#full tour of MC's apartment tomorrow

[thankyoufortoday-if]

a sneak peak

[genevievemd]

A New Era

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Genevieve McClure), Bryce Lahela x F!OC (Natalie Michaels) Word Count: 1306 Rating: G Category: family Trope(s):

Summary: Gen and Natalie head to the ERA's tour, then make a startling discovery.

Warnings: pregnancy

A/N: For @choicesficwriterscreations You Go Girls event. A little sisterly moment for G and Nat.

May 20, 2023

They arrive at their seats in the stadium, closer to the stage than either sister could have ever dreamed of, after a quick food break after the opening acts. They weren’t floor seats, but they were guaranteed to have the best view of their favorite artist since the age of 14 – Taylor Swift. 

Thanks to Ethan giving Gen his Capital One card, and Tobias letting her spend hours in the queue while going over patient files. 

Both Genevieve and Natalie had gone all out for the concert. Dressing in outfits related to their favorite albums. Lover for Genevieve and Reputation for Natalie. One with a glitter heart around one eye and the other with a black glitter snake on her cheek. 

“I’m gonna cry. I can feel it.” Gen gives a weepy smile, watching the countdown clock on the stage tick away. 

“Honestly, me, too.” Natalie takes a sip of her water, holding back her own set of tears. 

“We’re at the fucking Era’s Tour. We’re about to see Taylor Freakin Swift in person! For the first time!” Genevieve turns to her sister, “I told mom we’d record Marjorie for her, and Bejeweled.” 

“Oh that’s right, that’s her new anthem.” Natalie laughs, then quickly sobers up. 

She’d been feeling nauseous all week, and at first she thought it was simply the anticipation of the show, her new leadership position at the salon. But now… 

“Are you okay?” Gen asks, concern on her face. “You’re drinking water and you never do that at something like this, and you’re weirdly emotional. Which is my thing.” 

“Yeah. Just been off all week.” 

Gen narrows her eyes, looking over her sister. “You’re pregnant.” 

“What?! Psh, no. No way.” 

“You are. Have you taken a test?” 

After a beat, Natalie sinks back in her chair, setting her water down on the ground. “No. I’m scared. Bryce and I got married a month ago.” 

“Why didn’t you say anything earlier!? We could have done it when we were getting ready?” 

“I don’t know. I just wanted to focus on the concert and not think about more impending responsibilities.” 

“Okay, that’s fair.” Gen smiles, resting a comforting hand on her sister’s arm. “How about on the way home, we stop and get a test and take it when we get back to your place? You’ll have an answer before bed and then you can talk to Bryce in the morning when I go home and he gets back from his shift.” 

“Yeah, okay. That’s a good idea.” Natalie lets out a sigh of relief, feeling a little more at ease. 

She kicks herself a little bit, for not talking to her sister about it earlier. Genevieve has always been her biggest support, since they met in their kindergarten class 25 years ago. Through every boyfriend they had, every obstacle and problem in their lives, college for Gen and cosmetology school for Natalie; they had been there for each other through it all. 

They may not be sisters by blood, but they were sisters in their hearts. 

“I’m gonna send Ethan a video of you crying as Taylor comes on stage.” Natalie snickers. 

“If you think my husband doesn’t already know that I’m about to cry for 3 and a half hours, you’d be wrong. He knows what he got himself into.” 

Suddenly, the lighting changes and the clock stops ticking. The opening notes ringing through the stadium, both women taking deep breaths and leaping from their seats. 

“Oh my god.” Gen grabs Natalie’s arm, holding it tightly as the tears begin to form.

“I’m gonna have no voice tomorrow.” 

It’s been a long time coming…

They stumbled into the Lahela apartment well past midnight, with tired feet, a bag full of concert merch and a smaller bag from the convenience store down the street. Both still on a high from the concert, and both eager to see if Natalie is pregnant. 

“You know, if that comes back positive, my niece or nephew’s first concert was Taylor Swift. As a fetus.” Gen laughs as she sits down on the couch, taking off her shoes. Her makeup is no doubt smudged from the ridiculous amount of crying she’d done, and the pink glitter heart on her face now looked more like a glitter circle. 

It was by far the best night of her life. 

Aside from her wedding, of course. 

Though, Gen was sure Ethan would understand if she placed tonight just slightly above their wedding. 

“You are ridiculous.” Natalie laughs from the kitchen, grabbing them two bottles of water from the fridge then taking the pregnancy test out of the plastic bag. “So, I’m just chugging this bottle and then peeing on this stick?” 

“Yes. That’s how it works.” 

“Don’t be sassy, Mrs Ramsey.” 

“It’s at the core of who I am, Mrs. Lahela.” 

Natalie blushes, and smiles, walking over to meet her sister on the couch. “That still sounds wild to me. Like, I’m a wife.” 

“Yeah, took me a bit, too.” 

They sit in silence for a moment, both knowing Natalie is delaying the inevitable. 

“Go.”

“Fine.” Natalie gets up, walking over the the en suite in her bedroom. There’s some rustling then her voice echoes from the other side of the closed door. “I think my anxiety just shot to the moon.”

“Yeah. It’s a lot.” Gen takes another sip from her water bottle, texting Ethan then looking through the hundreds of photos she took that night. She sends her husband a couple different ones, smiling when he responds with three hearts and an I miss you, my love. I’m glad you had a good time. 

“Okay,” Natalie comes out of the bedroom, pregnancy test in hand. She drops it on the coffee table and plops down on the couch beside her sister. “Gonna be the longest two minutes of my life.” 

“Yeah, when Ethan and I had that scare over the summer it was nerve racking.” 

“How did,” Natalie pauses, searching for the right words. “How did you guys handle that? The possibility of being pregnant before you had planned. Bryce and I wanted to wait a little longer, but…” 

Gen reaches for her sister's hand, squeezing it. “It was scary, especially because he was ready and I wasn’t. But we just had an honest conversation. I told him I was scared and he reminded me that no matter the outcome he supported my decision.”

“Would you have… you know?”

“No.” She shakes her head, a soft smile on her face. “If the test had come back positive instead of negative I would have kept it. Because at the end of the day, I want to have kids with him, and maybe that may not have been exactly when I wanted it but I knew that no matter what Ethan was by my side. We’re a team, like you and Bryce.” 

“That’s true.” 

“So, no matter what this test is about to say, I’m sure Bryce will be supportive.”

“He’s the best.” A dreamy look comes across Natalie’s face, the same look that she’s pointed out that Gen has had from time to time. 

The face of someone thinking of their love and knowing it’s the greatest thing in the world. 

The timer on Natalie’s phone goes off, and they both take a deep breath.

“Here we go.” Nat reaches for the test, and her eyes immediately become flooded with tears. “Oh my god,” her voice is no more than a whisper. Her hands shaking as she stares down at the piece of blue and white plastic.

“Let me see,” Gen takes the test from her sister’s hand, a soft giggle coming from her lips. “Sissy…” 

“I hope fetus Lahela liked the concert.” She jokes through happy tears before both scream in excitement. 

It was the beginning of a new era.

A/N: Kaili Marie Lahela is born January 2024 (I have the actual date somewhere but I'm too lazy to find it). And 8 months later, Lizzie Ramsey is born!

Thanks for reading friends.

(tagging separately)

[everyhowlmarksthedead]

❛ MAYANS MC AND THE WET DREAM ❜

with the whole crew.

Request: none, just me writing different drabbles to give you a good night.

Warnings: this is pure smut and dirty language, and I'm not sorry.

Word count: about 3.5k

Aurora says: I don't know where it came from. This writing hasn't been edited, you may find some grammar mistakes, I'm sorry about that!

Gif credits: to the author

Masterlist.

✨  ANGEL REYES

“Hey! Hey! Mi dulce, wake up, wake up!”

Growling and trying to slap his hands, you finally wake up covered by sweat and your breath shaking. Sitting up on the bed, you let a sob escape from your lips, rubbing your face under his attentive and confused look.

“Are you okay…?”

“Fuck… I was having the best dream of my life…”

“Wait… Were you having a… dirty dream?” He frowns feeling his insecurities running through his body, with parted lips. “With who? It wasn't with me? I don't satisfy you enough? Are we gonna break? Oh, shit. I know I've been working too much this past we—”.

“Angel, calm down”. You can't help but chuckle when you find him hyperventilating about having an anxiety attack. “I was riding you on top of your bike”.

The oldest Reyes stares at you in silence for some seconds.

“Oh…” He just says, before getting up from your bed to pull you up grabbing your wrist.

“Angel, wha—”.

“Shit, I'm gonna fuck you so hard on top of it, that tomorrow I'm gonna have to change the shock absorbers”.

The last thing you could imagine, when you woke up this morning, was ending the day making real that sexual fantasy.

“Fuck… ride my cock, mi dulce”. The man gasps, with his hands nailed on your hips, bouncing on top of him without caring about losing the balance. “Shit, mami… You're so fucking wet only for me. You drive me fucking insane”.

“Angel… make me cum just like… you did in my dream”. You beg him almost touching his lips.

“Fuck, yes, baby”. He just says, moving one of his hands to stroke your needed clit with his thumb, with his eyes fixed on yours. “Do you like it, ah?”

“Yes, baby… Yes… Just like that”. You're try to contain your loud moans, stuck in your throat, hoping that no one finds you fucking in the middle of the street and on top of his Harley. “Fuck… I love your cock… I fucking swear it, baby”.

✨  CHE “TAZA” ROMERO

“Buenos días, mi amor”. You say coming into the kitchen, stretching your arms to the rooftop, before leaning to kiss his cheek and hug him for a second.

Wrinkling your nose somewhat confused, watching your husband looking at you with a naughty smile, you pour some coffee in a mug. Resting your back against the counter, you narrow your eyes in front of him trying to figure out what it's going on inside his head.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Did you have a good night?”

“Yes…” You reply, having a sip.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Yes”. You answer by inertia.

“Did I do it right?” 

“Yes”. You actually don't process the question, doing it when Taza spits his coffee all over the table. “Did you have a wet dream with me, mi amor?”

The man is drowning between laughs, cleaning his mouth with a napkin, before getting up from his chair.

“I bet you already know what happened last night”. 

“Nah, talk to me about it”. He says walking towards you, like a hungry wolf after finding his prey.

“And, why don't I show you?” You ask, putting away the mug, to support your palms on the counter to sit on it.

Taking off your shirt and pulling down your panties by your thighs, you let both pieces of clothing fall to the floor. His eyes are burning in lust, kneeling and knowing exactly what you want. Placing your legs over his shoulders, the man tours your wet lips with the tip of his tongue, thrusting two fingers inside you. Your right hand goes instinctively to his head, when his mouth begins to devour your pussy really hungry of it.

“Oh, fuck, Che…” You moan arching your back, pinching one of your nipples, feeling how delighted he's working you.

The apache knows exactly how you like it, speeding up the moves of his hand, and his lips sucking your clit before pulling it out softly among them.

✨  EZEKIEL “EZ” REYES

“Hm…” You gasp unconsciously under EZ grip, stirring softly.

You start to feel somewhat awake when you feel his sleepy kisses on your head, holding you close.

“A nightmare?”

“Yeah… you were ripping off my clothes”. You mutter rubbing your ass back against his crotch.

“Fuck, lemme be your Freddy Krueger, baby”. 

Chuckling and yawning, Ezekiel pulls down his boxers enough to free his semi-hard dick, touring your thighs under the shirt to take off your panties. You're already wet because of him, tucking himself inside you slowly, moaning right into your ear while curling one of your legs to have more space. You can feel how his cock grows inside you, clenching your tightness so pleasantly that makes you moan loud with every pound to your limits.

“Harder, baby…” You beg almost with a sob, tangling your fingers around his forehands, to push him closer.

“I'm gonna make you scream, mi reina”. He replies, hitting you deeper, right to your g-spot. “Shit… look how good your pussy takes me, baby… always so fucking needed and ready for my cock”.

“Fuck… Choke me, daddy”. You groan almost crying.

His right hand grabs your throat, with his digits squeezing your skin, while his lower abdomen collides wildly against your ass, uttering a dry and dirty sound that floods your room.

“My fucking god, Ezekiel!” You scream out closing your eyes, when his other hands goes down to your clit, caressing it with the same fast.

“That's it, baby… Scream for daddy”.

✨  GILBERTO “GILLY” LOPEZ

“Shit!”

You wake up suddenly on the copilot seat, with your breath shaked, having to pull down the window looking for some fresh air. Your heart is racing, hoping you didn't make a single sound, drowning in shame. Gilly breaks into laughs, stopping the car by a side of the desert road, feeling your face burning. You don't want to look at him, hearing his seat belt being undone before yours. With two fingers on your chin, he urges you to turn around, crashing your lips with his chuckling.

“About what you were dreaming, mami?”

“Hm… nothing…”

“Really? You looked like… you were enjoying it”.

“Maybe… I was dreaming… with you”.

“Yeah, I know it…”

One of his hands travels the fabric of your jeans, reaching your core to press it, moving his fingers over it to feel the heat that emanates from your pussy.

“Sucking your dick”. You heavily gulp, watching him laughing softly.

“Why don't you… make your dream come true, ah?”

The man puts apart his hand to unzip his jeans, biting your lips and licking them, before leaning down to taste the reddened glans with a huge hand getting tangled on your hair. You were desiring it, swallowing his hard cock until it presses your throat.

“Fuck, mami… Hold it there”. Gilly growls closing his eyes, pawing your body and sliding a hand under your jeans by your ass. “I love your mouth… it's fucking warm, mami”.

A slight gag appears, moaning against his erection when you feel two of his big fingers pounding you hard with just one move, digging your narrow and wetted walls without nonstop. Your saliva wraps all his extension, moving your head from top to bottom, with his hips slightly lifting up over the seat to fully fill your cavity every time your nose reaches his pelvis.

“That's it... Suck it all, cariño… Fuck… No one can suck my fucking cock like you do”.

✨  HANK “TRANQ” LOZA

When your husband is aware that you're comfy and he can fall asleep, he does. He does it hard. There's nothing that could wake him up, before it's time to. So when you wake up barely breathing and feeling a horrible heat, you just check that he continues deeping in his rest. Getting up in complete silence and using your shirt to clean the sweat on your neck, you walk towards the bathroom, to get undressed and open the shower faucet, letting the water run a little. But when you're about to come in, two strong arms wrap your waist and a pair of lips kiss your neck.

“I was going to do like nothing happened, but hear you moan my name dreaming, has been one of the best things in my life”. His hoarse and firm voice makes you close your eyes, feeling one of his hands tour down your abdomen.

So slowly, Tranq slides one finger inside you, spreading your legs for him.

“Shit, mi vida… I did this?”

You just nod, biting your bottom lip feeling every thrust deeper than the last one, and his hard dick rubbing your ass. Turning around under his grip, your husband nails his long digit pushing your limits, provoking that you have to lean over your tiptoes with a loud moan rumbling through the bathroom. With his free hand, Tranq pulls down his boxers before raising you up, urging you to surround his body with your legs. And without expecting, your husband impales you against the marble wall.

“Fuck, daddy!” You howl with all your naturalness, don't giving you any time to get used to his size.

His huge, too huge, filling your pussy and forcing it to take every inch of his hard dick. And it's delicious the way he has to hit your g-spot with every push to your body, crashing his pelvis against your lips once and again. His tongue finding yours in a dirty pulse, with your nails running through his back too desperate.

“Shit, mi vida… You feel fucking good… fucking tight…” He gasps right in your lips, keeping your gaze with his. “Do you like it, ah? Do you like how your papi fucks you this hard, baby girl?”

“Fuck, yes… You fucking kill me, papi”. You sob nodding, slapping your ass with one hand, stirring of pleasure under his touch. “Oh, fuck, daddy… I love your cock…”

“Of course you do, babygirl… It's all yours”.

✨  JOHNNY “COCO” CRUZ

“Open your legs, mami”.

As if it was part of your dream, you obey without complaining, letting him some space between them. Coco digs his cock so hard inside your soaked pussy, that he wakes you up screaming his full name.

“That's it, mami, take it all like you were dreaming”.

“Shit, cariño”. You cry out, surrounding his waist with both legs while your boyfriend nails himself a little bit furious and jealous, even if he knows that you were having a dirty dream with him.

“I'm gonna fuck you so hard, that you're gonna ask me to stop”.

No, you will not. You love the wet sound his thickness produces every time he crashes your limits, hitting them with rage. You're touching the sky every time he takes some impulse before lashing out your pussy, with his hands nailed on your hips.

“Is this better than your dream, ah? Tell me, mami”.

“Fuck… Fuck, Coco… Don't stop, please…”

“Oh, no, mami… You're not gonna walk tomorrow… You're gonna be cumming the whole fucking night, I swear it por la Virgen”.

✨  MICHAEL “RIZ” ARIZA

“Mi amor, wake up! It's just a bad dream!”

Your husband shakes you until he hears you moaning his name, an instant before opening your eyes. The mexican breaks into laughs, while you try to be aware of what happened and where you are. Hitting his chest with the palm of your hand, you lie down over the bed, sinking your face on the pillow to yell some spanish curses.

“Look at you, mi amor… Having dirty fantasies, ah?” He teases you.

“Puto pendejo”.

“You know that if you want it, you just have to ask for it”.

Frowning at the man, you snort heavily, before uttering a whisper.

“FuckmeRiz”.

“What? I'm sorry, I didn't hear you, mi amor”. He chuckles, placing a hand in his right ear whilst leaning down.

“Ay, ya, Riz… Sí me oíste”. (You heard me). Pouting at him, your husband breaks in laughs again.

“Take off your clothes, all in four”. He just says, biting one of your lobes, with his voice getting darker.

And you do. Of course you do. There's nothing that you like the most to obey him in the intimacy of your room. The pieces of clothes fall above the floor, somewhere, you don't care, actually. Kneeling on the mattress, you bow down your chest until supporting onto it and spreading your legs to give him a perfect view of your shiny pussy, because of how wet you are.

Riz doesn't doubt, stroking himself and placing the tip of his dick among your folds. You're anxious. Desperate. Needed. And he likes to play with your mind too much. So when he's sure you're not expecting it, about to beg him, your husband sinks his cock into you using all his force. He's able to fill you up, pressing his lower abdomen against you and holding it for some seconds. You can't barely breathe, all that you can do is sob his name.

His fast lungs are pleasing you more than you could ask for, more than in your dream having you in the same position. Your favorite one.

“Shit… C'mon… I know you can… fuck me harder, Riz”.

These words are enough to piss him off, tangling a hand in your hair to pull it until your back meets his chest.

“I thought you… were sleepy yet, princesa”. He gasps into your ear, bringing his lips to your shoulder, biting it.

Of course he can fucks you harder, and he does. He hits your body, making you collapse, grabbing your throat with a hand to twist your neck some inches, so he catches your lips with this.

✨  NERON “CREEPER” VARGAS

Creeper is looking at you, trying to look focused about what you're telling him, after waking you up with the same feeling as if you had an orgasm. He's trying to not laugh, rubbing his chin, until you slap his head.

“Maybe I'm not pleased enough”.

“Yeah, but you were dreaming with me”.

“Hm… I didn't say that”. You tease him with pursed lips, sitting on the mattress with your legs crossed.

The look on his face changes more fast than you can assimilate.

“Isn't funny anymore, Neron?”

“Who was it?”

“What?”

“Who was fucking you? Who were you fucking?”

“Are you…? Babe, are you crying?”

“No”. He just says with a broken voice and his eyes getting reddened.

“BABE, I WAS JUST KIDDING”. Jumping onto him, you kiss his face all around. Every inch. Every part of it. “BABE, OF COURSE I WAS DREAMING WITH YOU. I FUCKING LOVE YOU. NO ONE COULD PLEASE ME MORE THAN YOU DO”.

“Yeah, sure”. He tries to free himself away from your arms, but you close them more.

“Shit, babe, you can't be this dumb…” 

“Go tell him to fuck you. Leave me… Leave me fuc—Stop moving against me like a bitch in heat”. 

“Your bitch in heat, mi flaquito”. You purr in his ear, before attacking his neck sucking it out and letting your tongue travel over his skin. “Lemme ride you, like I was doing in our dream, babe”.

Your boyfriend clicks his tongue, taking the advantage that you don't wear anything under his shirt, he pulls down his short sweatpants until his knees, to jerk himself off.

“Shit, mi Neron… I love your cock, I could be fucking you all the time, everywhere”. You mutter against his lips, caressing his nose with yours, using that honeyed voice that he likes so much.

“Beg for it, mi niña”. He grunts.

“I wanna feel you fucking me like only you can do, Neron. Filling me up with your cock, deep, rough, hard… Shit, babe, you don't know how much I need you all the fucking time”. You mumble swinging your hips looking for more friction. “You can't imagine how bad it's when you're outta home, and I have to touch myself… My wet pussy asking for you… for your long fingers… your big cock. All the fucking time”.

“You don' like your fingers, ah?” His tongue licks your lips, rubbing his glans against your swollen and needy clit.

“I like yours, babe… I only like how you fuck me. Please… Please, do it”.

He lifts up his waist at the same time that he also spread your legs, to pound you until hitting your soul. And you scream out his name, sinked among your folds, squeezing your ass with his hands nailed on your buttocks.

“Fuck, my love… Look at how easy my cock slides… Shit… You're soaking me and the fucking sheets. How the fuck ya can be so wet?”

“It's because of you, mi flaco”. You cry out bouncing on top of him.

His lips go straight to you hard nipples, sucking and biting them over the fabric of his shirt you're wearing. You can't help but speed up with every jump, showing your boyfriend the much that you need him and all the things that he makes you feel with the most minimal touch.

✨  OBISPO “BISHOP” LOSA 

Feeling a soft touch on your cheek, you open your eyes somewhat scared, finding your husband laughing between teeth. You told him that you were tired and that you were to sleep a little on the couch inside the Templo. But he's not laughing because of that.

“I'm the good man that let his girl cum in dreams, before waking her up”.

“Wha—What?”

“It has been the most intense minute of my life, querida”.

“Bish…”

“Sh…” He hushes you, placing a hand on your thigh and moving it to lift the skirt of your dress.

Your panties are so wet that it bothers you, leaving it in the background when your husband presses your clit over the fabric. Putting it aside, he slowly introduces his two longer fingers inside you, without taking off his dark and sparkled eyes from yours. Curling them slightly, before pulling them away and raising that hand in between your faces. Without saying a single word, Bishop brings your wetness to his lips, sucking and licking them to taste you.

“Querida, that's fucking delicious”.

“Bish, I need you right now”. You demand with a desperate tone of voice. 

“At home, mi vida, but now… I'm going to try to make it up to you”. He whispers hoarsely, squatting close to the couch you're lying on.

His lips find yours so calmed that it's going to kill you, tucking under your dress his hand again with a clear intention. He knows well that it won't take you too long, being so recent your first orgasm. His two fingers pound you so hard and fast that moves your whole anatomy, drinking every moan that you try to contain to not be heard. But it's almost impossible. Bishop knows every inch of your body, where he has to press, where he has to touch you to make you fall loudly. Every thrust goes deeper, tangling your fingers on his kutte with your legs shaking softly.

“Mi reina, you feel so good… like if it was the first time I fucked you against your car. Do you remember it?”

“Yes…”

“You want me to do it again tonight? In front of our house?” 

“Please… Yes…”

“But you have to be a good girl and cum in my hand”.

Biting your lips nodding, you open by inertia your legs a little more. And he fingers you hard, closing your eyes and feeling too close.

“I want all the Mayans outside hearing you scream my name, querida”.

“Fuck… Bish… I'm gonna cum, don' stop… I beg you”.

The pace becomes rough. His palm hits your pussy, before nailing his fingers inside your wetness, to move them from top to bottom so fast that you can't handle it. And you touch the sky when you squirt for the first time, shouting out his full name so assorted in that pleasure wrapping your body that you don't even care about the mess you have made on the couch.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, Obispo! Oh my fucking god”. You cry, watching him smile too proud.

✨ Tag list:

@starrynite7114 ​ @chibsytelford ​ @dazzledamazon ​ @mara-mpou ​ @sammskellington ​ @gemini0410 ​ @1-800-imagines ​ @briana-mishell24 ​@sassymox @aquamento @sadeyesgf @viviansafizada @samcrobae @jade770 @witchy-wish @rebel-without-cause-x @xx--day-dreamer--xx @spiced-reads @tita127 @ifoundmyhappythought @enamouravecleslivresetlechocolat @angelxshiba @destynelseclipsa @sheeshgivemeabreak @abbiesthings @knowles-morgan @lady-pswrld @minnicelli @marquelapage @bigcreatorwombatdreamer @jadesamhart @mycupoffanfiction @claytoncardenasbabymama @thesandbeneathmytoes @phoenixhalliwell @thewarriorprincessxo

[samanthadalton]

You’re latest Ina Fanfic was sooo lush! Can you write one where Ina and MC bump into each other in NYC on Christmas Eve? Just think that would be super romantic ❤️

hi anon, im sorry it took a while, im slowly trying to get back into my requests, hope you enjoy ❤️

pairings: Ina x Bea

taglist: @cloud9in @kulaykape @citybornchick @helpconfusedpersonhere @astrangeandunusualgirl @jenxespinoza @thedaft1 (added people from my ina taglist if you wanna be added in future fics let me know 😊) 

word count: 1.7k 

Holiday tour date

You wade through the busy streets of New York as the streets are in full pandemonium, as patrons roam the streets, most likely doing their last minute christmas shopping. You take a minute to watch the looks on their faces, so full of worry, so far from the christmas cheer they’ll most likely plaster on their faces tomorrow morning. As you look around the streets you see a woman who kinda looks like Ina, she even has the same glasses as Ina- wait… that IS Ina. What is the coincidence that you’ll bump into her on Christmas Eve??? 

You’re about to approach her, until you notice the crestfallen expression on her face, her corner of her lips drawn downwards as she wishfully stares up at bustling crowds. After a few more moments of deliberation you decide to take the plunge and approach Ina, after all it's Christmas Eve and no one should be sad on Christmas Eve.  

“Hey stranger.” You announce as you edge closer to her. As if startled by the sound of your voice, Ina jerks her head towards your direction, her eyebrows shot up. 

“Bea!” She looks at you like you’re not real, unable to hide the sound of surprise in her voice. “What are you doing here?” 

“I saw you from across the street and decided to say hi to my favourite professor.” You give her a sweet smile and see some of the shock dissipate from her face, as her expression softens and relaxes. 

“I meant what are you doing in New York?” She quirks an eyebrow up at you. “I thought you said you were going home for the holidays?” 

You sigh sadly, and pointedly glance away, “yeah, I was planning on going home a couple of days ago but there’s a storm back at home so all flights got cancelled.” You give her an empty smile, sadness swimming in your eyes as you draw your gaze back to her. She frowns slightly, her expression solemn as she looks at you apologetically. 

“I’m sorry to hear that. What about your roommate Zoey? Surely you aren’t spending Christmas alone?” 

You are but for some reason you don’t want Ina to know that so you give Ina a teasingly smile and retort, “wouldn’t you like to know?” Ina huffs, her cold breath clouds out of her mouth as she does, and you can’t help but smile. “So what are you doing here professor?” 

Ina gazes at you, a calculating look on her face, and you can almost feel her building the walls around you, but as the intensity of your gaze darkens, Ina sharply inhales before running a hand through her hair. 

“Lexi decided to crash my Christmas Eve party and try to parade me around my colleagues like I’m some trophy she’s just won.” At the mention of Lexi you feel your blood beginning to boil, that try hard wouldn’t know what’s good for Ina even if it slapped her in the face, and with how arrogant she acts, you would just love to give her a nice slap on her stupid face. Ina glances over to see your fists balled up and places a sweet hand on yours, her fingers gently rubbing soothing circles on your knuckles. “Something the matter?” You see the amusement glistening in her eyes which just frustrates you more. 

“No.” 

