#anton and hana mood

[ambivalent-auguries]

[ FIVE KISSES ] send for five times our muses almost kissed and the one time they do. // anton & hana

@voraxiia

Frenchie doesn't know how to parse through the tension settling in his chest every time he looks at Hana, but he knows that once his eyes are locked on the other man, it's hard to ignore it. He watches Hana laugh, libertine and sweet, while he's halfway draped over someone else's shoulders and something ugly and vicious settles in the pit of stomach - it wants to climb up, to take over his chest and set words on his lips. Anton takes a sip of his drink, washing away the bitter taste at the back of his throat, before getting up to get another bottle of wine.

He doesn't notice the sound of steps behind him over the loud voices filling his loft and, when he turns around, he's caught off guard, a small flicker of surprise running across his features.

"Merde... Don't sneak up on people," he says and his tone is light and teasing, despite the way Hana's face, so close to his own, feels like a gift he hasn't fully earned, one that he wants to take and unravel beneath greedy fingers. "Could've given me a fucking heart attack," he chuckles, low and intentional, as he leans in to speak those rumbled words close to Hana's ear, his breath pressed against the other's neck, their shoulders almost touching. He catches Hana's gaze at the edge of his vision and the tension in his chest grows and grows, so loud it takes over his thoughts and makes he want to push in, until he shares the same mouthful of air with Hana and can tell the rhythm of his heartbeat through his skin.

He doesn't, insteal peeling himself away from the other's figure, and continuining in his walk towards the living room once again.

It feels suffocating, however. The tension, the want, the unexplainable need, mad and unreasonable and demanding. He almost gives in to it again and the alcohol burning his throat can be punished for it, possibly. They are in the club, a celebration of sorts - they have gotten one of their guys out of custody, all charges dropped, their slates clean. So he drinks, settled in one of the booths, surrounded by his men, distracted by Luca's words in his ear, gaze caught on the movement of the people in the club, the undulating bodies bathing in the darkness and the kaledeoscopic blue and purple lights. Hana is nowhere near him, he's not with him, he hasn't even talked to him and yet... He makes Anton restless. He gets up and throws the rest of his drink down his throat and he joins the heaving mass of people and he... Dances. He dances to get rid of the tension, he dances to ease the restleness.

Before he knows it, other silhouettes join him and he's now smiling, feverish and drunk and... His shoulder catches onto someone else and his hand instinctively goes to grab the other person, an apology in slurred French sitting on his lips.

"Oh," he breathes, liquour heavy, and a slow smile starts pulling at his lips. He's still holding onto Hana and the man seems almost as surprised as he is, before the bass travels through him and the music pulls him in again and they are dancing. Anton's hands are heated and possessive on Hana, pulling at hips, fingers splayed against fabric, digging into soft flesh. Anton's breath is thin in his lungs and his eyes are stuck onto Hana's features and he wants to pin him in place, under his weight, under his gaze.

Before he can do that, Hana leans in and says something unintelligible over the pulsing music and Anton doesn't know what he said, but a second later the warmth of Hana's body is gone and he doesn't return for a while. In the end, Anton takes a bottle of water from the bar and locks himself in the back office, away from the memory of Hana's lips so close to his own.

Frenchie has let Hana in, despite knowing how dangerous that can be and despite the way his unwaning want swirls in his chest still. He's teaching Hana how to cook, of all the things - innocent enough, but Frenchie now finds himself dreaming of chocolate covered eclairs and bouncy cupcakes and thick, velvety sauces and of Hana. Always Hana. He's never close enough, he's always slightly out of reach and, no matter how much Frenchie runs or chases or doesn't... He's not anywhere closer. He dreams of Hana in a field of flowers and he imagines himself as the clouds, the rain kissing his skin, the sun enveloping the entirety of him. When he is himself again, however, Hana's mouth escapes him and his face is always turned towards a horizon he can't see...

They have set times and scheduled days and Anton takes some solace in knowing he doesn't need to torture himself until their next appointment rolls around. He's thumbing through a book, a cigarette between his fingers, and Bulldog is enjoying the breeze perfumed with sunset from the open window, crooning softly. He doesn't expect the rapid knock at his door or the way his shoulders jump. His hand reaches for a gun, pressing it against his back, tucking it in the hem of his jeans, before he

"Une moment!" he says in loud French, indicating his presence, in case someone thought he might not be here. He puts out his cigarette and carefully pads towards his door, an attentive look in his eyes. When he opens the door and finds the shaking figure of the other man, he feels all his walls crumble down, worry taking over his features.

"Mon chou, qu'est-ce que c'est? What's wrong?" he is quick to utter, arms opening fully, welcoming Hana in his embrace. He is shaking and barely holding back tears, until something gives in and he starts softly, quietly crying. Frenchie closes the door and ushers him in, on the couch, still holding him gingerly. They don't speak and Anton doesn't ask any more questions - he lets Hana feel his emotions while he fights with the weight of his anger. Hana doesn't need anger right now, however - he needs Anton's hands slowly pressing into him, his fingers delicately running over his pulse, he needs open and gentle and trustworthy Anton. So that is what he gets.

When Hana has settled some more, Anton opens his mouth again to ask, a furious edge in his gaze, but Hana shakes his head and takes his hand and Anton feels the entirety of himself flutter apart. He breathes and pulls Hana into him and his lips settle a barely there kiss in Hana's hair and Anton doesn't ask anything and he doesn't kiss him again. He simply lets Hana be.

Hana doesn't tell him anything about the episode and he goes back to being sunny and warm and brilliant. He does get himself comfortable with showing up at Anton's door at all hours of the day and night and Anton can't deny him. Every time, he opens the door and takes his hand off his gun to instead grasp Hana's palm and pull him, until there is no space for them to breathe, to think, to be. The wanting is still there, but it is softened by how often they see each, it's tamed by genuine care and Anton learning all sorts of things about Hana. He learns Hana looks beautiful in the morning light and that his cheeks flush when he drinks and that his words trip around his mouth when he's nervous of flustered. He learns he likes the sound of Hana's voice in almost all intonations, but especially when he's reading out loud for him. He learns the warmth of Hana is pleasant, not overwhelming like how some people's can be - his is gentle and reassuring and balmy.

He learns all these things and the wanting wanes, but not all of it - a part of him still wants to press possessive hands against bare skin and to sink his teeth into soft flesh and for Hana's body to wrap around his own, tense and wanting.

He kisses Hana's palm instead. It's soft and short and barely what he wants, but it's enough for now.

Until it becomes unbearable and not enough anymore. The need slowly digs away at his patience, his level headed nature shaken by the ferociousness of his want. He doesn't expect it to take over so completely, but one night they are dancing, as they've done before, a slow song in the background, French words and a guitar echoing through the loft. He looks down at Hana and the man smiles and, for some reason, that is the moment when Frenchie sees himself so clearly leaning in and stealing Hana's breath off his lips. He licks his own lips, slowly, voice barely there as he whispers Hana's name, and he smiles and Hana watches him intently. His palms are pressed against Hana's waist and they pull and Hana's entire body seems fluid yet solid with tension and surprise.

Anton finds Hana's gaze one last time, before he gives the other man not a moment to gather his throughts as he presses his mouth against Hana's. It's needy and wanting and demented and Anton can feel his chest struggling to contain his heart, but he leans in further, until Hana finally melts into him and Anton has to embrace him tighter to hold him upright. It feels like months of desire crushed between their lips, and teasing touches and knowing smiles and lingering gazes - they all are but the ghost of unrequited attention now as Anton kisses moans off Hana's lips and they shake softly in each other's grasp, adrenaline galloping through their veins.

When they part, Anton's breath is hot and everything feels like it's made of sunlight, warm and fuzzy and unexplainable.

"Finally," he says and the rumble of a chuckle settles in his chest, his forehead pressed against Hana's and he watches the other man's eyes crinkle because of the radiant smile crossing his kiss bruised lips.

[drakesroyalromance]

I’m the Bad Guy (duh)

Summary: Emma has an accident the morning after her engagement to Drake in the safehouse that turns everyone’s world upside down. Nothing will be the same, no matter how hard Drake tries.

Catch up here!

Pairing: Drake x MC (Emma Barnes), Liam x MC

Rating: NC-17, for mentions of sex and violence.

Tag list: Drake x MC: @aries-light @notoriouscs

This fic: @marshmallowsandfire @twinkle-320 @ravenpuff02 @ac27dj @silverofdreams @katedrakeohd @masterofbluff @texaskitten30 @kingliam2019 @kimmiedoo5 @tinkie1973 @pipsyliv

Chapter 8, part one: Love lies

Drake wakes up early the next day, his excitement not letting him sleep for longer. He checks his phone, seeing that the time is just a few minutes past six a.m. Rarely has he ever woken up this early and been in such a good mood. The things Emma does to him.

He decides to take a shower since he’s up and relishes the hot water against his skin for a few minutes. After he gets out of the shower, he checks his phone again and it reads 07:08 a.m.

Unable to wait any longer to see Emma, he deems that as an appropriate enough time to go to her room. As he dresses for the day, an idea forms in his head. Emma has never been a morning person, and he wants her to be as happy as he is when she sees him today. Getting her her favourite breakfast would go a long way towards making sure that she’s not grumpy about him waking her up.

