakis entered the dining room, and Damien felt his breath catch. 

She was stunning. She had been stunning the night before, but he had not noticed her beauty fully. This morning, the Duchess wore a form fitting black and grey suit. Her vibrant red hair was done up in a chignon. Damien was entranced by her, but he knew better than to stare. He tore his eyes away from her and glanced down at the floor, taking in the shiny black patent leather of her boots. He swallowed, wondering how they would feel around his neck. He shook his head, trying to clear the image from his mind. He looked up, and his eyes once again caught sight of her, this time her stormy blue green eyes were looking straight into his. 

She arched an eyebrow and tilted her head as she regarded him. Damien's cheeks warmed. 

"Good morning," a voice sounded beside him. 

"Morning," he mumbled, glancing back to where the Duchess had been, only to find her gone. 

Drake chuckled. "See something you like?” 

***

Inside the limo, Liam and Riley arrived outside an upscale restaurant in the city center.

Bastien opened rhe passenger door and Liam stepped out, holding out his hand for Riley. She took it and climbed out of the limo. She gasped when she looked at the building in front of her. "This is beautiful." 

"You are beautiful," Liam smiled. "And tonight, you will be dining on the best seafood this side of Paris." 

"That's a high bar to live up to." Riley's eyebrows raised. 

Liam chuckled. "It can certainly get the job done." 

They were escorted inside the restaurant, with Liam's hand on the small of her back as they were led to a secluded table overlooking the city center. 

Liam pulled out Riley's chair and she sat down, exposing her long tanned leg through the side slit of her cocktail dress. He sat down and his eyes drank in the sight of her, his gaze lingering on her legs. 

Riley blushed. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare." Liam looked down. 

Riley reached across the table and took his hand in hers. "Look all you want, Your Majesty." 

Liam lifted his head and locked eyes with her, his blue orbs sparkling. "I have wanted to do this since the night of the Coronation Ball. You were breathtaking that night. I wanted to sweep you into my arms and dance the night away with you. But there was always someone or something getting in the way." 

Riley grasped Liam's hands in hers ...

"Mmm, this whole place smells like fresh bread. I want to eat that smell." 

"I will order the kitchen to prepare you a fresh loaf immediately." Liam grinned. 

Riley threw her head back and laughed. 

"Please do. After Olivia's challenges, I feel like I could devour this entire restaurant." 

"I love the sound of your laugh," Liam whispered. 

Riley's heart skipped a beat. 

Liam's grin widened. "I hope we have many more dates just like this. After Olivia's unique brand of 'help', we've definitely earned this day." 

Riley giggled. "That was the nicest way of saying Olivia was a royal pain in the ass." 

Liam let out a chuckle. "That was very diplomatic of me, thank you." 

Liam smiled as a steaming breadbasket and the entrees were set down on the table. The waiter tops off Riley's red wine and sets a glass of scotch down for Liam. 

Riley picked up her glass and held it aloft. "A toast. To us." 

"To us," he echoed, clinking his glass against hers. 

As Riley takes a sip, the waiter places a small dish in front of her. Inside is a thick chocolate sauce in the shape of a heart, the word "love" written in script, and two berries. 

Riley looked from the dish to Liam, her lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Chocolate covered strawberries? Are you trying to seduce me, Liam?" 

"That depends," Liam replied, a matching grin forming on his face. 

"On what?" Riley asked. 

"Whether or not it's working," he whispered. 

Riley's eyes met his and they burned with desire. 

"I'll take that as a yes." His grin widened and he leaned across the table. Liam took Riley's hand in his, his fingers tracing slow circles on the back of her hand. "You are beautiful. I wish we could have been together from the start." 

Riley's lips formed a soft smile. "So do I, Liam. I don't want this night to end." 

"It doesn't have to." Liam reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys, laying them on the table between them. 

"Up for a little trip?” 

Riley's eyes widened. "Are you suggesting we run away together?" 

"One of the best kept secrets in Lythikos is a glass igloo tucked away in the mountains. The perfect view of the stars, the perfect view of the valley." 

Riley bit her lip and looked up at him from under her lashes. "I think I might have found the perfect view right here." 

"It's also very secluded. Not another soul for miles." Liam winked. 