“Are you sure,” she playfully asks, and you feel the walls she put up before, crashing down as she teases you. 

“Lexi needs to get a job and stay away from you,” you grumble. 

“She’s a renowned anthropologist.” 

You sigh, “no, it’s a saying.” You relax your hand opening it up and Ina slips her hand into yours, fingers intertwining. You’re not sure if she’s purposely done it or not. “Enough about Lexi, I don’t want to hear about her anymore than I have to.” 

Ina flashes you a wide grin, “and what do you suppose we do?” 

“It’s Christmas Eve, why don’t we live a little?” You gently tug Ina towards you, her slender fingers tightening against your hand even more. “It’s my first Christmas in New York, why don’t you show me around?” 

“Okay, but be warned this won’t be an ordinary tour, where we go to the conventional places every other tourist goes. I’m going to give you the full New York experience.” Ina’s gaze darkens and just as the air surrounding the two of you begins to feel dense with anticipation, she pulls you out of your trance as she trudges along the soft snow begins to cover the ground. 

Ina first takes you to a food stand where she orders apple pie nachos for you to share

“What the hell is apple pie nachos?” 

“You’re about to find out.” 

The vendor hands Ina a box and she slips a $20 bill in his tip box and places her hand on the small of your back to guide you away from the stall as other customers begin to order. You look at Ina as if she’s heaven sent, your heart unable to take the softness overload of this woman. 

Ina licks her thumb after opening the box and raises a confused eyebrow at you, “what?” 

“Anyone ever tell you you’re a saint?” 

Ina lets out a small laugh as she hands you the box, “everyone could use something extra during the holiday.” 

You take the box, your fingers brushing against hers as you do, “so this is the famous apple pie nachos?” You inhale the sweetness of the food, your entire body going into sensory overload just by the smell of the cooked apple infiltrating your nose. You lift up one of the nacho pieces and all but moan when you crunch into the apples, “oh my god this is heaven.” Ina watches you eat, as her gaze drifts down to your lips and when you catch you, you catch her cheeks dusting with red. “You want a bite?” You take a piece of the nachos and hold your hand out to her, inviting her to have a taste. Ina leans forward, her eyes never leaving yours as she wraps her lips around the piece of food and all makes a satisfied groan and she relishes in the taste. 

“Mmm.” You feel transfixed by the way her tongue darts out to lick the glaze on her lips, unable to look away. Ina’s lips quirk up a little and you feel like it’s your turn to be flushing red. Once you finish the box you look at the time on your phone. 

“Don’t you think it’s getting late? You should be getting home.” You try and hide the sadness that’s lurking in your tone. Ina’s eyes search yours, before she gives you a small smile. 

“Why would I leave now when I haven’t even shown you the best part?” You feel your heart doing somersaults as Ina’s hand finds yours once again and she pulls you into a cab and whisks you away to an unknown place. 

… 

“Trust me Bea, it will be worth it.” You trudge behind Ina, your legs beginning to burn as you walk up a secluded hill, you mentally groan and berate yourself for not being fitter but you don’t mind the view of Ina’s ass in front of you and she effortlessly ambles up the hill. “Almost there.” 

Once you reach the top you triumphantly cheer, your legs slumping over as you sit on the slope of the hill looking out to the rest of New York, the brightness of the christmas lights glowing every inch of the town. 

“Wow.” You breathlessly say as Ina sits next to you, your legs brushing together. 

“Wow indeed.” Ina wistfully gazes at the town, her eyes contemplative. You bask in the silence for a few moments, reflecting back on the night you’ve had so far with Ina. It’s been a while since you’ve seen her so free, so careless. Ina breaks the silence, when she speaks her voice is low and soft. 

“Charlotte loves christmas, so does Lillian.” You hum as you recollect the time Ina told you about her sister and niece, you remember the cheerful glint in her eyes as she told you about the time she took her niece to a theme park. “Sometimes Lillian gets mad when I place work over her, but sometimes I have to sacrifice things for the sake of my career.” In your peripheral vision you see her eyes move to yours, filled with sadness and longing. She sighs dolefully before speaking out again. “It’s why I love Christmas so much, it gives me an excuse to be with my family and put them first no matter what.” 

“Ina?” Ina hums in response. “If spending Christmas with your family is so important, why are you here with me right now?” You gaze up at her, anticipating her answer. You see a smile ghost around her lips as she meets your eyes, her brown eyes glistening under the reflection of the lights, “because we should all have some company during the holidays. I can’t imagine how you’ve been feeling without your family.” 

You nonchalantly shrug, trying too hard not to think about being away from them, “it is what it is I guess. I can’t control the weather. But thank you Ina. Tonight was great.” 

“Bea,” your name escapes her lips in a breathy fashion, “I know that this,” she gestures between the two of you, “is unconventional to say the least. But you must know I,” she pauses, her eyebrows furrowed together as she looks away from you, unable to finish her sentence. 

You cup her chin, bringing her gaze back on yours, “I know Ina. Let’s just forget about everything else tonight. Right now we’re just two people with a connection we can’t ignore.” 

“Right,” she nervously chews on her bottom lip before leaning down, capturing your lips in a soft and slow kiss. Before she can pull away, you lean in more, your hands hooking around her neck as you draw her in closer, the kiss becoming more fuelled as she slips her tongue into yours and you involuntarily moan. You enjoy the sensation of her lips on yours for a few more moments before pulling apart resting your forehead against hers. “Merry Christmas Ina.” 

“Merry Christmas Bea.”

[god-save-the-keen]

Happy birthday, Tara

Book: Mother of the year

Pairing: Thomas Mendez x MC (Tara)

Summary: It's Tara's birthday and Thomas it's determined to make it special.

Warning: nsfw / sex / fluff

Words: 3673

Note: As always, English it's not my first language. Hope you likes enjoy it as I did writing it! It's not a second part, but continue the line of By her side I just love this two! Let me know if you want to be added in the tag list.

Tag list: @chetachisblog @annekebbphotography @princess-geek @malakbesharah @lilyofchoices @ao719 @marycarrillo21 @blackcatkita @kamybelen-blog @randomchoicesblog @cxld-play

Tara's birthdays never was a very important thing for her… When she was with Guy, he used to said it was just a regular day, that it was stupid spend a lot of money in things like a cake or expensive gifts, even when he made a huge meal with his friends every year. At that moment she didn't care, she thought she was happy with him. Thankfully, eventually, things ended with him and she discovered what real happiness was. After Rory's born, Tara didn't care about her birthday either, she was always busy, tired or broken, but she didn't mind, Rory was with her, she was her everything and they were happy in their little own world.

Her alarm began to blare and, without open her eyes, she turned it off. This year, even when everything was really, really good, she felt a little sad that Rory wasn't with her this time. 

"Stay, enjoy your birthday." Thomas's sleepy voice said from beside her. He turned and hugged her from behind, kissing her nape. "Happy birthday, gorgeous". She could feel his smile on her neck while he kept kissing her there. She loved his lips on her back, neck, lips… Honestly, everywhere. 

"I can't miss work, Thomas" she said smiling, feeling his hand in her belly, brining her near to his chest. "Don't be a bad influence on me". She giggled softly.

"Me? Never" Thomas said while his lips started kissing behind her ear softly. "I just think… Since it's your birthday… We could take the day off… And enjoy ourselves since the girls are gone" Every pause he made was accompanied with a kiss on each of her favorite places to be kissed. Rory and Luz were in a four days field trip with Eiko and the rest of their class at NASA, Houston. They had programmed lots of conferences, guide tours, workshops, meet and greet with some astronauts, etc. Needless to say how exciting Rory was. However, Tara felt a little insecure, she never was so many days separated from her and a such distance.

"You think we should call them? Just to be sure?" She said turning in his arms to face him. "Or maybe text Eiko! She can tell us if they are okay"

"Sweetie, you talked with Eiko last night and the girls send a selfie after that. They probably are just waking up too. They are okay." He said while caressed absently her back.

"I know... you right! I'm sorry" She kissed him on the lips. "I really should get up"

"Probably" He said leading her even closer to his chest while his mouth went to her neck, kissing there and biting a tiny part of skin. Tara closed her eyes with a smile on her face, sighing happily while her fingers touched Thomas's hair. "But again, you could always choose don't go and celebrate your birthday with me." He redirect his lips to her mouth, kissing her deeply.

"Fine, fine! You win!" She said laughing at his triumphant look. "Just let me text Sally to let her know, I hope I don't complicate the things in the shop... Are you gonna call to the study?" She said taking her phone and writing a text to Sally.

"No, I let them know yesterday." He said with a satisfied grin. God, she loved his smile.

"You, Mr. Mendez, are terrible" Tara giggled.

'Hey Sally! If it's not much problem, and I'm so sorry for the short notice, but since it's my birthday, can I take the day off? If you need me there, please let me know' 

'Happy birthday Tara! Yesterday, Alma thought that maybe you take the day off so we are prepared for it. Enjoy your day and see you tomorrow!

"Done?" He asked, caressing her waist under her t-shirt.

"Done".

"Good" He rolled her so she could be on top of him. Tara laughed happily before looked him more serious, with adoration, stroking his cheek softly. Nine months had passed since the trial against Guy ended, and she still couldn't believe how everything went, Rory was with her, Guy out of their lives definitely and all thanks to this amazing man under her. She leane to kiss him, slowly, enjoying his lips against hers. They both deepened the kiss, mouths more demanding that before and his hands traveling to her hips. 

"Oh my god!" She said hiding her head on his shoulder while Thomas laughed. Her stomach decide to demand food… in that moment... loudly.

"Okay gorgeous, let's make this right! First thing: breakfast. How about that place you like, the one with the rooftop?"

"Yes, please!" She kissed his cheek and got up. They change, Thomas in a simple jersey and black jeans and Tara in a short blue dress. Although everything was amazingly good between them, they decide not live together yet. However, they both had each other's home keys and some clothes of them and the girls in both places. At first they tried to hide their relationship from Luz and Rory, they didn't wanted to excite them in advance, just in case. The only problem was that they sucked hiding their happiness and the way they interacted each other every time they were together, so they had to come clean with them. The day before of her birthday, she went back to her apartment after work and invite him to stay with her.

She took her jacket and purse, he grabbed his car keys and they left the apartment holding hands. The coffee they went was a beautiful building with a huge sunny rooftop, Tara didn't know if was the sun, the fresh air up there or the flowers around her, but this was the most relaxing place for her in the whole city and she loved share it with Thomas. His eyes, more blue than normal thanks to the bright sun, were fixed on her.

"What?" She asked with her cheeks a little more pink and a sweet smile on her lips.

"Nothing, I like see you happy" They kissed sweetly while Tara's foot began to climb his leg slowly under the table and she felt how his cheeks turned hot. "Don't tease me Tara, you know the effect this have on me" He said without breaking the kiss.

"That's why it's so funny to do" she smiled.

"You know? That it's still one of my favorites memories of us" He said taking her hand. "Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of moments that I love, but that one was the first time I felt ready to start this with you… And I really wanted to kiss you in front of everyone." 

"I'm glad". She said intertwining their fingers. "Cause I really wanted to kiss you too"

In that moment, the waitress came with a big breakfast for them: coffee, orange juice, a couple of beautifully decorated cupcakes, toasts, waffles and some fruits.

While they were eating, her phone rang and a video call from Eiko appears in the screen.

"It's Eiko" she said frowning, rushing to answered. When she did, and two huge smiles occupied the screen, she laughed at the sight of her daughter and Luz so happy. "Hi girls! Good morning! How's everything going?" She turned the phone so Thomas could see them too. 

"Oh my god mom, this place it's incredible! Look look!!" Rory took the phone and spin it around, showing them computers, rocket's parts, some graphics and other stuff that she couldn't identified. She return the focus on Luz and her. "But we didn't call you for that, we wanted to wish you happy birthday!"

"Happy birthday, Tara! Hi dad!" Luz said smiling.

"Hi Lulu! Hi Rory! Are you behaving well, Luz?" He asked worried while Tara giggled.

"Yes, I am! Rory and Mrs. Matsunaga can tell you all about!" Luz said, proud.

"It's true! She only pushed August ones when he tried to get ahead of us in line!" Rory said, she looked something above the camera and then return her focus on them "Anyway, we have to go! Happy birthday mom! I love you! Bye Thomas!"

"Happy birthday again Tara, have a great day! Love you dad! Bye!"

"Bye girls! Enjoy and take care! Both of you! Love you!"

"Listen to everything Mrs. Matsunaga says! Have fun!" 

Eiko's face appears in the screen. 

"Hi guys! Happy birthday Tara! The girls are more than okay, so you both can be relaxed! I call if something happens but so far, everything it's perfect!" She said happily. "Anyway, I have to go, have an awesome day Tara, when I return, we will definitely celebrate with a drink." She winked and the call ends. 

After finished the breakfast, they went to take a walk through a fair full of flowers, artisans, antiques, farmers, etc. Thomas sneaked his arm in Tara's shoulders and she hugged him by the waist. Luckily, the fair wasn't crowded and they could enjoy watching everything. Thomas buy her a ring she saw on one of the booth, a thin silver band with a beautiful piece of pyrite in the middle. She slipped in her finger, making it sparke in the light while he kissed the side of her head. She loved it and couldn't stop smiling at him. 

Seeing Tara so happy, made Thomas's heart feel full of happiness and warm, she had suffered so much, moving there, dealing with PTA of the school, fighting against Guy, he just wanted to give her the world. Once the fair hadn't nothing more to offered, they started to walk through the car when she saw a poster in a movie theater that bring her attention.

"Casablanca! I love this movie, it's one of my favorites! Although I never have the chance to see it in theater" Thomas hugged her from behind, checking the time.

"The next function starts in 10 minutes, do you want to see it? After all, it's your day"

"You really want to? You sure?" While she leaned into his embrace.

"Of course, I like this movie!" He narrowed his eyes, and with a deeper, sensual voice said "Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine"

She turned to him in his arms laughing softly, putting both of her hands in his chest and, batting her eyelashes, said "Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time" and he did it. Softly. Sweetly. Lovingly. They went inside, hand in hand, bought two tickets, sweet popcorn, Tara's favorite, and soda. The movie was great, in some part they chatted quietly and at the end, during the final kiss and goodbye, Thomas saw a few tears falling from her eyes. He didn't liked see her crying, not even for a movie… She already had cried too much. He took her hand in his, giving it a little squeeze and she puts her head in his shoulder with a soft sigh.

After the movie, they bought some supplies for dinner, he wanted to take her to some fancy restaurant and spoiled her, but she preferred something more relaxed. 

"Do you mind if we go to my place? I need to check a few things" He said while they started to walk to his car.

"Of course not. Let's go" Tara said entering in the car. 

Once they arrive, Tara put some music and went to the bedroom to leave her jacket, purse and shoes. When she returned, Thomas was cooking, humming a Joss Stone song that sounded on the background and she stood there, watching him, enjoying and loving the sight. She walked toward him, hugged from behind and singing along with Joss in his ear "Don't you know he is some kind of wonderful" 

"Oh nice, you think I'm adorable and wonderful, huh?" That damn beautiful smile of him on his lips. 

"Shut up and kiss me, dork" She said moving on front of him.

His mouth were in hers in an instant, one of his hands went to the small of her back while the other turned off the oven as she hugged him by the neck, deepening the kiss. He pushed her against the counter while his tongue started to move in her mouth and she pressed tight against him, wanting to feel every part of his body. Thomas's mouth started travel to her neck, kissing and sucking a bit, while his hands caressing her hips. She put a single finger in the waist of his pants, leading him between her legs, closer. A groan escaped his lips and she felt the bulk of his pants grew considerably against her, putting a delicious pressure between her legs and she started to feel her body on fire like always used to happens when they where alone. 

"Tara…? You want to…?"

"Yes… I want. Every. Single. Part. Of you"

"Thank god" he said and his hands grabbed her ass tightly. This wasn't the first time they made love but every time felt like their skins were burning, wanting to feel each other, wanting to be one. He raised her, with his hands still on her butt, and carried her to the bedroom with her legs around his waist while her mouth went to his shoulder and bite softly but hard enough to make him close his eyes for a second. Another groan leave him and she loved it.

They fell in the bed with their mouths together, hard against each other, while one of Thomas's hands began to roam torturously slowly in her leg up to her thigh, removing her dress out of the way. She shivered in anticipation. 

"So eager" He said in her ear, his breath hot, so hot, and his voice deep, full of desire, nibbing her earlobe. 

"For you? Always" Tara said, caressing his stomach and chest while she took off his jersey. He sat down with her on his lap, his lips on hers and his hands peeling off her dress. Once in her underwear, a black lace bra and panties transparent enough to drive him crazy, he started to kiss her chest, between her breasts, touching them with one hand while the other caressed her hips and leg. He took off her bra, kissing, cupping, touching with his tongue her boobs, making her moaned, he took his time with them both, making them hard rock and sensitive to his touch. Thomas's lips returned to her mouth while her hands pushed him closer by his pants, removing his belt and unbolting it.

"This off. Now". He obey, dropping it on the floor and returning a top of her. 

"Tell me what you want" 

She kissed him hard and tugged his bottom lip softly. "I want your mouth all over me"

His lips traveled by her throat, neck, shoulders, breast, belly, leaving tiny marks and goosebumps, he could feel the hot of her skin inside his mouth, like a fire that it's going to consume him. His mouth finally landed between her legs, softly kissing above her panties before remove them slowly until he dropped it to the floor.

"So ready for me" Thomas said with his breath hot against her skin, making her tremble. His tongue went inside her, touching her clit barely at first, holding her hips in place, provoking her until she let out a groan. He started to eat her out, licking and sucking her pussy hard, putting one finger inside her and starting to moving it, after a few moments, a second finger joined and he move them faster and deeper. 

Tara's eyes were closed and her mouth open, breathing hard and moaning loudly, her hands on his hair, grabbing it like an anchor, her hips moving with his mouth and fingers, desperate for some release.

"Fuck Thomas". She never swear except in sex with him, he loved to hear her saying that kind of things, losing control in his arms. He could feel in his mouth how close she was to coming, with one hand he took off his boxers finally settling free his dick, while his mouth return to hers in a heatedly kiss, he rolled up a condom and pressed his hips to hers, before pushing in.

"Stop… teasing… me" she said between painting, with their mouths still together. "I need you"

So his dick enter her pussy hard, filling her, making her moan loudly, her hands in his back while her nails scratched his skin. He groan in her ear while starting bang in and out faster.

"Damn Tara, you drive me crazy"

"Don't stop Thomas… Please don't stop"

"Never"

He kissed her throat feeling the vibrations of her moans in his lips while her legs rolled up around him, pulling him even close. They both were moaning and panting, skin hot and sweated, hands touching everywhere.

"Say my name, baby" Keeping the thrusts while one of his hands start caressing her clit again. Her back arching at him, overwhelmed, holding at his shoulders with her knuckles white. "Moan for me"

"Oh my god, Thomas! Yes!" Her eyes firmly closed, pleasure all over her factions. "Shit… I… Thomas, I'm almost… Fuck!" her voice shallow.

"Come to me, Tara" His thrusts and her loud moans filling the room. She couldn't resist anymore, it was too much, he was too much. 

Realising a final groan of pleasure while saying his name, she come hard, shivering like crazy, still holding his shoulders. A few seconds later, he followed her, cumming inside her before falling on top of her, being careful to not crushed her. The stay like that for a moments, panting and catching their breaths, Tara's hand caressing his hair while his head was in her chest. 

"Definitely… best birthday ever." She said with her voice still a little taken. He chuckled, rested his elbows on the bed and kissed her softly.

"I have something for you" he said getting up and putting his boxer on while she dress up in her panties and some Thomas's t-shirt that looked oversized on her. She loved sleep in his t-shirt, even when they sleep together, feeling the smell of his aftershave lotion and perfume in her skin was one of her favorite things. He went through his closet and took a little wrapped package, return to bed and sit beside her, kissing her cheek. "Happy birthday, beautiful"

She sit up a little more straight and opened it. Inside was a gorgeous white gold chain with a delicate 'T' on it, also in white gold. She stood there in silence, staring at it, with her fingers touching it delicately and her eyes bright with tears.

Thomas's heart aching. Maybe she didn't like it, maybe she hated white gold, or the initial, what if she thought it was a way to take claim of her, since they both shared the initial? Oh god, maybe she was waiting an engagement ring? He knew he should checked the gift with Rory. 

"We can do it in yellow gold if you preferred, I just notice you never use yellow gold but maybe I mistaken. Or you can changing it if you don't like it, for something else--"

"No! No, it's perfect! I love it! It's just…" a tear fall down on her cheek and she dried it with a tiny smile. "I can't even remember the last time someone made my birthday so special" he lead her near to his chest and hugged her tight, kissing her forehead. "Don't get me wrong, be with Rory it's the best thing in my life, wouldn't change it for anything… But, this birthday, with you, was just amazing… You didn't had to do all this, you know that, right?"

"I know I didn't had to, I wanted to. You deserve this and so much more." He said caressing her cheek and kissing her softly. "And I have the intention to give you everything I can. I love you, Tara" That it. The first time he told her those three words. There was no hesitation in his voices, his eyes full of love and his hands holding her close.

"I love you too, Thomas" They kiss again, slow and deep, putting all their feelings in it. She took the chain out of the box, and turned, directing her back to him, holding her hair up with one hand. "Help me putting it?" She said smiling wide while handing him the chain.

"Of course" Thomas kissed her nape before hanging the necklace in place and close it behind her neck. She turned to him, glowing of happiness.

"How do I look?" She was sitting on his lap, with his t-shirt and her lace panties on, her hair messy after sex falling on her shoulders, a huge smile and the 'T' in her chest.

"Like the most beautiful woman in the world" They snuggled together in bed, covering with a blanket. 

"So…" she said touching delicately the chain around her neck. "This is why you wanted to came here?" A playful smile on her face.

"Maybe" He told, with his cheek a little red. She giggled and snuggled near to him, putting her head in his chest.

"Thank you Thomas, I really love it" he could feel her smile on his skin.

"We didn't finish the dinner" Thomas said after a moment of silence, with his hand on her waist, caressing there, holding her close to him. "You want me to bring something to eat?"

"Forget it. I'm enjoying this way too much so don't you dare move of here" She kissed softly his chest. "I just realized that this was the first time we had a whole day for us… No working, no schedules or crazy PTA parents… I miss the girls a lot, but this was wonderful"

"Yeah, I haven't noticed that either… it was nice having you all for myself" He kissed her forehead again before they both started to fall asleep, holding each other close. 

❣️

[takingcourage]

The Girl Next Door

Pairing: Jaime x MC

Word Count: 3,550

Summary: Jaime gives Arden a tour of some renovations he’s made around his house, and they decide it’s time for a change in their relationship.

Note: I’ve had a draft of this story in the works since before A Prickly Diversion, so I’m super excited to finally share it with you all. It came out much cheesier than I intended, but I’m rolling with it. : ) 

This also fulfills the last two soft-prompt requests that I received from @krishu213 (reunion hug and family). If all goes according to plan, my other requested fics should be finished by the end of month. 

"Attention, passengers. We will now begin our descent into Northbridge International Airport. It's a cool fifty-seven degrees in the city and the local time is 6:43. We hope you've enjoyed--"

"Never thought I'd be so happy to be back in Northbridge," Ellen declared over the pilot's announcement. 

Arden pulled a pack of gum from her carry on and offered a stick to her business partner. "I'm always happy to be back."

Truth be told, she was especially glad to arrive on this particular evening. A series of flight delays had meant missing her lunch plans with Jaime and having to wait another full day before seeing Jinx and Opie. They'd only been apart for a week, but the time away had really started to wear her down.

Ellen rolled her eyes and folded the piece of gum into her mouth. "Of course you do. You'd happily live in the middle of the Sahara if it meant Jaime Lewis was there."

Arden wanted to argue, but the other woman wasn’t exactly wrong. Jaime had always been somewhat indispensable to her happiness, but over the past several months, he'd started feeling downright essential to her life. With a momentary flash of shame, she remembered the long sigh she'd given earlier in the day when their cancelled flight had meant eating yet another airport meal -- a meal without the boyfriend she'd been missing since they’d kissed goodbye at the terminal. 

It had been a long day -- the end to an incredibly long trip. From a business perspective, their venture had been incredibly successful. They'd secured all of the investments and partners that they'd been looking for, receiving little more than outright support for the groundwork they'd laid so far. The Ellen and Arden Show was scheduled to begin live tapings in Northbridge in just a few short weeks. 

Arden had been on cloud nine since they'd left their first meeting, except in the quiet moments when she remembered life outside of work. More and more, it was that half of life that seemed to matter most.

"I'm dropping you off at his house, right?" Ellen continued, breaking the silence. 

"That would be great. He can't pick me up from the airport, but he did promise to have dinner waiting for me." Arden straightened her back in a vain attempt to stretch out the kinks it had fallen into during their travels. 

Covering a yawn, Ellen consulted the view from her window. "You've got a real winner with that one."

"Which is exactly why I'm happy to be back in Northbridge," she responded lightly, predicting the other woman’s response even before it came. 

“Have I ever told you how cringey you are? Because you’re going to make me question my choice to take you on as my partner.” 

“That cringey-ness is part of why this city loves me. And we both know you’re not really regretting anything. We make a great team.” 

Ellen rubbed her forehead wearily as the wheels hit tarmac. 

_____

Arden had stayed in a lot of different places over the past week, but none of them had produced the same effect upon arrival as Jaime’s house. Her pulse shifted tempos when they finally made it to his driveway, her whole body light with the knowledge that this time, she was taking her suitcase somewhere familiar. The relief of not having to spend another night in a hotel was second only to the relief of not having to spend another night alone. 

“Thanks so much for the ride,” she acknowledged, cracking open the door. “I’ll have those drafts to you first thing tomorrow morning.”

Ellen gave her a peculiarly appraising glance. “No rush. I won’t have a chance to look over them until the afternoon.” 

“Okay. See you Monday?”

“Bright and early.” 

“See you then,” Arden promised, hefting her roller bag out of Ellen’s trunk. She wheeled the suitcase across Jaime’s sidewalk, smile breaking wide when the front door opened before her. 

“Hey!” Jaime greeted, reaching to take the briefcase that was slung across her shoulder. “Sorry I didn’t come out to the car.” I didn’t want to mess anything up. 

Arden’s forehead crinkled in confusion at his thought. “What is there to mess up?” As she uttered the words, she was met with the unmistakable smell of garlic wafting from the kitchen. “Oh, you mean dinner! We wouldn’t want anything to burn.” Again, she added mentally, recalling several of her own foiled kitchen attempts. 

Confusion flashed in his eyes, but he covered it quickly. “Oh, yeah. Burnt lasagna is a definite nope.” Jaime set the briefcase by the door, then he wheeled her suitcase into a nearby corner. “C’mere, Arden.” 

Dropping her purse to the floor, she was in his arms an instant later. She soaked in his warmth, his strength, his smell. Everything she’d been missing for the past week was fulfilled. 

“You okay?”

“I just missed you a lot.” She buried her nose into his shirt, breathing in the scent that had eluded her senses, no matter how hard she’d tried to imagine it. “And it’s good to be home.” 

His grip on her tightened. “Speaking of home, do you want to see the work I’ve done since the last time you came around? I could give you a little tour.” 

She nodded against him, lips curling up at the excitement in his tone. “I’d love to see what you’ve been working on.” 

He hadn’t told her the exact nature of the projects he’d completed, but Jaime wouldn’t be Jaime without some ongoing repair around the house. Even so, it was a little unusual for him to actually finish something significant enough to merit a tour. He’d spent years planning for future renovations, though most of his efforts were channelled into the work he did for others. 

Eager to see what he’d done, but reluctant to let go of him completely, Arden reached for his hand when they drifted apart. Slipping off her shoes, she followed him in past the entryway.

“You might have already guessed, but my first item of business was to get these floors refinished.” They crossed the threshold and Arden stopped short, thin socks sliding across the hardwood. 

