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lorirwritesfanfic · 1 month ago

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Chris Hemsworth as King Liam Rys

Disclaimers:

This character profile was created specifically to fit King Liam on Liam and Jade's Love Story universe. I unfortunately don't own the character, I don't assume to know everything about him and I have no intention to affirm this is exactly who he is and how other people should write him. I'm merely a hardcore enthusiast of this lovely character and I do my best to keep his essence while adding a few headcanons of my own;

Though I mostly write canon compliant fics in L&JLS, Lena isn't included in this character profile because I haven't played TRF and I personally don't know how relevant she would be for the series.

Name: Liam Rys

Nationality: Cordonian

Birthdate: January 10, 1990

Hometown: Cordonian capital

Current Residence: Cordonian capital / Duchy of Valtoria, Cordonia

Occupation: Politician, Head of State of Cordonia

Titles: His Royal Majesty of Cordonia, Colonel-in-Chief of Cordonian Army, Duke of Valtoria, Patron of the University of Cordonia, Patron of the National Museum of Cordonia, Patron of the National Library of Cordonia

Talents/Skills: Combat training, empathy, leadership, musicality, negotiation, perceptiviness, public speaking, self-defense, strategic thinking, survival skills, sword fighting, teaching, writing.

Parents: Constantine Rys and Eleanor Rys (both deceased)

Siblings: Leo Rys

Spouse: Jade Isabel Bourbon-Rys

Children: Elise Valentina Bourbon-Rys, Louis Philipe Bourbon-Rys, Sophie Eleanor Bourbon-Rys

Closest relatives: Regina Rys (stepmother), Ava Mei Tsui-Rys (niece), Emma Zhen Tsui-Rys (niece), Daphne Wang-Foredale (fourth cousin)

Background: Second son of King Constantine Rys and Queen Eleanor Rys, Liam is a kind-hearted, polite and sophisticated man with impressive diplomatic skills. Though he wasn't raised to be king, he was prepared from a very young age to serve the Cordonian Crown taking etiquette lessons, politics, philosophy, learning different languages (aside from English, he's fluent in Greek, Spanish, French and Italian) and even dancing and survival skills. While growing up, he was a free-spirited kid and had more opportunities to enjoy his childhood with his friends and the Walker family than his older brother.

After his mother's tragic passing, Liam became a reserved person, taking his role in the Royal family more seriously. With time, Liam grew apart from Drake (who left to the US to go to college) and joined the Royal Air Force to please his father. A few months after, the Royal family suffered an assassination attempt. Liam developed signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, avoiding social interactions, having trouble sleeping, being easily frightened/startled and showing some physical symptoms of panick (sweating, nausea, trembling). Leo asked Drake to return to the palace to help Liam, both encouraging the young prince to seek therapy.

As he got better, Liam enrolled in the University of Cordonia to study History and returned to the Royal Air Force. Liam had plans to follow an academic career when Leo abdicated the throne. After Liam got his major degree, he was formally introduced as the Crown Prince and officially prepared to rule the Kingdom. Though it was a drastic change of path in his life that required many sacrifices, Liam adjusted to the life of future monarch quite fast, undeniably enjoying the perks of using the many skills he had developed over the years to make a difference as a politician.

What's his family like?

Constantine wasn't a present parent, nor a father who easily showed affection towards his sons. Liam was mostly raised by his mother and a few nanies and tutors. Eleanor constantly talked about the importance of Constantine's role as king and father not just for their family but for the entire country, which is why Liam always looked up to his father.

Eleanor was a loving mother to him and his brother, but also disciplined them when necessary. She shared her love for reading, writing and History with Liam. Her passing had an enormous impact on Liam's life and personality. He still misses her dearly and visits her whenever he can. He always takes a bouquet of jasmines to her grave on Mother's day and on her birthday.

Being six years younger than Leo, the brothers always had divergences, often teasing each other, Leo and Liam played pranks that usually led to getting both of the. in trouble while growing up. Yet, Leo always knew Liam was a better fit for the Crown and has always been a protective of his baby brother, taking the blame for himself whenever Liam did something wrong, defending his brother from malicious comments and insults, helping him during his first months as Crown Prince and teaching him self-defense and mixed martial arts. Liam looks up to his brother and fully supports the lifepath and choices his older brother makes.

Regina entered the Royal family a few years after Eleanor's passing. Despite her usual commanding presence towards her stepsons, she cares for them deeply. Liam has great respect and fondness towards Regina.

Liam doesn't have a long list of relatives he's truly close to. The only exception are the Foredales, specially Lady Daphne.

Favourite childhood memory: Playing with Drake and Maxwell around the palace, trips to the Walkers ranch and summers at Applewood Manor.

Nicknames: He didn't use to have nicknames while growing up, but he loves all the petnames Jade has given him.

Astrology sign: Capricorn sun, Libra rising, Scorpio moon

Hobbies: reading, horse riding, sailing, playing guitar, singing, writing

Top 5 songs:

The Seasons, op. 37a: VI. June "Barcarolle" - Piotr Ilitch Tchaikovski

Requiem: Lacrimosa - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Bachianas Brasileiras n°1 - Heitor Villa Lobos

And I Love Her - Beatles

Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

Favorite books:

The Metamorphosis - Franz Kafka

Dubliners - James Joyce

Hamlet - William Shakespeare

Charneca em Flor - Florbela Espanca

Jane Eyre - Emily Brontë

Favorite movies:

Star Trek (1979)

Matrix (1999)

The Lord of Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2011) [he likes all the LOTR saga, but the first one is his favorite]

Black Swan (2010)

Lion (2016)

Favorite TV shows: Liam enjoys watching anything that gets his mind out of his life. He grew up watching The X-Files and Firefly with Drake and Maxwell. A friend introduced him to Death Note during his teenhood and it blew him away. Nowadays, he likes watching Stranger Things and Arcane by himself, but he often watches comedies like Friends and Parks and Recreation with Jade.

Biggest guilty pleasure: he's getting addicted to watching videos of people building things from scratch like furniture, houses or doing crafts. In any spare time he has, he will watch people building furniture out of bamboo, small cabins in the woods and intricate craftsmanship like jewelry design, intarsia and pastry sculpture.

Sweet or savoury? Sweet.

Favorite food: Baklava, chicken tagine, apple pie, any sort of pasta.

Favourite drinks: coffee (the stronger, the better), vanilla milkshake, wine, scotch.

Most treasured possessions:

A Lion Cross Royal Crown designed for his thirtieth birthday;

A small double bladed dagger that belonged to his ancestor Queen Kenna Rys;

Photo albums with many pictures of his family and friends

A Statue of Liberty keychain given by his wife on his coronation night;

Jade cufflinks given by his wife during the trip to China;

His wedding band;

His children's baby teeth (the kids find it gross, but Jade and him proudly keep them in the family safe).

Close Friends: Drake Walker, Maxwell Beaumont, Hana Lee, Bertrand Beaumont, Leo Rys

Goals for the future: Liam has many goals for Cordonia such as bringing back economic stability to the country, hosting big events that will increase tourism, supporting projects involving environmental sustainability, arts, culture and philanthropy, etc. But in his personal life, he simply wants to travel around the world with Jade, watch his children grow and spend as much time as he can with his loved ones.

Dog lover or cat lover?

Dog lover. He loves strolling with the family corgis. But he also likes Jade's cats and encourages his kids to have any domestic animals as long as they actually take care of them.

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird. But he can't deny he loves late nights with his wife.

How does he relax after a bad day?

It depends gon how bad the day was. On a not so bad day, half an hour listening to music (he has a soothing playlist on Spotify) when he needs to slow down will do. He goes horse riding or walking when he needs to clear his head. But on really tough days, he'll go to the gym to practice any sort of martial arts. Muay Thai and Krav Maga are his favorites.

Personality: INFJ-T (Turbulent Advocate)

Idealistic and principled, people with the INFJ personality type (Advocates) aren’t content to coast through life – they want to stand up and make a difference. For these compassionate personalities, success doesn’t come from money or status but from seeking fulfillment, helping others, and being a force for good in the world.

Thoughtful and often selfless, INFJ personalities pour a great deal of energy and care into their relationships, but this doesn’t mean that they always feel appreciated in return. People with this personality type tend to slow down and really evaluate how what they do might impact others before they take action. Consequently, it can frustrate them when other people don’t recognize their good intentions. INFJs are very sensitive to criticism of any kind and can take things very personally. A few close relationships, provided that they’re genuine, can fill INFJs’ hearts to the brim.

One random headcanon: Liam joined the Cordonian Royal Air Force when he was nineteen. He was progressively rising on RAF ranks (he reached Flight Lieutenant rank) and was in his third year studying History when Leo abdicated the throne. He still pilots helicopters and small planes from time to time, but since he doesn't fly often, he has never piloted any aircraft with his children in it. He took Jade a few times when they were newlyweds (it involved a lot of begging and persuasion on her part), but there was always an aircraft pilot team on board just in case.

#character profiles #choices fanfic #the royal romance #king liam #kingliamappreciationweek #KLAW day 2 #lorirwritesfanfic #lorircreates

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angelasscribbles · 2 years ago

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In Your Room Chapter 11: Oh Mother

Series: In Your Room

Fandom: TRR

Pairings: Leo x Drake

Rating: PG

Warnings for this chapter: A couple of F-bombs, that's it

Song Inspiration for the series: In Your Room by The Bangles

Word Count: 1,163

My other stuff: Master List.

The woman’s voice trembled as she asked tentatively, “You remember me?”

“Yes…” her image was etched into his memory. Her face had a few more lines in it now, but it was still the face from his earliest memories, as well as the face in the well worn photo of her he carried in his wallet. But it wasn’t just her appearance. The lilt in her voice and the faint scent of jasmine that wafted to him on the breeze pulled him back through the years to the palace nursery, bedtime stories and hugs that could make the worst booboos better and the scariest dreams fade into oblivion. Until one day she had just been gone and nothing had been truly okay since. Not until Drake’s love had started to heal him.

His heart began to race, and the roar of his own blood was deafening in his ears. “What are you doing here?” he choked out.

“I…I just wanted to see you…” tears welled up in the woman’s eyes, “I didn’t mean to disrupt your wedding! I’m so sorry!”

“This is your mother?” Bianca’s mouth fell open.

“Yeah,” Leo nodded, his mouth dry. So many emotions fell through him in that moment. Joy, loss, pain, anger, sadness, curiosity, wonder, amazement. He asked the one question that he’d wanted to ask for over twenty years, “Where have you been?”

“I…” she sniffed as she glanced at the people surrounding them, “Can we go somewhere more private?”

“Come on, let’s all go into the house,” Bianca directed as she patted Leo gently on the shoulder.

Leo responded to her touch, and her directions, turning and making his way into the house without question. Bianca whipped her phone out and sent a text to her son. On the way into the house, she sent a server to bring iced tea to the living room.

By the time the tea made it to them, so had Drake. He rounded the corner in a panic, “What’s wrong?”

Bianca intercepted him, “Drake, this is Leo’s mother.”

“What?” He froze in place, gaping at the scene in front of him.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Leo laughed, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Drake Walker at a loss for words before.”

“Sorry!” Drake shook himself out of it and hurried to take a seat next to his almost husband. He took Leo’s hand in his own. His copper eyes traced Leo’s face with concern, “Are you okay?”

“Mm, hm,” Leo nodded as he wiped a tear from his cheek, “Just in shock a little I guess.” Turning to the woman seated across from him, he said, “I never thought I’d see you again. I’d given up hope.”

Helena dropped her head into her hands and started to cry.

Bianca moved to the couch next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“I’m sorry,” Helena lifted her head to give Bianca a grateful look, “I promised myself I wasn’t going to cry! Today isn’t about me!”

“No, it’s not,” Drake affirmed, “So why did you pick today, of all days, to show up?”

“I just wanted to see my baby boy get married. I wanted to make sure he…” she hiccupped a little through her sobs, “…was happy…”

“I am happy,” Leo assured her, “but I would have been a lot happier a long time ago if I’d had a mother.”

“I know…I’m sorry….your father…he wouldn’t…he said I couldn’t…he…”

The anger whooshed out of him as Leo stared at her, horrified, “Constantine wouldn’t let you see me, would he?”

She shook her head no.

“That fucker! I knew it!” Leo was on his feet, pacing.

“Yeah…but…” Drake looked back and forth between them, “Leos been an adult for a while now. Why didn’t reach out sooner?”

“I tired! When he was at college a few times, but the guards wouldn’t let me through! I sent letters but I…I’m guessing you never got them?”

“All my mail was screened…”

“And your personal number was unpublished.” Drake finished for him.

“I was in the crowd in Paris when you gave that speech about climate change,” she smiled proudly through her tears, “You were so passionate about it!”

“You were there?” Leo felt tears pool in his own eyes again, but for an entirely different reason.

She had followed his career. She had tried to contact him. She had never forgotten him nor abandoned him willingly. And he should have known. He should have looked for her. It was just one more thing his father had taken from him.

As if reading his mind, Drake’s voice cut through his self-recrimination, “You didn’t know, Leo.”

“Of course, I was there!” Helena nodded, “I wanted to be there for so much more, Leo! I never wanted to leave you behind! I made a mistake! I didn’t realize that when I decided to leave Constantine that he would keep you from me! I really thought we would split custody and-“

Leo was suddenly across the room and in her arms. Bianca moved off the couch to give them room as they clung to each other and cried together.

Bianca pulled Drake to the side, “I’ll go let the guests know the wedding will start late. I think they need a minute.”

“Yeah, thanks, mom,” Drake brushed a kiss on her cheek before turning his attention back to Leo, “I’m staying in case he needs me.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, son.”

Leo and his mother spent the next twenty minutes trying to catch up on all the missing years.

“Hey, babe,” Drake finally interjected, “Should we reschedule the wedding?”

“What?” Leo looked up, startled, “Why?”

“Um…” Drake’s eyes traced from Leo to Helena and back again, “So you can deal with this.”

“I didn’t mean to derail your wedding!” she protested, “I just wanted to be here!”

The press had reported his engagement to another man three months ago, but the man had been unidentified and Leo’s location unknown. Drake’s name had been leaked two weeks ago. She’d hired a private detective who had delivered the address of the ranch and the date of the wedding yesterday.

She hadn’t known if he’d want to see her. She thought she could slip in and watch from the back. She hadn’t counted on security at the gate.

“You’re fine,” Leo grinned at her, “I’m glad you’re here. It makes this day even more perfect!” His father was never keeping them apart again. “Please stay after so we can talk some more?”

“I’d like nothing more!” she agreed.

Leo stood and pulled Drake into his body with a smirk, “You’re not getting out of this that easy, Walker! We’re getting hitched!”

Surprised laughter bubbled out of Drake, “Hitched? Did you just say hitched?”

“Yeah…I’m a real Texan now, boy! Yee Haw! Let’s go get hitched!”

Drake swatted Leo on the backside as he followed him out of the room, “Try and fucking stop me!”

#in your room #angelasscribbles #trr au #the royal romance #dreo #Drake x Leo #Leo x Drake #Drake Walker #Leo Rys #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week

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bebepac · 2 years ago

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Six Sentence Sunday 03.26.23

Ooooh. Boy.. Here we go. Some of you all may remember this chick. Well she’s back messing with stuff again. I apologize in advance for some of the snippets you’re going to see today.

Things I’ve written lately:

The Cordonian Arrangement: Shattered Heart

The Cordonian Arrangement: Memories of You

The Vampires Live On: Part 3

Original Post: 03/26/23 at 8:01PM EST

The Book: TRR Chapter 8: Garden Party Photo Op Series: The Life Of Riley: Book 2 Pairings: Liam x Riley Status: Still in the writing process.

Special Request fic :) and has a companion chapter to Heroes and Villians

She smiled when she woke up yet again, amongst the soft plush covers and mattress that felt like she was sleeping on clouds. Opening her eyes, she glanced around the ornately decorated room. Waking up there every morning always felt like she was in a dream. She jumped up ,from her bed running over to the balcony, throwing open the doors, as if she expected the gardens below not to be visible. But it was, every single morning. She had been in Cordonia a little more than three weeks; the ending of the first week at the palace where she was participating in Prince Liam’s social season. She was living her own Cinderella story thanks to Prince Liam Rys, who after spending the night with her in New York, asked her to come visit him in Cordonia for a week, and then asked her to stay..

She was not the only one living their own Cinderella story that had Liam to thank. A young Nicolas Karahalios had everything he owned packed in a duffel bag slung over his shoulder and was standing at the palace gates waiting for entry.

“Full name, and state your business at the palace.”

“Karahalios, Nicolas A. I’m training for the Kingsguard.”

The sentry took out a clip board and scrolled through the names. Nico sighed in relief when the guard picked up a pen and checked his name off the list.

“Right on time, head through those double doors there to take your photo for your level two identification, and from there, you’ll go to uniforms for your cadet attire.”

“Thank you.”

“Good luck, kid.” The guard nodded to him, opening the gate.

“Thank you, Sir!”

Nico slid the strap of his bag up higher on his shoulder and stood in amazement as the palace gates opened for him. He took a deep breath and stepped forward.

Nico was officially on palace soil for the first time.

“Come in Maxwell!” Riley said when she heard his knock.

Maxwell smiled as he walked through the door.

“You know, we have to stop meeting this way.”

Maxwell laughed but the door remained open for Bertrand to walk through. Riley tried to hide her annoyance.

“Yes Bertrand, what did I do wrong now?”

He looked her over.

“Nothing that I can tell as of yet, but you did just wake up, which already means you have a late start.”

“Still getting used to the time difference.”

“That didn’t matter last night when you were at the dive bar drinking with Drake Walker acting like you’re still a college student.”

“You’re acting like your brother Maxwell wasn’t there too.”

“Little Blossom! Way to throw me under the bus!”

“I feel like I’m the only one taking this whole arrangement seriously, keeping you two in check is like herding cats.”

“Meow.”

Maxwell chuckled.

“Do not encourage her Maxwell.”

The Book: TRR Part 4: The Vampires Live On Series: The Vampires Live On Pairings: Liam x Riley (in this decade) Gabriel x Alice in the past. Status: Still in the writing process.

Gabriel consoled me as I cried.

“Are you happy we made it here?”

“Very happy. I promise these are happy tears. I felt like I was robbed of the opportunity to give her a proper goodbye.”

Gabriel looked visibly hurt by my words. I grabbed his arm to reassure him.

“It was not your fault, you did what you had to do to keep me safe, to keep us safe. I understand why you did it. Though, it still does not sway how I felt and have felt all of these years. The world should be more evolved, and it’s not. And because it wasn’t, I couldn’t even say a proper farewell to my sister, when I really needed to do it.”

“The world never changes. Yes, there is a lot more technology now that has made life remarkably easier, but the core of people… never change. I have walked this earth for long enough to realize that.”

“The things you’ve seen I can’t even imagine, especially in the earlier years.”

“Yes, it was quite a different time. I must leave for a little bit, but I will return shortly, then we will go out for dinner.”

From the time Gabriel left to the time he returned all I had thought about was Clara and the picture of the two of us.

“I have a present for you.”

He held out a small wrapped box for me to take.

“What is this?”

“Something you really wanted, and deserved to have.”

“This is so sweet.”