Demurely smiling, Riley added, "I can think of a few ways to take advantage of that." 

"So can I ... if you're up for the trip." 

Riley picked up the keys, the smile on her face growing wider. "Let's skip the dinner and jump right to the dessert."

"Then we should leave right now," he suggested, his eyes never leaving hers. After a few calls, Liam stands and offers his arm to Riley. 

Riley slipped her arm through his and together they headed out of the restaurant, and back into the waiting limo. 

The driver was already waiting and pulled the car into the traffic. They passed through the city streets and up into the mountains. It was dark when the car finally pulled up in front of a domed glass structure. Stepping inside, the entire frozen mountainside stretched out around on all sides, a beautiful aurora shined through the ceiling panels. 

"Oh Liam, this place is unreal ... it's all the natural wonder of camping with the comfort of a five star hotel." 

"And a lot more privacy." Liam added.

"After the past few weeks, I really wanted to get you away and alone," Liam softly spoke, his arms slipping around Riley's waist. 

She placed her hands over his. "Me, too. I don't want this day to end." 

"I have one more surprise for you." 

Riley smiled. "Is that why you brought me here? For a surprise?" 

"No. I brought you here because I want to be alone with you." He kissed her cheek, his lips trailing along her jawline and down her neck. 

Riley's eyelids fluttered and she tilted her head back. "Mmm, is that so?" 

Liam nuzzled his nose against the spot behind her ear. "I wanted to do this all evening." 

"What's stopping you now?" 

He grinned. "Nothing." 

Liam pressed his lips to hers. She melted into him and deepened the kiss. His tongue sought hers and they moved together in unison. He cupped her ass and pulled her into him, her curves conforming to his body. 

Riley's hands tangled into his hair, her fingers tugging. Liam moaned into her mouth, his desire rising. Together tumbling back onto the bed, legs tangling as they fall down onto the plush mattress. 

A while later, Liam's fingers combed absently through Riley's hair as they watched the way the colors and lights swirled around, constantly changing.... It was hypnotic. 

"When I look up into the sky ... I see you. I see something beautiful, brilliant, untamable ... a breathtaking force of nature. I know that we have been through a lot, but when you're in my arms like this ... I also know that we can find a way through it together, if you'll let me."

Riley sighed happily. "Liam..."

*I know, love, that I said I wouldn't bring it up again, but after tonight, I need to tell you that I'm so sorry for everything." 

"Liam, it's okay, I know you had to do it. I know the weight of the world was on your shoulders, and you had to do what's best for your people, that's your duty. But you have to also do what's best for yourself. We all do." 

Liam's grip tightened slightly around her waist. "That's what I want. You...

"Riley. I love you. And William. I can't imagine my life without you both in it."

"I love you too, Liam," she whispered. "So much..."

"Do you forgive me?" Liam asked quietly in earnest. 

"Of course, I forgive you. I am so sorry that I was a coward and left without telling you about..."

"SSHHH! There is nothing to forgive you for, Riley. You were just doing what you felt you had to do. I am so sorry that the court was so unfair to you. My father ..." 

"Liam, please. Let's just focus on the present."

"... and the future." LIam added with a kiss...

@choicesficwriterscreations @thosehallowedhalls

[beemynumberone]

Dear diary, I read The Grandest Game in four hours today (through a headache).

what was that ending???????? screams into void

I feel like I read part 1 of a book. Where’s my second half???? Is this a financial hack for authors??? (But I really appreciate jlb for creating this world for me to delulu in :D)

—

So, my thoughts:

I LOVED TGG

I was a little worried that the switching of 3 POVs was gonna trip me up, but I got used to it by the halfway mark.

Attempting to solve the riddles myself was really fun!