“Jaime, they’re gorgeous! I can’t believe it’s the same floor!” She released his fingers so that she could squat down for a closer look. 

With a quiet chuckle, Jaime knelt down beside her. “It is a significant change, isn’t it? I went for a few shades darker than what was here before. It’s classy, but not dark enough to make cleaning it too much of a chore. I don’t think the upkeep will be too bad.” 

Arden’s fingers came to a standstill as she brushed the glossy panels. “Are you planning to hire me as your maid?” 

His cheeks flooded with color when her laughing eyes fell on him. “Of course not! It’s just...an interesting design feature.” 

“Uh-huh,” she replied, unconvinced. There was definitely more going on than Jaime was letting on. Is he asking me to move in with him? 

As they stood, his next thought practically confirmed it. 

It shouldn’t even show pet hair. I know they don’t shed that much, but still... 

Arden felt her heartbeat in her throat as they resumed the tour. If he was asking her to move in, her answer would come quite easily. She’d been wanting to move in together practically since they’d started dating, but Jaime’s good sense had encouraged waiting until they were sure that the relationship was actually going somewhere. Moving was an awful lot of hassle for something that wasn’t permanent. 

This is permanent, she thought, brushing away the strand of hair that had fallen across her forehead. It’s definitely permanent. 

Catching up to him, she locked onto his arm, pressing her cheek against his bicep while they walked into the dining room together. He glanced down at her, concern in his eyes quickly turning to affection when he saw the contentment in her gaze. 

It’s good to have you back, Arden. 

“It’s good to be back. And I hope it’s a long time before I have to leave you again.” 

There was a pause before his reply. “I do too.” Whatever was on his mind, he recovered quickly, and she didn’t press the issue. He gestured toward the gray walls behind his oak dining set. “I’ve taken down the wallpaper in here, but I was hoping to get your input before I put something else up.” 

“You have a much better eye for design than I do,” she countered, surveying the large swath of bare wall. “I don’t want you to end up with something you hate just because I picked it on a whim.” 

“I’ve got it narrowed down to a handful of options.” And your opinion matters a lot to me. 

“Then I’d be happy to take a look at what you’ve got. I’ll even help you hang it up if you decide on new wallpaper.” 

Jaime eyed her dubiously. “I wouldn’t put you through that.” 

“It could be fun,” she countered. “We’d stream some cheesy pop music and get wallpaper paste all over our clothes...”

His brow cocked even further. “Have you ever hung wallpaper?”

“Not even once,” she admitted with mock solemnity. 

“Then I wouldn’t put me through that either.” 

“Oh, stop.” 

She caught another whiff of dinner and sidestepped into the kitchen for a tantalizing glimpse of the lasagna on top of the stove. As she took in the sight of marinara and melted cheese, the airport sandwich she’d eaten so many hours ago felt even more paltry by comparison.  

Jaime noticed the shift in her focus. “It still needs to rest for a little while before we cut into it. While we’re waiting, we can take a look at another project I’ve been working on upstairs.”

Arden turned from the kitchen, taking in her boyfriend’s unsettled expression. Why does he look so nervous? She fell into their normal pattern of banter, hoping that it would relieve the tension she saw etched across his face. “Oh, I see. You’re just trying to get me into your bedroom.”

“Something like that,” he answered with a laugh.

“You’re lucky it happens to be one of my favorite places,” she commented, leading him up the flight of stairs. “But I’m not letting myself get too distracted. Dinner smells amazing and I’m hungry.” 

“I’m sure. Traveling can really take it out of you.” 

“You can say that again.” Arden couldn’t resist a quick smirk as they passed into his room. 

Some of her favorite memories from the past months had taken place between these four walls -- snuggling in the early morning before either of their alarms had sounded, half-forgotten conversations that occurred when one of them wasn’t quite ready to fall asleep... More than anything, it brought to mind the closeness they’d achieved over these past months. Physically, emotionally, spiritually -- there was no one she’d ever known more fully than she knew him.

She scanned the space for changes, stepping into the ensuite when she could see no major difference in the bedroom. Once inside, Arden noticed the sink first: a double vanity where a single basin had stood before. Jaime’s small collection of toiletries had been moved to one corner of the counter, leaving the other side completely empty save for the new hand towel that rested beside the rim. It took longer for her to see the additional set of towel hooks that stuck out from the opposite wall a solid half-foot lower than the existing pair. 

When she looked behind her, Jaime was leaning against the doorway, deep brown eyes fixated on her form. “I was thinking maybe it was time for an upgrade,” he told her quietly. “You’ve been ‘the girl next door’ for a long time.”

Arden’s heart thumped dully, the roar of blood pounding in her ears. “Are you asking me to move in with you?” She wasn’t nervous about asking the question, but her body still hummed in anticipation of his response. Please say yes. 

“Something like that,” he repeated a second time, standing up straight. “Let’s go downstairs. There’s one more thing I wanted to show you.” 

Suspicion dawned as they trod the stairs again. Jaime wasn’t usually one for evasive answers. Deflecting multiple questions meant he was definitely keeping something from her. Remembering his earlier unease, the nature of that something was suddenly incredibly obvious. 

He’s asking me to marry him, she realized with startling clarity. She’d caught his thoughts on marriage too many times for this to be mere coincidence. 

“I was kind of hoping to save this for last,” he told her as they reentered the living room, waving a hand toward a wooden inscription that hung above the mantle: 

The Lewis Family, established 2020

Even with her suspicions, her mouth still fell open at the simple message. There could be little mistaking just what he meant by such a gesture. 

Breath hitching in her throat, Arden turned from the sign to the man standing before her. All of his nerves were gone, replaced by a look of the most tender affection she had ever seen. 

“Arden, I want you to be more than just ‘the girl next door’ or ‘the girl who lives with me.’ I'd really like to call you my wife.” His lips quivered at the pause between words. “I’ve had you in my life for so long that I can hardly even remember who I was before I met you. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of standing by your side as you risked everything for what you believe in, I’ve watched how well you love and care for others, and I’ve benefitted from your thoughtfulness more times than I can count. You’re the funniest, most creative, most insightful person I’ve ever met, and I love you more every single time you cross my mind.”

“But more than all of that, you’re my best friend and the only woman I’ve ever wanted to spend my life with.” He knelt and withdrew the box from his pocket, holding it out to her as he opened the lid. “Marry me?” Jaime asked simply, emotions checking all but the most necessary words. 

Eyes fixed on Jaime, she was conscious only of his question and the stream of tears spilling over her cheeks. She tried to sweep them away, but they continued, unbidden. “Of course I will,” Arden whispered. “I think you knew before you even asked.” 

Confidence fully returned, he flashed her a self-assured smile. “I certainly hoped you would.” 

She’d always expected that getting engaged would be frightening -- that she’d be overcome with fear about what the commitment meant for her future. When she’d imagined permanence with anyone she’d dated before, marriage had seemed like something to bind her and hold her down.

But with Jaime, it wasn’t like that at all. In fact, she wasn’t sure when she’d felt more free or alive. All she wanted was to be gathered up in his arms, kissing the lips that had spoken the two sweetest words she’d ever heard.

Both longing for contact, they kissed soundly before she melted into his embrace, cheek sitting flush against the hammering of his heart. Arden heard the confessions of love he whispered into her hair, but she was too full of joy to recognize their substance. 

They parted, and Jaime swiped at the remaining tears with his thumbs, cradling her face between his hands. “That sign is just a symbol, by the way. You don’t have to take my name. I can take yours or we can use a hyphen, or --”

She shut him up with a kiss, arms winding so tightly around his neck that his body sagged with the weight of her. 

“Jaime, it’s perfect -- whatever we decide. No matter what the paper says, you’ll be a Gale and I’ll be a Lewis. We’ll be a family.”

His eyes brimmed with tears as she stressed the word. “I can’t tell you how much I want that with you.” 

“I’ve never wanted anything more in my life,” she agreed. “Even if it took a while to figure that out.” 

“We should probably put your ring on then.”

Arden could only nod, another fit of giggles accompanying her wordless reply. In the swell of emotions, she’d managed to forget the ring entirely. 

Jaime slid it onto her finger with ease, bracing her hand for inspection even after it was securely in place.

She’d caught him staring at the naked fingers of her left hand too many times in the past weeks for the perfect fit to come as a surprise. What she hadn’t expected, however, was to recognize the emeralds on either side of the central stone.

"They’re from my mom’s bridal set." She could barely get the words out around a second onslaught of tears. 

He looked up from her fingers to meet her gaze, brown eyes misting over. "I've had them since the day your dad found out we were dating. Apparently she gave him pretty clear instructions to pass it on once we’d finally stopped pretending.” 

“It couldn’t be more perfect, Jaime.”

“I love you, future-wife.” He kissed her hand and dropped it to her side. 

“You’re such a dork,” she laughed, tears still dampening her face.

“Hey, cut me some slack. I’ve been waiting a pretty long time to call you that.” 

“Let’s change that soon,” Arden suggested before catching his lips once more. 

_____

“Is this why you couldn’t come pick me up from the airport?” Arden inquired after dinner, thumb caressing the smooth metal band that circled her finger. 

She couldn’t see his face, but it wasn’t difficult to imagine the blush that was probably spreading over his cheeks at the question. He drew close, stubble tickling her cheek as he leaned down to her ear. “There’s no way I could have made it that entire drive without thinking something that would have given it away. I didn’t want to ruin the surprise.” 

“You really are a romantic at heart.”

“What can I say, Arden? You bring out that side of me.”

Arden pulled her legs up bedside her, turning on the couch to sit across his thighs. From this position, his silhouette was illuminated by the light of the fire behind him, casting a golden halo across his features. 

His lips curved into the boyish smile that had been doing funny things to her heart for years. In such moments, those striking eyes had never held anything but delight and care for her. But tonight, there was something else woven in -- something that spoke of forever. 

Smiling to herself, she allowed her gaze to fall back to the hands in her lap. As the firelight glinted off the stones of her ring, she sucked in a quiet breath. 

“What is it?” Jaime asked, noting her surprise. 

Her eyes flitted back to his face. “Walking into the studio with this rock on my finger is really going to damage my sex appeal. Not that I have to have sex appeal, but in the world of television, it certainly helps...” she backpedalled, realizing that the entire notion was somewhat ridiculous. 

“I think your sex appeal is just fine.”

“You’ve never given me reason to doubt that at all,” Arden laughed, threading her fingers through his hair. “Let’s just hope you don’t get bored of me after I move in.” 

“It won’t,” he persuaded, his tone growing serious. “After this many years together, I can promise you that’s never going to happen.” 

She nuzzled into his chest and slipped an idle hand beneath his shirt. His muscles tensed as she felt her way around his side. Still, it wasn’t long before he joined the exploration, his own fingers finding the sliver of skin exposed beneath the hem of her shirt. 

Nope, definitely not getting bored of you. And I’m definitely ready to have this all the time. 

His thoughts sent a thrill of heat through her. 

“Although I do have a few other projects to finish before you move in. I want it to be perfect.” 

“It will be,” she assured. “In fact, there’s just one more renovation I’d suggest.” 

His hands paused, as if waiting to add her request to his list. 

Arden’s cheeks throbbed with the force of her smile. “Don’t worry -- it’s nothing too big. I just think we should hang some blinds on this window so you can kiss me in every room of the house.” 

“I’m kissing you anyway,” he told her, hands moving once more to scoop her into his arms. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and carried her weight as he stood. “But I’m taking you upstairs before this goes any further.” 

“You can take me anywhere you like,” she told him, giggling as she recalled Ellen’s earlier comment about the Sahara. 

“Hmm?” His steps slowed as his face angled down to search for the source of her amusement.  

"It’s nothing,” she promised with a kiss to his chin. “Take me upstairs?” 

Jaime was only too happy to comply. 

[perriewinklenerdie]

Accident (Ethan Ramsey x MC)

Open Heart, Ethan Ramsey x MC

 Author’s note: Hello, hello hello! Today, not gonna lie, my brain was on the roll. Throughout the day I got a few ideas from other amazing people on Tumblr (yes, I’m looking at you @lilyofchoices and your gif) and also, my mind may have wandered towards the outfit for the upcoming conference and it may have gone a little far with imagining it, Ethan’s reaction and all. So, halfway through writing the one inspired by the gif I decided to throw in that little idea about an outfit. We’ll see how it turned out :D As always, English is my not my first language, my MC is Clarissa “Claire” Herondale and you are still watching the “Ethan Ramsey overtakes my life, please DO NOT send help” Enjoy! <3

 Word count: 3201

  The moment Harper Emery said that she’s going to go to Miami for a medical conference, she was ecstatic. She couldn’t wait to tell her roommates about it, plan their trip, a chance for them all to unwind and forget about the competition for a moment. Then, a second later, Chief said that she’s the only intern going. That worried her, it was bound to put an even bigger space between her and her friends. And then came the thunder.

She was going there with dr. Ethan Ramsey. Only the two of them. Alone.

The thought excited and terrified her all at the same time. She didn’t know what to think of it. Ethan was… an enigma. She never knew what he was thinking, his face very rarely expressed any emotions, a closed book, a blank slate.

He made her nervous. Those blue eyes that seemed to see right through her without even trying.

There was more to Ethan Ramsey than he let on.

She already knew a few things about him, she was helping him cure Naveen. They would often spend long evenings in his office or his apartment, combing through all the books they could find, all the cases to ever have happened but nothing was conclusive. She wasn’t going to give up, though. Not only because Naveen became her friend, and not only because she wanted to save him. Her main motivation was him. Ethan had already lost Dolores, she couldn’t stand the thought of him losing Naveen too. She knew that would kill him, destroy beyond repair.

As expected, her roommates for the most part didn’t talk to her about her trip. She felt bad, even though she knew she shouldn’t. She earned this spot. She was working her butt off to become the best doctor she could be and she was proud of herself for her work being recognized and appreciated. She wasn’t going to apologize for something that wasn’t even her idea.

Ethan picked her up from her apartment the day of their flight at 6.30 AM, getting out of the car to help her with her bag and opening the door for her, shutting it behind her. A classical piece was playing, no surprise there.

The flight was pretty uneventful, she has flown on the plane before so there was no problem there. They got to their hotel in the late afternoon, the conference was starting the next day.

“Let’s go to our rooms, we’ll meet here in half an hour, grab something to eat and then, if you’re feeling up for it, I could give you a tour around town? I know my way here, I’ve been here a couple of times.” He said as they were making their way towards their respective rooms, both of their bags in his hands.

“Fine by me. See you in a few.” She smiled brightly at him and the corners of his lips went up for a second or two. He began making his way towards his room when she called out. “Dr. Ramsey?” he turned around, his eyes curious. “Thank you. For your help with the bag, I mean.”

“Don’t worry about it, Rookie.” He smirked and turned back around, the muscles of his arm flexing from carrying his bag.

She entered her room again, her bag on her bed, where he left it. She changed out of her travel clothes, opting for something more comfortable, deciding on jeans, a loose white shirt, leather jacket and flats, her hair in a messy ponytail.

Twenty minutes later she made her way down to the lobby. It was empty, except for the receptionist who greeted her with a warm smile before going back to work. She stood by the big window, facing the front of the hotel, getting lost in her thoughts.

She didn’t see or hear him approach her or call her name, her mind somewhere else. Only once he tapped her on her shoulder did she turn around. He changed his shirt from blue to white, a black blazer hanging from his hand over his shoulder.

“Shall we? There is an amazing restaurant a few blocks away.” He nodded outside.

“Sure, let’s go!”

They stepped outside and she followed him. They didn’t talk all too much on their way there except for a few times he pointed out something interesting to her. They reached the restaurant in ten minutes, sitting down and ordering food.

They were sitting opposite to each other, making small talk and doing some “people-watching”, their new favorite thing to do in their pass time.

“So… do you know why Chief Emery sent us here alone?”

“Is there a problem with that?” he teased her, his voice betraying a trace of insecurity.

“No, it’s just that… I don’t exactly understand…” she trailed off, trying to gather her thoughts.

“What do you think of the city so far?” he changed the subject swiftly.

“It’s breathtaking. That little park we passed on our way here… it was beautiful, so peaceful and quiet.” She smiled softly, her mind going to that place. He was watching her, as though he was trying to read her, guess what she was thinking about.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. So, the conference is starting tomorrow at 9 AM and we’ll be there for a couple of hours. Which means that if you want to see that park, we better get going.”

“Wait, what do you mean?” she asked, confused.

“You do want to see that park, right?” he pointed his pinky towards the door.

“Yeah, but…”

“There’s no “but”, we’re going there now. We should be back at the hotel before 9 PM so we have a real chance at getting some sleep, those conferences are interesting but extremally tiring. You’ll need all the energy you can get. Lucky for us, their coffee is top notch, not like that dishwater at the hospital.” He smiled teasingly, recalling their conversation from a few weeks ago.

“Fine. Let’s go then.” She stood up and reached towards her bag for her wallet when she felt his hand catch her wrist gently.

“Don’t even think about it, Rookie.” He looked at her, shaking his head and reaching for his own wallet, passing his card to their waiter.

They went outside, turning their steps towards the park they talked about earlier.  

It truly was breathtaking. Everything was colorful, trees green, flowers in full bloom, birds singing softly in the background. They wandered the pathways for a better half of an hour, conversation flowing between them. She saw a small shop with sweets in the corner of her eye.

“I’ll be right back. Sit tight and enjoy the moment of peace.” She winked and left his side, his eyes following her every move. She could feel his stare on her back. There was a huge selection, but her ultimate decision has been made in a matter of seconds.

She sat back down next to him, took his hand in hers without warning and placed a chocolate bar on his palm, a soft smile grazing her lips.

“Treating yourself, yeah? Also, a small thank you for taking me here even though you didn’t have to. It really means a lot to me.”

“No problem, really. I wanted to visit it myself and saw the opportunity.” They knew each other long enough for her to know he was lying. The corners of his eyes creased a little.

“Sure you did. Anyway, thanks.” They stood up and made their way towards their hotel. He walked her towards her room.

“Goodnight, Claire. Have some sleep, you’ll need it tomorrow”

“Goodnight… Ethan.” They bid each other farewell and when she closed her door, he went to his own room.

The next day she woke up fairly early, deciding that she only had one chance to enter the conference with a bang. She chose to wear a dress. A black dress. A dress that was tight and a little short, along with a blazer and a pair of heels.

They agreed to meet in the lobby by 8.30 AM, given the fact that the conference was taking place in another hotel, fifteen minutes away from their own. She grabbed her purse and made her way out the door.

He was already there, turned away from her. From what she could see, he was wearing a tailored suit, black and elegant and undeniably sexy. She stood behind him and cleared her throat softly, grabbing his attention.

He turned around and froze. His brain seemed to have stopped working for a full minute. His eyes fell to her feet, slowly making their way up her body. She felt as though he was undressing her with his gaze.

After a moment he snapped out of it, probably realizing what he was doing and where they were.

“You look… amazing.” He concluded, a smile of approval on his lips.

“You don’t look bad yourself, Mr. Ramsey.” A playful smirk appeared on her face. He cleared his throat and shook his head.

“Shall we?” he extended his arm towards her. She took it and they both made their way to the conference.

Once there, he began introducing her to various important people in their field. She made a very good impression on all of them, her knowledge and eloquence on a variety of subjects impressing him and their companions. They found their seats, on the edge of their row, and settled down. At first he didn’t notice anything because he was busy talking to the doctor sitting before him, but the moment he turned his gaze towards her he stopped breathing and his heart stopped beating for a second.

She sat down and turned towards the doctor to her right to talk to her. Claire’s legs were crossed, but that’s not what made him freeze. The position she was sitting in made her dress ride up. and because it rode up, he was able to see her long legs a little better.

To be more specific, she had thigh high stockings on, a strip of lace at the top of them, clearly visible to him from where he was sitting. He didn’t know how he was supposed to get past it and proceed with his day. His brain was melted, no longer functioning. He quickly averted his gaze, feeling his cheeks becoming a little warm.

Meanwhile, she was almost completely unaware of what was happening to him. Almost. Because he had such a strong influence on her, she could feel his eyes on her. She turned her head slowly towards him to find his gaze trained on the stage, his cheeks a little pink. She smirked and took out her notepad, conference finally starting.

Ethan wasn’t kidding. The day was filled to the brim with interesting people and interesting subjects, but it was extremally difficult to not become tired after a few hours. Thank god for coffee.

Finally, after a whole day of lectures and research presentations, a big dinner for everyone and meeting new people, they were able to make their way back to their hotel.

It was probably a mix of alcohol and exhaustion that made their conversation a lot looser and lighter than normal. Jokes were exchanged, anecdotes about their coworkers thrown into the conversation here and there.

They reached her room, they stood next to her door, her back flush against the fall. They couldn’t seem to stop talking.

She yawned, her hand covering her mouth.

“Well, it’s been a long day, you weren’t kidding.” She laughed and her laughed with her. His gaze averted from her for a second, looking to his right at the small clock on the wall next to them.

She took a step closer to kiss his cheek goodbye when he turned his head back towards her. It was an accident.

Their lips met.

For the first few seconds they were both confused, tired and not sure what was happening. Then, it seemed as though they both woke up.

His arms went around her waist, hers tangled in his hair. He pressed her against the door, reaching with one hand to open it.

He picked her up and carried her inside, kicking the door behind them. He wandered towards her bed, placing her gently there before climbing next to her, never breaking their kiss.

Her fingers removed his blazer and started working on the buttons of his shirt. His hands moved towards her thighs, tracing the patterns of lace on her stockings.

He broke the kiss, his lips moving down to her neck, nipping at it, leaving small marks all over it.

Suddenly, she took his face in her hands and made him look at her.

“Ethan… wait.” Their eyes met and she saw him sobering a little, his hands stopping his moves, becoming still.

“Yeah… you’re probably right, we shoul…” he started saying something and she knew exactly what he was going to say. That’s why she didn’t let him finish his thought. She pecked his lips softly.

“No. That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

“Ho… how do you know what I was about to say?”

“Ethan. Like it or not, I actually know you. Granted, not as much as I would liked, but I do know how your thought process goes. Don’t you dare tell me that this…” she pointed towards them “… is a mistake. Because it isn’t.”

“Then why did you stop?” he asked softly, sounding a little uncertain.

“There is nothing in this world that I want more right now, trust me. I just think that if we’re going to do this, we should do it correctly. And properly.  When we’re not drunk and tired and out of town. When we are not in a hotel. When we have all the time in the world instead of only a few hours, after which we’ll have to get to the conference room again. Do you understand what I’m saying?” her eyes found his, her fingers stroking his cheeks softly. He moved his hands to her back, hugging her closer to him.

“I do understand. And I really like and admire the way you think. Thank you… for talking me down from the spiral of my thoughts, it’s just that… when things don’t exactly go my way, my brain tends to go into overdrive, as I’m sure you’ve noticed.” He stopped talking, a crease forming on his forehead, a sign he was thinking about something really hard. Finally, he looked her straight in the eyes and spoke the words she wanted to hear and he longed to say for such a long time they both didn’t remember the time before that need and want.

“You are incredibly important to me. You are one of my only friends, one of the people I am closest with, I know I can confide in you, tell you everything, trust you. You are my constant in the world of uncertainties. I’m so happy and lucky to have found you.” he kissed her cheek softly, his eyes sparkling, his breathing a little lighter. It seemed like his confession took a huge weight off his shoulders.

“We have a lot of time. We don’t have to rush it.” she ran her fingers through his hair. “And…” she trailed off.

“And…?” he asked with a smile on his face.

“… you’re important to me too, Ethan.” She kissed his cheek, snuggling into his chest, his arms pressed her against him more securely, and they went to sleep like that.

 The next morning she was woken up by a movement on her back and arm. She opened her eyes and took a look around. Ethan was wide awake, his fingers running up and down her skin, an amused smile on his face.

“Good morning, beautiful.” He said quietly, his voice still heavy and low from sleep. She moved her hand to place it on his cheek, bringing his face closer to hers, kissing his lips softly. He nuzzled her nose with his, hugging her closer.

“Good morning, handsome” she smiled.

“We have a solid hour and a half to get ready before we have to leave.” He looked at her suggestively, she swatted his arm with her palm, a playful smile on her lips.

“Oh no, mister. We are getting up and going out. We’re going to grab some breakfast and see some more of the city on our way there. Then we’ll get through the conference and then we’ll talk about our… situation.”

“Situation? Really?” he smirked but he knew what she was talking about. They had to think about how things should and would happen between them when they go back to Boston.

“Yes, really. Now, up!” she swiped her index finger down his chest teasingly, winking at him.

“Yes, my lady.” He grumbled lowly, looking at her figure, a fascinating sight from where he was laying.

They got dressed, not without teasing one another, and somehow managed to get out of the hotel, grab something to eat and not be late for the second day of the conference.

Throughout the day they strived to find a way to be connected. They would hold hands, their thighs and shoulders would touch while sitting down, his hand was on the small of her back when they were talking or walking.

The day was coming to a close. Tomorrow they would be back in Boston and everything would be different.

They both dreaded this conversation. Something had to be said, they had to think of a game plan.

“Okay. What do we do tomorrow? I mean, it’s not like we can just… openly date, right? Harper and other older doctors would murder you, my friends and other interns would murder me…” she trailed off, a small line forming between her eyes. He smoothed it out with his thumb.

“I say we try to keep it a secret. I don’t know if I will be able to stay away from you, but it is worth a try if the only other way is not being able to have you at all… the choice is clear in my mind.”

“And what, hide our relationship from everyone forever?”

“No. Just until the competition is over. There is no policy at the hospital that I am aware of that forbids two doctors from dating, it’s just that this competition complicates everything. But that doesn’t change the fact that I want you in my life. I can live with a few months more of sneaking around if it means I get to have you.” he said quietly, his eyes sincere, looking into hers, showing her all that he couldn’t say with his words. She nodded.

“Okay… let’s do it.”

“Wait, really?” he was genuinely shocked.

“Did you think I would say ‘no’”? she laughed a little, his expression making her giggle.

“Actually, yes…”

“Ethan, I already told you. You are important to me, I will grab any opportunity to be with you.” she smiled warmly, hugging him. Their lips met in a kiss, expressing their feelings towards each other without the need to speak.

They still had a few hours. And when they get back home, they will deal with it, day by day, standing together, holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes.

Tag list:   @paleweasels, @lilyofchoices, @hopelessromantic1352, @valiantlychaoticbarbarian, @radlovedreamer, @usuallyamazinglyaverage, @palestazure, @galaxiia-quean, @cordoniaqueensworld, @universallypizzataco, @princess-geek, @faithhasnowords, @fangirlingmum, @claudevonstruke, @punk_kaomoji, @mightyfangirlofthefandoms, @noneotherthanthejoker, @drakewalkerfantasy, @timmagicktoad, @laceandlula, @greywitchyshots, @llamasgrl, @gingerjane15, @bucket-harrington,

If you want me to tag you, let me know and if I forgot to tag anyone, tell me so I can correct that!  :D

[elles-choices]

Part 15: If I Die Young (TRR AU, Liam x MC, NSF*W)

A/N: This chapter is actually two in one, meaning =  there will be a lot of thing happening! I hope you guys enjoy it! 

Pairing: Liam x MC (Catherine)

Summary: Catherine Spencer returns to New York after her fall from grace in Cordonia. She left the love of her life behind and all the dreams she had dared to dream. Now she has to pick up the pieces and move on but her past has a way of finding her.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Choices by Pixel Berry

——————

„Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother

She'll know I'm safe with you when

She stands under my colours, oh and

Life ain't always what you think it oughta be, no

Ain't even grey, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life,

Well, I've had just enough time

If I die young bury me in satin.