He goes to her favourite bakery in Cordonia - the place they went to for cronuts with Liam, Hana and Maxwell what seems like so long ago now - and gets cronuts and coffee for both of them. He returns to the palace, heading straight for Emma’s room. He knocks and waits, but a couple of minutes pass and there’s no response. He knocks again, but still nothing. Finally, he announces, “I hope you’re decent because I’m coming in!” and opens the door, walking into her room. He’s greeted by the sight of an empty bed. Her bed is still made, which means she didn’t sleep in it at all last night.

Fear grips his chest like a vice. They still haven’t caught the attackers. What if they got to her again? Oh god, is she okay?

[[MORE]]

He can feel his heart beat start to race and forces himself to focus, think logically. She’s probably just hanging out with one of their friends or one of the guards, possibly even Bastien. He should go talk to Liam. He must know where she is.

He heads for Liam’s room and just when he’s almost there, he sees the door open. Emma noiselessly creeps out, holding her shoes in one hand and underwear in the other.

His breath catches, but not in the way it usually does when he sees her. He stands there, stunned, as his mind connects the dots. Last night. The moans he heard coming from Liam’s room.

He would say he caught her doing the walk of shame except when she notices him, she doesn’t look ashamed at all. Her demeanour is cool, unaffected, as though she doesn’t know that his heart is breaking into a million pieces right now, right in front of her.

Like the naive fool he is, he still asks her, “Did you and Liam..?”

She sighs. “Yeah. We had sex.”

They had sex. Such a simple statement, and yet, it crushes him. Feeling the wind get knocked out of him, he leans against the wall. Do not cry, he orders himself, don’t you dare cry.

It doesn’t work; his eyes still prick and he drops the food and drinks he’s holding clumsily in favour of covering his face. They land noisily on the floor but he can’t bring himself to care.

“Why?” He asks Emma. “I just want to know why.”

Before she can answer, Liam’s bedroom door opens again and Liam himself steps out, covered only in a blanket held around his waist.

“Emma? I heard a noise. Were you sneaking out?”

“Yes,” she says, unapologetic. “But clearly things aren’t going according to plan,” she adds, glancing at him.

Liam barely notices Drake, instead asking Emma “why?” in an ironic echo of Drake’s earlier question.

Emma groans. “Because I’m not interested in your gentle rejection and your speech about how last night was a one time thing, a mistake. Or is that not what you were planning on doing?”

Liam makes an expression that tells all of them that that’s exactly what he was going to do.

“That’s what I thought. And you,” she turns to Drake, “I told you, in every possible way I could, that I’m not interested in you. That I want to be Queen. So why are you surprised that I slept with the King?”

Because I thought you wouldn’t do that to me. Because I thought there was still hope for us.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Emma says, stepping away from the men.

Despite every nerve in his body screaming at him not to, he inquires, “Where are you going?”

She looks back at him. “To my room, to pack my bags and go back to New York City.”

He didn’t think it was possible, but his heart breaks even more at her words.

“Emma, you don’t have to leave,” Liam objects.

“Why would I stay? I’ve lost the prize and the consolation prize,” she says, her eyes drifting to Liam and then to Drake, her meaning clear. And with that, she walks away, out of his life.

Things didn’t end between them because she slept with Liam, he thinks. They ended because she woke up from her accident and started feeling like Liam was the prize.

//

1 MONTH LATER

Cordonia

Liam finds Drake in the palace stable, tending to the horses. He approaches him cautiously, announcing, “I have good news.”

Drake’s head turns to look at him, but he doesn’t say anything.

“We found the person who was behind the attacks. Anton Severus, or Justin, Emma’s publicist, as you might know him. He’s behind bars now.”

Something in Drake’s expression darkens when he says Emma’s name, and Liam will admit, he did feel a strange sensation when he uttered her name in a conversation with Drake. Since her departure, he’s only had a handful of conversations with Hana and Maxwell, and when they do speak, she is their only topic of conversation. Have you heard from Emma?

No, you?

No. I miss her.

I miss her too.

It is always the same. In her absence, it is clearer than ever that she was the glue that bound them together.

And yet, to say her name to Drake, who he’s had even less conversations with (the said conversations have been limited to formal interactions) feels wrong, somehow.

Drake, however, doesn’t comment on it. He says, “thank you for the update, your Highness,” bows, and heads for the exit.

It hurts, that this is what has become of their friendship. “Drake, wait,” he calls before he can reconsider.

Drake stops and Liam walks over so that they’re standing face to face. “We used to be brothers, Drake. I hate how things are between us now. I want us to be friends again. Not just you and me, but you, Maxwell, Hana and I. I want things to go back to how they were.”

Drake runs a hand through his hair roughly, exhales. “Well then I’m sorry, Liam, but for the first time in your life, you’re not going to get what you want. Things are never going to be the same.”

Liam sets his jaw angrily. “How could you say I always get what I want when the one thing I wanted most picked you instead?”

When Drake looks up at him again, his eyes are full of pain. “But she didn’t pick me, remember?” He says. Then he leaves.

//

New York City

Emma’s just about to head out after finishing her shift at the bar when her boss not so kindly reminds her to take out the trash. She’s about to snap back at him but remembers that she’s trying to be a kinder person and instead smiles at him, doing as he asked before leaving the bar for the day.

She decides to take the scenic route back to the apartment she shares with two other people. She lets out a long sigh as she walks. Days like this, when she’s overworked and feels underappreciated, are the hardest to get through. These are the days when it would be easiest to slip, to turn back into the bitchy Emma she was right after the accident. But she can’t. She knows that now. She learnt it the hard way.

She looks to the side and notices how peaceful the water looks, how beautiful the night sky is tonight. She captures the moment on her phone. She’s been saving up to buy the professional camera she wants; for now, her phone will have to do.

After taking a picture she likes, she closes her eyes and breathes in, wanting to cherish this moment. She thinks about what the accident taught her, even though she didn’t realize it right after, despite the fact that she was in a palace with a man who loved her the way she dreamed of being loved her entire life, and three friends who were willing to do anything for her: thank god I’m alive.

[jovialyouthmusic]

Silver Service

After the Lantern festival at Valtoria, Madeleine returns to Karlingford to start arranging her stage of the Charity Tour, and questions Adelaide about her recent absence from Cordonia. Both Liam and Olivia are under pressure.

Word Count 3030

A/N Warnings - body shaming and anxiety feature in this chapter. No smut but still Not suitable for under 18s

16 Under Pressure

The lantern festival had been a roaring success, and the Valtorian orphanage had gained some much needed funds. Liam’s popularity had increased and he had been seen publicly with Olivia. It made up somewhat for the dilemma with Anton, but there was still an ugly undercurrent. At Bastien’s suggestion, he had made tentative enquiries as to where he could go in the case of having to go into exile. Monaco was open to receiving him, but he found the country extravagant and claustrophobic. He thought perhaps one of the smaller neighbouring countries might be amenable. He did not like the pompous King Bradshaw of Auvernal, and Queen Amalas of Monterisso was friendly, but he thought she might propose more than just a friendly place to stay, and could expect a marriage agreement as they were of a similar age and both single. Greece, on the other hand, was a possibility and he wondered if he could retreat to the United States or to the United Kingdom.

If he had to take the option of exile, what would that mean for Olivia? She did not want to leave her Duchy leaderless, but equally had no desire to be Queen to Anton Severus. He had sent requests for her to visit him at his place of detention, all of which she turned down. Lucretia, after cooperating with Lewis and Damien, refused to say anything else. Her position was complicated. Perhaps if Anton gained the throne, she could claim that hiring the gunman had been in an attempt to aid his claim. On the other hand, it certainly put a dent in his plans and he had had to retreat and  regroup. It was anyone’s guess how he might react if he discovered she had hired the gunman in the cathedral.

Liam and Olivia, Drake and Riley, Bastien and Sophia and Lady Hana Lee stayed at Valtoria for another few days. The next stop on the charity tour was Portaviera, home of Lady Penelope’s family. The duchy had a substantial coastline and had recently suffered from damage after a bad storm with strong winds. The charity event was to be a fashion show.

‘So the King told me you can tell your wishes after you’ve lost sight of your lantern’ Sophia told Bastien over breakfast. He raised an eyebrow at her

‘I’m not risking it’ he replied ‘You know I keep many secrets’

‘But this is just a small one, just a bit of fun’ she wheedled. He shook his head

‘It’s a matter of principle’ he said ‘and much as you are itching to tell me, I suggest you keep yours secret too’ Sophia sighed. She had hoped Bastien would share what he wanted for his future, though she was pretty sure it involved her, as he often told her. She ramped up her game by slipping off her shoe and stretching her leg out to rub his ankle with her bare toes, despite the fact that today they were taking breakfast in the dining room rather than in their quarters. For a change, Sophia had been the first one to wake, though not by much, as Bastien woke at any noise in daylight hours. They had made love leisurely and made the decision to go down to the dining room before they did so again. He glared at her

‘Stop trying, Sophia, I have my work head on’ He finished his coffee and got up. ‘Don’t wait at lunch, I’ll probably be busy’ Sophia rolled her eyes, knowing he was immovable, and stood to fetch another round of toast.

------

‘I’m sorry you’re feeling queasy’ Liam said to Olivia as she sat drinking black coffee looking out of the window. They were having breakfast privately, and he had an appointment soon with Bastien to go over the travel plans for the following day. Olivia made a face.

‘You’d almost call it morning sickness’ she said in an irritated tone. Liam stopped chewing and stared at her.