When I tore open the box, inside, was the framed picture of me and Clara.

“Gabriel….”

“You deserve more than just to see Clara in only your dreams. This picture should lie with her family and now it does, and if you look closely, you can see Maxwell in it as well, and he’s looking at Clara, smiling.”

“He loved her so much.”

“He did. And you can see it as clear as day here.”

The Book: TRF Part 8: Where Do We Go From Here? The Series: The Cordonian Arrangement Pairings Former Riley x Nico (Riley X M!OC) Liam x Riley? Status: Still in the writing process.

It was barely dawn and the sun was only creeping slightly through the windows. When she moved, his embrace tightened, pulling her back close to him, leaning in, to kiss her neck. Still waking from her slumber, it felt like a typical morning that she had lived every day when waking in his arms was commonplace. Riley moaned softly as he continued to gently nibble her neck, pressing her body into his.

“Let’s stay in bed. Don’t go…." she mumbled in her sleep. “Stay with me.”

“Always.”

His voice made her immediately leave that place of pre woke slumber to soberingly wide awake, quickly pulling away from him.

“Liam….”

Fully awake, all the memories of the last few months, and from last night flooded back to her in a wave.

Observing the shock and almost disappointment in her eyes, shielding her bare body from him with the sheet, Liam knew.

“That wasn’t intended for me, was it?”

She didn’t want to lie to him, and she couldn’t look him in the face either.

“No… I’m…. sorry….” She headed towards the door still draped in the sheet from the bed.

“Riley, we need to talk about this. There’s a reason you came to me last night. It felt right for us to be together that way.”

“For a brief second, this morning I forgot the horror that has been these last 3 months that has been my life. Last night, I was lonely… I wanted to feel…. Connected to someone again. I didn’t mean to give you the wrong idea.”

“Do you regret it?”

“No… I don’t regret it… but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a mistake. It was a mistake Liam. We have way too much history for me to think that you would simply be okay with this.”

“We made love last night Riley.”

“We… didn’t. It was just sex. I’m still in love with my husband.” Glancing down at her ring on her finger that she was still wearing.

“Your husband is dead.”

Riley gasped in shock. Liam immediately wanted to take the words back.

“Who are you?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like it came out Riley. Forgive me, I didn’t mean it Riley. I promise you I didn’t.”

“Get out of my house.”

“Riley…. We’re supposed to take Angelo to the zoo today.”

“GET OUT OF MY HOUSE NOW!!!!”

#bebepac writes #six sentence sunday #always more than six #cfwc sunday six #the cordonian arrangement #the vampires live on #the life of riley #riley goes to cordonia #heroes and villans #choices fanfiction #trr fanfic #trr fandom #liam x riley #riley x nico #liam and riley throughout the centuries

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txemrn · 2 years ago

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The Royal Romance

This blog and stories are intended for mature readers only. By continuing to read, you agree that you are 18 years of age or older.

✨- recent release

💜- writer favorites

🍋- NSFW/Suggestive Material

🧩 - Crossover

Series

*series being updated regularly will be in purple

Boughs & Mockingbirds (Masterlist; hiatus) 🍋 King Liam Rys painfully recounts the final week leading up to the birth of the royal heir during Riley’s hospital stay-- in ICU

Deja Vu (Masterlist; in progress) ✨ After an unforgettable night with a stranger, Princess Eleanor finds herself caught in a secret love triangle between a noble and a commoner.

HOLLER (indefinite hiatus)

The Missionary's Daughter (hiatus) Rejected by the woman of his dreams, Drake Walker hits an all-time low, turning to drugs and alcohol to cope with the sins of his past. But then he meets Margot Hughes, the daughter of the minister of a local mission--and she is vastly different from the other girls Drake is used to meeting. Painfully optimistic. Overly-friendly. Self-lessly generous. She just might be his salvation, but what will it cost her?

Pour Two Glasses (Masterlist, in progress) 🍋✨ In the midst of a violent political war, Queen Riley Rys’s life is dismantled overnight, forcing her to flee Cordonia to live in hiding as a commoner with a loyal, best friend

Stay (Masterlist, in progress) 🍋 With her family facing deportation back to Auvernal, fun-spirited Reid Ambrose quits college to support her family. But as fate would have it, she accepts a temporary job as a caregiver for the royal family, an experience that will challenge her, break her, and devastate her world in the most exciting of ways.

One-Shots

A Ballroom Blitz (for MMM Luck of the Draw event)

The MissioInary’s Daughter (hiatus)

More Than Flashing Lights & Sound

Riley’s Baby(a Creepy Campfire Tale) 🍋

Royal Roulette for WackyDrabbles/ChoicesFlashFics

A Bushel and a Peck (follow-up to Wounded) ✨️

Faded 🍋

Keep Your Head Up

The Mirror (Breathe No More)

The Wedding (Watercolor Ponies)

A Day in Bed (When I Look at You) 🍋

What About Us?

When I’m With You… (Thinking of You)

Wounded

~🖤~

#the royal romance #choices the royal romance #choices trr #liam rys #king liam rys #drake walker #maxwell beaumont #bertrand beaumont #princess eleanor #bartie beaumont #choices fanfic #choices fanfiction #trr fanfic #the royal heir #choices the royal heir #choices trh

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loubrairyofthedead · 7 months ago

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INTRODUCTION + BOUNDARIES

Hello!! You can call us Lou or Walker, We are a polyfragmented, medically recognised DID system, Ethnically we are Korean, Japanese, Irish and Polynesian! We do not currently live in any of those places, my timezone and location is none of your business !! We are bodily a minor (17 to be exact) And we are very very happy in a committed and serious relationship with our soon to be husbands!! (Also a system!).

Some of our interests include : History (Mainly things like Chernobyl, The french revolution etc), Physical Geography (Climates, Weather, Natural disasters). We got early admission to College/University in July of last year, we have been studying Criminal Psychology and forensics since then! We also really enjoy journaling/writing things down, and listening to unhealthy amounts of music. We swim regularly and its one of my favourite things to do.

MEET OUR SYSTEM !!

Host : Oliver : They/He : ☁️ sign off. Co Host : Hoku : He/They : 🔭 sign off. Co Host : Wylie : He/They : 🗞️ sign off. Co Host : Cassius : They/It : 🧟 sign off. Gatekeeper : Penny : She/They : 🖥️ sign off.

BOUNDARIES !!

DNI : Anybody who identifies as or supports those who identify as anything other than Traumagenic as a system, Bigots, Racists, Ableists, TERS, Homophobes, Transphobes, Holocaust deniers, Radqueers, TransIDs, People who believe you can't be trans without dysphoria, People who use and abuse the term 'trauma scum' (making fun of people with trauma isnt cute babe !!), People who demonise people with Cluster Bs, Additionally, those who believe in 'Narc Abuse' (please shut the fuck up), IRLs and DAs (If you're experiencing a delusion you wouldn't know it was a delusion, therefore if you identify using IRL or DA, you aren't experiencing a delusion you're just a fucking freak, stop using the word delusion like its a conjunctive or adjective). People who support the following people: ANY of the dream team, Wilbur soot, Johnny Depp, Tom Felton/JKR, Donald trump, Drake, Vivsiepop, Kanye West. Anyone under 17 (You shouldn't be on this app, honey) THIS WILL BE EDITED

ON THIN ICE : DSMP Enjoyers, Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss enjoyers, Countryhumans + Hetalia enjoyers, ANYONE who is extremely loud about their religion and religious beliefs, COUNTRY MUSIC ENJOYERS (/j)

INT! : Other traumagenic systems, other anti-endos, people who enjoy The Walking Dead, NBC Hannibal, Criminal Minds, Supernatural, American Horror Story or The Umbrella Academy, Alex G listeners, Other PF systems !! 17+ Systems !!

Extra info about us

We have Autism, We also have NPD and BPD (Both diagnosed). We are only recently medically recognised with DID and want to attend fusion therapy once we learn more about it (If you have any thoughts/resources please send them to us via dms as long as you are not in our DNI!). We love our fiancé to death and yeah ^-^

#actually did #traumagenic system #anti endogenic #endos dni #endo supporters dni #endos arent real #endos are ableist #endos fuck off #traumagenic did #did system #actually dissociative

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memo-irvine-fall-2023 · 1 year ago

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Trina Thi Dang

Looking for a BIG!

Year: 2nd

Major: Public Health Sciences

Favorite Color: purple

Favorite Snacks: anything sour like sour patch kids! i like any asian drink like mogumogu, aloe vera, and famine.

Favorite Video Game Franchises: League of Legends, Pokemon, Kirby

About: i am from santa ana orange county. my favorite hobbies include dancing, listening to rnb, playing many instruments, and eating! my favorite TV shows are usually any kdramas and anime. i love RNB music anything ranging from summer walker, drake, and jhene aiko, but i also listen to kpop, jpop, and indie music (heize, zico, colde, niki, omar apollo, grentperez etc) . i love eating hotpot and i LOVE CHEESE i also like asian foods. i used to competitively ice skate but other than that i love the beach! my favorite activity is probably watching the stars and the waves at the beach.

What are you looking for in your future Big/Little?: a friend! i want someone that can guide me through the ups and downs of college and be there for me when i need. i am always down to hang out and be there for my big as well.

#pubhealth #little #league #pokemon #kirby #dancing #rnb #cheese #beach

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zaffrenotes · 6 years ago

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Sojourn Series Masterlist

TRR AU SERIES: OPEN + IN PROGRESS; last updated December 2020

This AU series takes place between Book 2 and Book 3 of The Royal Romance, where MC (Katrina Bailey) accepts Liam’s proposal on the condition that she gets to complete law school in New York City before they marry. Drake is convinced to finish his degree at the same time and operate as an extension of the Kings Guard to protect Katrina for the duration of her studies. The stories that follow are from Katrina and Drake’s POV as they study, work, befriend some interesting co-eds, and make unforgettable memories in the City that Never Sleeps.

Series Rating/Warning: 18+ -- adult language but mostly fluff; N*FW / lemon / spicy scenes occur and will be tagged.

🍐 = PRETEND THIS IS A LIME more than kissing, less than lemon territory | 🍋= erotica/30 diamond scene

*******************************************************

MAIN MASTERLIST

*******************************************************

Trick or Treat .:. 🍐/ NS*W .:. POV Katrina

The Dancing Queen .:. POV Katrina

The Bee Charmer .:. POV Drake

The One Where Drake Takes a Bath .:. POV Drake

The Fair Wanderer .:. 🍐/ NS*W .:. POV Drake

Ain’t No Sunshine .:. POV Drake

The Double Date .:. POV Katrina

The One With the Freudian Slip .:. POV Drake

Thanksgiving Melee .:. Part 1 🍋/ NS*W | Part 2 🍋/ NS*W | Part 3

Stand to the Right.:. POV Katrina

High Holiday Spirits .:. POV Katrina, POV Drake

The One With the Fake Marriage .:. POV Drake, POV Katrina

Them .:. POV Drake, POV Alyssa

Her Song .:. POV Drake

Bottle You Up .:. POV Drake

The Unbirthday .:. Part 1 | Part 2 🍋/ NS*W .:. POV Katrina

Can’t Help Falling in Love .:. POV Katrina

Fireworks .:. POV Katrina

Waterloo .:. POV Drake

Holiday High-jinks .:. Part 1 | Part 2

TBD

ASKS + DRABBLES + ONE SHOTS

Man Flu .:. 🍐.:. POV Katrina

Hypothetical Fight .:. POV Drake

MC Asks Re: COVID-19 .:. POV Katrina

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larryssunflower · 2 years ago

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The Non-Royal Romance -season 2, part 3

tagging old mutuals! - @ravenpuff02 @simplyaiden-blog @msjr0119 @butindeed @mfackenthal @choices-lurker @american-duchess @drakelover78 @monosodiumglutamateme @crookedslimecreatorpasta @mrsdrakewalkerblog @traeumerinwitzhelden @gardeningourmet @speedyoperarascalparty @agent-zephyrkah @liam-rhys-x-mc-x-constantine @snyggflicka @texaskitten30 @annekebbphotography @irishwhiskys-blog @nomadics-stuff @catlady0911 @twinkle-320 @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @drakewalker04 @bigmemesplz @jovialyouthmusic @sleepwalkingelite @pintobom @moneyfordiamonds @mskaneko @lauzales @princessleac1 @kingliam2019 @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @drake-colt-lover-99

Oh funny seeing you guys here! Heh... So it's been like 2 years (yikes sorry) But hey I'm a college sophomore now! So I randomly thought about this fic today and found this finished draft, and figured I would publish it for anyone who still exists in this fandom! Anyway, here it is :) Also I may or may not go back to edit all the old parts bc damn is the writing cringy in the early ones lol

- The night of the barn-raising -

Kai sits next to me on my couch at the end of my bed, curled up on herself, cradling her cup of tea to her chest. “So, are you ready for the start of the engagement tour tomorrow?” Kai questions me, taking a sip of her tea. A tight knot of anxiety forms in my stomach, and I nod absentmindedly. “Y-yeah, as ready as I can be,” I chuckle lightly, watching my fingers trace the lip of my mug. Kai doesn’t say anything for a moment, and I look up to see her studying me.

“...what?” I ask, the sides of my lips quirking up in nervousness. Kai sighs slightly before speaking. “You just seem- off. I thought you would be ecstatic about this, I mean, you actually found a guy you really love,” Kai explains, and I have to look away again, studying the detail in my curtains. Not the guy you think, a voice mutters within me sourly. She has no idea what she’s talking about. I jump at a sudden hand on my arm. My eyes flit up to meet Kai’s concerned eyes. “Just talk to me,” Kai implores quietly. I gulp.

She tilts her head to the side, raising her eyebrows at me. I can’t lie to her. I sigh, placing my mug down, before bringing both my hands into my lap, twiddling my fingers. “Well, it’s sort of a long story... but the truth is, I’m not in love with Liam,” I say carefully, wincing at Kai’s taken aback expression.

I take a beat to build any last courage, not being able to look at her as I continue. “I’m in love with... Drake. My bodyguard.” I blurt out. I brave a glance up at her as she physically reels back in shock, making a shocked-scoff sound. She shakes her head. “You’re... oh god, Alana!” Kai swears, shaking her head. I look away, my heart falling. I was hoping she could help me through this, not turn on me.

“Alana. You are the Queen of Cordonia. You can’t keep sleeping around like this! You're engaged! I cannot believe you." Kai huffs, slamming her mug down and standing up. “Why are you so upset? You don’t know the half of it! How can you judge me when you don’t even know what you’re talking about?!” I exclaim, frustration starting to build in me, making her roll her eyes.

“I don’t need some lame excuse from you Alana. Of course, you could never actually have your life together for once. Honestly, I was surprised when I first came home and your life wasn’t a mess! I guess deep down I just waiting for the ball to drop. Liam is an amazing guy! How could you do that to him?” She asks me, making tears well in my eyes. Like I didn't feel guilty enough about that.

“Good to know that you think I’m a failure as well as everyone else in this family. Thanks for enlightening me.” I snap sarcastically, my voice cracking. Kai just shakes her head at me, looking over at me with distaste. “God. I thought you were better than this,” she says, stinging my skin. Kai turns and storms out, and I collapse onto the couch, the tears falling freely.

- the next day, in the train, en route to Italy -

Watching the Cordonian countryside fly by outside the train window, I still feel stung from last night. Next to me, Liam reads the news, and Max and Kai sit across from us. Kai still refuses to look at me, and I catch her glancing over at Drake and then at Liam a couple times. I just wish she would let me explain fully.

We all sit in peaceful quiet, Max chuckling a couple times at his phone. Of course, our peaceful atmosphere doesn’t last. The door to our dining compartment slides open, and Leo strolls in. “Ah, good morning all,” He grins, making us all look up.

“It’s twelve,” Liam says amusedly, still looking down at his newspaper. “And?” Leo asks, before sitting at a chair across from our booth, stretching fully on his seat. “So are we excited to be starting this tour?” Leo quirks, watching all of us in his characteristic fox-like manner. It’s... unsettling. “Yeah, why wouldn’t we be?” Maxwell asks, putting his phone down.

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe because you were all targeted at a ball by terrorists just a couple months ago?” Leo says sarcastically, making my stomach flip. I close my eyes for a moment, composing myself. A pang of pain shoots through my shoulder. I ignore it, knowing it's just psychological. It’s not fun to be reminded of the worst night of my life.

“Kai and I excluded of course,” Leo adds, sending her a quick wink, eliciting a roll of her eyes, visible annoyance flashing across her features. “Well, thanks for the reminder, but there isn’t much we can do.” Liam sighs, tossing his newspaper on the table in front of us. He must have realized he won’t be able to read it in peace.

Smart.

“What do you mean, 'there isn’t much you can do'? Alana is the Queen isn’t she?” Leo asks, his eyes settling on me. I grit my teeth. “Yes Leo, I am the queen. But Cordonia has always been peaceful. We don’t have any enemies, at least that we know of, and the palace’s task force is investigating it. There isn’t anything else we can do,” I explain, making Leo pull a face.

“God, a task force? No wonder nothing is getting done. What you need to do is take it into your own hands. Hell, we’ll help you,” Leo says, taking me aback. “I don’t know-“ I start, but get cut off by Maxwell’s gasp.

I glance over in concern to see him looking down at his phone in shock.

“What?” Liam asks, and Max looks up at me hesitantly. “Uhm. Something happened.” Max whispers, his voice quivering nervously.

My heart leaps in my chest. “It’s not another attack?” Drake asks from beside us, his sudden deep voice making me jump. Max shakes his head, turning the phone screen for me to see, his face crinkled with discomfort. I grab his phone my stomach falling. It’s a tabloid article, with a picture of Tariq and me in my room at Applewood manor, a black rectangle edited in where my underwear-clad body should be. The way the photo is taken makes it seem like I wanted him there, making bile rise up my throat at the thought.

Liam leans over to take a look, his eyes widening. “Son of a bitch,” Drake curses from behind us. “Liam, I promise, that’s not what happened,” I blurt out, my heart hammering loudly in my chest.

“‘Thou shall not commit adultery, something Queen Alana clearly doesn’t believe. Affair with Tariq revealed the day Queen Alana’s engagement tour starts.’” Kai reads out, her eyes flicking up to meet mine. I gulp, knowing she probably believes it.

“Alana is right, Liam, I was there. Tariq broke into her room and tried to take advantage of her while she was changing. Luckily I was walking by and took care of him before he could touch her,” Drake explains, and I glance at Liam, my chest heaving with panic. Liam looks at me, and nods, relief flooding through my body.

“I believe you, don’t worry babe. I’m sorry you had to go through that,” Liam reassures me, holding my hand. I smile appreciatively. “I’m sorry too Al,” Maxwell says, and I nod my heart hammering.

God, this is just what I needed in my life. Another thing to go wrong.

“Look! Another example! Someone is after you Alana, and your ‘task force’ is not going to help you. We should all work together and find the motherfuckers doing this to you!” Leo exclaims, and Maxwell nods. “I agree, you don’t deserve this,” Max chimes in, making me smile slightly.

I sigh, mulling over my options in my mind. Leo is partly right, our palace investigation has found close to nothing, it couldn't hurt to have more help, right?