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song“, If I die young, The Band Perry

——————

After the fireworks, the guests were invited into the ball room for Liam’s toast to Catherine, presenting her formally as Duchess and the future Queen of Cordonia. Before going on stage, Liam kisses her on the cheek and gives instructions to a waiter to bring her a champagne glass filled with sparkling water. A couple minutes later the chime of silver on glass draws the attention of the party guests to the stage, where Liam stands and smiles to the crowd:

„Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for coming together today to celebrate my engagement to Lady Catherine Spencer. As part of becoming Queen, Catherine is receiving today the title of Duchess of Valtoria“, Liam looks directly at his fiancee, his smile is gentle and full of love, „Thank you, Catherine, for completing my life, filling it with so much love and joy“. He extends a hand to her and Catherine joins him on the stage, she is touched by his loving words. Liam puts one hand on her waist, „Please join me in raising a glass to the future Queen of Cordonia“. 

As the party guests cheer and celebrate their new Duchess and future Queen, Madeleine glances at Regina, „Liam is turning his reign into a circus. He should know better than presenting his feelings to his court like that. This only makes him look weak and foolish“. 

Regina moves closer to madeleine, „Come with me“. Walking through the cheering crowd, they leave the ball room through one of the French doors leading to the inner courtyard and sit down on a bench in a dark corner, far from anyone’s sight, „Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do… in a few days she will be Liam’s Queen and will initiate the end of the monarchy as we know it“.

„Aunt Regina, don’t be so pessimistic. As long as they aren’t married, a lot could happen…“, Madeleine smiles at her Regina as if she already had a plan.

„You don’t understand… the girl is with child. Liam would never believe any intrigue and he will definitely never leave her“, Regina shakes her head, „The only thing that makes us better than commoners is their believe in that. Catherine wants to bring this monarchy closer to the people… for God’s sake, she got Liam build a kitchen in the King’s chamber so they can cook together. What is next? Will she send their child to public school? Soon people will start asking if they really need a King. She will destroy the monarchy and all of us with it“.

„W-What? A child?“, Madeleine stands up and start pacing nervously, „That bitch thought  of everything…“, she mumbles.

„My thoughts exactly“, Regina watches Madeleine’s steps slowing down.

„Oh, no but we are not going down without a fight!“, Madeleine crosses her arms in front of her, „Liam will never leave her but would she stay if she knew what life in palace is really about? If she knew how dangerous this life can be for her and her child? If we gave her a taste of how life with enemies in her own court could be?“

„I’m listening… What do you have in mind?“, Regina looks at Madeleine curious to know her plans.

—————

Once the celebration came to a close, Liam accompanied his fiancee back to their apartment. Unaware of Regina’s and Madeleine’s plans to disrupt their happiness, he runs a bath for him and Catherine.

Liam walks out of the bathroom, watching Catherine on the bed relaxing after this stressful day. He offers her his hand, „Love, the water is ready for you“. Once she gets up, standing in front of Liam, he unties her dressing gown, letting it fall to the floor. His eyes sweeps over her naked body, „You are so beautiful my love“. He gets closer to her, „Your breast… they look bigger“.

She giggles, „You noticed…“, she puts her arms around his neck. „Yeah, our baby is growing strong and soon we won’t be able to hide my pregnancy anymore“. 

„I can’t wait to see your belly growing“, Liam runs his hands over belly and around her waist, going down to her butt. He smiles, squeezing it gently and then his hands make their way down to reach under her thighs and lift her up. She hooks her legs around his waist and he brings her to the bathroom. He then helps her into the tub and she slides forward so he can sit behind her. „Once we are back from our honeymoon, we will be able to know the sex of our baby… do you want to know it? I can’t wait for this day to be honest“, he massages her back.

„Of course I want to know! Then we can finally decide on a name for our little one“, she smiles and rests a hand on her belly. „I'd say once we reach the second trimester, we could share the news with our people“.

Liam kisses her shoulder and her neck, „This day will be historical. After over four years, Cordonia will finally have an heir to the throne. Our people will rejoice over the news and we can finally start preparing for our baby’s arrival“.

„Honey, isn’t it too early to start getting ready for our baby?“, Catherine chuckles.

He hugs her, resting his head on her shoulder, „We are talking about the crown prince or crown princess of Cordonia… we have to choose a room, find someone to be responsible for the interior design, we need to find a local carpenter to make the furniture…“, before he finishes his thought, Catherine says:

„Hold on a second. If you still have the furniture of your baby room, we could use them. We would have the carpenter refurbishing those pieces, but the we wouldn’t need anything new and at the same time we would have something from your mother… that she chose for you. What do you think?“, she turns her head to Liam and notices he is getting emotional.

He kisses the back of her head, „You are amazing, my love. I don’t deserve you… you’re so thoughtful, so kind… your love is everything I need to feel complete“, his voice was soft, almost fragile, „That you wanna include my mother in this special moment, welcoming her into our child’s life means so much to me“. Liam holds her tighter to him, „I wish she could have met you, Katie… she would have loved you“, he whispers.

„I’m sure she is here, Liam, taking care of all of us“, she takes his hand and puts it on her belly, „Taking care of our baby“. 

Liam closes his eyes and thanks God for having sent her to him, he can’t stand the thought of a life without Catherine. 

—————

The next morning, Liam and Catherine head to Valtoria for a day trip. Catherine looks through the window enjoying the scenery and with the corner of her eyes she catches Liam staring at her. 

She smiles, „So, my King, what are the plan for the day?“

„We will be choosing the flower arrangements for the Cathedral from a local florist and also one of our wedding cakes will come from a Valtorian baker. As I told you before, it isn’t an official visit but I thought it would be nice to include your duchy in the celebrations. Unfortunately, we won’t have much time over there because of my trip to France tomorrow“, Liam kisses her forehead, „Now, you better look out the window or you will miss the entrance to your castle“.

Catherine’s eyes widen in disbelief, „What?“, she looks back at Liam shocked, „Are you serious? This is like out of a fairy tale“.

Liam smiles, „Everything you see here is yours“.

Catherine smiles, getting closer to Liam she whispers, „Well, Mr. Rhys, I can’t wait for the day we will christen every and each room of this castle“, she brushes her fingers over Liam’s chest and trails kisses over his neck.

Liam blushes, „Oh honey, I can’t wait for this day either but let’s not start something now that we won’t be able to finish… in a couple of minutes we will have to leave the car and I, erm…, I won’t be able to walk out of this car if you go on like that“. Catherine giggles and kisses him on the cheek, turning back to the window.

After their arrival, Catherine is greeted by Gladys, the majordomo and is led by her through the castle for a tour of the most important places while the florist displays her arrangements in the ballroom. 

When Liam and Catherine finally arrive at the entrance of the room, they can already take in the sweet scent of the flowers. Catherine slowly walks into the sea of flowers and heads straight to the petit brunette, working on the final details of one arrangement.

„Good Morning!“, she says, „This look amazing!“. 

Liam walks behind Catherine, watching carefully every details, „You have exceeded my expectation, Mrs. Wallace“.

The woman curtsies, „You Majesty, your Grace. Forgive me for having my back turned to you, I didn’t notice you approaching!“

„Please, don’t worry about it in anyway“, Catherine smiles, „So, I see you have included my favorite flowers in your arrangements?“

„Yes, your Grace. His Majesty made clear that I should add pink and white roses to the arrangements. I took the liberty to add the peonies though, for they are one of the symbols of your duchy“, she smiles and shows the different arrangements she has created.

„I love peonies and everything you have here. What do you think, Liam?“, Catherine looks at him and he walks through the sea of flowers.

„I believe this arrangement is one of my favorite — it’s simple yet classic and elegant“, he looks at Catherine and she smiles.

„I love it, sweetheart! I think we have a winner!“, she takes his hand in hers and leans her head against his strong arm. „Now it is starting to feel real, soon we will be married, Liam“, she looks at him and he kisses her head. They discuss a few other details with the florist before heading for lunch in the dining room.

In the afternoon, they headed to the parlor, where a local baker prepared a few different cake slices for a wedding cake tasting. Liam playfully fed Catherine with every cake flavor that was represented on the several trays. After going through the different flavors, they settled for a chocolate truffle cake filled with chocolate ganache with a hint of raspberry and vanilla.

The day in Valtoria ended with a ride through the the countryside, just a small presentation of Catherine’s duchy as their first official visit will be after their honeymoon and they will spend their first week as a married couple in her lands.

—————

In that same evening, after dinner, Catherine walks into her bedroom wearing a white night gown. She looks at Liam, lying in her bed, very concentrate in his reading and she smiles. She sits down next to him and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

Liam smiles and looks at her, putting down his book, „Sorry, I didn’t see you there…“

„It’s okay. What are you reading?“, she gets closer to him and he wraps an arm around her waist.

„Nothing too important, I’m just trying to get ready for my trip to France tomorrow“, he kisses the top of her head, „Are you sure you don’t wanna come with me?“.

Catherine smiles, „I’d love to but I got work to do and I got that tea party thing, the one Regina is organizing, remember?“

„Oh, yes, I do“, Liam tilts her chin gently to him, „If Madeleine is there and if anything happen that makes you uncomfortable, don’t feel obligated to stay there, okay?“.

„Thank you, sweetheart, but I think I can deal with Regina and Madeleine…“, she smiles and stares at him for a few seconds. Catherine bites her bottom lip, moving slowly over him, pulling her gown high enough so she can straddle Liam.

He smiles naughtily, „Hmmm, you are insatiable, my Queen…“

„I’m blaming the pregnancy hormones…“, she giggles and lower herself slowly onto him for a passionate kiss. His hands roam up her thighs -- one holding her hip and the other stopping between her legs, making her moan.

„Oh god, Katie, you are so wet…“, he whispers and massages her love button with his thumb. She slips her hand into Liam’s boxer briefs, reaching for his fully erected manhood. She looks deep into his eyes, leading him slowly inside of her and he groans. „Oh baby, you feel so fucking good…“. She lowers the straps of her gown, exposing her breasts to Liam. He reaches for them and massages them gently for a moment while she rides him the way he loves it. He pulls her to him and kisses her neck, trailing kisses down to her collarbone and to her breast. They enjoy the feeling of their body becoming one for a while, their moans and groans getting louder.

„Fuck, baby… I’m close“, she lets her head falls to her back and Liam grabs her hips, intensifying her movement, getting deeper and faster into her, making her scream, „Liam…“.

„Yeah, love, come for me…“, as he feels her walls tightening around him, he wraps his arms around her, pulling her tighter to him and he lets go, finding his release inside of her. He looks deep into her eyes, „Catherine, I love you more than anything…“

„I love you too, Liam“, she lets herself fall to his side and Liam lies down, pulling her to him while they try to catch their breaths. She nestles into his arms, tracing circles on his muscular chest.

Sometime in the middle of the night, Catherine wakes up feeling sick. She tries not to wake up Liam but when he hears her throwing up in the bathroom, he doesn’t hesitate to go to her side. Although the treatment is working, some days are better than others. 

After 30 minutes in the bathroom, she washed her face, brushing her teeth and went to bed feeling terribly. Liam pours her a glass of water, „Maybe I should cancel my trip…“, he looks at her worried.

„Nonsense, Liam. I’ll be fine… we know that the sickness can last throughout the pregnancy. I’m just glad I get a break some days“, she drinks the glass of water and rests her head on Liam’s chest.

„Then promises me you will see the palace doctor in the morning, please! Just to make sure you don’t need another infusion…“, he kisses her head and strokes her back.

„Okay, honey, now you should sleep. You have an early flight to catch“.

Liam sighs and turns off the light. He tries to fall asleep but he can’t shake the feeling that he shouldn’t leave her alone.

—————

Feeling better than the night before, Catherine walks through the palace, on her way to Liam’s study to work from home. After two conference calls she hears a knock on the door. 

„Come in“, she says.

Regina opens the door and looks at her annoyed, „I was looking for you, your Grace. I just couldn’t believe my ears when I was told you would be working here, in Liam’s study“.

„It was Liam’s idea but I’m sure you aren’t here to discuss where I should or shouldn’t be…“, Catherine closes her laptop, „Please, have a seat“.

Regina walks into the room and sits down, „I had an early meeting with our family lawyer and I was told you still haven’t signed a prenup“.

„Liam and I have never talked about it, actually“, Catherine crosses her arms.

„He probably forgot with so many things to take care of... “, she smiles, „That’s the reason why I took the liberty to bring this for you. It is the same prenup Madeleine signed so in case of a divorce you will be taken care of“.

Catherine has a quick flick through it and closes her eyes shortly, pinching the bridge of her nose, „Okay, Regina… you know I am a lawyer, don’t you? Do you really think I am going to sign this?“, she opens her eyes and sighs.

„Why not? It’s fair…“, she says.

„First of fall, if we signed a prenup or not it’s none of your business, so you don’t have to go around asking questions. Secondly, I’m not against it. If Liam wants a prenup, we will have one but one that we both agreed upon — we will find a lawyer and we will discuss the terms of this contract, not you and your lawyer, do you understand me, Regina?“, Catherine stands up and walks to the bar area to pour herself a glass of water.

„I just wanted to be helpful…“, she says, „And there is also this other thing...“.

Catherine signs and takes a deep breath trying to keep her cool, „What is it?“, she walks back to her seat.

„This one you have to sign. Every Queen before you did…“

Catherine reads attentively every line and can’t believe her eyes, „You want me to terminate my parental rights to my unborn child?! Are you insane?“, she laughs but actually she feels like screaming, „‚The child of a King or Queen is property of the Crown‘? My child is property of nobody. I mean, Regina, if you or anyone think I’m going to sign this… you are delusional“.

„As I said, every Queen before you did. It’s just to assure that the child will have a courtly education and in your case, that you won’t take the child away from Liam“, she says.

„Liam knows that I’d never do this to him and there are international laws that protect the rights of both parents... I’d never be able to leave the country with my child without the father’s consent. You have to know this much at least“, Catherine says, trying to keep her voice down, „Look, I have work to do. I’m gong to discuss this with Liam but I can tell you now, I’m not signing it!“.

Regina stands up and smiles, „Sooner or later you will have to…“. She turns around and leaves the room. Catherine waits until she closes the door and sends Liam a text:

„Can you talk now?“

A couple of minutes later, Liam calls her:

„Hey sweetheart, what is going on? Missing me already?“, his voice is soft and full of love.

„Liam, do you want a prenup?“, she says agitated.

„Whoa, where is this coming from?“, he says confused.

„Go on! Have a guess…“, she sighs.

„Regina? But I have never talked to her about a prenup… Honey, listen to me, I don’t need one. Otherwise we would have talked about it a while ago“, he tries to calm her down.

„Liam, I am not even mad because of the prenup but with the prenup she gave me a waver… to sign over my parental rights to the crown?! What the fuck! I am not doing that…“, Catherine stands up and starts pacing.

„Love, you don’t have to sign anything. I would never ask you to do that, you know me. You have to calm down, Katie, this isn’t good for you or our baby…“, Liam waits for an answer but she doesn’t say anything. „Honey?“

Catherine sits down again and puts a hand on her side, feeling some cramping, „Yeah, you are right. I think I gotta finish up things here and lie down for a while“.

„Is everything okay? Did you see the doctor?“, he asks worried.

„Yes, he will come by after the afternoon tea and I’ll probably get an infusion again“, Catherine closes her eyes and breaths deeply. 

„You should stay in bed today, you don’t have to go to Regina’s tea party“.

„I am going with Hana, Liam. Don’t worry too much about me… everything will be fine“, she says feeling a little better, „I love you… talk later?“

„I love you too, please call me whenever you want!“. After talking to Liam, Catherine answered a few emails and went to bed. She was still annoyed with Regina for her lacking of boundaries, but she tried not to worry about it for the baby.

—————

After a few hours in bed reading, Catherine got dressed for the tea party and met with Hana in the parlor.

As they arrive in the tea room, Catherine and Hana are greeted by Regina and from the corner of her eyes she sees Madeleine with a group of ladies. The room is nicely decorated with beautiful flower arrangements and live piano music. In every table there were a selection of teacakes, macaroons, scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, tiny sandwiches and other exquisite pastries. Regina was trying to be extremely nice, introducing Catherine to the other ladies.

After chatting with each one of the ladies, Catherine and Hana headed to their table and soon Regina joined them.

„Are you enjoying the tea party, your Grace“, Madeleine comes from behind Catherine and sits down by her side.

Catherine glances shortly at Hana before putting on a fake smile and turning her head to Madeleine, „Hi Madeleine. Yes, it’s been delightful so far. Are you enjoying it?“

“Well, enjoying isn’t the exactly the word I’d go for. I know most of the ladies in here. They are from lower nobility classes, looking for the opportunity of their lives…“, Madeleine stares at Catherine with a grin on her lips.

„Oh yeah? And what kind of opportunity are you talking about?“, Catherine asks curious.

At this Moment Regina starts saying, „Well, I’m not sure if you know but in a Cordonian marriage is quite common for both parties to have extra conjugal relationships. And as future Queen, it is your duty to choose Liam at least two of these beautiful ladies“.

„Do you see Lady Anne and Lady Cassandra over there? Those I chose for him before we got married… his mistresses will live in the palace. Of course not in your quarter but they should be available whenever their King desires“, Madeleine looks over at Catherine and her face is blank.

„Okay… Regina and Madeleine, Liam doesn’t need a mistress. I’m pretty sure that he doesn’t want one. It may be usual in a political marriage or a marriage of interests but we love each other. There will be no third person in our bed“, Catherine stares deeply into Regina’s eyes.

Madeleine laughs quietly, „Listen, Catherine, this monarchy is much older than your own country. If you wanna survive as Queen, you better accept that… your relationship with Liam is everything but normal, there are rules and you will follow them or you will have to leave“. Suddenly, Catherine feels extremely sick and tries to get up from her chair but Madeleine grabs her arm forcefully, „Now, you listen to me. Do you see the table on our left? Those ‚Ladies‘ I introduced you to? Why don’t you choose two of them and you can go… Liam has already pre-approved each one of them a few months ago. Lady Sophia, for example, spent 48 hour in a hotel in Paris with Liam… as you know, our King doesn’t lack of stamina. Lady Jasmin, on the other hand, spent a couple of days in his Yacht… oh, haven’t you two spent some lovely days cruising the Mediterranean? I hope it doesn’t bother you too much that you weren’t the first one. And lady Agnieszka, he sent a plane to Saint Petersburg to bring her to Cordonia for the weekend… I don’t need to tell you the things he might have done to her… probably in your room…“. Catherine feel the pain coming back and it makes her so dizzy she can’t concentrate.

„Enough, Madeleine!“, Hana stands up, „We are leaving… you two should be ashamed of yourselves!“, Hana takes Catherine’s hand and helps her to stand up. 

„But I didn’t finish yet…“, Madeleine says laughing while Hana and Catherine leave the room.

Hana leads Catherine to the parlor and after a couple of minutes in silence, she says, „You are pale and your hands are cold. I gotta call someone“.

„I think I am a little dehydrated, I feel so dizzy I don’t think I can go up the stairs…“, Catherine says, her hand is on her belly. „Would you please call Leo?“, she hands her phone to Hana.

Hana immediately calls him and tells Leo to come as fast as he can. Meanwhile, Catherine wraps her arms around her stomach in pain. She tries to takes deep breaths but it doesn’t help.

When Leo arrives, he walks up to Catherine, „You don’t look good, Katie… What happened? I thought you guys were having tea with Regina!“. Hana told him what happened in the tea room. „What the fuck is wrong with those two? Liam is going to kill them…“. He offers a hand to Catherine, „Let’s go, I’m taking you to your room and then I’ll let the doctor know you aren’t feeling well”.

When Catherine stands up, Hana notices blood in the back of her dress, „Katie, you are bleeding…“, she says. Shortly after Hana finishes her sentence, Catherine faints, being caught by Leo.

„No, no, no.. this isn’t good! Okay, I gotta take her to the hospital… You tell the guards to not allow Madeleine or Regina to leave this palace. They should take them to Liam’s office and stay there until I come back!“, Leo holds Catherine in his arms and runs to the front door, getting her into his car and rushing to the hospital.

During the short drive to the hospital, he let them know that he would be arriving with Catherine and in less than 15 minutes he parked in the back entrance of the hospital, where a team was already waiting for her. Leo watched her go before leaving to park his car. Nervous with the situation, he called his brother but nobody answered the call. Then he tried Bastien:

„Bastien, where is Liam?“, he says apprehensive.

„He is in a call, can I help you with anything?“, Bastien asks.

„I need to talk to him. Catherine is in the hospital“

„I see, give me a second…“, Bastien puts him on hold and soon Liam in on the other side of the line.

„What is it, brother? Did you cause a fire in the palace again?“, Liam chuckles.

„Li, listen to me… you better come back! Regina and Madeleine are out of control…“, he says agitated.

„Okay, you are making me nervous… what is going on, Leo?“

„Catherine is in the hospital, I think she and the baby aren’t doing well… she was bleeding, you better get here fast, Liam. I’ll tell you what happened once you arrive!“, Leo explains.

„I’m on my way“, Liam says angrily, „Don’t let them leave… I’m going to deal with those two once and for all“.

To be continued…

For more chapters go to my MASTERLIST in my bio.

—————

Tag List

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[queerchoicesblog]

London Calling (TS, Kaitlyn x MC)

As I promised, here’s the Kaitlyn x MC fic I wrote about last week. This is more a...songfic? That’s how they call them? Anyway songs play a huge role here and helped me sketch the structure of it as well as inspired the whole concept. In this regard, a special thank you goes to my lovely friend @kinda-iconic who provided help and suggestions for what then became the Hayley (MC) section: it was brilliant, beanie!

So, my entry for the Choice Prompt of the @choices-december-challenge is a TS fanfic showing what made Kaitlyn flight to her girl. As Hayley is heartbroken in her London apartment, in NYC Kaitlyn finally opens up to Amara about her breakup with her aspirant writer girlfriend.

Prompt: Choice

Word Count: 2325

Warning: This fic contains bad words; also tissue warning (don’t know if you’ll need it but I needed my tissue box writing this)

Tag: @darley1101 @esteladannishreyakamilah @kennaxval @choiceslife @psychopathdreamer21 @bluedragonlove 

_____________________

Hey there, Delilah What's it like in New York City? I'm a thousand miles away But, girl, tonight you look so pretty Yes, you do Times Square can't shine as bright as you I swear, it's true

Tears streamed down Hayley's cheeks as she listened to Hey There, Delilah. She was sitting on her bed checking her social media when a post caught her attention. It was a selfie Kaitlyn posted hours ago: she was smiling brightly at the camera in a nighttime Times Square and the caption said "On top of the world! #timeofmylife #newyorkmagic #dreamscometrue #midnightmayhemstardomcalling". She was utterly beautiful: the new professional haircut suited her and the night lights waltzing in her dark eyes made her look mesmerizing. Hayley instinctively reached to put a like to the post and a corny comment but refrained herself just in time. "No, I...I can't. We aren't-" a sob escaped her at the thought of their breakup.

"She's living her dream and I'm no longer part of it. I just have to let my rockstar go, she's...she looks happy without me. And she's not mine anymore".

She collapsed on her pillow, trying to silence her own sobs. She angrily reached for her laptop where the song was playing and shut it down. Then she stared blankly at it as she carelessly tossed her phone on the armchair.

"Enough with it. I need to get some sleep or else tomorrow I'll be late for my interview" she repeated to herself mechanically, as if it was a line of a script she played merely out of habit.

She went back to bed and closed her eyes, taking deep breaths to calm herself down. But her wounds didn't seem to heal.

Oh, it's what you do to me What you do to me

-------- Miles away, in an underground New York cafè another tune was playing.

Staring at the bottom of your glass Hoping one day you'll make a dream last But dreams come slow and they go so fast

You see her when you close your eyes Maybe one day you'll understand why Everything you touch surely dies

Kaitlyn was sitting in a corner booth, arms crossed and staring coldly at the table.

"This song is old, aren't they tired of this shit?" She commented harshly.

Amara, who was sitting in front of her, threw her a concerned look.

"C'mon, this song is not shit, Kaitlyn. It's not my style too but it's not that bad...and it's not what gets on your nerves".

Kaitlyn looked at her.

"Really? So what is it? Enlighten me".

Amara exhales deeply, pinching her nose.

"Kait...I'm worried about you".

Kaitlyn furrowed her brows, confused.

"Because I don't like the Passenger? I mean, we're a punk rock band, it's not that surprising-".

"Kait, I care about you and I like to think we're good friends so can you drop the act, please?".

"Drop the act? What are you talking about?".

Amara gave her a sympathetic yet concerned look.

"You haven't even touched your donut nor your coffee and you're the worst donuts & coffee addict I've ever known. We're living the dream of our lives in New York, New York, baby, with Overnight Records and something is off with you. You smile, you party with us but you're somehow...distant. Not your usual self. Even when you sing: you nail every note, but something is missing. You're missing".

"You're not happy with how I perform lately? Cause I can-".

But Amara cut her off.

"I'm not happy with how you pretend to be okay when it's clear and understandable that you're not! You should feel like touching the sky but you're not. Try and tell me I'm wrong".

"Do you think I don't understand the opportunity we got? That I'm ungrateful? Amara, chill! I'm having a blast! This is like the best thing that could ever happen to me, to us! It's a dream come true and I couldn't ask for anything better. We're making it big, my friend, I feel it!".

Kaitlyn smiled and took a sip of her coffee, but her gesture, her smile looked somehow forced. Seeing that she was getting nowhere since the walls her friend built were stronger than she thought, Amara decided to try a more direct approach.

"So I was wrong, well good to know." She paused, but just to put the stress on what she was gonna say next. "How's Hayley doing? Does she like London?"

Kaitlyn threw her an angry look, like a wounded animal.

"I haven't heard from her since she left. She must be busy with her new job" she hissed, looking away. A pained expression appeared on your face as she spoke.

"Job? Last time I checked it was just an interview-"

Kaitlyn immediately turned to her, an almost desperate tone cracked her voice.

"Only a fool wouldn't hire her, Amara! She's so freaking talented, haven't you read her book? You were at the Fringe Festival too: is there any other way to describe her dystopia other than "a fucking masterpiece not even Margaret Atwood herself could do any better"? No, she's born for that. Writing, it's like a second skin to her. Even if it's just for a ghost-writer book. She will nail it and they will ask her to publish a novel of her own and she will be the bestselling published author she deserves to be".

Amara raised an eyebrow to her.

"So you're totally okay that she's on silent radio ever since she left".

Kaitlyn shattered her jaw.

"She went her way and I went mine, Amara. Where one would go, the other couldn't follow so we did what we had to. What the hell would you want me to say?".

"That you're hurting. You don't have to put on the brave face with me, Kait, we're friends and if it happened to me and Darren I would be devastated-".

"Yeah but Darren followed you to London and found an internship in Albany, luckily enough. You just can't relate, Amara. Don't you even try that card" she cut her off coldly.

Amara hanged her head in defeat.

"I'm sorry, Kait. I didn't mean to upset you even more by mentioning Darren" she gave her friend a genuinely pained look. "I'm truly sorry, I'm just...Kait, I care about you and I can't stay here watching you hurting as hell and telling everyone you're having the best time of your life when it's bullshit!".

Kaitlyn diverted her eyes like a scolded kid. Amara took a deep breath to calm herself down and spoke again.

"She didn't even answer to your message then?".

Kaitlyn shook her head.

"No, she was clearly busy. Or she simply doesn't care anymore".

"I don't think she doesn't care...I mean at the Festival you two were so in love as-".

"WE BROKE UP, AMARA".

Kaitlyn raised her voice, making some customers nearby turn their heads. Amara gave them an apologetic look and gestured to that the show was over.

"Okay, okay...just don't shout, huh? You mentioned that you had a fight?".

"Yeah, I came home and announced her that we signed a contract with Overnight Records in New York, the world tour and all and she stood there like 'oh good for you'. So I said 'is something wrong?' She said 'I had something yo tell you too, I got an interview for this job in London but I wanted to talk with you first and what? You decided everything on your own'. But what should I have done, Amara? What? I'm in a band, I couldn't just say 'nope sorry girls my girlfriend is not okay with me moving to New York, abort the whole thing'? That would be nonsense!".