‘How reliable are those tests?’ he asked. She looked back at him sharply.

‘Pretty much bang on’ she replied ‘Although my monthly was rather light’

‘Can you get hold of another one?’ Liam asked. He saw her already pale face go a little whiter.

‘That might be tricky’ she replied ‘We’re only just letting ourselves be seen in public. If anyone finds out I’m taking pregnancy tests it would be unsettling to say the least’ The matter of her betrothal to Anton hung in the air between them, unspoken.

‘I’m sure if we ask, someone could help get one – perhaps Lady Hana, or Riley – or Sophia’ he said.

‘Hana’s not even dating’ she pointed out ‘I couldn’t be pregnant, surely’

‘Well, we are trying, and I expect few tests are one hundred per cent reliable’ Liam smiled ‘It would at least put your mind at rest, and if you really are expecting – well I promise you I will stand by you and do my very best to make things as easy as I can’

‘If I am, and Anton finds out…’ she started. She slammed her coffee cup onto the table and balled her fists by her sides ‘Bastard, why does everything have to be so complicated?’ Liam got up and went to her, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. He hesitated to hold her, knowing her independent and fiery nature.

‘I’m here for you, Livvy’ he said assuringly. ‘We’ll cope, whatever happens’

------

Anton had nobody to talk over his thoughts with that he trusted, so he muttered to himself in the apartment in the imposing mansion that looked out over the sea. The sky was a dull grey, and scudding waves spread white patterns across the water.

‘Think, why is the upstart King so convinced he can succeed in keeping his title?’ he mused. ‘If I was in his position I’d eliminate the opposition. Either he’s weak, or he’s put me here to dispose of me out of sight’ He glowered over the racing white horses beyond the sheer cliffs. ‘If he doesn’t intend to get rid of me, he must either have proof that my claim is false, or will forge evidence. Even if he does refute it, he still needs an heir.’ He ran his fingers through his black hair ‘Who would he attempt to impregnate?’

His mind worked at the problem and he continued in silence, wondering if the apartment was bugged. That bitch American was one candidate, but would Cordonia accept a common foreigner? He didn’t think so. Lady Madeleine had been a strong contender, and he had seen to it that her mother had met an untimely end in Monaco. He was unaware that attempt had failed, so his train of thought went on. Would the King understand that was a warning that he had contacts that were dangerously close to him? Presumably Madeleine would be too grief stricken to pursue her ambition to be Queen by Liam’s side.

That left Olivia. He smiled at the thought that he had already thwarted any ideas Liam might have of making her his Queen. Liam had nowhere to go to – he was clutching at straws and would fail, and it would not be long before the country welcomed King Anton of house Severus. He went back to his original thought that his life could be in danger. He made a note to his lawyer to demand a larger entourage befitting his status. He wanted his own bodyguard and security team, and he knew where to recruit them. The throne was almost in his grasp.

------

Adelaide and Madeleine had gone from Valtoria to her father’s manor at Karlington, and he had begrudgingly returned from England in the middle of the English racing season to attend a council meeting concerning Anton’s claim. They were next on the charity tour after Portaviera, and there was much planning and preparation to do for the childrens’  cancer department in Krona’s hospital, which needed funding for specialist nurses. Unusually they were hosting a polo match, which was usually held in Portaviera, but due to the storm damage they had called it off in favour of the fashion show.

‘Bloody charity causes’ he grumbled ‘I don’t know why they think they can come begging to their betters. They should manage their affairs more efficiently’

‘We’ll garner popular opinion if we give more support to childhood cancer’ Madeleine pointed out, but her father snorted in disgust.

‘Who cares about that?’ he snapped ‘As long as the commoners pay their taxes and don’t cause any trouble I couldn’t give a fig what they think. What counts is keeping up the high standards the King and other nobles expect from our Duchy’ Madeleine sighed and passed her hand over her forehead.

‘Just leave it to me, father’ she said. He looked at her pointedly

‘I suppose it might make that whippersnapper think twice about rejecting you as his suitor’ he said thoughtfully ‘After all, he’s still not chosen anyone yet, and you’re good breeding stock’ Madeleine pursed her lips. She knew it was futile to engage him when he was in a mood like this, and let the sting of his words bounce off her, but unusually Adelaide sprang to her defence.

‘She’s not a farm animal, Geoffrey’ she pointed out ‘Maddy’s more than just a means to your delusions of grandeur.’

‘Delusions?’ her father spat ‘I am certainly not deluded about the quality of my bloodline. I suppose I should be glad you spat out female progeny before your ovaries gave up the ghost’ Madeleine saw the tears spring to her mother’s eyes. She knew tonight she would drown her sorrow in alcohol – perhaps she’d be raiding the drinks cabinet sooner than that. That left her to make all the arrangements as usual. Never mind, she told herself, at least that was something she was good at. Her father turned on his heel to leave the room.

‘I’m off to the golf course’ he said over his shoulder ‘Don’t bother setting dinner for me, I’ll eat at the club’ Adelaide slumped.

‘I’m so sorry Maddy, your father shouldn’t talk about you like that. I know you blame me for not standing up for you – for making you think you were only fit for one thing. But what else could I do? You’re my only child’ she stepped up to her and reached out as if to touch her cheek, but her hand fell away. ‘I only want you to be happy’

‘I don’t think you have much control over that’ Madelaine sniffed. ‘Now, are you going to hit the bottle, or help me with the garden party after the polo match?’

--------

Later that evening at Karlingford, her father had returned late and gone straight to his room. He and Adelaide had separate bedrooms, and that had been the case for as long as Madeleine could recall. She remembered running into her mother’s bedroom once in the morning as a child when her father was away, only to find her with a man she didn’t know. After that, her mother’s door remained locked, and the young girl had to wait for her nanny to come and fetch her for breakfast. She never went into her father’s room as he disliked her ‘fawning’ on him as he put it.

Adelaide had managed to abstain from drinking before the evening meal, at which only she and Madeleine sat at the long table in the grand dining room. Her father insist that they eat there when he was resident, even if he was dining elsewhere himself. She watched her mother gulp down her first glass, waving at the serving staff just to leave the bottle in front of her rather than hover to fill her glass. She appeared to spend more time drinking than eating, and Madeleine sipped at her mineral water as she ate. The sound of their cutlery on the fine china plates made a sharp clattering sound that echoed round the huge room.

‘Darling you should eat more’ Adelaide remarked ‘You’re too thin. Men like a little meat on the bones you know, don’t model yourself on all those skinny models’ Madeleine stiffened

‘I’d rather be appraised for something other than my physical appearance, mother’ she said curtly. Adelaide waved her glass in the air.

‘I know that appearances shouldn’t matter, sweetie, but it helps.’ She leaned toward her, elbows on the table – a terrible faux pas her father would have frowned at. ‘You’ve always been well turned out – neat, tidy, modest, and you dress impeccably’ Madelaine sighed as the last of the dishes were cleared – the meal had ended with fresh fruit and sorbet, a favourite of her mothers which she tolerated. Adelaide got up unsteadily and picked up the wine bottle and her now empty glass.

‘Time for the staff to lock up’ she announced ‘Your father’s in his room so I suppose that’s it for the night’ Madeleine nodded and gestured to the serving staff to follow instructions. She saw that now might be a good time to question her mother about her recent absence.

‘Shall we go into the lounge, mother?’ she asked innocently ‘You can look over the garden plans and see what you think of the marquee arrangements.’ Adelaide smiled brightly – the idea of spending time with her daughter obviously appealed to her.

‘Okay darling, let’s do that’ she replied. Madeleine nodded to the staff

‘Ask Maria to fetch the binder from my study would you?’ she asked. She didn’t want to lose sight of her mother in case she forgot where she was going in her alcoholic daze. She rose and went to her, gently taking her elbow and steering her in the right direction. Her mother smiled fondly and patted her hand.

‘You always were such a good child, Maddy’ she rambled ‘I know your father was strict with you, but I never had to say a cross word to you, darling’ Madeleine cringed, remembering drunken rants and times when her father scolded or disciplined her and her mother stood by. It took only moments to get to the huge lounge, high ceilinged, with windows looking out over the lawns and tasteful vintage décor – vintage in the sense that much of the furniture was antique and priceless.

Adelaide had difficulty focussing on the plans her daughter showed her, but she wasn’t worried about that. She continued to drink the contents of the wine bottle she had brought with her.

‘Mother, can’t you tell me what happened when you were away?’ she asked ‘I was worried about you, you know’ Her mother squinted at her.

‘What happened?’ she queried, and screwed her face up as if she was having trouble remembering. ‘Oh, well – that nice young man with Bas – Bastien’ she was having difficulty saying his name and hiccupped slightly ‘He said he’d take care of everything. I didn’t want to press charges, though he said I should’ here she looked suddenly melancholy ‘I didn’t want you to be ashamed of me’ She swayed slightly despite being seated on the antique chaise longue next to the marble fireplace.

‘Press charges? What for?’ Madeleine asked as her mother tipped her glass to her lips and emptied it. She put it back down on the table with a thump.

‘You know’ she slurred ‘for trying to bump me off’ Madeleine felt her breath catch.

‘Someone tried to kill you?’ she asked, aghast ‘How – why?’