"Oh okay, we may as well," I concede, to Leo and Max’s happiness. My mind starts running a million miles a minute. While Leo and Maxwell start to discuss plans, Kai still looks over at me warily, making my heart sink. I haven’t always been the stable and responsible one like her, but it breaks my heart that she turned her back on me so quickly before knowing all the information.

“You in Kai?” Leo asks her, making her turn her head to look at him with a strange expression. “Yes I suppose,” She agrees after a moment of thought, making me smile slightly in appreciation. “Okay, we need to figure out who took these photos. There’s no way they were legally allowed to be at the manor that time of night. They either formed the story themselves or were paid to do so,” Leo explains, surprising me slightly with his knowledge and seemingly instant readiness of the situation.

Maxwell scrolls down his phone, looking for the photographer’s name at the bottom of the article. “Uh just hold on a sec... okay it looks like the photographer is named Minnie Godard. Can we find a way to track her on social media or something?” Maxwell asks, making us mumble in thought.

“No need,” Leo says smoothly, causing us to turn to him in confusion. After a moment- “Of course.” Kai groans.

“What?” Maxwell asks. Leo grins wider as Kai sighs with exasperation.

“He slept with her,” She groans in a disgusted tone. Leo nods. “Darling, you know me so well,” he grins. “Don’t you dare call me darling, you pig.” she snaps back to him heatedly.

“Can we not fight please?” Liam asks, “Leo, can you contact her?”He asks, turning to Leo, who nods, scrolling through his phone.

“Who knew? Having a man-whore on our team actually has its benefits,” Kai mutters, making Maxwell snicker.

—-

Drake’s POV

Later that night I stand outside Alana’s door on the train, waiting for her to finish getting dressed for the party tonight. I guess this makeshift 'team' be a good idea, but having all these civilians, noble civilians at that, trying to solve a national conspiracy seems very dangerous. But I don’t think it’s possible to change their minds and the palace task force isn’t getting anywhere. I just hope no one gets hurt again, especially Alana. I don’t know what I would do if she was hurt.

“Hey Drake, can you come in here?” Alana’s muffled voice calls through her door. I slide it open to see her standing in front of her floor-length mirror, wearing a deep red gown, the beads on the plunging neckline sparkling in the low light. Soft vintage music plays in the background and I have to catch my breath for a moment. It’s not an unusual habit of mine when I’m around her. She is so undeniably gorgeous. As I take her in, I can’t help but think about the last time we were alone in the spa. And the ways that I touched her, the sounds she made.

She has her back to me, her dress only partly zipped up, showing her bare back. “Do you mind?” She asks, looking back over her shoulder at me. I close the door behind me and silently nod before gently brushing her hair to the side which she holds in place. Vivid pictures of her underneath me last night flashes through my mind as I grasp the metal zipper and start to pull upwards.

I finish the zipper at the back of her neck, and she shudders as my fingers brush across her sensitive skin. She turns around and I notice we are suddenly very close as she gazes up at me. As I look down at her, I suddenly feel an overwhelming feeling of adoration. God, I love her. The dark specks in her eyes, her lightly freckled cheeks, and perfect lips. Her kind and ambitious soul, her incredible habit of making everyone around her fall in love, just...everything. She is everything. I bring my hand up to brush against her cheek as I take a moment to admire her. “everything okay?” she whispers softly, her eyes searching mine, seemingly sparkling in the low light. I smile and nod. “I just- love you,” I respond honestly, making her smile, her eyes crinkling at the edges.

I suddenly feel very lucky that of all the people for her to love, she chose me. I can barely believe it. She wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me into an embrace and my arms fall instinctively around her waist, pulling her body to mine. “I love you too,” Alana whispers to my ear, and I hug her tighter, a warmth spreading through my chest just from being close to her. A new song starts to play, Put Your Head on My Shoulder. I smile and pull away slightly before starting to dance slowly with her. She giggles softly, swaying along with me.

We dance slowly with each other. No fancy dance moves, no waltz. Just two people slowly swaying together, enjoying the few minutes alone.

“This was one of my dad’s favorite songs,” I say after a while. I feel vulnerable opening up about my past, but I know it’s what Alana wants. She deserves to know me better. I feel her smile against my neck. “He has very good taste,” She mumbles. I blink. “Had,” I correct her quietly. She stops. Then she pulls away to look at me. “You lost your dad too?” She asks softly. I nod. Her eyes soften. And not in an ‘Aw you poor pitiful thing’ way but in a ‘I understand your pain’ way.

“Losing a parent is one of the hardest things that you can go through. I’m glad we have each other,” Alana softly says, bringing her hand up to brush a strand of hair away from my face. “Always,” I nod. She smiles wider, before pulling me back towards her and into our precious swaying. I tell her about how my parents used to dance in the kitchen late at night, often to this song. She laughs and tells me that they must have been much better than us, which may or may not be true. As the song start to wind down I spin her gently and then dip her down, making her giggle.

I hear a noise and look up, still holding Alana in the dip, to see Kai standing in the doorway staring at us. My stomach drops and I quickly bring Alana back up. Kai blinks at me with a shocked, surprised expression. I gape at her, not knowing what to say. She just looks at Alana for a second, a thoughtful look on her face. “The cars are here to take us to the party,” Kai finally says flatly with a glance at me before leaving. I turn to Alana, my eyes wide.

She grimaces. “Don’t worry, she already knows. Doesn’t approve, but she knows” Alana exhales. I sigh. “This isn’t going to mess things up for you will it?” I question, worry eating at me. Her eyes soften. “I appreciate the concern Drake, but it’s okay.” she pauses, her eyes going slightly downcast. “But, if only right?” she quietly asks. My heart twists in my chest. To hear her voice my deepest desire I have had since I met her, is hard. I tilt my head to the side, quietly looking down at her. I don’t even know what to say.

“ALANA!” Maxwell screams from down the hall, making both of us jump. “I guess we should get going,” Alana mumbles with a smile that doesn’t seem to reach her eyes. I don’t have the heart to respond, just wordlessly offering my arm for her to take. She takes a deep breath before slipping her arm into mine and walking out with me.

——

I follow Liam and Alana around the party as they greet all the foreign politicians, ambassadors, and occasionally, the press. The party is in an Italian hotel with massive windows. Through which the party-goers admire the old architecture of the city lit up as they discuss the politics of whatever country they lead. My heart steadily gets heavier the longer I endure their rehearsed conversations urging these nobles to attend the wedding and excusing the scandal as tabloid fake news that will soon be sorted out. The other nobles can relate, the tabloids constantly try to ruin their reputations. Eventually, they take a break by sitting down at a table with the rest of the group, Max, Kai, and Leo.

“Okay so Minnie is the one in that blue dress over there,” Leo says with a low voice, pointing to a redhead in the group of photographers permitted inside. “Just as hot as I remember,” Leo adds with a wink, making Kai scrunch her face in disgust. “You’re a gross man, have I ever told you that?” She asks, and Leo’s grin grows wider as he leans in closer to her. “Yes and I love it every time,” He says lowly, making her lean away from him in disdain, her eyes shooting daggers.

“How about we figure out a plan?” Maxwell says, suddenly cutting in, clearly uncomfortable with the hostility. Leo finally looks away from Kai and looks at Maxwell. “Well, we need a way to get her separate from the photographers. I tried to message her, but she left me on read,” Leo says, ending in a quiet tone. Kai snorts. “Serves you right,” She mutters under her breath.

“Okay well, how do we do that?” Liam asks Leo expectantly. Leo chews on his bottom lips for a second, deep in thought. As a new song starts to play and a new group of people starts to dance in the middle. Leo suddenly looks up with a mischievous smirk. “I know what to do. Kai, I’m going to need your hand with this. Literally,” Leo says standing up and offering her his hand.

Kai scoffs. “No! why would I do that?” She exclaims, clearly shocked that he would even consider her help. “Kai. Seriously we need to do this, no matter how much you hate me. And I need a single yet eligible woman,” Leo adds, raising his eyebrows expectantly. Kai glances at Alana then looks back at Liam. “Fine,” She mutters reluctantly, taking his hand.

Leo takes Kai to the dance floor and begins to waltz with her, eyeing the photographer all the while. The two of them seem to have a conversation, Kai only talking through her gritted teeth, clearly uncomfortable. I glance to my side and observe Alana watching Leo like a hawk, staring at his hands unflinchingly. I smile. It’s interesting to see her role as a protective big sister.

I haven’t seen that side of her. I want to see all of her, to know all the intricacies of her personality, her life, her emotions. I worry I will never be able to let myself get as close as I desperately hope. My eyes find Alana once again, a multitude of conflicting emotions flashing through me. I want her. God, I want her so badly I can barely tolerate it. But there are so many forces going against us. It’s not fair, but if I’m being honest, it’s just my luck that the woman I’m in love with is the most unavailable person in the country.

When I look at her and think about us, I also feel overwhelming fear. Fear that the assassins will find a way to find her, that we won’t be able to figure out who is doing this soon enough, that I will lose Alana forever. I can live without being hers. But I cannot live with myself if she was hurt, especially if I could have stopped it.

No matter the situation, as her bodyguard I will always be responsible. A sudden realization settles in, making my mouth go dry and my heart stop. If I really want to be the best bodyguard I can possibly be for Alana, to truly be able to protect her, I have to let her go.

I can’t continue this. No matter how strong these feelings are, the only way for me to be the best bodyguard for her is to be as emotionless and detached as possible. If I’m too invested I can get distracted or sloppy and possibly allow something horrible to happen. I won’t allow it.

My eyes glance over her profile and I feel a sense of dread. How will I ever explain this to her? Every time I try to push her away, to keep her safe, she always fights back. I should have been stronger. I was so closed off in the beginning, why do I find that so hard now? Now that I got the taste of us, I don't know if I'm strong enough to let it go.

But I have to. For her.

----

Oooooo Drake is back on his bullshit...But what else is new? lol

Anyways, hi again! idk if any of my old mutuals are active anymore but I missed you all! :) <3

#choices #drake walker #trr #trr drake #the non royal romance #tnnr #imback?#lets pretend i wasnt gone for forever #drakexOC #drakexalana #choices fanfiction #choices app #choices stories you play #mc x drake #play choices

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dont-be-so-shy · 3 years ago

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reverse robins au

if you want to write a reverse-reverse robins au: the batgirl’s are batman’s protege’s (taking the robins positions), while the robins are more of their own entity within gotham but still classify as batman’s protege’s.

for example, people who have identified as robin chronologically:

dick grayson, jason todd, carrie kelley, tim drake, stephanie brown, damian wayne, troy walker, daxton chill, andre cipriani, isabella ortiz, duke thomas, matt mcginnis

plus people who have identified as batgirl chronologically: bette kane, barbara gordon, helena bertinelli, cass cain, stephanie brown, charlie gage-radcliffe, tiffany fox

(opt. people who have identified as catgirl: duela dent, carrie kelley, kitrina falcone)

ps. carrie is not a vigilante in earth-1, but she was robin, catgirl, and batwoman in earth-31. in the main ‘verse, she’s a college student who taught damian acting. matt mcginnis is technically not born yet, but is the future younger brother of terry mcginnis (batman beyond) and former robin before he retired to just,,, live his life. tiffany fox is batgirl in futures end and part of the league of batgirls, but in earth-1, she’s 5 years old.

if you just want to switch the batgirl’s and robin’s, you can only have 7 so you have to erase troy, daxton, andre, and isabella.

(leaving dick, jason, carrie, tim, damian, duke, and matt and bette, babs, helena, cass, steph, charlie, and tiffany)

pps. matt and tiffany are both only heroes in the future

so i only wanted to use steph once, so i put her own on the batgirl list and not the robin one even though she was a robin

for those who don't know, carrie is canonically batwoman, matt retired, bette is previously flamebird, now hawkfire, though i will be calling her flamebird because of the flamebird/nightwing thing, helena is huntress, charlie is misfit, and tiffany is batgirl

so: if you switch the batgirl's and robins, bette with dick and babs with jason:

dick as (bette) flamebird and an olympic athlete

jason as (babs) oracle

carrie as (helena) huntress who was previously robin and catgirl

tim as (cass) black bat/orphan, raised as an assassin and selectively mute

damian as (steph) robin for only, like, a few months and then spoiler

duke as (charlie) robin for one month before becoming misfit

matt as (tiffany) robin in futures end league of robins alongside tim and damian

bette as (dick) nightwing and a cop

babs as (jason) red hood

helena as the second (carrie) batwoman and a college student

cass as (tim) red robin/red batgirl/red bat (idk ??)

steph as (damian) batgirl and a stabby stabby assassin mcmurder

charlie as (duke) signal and batgirl for a few months only

tiffany as a former (matt) batgirl and now retired

if you want to switch the ages, dick as tiffany, jason as charlie:

dick as (tiffany) robin in futures end alongside

jason as (charlie) robin, then misfit

carrie as (steph) robin, batgirl, then spoiler

tim as (cass) black bat/orphan

damian as (helena) robin then hunter

duke as (babs) oracle which we all need

matt as (bette) flamebird

bette as (matt) batgirl, now retired

babs as (duke) signal

helena as (damian) batgirl and an assassin

cass as former (tim) batgirl, now her own hero

steph as former (carrie) batgirl, now batwoman

charlie as (jason) red hood

tiffany as (dick) nightwing

if you want to not switch the robins and batgirl’s:

dick as previously (matt) robin, now retired

jason as (duke) signal, previously robin

carrie as an assassin, currently (damian) robin

tim as red robin

damian as (carrie) his own hero and previously robin

duke as (jason) red hood

matt as (dick) nightwing and a cop

bette as (tiffany) batgirl in futures end alongside cass and helena

babs as (charlie) batgirl for a month then misfit

helena as (steph) batgirl, robin, and spoiler

cass as black bat/orphan

steph as previously (helena) batgirl, now huntress

charlie as (babs) oracle

tiffany as (bette) flamebird and an olympic athlete

#dick grayson #jason todd #carrie kelley #tim drake #red robin #damian wayne #matt mcginnis #batman beyond #barbara gordon #helena bertinelli #cassandra cain #stephanie brown #charlie gage-radcliffe #tiffany fox #reverse robins #reverse robins au #longpost

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axwalker · 3 years ago

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Creep 2: I don’t care if it hurts

HIGH SCHOOL AU

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Lexie O’Brien) Book TRR

MASTERLIST HERE

Synopsis: Drake and Lexie are star-crossed lovers. Her father hates him and forces Lexie to stop any contact with Drake. Lost and heartbroken, he “bullies” her for two years until he discovers the truth of Lexie’s behavior.

A/N 1 This came up to me after I got an ask from @nestledonthaveone to write a fic based on the song CREEP.

I used to hear this song when I was a teenager, so when I read this ask, I immediately wanted to write something angsty but situated in high school.

A/N 2: Because they’re younger than usual, I decided to change my FC.

Words: 4,110

WARNINGS: Parental abuse, domestic violence, toxic love.

THIS IS NOT YOUR USUAL MARSHMALLOW DRAKE. He was abandoned as a boy, he’s tortured and he doesn’t know how to express his love. His behavior is not excusable.

This is a dark love story. If you’re not comfortable with it, PLEASE do not read it.

ALL MY FICS ARE 18+

TAGS ON THE COMMENTS

As this is darker than usual; I’m only tagging the people who commented in the previous chapter. If you want to get on or off the list for this fic, please do not hesitate to ask!!

DRAKE

Even if she never looks at me or speaks to me again, she’s mine. Even if I’ve been a horrible jerk to her for two years and she pales every time I pull into the parking lot on my motorcycle, she is mine. Just seeing her with him enrages me, so I walk straight toward my usual seat, directly behind Lexie, and slam my textbook down onto the desk.

Startled, Rys looks up at me, ��Hey, Walker. What’s up?”

It’s not the first time he tries to make a move on Lexie. Last time –two years ago, we almost killed each other. Pretty boy might be an entitled ass, but he knows how to fight. Maybe he thinks Lexie is game again after all this time. He couldn’t be more wrong.

“Don’t you have a class this period?” I ask him. Liam cocks his left eyebrow, adjusting the straps of his backpack.

“I fail to see why that concerns you, Creep.”

My smile is murderous. “Get the fuck out of here before I break your face, pretty boy.”

I think he has a death wish because he looks at Lexie when he talks, “See you after class, Alexis, when your watchdog will be busy mowing my lawn.” Finally, he just shakes his head and gets out of the classroom. I resume my daily routine. Staring at the back of Lexie’s head, tracing the curve of her perfect neck, my cock getting hard over her perfect cherry scent.

“So that’s what you like,” I say, leaning forward to speak an inch from her ears. “You like them with blond hair and pink polo shirts. Prospects for Cambridge or shit. A huge trust fund. Don’t you? A brat like you needs someone who can spoil her. I bet you’d introduce him to daddy, wouldn’t you?”

She doesn’t respond. She never does. Her eyes stay stubbornly on the front of the class where the teacher has started writing today’s lesson on the board—my hands fist in desperation. I’m dying for her to talk to me. To look at me. Anything. “Too bad, Lexie. I’ll scare every single one of those fucking entitled boys off. You’re going to sit alone in your house on prom night, crying into your designer sheets like a baby. And I’m going to enjoy it.”

The only sign that she hears me at all is the quickening rise and fall of her shoulders. Even that tiny display that I’ve upset her is agonizing, floods me with self-loathing, but I can never stop. She ripped out my fucking heart, and I can’t deal with the consequences of that alone. I can’t let her go. I’ll never let her go. This toxic feeling is the only thing left between us. My hands shake with the urge to take her in my arms, to stop the trembling I caused. To protect her from everything. Even myself. I’d love to move my fingers up into the silky, brown hair that reaches the middle of her graceful neck. I don’t have a lot of money; most of the cash I earn as a handyman goes to food and fixing my dad’s cabin, but I’d give every last cent for her to turn and lock those soft brown eyes on me, just one last time. Sometimes when I jerk off, all it takes is fantasizing about Lexie looking at me, giving me one of those shy smiles, and I lose it. One stroke. Maybe two. Done. I can’t breathe without having her close. And I can’t breathe with her close. It’s a strange condition, this obsession, but she’s an addiction that I just can’t give up.

How could I? She’s intelligent, strong, and so damned gorgeous. Once upon a time, I thought she had a good heart too. But that was before she broke my pathetic heart only because I’m poor. I’ve been hurting since then, and I need her to hurt too. To know what it feels.

“Do you actually think that dumb rich boy would be a good choice for your first time, Lexie?” I grip my desk so tight it nearly breaks down, just thinking about her being kissed –touched by someone else. “At least that’s one thing us poor motherfuckers have going for us. We know how to fuck. If you went out with Rys for a while, you’d eventually give in and come slumming it one night, wouldn’t you? Knock on my rundown cabin door, begging me to fuck you as we both know you’d like.”

A pretty blush is starting to climb her neck. I have to take a deep breath to keep from kiss her pink cheeks. But I think if I got to touch her skin, my wall of bullshit would crumble. I’ve only fucked one girl. Since seeing Lexie for the first time freshman year, there’s been no one but her. I want no one else. She owns my cock as sure as she owns my heart. How easily she’s forgotten about both leaving me in agony.

“Stop,” she breathes. I freeze. Did she just speak to me? It’s the first time in two years that she’s even remotely acknowledged my existence.