Amara considered her friend's words carefully.

"No, you couldn't...but I don't get it, what did you say to Hayley then? I mean she got an offer too, right?".

"Yes, but writing is different, right? I suggested her to come here with me. I mean, she gushes over New York all the time: the literary scene, the museums, the theatres...now, when I say: 'okay, let's go there together, I play in the band and you can maybe write about us' all of a sudden it's the worst idea ever!".

"You said so? Maybe you can write about us?".

"Yeah, like behind-the-scenes. If we make it big, it could give her a head start too! But apart from that, every aspirant writer wants to go to NY because there are so many opportunities or inspiration here!".

"Hmm...how would you feel if she suggested you to follow her to London cause London music scene is so lively you would surely find a band there? That singers can sing everywhere after all and you would have your muse with you?".

"But I'm in a band already! And Overnight Records is based in New York!".

"And Quillis in London. Kait, Hayley is a huge fan of us but maybe just maybe she doesn't want her career to revolve around us, around you. And I can't blame her, honestly: anyone would feel trapped. As you would have felt if she'd you asked to write songs about her in London. In both scenarios, you would have hated each other for the rest of your lives, probably. But" - she paused looking into Kaitlyn's eyes- "you know that too".

This time Kaitlyn hanged her head before speaking again.

"I know. That's why I didn't object much. This is how it must naturally end, apparently...you see it yourself. None of us wanted to become one of those couples full of resentment and self-pity who spend their day accusing each other of ruin their life. But..." -she sniffled and that's when Amara noticed a tear streaming down her friend's cheek- "But the truth is that it hurts and my dream now, here is less 'the time of my life' without her with me. I mean, with me even if she's an ocean away, but...mine".

Amara reached to reassuringly stroke Kaitlyn's arm.

"It's okay, sweetie, let it all out if you need to. We can leave if you-"

Kaitlyn gestured her that it wasn't necessary.

"No no, it's fine" she said sniffling again.

Amara quickly handed her a napkin to dry her face.

"Here, take this...Listen, I couldn't help but notice how you put it down into words: 'with me even if she's an ocean away'. Maybe this is what you really want-".

"Who cares what I want, Amara? It's over".

"Let me finish...and the possible solution to this".

Kaitlyn gave her a quizzical look.

"I articulate. I know that what I'm gonna say it's not easy: not gonna lie, it made many relationships sink, but I strongly believe that if something is worth fighting for it, you should go for it. Have you ever considered a long distance relationship?" Amara asked, biting her lip.

"I-" Kaitlyn started but stopped, unable to express her feelings.

"Wanna know what I think about your breakup, Kait?".

When her friend bashfully nodded, she spoke again.

"I feel that Hayley is hurting too, just like you. You both post fake happy social media status to keep the face but you're both regretting this already. I know Hayley a little too, she shut people out when she's hurting. She already did when you started with The Gutter Kittens and everybody was drifting apart in your suite, you remember? She isolates herself and tries to mend her wounds on her own before opening up again. Like you do, by the way. You're pretty similar here. And you're both inclined to make bad decisions out of fear. But when you let fear take the best of you, you don't really choose. She chooses, not you nor Hayley. You just run, just as she did jumping on a plane to London. But shut up that fucking fear! The truth is it doesn't have to be this way. You can at least try and fix this instead of well metaphorically bleeding you out because of some stupid pride. We may be making it big but you're too young to have regrets like this, Kait. The same goes for Hayley".

Kaitlyn blinked at her a few time before exhaling sharply and drying the last tear on her face. She cleared her voice and turn to her friend, encouragingly looking at her.

"I know what I'm gonna do, Amara".

She smiled weakly.

"You're right. I don't want to live with a regret like this. And Kaitlyn Liao may be stubborn but she doesn't go down without a fight" - she paused before adding - "I'm going to London".

"What? That's not what I meant! And...and we have a meeting with the producers right on Monday, then the sponsor-".

"Not permanently, obviously!" - Kaitlyn reassured her - "I just need to talk to Hayley. But I need to do it like face to face. I have to...at least try, Amara. I've made a mess and the least I could do is trying to fix it. Hayley...is worth fighting for".

Amara opened her mouth to say something but just smiled softly at her.

"Okay, Kait...I'll cover for you, if needed, just -I hate to say this after what you...just come back as soon as possible. But I'm with you: go get your girl".

Kaitlyn mouthed a thank you and reached to hug her. Amara squeezed her back then said:

"Now, eat your donut then we go straight to get you a ticket to London and pack your stuff. Then Darren and I are gonna drive you to the airport whenever the first flight is, okay girl?".

Kaitlyn smiled, looking a little bit relieved and taking a huge bite of her donut.

At that moment, a new tune started playing on the cafe radio and the girls giggled.

"If you were looking for a sign, Kait, this is it!" Amara commented.

The song was London Calling.

[choicesfanatic86]

Almost:  Chapter 6 (Liam x MC)

DISCLAIMER:  All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except characters unique to my story.  Those belong to me. ;)

PAIRINGS:  Liam x Riley (MC)

SUMMARY:  Riley Lawson didn’t believe in second chances, until one night a face from her past makes a shocking reappearance in her life.

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Want to catch up? Check out my MASTER LIST

7/19/18 - Chapter 6 is really long! I apologize in advance. Yikes! I should have split it into two, but I just felt it flowed better this way.  I have a keep reading set, so don't get mad if it doesn’t show on mobile!  3 I know that I am setting up a lot of backstory, but I promise the social season is coming soon! 

Thank you! As always if you want to be tagged, send me a message!

Chapter 6

When they reached the outside of the club, Riley couldn’t believe that the line to enter was still wrapped around the building.  The entire area was still bustling with activity and it was nearly midnight.  At least that meant that more than a few cabs would be flocking to the area and it wouldn’t be difficult to hail one to get her back safely to her apartment.  She spotted the designated cabbie pick up and drop off area and was about to head off into that direction when a loud roar of grumbles came at both of them out of nowhere.  Riley turned toward the ranting and watched as Liam’s other friends stomped angrily in their direction.

“Liam, have you gone mad?” Tariq exclaimed.  “A bar fight?  How common of you,” he admonished.  “I’d expect something as lowly from Drake, but you?  How could you?”  He says in horror.  He shook his head as he placed his arms defensively across his body.  “Kismet is one of the finest clubbing establishments in the entire city.  It took me weeks to secure its VIP services,” he grumbled.  “You probably accosted a local dignitary or celebrity,” he frowned.  “Not to mention you cut the evening’s festivities rather short,” he glanced down at his expensive-looking watch.  “It isn’t even midnight,” he bemoaned.  “I hadn’t even had the opportunity to take a tour of their VIP rooms,” he said with a look of disappointment.

“Yeah, I was in the middle of an epic dance off with a beautiful girl,” Maxwell sighed dramatically.  “I was smoking her until Drake came up rather abruptly and pulled me from the dance floor.  “I had to forfeit the battle,” he whined.

Liam looked at his friends in disapproval, but he didn’t really seem surprised by their griping.  “I’m sorry that in ensuring a young woman’s safety you were inconvenienced and couldn’t enjoy the evening’s festivities,” he said with a bit of sarcasm in his tone.  “However will you survive,” he shook his head.

“We appreciate the apology, Liam, but – “

Maxwell elbowed Tariq, cutting him off.  “I think he was being sarcastic,” he mumbled.

Tariq paused for a moment, before beginning to ramble on and on again about how their last night in New York was ruined because there were no other plans for the evening.  Riley was awkwardly standing behind them, not really knowing whether she should join their little circle or stand back like the outsider that she technically was. Listening to them banter back and forth and made her feel a tad bit uncomfortable.  She was the reason that their evening was cut short.  She contemplated sneaking off toward the cabbie area.  There were at least three waiting, she could easily hop into one and be done with all of this chaos.  His friends hadn’t noticed her presence, and Liam seemed wrapped up in the banter, so she could easily sneak off without any sort of awkward goodbye.  Considering she never got a goodbye from him the first time around, it seemed pretty fair to return the favor.  She hesitated for a moment, wondering if that was the right decision.  Technically, she was safe.  Her harasser and his friends, from the looks of it, hadn’t stuck around to give her more trouble.  They had probably gone out to another club or back home to sleep off their drunkenness.  There was no reason for her to stick around.  So then, why was she still here?  She eyed Liam a bit reluctantly, a mix of emotions rushing through her.  She realized that she didn’t’ have an answer to that question.  She shifted uncomfortably on her feet, debating what to do.  That small movement caused the men’s eyes to move in her direction.

“Hey!” Maxwell exclaimed.  “It’s the waitress from the bar.”

Tariq’s attention shifted from scolding Liam to admiring Riley.  “So it is,” he murmured, his eyes gazing over her body.  She couldn’t help but feel a bit uncomfortable under his leering.  “That uniform was not doing you justice,” he winked at her.  

“Yeah, the waitress is hot,” Maxwell said rather loudly.

She could feel the blush creeping up from her neck to her cheeks.  She couldn’t help but cringe.  She was starting to agree with Drake’s earlier line of reasoning that these two were utter morons.  She sighed, her eyes darting in the direction of the cabs. So close, yet so far away, she mused.

“Her name is Riley, and I doubt she appreciates you talking about her like that,” Liam narrowed his eyes at the other men.  “Especially after the evening she’s just had,” he said in annoyance.  She looked at him in surprise.  She sent a small smile of gratitude his way.  So maybe he wasn’t so different from the Liam she remembered after all.  

“Sorry . . . like I told you at the bar, they don’t get out much,” Drake approached the group from behind, shaking his head.  She turned around, meeting his gaze.  “They forget how to act around normal people,” he smirked and mouthed the word “morons.”  She stifled a chuckle.

“Knock it off, okay?” Drake narrowed his eyes at the other two men.  “Kismet was a bust, get over it.”

Maxwell and Tariq started to protest a bit more, but Drake held his hand up not wanting to hear any more complaints.

Riley couldn’t help but feel responsible for derailing the night’s events.  The guilt had been weighing heavily on her since the bar fight.  “I’m sorry that the bachelor party got ruined,” she murmured.  “It’s totally on me, guys.  Not Liam . . . not Drake,” she admitted.  “I know you were kind of giving him a hard time about it, but if I hadn’t have run into some trouble in the club, you guys would still be enjoying your evening.  So if you’re going to be mad at anyone, be mad at me,” she suggested.

“It’s hardly your fault,” Liam shrugged.  “To be quite honest, I hadn’t really enjoyed being in that nightclub in the first place,” he admitted.  

Tariq and Maxwell’s faces fell at Liam’s comments.

“I’m sorry, I know you spent a lot of time planning it, but it just wasn’t the night I had envisioned,” he said somberly.  “It’s probably best if we all call it a night.”

“Who says the night is over?” Drake chimes in.  “We’re in the city that never sleeps and our flight leaves in the morning . . . who knows when any of us will come back here . . . I say we should use tonight to our full advantage.  After all, we got a bona fide New Yorker who can be our tour guide,” he motioned to Riley.

She looked at him warily.  “I really should get going . . .” she shook her head.  “I work tomorrow . . . hopefully,” she sighed.  “And besides, I’m probably the worst person to take you around . . . I spend most of my time at home watching Netflix or reading.  Plus it’s not like I can really drive my car right now . . . ,” she was thinking up every single reason just so that she could escape.  She had gone into this completely and thoroughly ready to confront Liam, and now, all she wanted to do was run away and never look back.  She was confused.  The attraction . . . the emotions she was feeling was clouding her mind and her judgment.  The idea of spending more time with Liam?  The thought alone gave her butterflies.  She wasn’t sure it was from nerves or excitement.  She sighed.  “I better head out  . . .,” she trailed off.  “There’s a lot of cabs now, I might not be so lucky if I wait much longer,” she explained.  

“Stay,” Liam said suddenly.

Everyone in the group turned to look at him.  Riley’s mouth gaped open a bit.  

“I’m sorry?” She asked.  She’d heard him perfectly clear.  She just didn’t know how to respond.

“Stay with us,” he repeated.  He tore his gaze away from her, clearing his throat.  “I mean, Drake’s right.  You are a New Yorker, so I’m certain you know of some pretty interesting spots to go out and see,” he reasoned.   “I – “ he stopped himself.  “My friends don’t want the night to be over just yet,” he breathed out.

She looked at him carefully.  She shrugged, mulling it over for a moment.  “I mean . . . I guess I do,” she admitted.  “There’s a spot I like to go to,” she said quietly.  “But it’s not really like a party scene, but I like it,” she said.

“Then I’m sure we’ll like it, too, Lawson.” Drake agreed.  “I’ve got the car keys.  Why don’t you sit up front with me and tell me where to go,” he suggested as he moved a bit closer to Riley’s side.  

Liam grabbed the keys out of Drake’s hands and shook his head.  “You won’t be driving anywhere,” he said seriously.  “I saw you drinking at the bar tonight.  I only had a little scotch, and I didn’t even finish it.  I’ll drive,” he said.

“I’m not drunk,” he protested.

“I’m driving,” Liam said firmly, his eyes narrowing at Drake.  

Riley sucked in her breath.  Well, this changed things a bit.  Riley could feel her heartbeat quicken at the thought of sitting next to him in the car.  Of course, they wouldn’t be alone, but the general idea of being so close to him gave her body goose bumps.

“But I wanted to sit shotgun,” Maxwell whined, glaring at Drake and Liam.  “I’m the car DJ!” He grumbled as he began to sulk.  “Who’s going to find all of the appropriate musical interludes for our conversations,” he sighed dramatically.

“It’ll be a relief not to have the radio station change every two seconds,” Liam commented.  “Riley will sit up front with me, the rest of you in the back,” he said with finality.  “Come on, let’s get going,” he motioned in the direction toward the parking lot.

Drake shot Liam a pleading look.  “Aw come on, Liam.  You’re gonna make me sit next to the two of them?” He grimaced, pointing to Maxwell and Tariq.

“I think it should be us who has who should be saying that,” Tariq cringed.  “You smell like a distillery,” he grumbled.

The three continued to grumble, which Riley thought was rather ironic, since Drake, who hadn’t wanted to hear any more complaining, was the one doing the most of it.

“They aren’t always like this,” Liam said as they walked side by side.  She could see the need to defend his friends written clear across his face.  

“They all seem so different,” she commented, looking behind her and the three men.  “I mean, I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, it’s just, usually birds of a feather flock together, ya know?  Kind of strange that you became friends with people with such different personalities,” she shrugged.

He shrugged, letting the conversation drop without giving her a response.  He walked ahead of her, unlocking the car.  He opened her passenger side door before heading over to the driver’s side and hopping in.  She watched him with a bit of curiosity.  So, talking to her made him uncomfortable.  At least that’s what it seemed like . . .  but he was still trying to be chivalrous by opening the door for her?  Yes, that made perfect sense.  She could feel an eye roll come on.  The tension between them was getting stronger and stronger the more time they spent with one another.  She sighed, her head spinning.  He was starting to give her whiplash with all of these hot and cold mixed signals.  

The drive to her secret spot wasn’t too long, but the silence in the car made it feel much longer.  The only time she spoke was when she was rattling off directions to Liam.  She had been so nervous to sit next to him, that she forgot that he wasn’t a New Yorker, so all her directions toward side streets and short cuts were getting him a bit flustered.  It took about twenty minutes before they pulled into an empty parking lot just off a small cove right off a small beach.

“So, here we are,” she looked around the car.  “I found this place during my first year of college,” she explained.  “I had gotten lost driving around, and ended up here.  The view is spectacular,” she murmured, turning forward and gazing out of the windshield.

“A beach?” Tariq exclaimed.  “Do you know how expensive these shoes are?  The sand will ruin them!”

Riley frowned, not expecting that to be his reaction.  Then again, she shouldn’t have been surprised.  Out of everyone, he’d been the most difficult throughout the night.  She did her best to ignore his comment as she stepped out of the passenger seat, breathing in the fresh air.  There was a reason she loved coming here.  Hardly anyone ever came here, so it gave her a lot of time to take in the sights and just think.  She’d found herself coming here nearly every day when she returned from Germany.  It provided her with a bit of solace after everything that had happened.

“Then stay here,” Drake said curtly.  “Trust me, you won’t be missed,” he added in a bit quieter.

“Drake,” Liam warned as he got out of the driver’s seat.  “Can’t we at least try to all get along?  One more night together, that’s it,” he said quietly.

“What?  If Mr. Prissy doesn’t want to have a little fun tonight, then so be it. Let him stay in the car and sulk about it.”

“Come now, Tariq.  Just look at that beautiful view,” Maxwell motioned.  “At least come down and enjoy the sights for a few minutes,” he suggested as he stepped out of the vehicle and stretched his legs.  He had been sandwiched in the middle of Tariq and Drake in the car.

“Alright,” he sighed in defeat, slamming the car door a bit angrily.  “But I’ll be sure to send you the bill if my shoes get ruined.  They’re made out of Italian leather,” he emphasized.

Riley couldn’t help but roll her eyes.  

“Good choice, Lawson.  This place is gorgeous,” Drake smiled brightly.  “Let’s set up a fire,” he said quickly, feeling a chill in the air.

“Too bad we don’t have smores!” Maxwell added.  “That would have made things even better,” he sighed.

“Um, I’m not quite sure an open fire is allowed on the beach,” she said hesitantly.

“Trust me.  I know what I’m doing.  Liam, want to join us?”

“I think I’ll go explore a bit further back,” he said quietly, pulling away from the rest of the group.

Riley watched as he strolled up toward the rocky ledge that was settled right above the cove area.  She sighed in disappointment.  So much for having an opportunity to talk to him.  

“I’ll help,” Maxwell exclaimed excitedly.

Drake shot him a glare.  “You stay at least twenty feet away from me at all times.  With your luck, you’ll end up setting the whole damn beach on fire.”

Maxwell looked a bit disheartened, but trudged away from Drake and Riley and headed down toward the water.  He picked up a few rocks and dejectedly started to throw them into the water.

“Do you have to be so mean to him?” Riley asked.  “He seems to really want to be your friend,” she frowned.

“He’s annoying . . .” Drake grumbled, running a hand through his hair.  “Besides, I’ve been stuck with him as a roommate for nearly a week.  He’s tap-dancing on my last nerves.”

“I get he’s a bit . . . hyper . . .,” she looked down toward the waterline as Maxwell kicked off his shoes and rolled up his pants.  “But he seems harmless,” she countered.  “You should try harder to get along with him.  Tariq too for that matter.  For Liam’s sake,” Riley suggested.

Drake rolled his eyes, but nodded.  He quickly changed the subject as he started to collect some loose branches that were strewn around the sand.  “So, you changed your tune rather quickly,” he commented as he started to collect some branches and rocks to get a fire going.

“What?” She asked, picking up a few branches of her own.

“The last thing you said to me back before everything got crazy at the club was that you hope to never see any of us again.  Yet, here you are . . .taking us to your special spot,” he motioned around them.  “I say that’s pretty much the opposite of hoping to never see us again,” he smirked.

Riley eyed him suspiciously.  “You’re right . . . I did say that.  And I meant it . . . at the time,” she said firmly.  “Then Liam saved me back there, and I guess I got a bit sentimental,” she shrugged.  “This doesn’t mean anything.”

“Keep telling yourself that, Lawson,” he muttered as he bent down on the sand trying to get the fire going.

She frowned.  “I think you were wrong about Liam wanting to see me again,” she threw out nonchalantly.  “I mean . . . he’s sending me some pretty mixed signals,” she started to explain.  “So he goes all alpha on that guy back at the club . . . then stalks off without so much as a word to me . . . but then he comes back and he wants to walk me out and make sure I get home safely . . . and then he wants me to play tour guide, and when I agree, he gives me the cold shoulder,” she rambled.  “And now I think I’ve just complicated an already complicated situation by coming out with you guys tonight . . . and I didn’t even have the guts to confront him about anything . . . and it’s not like he’s been exactly forthcoming with me either.  Ugh, this is so complicated,” she repeated, feeling a bit distraught.

“Whoa, breathe,” he glanced up at her.  “And stop using that word,” Drake narrowed his eyes.  “It’s a cop out.  Call it what it is.”

“Okay . . . but I don’t know what to call it . . . it’s a confusing mess . . . which is pretty much the same thing as saying it’s complicated,” she sighed.

“Why is it confusing?” Drake asked, busying himself with the sticks and rocks in front of him.  His eyes didn’t leave the task in front of him, but Riley knew he was still listening to her intently.

“Because just when I think I’m seeing the guy I remember from Germany, he goes from lukewarm to ice cold and it’s making my head spin.  I don’t know if he hates me or if he doesn’t want to talk about what happened back then,” she sighed.

“Liam’s going through a lot right now,” Drake said honestly, as he flicked the stick and a small flame appeared.

Riley looked up at him. “That actually worked?” She asked incredulously, momentarily forgetting about her lament about Liam.  “Come on, you’ve gotta be kidding me,” she exclaimed.  “I thought that sort of stuff only worked in the movies,” she chuckled.

“And you doubted my skills,” he sighed.  “I was a boy scout you know,” he smirked.

“Really?” She asked in surprise.  

“Nah, I’m just messing with you,” he shrugged.  “My dad taught me how to do this.  We used to go camping all the time together when I was a kid.”

She smiled.  “That sounds pretty cool,” she acknowledged.  “You and your dad must have a lot of fun together.  Do you guys still go out camping now?”

The smile slowly slipped from Drake’s face.  “Not anymore,” he shook his head, his voice faltering a little.  “He passed away a while ago.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said as she clasped her hands over her mouth.  “I’m just striking out left and right tonight,” she murmured.

“How would you have known?” He shrugged.  “It’s fine, Lawson.  It happened a long time ago.  It’s nice to remember him . . .it’s just hard to talk about, I guess.”

A quietness settled between them as they both stared out into the water.  Drake glanced behind him, noticing Liam staring out into the distance as well.

“Liam looks a little lonely up there,” he motioned to the top of the cove.  “Maybe now’s your chance to get that closure you were rambling on and on about,” he nudged her shoulder lightly.

She turned back to where he was pointing and saw Liam deep in thought.  “I told you.  He doesn’t want anything to do with me,” she exhaled.

“Lawson, Lawson, Lawson, are you blind?  And I thought I was oblivious,” he shook his head.  “He’s been wanting to talk to you since you got in the car . . . he was giving you little side glances the whole ride over.  Hell, I bet even longer than that considering how he reacted at the bar.”

“Yeah  . . about that . . . does that happen a lot?  Because that was pretty intense.  I only knew him for a little while, but he never, ever acted that way before. “

“Never,” Drake said firmly.  “It tripped me out just as much as it did you,” he sighed.  “He’s been under a lot of stress lately.  What with everything going on with the wedding plans,” he shrugged.  “I guess he’s a bit on edge.  I thought this trip would loosen him up a little.  I guess I was wrong.”

Riley placed a hand on Drake’s shoulder.  “I think this trip was just what he needed,” she reassured him.  “You’re a good friend.”

“Yeah, I know,” he smirked, waggling his eyebrows at her  “And as his good friend, I’m telling you to go up there and talk to him,” he motioned back toward Liam.  “Come on, Lawson.  What are the odds, remember?  You really gonna blow this chance?”

She looked at him thoughtfully shaking her head.  Drake was right.  Liam was only in New York until tomorrow, and then he’d go back to his fiancé and she likely would never see him again.  Now was the only opportunity she’d have to get any sort of explanation from him.  It seemed silly, stirring up all of these old emotions eight years later . . . she had mostly put things behind her.  Mostly being the operative word.  There were still times when her mind would drift to that summer they shared together.  As much as she wanted to pretend that his reasoning and the closure she wanted didn’t really matter . . . they did.  “You’re right.  It’s now or never right?” She inhaled deeply.  She mustered up what little courage she had left, and dusted the sand off of her body.

Drake gave her an encouragingly nod, as she started to walk up the incline toward the small ledge where Liam was sitting.  He looked lost in thought, and she wasn’t sure if she should interrupt him.  Inhaling deeply, she decided if she didn’t get this over with, she’d never have the chance again, so she cleared her throat and stood next o where he was sitting.

“Hey,” she said softly.

He looked up at her as she approached him, but didn’t say anything.

“How come you aren’t down there with the rest of us?”

He shrugged.  “I suppose I needed some time to think and breathe in some fresh air.  My friends . . . can be exhausting,” he sighed, although there was a small smile playing on his lips.  

She smiled lightly.  “I see what you mean.  Maxwell and Tariq are quite the characters . . . but Drake seems a bit more down to earth,” she commented.  “I can see why the two of you are friends,” she commented.

He nodded.  “You two seem to be getting along quite well,” he said with a tiny bit of bitterness as he motioned to the spot where Riley had been sitting by the fire.

She paused, sensing the tension.  Was he jealous?  There was a darkness in his eyes that seemed reminiscent of the look he gave the drunk eye back at the club.  “Yeah . . . I mean, he’s great.  He’s a nice guy.  He really cares about you.  You guys are lucky to have one another,” she murmured.

He looked up at her then and shrugged.  “We’ve been friends since childhood.  He’s been good to me.  His family has been good to my family,” he said vaguely.

She didn’t really know how to respond to that.  He seemed so distant.  She contemplated heading back down to Drake and the fire and telling him that he was completely wrong and everything she felt was spot on – he wanted nothing to do with her, and there was no point in trying to force a conversation that just wasn’t going to happen.  The awkwardness was killing her.  She took a few steps back, ready to head back down, when he suddenly stood up and faced her.

“I apologize for my actions back at that nightclub,” he said quietly.

Riley met his gaze in surprise.  

“I’m not normally so . . . aggressive,” he cleared his throat awkwardly.  “It bothers me that I lost control like that.  I don’t want you to think I have any sort of violent tendencies or anger management issues,” he explained.  “Because I don’t.”

“It’s okay, Liam.  I’ll admit . . . it freaked me out at first, but you don’t have to explain anything to me.  I appreciate what you did back there.  It was clear that no one else in that club was going to do anything,” she shrugged.

“I know.  I kept hoping that security would get involved, but when no one came, I just knew that I needed to do something.  When I first saw what was happening, I was almost certain that he’d lay off after you politely told him that you weren’t interested.  I was obviously mistaken,” he said.  “Had I known what a terrible human being he was, I would have intervened much sooner,” he said with a bit of regret.

“You knew I was there?” She asked in surprise.

“From the moment you walked into the club,” he murmured quietly.  “Unlike my travel companions, I’m not all that into drinking or dancing.  I found myself a seat in a booth they had reserved for us, and told myself that I’d have one last drink for the evening and just spend my time at the table,” he explained.  “My friends didn’t seem to mind, as they all went off on their own.  So I just sat there thinking about the night’s events . . . running into you again in particular,” he smirked.  “Then I happened to look up from my drink, and lo and behold, there you were walking into the club.”

“Wow,” she murmured.  “Why didn’t you say something?  I mean . . . nevermind, stupid question,” she waved it off.

“Well, I thought about it.  I thought it was a pretty interesting coincidence you showing up at the club we were planning to go to.  Then I saw Drake talking to you at the bar, and figured he must have had something to do with you being there.  I thought about going up to you, but . . . well, considering what happened earlier tonight,” he cleared his throat eyeing her hesitantly “I didn’t know quite what to expect had I indeed approached you.  I suspect that instead of water I may have had a fruity cocktail thrown at me instead,” he mused.

Riley blushed with embarrassment.  “Touché,” she sighed.  “Hindsight has shown me that maybe you didn’t deserve that.  I mean . . . at the time you completely and utterly deserved it,” she said firmly.  “But after everything that you’ve down for me tonight, I realize now that I was out of line.  So, I’m sorry, too.  I shouldn’t have thrown that pitcher of water all over you,” she sighed.  “I was just taken by surprise.  I never thought I’d see you again,” she explained.