I was screaming at Rohan and Sav during the 88 locks riddle. What do you mean they needed 3 chapters to figure it out? Sav, you grew up with a piano (if I remember correctly)

I liked the pacing. I don’t have any complaints about the writing and dialogue being emo and stuff (like the other books) -> I have discovered that I like plot-driven books more than character-driven ones with lots of thoughts

So about those nicknames…

I attributed Savannah and Rohan’s questionable nicknames for each other to their unconventional childhoods — probably lacked opportunities to develop nicknaming skills

I decided to swap out “British” for “London” when reading. I can decidedly palate “Savvy”. It could act as a pun (?). The bar is low. After a while, I didn’t care about the nicknames. Doing small skip-overs when reading yk

I was a little confused on Gigi’s relationships with Knox and Brady. Well, first of all, I couldn’t and didn’t bother to differentiate the two men :”) so in the end, all I got was a muddled picture about the dynamics

But I don’t care cause I’m too busy re-reading the Gray/Lyra scenes

Last thing, I don’t know why, but now that Avery + 3 Hawthorne bros have become the “evil” game masters who have control over the game and players, I see them differently. Like I feel Avery is less relatable now (?). Part of that makes me feel sad and part happy cause our girl is now doing Big Things.

—

okay byeee. feel free to discuss more with me!! I’m on a Hawthorne high~

[tessa-liam]

@twinkleallnight

✨️💖✨️I love little Fabian and daddy Liam - their first meet, so sweet!🫠🥹

“No mother, it’s Vanilla milkshake.” Liam laughed shyly.

'Like father, like son!'😍 ...in more ways than one 😉 🥰

Book: TRR AU/ Once upon a time prequel

Belongs to my series: Estranged part 5

Pairings:Liam x Savannah

Word count:2502

Disclaimer: All characters belong to pixelberry.

Rating: Mature

Warning: none

Prompt: The @kingliamappreciationweek (day 2:Vanilla ) thank you @lizzybeth1986 beta reading this.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

Liam had promised Savannah that he won't meet Fabian without her permission but he couldn't control himself. ‘I am only going to watch from a distance. I am not meeting him so technically I am keeping my word.’ he thinks. And so when Savannah walks down to Fabian's day care he discreetly follows her.

He eagerly waits behind the dense hedge of the Mastic tree, for Savannah to come out of the day care. Liam's heart soars high at the first sight of his son. He is mesmerized at the sight of his own miniature form trotting down along with a grown up Savannah. He steps back to keep away from them. They cross over, Fabian busy narrating the events of the day to his mother. He picks up on their conversation. Fabian is explaining, “....I told her it's simply milk, cream and plain vanilla, isn't it mother.” Savannah nods. Fabian punches his fist in air. “I knew it. I couldn't be wrong with my favourite drink.”

‘He likes Vanilla, just like me!’ Liam is excited on discovering a tiniest detail about his son. He wants to know more and he has to wait for Savannah’s call. He starts walking back to his hotel. But seeing Fabian with Savannah takes his mind to the memories of yesteryears when he was with his mother…..

Little Liam walked with a skip to his mother. She could see through his focused eyes that he had an agenda in his mind. He stopped a few steps away from her and stood with his arms pushed back, his fingers wrapped tightly around each other behind his back.

“Mother, when are we going to visit Drake’s place?” He asked, hiding his nervousness.

“After two days my son,” Eleanor replied wondering where his thoughts are wavering. “why?”

“Oh, it is nothing, mother.” Liam tried to make it light.

Eleanor pulled him to her holding both his arms. “I can see you are pretty excited about something. What is going on in that smart head of yours?”

He brought his hands ahead, fidgeting with Eleanor’s scarf. Coyly, he raised his eyes to her. “I… I am fond of the vanilla shake that Drake’s mom whips.”

“Aahaan ! So you want to visit them just for that milkshake. I bet I can make one too” Eleanor teased.

Liam jerked back. “Not just any milk shake, mother. It’s Bianca’s special vanilla milkshake. Besides, playing around their cozy little rooms with Savannah.” He tried reasoning.

“I never knew you like to play with that little girl.”

“I meant Drake and Savannah.” Liam added.

“Hmm. So Drake and Savannah?”

“And Vanilla shake.” Liam reminded her.

“And the vanilla shake.” Eleanor repeated. “You are sure you are not hiding anything else ?”

“No mother, it’s Vanilla milkshake.” Liam laughed shyly.

Savannah’s home. Lozzi village, Corsica.

Savannah had narrated many bedtime stories about King Liam to Fabian and she had narrated many stories about his father though she was always careful not to overlap any of those. But today everything seems difficult. She tries to speak to Fabian throughout the day and each time she finds herself beating around the bush. She always thought she would be ready and exhilarated to introduce Fabian to his father. Now she is at a loss of words.

