#i couldn't care less about this event to be quite honest but it was worth it for the kaeya and klee content

[torgawl]

i'm trying so hard not to scream about kaeya and all the little moments with klee during the event i feel like i'm going to explode

[wombatwisdom]

I

The Church is like Phoenix, Arizona.

I recently moved away from Phoenix after living there for a few years. I have fond memories of people and events that happened while living there. But having been away from Phoenix for a few months, I can say I needed a change.

The city itself is nothing short of a monument to human stubbornness and by most metrics it is thriving. And those who stay swear up and down there is no where else they'd rather be.

But the weather was hard for me--year round sun, blistering summers that seem to stretch forever, with too short, albeit pleasant winters. The landscape is harsh and the wildlife ready to sting or bite or attack in order to survive. The dirt there can literally give you a chronic illness and water is always a concern.

But there are those who love it. Who embrace the desert and find beauty in it. Who thrive on dry heat and do not want to deal with frosts. They find harmony amongst the javelinas. The have risen to the challenge and could not imagine leaving.

The church is like Phoenix, Arizona.

When you arrive, people welcome you in and apologize for the heat. They do not promise you'll get used to it, but they will absolutely support your attempts. They know that it's hard to adjust to living in Phoenix, but they assure you the winter will make all your discomfort worth it.

They are keenly aware that not everyone can make it in Phoenix. They know that many will leave after a time and that is just how it goes. They know that they are the butt of jokes or seen as crazy for staying, but it's home, it's where family and community is and so they double down--they insist that they are made of stronger stuff or built different to last in the desert and they make sure you know how much courage it takes to stay for as long as you can manage it.

The church is like Phoenix, Arizona.

I left Phoenix because I needed seasons and clouds and trees. I needed rain and pleasant summer evenings. I needed to not worry so much about the water. I needed to be closer to family. I needed community I couldn't quite build there.

Phoenix wasn't the city for me. It was for a time; it gave me what it could give me and I am grateful for it. But it wasn't the right fit, and I was privileged to seize an opportunity to take me elsewhere. But I'll be honest, while I know that Phoenix didn't work for me and I know it works for others, I can't help but feel like I failed. That I wasn't good enough. That I just didn't have the strong moral character needed to stay.

And in my even less charitable moments, I do even wonder how anyone could truly love living in Phoenix. How could a place that so firmly missed my needs, so perfectly fulfill the needs of someone else? But maybe we are all different and that's why we living in so many different places so we can, hopefully, find the place that best suites us.

The church is like Phoenix, Arizona.

But are all cities equally good to live in? What if my life would be better by staying in Phoenix? What if authorities in my life said Phoenix was the best place for me and my family to live? What if the hardships of living in Phoenix are intended to make me a better person? What if the people of Phoenix claimed it was the closest city to God?

Would it still be okay to leave? Would a better person than me stay? What if I can stay and make it more habitable for others? Is there anything better than Phoenix out there?

In truth, nobody cares what city you choose to live in. You find what works for you and make it work. No city is perfect and you'll have to work to fix those flaws (or adapt to the things you can't change), but that secret is finding the place where the benefits don't outway the flaws.

II

Phoenix, Arizona is not like the church.

For some, selecting an institution of spirituality is similar to selecting a city to live--does it meet my needs? Is this a community I want to participate in and give back to? Is there room for me and others to grow? Does the doctrine and ideals taught by this institution resonate with my soul?

But this universalist approach to church membership is often not offered to those in the LDS tradition. Which creates a lot of tension between those who choose to stay and those who choose to leave. At best we begrudgingly wish those who leave "all the best" and hope they don't rage too hard against the church (or at us). At worst, we fear for them, we envy them, or we feel insecure. And those who leave often seem to have difficulty moving on and often use the worst the church has to offer to erase any good it may do.

Because at the heart of this is a concern: which of all these cities is the correct city to live in? This question presupposes that there even is a "correct" city to begin with? If there is a "correct" city to live in, then it stands to reason that we should want to live there regardless of discomfort or personal need.

Applying this framing to selecting a city to live in feels ridiculous, but in the context of the unknown of the afterlife, it seems a popular mindset. If this is the "one true church back to God", then we must stay regardless of any discomfort or pain or systemic mistreatment and we must stay with no promises of any improvement. Often to leave because "it's not supporting my needs" feels selfish and faithless.

When it comes to cities, we let people leave (while mourning the departure of friends and family) and we let people stay (allowing them to live where suits them best). And while the analogy is not one to one, perhaps there is more to think about here in terms of religion, because a more "city-like" perspective might help us in our religious quest to more fully love our neighbors.

[lollytea]

If Willow ever opened up to Hunter about the way she was bullied and things she went through what do you imagine Hunter responding or his reaction after listening to a more detailed version of why people ever called her “Half a Witch” ?