“Well, for what it’s worth, I did deserve it,” he sighed, looking at her longingly.

She returned the look, her heart fluttering all the while.  The words that she had been holding onto all night . . . for eight years . . . danced on the tip of her tongue.  “Liam . . . why did you leave?  That night?” She paused, unsure of whether or not she should continue.  “I mean, I know I should just let this go.  Forget about things, move on . . . but I just . . .I always wondered if it was something that I did . . . or said . . . I thought . . . well I don’t know what I thought,” she admitted sadly.  “I just, I don’t understand what happened.”  

“There’s no easy answer,” he said sadly.  “It’s complicated.”

She snorted.  “Funny,” she shook her head.  “Your friend Drake seems to think that using that phrase is a cop out,” she chuckled.  “I’m inclined to agree,” she looked at him pointedly.

“I tried to be honest with you from the beginning, Riley . . .” he trailed off.  “I didn’t want you to get hurt.  Of course, now I know that it was unavoidable.  No matter what happened, once we started something between us, there was no way that you wouldn’t have ended up hurt,” he sighed miserably.

“I know . . . and maybe I was foolish to hope that it would all work out in the end.  Was that why you left?  I got too clingy?” She asked, she hated how weak and needy she sounded, but she needed to understand what drove him away.

“My family needed me,” he said simply.

She frowned.  That’s it?  That was all the explanation he was going to give her?  “That’s vague,” she said a bit disappointed.

“It’s all I can tell you,” he said quietly.  

“But why no note?  Or a phone call?  The email address you gave me . . .the phone number . . . all of it was out of service the very next day.”

“It was safer that way,” he sighed.  “No ties, no connections.  I thought it would be easier for you.”

She scoffed, her blood pressure rising.  “Easier?  Nothing was easy about you leaving me Liam.  You were the only person that I grew close to in that whole program.  I had four weeks left and suddenly found myself all alone.  I couldn’t move on, Liam,” she said with some anger in her tone.  “You may have had the opportunity to go back to your life and pretended that nothing happened between us, but I didn’t have that luxury,” she fumed.

“What do you mean?”  He asked

“Forget it,” she sighed.  “It doesn’t matter . . . maybe it never did,” she trailed off.  “I guess I should be happy that I got an answer at all,” she said pointedly.

“An answer?”

“I’ve spent years agonizing about why you left me.  At least I know it had something to do with your family and not with us . . . I mean it broke my heart . . . I understood what you said back then, and I accepted it . . . but my heart didn’t listen,” she sighed.  “I guess I can live with that explanation,” she sighed.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly.  “For back then . . . for tonight . . . for a lot of things,” he ran a hand across his face.  

“My fault,” she said softly.  “I reopened old wounds that had healed over.  I never should have stirred things up again,” she sighed.  “I thought you’d like it up here . . .but that’s the problem with someplace so peaceful.  It gives you far too much time to think about a million different things.  I should have taken you guys to eat froyo or something,” she sighed.

“No, I’m sorry.  I’m being an ungrateful guest.  This is perfect,” he said quickly. “Truly it is,” he ran a hand through his hair.  He looked like he was fighting an internal battle.  She wished she could read his emotions better.  She just didn’t know what was running through his head.  “I’ve had a lot on my mind lately, and I suppose I haven’t been doing a very good job of dealing with it,” he explained.  “I return home tomorrow, and, well, my life as I know it will be forever changed,” he said a bit sadly.

“Right,” she nodded in understanding.  “You’re getting married,” she said as a matter of fact.  

“Yes, amongst other things,” he admitted.  

The awkward silence between them returned.

“Soooooo,” she trailed off, her eyes wandering over to the guys who were sitting around the fire talking and fiddling with the sand.  She was surprised to see that Tariq had taken off his shoes, placed his jacet on the sand and was now sitting by the fire.  Perhaps there was hope for him after all.  

“Did you ever get to see the Statue of Liberty?” She asked.

He looked up at her, coming out of his daze.  “What?”

She knew very well that the sudden change of subject had thrown him off, but that was the point.  She wanted to get her mind off his explanation for leaving, and she wanted to get his mind off of whatever was bothering him.  She didn’t to dwell on two things that was obviously far beyond their control.

“The Statute of Liberty,” she repeated.  “Did you have a chance to see it?  Back when we were in Germany . . . you said that it was the landmark you wanted to see most.  I figured with you being here in New York and all . . .it would have been the first thing you did,” she reasoned.

“You remember that?” He asked, a bit surprised.

“Well, yeah . . . of course I remember,” she shrugged.  “You talked about it a lot . . . you even talked about looking me up in New York if you ever found yourself here, remember?” she added.

“I do . . .” He nodded.  “I just didn’t think you would after all this time,” he murmured quietly.

She shrugged.  What could she say?  She remembered everything about him.  Even thought she didn’t want to.  She had tried desperately to put him out of her mind, but he just wouldn’t budge.  He was a permanent resident inside of her memories, and it wasn’t just something she could wash away or pretend never existed – no matter how much she had desperately wanted to.  

“You didn’t answer the question,” she said softly.  “Did you get to visit Lady Liberty?”

His face fell a little.  “I’m afraid there wasn’t much time.”

“But isn’t that what you always wanted to see?” She looked at him, a bit confused.  “Liam . . . how is it that you come to New York for the first time and you don’t get to see the Statue of Liberty?” she looked at him a bit incredulously.

“The guys had other plans, and they had gone through such trouble to coordinate the whole trip, I’d hate to impose.”

“Isn’t this your bachelor party though?  Shouldn’t you be doing what you want?”

“I’m very grateful that I was even able to break away for this trip at all,” he explained.  “It’s fine.  I’m sure I’ll have some other chance sometime in the future.”

“Bull shit,” Riley said.

“What?” He looked up at her.

“Drake just mentioned that you don’t know when you guys would have the chance.  Liam, you’re in New York now.  Make it happen.”

“I leave tomorrow, Riley.  There’s just no time between now and then to make that happen,” he murmured.

“I have an idea,” she said suddenly, her eyes lighting up.  “It might sound a little crazy, but I’m just going to ask you to roll with it,” she murmured.  “Do you trust me?”

He looked at her hesitantly.

“Okay, bad question, I know, especially after everything that’s happened tonight . . . “ she sighed.  “Look, I know it’s been a while, and it might sound absolutely ridiculous, but what if I told you that I could get you a quick swing by at the Statue of Liberty?”

He eyed her curiously.  “Tonight?  It’s well after midnight,” he said in disbelief.

“Lucky thing I know a guy . . . well a couple of guys,” she grinned.  “That is if you want to go with me,” she trailed off.  “I mean, no pressure or anything,” she tried to feign indifference.  She was just offering to get him there because of what happened at the club.  He saved her, and this was her way of paying him back.  Nothing more.  

Liam shot her an excited smile, which quickly faltered when he looked over at his friends who were engaging in horseplay at the shoreline.  “It’s just that my friends have gone through a lot of trouble to put this evening together for me, and I couldn’t possibly leave them . . . especially in an unfamiliar city,” he reasoned.

Riley’s gaze shifted to where Liam’s gaze was.  Maxwell was trying to splash Tariq, who was having none of it and rambling on and on about his very expensive, tailored suit.  Drake was sipping from a small flask  still sitting by the fire, watching on in quiet amusement as Maxwell and Tariq continued to banter.  She turned back to Liam, a small smile on her lips.   “I don’t think they’ll miss you,” she laughed.  “They seem quite all right on their own.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”  He asked looking at her intently.

“Yup,” she nodded.

“Won’t we get in trouble?” he tried to reason with her.

“And what if we do?” she shrugged.  “Why don’t you live a little?” she laughed.  She couldn’t help but say the same words he had said to her back when they had a three-day weekend back in Germany.  She could remember the moment clearly.  

“Live a little,” Liam chuckled.

“Liam, I haven’t left campus since I started school here,” she murmured.  “I don’t think I feel comfortable using the train system yet,” she explained.

“You’ll be with me . . . and you’ll love Cologne.  There’s a beautiful Cathedral with the most stunning stain-glassed windows.”

“I don’t know . . .” she whispered.

“We’ll make a weekend of it,” he reasoned.  “We can find a hostel to stay at or a cheap hotel . . . It’ll be much better than staying cooped up in your dorm room all day scanning through the chapters I know you’ve already read.”

She blushed a little.  He was right. She’d been skipping ahead of the required reading material and she found herself far more ahead of the syllabus than she had expected.  

“Then you win,” she sighed.  “Let me just put a few things into an overnight bag,” she smiled, now unable to hide her excitement.

“Then you win,” he smiled, shooting the same words back at her.  

For a moment, she saw a glimpse of his former self shining through.  And as she looked into his eyes, she found herself falling for Liam Rys all over again.

[the-everlasting-dream]

The Revelation AU- Drake x MC, Part 1

Summary: During a drinking game with the gang during a visit to Kiara’s estate, a secret is revealed that will change Drake and Elizabeth’s relationship forever.

A/N: All aboard the ANGST TRAIN TO HELL! @chantelle-x0x and @choicessa you asked for it and I am pleased to present what is possibly the angstiest fic I have ever written. Grab your tissues and have a heart monitor on standby because if I’ve done my job right it’s gonna be a tear-jerker. 

Based on this post with permission from OP. 

CW: Heavy drinking, light smut. 

Lips were pressed together, arms entwined around the other's body as fingers tangled in hair, pulling each other impossibly close until the need for oxygen caused Drake and Elizabeth to pull apart, both panting hard, pupils blown wide with desire as they stood in the small garden alcove of Penelope’s estate. He ran a hand across her cheek, smiling tenderly down at her, the moonlight illuminating the golden flecks in her dark eyes.

‘I love you,’ he whispered softly, his tone holding so much sincerity and emotion it almost brought on tears. 

‘I love you too,’ she replied before pulling him down to her lips again, feeling his hands dragging purposefully against the silver dress she was wearing. She cut the kiss short this time, knowing full well where this was going, gaining a noise of protest from Drake.

‘We should get to sleep. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow,’ she told him as he began to shake his head.

'Trust courtly functions to drag you away from me,’ He snorted in contempt as she turned in the direction of her room. 'Where are we headed that's so important anyway Richmond?’

‘We’re going east to Kiara’s family estate,’ she answered nonchalantly as she stood at a fork in the corridor, puzzling over the directions. The blood in Drake’s veins ran cold at her words, eyes widening as his mind immediately drifted back to the night of the coronation ball.

-

The knees of his new suit had been torn to shreds after his fall on the rough gravel road exiting the palace. Indents of sediment still remained on his dirty palms from where he had flung them out to break his descent. The mud steak on his cheek revealed that the action had been too late as he watched the scarlet tail lights disappear from view as limo carrying the woman he cared for slipped out of his reach. He was not fast enough to chase her, not smart enough to protect her, not strong enough to fight for her, too weak to resist the temptation that had presented herself when he was at his lowest, too cowardly to stop her caresses from engulfing him. After it was over, they’d promised never to speak of it again.

-

‘Drake..? Are you ok?’ The caution in Elizabeth’s voice snapped him back to the present, a look of worry on her face.

He coughed once to cover his moment of distraction. ‘Yeah.. just thinking.’

They were at the door to her room now and she turned to face him. 

‘Look, I know you’re not particularly fond of Kiara but you know we need to make this work.’

They both knew what was at stake, the security of the people, the opinions of the press, the backing of the nobility, the very future of Cordonia depended on the gamble they were taking with this tour. Though Elizabeth’s gaze was warm, he could tell that all the pressure was getting to her too.

‘Of course,’ he answered her and the smile he received in return only seemed to add to the knot of uneasiness in his chest. After kissing his fiancee goodnight, he returned to his room where guilt, shame and dread played on his conscience all night through bouts of shallow and fitful sleep.

‘Here we are,’ Elizabeth drawled as the limo pulled up to an elegant country mansion, her voice shaking Drake out of a thin sleep. The pool of dread that had been simmering in his stomach since the night before only seemed to grow and he had to physically restrain himself from toying with the buttons on the his sleeves of his blazer. As their entire party was lead down the corridors into the drawing of Kiara’s family home, the paintings of old aristocrats on the walls glared at him from above as if they knew the terrible secret he was hiding, adding to his unease. 

-

He'd never felt so useless before, powerless to do anything to bring her back. He threw a gaze of desperation to the full moon as its rays filtered through the open window of his room, an idea striking him, propelling him to his feet.

Richmond hang on. I'm coming for you. 

 Before Drake could finish the thought, memories of Liam’s words resurfaced in his mind, quashing any budding attempt of a valiant rescue. Sinking back down in the chair, his fingers fumbled at the drink cart, hoping for the amber liquid that promised at least a temporary relief from the anger and helplessness that flooded his veins. Ignoring the glass tumblers, he grabbed the crystal bottle, shoving the rim to his mouth, relishing how the alcohol burned its way down his throat, to his chest, temporarily dispelling gnawing ache there. The bottle seemed to tip higher and higher of its own accord until suddenly his mouth was empty and the wave of pain came flooding back in. He wished he could be strong enough for Elizabeth but if he was to survive tonight he needed something stronger. 

-

A tall man of dark complexion stood to greet them as they entered the room, his silver hair and hawklike nose only serving to enhance his air of authority almost diminishing the smaller portly woman beside him. Kiara’s parents. Her father extended a hand to Liam and by the time introductions were made and formalities exchanged, Drake was buzzing with nervous energy, barely able to concentrate until he heard Elizabeth’s voice breaking him out of his reverie. 

‘-introduce my fiancee Drake Walker,’ she was saying. 

 ‘Mr Walker. Its a pleasure to finally meet you,’ Kiara’s father loomed over him and the two of them shared handshake, the older man giving him an appraising stare, his grip a little too tight to be friendly, prompting paranoia to ripple through Drake. 

Surely Kiara wouldn’t have… 

Trapped under the diplomat's firm gaze, Drake gulped deeply. ‘Likewise.’ 

‘My daughter has told me you are a constant staple in the king’s court,’ his companion continued, his steely gaze never wavering. ‘If I may, what exactly does your role entail?’ 

 ‘Umm… My role? I suppose… I usually just… uh...’ 

It was a well known fact that conversing with the nobility was never Drake's forte and his nerves only seemed to enhance his inadequacy but mercifully another voice interrupted his floundering before any irreparable damage was made.   

‘I do hope my father hasn’t been grilling you too hard,’ Kiara stepped in, placing an affectionate hand on her father’s shoulder. ‘It is wonderful for us to welcome King Liam, Lady Elizabeth and their friends in our own home.' 

Drake's stomach lurched again as the woman herself slid into his field of vision, keeping her eyes steadily away from him as she welcomed the rest of their group, her manner cordial and voice amicable in her greetings.   

'Drake.' 

'Lady Kiara,' he replied curtly. 'I see you've recovered well from from your injuries.' 

‘As have you,’ she replied smoothly, leaning forward for an obligatory embrace of welcome.

Her hands were too familiar as they rested lightly on his upper arms, her eyes too knowing as they swept across his frame, lips brushing his cheek in greeting, one breath away from exposing the secret they had both agreed to bury down deep and never talk of again. Their contact lasted only a moment but it was enough to make him relive the entire night again, triggering another bout of memory.

-

Stumbling, he clutched the wall for support, barely able to keep his balance let alone navigate a path back to his assigned room. Cradling his left fist, bruised and rapidly swelling where it had made contact with the cellar wall multiple times, his head swam, the dangerous amount of alcohol he’d just consumed playing with his vision until suddenly the floor was speeding towards his face. He barely felt the contact, lying motionless as time expanded around him, locking him in a tight hold as the dull ringing echoed in his ears. A voice cut through the haze. 

‘Drake?! Is that you?’ 

A figure knelt beside him, placing her hands on his upper arms and he could hear the strain in her voice as she hauled him to his feet. Her skin was mocha and her hair was dark, she looked so much like Elizabeth but at the same time so different. A gasp escaped her lips and he knew she’d seen the blood that he was sure covered his hands and clothes. 

‘You’re bleeding... Everyone’s probably asleep but I’ve got a first aid kit back in my room. Do you think you can hold on until then?’

He felt himself nod heavily as Kiara slung his arm around her shoulder. As she half lead, half carried him down the hallways, his brain found a peculiar pocket of sobriety, unconsciously memorising the path to her room. Soon enough, he felt the soft surface of the mattress beneath him and a glass of water was pushed to his lips, the sweet clear liquid immediately soothing the burning in his throat replacing the some of the fogginess in his head with lucidity. Kiara sat beside him on the bed having retrieved the medical supplies. He hissed softly as the iodine stung the bruises on his knuckles. Her touch was gentle as she leaned in closer, dabbing the cotton swab on a graze near his eyebrow and his brain seemed to zero in on the creases of concentration around her eyes. 

‘Thank you,’ he murmured, feeling the warmth radiating from her body so close to his. 

Her voice was a a whispering reply. ‘You’re welcome.’ 

He leaned in, feeling drawn to her almost magnetically until there was no space between them and he was kissing her. The moment lasted long enough for her to return the action and he pulled away abruptly.

'I'm sorry... I shouldn't have...'

'No it's fine really.' Her voice was forlorn and he noticed her gaze slipping down to his lips, the hand that had been holding the cotton swab now rested on his shoulder. 'I think we both need this.'

And his mouth was on hers again, roving desperately as though the answers to all his problems lay within, if he could just dig deep enough.

-

Kiara’s parents retired after dinner and other tour members wandered off gradually until Drake found himself in an adjoining parlour with Liam, Elizabeth, Maxwell, Olivia, Penelope, Kiara and Hana. 

 ‘You know what its time for?’ Maxwell burst out, shattering the comfortable silence that had formed. ‘A drinking gaaaaame!’ 

‘What are we playing?’ Hana inquired after everyone’s drinks were refilled.

'Can’t go wrong with a classic game of truth or dare amirite?’ Maxwell exclaimed. ‘Alright Liam truth or dare?’ 

A few turns later, Penelope, who had proved herself to be terrifyingly good at the game, whirled on her next target, the pink liquid of her Cosmopolitan sloshing dangerously close to the glass rim. 

‘Kiara it's your turn. Truth or dare?’ 

The diplomat’s daughter answered carefully after a beat. 'After seeing what Olivia just made Maxwell do, I think I’ll live longer if I choose truth.'

Penelope’s features screwed up in concentration before her face lit up. 

'Have you ever hooked up or wanted to hook up with someone in this room?’

Drake watched out of the corner of his eye as Kiara visibly froze at the question.

-

Hands fumbled at zippers, fingers scrabbled at buttons, desperately tearing away any barrier between their bodies as the powerful urge, the need to feel and touch only grew stronger. As the last shred of clothing was tossed aside, they parted abruptly, both panting hard as they surveyed each other for just a moment before he lunged at her, crashing his mouth on hers. He nudged her backwards until her knees buckled and they tumbled onto the mattress in a tangled heap. 

This is wrong! Some part of his conscience shrieked at him but he roughly shoved all reservations aside lest his alcohol induced haze faded away and he would be forced to face the harsh reality. Everything about this felt so wrong but he couldn’t bring himself to stop. Her body seemed like the sweet antidote to the poison that threatened to consume him and like a half-starved man, he greedily took all she was giving him. Her cries of pleasure barely registered in his brain as he continued to pound out his frustration. 

There was no finesse in what they did, just pure lust and desire, keeping in time with the pounding in his head and the beating of her heart where it was pressed against his chest. He was close, she not far behind and he doubled his efforts, dragging her roughly over the edge as his vision flashed white and the pain in his chest faded away for a few precious seconds. He collapsed at her side and after regaining her senses she turned to face him, a silent understanding formed in the gaze they shared.

-

‘Well?’ Penelope’s high pitched inquiry pierced through his recollection. Under the pretence of refilling his drink, Drake kept his eyes steadily away from Kiara as he was sure she did as she smoothly denied the question. 

 The knot of anxiety behind his sternum had just begun to loosen when a few turns later, Elizabeth pointed at him, her voice taking on a more commanding tone. 

'I have a truth question for Drake now,' she announced, knocking back the last of her margarita.

'Aren’t I supposed to have a choice in this Richmond?'

'Not anymore,’ she smiled evilly at him from behind her glass. ‘Drake... I’ve always wanted to know.. how did you know where Kiara’s room in the palace was?’ 

Unbidden Kiara’s eyes flew to his, a momentary slip in the facade she'd wore so well. Drake dropped his gaze almost immediately, aiming to conceal the action with a nervous cough. Their eye contact must have occurred a fraction quicker than necessary to be subtle and Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed in suspicion.

'Hang on a second. Is there something going on here that I should know about?’

’N-nope! Nothing's going on!’ Drake winced inwardly at his hasty answer. 'I mean… Yeah there's nothing.'

His fiancee leaned forward and he could see the anger blooming in her form. ‘Now I know something is going on. You’re a terrible liar Drake. And I’m not an idiot. There's definitely more to this that you’re keeping from me.’ 

At her words, he physically felt himself pale and the beginnings of a sweat building on his forehead and  the nape of his neck. Her gaze seemed to see right through his pitiful facade down to his stomach, where the waves of nausea seemed to triple. 

A thick silence settled in the parlour as he fought to find his voice, words escaping him as he swallowed hard, his eyes not quite meeting hers. In the past, he’d despised men who had played with the feelings of the women they loved. If anyone had dared to do that to his sister and he’d beat the living daylights out of the scumbag. Now he realised, with crushing regret, that he’d become one of those scumbags. It was smothering to think that he had kept such a secret from the woman he claimed to love so dearly. After the declarations of love, the many intimate moments they’d shared, after all that she’d sacrificed for a life with him, he was still too ashamed, too cowardly to tell her the truth. 

‘Ooh Elizabeth your glass is empty. I’ll go get you a refill!’ Maxwell burst out, in a feeble attempt to diffuse the tense situation. 

'Shut up, Maxwell I want to hear this,’ she snapped, silencing any further sound in an authoritative tone that would have made Madeline proud, barely wavering her gaze from Drake.

‘Shutting up,’ Maxwell replied, shot down. 

From somewhere to the left, Olivia murmured slowly. ‘My, my. What a turn of events.’

‘Actually,’ Hana interjected, rising to her feet, casting a meaningful look at the her. ‘Its probably best if we leave you two alone.' 

 In the few seconds their friends too to exit the room, Drake saw Elizabeth's walls trembling, giving him view of the hurt and betrayal within. A vice of shame gripped his heart, giving rise to an ugly streak of self loathing for making her feel this way, being cause of her anguish. 

How had he lived with himself, hiding such an important omission from her? 

In his heart of hearts Drake knew. He knew exactly how. 

He’d had much practice shutting out his emotions that it became like second nature and the fact suffocated him to think how easy it hard been to live out the lie. 

 ‘I’m so sorry, Richmond,’ he choked out, finally finding his voice, feeling tears prick the back of his eyeballs. 

‘I never meant to hurt you. It was an accident, a one time thing. It never happened again. I-‘ He cut himself off abruptly, the cliche excuses falling from his lips burnt his mouth like acid.   

A single tear slipped from her dark eyes coming to rest on the wooden floor, glistening in the light from the fireplace. Elizabeth's voice was quiet and firm when she spoke a single word in the form of a question. 

‘When?’ 

Drake bowed his head in defeat. ‘The night of the Coronation ball. After they took you… After you left… it was late and I was drunk… Banged up from punching the wall. Kiara, she found me… on the floor. Took me to her room to fix up my hand. In a moment of weakness... one thing lead to another and…’ 

He couldn’t even get the words out, no guts to admit the truth to her face, like she deserved. Oh she deserved so much better than him. 

So much better than the anguish and pain in the tears rolled down her cheeks and she clasped a hand to her mouth, her shoulders spasming as she sobbed quietly. Drake felt wetness on his own cheeks, tears of shame, regret and guilt flooded down his face as he searched for a way, some way, any way to make this right again, to take away all the hurt he’d inflicted on the woman he had claimed to love. 

With the heels of her palms, Elizabeth brushed away the tears before closing her eyes and drawing in a shaky breath, attempting to compose herself. When her dark gaze settled back on him, her features had morphed into an unreadable stony mask unlike any other expression Drake had seen before. She clasped her hands together and stood up. 

Her voice was dangerously even when she spoke. ‘Thank you for your honesty Mr Walker. I believe this belongs to you.’

In her outstretched hand lay his grandmother’s heirloom ring. 

The sight of it broke Drake in a way he never thought possible. That ring was a sign of their life together, a culmination of everything they’d shared together and as it lay glittering almost mockingly in her palm, he realised he was losing the only woman he had ever loved because of a drunken mistake and his own damn cowardice. 

‘No, Richmond… Elizabeth you can’t. Elizabeth please! I am so sorry -If there is anything I can do, I’ll do it!’ He fell to his knees before her, the desperation in his voice escalating. ‘We can start over, everything can go back to how it was, it will all be perfect. Just please…. Please don’t leave me Elizabeth. I promise… don’t leave me!'

Elizabeth’s lower lip quivered but she stood her ground even though her voice was shaky. 

'Take it and get out. I won’t ask again Drake.’ 

He hung his head, devoid of all strength to move and after a pause, she set the object on the small coffee table between them, next to his unfinished whiskey, a cruel mockery of what had just transpired.   

‘Don’t go,’ he choked out, his tone hollow in a last attempt to prevent her from leaving.  

She paused, hand on the doorknob and for a brief moment, a flutter of hope appeared in his chest only to be maliciously crushed as he watched one shot at happiness disappear out of his life, slamming the door behind her. 

FIN

A/N: Thanks so much for reading! If you liked it and think I should do part 2 following on from MC’s pov let me know x

Part 2

[everyhowlmarksthedead]

THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT

Ezekiel ‘EZ’ Reyes x Obispo ‘Bishop’ Losa daughter! Reader

Anon #1 asked: Hi 💕 obsessed with your writing! I was wondering if I could request a fic where the reader is Bishops daughter so she’s jokingly referred to as a “forbidden fruit” cause she’s hot but none of the mc can have her because of who her dad is. But she starts to fall for either Angel or EZ? (Either one you pick 🤘🏼) thank you 💕💕

@ly--canthrope asked: I lied! I have a 3rd one for Ez haha. Not much of a prompt, but can you build a scene around this please? -- breaking the kiss to say something, staying so close that you’re murmuring into each other’s mouths- thank you so much!

Word Count: 1.5k

Author comments: This work wasn't re-edited, so I'm sorry if you find grammar mistakes! I hope you all enjoy. Gif credits: @xxrouxx

Tag list: @starrynite7114 ​ @chibsytelford ​ @dazzledamazon ​ @mara-mpou ​ @sammskellington ​ @gemini0410 ​ @1-800-imagines ​ @briana-mishell24 ​@sassymox @whyisgmora @aquamento @sadeyesgf @viviansafizada @samcrobae @jade770 @witchy-wish @rebel-without-cause-x @xx--day-dreamer--xx @spiced-reads @tita127 @ifoundmyhappythought @enamouravecleslivresetlechocolat @angelxshiba @destynelseclipsa @sheeshgivemeabreak @abbiesthings @knowles-morgan @lady-pswrld @minnicelli @marquelapage @bigcreatorwombatdreamer @jadesamhart ✨ (if you wanna be tagged, send me a message!)

“Yeah, you hit him hard, man”. Coco cheers EZ, once he's out of the ring and the Stockton members are picking up what is left of their prospect.

“Good job, lil'bro. You fucked up that bitch”.

“So, what's your prize, ah? Choose”. Gilly says offering him a beer.

“I'm gonna ask (Y/N) to take care of me”.

“No, no, no, no”. Coco replies, placing himself in front of him to stop his feet.

“The hell you sayin', brother? That bitch left your brain out of you, or what?” Angel narrows his eyes, shaking lightly his head.

“She's the forbidden fruit, carnal. Don' get into more troubles”. The mexican with long hair speaks.

“Prez looks happy teasing Oscar because I won”.