“Lexie,” I managed to say. I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry. That’s all it took. One pleading word out of her mouth, and I’m done.

“Just stop,” she says again, turning her head slightly. “Please.”

I fall back in my chair, my heart thundering on my chest. If we weren’t in the middle of class, if I didn’t feel like a monster, I would pull her into my arms right now. I’d hug her until she stopped struggling, then beg her to hit me, bruise me, make me pay for every shitty thing I’ve ever said to her. But before long, the class is over, and she’s leaving the classroom to get out of here. To put distance between us as quickly as possible—and I have no choice but to watch her because I feel physically ill. Still, I manage to get out into the student-packed hallway, my plan to apologize for being crude and a jerk and torturing her for so long.

My head is telling me not to apologize, though. It’s telling me she deserved it for being such a snob, for breaking me, for valuing money and status like everyone else. My damned heart is telling an entirely different story. It’s insisting there is an explanation for her behavior. Am I going to apologize or not? The decision is taken out of my hands when Lexie opens her locker, and the little gift I left before class falls down. It’s a picture I cut out from our last yearbook. In the photo is a gorgeous smiling Lexie above the caption Most Likely to Succeed. Except I’ve crossed out the caption and added my own. Most Likely to Be a Trophy Wife. Watching her read it, I almost get sick right there in the hallway. Usually, she’s perfectly composed, not betraying a trace of emotion where I’m concerned—a real Ice queen. I’ve always thought she honestly didn’t care. Today, though… she’s not pulling it off. Something is not okay with her, and I don’t like it. She has to bite down on her bottom lip to stop it from quivering as she puts the photo back into her locker, out of sight, her bright eyes finding me briefly, massacring me where I stand. Betraying with one single look how much she has been affected by my actions. Christ. She hasn’t been indifferent at all.

Before I can react, before I can call her name, she’s gone, vanished into the crowd of wild students excited to be leaving for the day. And I know what I have to do. I have to see her. To apologize. To get an explanation for everything. Tonight. I’ll return to her house for the first time in two years.

LEXIE

I’ve known this was coming all day. Sitting on the couch in my living room, trying to make myself as small as possible, I watch my father pace. He rants, gesticulating noisily. This isn’t new, my father’s rage threatening me. But it’s going to be worse than usual. Business has declined for him and it’s put his temper on a trigger. Dad’s new wife, Nancy, hates to be on a budget, and she’s been spending his money like crazy all over Paris --where she’s now. When dad gets home from the office, he’s rarely in anything but a horrible mood. A tornado eating up everything in its path. Completely terrifying. At least dad’s temper makes me forget what Drake told me today, the ugly words he said to me, the boiling anger in his eyes when he looks at me.

“Are you even listening?” The slap across the face comes as a shock because I’d momentarily disappeared into my thoughts, but the sting quickly brings me back to reality.

“Yes, sir,” I say, my ears ringing. “I’m listening.”

“This C on your algebra test is going to drag your whole average down.” He’s waving the test in my face. “What a disappointment you are, Alexis. Your teacher shared my disgust.” I nod solemnly, but I’m listening for the rain outside. “I guess you’re your daughter’s mother after all. A poor Mexican girl who could barely count.” It’s not true. My mom learned English and Greek by herself, and she was a great Spanish teacher in Portavira, but my father would rather die than acknowledge how smart she was.

“Don’t talk like that about her,” I retort.

My father snorts. “I beg your pardon?” He takes a step towards me, and I can see the threat in his eyes.

“I’m sorry.” I hate to be such a coward, but I know what he can do to me.” I’ll do extra credit. Something to bring my grade back up to an A.” I wet my lips. “Even if I can’t manage to raise the grade, it’s not going to show up on the college transcripts I sent off with my applications.” That’s the reason I let my focus slip a little in algebra. The finish line is in sight for everyone, and we’re just waiting to find out where we’ll be accepted for college. It’s a wonder I’ve been able to maintain my focus this long in any class, considering Walker sits behind me in every period, brooding making me feel … something. At the reminder of him, I want to close my eyes and dream about him. I replay that night in my garden when he kissed me two years ago, so tenderly and passionately, when he spoke to me so sweetly and honestly before he became the second villain in my story. Someone I dread, as much as I crave the sight of him.

At least that’s one thing us poor motherfuckers have going for us. We know how to fuck. If you went out with that punk for a while, you’d eventually give in and come slumming it one night, wouldn’t you? Knock on my trailer door, begging me to ride you right.

Should I be ashamed of the way my body reacted to those words? I grew uncomfortably damp in the hard plastic chair, the center of my body clenching, seeming to beat like a heart. His breath on my neck made me shiver, head to toe. Even the way he scared off Liam Rys did something to me. Aroused me. Deeply. It got so bad that I broke the rules and asked him to stop. I can still hear him saying my name in that tortured way after. That shocked, uneven sound. Lexie. And whether I’m ashamed of myself for it or not, I know I’ll think of it when I touch myself tonight. His voice, his hands, his eyes obsess me.

“College?” My father snorts, tearing the test in half. “You’re not going to college.”

This grabs my attention. A horrible feeling is making me cold. “I’m…what? What do you mean? I applied to nine different schools. I have a four-point five GPA.”

For the first time, I notice his red face is about more than just rage. There’s…humiliation. I’ve never seen him display that emotion.

“None of the American colleges that accepted you offered scholarships.”

“I’ve been accepted?” I gasp, sitting forward, heart pounding in my chest. “Where? I didn’t see the letters—”

“All the mail in this house goes through me, Alexis. I read them. And you failed to get academic scholarships. You failed. Not that I’m surprised.”

I don’t point out that his refusal to let me participate in any extracurricular activities is more than likely to blame for that. I’m too worried about what he’s saying, what this means. The blood is draining from my head, making the room spin around me.

“Okay, I’m sorry about that. I’m sorry. But…we have money. We can pay tuition, can’t we? Or colleges in Cordonia are almost for free. I can go to any of them; I don’t have to go to NYU.” I have to get out of here. I have to get out of here. This is my way out. College is the escape route. I counted on going back to New York, but I can stay here and go to college in Cordonia City.

“Listen to you, so quick to spend my hard-earned money—spoiled brat. And of course, you can’t go to college in Cordonia. What for? To end up being a schoolteacher like your mom? A housewife as Nancy?” He laughs bitterly. “No, you’ll stay here, and I’ll help you find someone suitable to marry.”

I shake my head. “There’s financial aid, then. Loans or I can get a job and go to college in Portavira…”

“You want to leave, just like her, don’t you? You’re all the same.”

I don’t even flinch when he yanks me to my feet, shoving me into the wall. In fact, for the first time, I took him right into his eyes. And I can see the violence burning on them has nothing to do with me. It never had anything to do with how I behave, my choices, how hard I worked in school. How welcome I made Nancy feel or cooked a roast. It’s about him and his self-loathing. It’s his sickness. Not mine. I can also see that he was never going to send me to college. Because he wouldn’t be able to control me from a distance or stop me from sharing what I’ve been subjected to since my mother died. Not like he does now. He wasn’t physically abusive all the time. Especially not when his new wife is around. But she traveled often, and then he’d push me. Shove me. Slapped me several times. I’ll graduate at the top of my class for nothing. He knew I would all along.

That’s when I realize I’m free. I don’t have money, but college is free in Cordonia. I can work, save a little and go to college in one or two years. I’ll be a writer; it’ll just take more time than I thought. “Go to hell,” I whisper.

He steps back, giving me the momentary satisfaction of his shock. “What did you say?”

Liberated, I scream it this time. “Go to hell!” From the moment I sat down to have this conversation, I knew tonight would be worse than usual, but I’ve just bought myself a ticket to hell. Usually, I can retreat to the untouchable place inside of me as he unleashes his rage, but not tonight. He doesn’t stop at one or two slaps. He punches and kicks, and I’m present for every punch and kick. Every yelled insult. Finally, I start to get scared. I’m crawling across the carpet on my hands and knees, searching for a weapon I can use in my defense when I glance out the window and see Drake staring back at me, his face a mask of horror.

Drake

What I’m seeing just isn’t possible. It can’t be real. My head won’t accept it. Not until her terror-filled eyes meet mine through the window and the truth pounds on my chest, leaves no doubt that this is real life. Lexie’s father is beating her. Her mouth is bloody, one of her eyes beginning to swell, arms and legs visibly weakened. I can barely fucking process it before my body is springing into action, desperate to protect her. To put a stop to the worst thing I have ever seen. What the fuck. Scorching hot rage takes over. I kick in the front door and throw myself between Lexie and her father. His fist is raised, but it pauses when he sees me, his momentary confusion giving me the time I need to knock him out cold. It only takes one right uppercut from someone his own size, and he goes down, his blank, glassy eyes staring at nothing, mouth opened. It’s not satisfying enough.

Nothing will ever be satisfying enough. I want to kill him, destroy him, but my Lexie is struggling for breath behind me, and she’s all I can think about. Turning, I approach her, my heart threatening to jump off my chest. As gently as I can, I catalog all of the cuts and purpling skin. No. No. Who could do this to her? Who could lay a finger on her in anything but reverence? Get her out of here. Calling her name, I reach down to pick her up, but she flinches and hurries back, bringing her body up against the wall.

“Don’t touch me!” Those words filled with fear rip the soul clean out of my body. My hands drop limply to my sides and two years come rushing back, hitting me in the chest like a hammer. Every word, every action. Everything I did to make her life harder when this is what she’s been dealing with at home? Fuck me.

“Lexie…” My voice is as kind as I can. I feel broken. “I’m sorry. I came here to apologize. For everything.”

She puffs a humorless laugh, testing her cut lip with the tip of her tongue. “Bet you weren’t expecting to see this.”

“If I knew this was happening, I would have been here a long time ago. I would have stopped it. I swear Lex.”

Her expression can only be described as stunned. Maybe even a little pissed. “You are not my savior, Drake. You are my enemy. You’ve been for two years, and I want nothing else from you now.”

“I am not your enemy.” Those words barely make it out of me, my chest hurts so fucking bad. “Don’t say that.”

Unsteadily, she uses the wall to try and stand. I try to help her, but she recoils, and it’s a dagger straight into the center of my throat. Nothing less than I deserve, though, isn’t it? Her distrust of me is entirely my fault. I’ve made her hate me. There has to be some way to fix what I’ve done. Please God, let there be away. But right now, my main concern is her physical safety. Knowing she’s been in danger all along is unbearable. I only decided to come here tonight a few hours ago. What if I didn’t? What if I arrived an hour later? The possibilities are going to haunt me for the rest of my life. From the floor, her father groans, shifting slightly.

“We need to get you out of here,” I say, anxious to get her free of this place. “Now, Lexie. I need to get you somewhere safe.”

She’s standing now. Leaning against the wall and cradling one arm to her stomach, regarding me warily. “How do I know I’m safe with you?” It’s so much worse that her question is honest. Not meant to hurt me. She honestly doesn’t know if I pose a threat. It guts me where I stand.

“You are the safest with me,” I say thickly, cursing myself. Wanting to erase the last two years so badly, my hands shake. “Please believe me. I’d die before hurting you. I’d never, Lexie. I’d never do something like that.”

Her father rolls over onto his back and slurs a few words before losing consciousness again. Still, the sound of the older man’s voice seems to scare Lexie, “I…maybe you can just give me a ride to…a motel maybe?” She pushes off the wall, her step uneven as she walks toward the stairs. “I need some things from my room.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her we don’t have time, but I’m just grateful she’s trusting me enough to leave with me, so I don’t argue. I just wait until she’s halfway up the stairs, then tie her father’s hands behind his back with my belt in case he wakes up before we leave. I have no problem knocking him out a second time, but Lexie has seen enough violence for one night. Cautiously, I walk up the stairs toward the light coming from a room halfway down the hall. This place is a far cry from my home. It’s elegant and clean, and tasteful, but it lacks any warmth whatsoever. It’s cold, like a museum. Turning the corner into Lexie’s room, it’s time to hate myself all over again. There is nothing on the walls, none of the expensive furnishings. Just four white walls, a bed, and a dresser that doubles as a desk. Several textbooks. She looks back at me over her shoulder as if judging my reaction, and I keep my features impassive, though I’m dying on the inside.

“What can I do?” I ask.

“How long do we have?”

“As long as you need.” It’s physically painful not to pull her into my arms when I’m standing this close, and she’s hurt. Sad. Yet full of more inner strength than I’ve ever witnessed in another human being. I’m lucky just to be in her presence. I fucked up royally. And if she allows me back in, I’ll never do it again. It’s probably, definitely, too much to hope for. Being allowed back in. She doesn’t even look sure about having me in her room. Let alone her heart. I was trying to protect my own heart, but I lost it instead.

“Um…” She closes her eyes to focus, a familiar trait I’ve seen in class countless times. “There is a black bag in the hallway closet. Can you just stuff anything into it from the bathroom that looks useful?”

Ask me to bring you a unicorn. I’ll find a way to do it. “Sure.” We work in silence, Lexie taking things out of drawers and adding them to the bag, which I’ve left open on the floor. I add toiletries from the bathroom, and once it’s zipped, I wait, watching her hesitate in the doorway.

“Lexie?” Conflicted chocolate eyes meet mine.

“I can’t just leave, can I?”

“You’re not safe here, baby,” I say softly, trying to keep the residual rage at bay because it’s the last thing she needs. Not to mention she’s had her fill with negativity from me. No more. “How long…how long?”

She shrugs, the saddest expression in her eyes. “My mom died five years ago. Ever since then, it’s gotten worse and worse. Although I never had a chance to talk to anyone about what happened behind closed doors, you know? I don’t think a person can evolve into a monster. It’s inside him.”

“I don’t know,” I say. “I became one, didn’t I?”

That gives her pause, forms a line between her delicate brows. “Yeah. I guess you’re right.”

She starts to walk past me, stops, standing close enough to fill my nose with cherry. “He told me if I ever spoke to you ever again, he would hurt me. Ruin you, have you evicted. Make sure you never got hired again. I didn’t mean to…hurt you. Or hurt your feelings, if that’s what happened.”

That revelation destroys me, sets me on fire. “Jesus, Lexie. You were protecting me? And I…I tortured you for it?” I twist the neck of my T-shirt, trying to calm down, but it doesn’t work. I’ll never be calm again “I’m so fucking sorry.”

She glances at the doorway, then back at me, eyes closed again in that way that says she’s thinking. “All I want from you now is a ride out of here, okay? And on Monday morning, you’ll stop.” She opens her shining eyes again. “No more bullying, Drake. If you’re really sorry, you’ll do that for me.”

Fuck. I couldn’t say one more single shitty thing to her if my life depended on it. Put me at gunpoint, and I’d rather get shot at than torture this girl for one more second. But I’m highly, painfully aware that with an end to the bullying comes an end to the possessiveness. No more scaring off guys who show interest in her. No more getting close enough in class to count the hairs on her head, to smell her sweet fragrance. And to tell the truth, I’m pretty fucking worried I don’t know how to give those things up completely. I don’t think I can physically do it. This addiction with Lexie isn’t something I can cut off. A leg would be easier to sever. But my hesitation is causing her eyes to worry. If I don’t agree to, essentially, let her go… she’s not going anywhere with me. And that means her safety won’t be guaranteed. I need it to be. More than anything.

“No more bullying,” I say, finally. A moment later, I follow her out of the room and down the stairs, trying desperately to count the hairs on her head before I no longer have the chance.

#tw domestic violence #toxic relationship #tw bullying

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angelasscribbles · 2 years ago

Text

Irreparable Choices

Series: American Girl

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Drake x Riley

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: Mature themes, unplanned/unwanted pregnancy. Abortion discussed

Word Count: 2,710

A/N: This is a follow-up to Home for Christmas, which makes it technically a two-shot, not a one-shot. Full disclosure, I have another chapter written which makes it a three-shot well on its way to being another series. What the fuck is wrong with me, I don't need another series.

While the first one explored Riley and Liam's relationship and the ending of it, this one explores Riley and Drake's. This is complete AU, they are normal people living in north Texas. They grew up together and are now trying to navigate adult life and college, but having a hard time severing those ties.

Special shout out to @karahalloway for prereading this and encouraging me to actually post it.

My other stuff: Master List.

Drake Walker was living his dream.

He had left the bowling alley and gone to work for North Texas Auto Repair after finishing his first year of automotive technology classes at the local community college.

He had just started the last semester of his degree program and already had a solid offer of full-time employment from the owner of the auto shop. The guy had given him the part-time job as an apprentice mechanic as a favor to his father, but the offer of a full-time position as a certified automotive technician had been extended because he was good with cars, reliable, and worked his ass off.

Drake had a plan and so far things were right on track.

The only thing missing was her.

“Hey, kid! Walker!”

Drake looked up from under the hood of a 1972 Dodge Charger at the sound of his name.

His boss gestured toward the bay doors of the auto shop, “You have a visitor.”

Drake’s eyes followed the gesture and his heart skipped a beat. He quickly wiped his hands clean and hurried over to her, “Riley? What are you doing here?”

“I need to talk to you.” She chewed her lip nervously.

“Okay, yeah,” he knew something was wrong because it was the middle of January and she was supposed to be at school in California.

“Hey, Bas!” He called across the bay to his boss, “Mind if I take off early tonight?”

“Sure, kid, just don’t make a habit of it.” Bastien didn’t actually mind. It was only thirty minutes early and Drake had never called in sick, asked for a day off or so much as been late in the nine months he’d worked there.

“I won’t!” Drake called over his shoulder as he ushed Riley from the open-air bay into the heated office, “What are you doing here? What’s wrong?”

She shook her head, “I need to talk to you in private!”

Drake glanced at the woman behind the counter, “Meg, would it be all right if we used the break room for a little bit?”

“Sure, no one else is going to need it again today. It’s almost closing time.”

“Thank you, you’re the best!” He told her as he pulled Riley down a hallway and through the breakroom door.

He closed the door behind them then turned to Riley in concern, “Okay, what is it? What’s wrong? Spill!”

Riley paced across the room, twisting her hair around a finger as her mind whirled with all the different variations she’d rehearsed inside her head over the last few days. Finally, she simply blurted out, “I’m pregnant!”

He froze as he struggled to process her words, “Are you sure?”

Frustration pinged through her, “I didn’t just drive for two days across four states on a fucking whim, Drake! I’ve taken six tests! I’m sure!”

“I thought you were on the pill!”

“I was! It obviously failed!”

He slid a hand down his face, “Shit…”

“Yeah, shit!” She agreed.

“Don’t take this the wrong way but…is it mine?”

“Yes, Drake, it’s yours! Again, why the fuck else do you think I drove across four states to get to you?”

“Moral support,” he replied instantly, “which I would give either way.”

“I know it’s yours because I had my period right before I came home for Christmas and I haven’t been with anyone else since and-“

He held his hands up in front of him, “Hey, hey, hey! I believe you! You don’t have to convince me!”

“Are you sure? Because-“

“I’m sure!” he asserted, his voice going softer, “I know you wouldn’t lie to me about something like that.”

“Okay, good,” her anger quelled but she was still in panic mode, “because my whole fucking life is falling apart right now and I don’t know what to do!”

“Okay, okay, it’s going to be okay!” He started pacing as he ran a hand through his hair, his mind spinning looking for solutions.