‘s’not important’ Adelaide asserted ‘What is important is that I’m back home and they caught up with them – and it turns out the Greek police want them anyway, so when the Guard have finished with them they’ll hand them over’ she smiled and spread her hands out ‘Problem solved’ She tipped the bottle upside down, squinting at it. ‘Empty’ she said with regret ‘Time for bed’

‘But mother…’ Madeleine started, but she realised she would get nothing more from her as she put the bottle and glass down, and got up.

‘Night night, sweetie, don’t let the bed bugs bite’ she slurred, and teetered off out of the room. Madeleine was left alone with her thoughts. Tomorrow all three of them would go to Portaviera for the fashion show, and she had questions. She had also seen the stranger with Bastien at the Lantern festival, and wondered who he was and what part he had in her mother’s trip to the hospital in whatever godforsaken country she had visited. She needed information, and she knew where she could get it.

-------

‘What do you mean, all of them?’ Penelope’s voice was shrill. She had been so excited to host the fashion show, and now it was all falling apart in front of her eyes. The models had arrived together, hired from a modelling agency, and as soon as they arrived at their hotel one by one they had fallen sick, and the highly contagious norovirus stomach bug had been diagnosed. Their hotel had been isolated and all guests quarantined to prevent the spread any further. Luckily the clothes had been transported separately and the stylists, dressers and designers were in other accommodation and were unaffected.

‘I’m sorry Miss Ebrim’ the event organiser said ‘We don’t have anyone to model the clothes’ The duchess felt her stomach go into knots and her knees go weak

‘What can we do?’ she squeaked ‘Everything’s set up, the guests will be arriving in a few hours’

‘Now then Penny, stay calm’ her mother soothed ‘We can ask if any of the staff would consider helping. I’m sure some of them are the right size’

‘But they’re not professionals, mother’ she croaked ‘Everything’s ruined’

‘Nonsense’ Emmeline replied ‘It will be different – novel. Everyone will think how intriguing it is, especially if we recruit one or two lesser nobles. Why, I’m sure Lady Hana or Kiara would help out’ Penelope moaned and passed her hand over her forehead.

‘We need men to model some of the lines’ she said faintly ‘How are we going to organise it all?’

‘I’ll get onto my housekeeper’ her mother said ‘We still have time to pull this all together’

[axwalker]

Fandom Asks: 3,6( skip the first part of this question 🤣),10,17,18💕

characters you would marry in an instant?

Do you really need to ask? 🤣🤣🤣

Drake Walker owns my soul!!

do you read fanfiction? If so, do you have any favorite authors or fics?

Yes, I do! I read a lot of fanfic. Drake x Mc are my absolute favorite, but I also love a good Ethan fic. 

My  favorite writers:

@burnsoslow  I love absolutely everything she writes but at the moment I’m completely obsessed with Remember Two Things,  All Mixed Up, and Absconded. Heavier Things is an amazing story. Drake’s and Lyss’s love story is epic in every AU. 

 @debramcg1106  Looking For Trouble has a charming college girl falling with bad boy uber-hot Drake. The sexual tension between them Is incredible. All her one-shots are amazing too. ‘For Better or Worse’ has a special place in my heart because of the subject.

   @argylemnwrites It Couldn’t Wait Another Moment (and all the One-Shots of that universe.) It’s romantic, wonderfully written and the way she writes her characters is deeply insightful.

 @ritachacha I love Drake the Barbarian and yesterday I got totally obsessed with Hooked. I also recommend The Cordonian Key Parties for its amazing smut (particularly Drake’s and Hana’s chapter).

 @pug-bitch That’s not why I’m going. I love her take on MC and Drake. Amara Suarez is amazing and the dynamics of the whole gang are extremely well written. Every character shines and has a backstory and a life beyond Drake and Mc. I love it.

 @pedudley One Long Summer is beautifully written, funny, and romantic. It breaks my heart but I love She Got Her Wings. Her one shots are hilarious and filled with Max and Willow’s shenanigans. They always put me in a good mood.

@sirbeepsalot Anton is a great dark fic. The writing is compelling and you’re on the edge of your seat in every episode. (Olivia x Drake) If you want to laugh, Besties is hilarious. I’m laughing like crazy with every chapter.

 @ao719 Split has me completely intrigued. It's beautifully written and very suspenseful.  (Liam x Mc). The Ticking Clock (Ethan x Mc) I’m loving it (even if I’m a little scared... 😬)

 @jamespotterthefirst Her Regency Era AU, it’s amazing. A very romantic slow burn. (Ethan Ramsey x Mc)

characters that deserved worse? >:]

Bianca. She left her kids in Cordonia with a man that she knows is dangerous and nobody seems to mind. She’s at our wedding and organizes Savanah’s. Ugh! She ’s my most hated character. 

Penelope sets MC for rape and now she’s engaged as if nothing had happened. I truly dislike her. 

Tariq’s character is so problematic for me. What he tried to do is a crime, yet he only receives a slap on the wrist. 

are there any tropes you wished were used less often?

I only care that the story is good. There aren’t any tropes that I really dislike.

characters you want to wrap in a blanket and tell them they’re going to be okay

My MC Alexis because I torture her in every AU I write. She deserves so much better.  

Drake, Max, and Olivia because they’re all so vulnerable and try so hard to hide it.

Alyssa Devereaux, @burnsoslow   MC has been through so much. Poor baby.

Thank you for the asks ❤️❤️❤️

[flowerpowell]

Meet-Cute (Drake x MC)

PART SIX

A/N: Part six is here! Thank you so much for your patience! I hope you’ll like it (and you’ll like the addition of certain characters...). I’d love to hear your feedback! As always, the chracters belong to Pixelberry.

Rating: PG-16 

Word count: 1552

Tagging: @agent-bossypants @mysteli @gardeningourmet @annekebbphotography @mymandrake @butindeed @walkerduchess @brightpinkpeppercorn @choicessa @violinist3212  @blackcatkita @jlouise88 @innerpostmentality @tmarie82 @darley1101 @littleeeepeach  @ooo-barff-ooo @sleepwalkingelite @traeumerinwitzhelden @jovialyouthmusic @nikkis1983 @notoriouscs @melodyofgraves @zaffrenotes @fluffy-marshmallow-heart @rhymesmenagerie @emichelle @drakesroyalromance @drakewalkerisreal @mrsnazariowritesagain @furiousherringoperatortoad @lynne1993 @drakesensworld @iplaydrake @thequeenofcronuts @confessionsofabrokegirl @carabeth @ao719 @gibbles82 @be-still-my-aching-heart @symonde @lovedrakewalker @choices97 @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @ladyangel70 @dcbbw ♥

Riley had been pacing back and forth in front of Drake’s office for over ten minutes. She knew he wouldn’t like the idea, he would definitely hate it. She knew it and she didn’t even want to tell him anything. But the day had finally come and he would find out sooner or later. Taking one last deep breath, she knocked on the door and heard “come in,” from inside.

“Hey,” Drake smiled seeing her in the doorway. She closed the door and in a second he was right next to her, planting a kiss on her lips.

“Whoaa, getting bold I see. Not afraid someone will catch us?” she teased and he laughed.

“No, my office is completely safe from prying eyes.”

She wanted to say something back, tease him more but the realization of what she had to tell him ruined the mood. He noticed the change on her face and looked so tenderly into her eyes that she almost broke down right in front of him.

“Hey... is something wrong?” Drake asked concerned, gently rubbing her cheek with his thumb.

“I might have done something stupid. No... not stupid, but you will think it’s stupid...”

“I’m getting nervous, what did you do?”

“I...asked a private detective to come here and help us with this whole Cordonia situation. To help us uncover Justin’s scheme and prove you innocent.”

His jaw dropped. Without looking at her, he went back to his desk and sat on his chair, his back facing Riley.

“And umm... he’s coming today. Actually, I just got a message from Nadia that they’re almost here but they made a pit stop because Amy, Nadia’s cousin wanted some fries.”

He turned to her immediately, confusion and anger written on his face. “Nadia is coming? And her cousin? With the detective? What the--”

“Damien is a really good friend of Nadia and Amy. And we haven’t seen each other in so long so she wanted to come too,” she explained sheepishly.

Drake stood up and straightened himself. “So let me get this straight. You contacted a detective, without consulting me, told him my story, without my permission, and let him solve a case that is none of your damn business?”

“I--” she stuttered in surpirse. She knew Drake wouldn’t like it but she didn’t expect him to be so mad.

“I think you should go now, Brooks.”

“Drake...”

“Do I need to call security?”

“If it as effective as in Cordonia then I’m not really afraid,” she shrugged but quickly recomposed herself. “Drake, please, talk to him. They can help us!”

“Go. Away.”

“Drake... I’m sorry I did it without talking to you first but I knew you would’ve said no and I think that’s our chance to--”

“Our chance to what? To get killed? And kill your friends in the process? You know nothing, Riley. Nothing. You left everything and you never cared so stop pretending you do now!”