After dinner, Fabian makes his bed with his mother and gets under the covers. Savannah keeps roaming around his room still pondering where to start.

“Mom?”

“Yes, baby.”

“Are you worried about something?”

She stops replacing things idly and looks at him, “Not exactly, dear.”

“Did I do something wrong?”

Savannah leaves everything aside and moves towards his bed to sit beside him. “You didn't…Why would you say that?”

“Because I can see you picking up the same things and placing them back again, going round and round the room. You do that when something is bothering you.”

“Oh Fabian!” Savannah bends down to place a kiss on his forehead. “You are such a sweetheart . Always so observant and caring.” ‘Just like your father’, she thinks.

“Does this mean there is something nagging you?”

“Nothing, dear. Actually it's just that… I want to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

She pats on his blanket and moves her fingers gently through his golden locks. “You remember, you lost that set of colour pens I gifted you last Christmas?”

“That one? I found it, mom. It was just misplaced under the pile of my colouring sheets.”

“And how did it feel, getting it back?”

He claps his hands gleefully, “I was so glad, I found those. They are the best gift.”

Savannah smiles. “What if I tell you that you are going to get the best gift you could have ever wished for?”

“What could that thing be?”

“Fabian, it's not a thing. It's a person who wants to meet you.”

“Do I know them?”

“Yes, you know him by certain names , now you will see him right in front of your eyes.”

“Does he know me?”

“Yes, very well.”

“Is he important to you, mother?” he asks in a serious tone making Savannah smile. His change of tone taking the matter at hand seriously reminds her again of the similarities he shares with Liam.

“Yes. He is someone very important.”

“Someone like….do you mean… like is there... is he… is he your boyfriend?”

Savannah laughs out loudly at that and starts shaking her head in denial.

Fabian pouts his lower lip and lowers his eyelids in embarrassment. “I am sorry. I just…”

Savannah cuddles him up. “You don’t have to be. Fabian, it’s time you meet your family, my child. He is one of the important part of our family. Let’s just meet once and then we take it ahead from there.”

The word family has Fabian thrilled. He has been patiently waiting to see uncles and aunts, grandparents and cousins like all other children do. He leaps at the opportunity. “Okay, when are we meeting?”

“Whenever you are comfortable.”

“I am ready, mom. Like, right now .” he emphasizes with his small hands.

“That’s great. Although right now won’t nd possible. How about breakfast tomorrow?”

“I would love that, mom” he beams at her.

“Okay, tomorrow morning then it is. Breakfast.”

“Will you be able to make some vanilla shake?”

“Why not. See you my sunshine. Good night. “

“Good night mom.”

Savannah trudges to the bedroom still smiling at Fabian’s vanilla shake request. ‘Like father, like son.’ She remembers how Liam too used to like Vanilla shake . He had once visited with Drake after a polo match and they all had shake made by Savannah.

She got into her bed, remembering the young age fun.......

“What man! I defeated the prince and all I get is a vanilla shake?” Drake whined to Liam.

“Vanilla shake is a good celebration, Drake.” Liam tried to convince.

“Yes, try it.” Savannah said walking in with three tall glasses in a tray.

“Cheers!” said Liam, picking up his glass.

Without a minute to waste he took a big sip and so did Savannah while Drake just watched them in disinterest.

“Who has vanilla shake for celebrating a victory?” he was mumbling when he heard his sister giggle.

He followed her gaze settling on Liam’s face that had a big white moustache of cream. Drake smirked.

“What ?” Liam asked looking between both of them.

She pointed out snickering, “ You got a big Moustache like an old man.”

Instead of wiping it off, Liam got up to look into the reflection on the TV’s black LED screen.

He turned towards Savannah and boomed, “Ho,Ho,Ho. I am Santa Claus. I am here to give you the Christmas present. What do you wish? Tell me young lady and I will grant it.”

Savannah shied looking at Liam’s playful manner and giggled more while Drake rolled his eyes.

She shakes her head to come back to reality and messages Liam inviting him for the breakfast. Next moment she goes into a deep slumber while thinking about the golden days. It has been a long day.

Next morning

Savannah greets Liam and ushers him into her humble abode. There in front him stands his replica. Fabian’s sandy blonde hair and ocean blue eyes are a straightforward giveaway for anyone to see.