“How? How the fuck is this going to be okay?” her voice trembled.

He stopped pacing and turned to face her, “I can increase my hours here, or get a second job, I could easily go back to the bowling alley! You could move back home and have the baby!”

“Where are we going to live? Your parent’s garage?” she scoffed.

He held a finger up, “First of all, it’s not a garage anymore, it was converted into a second master suite and it has its own entrance so that is a valid option,” he held up another finger, “Second, I’m only living there while I’m in school so I don’t have to work full time, but I could!”

“Working full time would interfere with your schoolwork, I can’t ask you-“

“You’re not asking, I’m telling you that I only live at home to save money, but-“

“Right, because we’re both broke ass college students, what’s your point?”

“My point is, I can take care of you, Riley!” So many different emotions flooded into his chest that he could barely breathe. But nothing in him wanted to run away from this. From her.

“I’m not asking you to take care of me, Drake and I can’t just drop out of school!”

“Why not?”

“Why not?” she glared at him, “Because if I miss a semester, I’ll lose my scholarship, and if I lose my scholarship I lose my only chance to go to college and get a degree, that’s why not!”

“You don’t need it!” his voice rose, “I’m graduating in three months and I have a full-time job waiting for me here making good money!”

“Drake-“

“I mean it, Riley! My starting salary is almost as much as my dad is making now after twenty-five years on the force!”

“I know, Drake but I don’t want to depend on someone else’s salary!” Angry tears stung her eyes, “I want to finish my degree! I want a career of my own! I want to do things, travel, see the world a little before I settle down!”

“You can still do all those things!” He yelled.

“How?” She yelled back.

He stared into the face of the girl that held his heart in her hands, wondering how she seemed to be so oblivious to that fact.

He drew in a deep breath and tried for calm and reasonable as he said, “You can still follow all your dreams, Riley. They’ll just be delayed a little, that’s all! We can get married, have the baby and when you’re ready, you can enroll in a school closer to home.”

“School costs money-“

“I’ll pay for it!” He insisted.

“We’ve never even talked about a future together, Drake! Marriage…kids…. I don’t even know if you want that! Hell, I don’t even know if I want that! And we sure as hell shouldn’t be getting married just because I got knocked up! That’s no basis for a lasting relationship!”

“Lasting relationship?” he stared at her incredulously, “We’ve known each other our whole lives, Riley!”

“Yeah, as neighbors and friends!”

He was angry and shocked, “You think we’re just friends?”

His anger made her unsure, “Yeah, friends with benefits….”

His mouth fell open in disbelief, “Seriously?”

“Seriously what, Drake?” She exploded, “We get together over Christmas or spring break, hang out, get drunk, have sex, then go back to our respective lives! With very little communication in between, I might add! What am I supposed to think we’re doing here?”

All his resolve to remain calm and collected flew right out the window at that complete mischaracterization of their relationship, “It’s not my fault you spent last summer in fucking Europe with that study abroad program! And don’t think I don’t know that Liam was in Italy at the same time as you!”

“What’s your point?” She snapped.

“My point is that Christmas and spring break aren’t the only times that I bother to see you, they’re the only times that I get to see you, Riley, and I look forward to both of them all year long! Or have you forgotten that I drove all the way to fucking California to spend spring break with you last year?”

“You’re right, I’m sorry,” she relented. Dropping onto the black faux leather couch in the corner of the breakroom she let her head fall into her hands, “I’m just spiraling right now. I know you’re trying to help but we don’t have an actual relationship, Drake. We’re not officially dating, we’ve never discussed a future together and this certainly wasn’t planned!”

His jaw clenched as he considered her words. Nothing she said was untrue. They hadn’t discussed a future together, and they weren’t a couple, but he was in love with her.

Not that he’d ever told her that.

He crossed the room as he spoke, “All of that is true and if you don’t want to have this baby, then I’ll support you but…”

She lifted her head to look at him, “But?”

“But I don’t want you to make a decision without all the facts.” He sat down next to her with a sigh as he skimmed a hand through his hair before confessing, “I’ve never brought up the future or asked you to be official because I’m afraid of the answer.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean…You've been very clear about wanting to be free to immerse yourself in the college experience and all the commensurate shenanigans that entails.”

“That was actually Liam’s idea,” she reminded him with a slight smile.

He bumped his shoulder into hers gently, “Yeah, well, you seem to have fully and enthusiastically embraced the concept.”

A small laugh escaped her, “Thanks in part to you.”

“What?” Surprise pulled through him.

“I was heartbroken when he broke up with me you know.” She shifted so her body was facing his.

“I remember…” he unconsciously turned his body a little more toward her.

She placed a hand on his arm, “You helped me through that! If not for you I’d probably still be sulking about it.”

“Great. I was your rebound guy. I knew it!” He joked.

“Ha ha, but yes, you really were. You made me feel something again.” She dropped her hand from his arm and started to turn away.

He reached out and grabbed her hand in both of his, “I’m glad I was able to be there for you, but that’s the other reason I haven’t brought up the future…”

Her eyes searched his, “What do you mean?”

“I mean…I know you’re not over Liam. I know you two still have unfinished business and I know you’ve been with other guys in California,” he released her hand and looked away as he admitted, “I… I didn’t think you wanted anything official, or to talk about a future with me.”

Riley was stunned, “Are you saying you do?”

He shrugged as he met her eyes quickly then looked away again, “Yes, Riley, I do. But I didn’t want to push you. I want kids someday. This is sooner than expected, and if it was any other girl, I’d probably be freaking out right now, but the idea of raising a baby with you isn’t the worst one in the world.”

She felt an unexpected frisson of jealousy coil around her heart, “But there are other girls.”

He turned his gaze back to her with a disbelieving shake of his head, “That’s the part you want to focus on right now? Yes, there have been other girls! Are you telling me you haven’t slept with anyone at Berkeley?”

Her eyes dropped to her lap. She didn’t answer.

“That’s what I thought. But listen,” he put a finger under her chin and tipped her head up, “those girls are friends with benefits. You are so much more to me than that! If you want to have this baby, then I am all in! I’ll do whatever you need me to do to support that, including marrying you and it won’t be just because of the baby. I’ve wanted to marry you since preschool. Remember?”

She laughed as she leaned into him, “You proposed with a ring pop!”

“Damn right I did!” he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer, “It was cherry too, my favorite! I gave you my favorite flavor ring pop, Riley. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is!”

She let herself relax into his embrace, “I’m sorry if I’m being a raging bitch but-“

“You’re fine. I get it. It’s a lot to take in.”

“You may be willing to sacrifice your grades and future, but I’m not. I can’t let you do that for me.”

“It wouldn’t be for you, baby, it would be for us!” His grip around her tightened.

The intensity of emotion in his voice both thrilled and terrified her.

She wasn’t ready.

For any of it.

“I’m sorry, Drake,” she whispered, “I can’t.”

He went completely still for a moment, “Are you sure? Have you thought through every consideration?”

“I’ve had nothing but time to think while I drove across the country.”

His head fell back against the wall as relief and disappointment both crashed through him, “Okay.”

“Okay? You don’t hate me for it?” she asked as her fingers fidgeted with the placket of his shirt.

“I could never hate you,” he leaned forward to place a soft kiss on the top of her head, “for any reason.”

“Okay, good,” her voice hitched a little as tears pooled in her eyes, “I’ll make the appointment when I get back to Berkeley.”

He swallowed back his own tears as he stroked her hair, “Okay. Just tell me when and I’ll be there.”

“What?” She pulled away from him startled, “Oh, no, you don’t have to-“

He shook his head as he reached for her and pulled her back into his chest, “Yes, I do! You didn’t get into this situation alone and you’re not going to deal with the repercussions alone, okay?”

Fresh tears flooded her eyes, this time from relief, gratitude, and the overwhelming feeling of being loved when she felt completely unlovable. She nodded her head, “Okay, I’ll let you know.”

“Good.”

They held each other for a while in silence as they each tried to process the enormity of the situation.

When he finally spoke, his voice was light, his tone teasing, “So, did you drive across four states just to tell me that you don’t want to marry me?”

She laughed through her tears, as she looked up at him, “Stop it!”

He smiled sadly as he wiped the wetness from her cheeks, “Come on, Brooks. Let me buy you dinner and get you home. You must be exhausted.”

“I…can’t go home. What will I tell my parents about why I drove all the way here just to turn around and drive back?”

She hadn’t wanted to tell him on the phone. She had needed to see him, needed to confide in the only other person this affected.

“Okay, leave your car here. We’ll pull it around back, no one will see it. You can come home with me. No one ever comes in my room. You’ll get a good night’s sleep and I’ll take you to breakfast before you head back.”

She knew in that moment that she’d been right to come.

He always made everything better. From scraped knees in preschool to beating up her fifth-grade bully to helping her pick up the broken pieces of her heart after graduation.

“That sounds good, Drake. Thank you… for everything.”

“I don’t know what the hell I did except get you into this predicament,” he scoffed, “but you know I always have your back, right?”

“We got into this predicament together,” she corrected him, “But yeah, I do know, so thank you.”

“Come on,” he stood up and held his hand out to her, “the least I can do is feed you.”

The feel of his hand clasped around hers calmed the raging anxiety that had been gnawing at her since she first suspected she might be pregnant.

She followed him out of the breakroom and out of the shop, hand in hand, feeling more at peace than she had in days.

#trr au #drake walker #college au #the royal romance #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #angelasscribbles #drake x riley #drake x mc

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bebepac · 3 years ago

Text

Last Call (Farewell Wacky Drabbles)

I am participating in the very last @wackydrabbles started by @emceesynonymroll and continued by @burnsoslow and @sirbeepsalot and I appreciate you keeping it going as long as you did. I enjoyed my time creating these over the years, and I thought it fitting to post this wacky drabble as as it was one of the series ideas I got during Wacky drabbles. Prompt# 145: That was really really good will appear in bold. There’s a special message in here for all wacky drabbler’s past and present, so I hope you will read, as I plan to read every wacky drabble that comes across. Also @choicesmonthlychallenge prompt 1: Lemonade.

The Series: Pop’s Place

The Book: TRR (no royals)

Pairings: Mia x Jaiden (Mia x M!OC) / with past pairings of Mia x Liam and Mia x Drake

Word Count: 994

Warnings and Ratings: a few curse words /Teen

Song Inspiration: Closing Time by Semisonic

Summary: Mia, Jaiden, and Liam work their last shift together at Pop’s Place before they leave to go back to school for sophomore year of college.

Original Post: 05/02/22 at 11:59AM EST.

So many things happened, but this was the best summer of my life. I think that I came out of my shell a little bit. Who am I kidding a lot more than I thought I ever would. I had three guys chasing me this summer! And I always felt like I was not the type of girl that would have that, but a month before summer vacation was over, my heart landed with the soft spoken, and kind Jaiden Brooks.

His eyes met mine as he cleared one of the tables for me. I smiled at him and he smiled back,

mouthing the words "I love you."

I blew him a kiss, saying it back to him with ease, which that part was so new for me. I was in love, and he loved me back! Focus Mia!!! I was in the process of taking the order of the customer in front of me.

The older woman sitting down, seeing my attention wavering, glanced back at Jai.

"Young love. You two are adorable."

“Thank you.”

“Should I repeat my order?”

I smiled. “Yes please.”

This time I paid close attention.

I know I said this was the best summer of my life, but on the flip, it was also the worst. My Pops, the owner of the restaurant where all my family works in some capacity or another, had a heart attack, taking him out on an extended medical leave.

Who knew it was going to be three teenagers: Me, in charge of the floor, Liam now promoted to head cook, and Jaiden helping to run the restaurant the last part of summer? And somehow we didn't run the place into the ground on shortened hours during the week and no weekend hours, but we were making more money than we had been. Our community had taken care of us when we really needed it and Pop's Place had brought us all together that summer.

Liam had learned shorthand language I used to communicate orders to Pops, and we all had fallen into a very efficient groove together. Even the hostility between Jaiden and Liam had lessened.

Oh right, I didn't tell you. If you didn't know, Liam and I well didn’t “officially date”, but had some flirtations going on, and one steamy nearly naked situation.

And we can’t forget Drake Walker….. Let’s just say I was living my best life this summer. Hot girl summer was on and poppin’.

"Hey guys I want you to try something. I want to take it to Pops as a new menu item, maybe seasonal dish or something. Take a break for a minute and sit down, I really need your opinion.”

Both Jaiden and Mia sat down at the back booth that always seemed to be reserved for staff taking breaks or eating their own lunches and or dinners.

“It’s kind of a different take on your favorite Mia, but it’s different, and I think the changes elevate the dish a lot.”

“Oooh fancy smancy talk. The changes elevated the dish.” I chided with Liam speaking with a haughty English accent.

“Mia stop being an asshole!” He playfully pushed me and I laughed harder.

Jaiden had already taken a bit from his dish.

“Holy hell babe, are you going to eat the rest of yours?”

“Jai, I haven't even had a bite yet!”

“Liam, for real, you need to seriously think about cooking school, this is amazing.”

While Jaiden and Liam were talking Mia cleared her sample plate of food.

“Liam, that was really really good.”

Liam actually looked bashful for once. He always seemed so confident. “You guys really think it’s good enough to take to Pops?”

“Yes!” Both Jaiden and Mia declared enthusiastically.

“The only thing I’m concerned with is the fact you can only give him a little, he’s going to want a whole plate, and this doesn’t taste heart healthy.” Mia chuckled lightheartedly.

Liam laughed. “Oh trust me, it’s not!!!”

That last shift together flew by like grease lightning as Pops would say.

At ten minutes until closing time I did our 'last call' for any last refills or to-go orders, and at 6:00PM on the dot, I let out the last few customers and locked the door behind them, flipping the sign on the door from Yes, We’re Open, to Sorry! We’re Closed.

"That's everyone!" I yelled.

Jaiden turned up the music and the three of us worked as a team helping each other finish our nightly duties.

“You guys I’m going to miss this.” I was feeling sappy and sentimental.

Liam laughed. “You’re being dramatic. You’re going to school twenty minutes away Mia! It’s not like you're moving to another country and we’ll never see each other ever again. Hell you and Jaiden are going to the same damn school together for crying out loud.”

“Liam’s right Babe. Liam will still be around, we’ll all still be around. We just won’t always be here at this one place anymore. Just because we don’t have this particular place anymore, doesn’t mean we can’t socialize. We can still hang out and stuff. Just don’t be a stranger when we see each other out and about, and remember we started here first.”

Mia wrapped one arm around Liam and the other around Jaiden.

“Thank you guys.”

Not even twenty four hours later:

“See, the Three Musketeers have already been reunited again!"

Liam had helped me move my stuff into my dorm room, because Pops was still taking things easy, and well Jaiden was moving into his dorm too, and had showed up as soon as he could.

“How’d you guys get everything put in so quickly?”

“I promised Liam lunch. Pizza and Root beer.”

“New York style pizza?” Jaiden inquired.

“Of course, the best you can get in our area, and yes I got lemonade for you Jai.”

“That’s my girl!” Jaiden kissed my lips.

Even though we weren’t at Pop’s, we found a way to find each other and socialize. My boys were totally right.

I hope that you all see what I did here in these lines. Let’s not be strangers, fellow wacky drabblers, past and present.

If you would like to see how Liam and Drake messed things up with the TRR MC Mia, please click: Pop’s Place

If you would like to see what happens when she goes back to school with Jaiden Please Click Mia’s World

#bebepac writes #wacky drabbles #the last one #pop's place #mia x jaiden #trr fanfic #trr fandom #choices fanfiction #choices fic writers creations #play choices

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txemrn · 2 years ago

Text

Stay

Chapter 2: "Ten Feet Under and Upside-Down"

Catch up here!

Word Count: ~6835 (I apologize; it's a long one)

Series Summary: With her family facing deportation back to Auvernal, fun-spirited Reid Ambrose quits college to support her family. But as fate would have it, she accepts a temporary job as a caregiver for the royal family, an experience that will challenge her, break her, and devastate her world in the most exciting of ways.

Chapter Summary: An old face returns to Cordonia to work for the royal family. But even after almost a decade away, not much has changed, and he's more miserable than ever.

Series Warning: ⛔ Please Be Advised: 18+ Only ⛔This series will contain mature material, including foul language, NSFW 🍋, discussion/depictions of war, violence, gun violence, assassination attempts; medical situations, including major character injuries; ethical dilemmas including euthanasia & bodily autonomy; mental health, including depression, PTSD, suicide

Series Music Inspo: “Awake” by Secondhand Serenade

Chapter Music Inspo: "Storm" by Lifehouse

AN: Majority of these characters and some plots belong to our friends at Pixelberry. Special thanks to my amazing friend @kat-tia801 for prereading, and my sweet friend @ao719 for helping me dial-up a scene as well as pre-reading it. Also, you will recognize some items from canon; other items may be completely contradictory to canon. Just got with it, and enjoy the story. 😊

~🖤~

Present (as a reminder: 3 years after Leo's tragic birthday party)

Coasting into the assigned parking spot at his apartment complex, Drake Walker haphazardly downshifts his truck before ripping the keys out of the ignition. All the lights seem to be out in his place, which will work in his favor for a possibly quiet night at home. No talking, especially no arguing. Hopefully with his quick maneuvering, the rumble of his old pick-up won’t disturb his wife and son from their sleep.

Fuck. It did. A lamp in the master bedroom flickers on, a glow illuminating through the window.

Drake lays his exhausted head on the steering wheel, unsure if he should turn back around and go back to his job and stay the night there. At least then he wouldn't have to hide himself, hide his emotions from his bride, pretend to be the man he promised her he would be.

Jodi doesn't deserve this. Any of this. The silent treatment. The avoidance. The denial of connection. She's too faithful, too fucking loving for her own good. Truth be told, her gentle answers, loving support, and abundant encouragement are the reasons Drake has been so successful both in college and starting his career as a physical therapist.

Why was he shutting down on her now?

It all started about six months ago, when Drake found the crown prince of Cordonia wandering on their front porch of their newly-built Texas home.

“Leo?” Drake cocked his head, furrowing his eyebrows in disbelief. He hadn’t seen the tall blond since the aftermath of his birthday party almost three years ago.

“Walker!” he extended his hand, striding widely to greet the commoner. “Long time no see, brother!”

Brother? Drake eyes the prince’s outstretched arm before hesitantly gripping it. Taking in Leo’s appearance, he notices a thick file folder under his arm, filled with what looked like a stack of disjointed documents with tabs and post-it notes.

“Jesus Christ, Texas is fucking hot,” Leo chuckled, dabbing his forehead, but his perfect pearly white smile remained on Drake. “Beautiful place you got here.”

Always the charmer. “Yeah,” Drake shifted his gaze to the screen door, seeing a curious Jodi with their son Finn on her hip. He gave her a nod with the notion that everything was okay before turning back to his visitor. “Listen, Leo…” he clapped his hands, “um, what are you doing here?”

Leo snickered. “Straight to the point as always, Walker. Is there some place we can talk?”

“Right here is just fine,” Drake fired back quickly, not trusting the future king’s intentions. He folded his arms, leaning a shoulder against a wooden post.

“On behalf of the Cordonian royal family, we’d like to hire you.”