Feeling that the tears started welling up in her eyes, she quickly ran out of the office, staight to her room, where she waited for her friends to come.

~~~~

“SPENCER!!!” Nadia threw herself on Riley the second she opened the door. They almost fell on the floor but luckily, Riley managed to balance them.

“Sorry, sorry, I’m just so excited to see you!!” Nadia squealed with joy as she pulled her friend into yet another hug. Behind her,  Riley saw a man and a woman looking at each other and shrugging at the sight in front of them.

“Okay, so everyone, this is Spencer, errr, Riley, err, I mean, what do you want us to call you?”

“Whatever you prefer but Riley is fine,” Riley smiled nervously.

“Okay, so this is Ri, Ri, this is Amy, my cousin,” she gestured a tall woman with a beautiful purple ombre hair. Riley wanted to shake her hand but Amy pulled in a hug too.

“And this is Damien Elvis Nazario, the greatest PI known to the humanity, a gentle soul with some grumpiness inside, fantastic friend and--”

“Okay Nadia, that’s enough,” the man in brown jacket interrupted her, “I’m Damien, the detective.” He extended his hand to her and she shook it.

“It’s so nice to meet you all, take a seat,” she let them in and closed the door. While Amy and Damien took their seats, Nadia stayed behind.

“Where’s Drake? Aren’t we investigating his case?” she asked making sure no one could hear them. Riley sighed.

“We got into a fight when I told him you guys were coming. He thought it was too dangerous and it was a stupid idea.”

“What? Do you want me to talk to him?”

“No,” Riley chuckled, “I will later. We have a case to solve now.”

When they joined the rest, Damien took out his laptop and notebook.

“Okay, so from what I’ve gathered, Drake is assumed to have killed Liam, the King, right? And Drake would never do that, correct?”

“Of course he wouldn’t!” Riley raised her voice.

“I just needed to ask. I believe in facts, not in what people say. Drake left a day after Liam’s assasination because Liam’s bodyguard told him he is suspected, right? How are we sure it wasn’t a suicide?”

“Liam would never! He was a mess at that time but he loved that country! He would do everything to protect it!” Riley started having doubts. Maybe Drake was right after all...

“We can’t cross this possibily off yet. But back to Cordonia. After Drake left, Justin turned out to be Anton and a decree that in case of King’s death, he becomes a King, was found? Why did Anton changed his name then?”

“Apparently because he didn’t care about the crown and wanted to find a regular job. And after the decree was found he decided he’ll sacrifice his freedom and will become the King to all Cordonians.” Riley shrugged. “But I don’t believe that. I know he did all of this.”

“And who found Liam dead?” 

“I don’t know that. I think a guard that informed Bastien straight away.”

“And Liam’s funeral?”

“Was a private ceremony, however, the television was there when they put the coffin in the crypt. Justin told then he was after Drake for killing the King.”

“Hmm, okay. And everyone willingly believed that King’s best friend would do that?”

She shrugged, “I don’t know, probably not but Justin was my press secretary, he can manipulate everyone into thinking what he wants them to think.”

“So, Drake has fled. Liam was killed. Olivia is missing. How convinient. Where’s Hana and Maxwell though?”

“I think they’re hiding. Drake never called them cause it would be to dangerous so we don’t know for sure.”

“I tried to do some googling,” Amy interjected, “but Cordonia seems like a paradise and everyone loves the King. I once found a negative comment but it was deleted within a day.”

“Of course. Anton controls the Internet in Cordonia as well. Which is weird considering he claims he became a King fairly.” Damien noted something in the file.

“Cause he didn’t. And everyone knows that but they’re probably too afraid to say anything.”

“Give a me second to go through everything again and we’ll figure our next move,” Damien said while flipping through the pages of his notebook and comparing something on his laptop.

“I love it when you’re in your detective mode,” Amy teased him and Riley could see Damien’s blushed cheeks. Ah these two are so clearly in love... Makes me miss Drake even more. I wish he--

A sudden knock on the door startled her as she walked to the door and opened it.

“I thought about what you said,” Drake started slowly, “and I think we might give it a try. If we’re careful.”

In response, Riley quickly pulled in a hug and kissed him passionately. When they parted, Drake broke into a grin and Riley finally felt she could breathe again.

“I’m sorry I yelled at you, Riley. I was shocked but I’m glad you still care. Forgive me?”

“I already did, Drake,” she kissed him again and took his hand, leading him into the living room.

“Everyone, this is Drake, Drake this is Nadia, Amy and Damien.”

Drake shook everyone’s hand, dodging Nadia’s hug.

“Nice to meet you, Drake. I’ve heard a lot about you and I hope together we can solve that mystery,” Damien smiled lighly but Drake only rolled his eyes.

“I would say likewise but I’m not a liar.”

“Drake!” Riley nudged him, suddenly embarassed by his bluntness.

“It’s okay, I’m used to diffucult cliens thinking they know it all.”

“Damien!” This time Amy scolded Damien.

“Okaaay, let’s sit down and see what we’ve got. D? Did you figure out our next step?” Nadia asked, desperatly trying to lighten up the mood.

“I’ve gathered a lot of information thanks to Riley but we can’t do much by being here,” Damien sighed and Drake snorted.

“Well, that didn’t help. Don’t expect a tip.”

“Drake! Let him finish,” Riley turned to Damien. “So what do you suggest?”

“Well... I need to collect more evidence which means... we’re going to Cordonia.”

[dweemeister]

The Shop on Main Street (1965, Czechoslovakia)

Putting “New Wave” in a sentence referring to a film movement is asking for trouble. Whether the New Wave is French, Iranian, or Japanese in origin, the term implies a series of films and filmmakers breaking narrative and aesthetic norms in conventional moviemaking, exalting innovation. New Wave directors from those respective countries include Jean-Luc Godard and Agnès Varda; Forough Farrkohzad and Mohsen Makhmalbaf; Nagisa Oshima and Seijun Suzuki. For those I have just listed, I am not denying their talents, their importance to film history. But show any of their films to someone who is less familiar with these New Waves, without the contextual understanding of the environment their works were released, and befuddlement and distaste will likely abound. Rare is the New Wave film that can be shown to unfamiliar eyes and minds without appropriate context.

Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos’ The Shop on Main Street (adapted from Ladislav Grosman’s novel of the same name) is sometimes considered a part of the then-concurrent Czechoslovak New Wave. And if one considers it part of that New Wave, then it is one of the more comprehendible, technically grounded films of that movement. It certainly qualifies as one of those New Wave exceptions – a film that can be digested by a viewer not accustomed to older movies or has any experience with Czech- or Slovak-language cinema. I consider The Shop on Main Street a Czechoslovak New Wave film. When one looks beneath its World War II-era surface, its politics extend beyond its condemnation of Nazi Germany’s treatment of Jews and the local Slovak population. Though rooted in the nation’s past, it was as timely as Věra Chytilová’s Daisies (1966) upon release. The film outdoes many New Wave films by playing fast and loose with genre expectations: a black comedy in the first half, a tragedy in the second. Nazi Germany’s state-executed hatred, if not including the fringe groups inspired by their example, is no longer; Czechoslovakia has long been split in two. The Shop on Main Street and its censure of those who manipulate the oppressed, while pointing their fingers elsewhere.

In March 1939, the Slovak Republic was carved out of Czechoslovakia as a client state of Nazi Germany. The Slovak Republic never received recognition from the Allies (with the brief exception of the USSR until they were invaded by Germany), and they soon set about the process of Aryanization. Aryanization was a process in which Jewish property and businesses were to be put into “Aryan” ownership so as to “de-Jew” the economy. In The Shop on Main Street, Slovak carpenter Anton "Tóno" Brtko (Jozef Kroner) is offered by an official the ownership of a button store owned by the elderly, near-deaf Rozália Lautmannová (Ida Kamińska). Mrs. Lautmannová, a widow, is unaware that there is a war, that Czechoslovakia is being occupied by invaders intent on seizing her business and exterminating her fellow Jews. She welcomes Tóno as a helper and believes – mishears, really – that he is her nephew. Tóno, thrown into this awkward situation, soon learns that Mrs. Lautmannová’s store is not profitable and depends on community donations. The Jewish community implore Tóno to stay as de jure owner of the store, for fears that a more exploitative owner might be selected were he to give it up. Tóno agrees, accepting a small payment, and dedicating himself to the store’s and Mrs. Lautmannová’s welfare. They find time to see the humor in her mishearing and his stubbornness. In the final scenes, Tóno and Mrs. Lautmannová must make a horrific decision.

Czechoslovakia’s communist government, during the Czechoslovak New Wave, frowned upon films that could be construed as anarchic, insurrectionist, troublemaking. The Shop on Main Street – unlike many of its contemporaries – avoided government meddling. The villains here are the Nazis, whom communist forces across the Eastern bloc fought against. On its surface, The Shop on Main Street assigned no criticism towards Czechoslovakia’s communist regime or to communism. Yet the braggadocious Nazis are a minority in this film. A detestable sociopolitical minority becomes empowered when others sympathize with them, rationalize their prejudices and atrocities, and fail to defend the targets of that minority. We see non-Jewish Slovaks shrugging their shoulders about Aryanization. Why not pocket some extra money with this new policy, they reason, in a sluggish economy and a better-armed invading force now patrolling their streets? These are economically desperate times for non-Jewish Slovaks (and, if my hunches are correct, probably even more so for Jewish Slovaks), so they will use whatever programs necessary to survive, rooted entirely in self-interest.

The communist censors probably thought something, while viewing The Shop on Main Street, that is resurgent in modern-day Europe: that Nazi Germany’s anti-Semitic policies (from Aryanization to concentration camps and much more) were Germany’s responsibility and no one else’s. Complicity with the Nazi agenda is being debated among historians, politicians, and within the 125-minute runtime of The Shop on Main Street. For Tóno, the invaders inspire mutterings out of earshot and disdainful moues. His wife, Evelína (Hana Slivková), is concerned only about money – she is thrilled when she learns that the Aryanization program will give them a financial cushion (so she thinks), never contemplating the possibility this it is the beginning of the Jewish community’s ruin. Has she ever known someone from the community? It is not clear. Tóno’s non-Jewish acquaintances, too, are unfazed by these proclamations. Life is already difficult in the Slovak Republic (Czechoslovakia itself was not formed because its patchwork of ethnicities had common political pursuits and aspirations, but due to expedience and tensions with other ethnic groups), and any economic lifeline that will be offered to the non-Jews will be taken. Are those who support and/or participate in Aryanization irredeemable, given their desperation and the Nazi aim to manufacture conflict between Jews and non-Jews? Is Tóno an accessory of the Nazis?

These are questions that may seem small when grasper the enormity of the Holocaust. But that is the intention of directors Kadár and Klos, who often worked together co-directing films. In his directorial statement for the film in the New York Herald Tribune’s January 23, 1966 issue, Kadár (whose parents and sister were murdered at Auschwitz) writes that he was the principal director for this film – Klos agreed to be a sort of secondary director for The Shop on Main Street, deferring to Kadár because of his personal connection to the material. Klos also notes:

[Klos] knows that I am not thinking of the fate of all the six million tortured Jews, but that my work is shaped by the fate of my father, my friends’ fathers, mothers of those near to me and by people whom I have known. I am not interested in the outer trappings—figures, statements, generalizations. I want to make emotive films.

This is not an epic film intended to sweep viewers into the broadest discussions of the Holocaust. The Shop on Main Street is foremost a film about an unlikely connection – one separated by age, language, and faith – that is formed when exploitation would be so much easier. This is where The Shop on Main Street derives its pathos, in places where despair ought to triumph.

When Tóno meets Mrs. Lautmannová for the first time, he is surprised to see how disconnected she is from the world. She knows little of what is happening outside of the storefront door, and she delights in the company of her few – but dedicated – customers and the letters she receives from a relative in America (she hasn’t received their letter in some months). She closes the store on the Sabbath (sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday), retreating to her bedroom to pray and to read. Her friends in the Jewish community realize her frailty and lack of understanding, deciding to protect her from the news of pogroms and war. When lacking any authority to make laws or force political change, all they possess are their words and neighborliness – which they share with Tóno freely. Tóno is struck by their generosity, and his friendship with Mrs. Lautmannová grows. Ida Kamińska (the Polish actress was sixty-six years old when The Shop on Main Street was released, and nicknamed the Mother of the Jewish Stage) and Jozef Kroner (a star of numerous Slovak films, but this is his most recognized work) play off each other. In a series of successive (gentle and dark) misunderstandings, these two commoners are each other’s foils. He is a drinker, impatient, and needs to learn diplomacy. She is kind, religious, and concerningly naïve.Their performances are incredible, helping The Shop on Main Street pull off its tonal transitions that should have seen this film crumble into treacle.

Zdeněk Liška’s score to The Shop on Main Street alternates between foreboding string lines wracked with minor key, string-crossing double stops signaling the precariousness of the story’s developments, the unusual situation the characters find themselves in, and emotional torment. A memorable, carnival-like march that opens the film is used to stunning effect when employed ironically. Liška’s cue placement helps Kadar and Klos achieve the respective comedic and dramatic moods that the screenplay and actors so nimbly establish.

Lengthy is the canon of films depicting and commenting on the Holocaust. The Shop on Main Street, avoiding extensive declarations, is one of the earliest films on that list. Its examinations on complicity and the extent of human callousness reverberate to a present where Holocaust denial and blame-shifting continues to rail against the truth of untold millions and their descendants. It is a tremendous film, one containing unexpected power through its performances and the impossible situations the main characters find themselves in. Bathed in white, the final seconds of The Shop on Main Street show a wonderful dream, one that could only be crafted by a director pouring his decades-long grief for his parents and sister into his work. As the camera dances to the right, away from the shop on main street, we see in the background the shops and homes of the Jewish community now silent.

My rating: 10/10

^ Based on my personal imdb rating. The Shop on Main Street is the one hundred and fifty-eighth feature-length or short film I have rated a ten on imdb.

[trr-fangirl]

Edge of Hope - V

Pairing: Liam x MC x Drake 

Word Count: 3,745

Warnings: Angst, Language

A/N: Hey guys! Holy shit, this chapter... It’s one hell of a ride and I regret most of it but it had to be done. I didn’t want to cut it off because there’s a lot going on and want you all to understand what happening so I just kept everything aka I’m sorry about the word count. Hopefully, you all will pick up on some things this chapter. (No spoilers but I tried to make it as obvious as possible.) Enjoy and I apologize for the ending!

Important: This is the sequel to the series ‘Remember Me’. Masterlists below.

Remember Me | Masterlist

As much as it hurts...

Ain’t it wonderful to feel?

~*~*~*~

The drive to Lythikos Manor was excruciatingly quiet and full of unwanted stops. The duchy was due for their yearly blizzard and the group was driving right into it. Despite the warnings from Bastien and Mara, the King and Queen opted to go themselves with their close friends to tag along. As the two vans pulled into the drive, the snow was letting up just enough for them to quickly enter the manor with the help of Olivia’s guards. Hana and Kimiko shivered as they stepped into the warm air of Olivia’s estate. Hana helped Kimiko out of her layers of warm clothing before she undid her own.

“I shouldn’t be surprised at how fast you all got here.” She muttered as she started to descend down the hallway. Kimiko was right on her trail, wasting no time. Olivia stopped in front of the sitting room and pointed inside. Kimiko slowly walked in and stopped abruptly.

The Queen’s sister sat motionless in front of the burning fireplace with blankets wrapped around her shoulders and a mug in her hands. As Kimiko walked further into the room, guilt yet again washed over her. She could now see all the cuts, bruises, and scabs that plagued her body. There were dark circles around her eyes and she looked lost in thought. Even her hair, something she took such pride in, was matted and simply thrown into a loose ponytail. All of this because she didn’t pay any attention to her sister.

“Jessica?” The sound of Kimiko’s voice echoed through the room and yet it took the woman a minute to register her own name and turn her head to meet the person who called her.

Her eyes were distant and glossed over. She looked lifeless… Like her soul had been stripped away from her and left an empty shell behind. This wasn’t her sister. This wasn’t Jessica anymore.

“Kimiko?” She called back, placing the cup down on the ground next to her. “Is… Is that really you?” She whispered as she blinked her eyes a couple of times, “Please tell me it’s really you..”

Kimiko nodded and rushed over to her sister, engulfing her in a huge hug. Jessica hugged her just as tightly as she could but even then, her normal bear hug wasn’t the same. The feeling was…off. But Kimiko ignored it. There had to be a reasonable answer for it, there always was. She held her sister for a bit longer before pulling away and looking at her. “Of course, it’s me!” She said to her with a small smile.

Jessica looked at her and let out a loud sigh of relief, “Thank god.” She coughed out as her eyes traveled elsewhere… towards the door. Kimiko turned to see all her friends standing at the threshold of the room, watching them reunite.

“What happened to you?!” Kimiko whispered as she pushed some of her sister’s hair out of her face. She could see the sadness and stress in her face as Jessica’s eyes shifted away from hers. Her grip tightened around Kimiko’s hand and she bit her lip, “I...I’d rather not talk about it.”

Kimiko stared at her for a moment before nodding slowly in understanding. As much as she wanted her to talk about what happened to her, where she had been for the past month-- what Anton did to her. She knew she couldn’t. It was too early for Jessica to even think about reliving those traumatizing memories. Kimiko held her sister for a while before letting her go and rejoining her friends at the door.

“Let’s leave her alone for a while,” Kimiko whispered to them and they all nodded. With that, the group left the sitting room and made their way to the empty dining room. The room was completely silent as everyone was in their own thoughts-- most likely about Jessica. No one knew how to ask about her so they didn’t dare to.

Hana glanced out of the window, watching as the snow began to fall faster and faster. Her hand gently moved to the glass and as if on cue, the lights flickered. She jumped and looked up at the lights as they fought to stay on.

Olivia chuckled at Hana’s reaction, “Don’t worry. The manor has two backup generations. This blizzard is nothing compared to all the others.” Hana stared for a moment before nodding and looking back out the window.

Kimiko sat down on the nearest chair and sighed softly, “So. Where did you find Jessica?” She asked, her fingers nervously fumbling around each other. Olivia looked at her and hummed as she looked out the window Hana was staring out of.

“Out there, about to die of hypothermia.” She said nonchalantly before continuing, “The guards actually found her two days ago but I didn’t alert you all until now.”

Kimiko’s eyes suddenly widened as she realized what she said. Keeping her sister hidden from her for two whole days? After all the pain she endured for losing her to the enemy? Her eyes filled but she quickly shut them as she tried not to shed any tears, “Olivia, why the hell did you tell me--”

Olivia immediately rolled her eyes, “What? Did you really want to watch you sister fight for her life or would you rather see her as she is now?”

The room became quiet again but with more tension. Kimiko sighed and bit her lip, was it her fault everything was tense now? Even with her friends? She rubbed her fingers over her eyebrows and looked up at her friends, “I’m sorry. I just…”

“It’s alright, Amaya. We understand.” Drake chimed and put a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it gently. Kimiko looked up at him and smiled gratefully until a soft cough brought them out of-- whatever was going on between them. Her eyes traveled to her husband’s and Drake took a reflexive step away from Kimiko and he pulled his hand away from her shoulder. She had forgotten that things were still on the rocks between him and Drake-- she didn’t even know what was going on with Olivia and Drake. Were they together? Were they not? It must have not mattered since Olivia looked unbothered when Drake touched her, unlike Aiden.

Aiden stepped closer to her and instead of turning to her, he glanced at Drake, “Could we have a word?” He asked coldly, ignoring Kimiko’s shocked eyes on him. Before the Queen could intervene, Drake had already accepted and the two men were walking out of the dining room.

Kimiko shot a look over at Olivia, Maxwell, and Hana for a moment before rushing out of the room after the men. She searched the foyer before finding them in a secluded corner. Drake looked more annoyed than usual while Aiden’s eyebrows were knitted together. She immediately knew the conversation wasn’t going well.

As she moved forward to engage in the discussion, her wrist was grabbed. In one swift motion, Kimiko pulled her arm away from the unknown and stepped back to see… Jessica? She was instantly puzzled. For someone who had been incarcerated for a month and almost died of hypothermia, she was incredibly-- strong.

“Jessica… I thought you--”

“I- I couldn’t help but follow you to the dining room. Since I know you’re here now, I want to be near you. I know it’s safe here but I..” She began to stutter and ramble the more she spoke. Kimiko sighed and took her older sister’s hand.

“It’s alright, Jessica. I understand you want to be close to me. I’m not leaving anytime soon, you know.” She explained to her. She watched as Jessica nodded slowly and looked down at their hands. Kimiko frowned again-- what was that on her wrist? A diamond? She couldn’t tell since her sleeve was covering most of it. But she knew Jessica would never get a tattoo. She was terrified of needles. Kimiko reached for her sleeve but was taken aback by Jessica quickly stepping back and putting her arms behind her back.

What.. was that?

Jessica and Kimiko stared at each other, their eyes never leaving one another. Something was terribly off and Kimiko knew it. She didn’t want to believe that her sister had changed but she couldn’t shake the feeling. She didn’t want to be right… but deep down in her heart, she knew she was.