“Prez looks happy 'cause it's his daughter's birthday. ‘Best day of his life’, as he always says”. Gilly surrounds his neck with an arm, while continuing walking to the bar on the crowded yard.

“I will do it anyway”. Having a long sip of his beer, EZ gives it to his brother, taking the advantage to look for you.

You're sitting close to your father, clinged to one of his arms, having fun with your tíos and your family from other charters. It's your 21th birthday and Bishop decides to have a party with all the Mayans. So, the whole Santo Padre knows you're celebrating. It's the first time you see them all reunited, being the center of attention even if you don't like it. Every five minutes, a member walks closer to greet you, as if you were some kind of princess. Yes, your father is El Rey de los Mayas, but you're not sure what position it gives you.

Your eyes travel to the crowd, observing the younger Reyes coming with self-confidence and security towards your position. Sitting up on your chair, you smirk at him trying to not show how nervous you are. Should be illegal see this fucking good after a fight. You like him. You like him at the point you dream with him. But it's a shit that he hides what he feels because of Bishop. Just like you do. He's the most interesting man you have never known. Sometimes you try to figure out why the hell he joined Mayans, but then you see him riding his bike and your head goes blank.

“Congratulations, Ezekiel”. Your father compliments him with a huge smile on the corner of his lips.

“Thanks, presidente. I was… asking myself if (Y/N) could help me to fix me up. Angel sa—”.

“No”. “Yes”.

Bishop and Marcus talk in unison. The men look at each other, frowning a little. You're in the middle of them, raising your hands to both chests.

“Club business, caballeros”. Making fun of them, you get up from your chair holding EZ's hand.

You let him lead you to the inside of the clubhouse, looking for the medical kit to heal his face. Letting go his fingers tangled in yours, you cross the main hallway to the bathroom to take all the stuff you can need. Carrying it among your hands, you come back to the younger Reyes with that smile that makes your legs shake since you met him a year ago.

You ring the bell, holding with a hand the glass tray full of tamales, your best friend's favorite mexican dish. Coco opens the door with a cigar between his long fingers and a serious look on his face.

“We don' wan' publicity, thanks”. He says before trying to close the door on your nose.

“Don' you have a moment to talk about our lord Itzamná?” You joke on him, hitting the wood with a shoulder to come in.

“Ah, bueno, si es un Maya… pues sí, digo, no más, pasa, pasa”. (Well, if it's a Mayan… of course, come in, come in). He replies gesticulating exaggeratedly, starting to laugh.

“What's up, Coquito?”

The mexican takes the food from your hands, leaning to leave a loud kiss on your check.

“Hey, lil'mama”. The oldest Reyes surrounds your neck with both arms from behind you, kissing the top of your head. “Come're, I wanna introduce you to my brother”.

“The famous Ezekiel”.

“Oh, stop”. He clicks his tongue somewhat jealous, leading you to the kitchen. “Hey, EZ. That's (Y/N), Prez's daughter. So, don' try anything sexual with that smile yours”.

“Angel!” You break in laughs, before focusing on his brother.

“What's up? I'm Ezekiel, but everybody calls me EZ”. The younger Reyes leans forward surrounding your waist with an arm, pushing you closer to kiss your cheek.

You already know that you're fucked and in love.

“Don' lie, brother. We all call you ‘boy scout’!” Coco's words make you both laugh.

“You like adventures?” You ask trying to not sound as if you're flirting. But you are.

“And you?”

“Of course”.

“Yeah, well… What can I say then? I can make fire with everything, that's a good point if you wanna go hiking”.

“I'll keep it in mind, boy scout”.

EZ sits on the poker table, settling yourself between his legs to make it easier to clean the blood on his face with a wet soft towel. He doesn't set apart his eyes from you, on how focused you are on taking care of him. As if he was the most delicate thing in your life. And you're trying to not fall more for him, in case that it's possible. He doesn't need stitches, being enough using some iodine to cover the wounds. Looks like you're an artist in front of her masterpiece, watching him breathe somewhat nervous too close of you.

“I asked for a birthday wish that you don' kiss me tonight”. You mumble, getting lost in his eyes with both hands resting on his lap.

You're not going to blame the alcohol you have been drinking, but you're not in your best moment.

“Saying it will not be fulfilled”.

You can feel his long fingers, a little damaged, touring your hips until they flow on your lower back making you take a last step forward.

“Analyze the phrase, smart boy”.

Narrowing his eyes, and having some seconds, EZ begins to draw a sly smile shaking his head for an instant. Now, he has understood it.

“You wan' me to kiss you?”

“Technically, I don' want you to no kiss me”. You point out, emphasizing each word, containing a loud laugh. “That's what I said. More or less”.

“Tonight”.

“Yeah', tonight”.

“What about tomorrow?” He mutters, raising up a hand to the right side of your neck, caressing the line of your jaw with a thumb.

“I don't know, EZ… I think my last brain cell collapsed”. Pursing your lips, you're almost touching his.

He laughs between his teeth, before kissing you. Your heart has collapsed too, when the adventurous hand goes up to the back of your head, while your mouths fit like two pieces of a puzzle. In perfect harmony. No rush. No nerves. Nothing. You're calmed, enjoying the taste of beer on his tongue, and the taste of tequila on yours. His lips aren't soft, but you're in love with them, with him, right as he is. Al carajo with that your father said. If he is playing his skin for you, you're going to do the same.

Your fingers roam his bare chest, noticing that he's breathing somewhat better, pressing his hand on your back to push you a little closer. Up to his neck, your fingers wrap it softly while he bites your lower lip so sensual that, if he wasn't holding you, you could fall down.

“Your father is watching us”. He whispers onto your mouth, caressing your nose with his.

Your cheeks are burning when you turn between EZ's legs to the main door. Bishop is resting against the frame having a drag of his cigar and carrying a closed bottle of tequila. You know what it means. You made him the promise that you would get drunk together, now that you can ‘legally’ drink.

“I have… to leave. Put some ice on your knuckles, okay?” You say to the younger Reyes, and he simply nods.

El presidente is killing him with his look, offering you a hand to hold it and take you away from the prospect. Going downstairs, he puts his eyes on you with an incredulous gesture.

“It could be worse, dad”.

“Oh, really? Surprise me, mi amor”.

“Could be Angel, instead of EZ”.

“Why the fuck you have an answer for everything, ah?”

“C'mon, dad! It's my birthday”.

“Yeah, the anniversary of the best day of my life. But we're going to talk about it tomorrow”.

[daengerous-af]

[171219] Delight 2 Release Events in Fukuoka - Fan Accounts

**full credit to mshinju for all fan accounts unless otherwise stated**

Release Event #1

In the 1st event (13:00) he replies to a number of questions from the fans that haven't made it into his D'na SHOW talk parts. He replied to about 8 questions in the first event in Fukuoka, all without any script.

Q1: What do you feel like eating whenever you visit Fukuoka?

MC: I think I actually know the answer.

DS: What do you think it is?

MC: Motsunabe.

DS: Uuuh, correct!!

MC: You love motsunabe, right?

DS: I do. There's a place where I always go eat it when I come to Fukuoka.

MC: So you went this time too?

DS: I did. Yesterday.

MC: So fast!

Fans: Where where??

DS: I won't tell you.

Fans: Wheeere??

DS: (mean laugh) you guys.

Fans: Where where?

DS: "where, where?" There, there~ well I think those who know, know already.

DS: Look, there is one who seems to know. (to the fan who kept asking "where?") please ask her later. Row two, left side, wearing black. Please ask her after the show, she knows the place. (the fan in row 2 nodded confidently) 🤣🤣

Q2: What time in your life do you think you are/will be the most popular (with the fans/ladies)? [alternative fan account here]

Fans: Now!!

DS: (laughs) (suddenly dramatically serious) Not now! Tomorrow! (strikes a pose) [Right after he got so embarrassed that he hid laughing behind his chair 🤣]

MC: I see. If it was today, that would mean it's over tomorrow.

DS: (after coming back from behind his chair) Exactly. So I always work hard thinking that tomorrow will be my peak!

Audience: Oooh!! 👏👏

Q3: What do you always keep in your fridge?

DS: As a Korean I always keep kimchee. And... what else, hmm...

MC: Water I guess?

DS: Of course. Hmm... but there isn't much. I don't usually cook.

MC: Right. And you can't store anything since you're traveling a lot for work.

DS: I often order from delivery services, so... I store the left overs in the fridge. But in the end they end up being thrown away by the older lady that keeps my apartment clean. I ask her to clean out my fridge when I'm not there. It's like my garbage bin 🤣

MC: Wow, she cleans out your fridge, nice!

DS: Since I don't keep any utensils/ingredients... yes, I tell her she can just throw it all away.

MC: So only kimchee then, since you can keep it for a long time. No alcohol?

DS: I keep wine. I have a wine fridge.

MC: A wine cellar.

DS: (laugh) your voice turned low so suddenly, "wine cellar~"

MC: So you pile bottles 1, 2, 3, 4... (gestures) ..oh, not that high?

DS: Not that high. About this (indicates about knee height)

MC: So about 10 bottles?

DS: It fits 32 bottles.

MC: And how many bottles do you keep currently?

DS: I don't actually drink a lot but I like buying wine, so I usually have many bottles. I don't drink any alcohol a few days before using my voice (to sing)

DS: But when I buy wine, I like the feeling of knowing that I will be able to drink it any time. Something to look forward to. They also make good presents.

MC: (imitates situation) What do I bring today? 2010.. this one should be good..

DS: No. Rather (imitates) hmm how much was this one? Ah, not expensive. Ok, this will do (laugh)

MC: Deciding by price (laugh) Which do you prefer? White or red?

DS: I like red wine. (they started fooling around, pretending to chill on a sofa & drink wine)

Q4: What was the most recent thing that made you burst of laughter?

DS: Burst of laughter... (he thought for a while) oh! I remember! When I saw pictures of Seungri at his birthday party in the Philippines, shirtless. He looked like a panda.

DS: He's called panda from the start because of his eye bags. So... the pictures made me think "Oh, so he really became a panda". But he's working out really hard these days. MC: He's an artist after all.

DS: Of course.

DS: He's been working hard on his ramen business, doing all sorts of research himself. Maybe that's why...

MC: Oh! I finally went to Aori the other day!

DS: The one in Tokyo? How was it?

MC: Amazing, so many people!

DS: It's good, right?

MC: Really good.

Q5: Is there anything you want to master/overcome?

DS: Overcome... I have overcome a lot of issues up till now. Those who have been my fans for a long time will probably know it well. There's been a lot of problems, and things I'm still trying to master even now.

MC: Even now?

DS: I want to be able to continue singing for as long as possible, so I'm taking good care of my throat. The way I have used my voice in the past was not right, so a couple of years ago - I think maybe 4 years, I had a lot of issues with my voice.

DS: So that's when I went back to the beginning and started from zero. And I'm still in the process of mastering it.

MC: I see...

DS: I'm sure there will be a lot of issues to overcome in the future, too. 

MC: Look at this positive attitude! Amazing. I think you, his fans know this the best. He's such a sincere guy. Constantly mastering issues. I myself am daily trying to overcome my wife. Just yesterday. "Fukuoka tomorrow, again?" - "You see, Daesung's event..." If it's for Daesung, never objects.

Q6: What is the scariest dream you have ever had?

DS: I don't dream a lot. I sleep very well.

MC: So you don't wake up from dreams a lot?

DS: I don't. Ah, but... it's not scary, but during elementary school, I had many dreams where I was conscious that I was dreaming. It was so much fun! I used to jump from huge buildings, or jump very high. Also at times, my dream from the night before would continue the night after. I loved going to sleep during those days. I still remember those dreams well.

MC: So when you grew up, you stopped dreaming. You're so busy after all.

DS: I just sleep very well. I fall asleep right away.

MC: Even when it's noisy?

DS: Doesn't affect me at all. Even when I think I won't be able to sleep, before I realize it I passed out.

DS: Oh, and also...! Ah, never mind.

Fans: What is it??

DS: No, it's ok.

Fans: Tell us!!

DS: You really want to hear (so much talk about dreams)?

MC: Please continue!

DS: Well, before I became a trainee, in middle school I used to take lessons at an academy. After we (students) finished our lessons, we used to fall asleep in the classroom, all tired out. We used to fall asleep with music playing in the background. So in my dreams, the singer of that song would appear!

MC: Performing?

DS: Yes! No matter how intense the dream was, suddenly the side corner turns into a bar and there is the singer, performing live. So impressive. It happened to me once, so the next time I tried playing a song of a singer I wanted to see in my dreams. Like Beyoncé. But...

MC: She didn't appear?

DS: She didn't.

MC: So it happened only once. So the singer who appeared was..

DS: Gummy, it was Gummy-san.

MC: Gummy-san!! Yeah, she would fit into a bar setting.

DS: Right?

MC: You don't happen to remember the song?

DS: It was Ani, a Korean song.

MC: Wow. Such an interesting topic.

Q7: Name an item you have liked & kept using for a long time.

DS: I... don't really like change. That goes for my phone as well. As long as I can still use it, I won't exchange it for a new one.

MC: Your wallet too, for example?

DS: Yes. As long as I don't lose it...

MC: If you don't lose it! Do you lose your wallet often then?

DS: Not really! Last year? Or 2 years ago, I lost my wallet in the airport. But bet it was stolen! You know the sky shop at the airport? I paid something and put my wallet on the side of the counter. I remember clearly putting it there. And right after leaving the airport and entering the car, I noticed that it's gone. So it would definitely be early enough to still get it back, but when we called the shop, they said it's nowhere to be found.

MC: Quite possible that someone took it then.

DS: Right. So that made me realize that in the end, you can trust nobody but yourself. (audience laughs)

DS: And that I need to be more careful.

MC: So as long as that doesn't happen, you keep using it a long time.

DS: Yes.

MC: How about your bag? Do you use one?

DS: I do. Actually there was one I used for a long time, not my current one but before. I kept using it for 3 or 4 years, but then the zipper broke. So I went to the store (where I bought it) to get it fixed.

MC: A world star who goes to the store to gets the zipper of his bag fixed!! Wow.

DS: I have used it for so long, and it's the inside that counts right? I felt bad just asking them to fix it, so I bought a new bag to make up for it. I asked them while paying. And the staff told me "this model is so old! You're still using it?"

MC: Wow. So the bag that you get fixed is at home?

DS: Yes, I keep it at home.

MC: I see... who wouldn't want a husband like that?

Fans: I do!!!

MC: Please keep on dreaming.

Fans: (laugh)

Q8: How do you spend your time while on the move (flights etc)?

MC: Perfect topic for your wallet story.

DS: (laugh) right! Well... in general I don't eat the in-flight meal.

MC: No way!

DS: It's too salty. And I guess I just got tired of it.

DS: During our world tour I realized something funny. No matter where you go in the world, for some reason the food on the plane tastes always the same. No matter which airline. The same goes for hotels. Similar seasoning. I don't like room service either. So usually... I just sit and sleep.

MC: But on your world tour - I mean a flight to Japan is only about 2 hours, so it's alright. But on a 10h flight, isn't it a bit tough not to eat anything?

DS: Ah, on long flights I eat it!

MC: But you're right, in-flight meals are a bit salty, to preserve the food.

DS: Yes, and up high in the air, your taste buds are less sensitive, I heard. That's why the food is higher in calories and the flavor is much stronger.

MC: Huh~ An in-flight meal pro. But I'm surprised still (that you don't eat it) I mean, first and business class food is quite good after all.

DS: Oh, but I do drink wine sometimes.

MC: (laugh) Makes you sleep well too!

DS: Right, some wine and then (snores)

Q9: What is BIGBANG to you?

DS: Right... hm... I have said this in the past, but... BIGBANG is like a puzzle.

MC: A puzzle! (dramatic voice) five pieces form a perfect picture. If only one piece is missing, it won't be complete. Five pieces as one - BIGBANG!

DS: 🤣🤣👏👏

DS: I want to record this! I can use it at interviews, just like that!

MC: (laugh)

DS: So yes, that's one of the meanings behind it. The other is - every piece is different, right? The five of us all have a very different character. We don't overlap. In terms of music, we all like hip-hop, but apart from that we all like very different genres. And the things we like are different too. I for example am not interested in paintings at all. But since our interests don't overlap, we don't argue about them. We just accept those differences. There's something I'm envious of though. When TOP for example drinks just a slight bit of alcohol, he will just keep staring at a painting for forever. (imitates his moved face) I'd watch him from the side wondering "what the hell is he even thinking about?" (laugh) He gets so inspired that he's about to cry, almost. Since we're artists, it's good to receive inspiration from many different things. So it's a good thing. It makes me a bit envious that he has that, and it's a pity that I don't. But I suppose not having it gives me the kind of power of expression that I have, so both ways are good.

MC: Different personalities.

DS: Yes. We accept all our differences.

  Release Event #2

Event 2 was a review of the D’NA SHOWs in Kyushu. A few short videos were shown on the screen and the MC Furuya-san asked Daesung a few questions in between. Fans got an insight into background stories related to the shows as well.

Video 1: D’NA SHOW in Nagasaki; Daesung has his dramatic entrance for DiraDiraD game (with the cape). The point of the cape is, once he puts it on he turns into an evil character whose single goal is to win against the fans in the game. Once the cape comes off, he turns into tame, friendly Daesung again who'd always let the fans win (which would be boring). While Daesung fools around on stage the cape suddenly comes off. Daesung grabs the cape and runs off stage, under the laughter of the fans.

DS: I’m in shock.

MC: In shock..?

DS: You see.. every time I entered the stage for the game, I was trying to make my eyes look as big as I can. I opened them so wide that it was almost painful. But watching the video just now… not big at all.

Fans: (laugh)

MC: Were you surprised when the cape came off?

DS: I was. The cape is quite long, so I stepped on it and it came off. I lost my confidence (bashful) and wanted to run away.

MC: Your D’NA SHOW Tour had 39 events. Did the cape come off only this once?

Fans: mumble “several times…”

DS: …(laugh)

MC: There were more times?? Many times? I see.

DS: (defensive) It’s really long! You just step on it! So… yeah.

MC: Not just in Nagasaki.

DS: The one thing I concentrate on is making my eyes big, so I don’t bother with anything else, but… yeah. Just normal sized.

MC: I went to see your very first show in Maihama and the one two months later in Nakano. I didn’t watch any show in between so I was overwhelmed seeing this persona (cape Daesung)

DS: (laugh)

MC: When did this persona start?

DS: I wonder…?

Fans: Oita!!

DS: Oh! Yes Oita! I knew!

DS: In Oita the staff started playing the background music, that’s when the persona got established. I actually had no idea that they prepared music… (laugh)

MC: Wow! So this persona was born in Kyushu.

DS: You’re right! It’s all thanks to you (bows to audience)

DS: Your (fans) memory is really amazing.

MC: …I think I just heard someone say “it’s just that yours is bad”

DS: (laugh)

MC: You held 39 events within 3 months. (To fans) in that amount of time, the Japanese skills of this man here have advanced so quickly, I’m truly amazed!

Fans: (loud applause)

DS: (gets really shy) (applause gets even louder)

MC: You see, V.I’s Japanese for example

DS: He’s really good right.

MC: His Japanese is really good. But if you pay close attention, V.I-san communicates mainly with vocabulary.

DS: (laugh) what do you mean?

MC: When you listen to V.I-san’s stage talk, he animates the audience mainly with single words. Like “nande yanen” (popular Kansai dialect that just means “what the heck”)

DS: Ah… with Kansai dialect?

MC: Yes. But you D-LITE-san, capture the audience with your talk (= content)

Fans: (loud applause and cheering)

DS: (gets really shy again) No no… you see, it’s thanks to V.I. If it hadn’t been for him who already walked down that path, I might have taken the same approach. “nande yanen!!” “chau!!” It’s all thanks to V.I. Please applaud him! (claps)

MC: In any case, it’s not just that your Japanese is good, but you are a really good talker. Your talk goes straight into the heart.

Fans: (cheer and clap loudly)

DS: Ahhh so embarrassed!

Fans: (laugh)

DS: There was no script for these shows. The only thing in my cue cards were the questions that were shown on the screens, since I can’t read kanji I had them written down in Hangul. That was the only script. So the answers were all free… but the fans taught me so much. I learned many new words, like HanaKin (“flower Friday”)…that’s all I can remember right now…

Fans: 🤣

DS: Through 39 events I got comfortable talking freely in Japanese. I enjoyed being able to look my fans in the eyes while talking. It was really fun thanks to all of you!

MC: Sorry to change the topic so suddenly but... can I mention something?

DS: Of course. What is it?

MC: There was this moment that I was watching totally on edge… this weird yet funny moment on the first day in Maihama

DS & Fans: (start laughing knowing what comes next)

MC: (laugh) That moment when you invited the fans on stage in Nalbwa Gwisun. What I found so funny was that, despite you being the performer, you were completely cornered by the crowd of fans.I mean, you were standing on the edge of the stage like this (steps to the edge of the stage with only his heels remaining on the ground) I just can’t forget this sight!

DS: Right (laugh) now that it’s in the past we can laugh about it as a funny episode.

MC: But in that very moment..!

DS: It was really something (laugh) I had the idea for this part really in the last moment, during the rehearsal. We thought even if anyone would be brave enough to come up to the stage it would be at most maybe 10, 15 people. So I told the dancers, "the fans will be shy and probably won’t come up, so please encourage those in the front rows to join us on stage"

Fans: (laugh)

DS: But once the song started playing in the event, I felt it. “This is bad” (laugh). Just seeing the expression on their faces being anxious for the moment to come to rush to the stage… (laugh) I don’t think I have ever felt so uneasy. I was really standing on the stage like this (goes to the very edge) right? I really wanted to turn to look at my fans and interact, while asking them to please go back to their seats slowly, but… if I turn back and face them, it will only get worse, right? So I kept facing the front without looking at them. That way the situation would be safer.

MC: It was really amazing.

DS: Really, it was… that’s just how the world is (laugh) as an experience, it was good!

MC: So with every event, your MC skills increased and you kept growing, developing this new persona in Oita, losing your cape in Nagasaki. Lots of happenings. I heard some inside stories. In Kyushu you moved around by train. Some places are connected to shinkansen, but some are only connected to the local train network.

DS: Yes. It was really fun!

Fans: 🤣

DS: The staff reserved the front row seat for me even in the local trains. You know, with the driver's compartment right in front. The glass wall that divides the driver’s compartment from the front seats was so fascinating! (to the staff at the side of the stage) do you remember? (to the fans) the glass was so interesting, I kept looking at it!

MC: The driver’s compartment glass wall?

DS: Exactly! One moment it’s transparent, and the next it’s suddenly opaque. Really, in one instance! When was this developed? I was really amazed.

MC: So they changed the level of transparency in between?

DS: Yes! When the train was moving, you could always see the front through the glass. Then when it stopped at a station and the conductor started doing several tasks, it would suddenly turn opaque. So amazing.

MC: (laugh) fascinating glass technology!

DS: Yes! And… (laugh) it’s kind of embarrassing. I tried to film it but I never found the right timing (laugh) so in the end I didn’t manage to get a video.

MC: I was told that after your show in Nagasaki, you went to an Onsen.

DS: Right, Nagasaki was right in the middle of the tour, so we spent one night at an Onsen as a sort of halftime celebration.

MC: I picture it like this: Being a large group, you occupy a large tatami room-

DS: Yes, it was exactly like that.

MC: Really?! Like a Japanese dinner party?

DS: Just like that. The whole day.

MC: I see!

DS: I have videos of that day.

Fans: Eeeehhh~!! We wanna see!!

DS: I’m not gonna show you 😗

Fans: Hehh… 😕

DS: Please use your imagination!

Fans: (laugh)

MC: Totally fits the image of Delight 2!

DS: (laughs)

MC: A Japanese dinner party.

DS: Right. We ate lots of good food and then started the 2nd half of the tour.

MC: Your schedule is always so busy. Did you ever have the chance to stay at an onsen to have a dinner party before?

DS: It was my first time to have a dinner party at an onsen.

MC: First time! Despite having been active in Japan for a long time already.

DS: Yes. There aren’t many opportunities to go to an onsen in a group.

DS: Oh, but for this tour we had some band member exchanges due to the schedule, so even though I wanted to invite everyone, it wasn’t possible to gather everyone.

MC: (to the fans) so nice, going to an onsen together!

Fans: … 😒😑

MC: But you’ll be going to Hawaii together! ☺

DS: Right, Hawaii… uh… there’s no onsens in Hawaii though?

MC: You’re right. There probably isn’t.

DS: The beaches are beautiful though.

MC: D’na SHOW in Hawaii! So nice, must be so much fun… (longing face)

DS: (laugh)

MC: Do you have any special ideas for Hawaii already?

DS: Ah, we’re planning right now. It might be a bit embarrassing to continue with the Dira Dira D game in Hawaii… so I’m wondering what to do. Either try a new game that everyone can participate in, or keep Dira Dira D. I could turn it into Hawa-Hawa-ii.

Fans: (laugh)

MC: According to the staff, the audience in Kagoshima was really hyped.

DS: Right! Kagoshima was the first time that the fans started clapping to the music before the show started. Wasn’t it? (unsure)

Fans: (start discussing with seat neighbors if it was Kagoshima or Kanazawa)

DS: Hm, maybe it was Kanazawa.

MC: (laugh)

DS: Both start with the same syllable.

MC: The staff is saying that it was Kagoshima.

DS: They (gestures to some in the audience) insist it was Kanazawa.

MC: The staff seems sure. (to audience) Could you kindly not complain?

Fans: 🤣

DS: But I remember it clearly, Kagoshima. I was really amazed when I heard the clapping while waiting on the side of the stage. The fans’ reaction was really loud and good during the show as well. I also mentioned it on stage that day. I was really happy. I didn’t have a clear image of what Kagoshima is like until then, but my image now is this: the great reaction from the audience and great food. It’s a really nice place.

MC: So at every city in Kyushu there was a first time for something.

DS: That’s true. A special place.

MC: So the events in Fukuoka were on August 16 and 17. It was at the very beginning of the tour, right? Right after the very first two shows in Chiba Amphitheater.

DS: Yes.

MC: So how were the shows in Fukuoka? Fun?

DS: I remember the fans were really energetic. And also… Dira Dira D was a trial on the 2nd day in Chiba. So the first show in Fukuoka was the second time to do it. We had an alternative prepared in case it didn’t go well, but from Fukuoka onward, the whole structure of the show became very fluent.

MC: It seems Kyushu was a really important area for D’na SHOW.

DS: The staff also told me that the Kyushu part of the tour in particular was a lot of fun.

Fans: (clap)

MC: That’s nice. It means there are good memories associated with Kyushu. So this time was D’na SHOW Volume 1. We talked a bit about Volume 2 in the first event earlier today. Let’s suppose there is to be a Volume 2. What kind of things do you want to do? If you tell me now, I will prepare it for you!

Fans: (laugh)

DS: Well… it’s not decided at all yet (laugh) but… uh… hmmmmm… if there was to be a Vol.2, I'd keep the Talk & Live concept and change a few elements. Vol.1 was my first time to hold events of this structure. I made the setlist to fit a dinner show concept, so all songs were up tempo. Maybe the next time I could choose a wider variety, include ballads maybe. Uhh… (glances at the audience) I’ve been hearing a lot of opinions.

Fans: (laugh)

DS: I’m collecting a lot of ideas and will consider them for Volume 2.

MC: Well, we’ll be waiting. We count on you.

Fans: (applause)

DS: I’ll be back any time. As long as you call for me…

Fans: WE WILL

MC: You did the whole show on your own. Frankly - was it tough? 39 events, being both the MC and the performer. Being teased by the band members.

Fans: (laugh)

MC: At least physically it must have been exhausting.

DS: Hmm… physically yes, it was tough. But well, rather than it being tough, I paid a lot of attention to my health and fitness. I’ve mentioned this before: When one event ends, there’s another event on the next day, so even when I didn’t feel sleepy at all, I went to bed and forced myself to rest. I went to bed around 10pm.