Savannah awkwardly smiles and tries to break the ice. “Fabian, Come meet William.” She introduces.

“Good morning Fabian. I am William.” Liam says.

“Good morning sir,I am Fabian.” He moves ahead and shakes his hand in a very formal manner. Liam is surprised and impressed too.

“Pleasure meeting you.”

Savannah guides them to the dining table where Fabian already has his glass placed. “Please have a seat. I will be back in a minute”

She goes to the kitchen leaving them alone for sometime.

Fabian is slurping his favourite Vanilla shake while his eyes are fixed on the man who has come to meet him. Surprisingly his looks are too familiar to him. So he is observing him with his big blue eyes.

Liam smiles at him waiting for Savannah to join them.

“You like Vanilla Shake?”

Fabian nods, “Its my favourite drink.” He swallows in another sip and asks, “What is your favourite?”

“Same as yours.” Liam bends over the small round table, to whisper.

Fabian imitates bending towards him and whispers back . “My Mommy makes the best vanilla shake. You can ask her for some. She won’t deny. She has a big heart.”

Liam straightens. “I know, Fabian. I love the one she makes.”

Savannah walks out of her kitchen holding two glasses and offers one to Liam.

Vanilla shake. His favourite drink that Bianca made, that Savannah learnt and mastered from her mother, that his son is also fond of. He gives out a heavy breath that he didn’t realise he was holding up and takes the drink from her hands and places it on the table.

He gives a dry smile, first time at loss of words.

Savannah nods slightly telling him to wait. She is going to handle it. ‘The way she handled everything in her life. Alone.’ Liam thought. She is stronger than anyone can think of. She is stronger than him. He knows. So he lets her take the reins of this moment.

She sits down beside Fabian, her son and starts. “Fabian, you remember those bedtime stories?” she pulls him into her lap.

“Yes, Mother.” He answers and Liam thinks. ‘Oh, he answers like me!’

“Do you remember, you always felt strongly about one person in particular, in those stories?” Savannah continues.

Fabian nods, stealing a glance at Liam.

‘Was it me?’ Liam questions himself silently.

“Mommy?” Fabian holds on to her hands, “Is he really King Liam?”

While Liam is surprised that his son has recognised him, Savannah isn’t. She knows how her eight year old was smarter than any kid around. She simply nods.

Fabian’s gaze is intense making Liam squirm in his chair. The fear of rejection grappling him. ‘What if … ? ‘

Before Liam’s mind could wander into the threatening possibilities, Fabian shocks him with another question. “Are you my father?”

Liam expected Savannah to tell Fabian about him. But his son is intelligent enough to connect the missing dots. Liam loses control over the stoic appearance he carries. His emotions are raw as he looks at Savannah. She nods at him.

He Is scared, ‘What if…?’ his mind is continuously taking him down the spiral, ‘What if Fabian doesn’t accept me? What if he hates me?’ He shakes away the wild thoughts and swallows. He doesn’t realise his mouth has gone dry. A heavy minute passes before he answers, “Yes.”

Fabian breaks away from his mother’s arms and leaps to hug Liam taking him back with surprise, yet again. His short arms circle Liam’s neck as he hugs tightly, resting his head on Liam’s broad chest.

“I knew it.” He utters. “I knew it, father. I am glad you could come. I am very happy that you came.” He keeps repeating. “ I am sorry, you had to go through so much, Father. I am sorry I couldn’t help you. I am sorry, I wasn’t there to tell you that we love you and we care for you, father. We do, we really, really do. Both Mommy and I do.”

Savannah had told Liam that Fabian knew about him. But he didn’t expect the little one to forget his own hardships and instead console his father. Liam hugs him back, tears falling unfiltered from his eyes, breaking his strong façade of a king. Fabian has not only accepted him but is pouring out all his love and affection forgetting all the wrong that happened. His little boy is already so grown up and he has missed it all! His heart brakes at the thought and he looks up at Savannah.

She sits there, quietly watching the reunion, wiping away her tears. Fabian made her proud. And then, this man! She catches his gaze and he mouths the words at her, ‘Thank you.’