~~~

Kimiko giggled as she watched her sister dance around the cold bedroom. It had been two days since they arrived at Lythikos Manor and the blizzard hadn’t let up. From what Olivia was told, it seemed like they would be stuck inside for another three days at the most. But Kimiko didn’t mind. Who would when they had three extra days to relax with their sibling they had just reunited with? They had been sharing a bedroom for the past two nights and were having the best time together and with the group.

Jessica flopped on the bed next to Kimiko and let out a long sigh, “Why aren’t you dancing with me?” She asked as she turned to her little sister.

“I’m not in the mood. Plus there’s no music.” She said with a small shrug, “You looked like you were having a lot of fun by yourself.”

The Countess looked at her and gave her a sad smile, “I was doing it for you, sis. I want you to know that I’m okay… even after all of that.” She whispered as she pushed some of Kimiko’s hair off of her forehead.

Kimiko stared at Jessica for a moment, thinking back to the month they were separated, “What happened back there with Anton?”

“Abuse, torture, and manipulation. All that shit you see on TV but a million times worst.” She deadpanned, staring blankly at the lavender walls. Her voice was barely audible and her face had flushed slightly, she didn’t want to talk about it for obvious reasons. Kimiko nodded and looked up at the ceiling for a moment before placing her hand on her stomach. Her face lit up slightly, a smile appearing on her lips for a moment, “Wanna know a secret?”

Jessica frowned and raised an eyebrow, “You were keeping secrets from your big sister?” She asked as she pushed her own hair out of her face.

“More like from the entire country… and the world if we’re putting it on a scale.” She corrected as she sat up to stretch her body.

“Okay. Now, you really have to tell me.” Jessica said as she quickly sat up and gave her full attention to Kimiko. Her eyes were wide with intrigue and all Kimiko wanted to do was laugh and hug her.

Kimiko took a deep breath, “Promise me that you won’t say anything to anyone at all. This is between you and me.”

Jessica rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin, “I will! I promise! Now, just tell me!”

She glared at her sister for a moment before continuing with her happy news, “I found out maybe about a month ago that I’m pregnant.”

There was a quick beat of silence before it was interrupted by Jessica gasping and jumping onto her sister, pulling her into a huge bear hug. “Kimiko, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for you!” She yelled as she nuzzled into Kimiko’s neck.

The two embraced each other for a while before Kimiko finally pulled away and looked at Jessica, “But you can’t tell anymore. It’s our secret for the next two months.”

Jessica nodded and sat up on her knees, “So, did you tell Drake yet!?”

“Drake? No. No one is supposed to know except you, me and Aiden.” Kimiko frowned and pushed back her hair, “He’ll find out once we give the okay to tell the King’s Guard about it.”

“Oh. So, it’s Aiden’s child and not Drake’s?” Jessica asked before humming then shrugging.

Kimiko’s eyes widened, “What! Of course, it’s Aiden’s! Why would—“

Jessica jumped up and walked over to her phone across the bedroom. She scrolled through her phone before turning on an upbeat song and turning to Kimiko, “We should dance now!”

“But I wasn’t done talki-“

“Who cares?! Let’s dance!” She insisted as she began to move like a worm.

Kimiko gave her a sad smile before shaking her head and standing up. “I think I’m going to head back to my room now,” Kimiko mumbled as she let out a small yawn. Jessica turned off the music and pouted as she watched Kimiko walk to the bedroom door.

The older sibling ran over to the door and grabbed Kimiko’s wrist, “Don’t leave yet! We have to hang out some more! I haven’t seen you in a month and I don’t want to lose any more time with you.”

“But Jessi, it’s late and Aiden’s probably waiting—“ She stopped suddenly when Jessica dropped her arm and stomped over to her bed.

Jessica flopped on the bed and folded her arms, “Goodnight, Kimiko.”

Kimiko watched in confusion and aggravation as Jessica threw a fit about her leaving. Was she jealous of her relationship with Aiden? And for what reason? She was never hostile or rude towards him before and now she suddenly chose hated him? Kimiko shook her head and opened the door, “Night, Jessica.” And with that, she walked out of her room and slammed the door behind her.

~~

The next two days came and went as the group continued their journey of being snowed in. As the days rolled past, the slight tension left by Jessica and Kimiko began to affect the entire house. The two wouldn’t speak during meals and avoided each other throughout the house. Hana tried to get the sisters to talk to each other but it didn’t work and only made things worse. Jessica even stopped coming out of her room during the day and only came out for dinner, after that- it was right back to her room. Of course, Kimiko felt bad since the argument wasn’t a big deal but keeping her distance made her feel somewhat better after she walked in on Jessica twirling three knives between her fingers… without looking. Kimiko couldn’t help but think Anton changed Jessica in some way and there was nothing good about that if it was true.

Kimiko and Aiden entered the dining room from dinner hand-in-hand as they usually did. To their surprise, Jessica was out of her room and helping the staff set up the table while the rest of their friends were sitting down chatting. Aiden pulled out the chair for Kimiko and pushed her in before taking his own seat.

Jessica continued to set plates and glasses on the table and stopped when she got to Kimiko. She smiled from ear to ear, “Sister, so nice of you to finally join us.”

Kimiko hummed with a fake grin on her lips, “I could say the same, Jessi.”

Aiden touched Kimiko’s hand as Jessica narrowed her eyes at her. It was only for a moment though as Jessica cleared her throat and gave the Queen a quick smile before she walked to her seat across from her. The dinner started off quiet and enjoyable with the occasional joke from Maxwell and a sigh from Drake afterward. Everything seemed to be going according to plan...

Until Countess Jessica cleared her throat and gazed at her sister. There was a mischievous glint in her eyes and Kimiko could feel her stomach doing somersaults-- and it wasn’t from the growing child inside her.

“Kimiko! Isn’t there something you want to tell your friends?” She said as she took a sip of her wine then swirled it, looking at her sister with a devious smirk.

The Queen clenched her jaw. Shit.

Jessica’s smirk widened into a smile, “Well. I’m pretty sure every one of your friends knows you’re pregnant, right?

“What!?” Maxwell and Olivia exclaimed at the same time while Drake halted putting another spoonful of food into his mouth. The three of them exchanged looks before turning to Jessica, a bit more intrigued than they were before.  

Jessica watched as Maxwell, Drake, and Olivia looked at each other in confusion. She tilted her head slightly at the three, “You all didn’t know? Huh. And to think my sister told you guys everything. I wonder why this was kept a secret.”

Kimiko looked at her sister with narrowed eyes, “What the hell, Jessica!? This isn’t the time-“

She scoffed loudly at her sister’s comment, “You had all the time in the world to tell your loving friends about your pregnancy! Surely, anytime would be a perfect time. Unless…” Jessica’s eyes shot over to Drake and the corner of her lip turned up, “Unless there’s something you aren’t telling us, Sister.”

Kimiko’s anger began to boil over as her sister continued to dig into her, “There aren’t any secrets hidden… I don’t have anything to hide.”

“Really? So, you’re positive that this child is the King’s flesh and blood?” Jessica suggested, her smirk becoming a smile again as her sister’s eyes widen and the King’s face became pale. Was she really assuming that her younger sister had an affair?

Before anyone could say anything more, Jessica continued her interrogation. “You don’t know, do you? Would you even remember? Are you as far along as you say you are? What if it’s —“ The sound of a glass slamming onto the table caused everyone to look for the source.