MC: That’s early!

DS: It is. I use my voice a lot in the talking part, and then after that there’s the singing part. This tour made me grow a lot, it made me consider my physical abilities objectively so I was able to control my fitness well.

MC: And your MC abilities have grown so much, I’m sure you’ll receive a lot of offers for MC roles.

DS: The MC part was really fun. I didn’t feel a lot of pressure, to be honest. I think that’s why I could talk freely and make it a lot of fun. No pressure at all. That’s why at times I got really lost during the talk part (laugh) because no script is prepared whatsoever. It felt very exciting. When I got lost, I could just ask questions into the audience, and I got so many fun responses. Really, the fans played such an important role in this tour particularly!

MC: It was like catching balls back and forth between you and the audience.

DS: It was. I was almost surprised how funny/original they were.

<After MC excused himself & left stage the to Daesung for the live performance>

DS: (to fans) Ah, it’s so nice being able to talk with you in a relaxed atmosphere. Chances have become rare to perform in venues where I can clearly hear what you say. In a dome, I am able to hear your voices, but I can’t really make out your words. I pretend that I can of course.

Fans: (laugh)

DS: But it’s really nice that I can hear you clearly in this venue. I like that. It can be disadvantage too sometimes though (joking) (laugh) What day is today?

Fans: 19th!!

DS: The 19th. So the release is tomorrow.

*Fan in front row shows him the DVD version of his album in her hands.*

DS: Eh??

Fan: I already received it!!

DS: Oooh… even I haven’t gotten it yet.

Fan: I can give it to you!

DS: Oh? For real?

Fan next to her: Just give it to him, it’s ok!

DS: Wait wait. Why do you tell her it’s okay? Did you buy it for her? No? So it’s not yours. Why then do you tell her to give it to me? Hmm so you two are close. (laughs) Alright! So tomorrow is the release date. Delight 2… it includes a lot of different songs. There’s a special track called 아파 (It Hurts). This song… I think most of you won’t know this, but the track is the guide track that was recorded with my voice before the song became 2NE1’s song. So it’s recorded with the voice of my 20 year old self. I think songs are fate. The song fit 2NE1’s voices better so it became their song. But in the beginning when the song was composed, we first recorded a male version and then 2NE1’s, which became the official version. When I listen to the song today, I think my voice at 20 years old was really pure.

Fans: (laugh)

DS: It’s a bit tainted now.

Fans: Eeehh!!

DS: (laugh) So yeah, this special track is included on the album. Please enjoy the end of your year with Delight 2. Alright! I’d like to sing "A・ze・cho!!" now.

Fans: (seem unsure whether to stand up or wait)

DS: Please, feel free to stand up if you want to, or remain seated if you want to. You want to stand up? I want to sit. What do we do?

Fans: Stand!!

DS: Alright, just do whatever you feel like!

Fans: (laugh)

DS: Let’s go, A・ze・cho!!

(Daesung sings  A・ze・cho!! and “Soba ni ite yo”)

*MC Furuya-san joins Daesung on stage again*

MC: This song (soba ni ite yo) really makes you feel a lot of things.

DS: Right. It feels more like I am talking rather than singing in this song.

MC: Yes. My chest feels so tight somehow. But the VIP JAPAN in Kyushu will wait for you, and Motsu Nabe (famous dish in Fukuoka that Daesung likes) waits for you as well. So please come back soon.

DS: Yes, any time.

Fans: We’ll wait for you!!

MC: You’ll wait, right?

Fans: (cheer)

MC: I’ll wait too.

DS: Yes. So… what to do? With all of you waiting. I’ll come back soon!! (laugh) But honestly, thanks to your support this year was full of happiness for me. I think you feel the same - I have made so many memories this year.

DS: Just as I've been saying this on stage in BIGBANG’s concerts: I've prepared a lot of things for you to make sure you won’t feel lonely even when the blank period starts next year. So even when I go, really… I might have prepared too much, actually.

Fans: (laugh)

DS: So when I come back, you’ll probably be surprised “Eh?! We weren’t waiting at all?!” (laugh) I’m preparing a lot, so… please look forward to BIGBANG’s and also to my solo activities once we’re be back!!

(event ends with lots of finger hearts and “kuho suki” from Daesung)

Release Event #3

In the 3rd event (19:00) Daesung talks about his past solo activities. In Fukuoka, he talked about his memories of the beginning period of his solo activities, specifically D'scover time. Working on the album, his first solo tour, and a few specific episodes.

**to be updated**

misc fan accounts:

Daesung said that he's been working to prepare so many things for us to look forward to while he is gone (serving in the military) that we'll be surprised when he's back (because it will have felt so short). So curious what he's been preparing for us! (© mshinju)

Daesung said that the version of It Hurts included in 'Diraito 2' is the guide track recorded by him when he was 20 years old (so it's his voice from 9 years ago!), before it became a 2NE1 song cause a female voice fit the song better. (© susifg)

Daesung said that he doesn't care much abt art or business, and explained how sometimes, especially after drinking a bit, TOP can just stare endlessly at a painting on the wall in total amazement while Daesung would think to himself "What the hell is he thinking right now?!" 😂 (© susifg)

[romanticatheart-posts]

The Royal Romance Book 1

Chapters 1-3

This chapter starts right after the boat tour to the Statue of Liberty that the MC took Liam on. It goes through chapter 3 as Liam’s POV. Some parts are canon, but the rest is my interpretation of how things were ‘behind the scenes’. If you have suggestions or requests, please leave a comment. I appreciate your feedback and support!

Pairings: Liam x MC (Catherine)

Warnings: NSFW, language Disclaimer: Pixelberry owns all characters.

Master List 

Liam’s POV–

After the boat tour, you slowly walk Catherine back into town where the guys said to meet. With the limo in sight, you stop and turn toward her, taking her hands in yours and looking intently into her eyes. The sparkle you had seen earlier, is replaced with a hint of melancholy. She sighs. “Well… I guess this is the part where we say goodbye…” You can feel your heart pounding in your chest as her words hang heavily in the air… not certain how to say goodbye… not sure if you can… “I had a wonderful time with you tonight…” She smiles pleasantly. “So did I Liam…”

There is a slight pause in the conversation as she looks at you anxiously. “Catherine, meeting you has been the highlight of my visit to New York… I would be lying if I said it wasn’t the greatest thing to happen this entire trip. And as difficult as it is to say… farewell, I’m happy our paths crossed…” You sigh deeply. “… My only regret is that it wasn’t sooner.” You notice a drop in her expression. "I just wish we had more time…” You fight the urge to brush the hair back from her face… take her in your arms and hold her close, but you resist… knowing it will only make the inevitable harder than it already is. “As do I…” She looks up at you and her eyes misty. “When you asked me to join you tonight, I wasn’t expecting this to be so hard. I mean, we just met, but somehow, being with you just seems so… so right.” Her expression becomes more resolute. “Before I go, there is something I need to say…” You look at her, intrigued by this sudden determination written on her face. "Liam, you are perfect for me in every way. And, well… I know it’s not possible, but if you stayed… I think we’d have had something special…” She looks down again. “… now I’ll always wonder…” You swallow hard, trying to remove the lump that suddenly formed in your throat, your heart aching as her words penetrate to your soul. “Catherine, truthfully… this is not exactly how I want things to end for us either… and believe me when I say, there is nothing I want more than to delay my departure, but regretfully, staying is not an option… it’s not something I’m at liberty to decide for myself. Meeting you has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I will always carry a piece of it wherever I go… So much is unclear to me at this time, but one thing I know for certain… I will never forget you.” She looks down for a moment and then back up with a half-smile. “Neither will I…” “Catherine…” You lean down and kiss her tenderly on the cheek, savoring the feel of her skin against yours. She smiles then looks toward the limo and back to you. “Well, I guess I should go… you don’t want to keep the guys waiting…” You hesitate but then reluctantly release her hands. “Yes. I suppose you’re right… do you live far from here?” She motions up the street. “No. My apartment is just a few blocks over.” You smile. “Are you sure you’ll be alright? It’s quite deserted, perhaps I should walk you home.” She smiles sweetly. “No, no… we should just leave things here… no point in making this harder than it already is…” For a long moment you both stand, gazing into each other’s eyes as if frozen in time… finally, she breaks the silence with a sigh. “Well… good night Liam. It was very nice to meet you.” You choke back your own emotions. “Good night, Catherine.”

She smiles and then turns to leave but suddenly an overwhelming feeling washes over you. You quickly grasp her arm and pull her close, pressing your lips to hers one last time in a deep and passionate kiss… She melts into your embrace wrapping her arms around you. After a long moment you both pull back and she sighs. “You’re not making this any easier…” “I know I shouldn’t have, but watching you walk away… I don’t know what came over me…” She places her hand on your cheek and then she smiles. “It’s okay Liam… I’m glad you did.” You take her hand from your cheek and kiss it tenderly. “You are such an amazing woman Catherine… if only…” “Yeah, if only… but Liam, I hope you find what you’re looking for and that she’ll know how incredibly lucky she is.” You smile, trying to hide your grief. “And any man that captures your heart will be extremely blessed, Catherine.” “I’m glad you think so.” She smiles faintly. “Well…take care Liam.” All you can do is smile and nod as she slowly walks away… You stand there with a growing ache in your heart, just hoping to catch one last glimpse of her smile, but she doesn’t look back. As you open the door to the limo, you glance to the place you last saw her… your mind saying that letting her go was for the best… and yet your heart is not quite convinced.

Once inside the limo, the guys are talking non-stop about all the fun they had at the cove. You look around and notice Drake watching you. “So, where did you two wander off to?” “We took a boat tour to see the Statue of Liberty.” “Oh, I guess you were serious about that, huh?” “Yes. It’s something I’ve always wanted to see but never had the opportunity… until tonight that is.” “So how’d you manage to find a tour so late?” You look at Drake and see a familiar distrustful stare. “I didn’t. Catherine had a friend whom she said owed her a favor… and before I knew it, we were on a boat to see one of America’s most historical monuments.” “Must have been a pretty big favor… sounds a little suspicious to me.” “I assure you that whatever it was, she earned it honorably.” “Uh huh…” Tariq chimes in. “So are you saying that after one evening with the waitress, you can speak knowledgably about her character?” You sit up and square your shoulders, clearly not pleased by his candid remark. You can take Drakes sarcasm all day long, but who does Tariq think he’s talking to? "Her name is Catherine and I would appreciate you addressing her as such. An occupation does not define one’s character, nor does it warrant disrespect from those whose arrogance could easily be interpreted as ignorance.” "I’m terribly sorry Your Highness. I certainly didn’t mean to offend anyone.” Maxwell looks at Tariq with a quirky grin. “I guess you got served…” You glare at Tariq for a moment and then turn to look out the window. Drake clears his throat and then quickly changes the subject. “Ahem, so Liam, what time are we heading back to Cordonia?” You regain your composure before responding. “The three of you will be flying out at eleven.” “So, you’re not going back with us?” “No. There are some security concerns and Bastien is sending another plane with a few guards and I’ll be leaving a few hours earlier.” Tariq clears his throat. “Ahem… I suppose I should have mentioned it before, but I have scheduled a fitting for a custom suit in one of the finest shops here and I won’t be joining you until tomorrow.” “Well, I guess it’s just you and me Drake. We’re going to have so much fun!” Drake rolls his eyes and mumbles a response. “Great. How’d I get so lucky?” Soon, the limo comes to a full stop as everyone steps out and enters the hotel.

Once in the lobby, Maxwell and Tariq walk straight to the elevators, but Drake pauses and pulls you aside. “Hey Liam, you got a minute?” “It’s very late Drake.” “This won’t take long.” Reluctantly you follow him to the all-night lounge just to the right of the lobby and you both sit at the bar and order a drink. You turn to Drake. “Something on your mind?” “Uh, yeah. You wanna talk about what happened back there just now?” “What? Tariq? He was being a pompous ass and it needed to be said.” “I kinda enjoyed that actually… I’m talking about you and Catherine. I mean, from what I saw, it was pretty intense back there.” Drake has been like a brother to you for many years, and this behavior is typical. His concern is genuine, so the question is reasonable, but it doesn’t mean you are ready to answer just yet. “I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Well… I saw you kiss her just before you got in the limo and now you seem uptight… Is everything alright?” You laugh trying to avert the attention from your growing anxiety. “I have kissed girls before Drake. This wasn’t my first time.” Drake eyes you curiously, and his words never waver. “It’s not about that and you know it… you seem different…” “I do?” “Yeah, like maybe it meant something this time…” You look off for a moment and then turn back to him. “Is it that obvious?” “Kinda. Yeah.” “I suppose there’s no hiding it from you then…” You take a long drink and then sigh. “I’m sure you will find this quite amusing, but… you are looking at a man that has found himself smitten by the most amazing woman he’s ever met.” Drake looks at you with his mouth halfcocked, as if he is waiting for the punchline, but soon realizes this isn’t a joke. “Oh, you’re serious, aren’t you?” “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before and I am just as shocked as you. I can’t explain it, but… I was so drawn to her… in ways I never thought possible.” “Well, she’s not hard on the eyes, but are you saying it was more than that?” “Anyone can behold her beauty, but what I saw went far beneath any outward appearances.” “Did you tell her you’re a prince?” “I might have mentioned it.”

“I knew it! That’s why she took you off to see the Statue of Liberty. She’s just like all the others…” “I have to disagree with you on this one Drake. She had no interest in my title.” Drake scratches his head, deep in thought. “Well… she did walk away, and I’ve not seen that before… I’m surprised she wasn’t all over you. At least that’s how most girls act when they find out you’re a prince.” “She’s not like most girls… she’s not like anyone I’ve ever met before. There is something different about her… something so unique… she wasn’t the least bit impressed by my being royalty. In fact, she just treated me like I was a regular person… it was refreshing and oddly comforting… I found it very difficult to let her leave…” “I get it…you care about her, but what about her…?” “Actually, she was quite open about her feelings which made it even more difficult to see her walk away. I’ve never experienced this before…” “So how’d you leave things? I mean, are you gonna try and see her again?” “Drake, with my responsibilities to the crown, you know as well as I that having a courtship abroad is out of the question.” “Did you consider asking her to come to Cordonia?” “She would need a sponsor… And besides that, I couldn’t ask her to give up everything she knows and fly half-way across the continent into a life she’s not accustomed to... let alone compete in.” You look off into the distance trying to imagine her in your world and then shake your head in resolve. “Even though we had this, this incredible chemistry between us… I just don’t see how it could work… You know how things are at court, it can be… daunting at times and...”

“Yeah, I see what you mean. It kinda scares me too...” “So you see, parting ways was the only possible outcome… We had an amazing evening together…one I will never forget… but I have to be honest with myself, I can’t hold onto dreams anymore and what I want doesn’t matter… I have a responsibility that not even you could imagine… I must learn to accept the things I cannot change... not only for my own sake, but for the sake of Cordonia.” Drake looks at you curiously. “Uh huh… I’ve known you a long time Liam and I’ll admit that I’ve never heard you talk about a girl like this before. Are you sure you want to just forget this… this ever happened between you two?” You smile with sincere appreciation, but the reality of your station overrules any selfish dreams you might have. “Tonight was a bittersweet end to this vacation and it’s one I will never forget… but I can’t forget my purpose either. Now, if you’ll excuse me I have an early flight in a few hours and I am quite exhausted. We can talk more about this after our return to Cordonia if you so wish… but it’s not going to change anything.” “If you say so…” You take the last sip of your drink, then stand. “I’ll get the tab…” Once you have paid for the drinks, you head for the elevators. Drake follows and not another word is spoken. He watches you thoughtfully, but out of respect, he doesn’t press any further. When the doors open, you both step out and head to your respective rooms.

Once inside your suite, you take a moment to lay back on the bed… staring up at the ceiling for what seems like a very long time. All you can think about is Catherine and how she was so attentive and genuinely concerned about your wants, your needs… she made you feel… alive. Your hopes and dreams… possibilities for the future. For the first time, someone saw you as more than just a title… more than a means to an end… she saw you as a man. It was a defining moment for you to realize that such a woman exists outside of your dreams… and lately, those dreams were the only place you felt at peace. Your hand instinctively reaches up to touch your mouth… you can almost feel her warm lips against yours. Your heart races at the thought of her body close to yours and for a brief moment, you smile… but then, a familiar hopeless feeling washes over you…

The desire to clear your mind is stronger than your need for sleep in this moment… so you stand up and walk to the bathroom, turning on the shower. After disrobing, you reach to check the temperature, then slip in letting the steaming water flow through your hair and down your body, almost like comforting hands. As you stand with your eyes closed, visions of Catherine start playing out in your mind. “Catherine…” Your hand instinctively surrounds your length… and with the feel of water caressing your body, you begin pumping as your erection begins to grow within your grip. Remembering her captivating smile… those irresistible lips… the curves of her body… and how the moonlight sparkled in her eyes… Her contagious laughter… the way her hair danced around her face in the wind… a vision of breathtaking beauty…

Your breathing wavers as you remember the feel of her lips on yours… the taste of her kiss… the feel of her arms wrapped around you… “Oh Catherine…”

You lean one arm against the shower wall so the water cascades into your hair, following the contours of your back and chest and then to your hand… still stroking, as images of her overwhelming beauty teases your senses.

“Catherine…”

With her name on your lips, your body tenses and then expels its energy…white streaks of silk raining onto the base of the shower as the water washes all traces down the drain. Afterward, you thoughtlessly begin washing your hair and then your body.

Once dried off, you collapse on the bed in complete exhaustion. When your alarm goes off only a few hours later, you rush to get dressed and pack your things. After arriving at the airport, you are whisked to the awaiting mode of transportation back to Cordonia.

The long flight back is almost welcomed, providing benefits on more than one level… much needed sleep for one… which in turn, will keep you from agonizing about how you let the most amazing woman slip away… Upon arrival back to the palace, there is plenty of activity in preparation for the Masquerade Ball tonight. You quickly make your way through the masses and to your room in hopes of avoiding any questions about the trip to New York, especially from your father. His constant reminder of the expectations of being the Crown Prince and political innuendos were tiring at best and after last night’s endeavors, you need a peaceful moment to mentally prepare for the ladies in waiting you will be meeting tonight. You take a quick shower and when finished you begin getting dressed for the ball. You try to avoid thinking of Catherine, but the memory of watching her slowly walk out of your life keeps playing over and over in your mind, taunting you. “(It was for the best…)”

You stand in front of a mirror, buttoning your vest and pulling on your uniform jacket adorned with its medals, and then reach up to straighten the bow tie. At some point, you’ll be expected to choose one of these ladies, as your bride and future queen… they are all familiar acquaintances, and not one of them excites your senses… not the way Catherine has… But you keep telling yourself that your own happiness is not what’s important… this decision will have to be made according to tradition alone… which means you will have to choose based on lineage and merit… nothing else.

As you stand facing your bedroom door, you take a deep breath and a peace finally washes over you. While you were not born to inherit the throne, fate found a way to demand it as your destiny… As next in line, you must embrace this longstanding tradition of country before self… even if it was against your will. With a determined sense of duty, you walk confidently to the entrance of the ballroom. Once the herald announces your arrival, you walk in and straight over to greet your father.

“I am happy to see that you have returned.” You look at Constantine questioningly. “Did you think I wouldn’t?” Constantine laughs. “No, no… I was simply hoping to have a word with you about the trip… before all this began.” He gestures toward the ballroom and turns back to you. “How was it by the way?” “It was quite possibly the best vacation I’ve had so far.” Constantine eyes you hopeful, and yet skeptical at the same time. “I’m glad son. You’ll need all your strength to get through this social season so it’s good to know that you were able to enjoy it.” “Yes, it seems that the last night was the most enjoyable…” You trail off, hoping he doesn’t question that statement. “That’s usually the way it is… So tell me, were you able to resolve any of the worries you’ve had regarding your new station?” You hesitate for a moment and then turn to him. “There are so many things expected of me and I can’t help but question my ability to fulfill them all?” “That’s understandable and quite frankly I had the same doubts before I ascended the throne, but with the many years you’ve spent in preparation, I’m certain you will rule just as I have all these years… maybe even better. But Liam, the obvious question is, do you wish to?” Not really sure how to answer, you look out into the crowd. Constantine sighs, knowing the trip was not quite the success he hoped it would be. “Liam, I know you were not born to be my successor, but if given the option between you or your brother, you are the better choice. I love you both equally, but you have the qualities necessary to govern over a kingdom. Your brother is more of a… free spirit. I have no doubts that you will one day reign in the same capacity in which I have provided and one of these ladies here tonight is destined to be your queen. You must consider the whole of Cordonia when making that decision… stability above all else. It is your responsibility as the Crown Prince.” “I know father… you’ve been very clear about my responsibilities and I assure you I will do my best.” “I know you will my son.” Constantine sees the uncertainty in your expression, but he doesn’t push further…

Looking around the room, you recognize all but one of the ladies as they stand together in conversation. Intrigued, you turn to Constantine. “Who is the girl wearing the angel costume father? Do we know her?” Constantine squints his eyes looking in the direction of your gaze. “I’m not quite sure… I don’t think I’ve seen her before… perhaps she’s an aristocrat from a neighboring country. She seems quite refined, but we’ll learn her identity soon enough son…”

Within minutes a line has formed to give reverence to the King and for him to meet and greet the nobles and ladies in waiting. You step a few feet away as another similar line forms for you, the Crown Prince of Cordonia. You happily exchange handshakes and lively banter with each noble and ladies in waiting, and then… you see Maxwell standing with this striking ‘mystery’ woman to greet your father and wonder why he hadn’t mentioned her on the trip to New York. Who could this beautiful woman be that the Beaumont’s have chosen to represent their house? You hope to catch her name as she is introduced to him, but as it would happen, you’ll have to wait to learn her identity until she is officially introduced to you. A short time later, near the end of your line, you see her waiting with Maxwell. As they inch closer, you suddenly become anxious, not really focused on anything else… all you can think about right now is how stunning she is.

As the last noble walks away, the mystery woman now stands before you, smiling. Even more stunning than you had recognized from afar. You smile warmly back at her.

“Hello. You’ll have to forgive me, but I don’t think we’ve met…” She stands in front of you and without blinking an eye she responds. “We’ve actually met once before.” You stammer, not quite sure how you could not remember such a beautiful woman. “Surely I would’ve remembered.” “I suppose this mask is doing its job.” Your mind races to all the places and people you’ve seen… not even one memory reveals her identity. There is something familiar, but pin-pointing it is just out of reach. “Will you give me a hint?” She thinks for a moment and then smiles. “You were surrounded by your men…” Clearly, she is making you work for it. You are always surrounded by someone… “That’s not much of a clue…” A mischievous smile forms on her lips. “…and you owed me a drink…”

Your heart skips a beat when you think back to last night and the lovely woman you bid farewell to... It can’t be! Can it? “Catherine… I thought I’d never see you again…" “So, this is a good surprise… I hope?” Your smile is as brilliant as the sun. “The best… but how did you get here?” “Maxwell and his brother are sponsoring me. He brought me here to join the other suitors.” Now it’s clear why Maxwell never mentioned it… She is actually here… The woman in your dreams… the woman that stole your heart less than twenty-four hours ago… the one you thought was gone forever… “Really? That’s amazing! I can’t believe you came all this way for me.” She lowers her voice and leans toward you. “Liam… I know we have something special. I want to see what it can be.” “I feel the same way.” You look at her closely, and the eyes behind the mask says everything else her words only hinted at… you are overcome with joy.

You reach out, touching her hand… but after only a moment your guard clears his throat, signifying this is not proper behavior for a Crown Prince. You quickly remove your hand from hers. “We’re not in New York anymore though, Catherine. The rules here are different. This entire series of events is designed not just to give me time with my potential matches, but also to give my parents, Council and the people of Cordonia time to get to know the future queen. From now on everyone will be watching you.” You hope she doesn’t think you are scolding her, but you want her to understand what coming here means.

“That sounds like fun.” Relieved at her response, you smile. “I knew you’d be up for the challenge. I’m sure you’ll charm them, just as you have charmed me. Unfortunately, the receiving line isn’t the best place to talk. We only have a few more minutes before the next lady arrives…” “In that case, I want to know… are you glad I came?” “How could you even ask? I’m thrilled… I just hope you don’t regret coming here.” You hope that last statement doesn’t upset her, but you have to be honest… to yourself and to her. Things at court can get, well… for lack of a better word 'ugly’ at times. Nobles will go to great lengths to protect their status at court and they are not above a few underhanded tricks every now and then…

As the next lady approaches, your expression becomes regretful. “Sorry, but our time is up.” She sighs but smiles. “I understand. We really aren’t in New York anymore, are we?” You frown. “No. I hope I’ll see you again later tonight, if you’ll save a dance for me.”

She smiles as Maxwell leads her away and you feel a pleasant tingle inside… an awakening perhaps… as if finally, the fates heard your plea for some shred of hope against all this madness that has surrounded you your whole life. The rest of the night finds you halfheartedly mingling with guests and getting trapped in mindless conversations, one after the other, but your thoughts are consumed by a nagging fear. This court can be vicious, and no one must know how you truly feel about Catherine. For her protection… you will make each moment with her as special as you can and hope that somehow you can make it work. As the night presses forward, you find yourself excited wondering if she is having an enjoyable time… wondering about the possibilities… wondering if you could ever let her go a second time…

As each moment passes, you find yourself searching the room… just to catch a glimpse of her… Each time she comes into view, you smile. There is no other that has captivated your heart quite like this before. The anticipation of where a relationship with Catherine will lead is almost as exciting as her presence… there is just something about her… Something fresh, bright, exhilarating…

Drake stands back behind the crowd as usual, so you make your way over to him. “Good evening, Drake. Enjoying the festivities so far?” Drake scowls. “You know I don’t care for this stuff.” You chuckle. “I appreciate you toughing it out for my benefit.” “Yeah, well, I guess that’s what friends are for.” Drake leans toward you, speaking in a low tone of voice. “Hey, did you see Catherine?”

You smile. “Yes. I was surprised to say the least… Any chance you had something to do with her presence?” “Maybe… I mean, after last night… I might have mentioned it to Maxwell, so… you can blame him if it don’t work out.” You chuckle. “How did you know she would accept?” “I didn’t, but I saw how she looked at you and I figured it was worth a shot. And I also knew the Beaumont’s were looking for someone to represent their house so…” “I can’t thank you enough Drake… this means more than you’ll ever know.” “Yeah well, since you insisted she’s not a crown chaser, I thought you deserved a chance to find out for sure…” “Any thoughts about her thus far?” Drake takes a sip of his wine. “She seems okay… less annoying than most of these people at court, so… not bad I guess.” “Is that all? I would think you of all people would have found at least something unpleasant by now.” Drake takes another sip of his wine and looks to where Catherine is standing. “Haven’t seen anything yet, but it’s only the first day…” You look over at her and smile to yourself. “It’s fitting that she is wearing an angel costume… she is stunning.” “Maybe… I mean, she’s not my type, but… I guess I can see the attraction.” You smile. “So, you think she’s attractive as well?” Drake almost spits out his drink. “I didn’t say that… I mean yeah, she’s not the worst I’ve seen…”

A few minutes pass and you turn to Drake with a request. “Can I ask you to do something for me?” “Yeah, sure.” You look back to where Catherine is standing and then back to Drake. “Since she’s not familiar with the ways of this court, and I will be occupied for the most part, I’d like you to keep an eye on her… make sure she has someone to talk to and help her navigate through this process. You are the only person I’d trust with this.” “So, I guess that means I’d have to attend all these… functions?” “It would mean a great deal to me Drake.” Drake thinks it over and then reluctantly agrees. “I’ll do it, but just for the record, I won’t  be dressing up like the rest of ‘em.” “Thanks Drake. I knew I could count on you.” “And make sure there is lots and lots of whiskey…” You laugh. “I’ll make sure of it.”