Leo had offered Drake a full-time job to be the prince’s personal physical therapist. This, of course, made the commoner scoff, making it clear that he would never cross onto Cordonian soil again. Not for anyone, not even him. But when he stormed inside, he was stopped by Jodi who had been listening.

“He traveled halfway around the world, Drake Walker,” she quietly scolded, “at least talk to him. We’re talking about your old stomping grounds, your family… I know they treated you like shit, but… at least hear him out. Maybe it’s time to bury the hatchet, you know? Let go of your bitterness.”

“Jo… I don’t know.”

“Think of the good example you’ll be setting for Finn,” she smiled, batting her puppy-dog eyes.

Fuck, she was good.

Luckily Leo hadn’t retreated too far away from their land. Drake waved down his driver, and then invited Leo back to the house for a drink and for the opportunity to discuss his proposal. Once the crown prince was introduced to Jodi, the three of them sat down at the kitchen table while Finn took a nap on the couch.

Looking like an episode of Criminal Minds, the documents in the folder were carefully explained and spread out before the young couple’s eyes. It was a medical file, complete with lab test results, written diagnoses and prognoses by doctors, some of which were second and third opinions. Lists of medications, photographs of scarred skin, MRIs of nerve damage, degeneration and muscle atrophy: it was clear that there was a serious need.

But why him? Why Drake?

“We’ve already been through three therapists, and all of them have left us,” Leo answered somberly. “I’m not going to lie; it’s… difficult, and not just because your job is already difficult. But… he’s difficult.” Leo folded his hands on the table, mindlessly fidgeting with his thumbs. Suddenly something came over him, something more honest, something more human. “Please, Walker,” his voice shook before clearing his throat. “We… We need you.”

Drake quietly sits in the driver's seat in the stillness of the night, fidgeting with his wedding band as Leo’s words echo in his head.

We need you…

He reminisces about his childhood in Cordonia, about games of tag in the hedge maze, fishing trips out on Lake Malus, and sleepovers on the back lawn of the palace with only his sleeping bag, a flashlight and comic books.

But, along with the fond memories of his childhood came the bittersweet remembrance of his friendship with Liam. He was always there. Always–well, for the most part, at least up until the end. The prince was Drake’s confidant, his greatest support. He gave sound advice, but also knew when to sit, whether it was to listen or because Drake needed silence.

He didn’t turn his back on Drake even after he felt abandoned by his own family.

Maybe that’s why Drake finally agreed to this arrangement; maybe he felt indebted somehow to the royal family, to the memory of Liam being patiently supportive when tragedy struck. The sacrifice probably didn’t seem great to the leaders of a country, but to Drake, it was everything.

Never in a million years would Drake have guessed this would be his life, a selfless life of servitude to the royals, a miserable life putting them first before his own family. Just like his father. When he left Cordonia almost a decade ago, his decision seemed so certain, so clear, and he swore that he would never see any of these horrid people again.

He glances towards the orange glow, pouring from his bedroom window, and he worries about his marriage. The pent-up regret and festering anger has been building since the moment he stepped back onto Cordonia soil. The job was difficult, and it was near impossible to work with his ornery client. Drake returns home late every night with battle wounds on his heart.

But, tonight he suddenly feels an overwhelming sense of guilt as he watches the shadows shift against the ambient lighting. Has he been silently taking out his frustrations on his wife? He’s trying to spare her his heartache by keeping it to himself; but in doing so, is he neglecting her needs?

Damnit, my family needs me, too.

He reaches into a secret pocket of his duffle bag, and pulls out two cigarettes. Tucking one behind his ear to chainsmoke later, he lights the other one, pulling in the deep burn. He combs his fringe out of his eyes before leaning back on his head rest, exhaling his smoky breath. But still, the haunting anxiety remains.

How the fuck did we even get here?

------

9 Years ago

A sudden loud clatter jolts nineteen-year-old Drake awake from his impromptu nap. Unsure of the time or how long he has been asleep, he intently rubs his eyes with his fists before succumbing to a large, vocal yawn, stretching his sculpted arms over his head. Quickly noticing the darkness outside, he reaches for his phone and notices the time.

1:24 AM

The fuck, Liam?

Last year, the young prince started his rigorous royal training in preparation for his older brother Leo’s ascension to the Cordonian throne. Being separated from his best friend, Drake quickly made himself busy around the palace, mainly serving as a stablehand, until Liam would retire from the evening. But, with constant travels, the wearisome studies and the long diplomatic meetings, the two men discovered less and less free time to spend together. Liam was forming new bonds and new relationships with fellow dignitaries and politicians while his friendship with Drake was starving for a connection. After a few short months, they were barely texting one another.

Today is Liam’s birthday, and the two men had agreed to finally catch up with drinks at the beer garden to celebrate. Drake came home early to make himself presentable before heading over to Liam’s quarters early. He was nervous, not because he was finally going to come face-to-face with Liam, but he was anxious about talking with him. Drake had come to an important conclusion, and having Liam’s support meant the world.

When he arrived to the room, no one answered the door. The commoner let himself in with his spare key only to discover a dark room with the young prince nowhere to be found.

After leaving multiple voice messages and sending off several unopened texts, Drake contacted Lars, Liam’s personal guard.

“Walker, you know it’s against protocol for me to tell you where he is at–”

“Lars, just… c’mon,” Drake sighed, “we had plans. Tonight. I mean, maybe he forgot? Or–or maybe he thought I stood him up?” The silence on the phone spoke loud and clear, giving Drake the answer he didn’t want. “When you find a heart, tell him I was looking for him.” Ending the call, Drake slumped into a leather loveseat in Liam’s bedroom.

Sitting alone in the dimly lit room, Drake was left to his own thoughts. He remembers his mom lecturing Savannah all the time about the importance of the quality of friendships rather than the quantity of friends she claimed she had. She would say kitschy phrases, like, “Some people come into your life for a lifetime while others come into your life for a season.”

But the latter was for other people and their failed relationships; this didn’t apply to Drake and his childhood friend Liam. Right? They grew up together; they became men together. They’ve seen each other at their best and at their absolute worst. They’ve rejoiced together; they've grieved together. Liam was his ride or die.

Then why was it all of a sudden so goddamn hard to even be around each other, let alone talk to each other?

Drake rakes his fingers through his hair, finally resting his forehead in his hands as the racket continues. First, he hears keys pawing at the door, like a cat to a scratch post, followed by poorly stifled giggles and even more obnoxious hushes. Finally busts open with an unkempt, very drunk Liam with lips glued to a shapely brunette, her dress already unzipped.

Drake clears his throat, causing the couple to jump apart.

“Drake!” Liam slurs, “Just the man I was looking for!” He glides towards his best friend, patting him on the shoulder before turning his attention to the woman in the room. “I want you to meet Lady… Lady… Latvia–”

“Actually, it’s Leilani,” she kindly interrupts, “Lady Leilani of Latvia.” She offers a crooked smile to Drake while Liam plays cool, snapping his fingers and pointing to her in acknowledgement that she was correct. She stumbles forward towards the commoner with an extended hand to shake while her other arm keeps her bodice covering her chest.

Raising an eyebrow at the trainwreck in front of him before glaring at the inebriated prince, Drake raises his voice. “We need to talk, Li.”

With Leilani giving Liam a concerned look, he walks up behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist as he nuzzles his nose into her neck. “Can this wait until tomorrow?” Liam calls out, his words nasally and muffled against her skin.

Drake stands quickly with a heavy foot. “No.”

With his friend’s words shooting through him like an arrow, Liam quickly gives a sober nod. He whispers something into the young coed’s ear, causing her to giggle as he helps her back into her dress. She makes her exit, swaying her hips through the door, but not before she blows a kiss to Liam.

Liam catches the airborne kiss, touching his palm to his face as she finally exits the room. “Isn’t she something?”As he turns to face Drake, the prince is met with a cold stare, a lump suddenly forming in his throat. “Well,” Liam clears his throat as he makes himself comfortable on the side of his bed. “So, what’s up–hey! We missed you tonight, bruh” he jokes, finger-gunning towards Drake.

“‘Bruh’?” Drake scoffs. “I was here, Li… waiting for you… like we had planned.”

Liam gives him a funny look. “We did?” He shrugs off his sports coat, letting it crumple on the ground as he untucks his pale pink oxford. “Well,” the blond lays back on his bed, letting out a hefty exhale. “You should’ve joined us–”

“Are you fucking for real right now?”

“Drake, relax,” he waves his hand flippantly in the air, closing his eyes. But, when he hears a loud sigh, he sits up on his elbows with one eye open. "Wait… are you seriously mad at me? For not drinking with you? Last I checked–” Liam extends his arms above his head, allowing his head to hit the plush comforter. “It’s my birthday!”

“Fuck it,” Drake mutters, standing up to head for the door. “I’m leaving–”

“Whoa, whoa,” Liam jumps up to stop his best friend from leaving, tripping over his jacket on the way. “Seriously, dude,” Liam puts his hand to his chest as he begins to sing, “talk to me. Tell me your name–”

Drake pushes Liam out of the way, causing him to stumble to the ground.

“Whoa there, old friend,” Liam pulls himself back up. “That was kinda hard.”

“It wasn’t that hard.” Drake opens the door.

“I thought you wanted to talk,” Liam shouts, a twinge of humor in his voice.

“You’re drunk–”

“And for once,” Liam draws closer to the shaggy brunette, jabbing his finger into his chest, “you’re not!”

Drake sees red as he glares at the shell of the man that he used to consider his brother. When did he become so rude? So flippant? So careless? So… Leo? “You know what, Li?” He raises his hands in surrender, slowly stepping backwards through the door. “We’re done.” He turns on his heel and storms towards his private quarters.

“Drake? Drake, c’mon,” Liam calls out, jogging towards the commoner. He grabs him by the shoulder, turning him around. “Listen, I’m sorry. I–I'm dunk–drunk. Let’s just talk about this tomorrow–”

“No, Li. There is no more time to talk.” Drake shrugs off Liam’s hand as he returns to his pursuit. “Besides, I have a plane to catch in the morning.”

“A plane?” Liam catches up to Drake again, this time cutting in front of him. “Where–where are you going?”

"Away," he grumbles, finally reaching his room.

"Okay," Liam curiously stops, raising an eyebrow, his voice becoming softer. "When are you coming back?"

On cue, Drake unlocks his door to reveal a few packed boxes and luggage. Liam flips on an overhead light, his eyes registering the scene. He furrows his brows, as he tracks his pacing friend. Drake finally turns around, shoving his hands in his pocket before daring to look up at the prince.

"You're moving," Liam states matter-of-factly.

"To Texas," Drake finishes, eyes trained to the floor.

"But… but what about your life here–"

"What life, Liam?" Drake angrily interrupts. "I see the same three guys every day down in the stables. I eat breakfast and dinner by myself," he suddenly chokes on his words, his breath hitching as he turns away to collect himself. He looks back to Liam, his eyes reddening with the threat of tears. "I spend my free-time wondering if my fucking best friend will actually talk to me today."

"So this is my fault?" Liam shifts his weight, putting his hands on his hips. "Drake," he scoffs, "we knew this day was coming, my noble training, my duties. And this is harder, harder than I ever imagined. I’m sorry that we don’t hang out as much. But, cut me some slack."

"I have… For a long time now."

Liam looks away, his lips twisting. Every emotion flashes across his youthful, chiseled face. Confusion. Anger. Worry. Betrayal. Running a hand over his stubbled chin, he looks back at his friend.

"How do I fix this?"

Hearing the genuine desperation in Liam's voice, Drake drops his head. He rubs the back of his neck, his eyes still trained on the floor. "Li, I–"

"Just tell me. And I'll make it happen. Anything."

Drake sardonically snickers, shaking his head. "Don't you want better for me? For me to make something of myself?"

"Is it a job? Because I can get you a better job. Or we can get you into Cordonia U in the Fall–"

"Wow," Drake blows a raspberry with his lips. "Do you seriously think I need your help? That I'm incapable of creating my own life? My own future?" Fuming, Drake catches his breath. “Jesus fucking Christ, you nobles are all the same. You think you can just throw your wealth, your fucking title and get your way–”

“It never stopped you from accepting my help before.”

A dark stillness engulfs the room as the two friends stare daggers into each other. Liam crosses his arms, his physique growing rigid as he towers his extra three inches of height over denim-clad commoner. Breathing madly, Drake’s broad chest rises and falls as his hands grip into fists. They stood there for a few minutes, hurling silent insults at each other, tearing each other apart with their quiet thoughts.

Finally, Drake shakes his head in disgust, throwing up his hands before heading for the door. “I’ll send for my stuff,” he mutters under his breath as he intentionally bumps his shoulder into the prince’s arm, pushing him off balance.

Liam scoffs. He brushes off his arm as if Drake had left something dirty on him from impact. He follows him out the door to watch him walk down the main corridor.

“Like mother, like son.”

Drake spins around, his jaw tightening. He closes the space between him and Liam before launching a wrathful swing of his arm, his fist abruptly meeting a hearty crack against the prince’s chiseled face.

Liam stumbles backwards, falling to a knee as he holds his cheek. But before he can retaliate, Liam’s guard Lars quickly apprehends Drake, knocking him to the ground as he calls for reinforcements over his earpiece. With six more guards swarming the floor, Drake is picked up by his pinned arms.

“Stop!” Liam bellows, struggling to stand up. With the help of another guard, Liam steadies his gate before drawing closer to Drake, He wipes at his lip, noting the dark red crimson trickling from his mouth. He locks his eyes on his childhood friend before slowly shaking his head.

“You ungrateful bastard,” Liam growls before turning to Lars. “Show Mr. Walker out.” Liam turns on his heel, walking back to his quarters before slamming the door.

------

Present

An abrupt knocking on the glass breaks Drake’s reverie. He anxiously sits up, but his troubled heart instantly takes comfort at the sight of her, his bride, his person. It was his Jodi. Even in a ratty old SFA t-shirt and an old pair of his boxers, she was still stunning. Her hair reflects the moonlight, turning her usual golden strands into ethereal white. Her warm caramel-chocolate eyes hold the universe, Drake’s whole universe, as they sparkle and dance just for him. She delicately presses her fingertips against the pane, her heart-shaped lips offering a pleading smile. Baby, please. I’m here.

Drake furrows his brow at the sight of her. His lips can’t help but frown as the pricking of tears sting his eyes. He finally drops his head into hands, shielding his face from her view. He knew the dam that was holding back his emotions would eventually break, and his heart would bleed out as the unbearable weight on his shoulders came crashing down around him. But, he didn’t want to do this in front of Jodi, not in front of the woman that trusts him to be her rock and strength.

“Drake?” She softly calls to him. “Drake baby?” She gently taps her fingertips against the window again to get his attention, but he doesn’t answer her.

Jodi quickly rounds the truck, climbing in on the other side while shoving his duffle bag into the back of the cab. “Baby? Baby?” She slides her arms around Drake’s broad shoulders, pulling him snuggly into her embrace, resting her chin in his tousled hair. Her face etches with worry, but she’s not a fool; she knows her husband, and she knows that this–whatever this is– has been building like a cancer inside of him for a while now.

At least since they moved to Cordonia.

“I’m sorry,” Drake whispers, but Jodi quickly hushes him endearingly, combing her fingers through his hair and behind his ear. “I promised you a better life than this. I promised you a better husband than–”

“Don’t you dare talk about my husband that way, Drake Walker.” She playfully scorns, planting kisses on the crown of his head.

Drake sits up, giving his wife a half-crooked smile as he quickly dries his eyes with the heel of his hand. He then wraps a strong arm around her, pulling her to his side, their lips tenderly meeting.

Jodi reaches over, lacing her petite hand with his large fingers. Her eyes find his glassy stare, but he quickly looks away from her, clearing his throat.

She squeezes his grip before casually looking out the window. “Your mom used to say, 'He's just like Jack.'

Drake's eyes widen, turning back to his wife. "What?"

The corners of Jodi's mouth turn up as she continues. "Apparently your dad was incredibly strong. Tough. Hard-headed–"

Drake guiltily chuckles under his breath. "Sounds slightly familiar."

"And yet… very emotional. Haunted even." She looks up at her husband, their eyes locking on one another. As silence fills the truck, Jodi's attention falls to their laced fingers. Gently letting go of his hand, she begins twirling his platinum wedding ring.

"Listen, Jo–"

She holds a finger to his mouth and sweetly grins. "I love you, Drake Walker," her eyes twinkle, "just the way you are, even when you feel like being quiet and I know,” she chuckles, “I know. You have to mull things over before you can talk about them." She cups his face, gently stroking the coarse hairs of his bearded jaw. “But you married me. You don't have to shoulder the pain alone anymore. You don't have to worry about tomorrow or about decisions or about life alone anymore." Watching a tear swell and threaten to drop from his long lashes, Jodi gently rubs her thumb across his lower eyelid. "You can be quiet, that's fine. But you eventually need to talk to me, Drake. Please–" she sniffles, "don't shut me out. Don't–don't shut us out–"

"Oh, baby," Drake exhales, his arms enveloping his wife. He leans in, resting his forehead against hers as he closes his eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry… I–" he sighs, "I never meant to do this to you. All I want to do… is protect you, be a man that you are proud of–”

“Drake–”

“Jodi Walker… you are the most precious thing this life has ever given me… damnit–” his breath hitches as he presses his face intimately into her hair, "I need you. God, everyday. I need you every fucking day. More and more."

"I need you, too, baby," Jodi sweetly whispers in his ear, her voice hoarse from tears. She presses a firm kiss into his hairline, her fingers tangled tightly in his hair. “And I am proud of you.”

For the first time in almost six months, Drake suddenly understands what it means to be supported, to be heard and to be loved. It's not that his wife failed to do these things for him. But he realizes it's easy to feel comforted when he feels positive about himself and rewarded by life. He promised Jodi happiness, and he is bound and determined to ensure she always has that.

Even if that means hiding himself and his own demons.

But he had forgotten one very important detail: Jodi made the exact same promise of a happy life, to love him, and to comfort him through every curve ball thrown at them. He’s not that little boy anymore, suffering through his father’s death and mother’s abandonment alone. He has someone now, his person, his better half, his forever.

After spending some much needed time in each other's arms, whispering sentiments of love and sharing sweet kisses, the couple is interrupted by a tiny voice on the baby monitor. They both stare at the device intently, finally raising an eyebrow to one another, holding their breath as they try to decipher the message.

"Damnit! Okay! Fine. I have no idea,” Jodi confesses, throwing up her hands as a guilty expression paints across her face. “I have no fucking idea what the hell he is saying half the time."

"Shit, I thought it was just me," Drake snickers, rubbing his forehead.

Jodi slowly furrows her eyebrows. “You think he’s normal?”

“Meh,” Drake shrugs his shoulders, “I don’t think we’ve fucked him up too badly just yet–”

“Drake!” Jodi swats at her husband’s arm as he pretends to shield himself. They tumble into a fit of snickers as Drake puts his arm around her shoulders, hugging her tightly.

"Well, I better go check on him," she gives a sorrowful smile before pressing her lips to Drake one last time. "Take your time… but don't dare keep me waiting alone for too long, Mr. Walker," she winks as she begins to slide out of the truck.