Drake cleared his throat and stood up from the table, “If you’ll excuse me.” He muttered quickly before standing up and heading towards the exit. Kimiko stood up just as he reached the threshold, “Drake, wait! Let me go with you.”

“I’d rather you not, Amaya.”

Kimiko stopped in her tracks as she watched Drake leave out of the dining room and head up the stairs. Her eyes landed on Jessica, who still wore that annoying smirk on her lips. She couldn’t even think of anything nice to say to her. She felt as if she wasted time, sleep, and effort looking for a sister who just screwed her over. Kimiko glared at Jessica for a second longer before storming out of the dining room, following after him anyways.

“Drake!” Kimiko called as she followed him down the hallway. She quickly walked behind him as she continued to call after him, “Drake, slow down!” She called again before becoming aggravated and stopping behind him, “Can you please just talk to me!?”

Drake finally stopped in his tracks and turned towards her, “What, Amaya? What is there to possibly talk about? Jessica basically told us everything we need to know!”

“I didn't want you to find out like this! I wanted to tell you all on my own terms and especially not at dinner like that. I told Jessica because she’s my sister-- I didn’t think she would say all of those things!”

Drake frowned as he stared down at Kimiko, “Well, she did and she brought up some interesting topics along with it.” He muttered as he shoved his hands into his pockets, breaking eye contact with her. The silence between them emerged again and it was pure torture… for both of them. All the times when they shared together began to flood her memory again, some of them she was remembering for the first time. She shook her head gently before looking up at Drake, her eyes filled to the brim with tears, “Drake, I-”

“I know it’s not mine, Kimiko. I guess it just… finally made me realize that I can never have you.” He explained as he took a reflexive step back. “You and Aiden will be great parents. I’m sure of it.”

Her jaw fell agape as she watched Drake step away from her, “Drake.” Was all she could get out before he turned away from her and continued down the hallway towards his room. She looked down as the tears finally began to stream down her pale cheeks. Kimiko quickly wiped her eyes and cheeks before rushing off towards her bedroom. All she wanted was to be alone. She finally realized that she had been stringing Drake along for so long. Too long. She hurt him in ways no one else could and there was no way for her to make that up to him. What kind of person was she before she lost her memory? What kind of person was she becoming? Whatever... Whoever it was- she didn’t like it and she didn’t want to turn into that person ever.

She opened the door to her bedroom and swung it open, only to find herself in the presence of her husband. Shit. Not this, not now… Not ever. Kimiko instantly turned to leave the room when Aiden gripped her hand. His touch was gentle as always but still firm enough to make her stay. She stopped fighting and let out a soft sigh.

“Please stay.”

She could feel her heart break even more as she heard the vulnerability… the pain in his voice. The pain she caused because of her careless actions. Because she was selfish and only care about her needs.  Kimiko gazed back at him through her long dark locks, their eyes only catching each other for a second before they broke it. Neither of them wanted to see the other hurt but no matter how hard they tried, they were going to see it first hand.

“Aiden, I’m sorry. I didn’t know Jessica was going to tell everyone and say those things… You know that--” Kimiko started then trailed off when they made eye contact again. Hiding behind her hair wasn’t working as well as she thought it would. She glanced down at the doorknob as the tears she had for Drake began to fill again but this time for the right person. Right?

Aiden cleared his throat as he nodded, “I know it’s mine but… I can’t say Countess Jessica didn’t make me doubt it for a moment there.”

“Aiden! I would never--” Kimiko cut herself off as she turned towards Aiden completely and took his hands into hers, “I would never do that to you.”

“...I wish I believed you.”

Everything stopped. She slowly became numb as she realized what kind of pain she put both the men she loves though. She strung along her best friend from another year just to put him back on the same position as before and now her husband couldn’t even trust her not to have an affair. All of this was her fault and she couldn’t even think of how to fix such a thing. Maybe she needed to fall off the face of the Earth or leave Cordonia behind and move back to New York or even to Japan, where the rest of her family members lived.

Kimiko dropped his hands as quickly as she held them. She opened her mouth to reply but instead shook her head, “I don’t need this stress.” She muttered and turned back around, exiting the bedroom without another word. It seemed like the feeling was mutual when he didn’t say another word after she left.

----------

Tagging: @flowerpowell @flowerpowell @speedyoperarascalparty @hhiggs  @heatherfilliez @umccall71 @writtenbycandy @blznbaby @mitalijoshi @sleeplessescapades @flyawayblue56

[ambivalent-auguries]

💋 ─ be caught standing under the mistletoe // is hana & anton still a thing or ... 👉👈

🍎 ｡:*• ─ IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME ! 

Anton can't help but smile as he watches Hana's frustrated expression - dicing onions still gives him a little trouble, yet he has made strides in conquering the skill. There's a small pout on his lips that Anton simply wants to kiss away. He slowly comes up from behind the other man, hands covering Hana's as his lips gently place a kiss against his nape.

"Like this, yeah?" he whispers as he guides Hana's hands with slow movements. The sound of the knife hitting the board is the only thing disturbing the silence and Anton loves moments like this, when he can focus on every small detail about Hana, from the way he breathes to how he has that look of intense focus in his eyes. As soon as the onion is done, Anton put the knife away on the board, earning a curious gaze from Hana as he looks over his shoulder at him. A playful smile curls Frenchie's lips and he gently pulls Hana away from the cutting board and towards the door of the kitchen, where he lets the man turn around, a chuckle sitting in Hana's chest, still not knowing what game Anton is playing.

"Ah, look at that, what a coincidence," Anton grins, finger pointing above them towards the mistletoe he put up just to have an opportunity to do this. Hana starts chuckling, but Anton silences his mirth with a kiss, which is welcomed by the other man with a small whimper. Hands make their way into Anton's hair and he pulls Hana closer, uncaring that his tresses will smell like onion for days and that they still have plenty of steps to get through to finish up Christmas dinner.

[ambivalent-auguries]

i wamt kis 😠💕 ( for hana + fuyumi + lei but i don't wanna spam you with 3 asks so )

small details for fictional kisses

3. kisses that travel from your lover’s nose to their lips // For Hana

A slow grin pulls at Frenchie's lips as his gaze lingers on the other's face. Hana in the morning is beautiful - wrapped in the glimmer of the sunrise, skin glowing, warm and inviting. He leans in, lips fluttering above the other's elegant shoulder, before he changes his mind and instead brings his face to Hana's sleeping one. He presses a soft kiss against the ridge of Hana's nose, a silent chuckle moving chest before he trails further down and his mouth brushes against Hana's - soft and gentle and sweet.

"Bonjour, mon chou," he whispers before placing another kiss against Hana's lips.

27. brushing your lips together, lingering for a moment // For Fuyumi

He didn't mean it. He tells himself that, again and again, but he knows he did - something inside him, a truth that is anchored in his chest, the weight of his affection for the other man which had only blossomed more and more with time. He did mean it.

Breathing in, sharing the same air as Fuyumi, he relaxes the embrace around the other man a tad. How impulsive, he thinks, to hug the man on a simple whim, on a gentle tug from his desire. But as he leans back and catches Fuyumi's gaze, he realises he has not met the end of his impulsivity. His heart shivers, helpless, in his chest and all the air in his lungs is extinguished by the power of the thought running through his mind.

Do it, the voice says...

Yamato watches as Fuyumi's expression shifts and, so close, he swears he could read every thought Fuyumi has on the every shifting tapestry of his face. His gaze moves from the man's stare towards his lips and it remains there for a few moments before he closes his eyes and the world goes dark and everything becomes unknown... He forgets to breathe as he leans in closer and he can feel Fuyumi's breath upon his lips and, before he knows it, he can feel the man's mouth on his as well - the touch is barely there, so soft and fragile a single breath could break them apart and send them into opposite corners of the universe.

So Yamato doesn't let it as he lingers there, lips softly pressed against Fuyumi.

How impulsive...

13. pulling your lover closer by the waistband // For Lei

Freyr can feel the resistance in the other man - he can taste it upon his lips which he needs to fight and which challenge him before they part for Freyr to taste Lei properly. He can sense the reticence in the way the man, even while kissing, is putting distance between them. As if... Lei was afraid that if he stood any closer, if he gave in easier, he would give in completely and there would be no return for him. The thought alone makes Freyr's lips curl in a grin against Lei's, before his mouth is on the man's again, hungry, insatiable, wanting to consume the entirety of the bodyguard. With a swift motion, his finger hooks into one of the belt loops of Lei's trousers and he gently tugs - barely a forceful gesture, but Lei can't help himself and Freyr knows it. The man presses against him more with every tug, until Freyr is satisfied Lei can feel his heart beating against his own chest.

"You are not going anywhere," he whispers, soft, lips brushing tantalisingly against Lei's as he speaks, tasting the remnants of their kiss. And, as much as Lei may hate it, he has to know Freyr is right - Freyr has to be right with the way Lei's knees seem to buckle under the strength of Freyr's heady scent.

The skater smile again, lids hooded, lips eager to return to the warmth of Lei's. He keeps a finger hooked in the belt loop of Lei's trousers and, despite a finger being all that is holding Lei in place, Freyr is secure in the knowledge he won't be able to break away from him... Not now. Not ever.

[ambivalent-auguries]

@nexilium​ // Anton and Hana moodboard. 

           “I liked my name pronounced by your lips in a grateful, happy accent.”