If you really want to know how I personally imagine it going, I wrote this exact scene in My fic Sunshine of Willow explaining her past and Hunter's extremely conflicted thoughts on the matter. However this was pre Hollow Mind!Hunter who is quite different from the Hunter we see in the season 2 finale. This is what a week hanging out with Willow and Gus does to a mf. However, I think there's still some insecurities in him that linger which wouldnt change all that much over time. But if you've already read it, you dont care to read it, or you don't wanna tear through 30k words to get your answer, I'll try to give some thoughts on it here.

It's honestly kinda hard to say for certain how he would react as there's a lot of factors to take into consideration.

Hunter seems pretty resigned to the inherent prejudice of the Boiling Isles and how witches who suck at magic are often treated as less. He's internalized it, as he honestly considers himself to be half-a-witch and, while he desperately tries to prove that he has some worth, it will never be enough for him. And its like. He thinks he deserves to be treated that way, he thinks he deserves to be called that, he has accepted that this is just how their world works.

But that just begs the question of if he would accept the status quo so easily if he heard how it has negatively impacted someone else. And not just anyone but a friend that he cares about a lot. Would hearing Willow's similar experiences just make him shrug and be like "yeah it sucks but being half a witch is just the kind of thing we have to deal with." Or would this open his eyes to the reality that hey, maybe Willow didn't deserve to be treated that way, and for that matter, maybe he didn't either.

Hunter has a huge sense of compassion but he has trouble understanding that it is something he is worthy of receiving because his self-worth is so tattered. But seeing his own pain reflected in Willow might be the thing that forces him to look at things from a new perspective. Hunter is a lot more introspective than he's given credit for, but a good chunk of it has been refrained by his mindset of denial and blind obedience while in the Emperor’s Coven. But I feel like now that he's free from all of that, he's finally allowing himself to think in ways he couldn't before. His emotional maturity is beginning to come to the surface.

It's also something that spurs him into exercising that compassion of his. I think he would definitely make honest attempts to comfort his friends after the events of Labyrinth Runners. That doesn't mean he's perfect at it. But he does absorb the lessons he learns and can can echo them to those who taught them to him in the first place. It reminds them that he was listening and that they made a positive impact on him. And sometimes when you're feeling useless, it's a nice thing to be reminded of.

Maybe he would take a deep breath and begin to list everything that he believes makes Willow Park the fullest witch he's ever known. It's supposed to be factual statements but his own overwhelming admiration and personal opinions eventually blurs the lines. He botches his words again and again until he gets it all out. And when he's finally done, Willow staring out him with eyes blown wide, he simply says "You've been misjudged. So...do you still think you're pathetic?"

Willow couldn't lie to him so all she can do is shake her head.

I feel like, at the point the two of them are at, they can have an open reflective conversation about the whole half-a-witch thing and what it means to them. I'm not writing that whole conversation out but I feel like it would deeply therapeutic for both of them.

[alj4890]

Misfortune's Intentions

(Liam x OC*Elisse Millan) (Drake x Riley)

A/N A couple more months have gone by. Liam and Elisse have attended many of the same events in Cordonia, gradually getting closer to one another. In this chapter, they begin the necessary steps toward a more personal relationship. Liam also has an honest conversation to the two that he once trusted the most.

@gkittylove99​ @krsnlove​ @kingliam2019​ @texaskitten30​ @hopefulmoonobject​ @yourmajesty09​ @mom2000aggie​ @ofpixelsandscribbles​

Masterlist

Chapter 3 Heart’s Honesty

The Royal Palace, Cordonia...

Liam looked up when he heard the murmur of feminine voices passing by on their way to the solarium.

Creeping towards the cracked door, he peeped out to see who it was.

He caught just a glimpse of Olivia, Riley, and Madeleine turning toward the right.

Curious yet not wishing to get caught up in conversation with any of them, he settled back in his chair and continued to review a trade proposal Elisse had given him from Amalas.

Monterisso's queen was not going to wait around on Riley's baby in making inroads toward a strong, beneficial relationship between their two countries. Since the pregnancy had been announced a couple of months back, Liam and his close knit group of friends had spent numerous events speaking to pushy foreign monarchs.

The only bright side to meeting so often, were the moments he had with Elisse. They were few and far between and much too short to satisfy him. A dance shared, a few words spoken here and there, possibly a shared smile over a private joke. All ended up making her the first person he searched for when entering into a room.

"Would you like me to bring a tray in here, your majesty or would you prefer having lunch in the dining room?"

Liam looked up at one of the footmen. "A tray, please." He called the man back. "Is there some gathering this afternoon?"

"The Queen Mother is hosting some ladies for tea in the solarium." The footman replied.

"Ah." Liam tried to focus. "Do you know who she invited?"

"I know some, sir."

Liam cocked an eyebrow, trying not to be impatient.