He caresses Fabian, moving his hand over his head and then placing a kiss in his hair. His other hand is still snuggled around his son’s little frame. Fabian looks up and Liam cups his face placing kisses on his forehead and cheeks and the nose and his eyes. He can never get tired of kissing his son but Fabian shakes his head. Liam stops. ‘Does he not like my kisses?’

Fabian shakes his hand while he raises his tiny little fingers and starts wiping Liam’s tears.

‘Oh dear God! I need to learn a lot from my son.’ Liam thinks and smiles through the tears, hugging his son again. He stretches out an arm for Savannah to join in and Fabian circles his one arm around his mother other arm latching on to his father.

After a long time, they finally sit around the small circular table, Fabian settled in Liam’s lap.

Savannah pushes the vanilla shake that sat idly on the table towards Liam.

Liam instantly indulges into his drink. After a gulping half the glass in one go, he smiles at Fabian.

Fabian looks wide eyed at Liam and then back at his mother . He is not sure if he can react in front of his father. When he sees his mother chuckling, he joins in.

Liam gives them a confused look.

“What happened ? He asks.

“You got moustaches like Santa!” Fabian splits into a laughter.

Liam catches Savannah go stiff at mention of Santa. The memories come back to her like a whiplash. Before Fabian could notice his mother’s sad face, Liam jumps at him and grabs him. “Ho,Ho,Ho. I am Santa Claus. I am here to give you the Christmas present. What do you wish? Tell me young boy and I will grant it.” Liam circles his arms around Fabian

Fabian rolls out laughing, “Really?”

“Always!” Liam beams hugging Fabian and looking at Savannah with a promise in his eyes.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Tags : @angelasscribbles @alj4890 @tessa-liam @lizzybeth1986 @3pawandme @annabellewynter @bascmve01 @bebepac @busywoman @dcbbw @choicesficwriterscreations @harleybeaumont @iaminlovewithtrr @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @neotericthemis @mom2000aggie @phoenixrising0308 @princess-geek @sazanes @secretaryunpaid @sfb123 @sillydg @tinkie1973 @txemrn @walkerdrakewalker @rubiwalker @703cowbarn @kyra75 @likealotus @kskvb20 @marietrinmimi @aussiegurl1234

[aleisters]

the next nine matches. ebb and flow. the first ppv paint. for a while it becomes more grey than the tendrils of black. once white starts to impede the tendrils re-appear.

at the end of 2022, start of 2023 (bottom row), the white vanishes. the black is the darkest it's been and starts growing. start of 2023, it changes again.

oops, forgot the matches. they're under the cut.

27/05/2022 AEW Dark #145 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA House Of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Malakai Black) defeat Adriel Noctis, Gregory Sharpe & Matt Brannigan (3:50)

29/05/2022 AEW Double Or Nothing 2022 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA House Of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Malakai Black) defeat Death Triangle (PAC, Penta Oscuro & Rey Fenix) (15:35)

22/06/2022 AEW Dynamite #142 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA AEW All-Atlantic Title Qualifying: Malakai Black defeats Penta Oscuro (9:56)

13/07/2022 AEW Rampage #49 - Fyter Fest 2022 - Tag 2 Savannah, Georgia, USA Kings Of The Black Throne (Brody King & Malakai Black) defeat The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds & John Silver) (8:18)

24/08/2022 AEW Rampage #55 Cleveland, Ohio, USA AEW World Trios Title Tournament First Round: The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds, John Silver & Ten) defeat House Of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Malakai Black) (9:03)

04/09/2022 AEW All Out 2022 Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA Darby Allin, Miro & Sting defeat House Of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Malakai Black) (12:11)

14/12/2022 AEW Dynamite #167 - Winter Is Coming 2022 Garland, Texas, USA House Of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Malakai Black) defeat The Factory (Aaron Solo, Cole Karter & QT Marshall) (0:26)

28/12/2022 AEW Dark: Elevation #96 Broomfield, Colorado, USA House Of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Malakai Black) defeat Dean Alexander, Hagane Shinno & Rosario Grillo (5:20)

04/01/2023 AEW Dark: Elevation #97 Seattle, Washington, USA House Of Black (Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Malakai Black) defeat Ari Daivari & The Wingmen (Peter Avalon & Ryan Nemeth) (5:46)