Drake grabs her elbow, pulling her back to his side as their mouths meet again. A soft moan tumbles from her chest as he strokes her hair back.

"We're in this together… right, Mrs. Walker?" he kisses her nose, making her scrunch it up.

"Always."

------

By the time Drake makes it upstairs, a lone kitchen light illuminates his path in the open-concept layout of his apartment. He quietly sets his bag down next to the front door before kicking off his tennis shoes. He strips down into his white undershirt and boxer briefs, gathering his dirty scrubs to throw into the wash.

Softly padding to the kitchen to warm up some dinner, he notices a certain little 3-year-old’s upside-down handprint on a piece of construction paper. As he draws close to the craft, Drake’s smile begins to grow as the gray blob of paint begins to take the shape of an elephant, complete with a googly-eye glued near the base of the tiny thumb and his ear, toes and tail drawn on with a permanent marker, no doubt drawn on by Jodi.

To: Daddy

Drake traces the hand print, a sense of pride billowing in his chest. My boy. Feeling the tight ache in his cheeks from smiling, he glances towards Finn’s room and notices the door is ajar, his night light pouring through the crack out into the hallway. He quietly moseys to his son’s room, peering in to see his son, sleeping soundly with his chestnut strands sprawled out carelessly on his pillow. With a secure grip on a toy firetruck, the young child’s arm is relaxed over his head while the thumb of his other hand is tucked barely into the waistband of his dinosaur underwear.

Drake chuckles to himself, admiring the adorable vision when he suddenly looks down, noticing that he had his own thumb tucked into the waistband of his boxers.

And it hits him: what else am I unknowingly teaching him?

Drake has fond memories of his father: camping, fishing, learning how to tie a tie, grilling the perfect steak, tuning up a car. But one thing he doesn’t like to think about are the times his father wasn’t there–especially since those times outnumber the moments he was present.

And it was all for the sake of the job. Drake remembers phone calls in the middle of the night, impromptu international trips, interrupted holidays. And then when his dad was home, he wasn’t always present with them. Often times, his mother would shoo Drake and his younger sister away to allow for Jackson to rest by the fire with a bottle of scotch in his hands.

But Drake has nothing, but admiration and gratefulness for his dad, for all of the good times, the life lessons and pep talks. Because of the early, pleasant experiences, Drake always imagined raising his children the exact same way.

Only now that he’s in Cordonia, he’s not.

But that stops tonight.

Drake tenderly picks up his son, Finn’s head instantly nuzzling back to sleep on his dad’s shoulder, gripping tightly to his shirt. He knew that Jodi was probably going to kill him for getting the little one out of his bed, but at this moment, holding their boy, reminding him that Daddy is always there seems more important.

Drake strolls into his bedroom with a snoozing Finn in his arms, wrapped up with his patch-work blankie. With her eyes growing heavy, Jodi is mindlessly scrolling through TikTok in the dark when she hears her husband’s heavy steps. She sits up on her elbow, and then notices her son.

“Drake?” She turns on a lamp, slowly sitting up in bed. “What are you doing? Is he okay—?”

“Yeah,” Drake looks down at his son, nestled in his arms, “everything is perfect now.”

------

The next morning, Drake feels renewed, like shackles have been broken off of his hands and feet, setting him free. There’s no sense of dread or anxiety. He doesn't feel agonizing guilt or slithering voices of self-loathing. Rather, he's at peace; he's comforted. He has a swelling of confidence in his chest and a new lease of determination in his soul. And when he wakes up next to his wife and son, his heart almost aches from the overflow of love for them.

He contacts his work, notifying them that he would be present for his client at the regular scheduled start time in accordance with his contract. He took a very excited Finn to the kitchen for breakfast, knowing that his early-bird of a wife would be in shortly.

Only she wasn’t.

After bribing his son to take five ‘big boy bites’, Drake cleans Finn up before securing him inside a baby gate with his blankie and a new episode of Dino Ranch. Returning to the kitchen, he pours a mug of piping hot coffee for Jodi while preparing a short stack of pancakes with spiced apple butter, his wife’s new favorite topping since moving to Cordonia. Arranging the meal on a rustic, wooden tray, he carries it, tiptoeing carefully into the bedroom. He finds her already up, rinsing out her mouth before returning to bed.

“Morning, Mrs. Walker,” he smiles, presenting her breakfast like a trophy..

“Mmmm, morning, Mr. Walker,” her voice is raspy. “I see you’ve been cooking–”

“Jo–” he interrupts, putting the tray down and cradling her face. “You okay?” He gently strokes his thumbs across the dark, purple circles under her swollen eyes.

“Yeah,” she reassures, putting her hands on his wrists. “I–I’m just tired. Someone invited a certain little boy into our bed that I swear is going to be the kicker for the Cowboys someday."

“A kicker instead of a… walker?” he mischievously raises his eyebrows, ensuring his wife got the punchline.

Oh, she did. Jodi playfully glares at her husband. "You know? Just because you're a dad now doesn't mean you have to tell dad jokes."

"You love my jokes," he badgers, his voice growing heated as his mouth grazes gently across her lips.

"Mmmm… I love you," she croons.

Their mouths meet again, but the intimate touch is gone too quickly. Jodi playfully pouts, the adorable sight coaxing Drake to kiss her again. And then again. And then once more. “Greedy girl this morning,” he growls, handing her the coffee before pinching her ass.

“Baby," she yelps. "Hey, wait… shouldn’t you be at work?” Jodi furrows her eyebrows before sniffing her mug and stealthily setting it down.

“Technically my contract says I have to be in by 8:30 AM. The only one that wants me there at 6 is my fucking client–”

“Drake,” she warns.

“What?” He shrugs his shoulders, feigning ignorance.

“Are you going to always refer to him as your ‘fucking client’?”

“That’s all he is, Jo,” he spits back. He watches his wife calmly push her loose tendrils behind her ear before she dips her finger into the apple butter. Drake sighs, “I’m sorry, okay? It’s just… it’s different. He’s different.”

“I guess I don’t understand. What about all the phone calls and facetimes?” She licks her finger. “I mean I know that all stopped when… uh, well… after everything happened, and–and–and you and I had Finn, then the wedding. But I thought surely you two would go back to–”

“It’s not like that anymore, Jo,” he sighs. “I know you were hoping that somehow moving back here would be like some magical family reunion. It’s not. We’re not family anymore.”

“Have… you… talked to–?”

“No. And we don’t talk about her either.” He bites back, a silence falling between them as he stares at his twiddling thumbs. He finally sighs. “Look, Jo, I’m sorry. I know I’m being short with you, but this? This is my nightmare. Every-fucking-day. I spend my entire day trying to save him, and he’s a stranger, as if we have absolutely no history. He’s… just a fucking asshole.”

Jodi places an endearing hand on his upper back. “I know, baby. But, you’re doing the right thing–”

“Right thing?” Drake blows a raspberry with his mouth. “The only reason why I’m even here in Cordonia is I was a last ditch effort. He wants to move on, and they thought I’d be the cure,” he sarcastically snickers, “he doesn’t want a fucking cure.” He looks away from his wife, taking a moment to think. “You know? They are actually considering hiring another ‘caretaker’,” he air-quotes, “but she has to be a young female–”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously. Who knows? Maybe that will interest him in wanting to stay.”

“Will she have big tits and dollar bills hanging out of her g-string?” Jodi jokes.

“They can’t hire you,” Drake winks, earning him a swat from his wife. He gets up and retrieves her plate and mug. “Which… how is the training going at your new job?”

“It’s good,” she brightens, as she follows Drake into the kitchen where they can see Finn playing with his toy cars in the living area. “I start at the embassy on Monday, and then I’ll go to the satellite campuses for interviews after that—”

“Jodi?” He interjects, his voice becoming worrisome as he observes her untouched plate. “Aren’t you hungry? That’s fresh apple butter.”

“I can tell it is,” she grins. “I’m just not hungry yet.”

Drake nods in understanding, but suddenly notices her untouched coffee, an early morning staple for a fully functioning Jodi Walker.

“So,” she continues, “I found out some good news.”

Drake sits down to put on his shoes, turning his ear to her. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“A spot opened up at the employee daycare, so I don’t think we need Sav afterall.”

“Jo,” Drake runs his hands down his face, “we talked about this. Sav is family–”

“And this is the start of our son's education. Did you know that they use the same programs that the nobles use for private lessons–”

Drake grumbles. “Weren’t you just asking me if I thought he was normal?”

“Drake.”

“--about how if we’ve fucked him up yet?”

“Drake Walker.” Jodi crosses her arms, raising an eyebrow. “Please don’t start with that noble shit right now. I’m only wanting the best for him. I love Sav, but I want him doing more than just playing with cars and watching television. Not to mention that drive? Everyday? Especially in Valtoria traffic?”

“You also don’t have to go back to work,” Drake mutters. When he notices the room is silent, he turns around to see a glaring Jodi with her hands on her hips. He nervously clears his throat. “Sorry. Continue, sweetheart.”

“He needs structure–”

“Have you met Bertrand?”

“Drake,” she rubs her head as if she is developing a headache. She quietly saunters towards her husband, slowly snaking her hands around his abdomen. “Please. This will be really good for Finn. I promise.” She tightens her embrace, pressing her forehead into his broad chest. “They have an open house in a few weeks that we can go to. Would that make you feel better?”

Drake gently runs his hands up and down his wife’s back, milling around the information he just learned. He takes a deep breath, finally looking down and meeting her pleading gaze. “Fine. Open house, but Savannah until then.”

“Deal.” Their lips meet briefly, eliciting a soft moan from Jodi.

“Any other benefits I should know about?” Drake sasses.

“Actually…” Jodi bites her bottom lip, “remember how I only got eight weeks off after I had Finn, and only six of them were paid for?”

Drake huffs under his breath as he pulls out his lunchbox to pack. “Don’t remind me… fucking school district is a bunch of crooks.”

Jodi widens her eyes, placing her pointer finger on her mouth as she shifts her eyes to Finn. Drake retracts his head like a turtle before mouthing the word sorry.

“Anyway,” Jodi jovially rolls her eyes, “so get this: even as a part-time employee, I still get six months of paid maternity leave. Guaranteed.”

“O…kay.” Drake titters, opening up the refrigerator, “is this your subtle-not-so-subtle way of bringing up the baby conversation again?”

“No–I mean… sortof?” She cocks her head, her tongue pressed to the back of her teeth.

The moment Drake hears the inflection in her voice, he freezes. Then whirls around to face his wife, noticing how extremely tired she looks. Then he turns to face the sink, glancing at her untouched plate and mug of coffee.

“Jo?” His eyes shift suspiciously towards his wife.

“Drake?” She smiles sheepishly.

“You’re… not…” he tries hard to stifle his smile, but the joy in his gaze betrays him.

Jodi shrugs her shoulders before nodding her head enthusiastically, biting her bottom lip. Within seconds, her husband scoops her up in his arms, lifting her off the ground as their lips melt in a tender kiss.

“Are you serious? Wait… are you sure?” He whispers. “You’re not fucking with me? We–we’re really having another baby?” Watching her husband fumble with his words, Jodi is consumed with giggles, her cheeks pinking with joy. Before she can even answer a single question, Drake pushes his mouth back into hers, tracing a trail of heated kisses to the back of her neck before finally embracing her tightly, burying his face into her gold locks. Wrapped in each other's arms, they fall into a pleasurable silence as they gently rock each other back and forth, basking in the blessing of turning into a family of four. “I love you, Jo.”

“Love you, Walker," she echoes hoarsely, sharing one last peck on his lips. Suddenly, she bounds to the baby gate where Finn is watching intently, reaching for his parents. Jodi picks him up, saddling him on her hip as she spins him around. “And… I love you!” She squeals, grabbing his belly, tickling him lightly as he throws his head back with giggles.

“Oh, damnit.”

Jodi abruptly stops, growing concerned as her husband’s face drops. “What’s wrong?”

“I just realized… I’m not gonna have any extra dollar bills for that new stripper–”

Jodi scrunches up her face. “Let’s get Daddy,” she whispers to Finn. They begin to tickle Drake as he shields himself, all the while laughing hysterically. “No strippers, ya hear me? Y’all are going to hire a sweet girl with manners… that can keep her clothes on during working hours.”

“That’s what strippers do during working hours,” he snorts, enveloping his small family, planting a kiss on Finn's chubby cheek. As Drake tries to smooth down his son's inherited cowlick, he grows quiet, his expression pensive. “You’re right, you know.” Drake exhales, becoming more serious. “I do still care… And if I can’t make him feel better, then I hope this crazy plan of hiring a nice girl works.”

“I hope so too, baby.”

“I just hope she can break through to him,” he sighs, “and that it’s not too late.”

~🖤~

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bbrandy2002 · 4 years ago

Text

Little Shit:

Part 1: Wrapped Around A Finger

This is for week 96 of @wackydrabbles prompt: I can't -- I have a deadline. Prompt will be in bold.

Okay, so I couldnt fit all of this into the 2000 word limit and had to break it up and didn't have the heart to cut.

@kingliam2019 you made a request for a Little Shit story on New Year’s Eve and it only took 5 months to come up with something, so this one is for you.

If you're unfamiliar with the Little Shit series (because it has been over a year since I wrote anything for it) Nikolas is Liam and Riley's 5 year old mischievous son who just can't help from wreaking havoc, especially toward Drake. He enjoys getting a rise out of him even if he does love his Uncle ... for the most part.

Warning: Crude Language. Mention of Covid and vaccinations.

Word count: 1928

-----------------------

Returning from the stables one afternoon, Drake was stopped at the palace door by security -- again -- for not wearing the required mask to enter.

“Mr. Walker, I’m afraid you need to have a mask on before I can allow you inside. I have to tell you this every day.”

“That because I fucking live here,” Drake grumbled as he snagged the offered surgical mask from the guard.

“Not in the common areas, Mr. Walker.”

“You know this whole virus thing is just a conspiracy and Liam is using it to control all of us, right? He’s gone mad. This shit’s never gonna end.”

“I understand, sir.” The guard waited patiently as Drake begrudgingly slipped the mask over his face. “Perhaps, though, there is an alternative, one where you wouldn’t have to wear one anymore. They’re offering free vaccines in room 105 today. If you get the shot, you won’t need to wear a mask when you come inside,” the guard cajoled.

Drake let out a humorless laugh.“I’m sure that’s exactly what Liam wants: make a guinea pig out of me. Pump me full of that radioactive shit and in five years I’ll have a tail growing out of my face. No thanks.” Drake disregarded the information and moved past the man.

“But, sir .. .they’re giving away bottles of whiskey to the first 100 recipients. Last I heard, they were close to reaching that number. Top of the line stuff too.”

Drake turned on the heel of his work boots, glaring back, before asking skeptically. “Whiskey? They’re giving away alcohol to get this damn shot?” The guard nodded in response.

“Glenfiddich -- 1955, I believe. The King paid for it himself.”

Drake’s eyes widened in disbelief. “That’s a $90,000 bottle! And they’re just giving them away if you get this shot?”

“I … um … yes. His Majesty wants to reward those who are doing their part to create a healthier and safer Cordonia. He won’t rest until every last citizen is vaccinated from this dreaded virus. We can all fight this … together. What do you say, Mr. Walker? Will you help stop the spread?”

“For a $90,000 bottle of whiskey? Hell yeah! I’ll grow two tails out my heads for -- hold on a damn minute …” Drake burrowed his eyes into the guard who was sweating bullets, desperate for him to leave. “Where the hell is Nikolas at? This whole thing reeks of him..” Drake’s eyes began darting around the perimeter in a feverish search for the little prince’s battery operated car. “That little shit is blackmailing you, isn’t he? I should have known.”

The guard straightened and answered in a solemn tone, “I’m a serious professional, Mr. Walker. And I take your accusations of being anything but, demeaning to the loyalty and oath I’ve given to the Crown. How dare you stand there --”

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to suggest otherwise.” Drake ran a hand down his weary face in frustration. “It’s just that kid is the bane of my existence. I’ve had a long, hard day at work and I’m in no mood for his fucking stunts.”

The guard waved him off. “Nah, don’t worry about it. I’ve heard all about the stuff he’s pulled on you.” He leaned in closer and spoke in a hushed tone, “Between you and me, he’s a little pain in my ass too; always coming down here acting like he runs this place. If you ever need help teaching that kid a lesson, I’d be happy to help.”

Drake arched a brow. “Loyalty to the crown, huh?” The man regarded that retort with an awkward shrug. “Yeah, he needs his ass busted, that’s for sure. Liam thinks he just needs a little more love. I’d like to show him the Bianca F. Walker way of love.” He slammed his hands together.

The guard chuckled. “I’m with you on that. He needs something done; he’s out of control … Anyway, you should probably head on up there and get your shot -- and whiskey -- before they’re all out. I wish I’d have waited to get mine until today.”

Twisting his face in doubt, Drake walked around the corner and leaned up against the wall as he pulled out his phone. Something just didn’t feel right, and he determined the safest thing to do was shoot off a quick text to his best friend.

Drake: Liam, are you really giving away Glenfiddich, 1955, to get the Covid vaccine?

He waited a brief moment until a response came through; he looked down at his phone and read:

Liam: Yes.

Drake: Is that all you have to say about that?

Liam: Yes.

Liam: I am in meeting for Cordonia.

Drake tilted his head to the side and scratched at it as he stared at the odd message. He typed out another response.

Drake: What kind of meeting for Cordonia? And with who?

Liam: Top secret. Can't tell you.

Drake: Uh-huh. Where’s Nikolas?

Liam: With Riley and baby in Vallteria

Liam: Shit. Valtoria

Drake: What’s the capital of the United States?

Liam: Damn it Drake I’m in a meeting!

Drake: Then hurry up and answer

Liam: Washington D.C.

Drake: Who shot me at the costume ball?

Liam: You son of a bitch. IM IN A MEETING!

Drake let out a heavy groan and decided to just call Riley. He knew without a doubt Nikolas took Liam’s phone again. If he called Riley, though, there was no way the boy could pretend he was her.

Picking up almost instantly, Riley answered cheerfully, “Hello. Queen Riley speaking.”

“Riley, it’s Drake. I was just wondering if you and Liam were really giving away whiskey for getting this shot? Sounds a little fishy to me.”

There was a moment of silence, then a clicking noise, followed by a long beep, before Riley replied. “Yes. We. Are. Giving. Away …. Whiskey. Get.The.Shot.Drake.”

“The hell is wrong with your voice?”

“I.Am.In.Valtoria.”

“Riley, why the fuck are you enunciating every word?”

“I. Have. A. Cold. And. Must.Talk.Slow. Nikolas.Is.With.Me. And. I. Must. Get ... Going. Bye. Drake ...You. Ass. Hole.”

Drake rolled his eyes and slipped the phone in his back pocket. “He’s got her phone, too. Damn that evil-ass kid.” He hesitantly made his way down to room 105; it wouldn’t hurt anything just to open the door and see if there was anything legit about this. As he approached, a lovely lady he knew from the kitchen exited with a big smile on her aging face and a bottle she cradled in her arms; he recognized it almost instantly as the Glenfiddich.

“Miss Milly,” Drake greeting kindly and held the door open for her. “You’re looking as lovely as ever.”

“Oh, you.” She laughed bashfully in her grandmotherly voice as she stepped into the corridor. “You’re always flirting with me, Drake. One of these days, I’m going to make you take me out on a date, buy me dinner, and give me a peck on the cheek at the end of the night.”

Drake smiled back fondly at her. “You just tell me when, Miss Milly, and I’m there.” He motioned to the bottle in her hand. “Say … couldn’t help but notice that bottle of whiskey you’re carrying around; where’d you get that at? That brand doesn’t come cheap.”

“Ohhh, I know. But I heard they were giving shots in that room right there.” She pointed with a crooked finger. “And they said I was the 99th person to stop by, and gave this to me after getting my shot. I couldn’t believe my luck. And they only have one bottle left. I can finally put my grandson through college.”

“That’s great! And you said there is still one more bottle left?”

She nodded her head. “Yes. But you better hurry. One of the chefs is on his way here for a shot as well.”

Drake hurriedly kissed her on the cheek and opened the door. Thank you, Miss Milly!” He stepped inside, then stopped and whipped his head back out the door. “Milly, wait. Have you seen Prince Nikolas today?”

“Yes, he left with the Queen after breakfast this morning. I believe they mentioned going to Valtoria.”

Drake rubbed his hands together anxiously and thanked her. He’d known the cook for years, she’s the sweetest person he knew. There was no way she would cover for Nikolas, and Drake couldn’t imagine the boy would have any dirt to hold over her head.

When the door shut, Nikolas grinned mischievously from a dark alcove where he was parked in his black 12V Mercedes Benz S63. “This is the day I’ve been waiting for.”

He set his laptop and both parents' phones in the passenger seat and slowly pulled out. He paid $100 to Milly and asked her to put the bottle back in his father’s liquor cabinet and rolled a few paces to room 105.

======

After filling out medical forms, the palace doctor ushered Drake behind a curtain where a long rectangular table and folding chair sat. Taking the seat, Drake watched the doctor slip on a pair of gloves and pull a small tube of lube out of his lab coat pocket. Drake furrowed his brows in confusion. “Heh. What’s the lube for?” he chuckled lightly. “I’m just here for a shot, man. Nothing else is going in me.”

“Just relax, Mr. Walker. It’s all part of the process.” A squirt of clear liquid was squeezed onto the doctor's two gloved fingers as he held them up. “On your medical forms you denied having a physical exam in the past year. I just need to do a quick exam and check for rectal polyps.”

Drake started laughing in amusement, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You’ve got to be shittin' me. So let me get this straight. I can’t get a shot until you stick your fingers in my ass to check for ‘polyps?’ Yeah, that’s happening. What a bunch of horse malarky.”

The doctor let out an annoyed huff. “I see you didn’t read over the information forms. They never do,’ he mumbled. “Look, if you want me to wait here all day while you figure out what to do, I can’t -- I have a deadline to finish here. Now if you’ll move along, I have another patient waiting; you’re free to go.”

And Drake knew he was. But that expensive bottle of Glenfiddich was calling his name. He glanced over to that one last beautiful bottle sitting atop a desk on the far side of the room, calling his name. Selling it for even half of what it was worth would afford him enough to move the hell out of the palace and get the freedom from Nik he desired. Rubbing a hand over the scruff on his chin, Drake's timid gaze turned from the bottle to the doctor. He could handle a finger or two in ass for a few seconds if t made him $90,000 richer.

“Okay. What do I need to do?”

Nikolas quietly typed on the keyboard of his laptop from the opposite side of the curtain. The images from the hidden cameras plastered on the wall where Drake was seated popped into view on his screen. Feeding a link to, and overriding the broadcast feed at the CBC, Nik crouched down low and waited with little beady eyes for the exam to begin. “Perfect ...Okay, Doc, let’s see if you can get a hole in one.”

----------

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#Little Shit #Drake Walker #Liam x mc #trr #trr fanfiction

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zaffrenotes · 6 years ago

Text

Sojourn:Them

Players: Drake, Liam, Alyssa, Katrina, Kiara Warnings: PG (language) Summary: Alyssa’s in Cordonia for Christmas, and she and Drake attend the New Year’s Eve ball at the palace. She meets some of the ladies at court and Drake has something up his sleeve. Author’s Note: *All main characters belong to Pixelberry, I’m just borrowing them* Part of the Sojourn series, where Katrina and Drake are friends/roommates while they both work on getting their degrees. Timeline falls between Books 2 and 3 of The Royal Romance. Includes Fluff prompt 49) I want to hold your hand *blows an air kiss* My last official fic for 2018, Happy New Year, Idgie! Word Count: +/- 3100

Alyssa stepped out the front door of Drake’s family cabin, her arms already crossed against her chest as she rubbed her arms to take the chill of the night air away, even while wearing a jacket. Drake followed behind her, locking the door, and pecked her on the cheek before he extended his arm to help her down the steps to his truck. His eyes lit up as she grinned at him, allowing her to get situated before walking around to the driver’s seat. Tonight was going to be a memorable night.

Drake and Alyssa spent the last several days hiding from the world in his cabin, after spending time with Liam and Katrina at the palace on Christmas Eve. They spent long, lazy hours together – cooking, talking, laughing, loving, and everything in between. He found it difficult to leave the bed each morning to make coffee and get wood for the fire, preferring instead to curl up against the bewitching woman with the curly red hair, waiting for the moment he could stare into the deep blue pools of her eyes in the early morning light. He wanted so many more days to follow to be like the ones he’d spent with her.

Liam – bless him – excused them from the Christmas Day events at the palace, knowing Drake would want to have the holiday to make memories of their own. They spent most of Christmas morning in bed together, Drake slipping out of the warm cocoon of blankets to make Irish coffee and get wood for the fire to keep the cabin warm. The only reason they left the bedroom altogether was out of hunger, and then Alyssa surprised him with Christmas gifts. She gave him a jar of honey made from her beehive back in New York, along with a vintage set of drafting tools. He’d given her a keepsake box that he made, carving an intricate design on the lid.

Drake glanced over at his Bee Charmer, who looked rather nervous as he drove to the palace. Alyssa was wringing her hands together, staring blankly at the road ahead. He reached over with one hand, gently rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. “You okay, méli?” He’d been calling her “bee” not long after they started dating.

“Just a little nervous about being around a bunch of nobles that I don’t know,” she replied. “Wondering what they’ll think of a commoner like me.”

“First of all, you are anything but common,” he said, squeezing her hand. Alyssa turned to look at him, giving him a small smile in response. “Second, you’ve got me, Trin, and Liam vouching for you. If anyone – anyone – is rude to you…” he exhaled slowly, trying to slow his rapidly beating heart.

Alyssa patted his hand. “I know, it still makes me nervous to be around all of…this,” she explained, pulling her hands away to gesture in the air.

Drake chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll be fine, hun. We’re just going to have a good time, if you feel like leaving ten minutes in, I won’t complain, and Liam and Trin will understand. Just try to have fun, okay?” He brushed his fingers against her cheek, tucking a curly lock of hair behind her ear.

.:.

The ballroom had been transformed into a glitzy celebration for New Year’s Eve, and a live orchestra, complete with jazz ensemble, played music as nobles glided across the dance floor and mingled between tables. Katrina greeted them as soon as they arrived, Liam not far behind her as he wrapped up a conversation with a duke from one of the coastal duchies. Katrina had Alyssa twirl in place to get the full effect of her dress – she’d worn a vivid green gown, an off the shoulder fit and flare silhouette with beaded embellishments and collar. It hugged Alyssa in all the right places and Drake’s heart raced every time she walked, admiring the way the fabric swished with her body.

Moments later Maxwell appeared and after a brief introduction, Maxwell being Maxwell, he whisked Alyssa to the dance floor to chat with her. Drake watched from the edge of the dance floor as Alyssa tried to keep up with Maxwell’s impromptu dance moves to the orchestra, garnering several disapproving looks until he switched to a foxtrot. Even her introduction to Olivia went well, though Drake could probably credit that to Liam and Katrina talking to Liv ahead of time.

While Katrina introduced Alyssa to some of the other ladies, Drake went to the bar to get another drink. As he waited, he could sense that he was being watched. He turned slowly and sighed, knowing exactly who was looking at him. Her brown eyes locked on to his, and her lips turned up in a smile as she walked towards him. Kiara.

Drake turned to retrieve his drink from the bartender, raising the glass as she stood before him. “Lady Kiara, Happy New Year,” he said, his voice devoid of feeling.

“What happened to your friend in the green dress? Was it already time for her carriage to turn back into a pumpkin?” Kiara stroked the sleeve of his jacket.

Drake pulled his arm back. “You mean my girlfriend, Alyssa? She’s talking to Hana and Penelope with Katrina.” He took a long draw from the glass, letting the amber fluid burn his throat more than necessary before swallowing.

Kiara looked over her shoulder to the group of ladies several tables over, turning back to face Drake with a flirty smile on her lips. She raised her hand in an attempt to stroke his face, but he pulled back before she could make contact, and withdrew her hand. “I see living abroad has caused you to forget how to shave,” she scoffed. “You seem to be enjoying your time living with the King’s fiancée and dating a commoner.”

Drake narrowed his eyes at her. “Whatever you’re insinuating, you’re wrong, and I suggest you hold your tongue before saying anything worse. I’m serving as an extension of the Kings Guard to make sure that Katrina stays safe, and you know that.” He took another sip of his drink before continuing. “As for Alyssa…yes, I am very happy with her. She happens to love my beard.”

“Pity,” Kiara replied, clicking her tongue. “Mon dieu!” Kiara’s face contorted into a look of annoyance as she was bumped from the side.

“So sorry,” Alyssa said, sarcasm dripping from her voice. Drake stifled his laughter from Alyssa’s hip check. “Hello there, stranger,” she crooned to him, taking the glass tumbler from his hand to down the rest of his whiskey. She slipped her arm around his. “Trin said there’s a dance coming up that we should watch.”

Drake straightened up his posture. “Right, the ah…Cordonian Waltz. Liam will start it off with her since it’s close to midnight. We should get closer to join them.” He bowed his head curtly at Kiara. “If you’ll excuse us, Lady Kiara, I intend to dance with this lovely woman in my arms.” He turned and walked with Alyssa towards the dance floor before Kiara could respond.

The orchestra started playing a familiar melody, and Alyssa watched intently as she and Drake walked to the edge of the dance floor, standing next to Maxwell and Hana. She stood in front of him, Drake wrapping his arm around her waist to hold her close, and he breathed in the scent of her perfume. She giggled as his beard tickled her ear.

Liam and Katrina stood in the center of the floor, eyes for only one another as he held her in a perfect waltz frame. They stepped off in unison, floating and gliding across the floor like professional ballroom dancers, the light layers of her gown trailing behind her as they moved. Alyssa let out a quiet gasp as Liam twirled Katrina into the intimately close embrace for several counts, their bodies pressed against one another closer than the dance required. “That’s…different,” she whispered.

“It’s a very old dance,” Drake replied. “It used to be the only way couples could flirt with one another at court.” They watched on as Liam twirled Katrina out of the hold, back to the original waltz frame, before turning to everyone to take a small bow and urging others to join them. “May I have this dance? Oh, shit…do you even know this dance?” Drake chastised himself for forgetting how to teach Alyssa the one dance he knew the steps to.

Alyssa shook her head with a knowing smile. “You’re lucky Trin’s my friend too,” she answered. “She and Hana taught me the steps, but…I thought you didn’t dance.”

Drake lifted his hand to cup one side of her face, pulling her in for a kiss. “Maybe I want to hold your hand and dance with you tonight, for everyone to see just how much I love you.” The hand around her waist laced fingers with hers, and Drake saw Alyssa’s cheeks start to flush with color. “Liam and Trin aren’t the only ones in love,” he whispered, nudging her onto the dance floor.

.:.

Drake and Alyssa stood in position as others joined them on the dance floor, waiting for Liam and Katrina to start off the sequence once more. After one round through the steps where Drake was happily surprised at Alyssa’s abilities, he twirled her out of the close hold and they switched partners. Katrina tilted her head with a small smile at Drake, as Liam took Alyssa’s hand.

“So,” Katrina started, Drake guiding her around the dance floor. “Are you ready?”

“More than ready,” he answered. “Do you think she knows?”

.:.

Liam smiled warmly as he took Alyssa’s hands in his own. He lead her gently as they danced, his eyes flitting over to Katrina chatting and laughing with Drake. “Have you been enjoying your time here? Have you seen more than a hundred paces outside of Drake’s family home?” he joked, his warm brown eyes lighting up as Alyssa bit back a chuckle and her cheeks began to flush.

“Cordonia’s beautiful, from what I’ve seen of it so far,” she answered. “Also…no comment.”

Liam tilted his head back, his laugh echoing over the music, as they moved across the floor with ease.

.:.

“If she does, she hasn’t hinted at it.” Drake twirled her in place before continuing the steps. “She’s just been texting how much she loves being here, even if you’re just hiding out in your cabin,” she added with a wink.

Drake smirked at her. “Like you wouldn’t do the same with Liam if you had the chance.”

Katrina laughed. “I never said that,” she replied, spinning round so that her back was facing him. “But take the poor girl out to get some air, take some horses out or something.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Where are you going to talk to her?”

.:.

“Here’s the tricky bit,” Liam warned, twirling Alyssa around so that her back was to him. Her hands nervously warmed in his, though he kept a respectable distance between them compared to the way he held Katrina earlier. He glanced up to see Kiara throwing daggers with her eyes at Alyssa, then Drake, as she danced with one of the other noblemen. “Seems you’ve made a bit of an adversary there,” he said, tilting his chin in Kiara’s direction.

“She doesn’t scare me,” Alyssa replied. “She can stare all she wants, I’m not going anywhere.”

“Of that, I have no doubt,” Liam agreed. He cast a glance at Katrina and winked.

.:.

“I thought we’d slip out to the side balcony before the fireworks, even if it means missing Liam’s speech.”

“Isn’t there somewhere more personal you could take her?” Katrina winked back at Liam.

“I dunno,” Drake said, mulling over places in the palace. “Well, maybe one spot.” He thought back to Liam’s social season, dueling with Neville, and the small courtyard within the palace walls where he celebrated his victory. Drake’s chest swelled with pride as he recalled the memory of that night.

“Take her there, whatever place you’re thinking of now.” Drake spun her out of the hold to the standard waltz frame. “If it’s within earshot of the ballroom Liam’ll set you up with the orchestra when they play a song at midnight, just tell him what they need to play.”

.:.

“Come with me, I have something to show you,” Drake said, tugging on Alyssa’s arm after the waltz had ended. They made their way to exit the ballroom, Alyssa walking ahead of him as he gently urged her through the doors with his hand on the small of her back. He looked over his shoulder to see Liam and Katrina standing near the center of the dance floor once more, Liam holding a microphone in one hand. Liam looked over and gave Drake a knowing nod, while Katrina beamed a smile with an encouraging thumbs up as he exited the ballroom.

They walked through the hallways until he reached a side door, opening it for Alyssa to step outside first. Slipping off his jacket, he placed it on her shoulders to keep her warm as she slowly walked into the small courtyard. “What’s this place?”

Drake looked around at the courtyard once more. Marble benches and flowerbeds surrounded them, along with a fountain – though it was shut off for the winter to prevent the water from freezing in the pipes. They could still hear the muffled sounds of Liam’s voice as he started his speech in the ballroom. “I came here after dueling with one of the nobles before I came to New York.”

“You did what?!” Alyssa’s eyes went wide as she stared at Drake.

“I don’t back down from a fight,” he explained. “Especially to the asshat that challenged me.” They sat down on one of the benches, and he took her hands in his. “It was a matter of honor, to me, and to my friends.”

Alyssa continued to look at the man before her with awe. “Safe to assume you won?”

Drake glanced down at their hands with a shy smile, before looking back into her deep blue eyes. “Suffered a scratch, but I definitely won. First Cordonian to win a duel in over a hundred years, so I’ve got that going for me.” His thumbs moved over her knuckles as he took a breath, his heart starting to pound in his chest rapidly in anticipation. “I brought you here to say something important, Stiles.”

Alyssa swallowed hard when Drake called her by her last name. It wasn’t often that he did that after giving her a nickname – he only addressed her that way when he had something important on his mind. “Okay,” she croaked out, unsure of where the conversation might lead.

“You’ve been charming me since day one, when you bumped past me on campus during one of your runs,” he began. “I never thought that I’d meet someone like you in my lifetime. In any lifetime. You somehow manage to make my heart race and come to a standstill at the same time…though right now it’s beating like a thoroughbred’s at the Kentucky Derby,” he chuckled. “I read something in one of my classes that stuck with me, and I didn’t understand why until I met you,” he continued. “There’s this Jewish concept called Tikkun Olam that talks about repairing the world with acts of kindness…and repairing one’s self as well.”

He looked into Alyssa’s eyes, which were already brimming with tears. Her mouth twitched as she wondered whether or not she should smile, and he squeezed her smooth hands with his calloused fingers. “I was very much a broken man when you met me,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. “Losing my family, living in Liam’s shadow, wondering where my place was in the world. I thought I would always feel broken and alone…until I met you.” Drake could feel his eyes watering as he spoke, overcome with the feeling of love as he looked at the beautiful woman before him. “Alyssa Stiles, you have managed to piece me back together with your kindness, your love, your absolute weirdness, and your fighting spirit. I know life has broken you down as well, and I might not be able to repair you, but I’d like to spend the rest of my life trying to fill those gaps to piece you back together the way you have with me…if you’ll let me try.”

A solitary tear rolled down Drake’s cheek as he looked into Alyssa’s glistening eyes. He pulled his hands away and reached into his pants pocket, drawing out a small green box. Alyssa gasped and drew her hands to her mouth, tears now streaking down her rosy cheeks. Drake opened the box to reveal a sparkling diamond ring. “Would you do me the supreme honor of marrying me and being my wife?”

He looked into her eyes once more, searching the silence between them for an answer. Alyssa looked into the eyes that made her knees weak and her heart flutter, her ruby lips pulling into the widest, brightest smile she could possibly manage, uttering a resounding “YES” into the air as she bounced on the marble bench. “Yes, yes I’ll marry you!”

Drake exhaled and returned her smile as he removed the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger. Then he placed his fingers in his mouth, blasting out a short series of whistles back in the direction of the ballroom balcony. Alyssa’s brow furrowed with curiosity and she looked up to see one of the Kings Guard’s on the balcony, pressing his fingers to his ear and talking into his shirt cuff. They heard everyone counting down to the new year, and Drake pulled Alyssa up off the bench.

“FIVE…FOUR…THREE…TWO…ONE…HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

Above them, fireworks started to rise into the sky, and they heard people inside cheering. Then Alyssa heard the orchestra start to play a song as Drake leaned in and kissed her. One hand wrapped around her waist as the other tangled in the hair at the back of her neck. “Happy New Year, méli,” he whispered, pressing his forehead to hers. “I love you.” The two of them started to sway to the music, Drake softly singing along with the orchestra from above.

And, baby / The way you move me, it's crazy / It's like you see right through me / And make it easier / Believe me, you don't even have to try

Oh, because / You are the best thing / (You're the best thing) / You are the best thing / (You're the best thing, baby) / You are the best thing / (You're the best thing, ooh) / Ever happened to me

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