"Duchess Riley is the honored guest." The footman began to go through the usual name of Cordonian ladies. "Queen Isabella and Queen Amalas have also arrived."

Liam grit his teeth at not hearing what he wanted to most. "Did Queen Amalas bring another lady with her, by chance?"

"I'm not sure, sir. Should I go inquire?"

"No." Liam muttered. "Just bring my lunch in here, please."

"At once, sir." He bowed and left the king alone.

"There you are."

Liam nearly cursed. "Drake. Join me, won't you?"

"Thanks." He sat down on the couch across from him. "Haven't seen much of you recently."

Liam held up the documents he was reading. "Kingdom business."

"Ah." Drake drummed his fingers on his pants.

Liam tried to tune him out.

"Riley's having a tea party with Regina and a few others."

"So I've heard."

"Did you know the Spy Queen has returned?"

"Yes." Liam responded. "So did Auvernal's queen."

Drake ran a hand through his hair. "So, uh, have you gotten anything out of the spy that has taken up residence nearby?"

Liam lowered the documents. "Spy? What are you talking about?"

"Your investigation with Queen Amalas’s cousin." Drake narrowed his eyes. "That is why you are spending so much time with her isn't it?"

"Lady Elisse is more of a messenger between me and Amalas." Liam bit out.

"I've never seen you make sure to share most of your dances with messengers before, much less spend anymore time than you have to."

"I am doing exactly what I promised." Liam informed him. "I am taking time to get to know her. All these new events have limited my chances to be alone with her."

"Alone with her?" Drake leaned forward. "Why are you wanting to be alone with her?"

At this moment, Liam did not want to admit to Drake that he believed he was ready to try and fall in love again. He had yet to actually have a real date with Elisse, much less kiss her. He also wasn't certain her own feelings about taking that next step.

She seems to like me, he thought. Is it more than a friend? Or am I simply fooling myself like I did with Riley?

"Li?" Drake waved a hand. "Still with me?"

Liam closed his eyes. "Yes, sorry." He cleared his throat. "If I am alone with her, then she will be more inclined to talk about things she would never feel comfortable doing at a crowded gathering."

Drake slowly nodded. "That's true. Sounds like a good plan."

A plan to test her and see if she feels as I do, Liam thought.

"Are you going to try and get her alone after the queen's tea?"

Liam's eyes widened. "Elisse is here?"

"Well, yeah." Drake tilted his head slightly. "Liam, you sure there isn't anything wr--"

"Positive." Liam excused himself. "I need to put these papers in the study. Feel free to call down to the kitchen for an extra tray for lunch."

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

The Solarium, Royal Palace, Cordonia...

What would I do without all these pastries?

Elisse gratefully took another bite of a strawberry tart. If her mouth was full then she wouldn't be pressured to talk.

Which was a good thing considering how she felt about Lady Riley Walker.

It nearly turned her stomach at how everyone was complimenting the waitress turned duchess. There was only so much bowing and scraping for attention Elisse could stand.

Especially to someone who had hurt Liam so horribly.

It didn't take a mind reader to realize that the reason Cordonia's king was not actively courting or planning on having little princes and princesses of his own was sitting across from her, gushing about what kind of father Drake would be.

"He has already promised to take all the late night diaper changes." Riley giggled.

Elisse didn't bother to hide her eye roll, earning a slight kick from her cousin.

Amalas sent her the look that somehow conveyed the reminder that they were trying to gain favor with the woman carrying the royal heir so stop making faces at every little thing she says.

Feeling somewhat chastised for possibly letting her cousin down, Elisse averted her gaze and poured herself another cup of tea.

How much longer are we going to have to sit here?

"Bradshaw would have fainted dead away if I remotely asked him to change one of the twins diapers." Isabella's brittle smile formed with the mention of her husband and children.

Elisse's eyes narrowed somewhat as she studied Auvernal's queen. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something not quite right. She cut her eyes to Amalas, wondering if she too was seeing this.

Her cousin tucked a lock of her own hair behind her right ear and gently tugged on the earlobe.

Elisse returned her attention to the conversations, satisfied with that secret signal that Amalas not only saw it but was planning on investigating it further.

"What about you?" Riley asked.

Elisse glanced up and realized that all eyes were on her.

"I'm sorry." She stammered. "Did you ask me something?"

"Can you picture your husband changing diapers?" Riley prodded.

"I'm not married." Elisse forced a pleasant smile. "It's difficult enough imagining him doing so when I don't even know what he looks like."

"Oh!" Riley glared over at Madeleine. "I'm sorry. I was told you were married."

Madeleine chuckled softly. "Perhaps if you read the reports I give you, you wouldn't make a mistake like that."

Riley ignored her and focused once more on Elisse. She was determined to find out more about this woman who seemed to always find a way to be near Liam.

"Enough baby talk." She decided. "Let's talk romance."

"Zeke is taking me to Switzerland next week." Penelope shyly said. "A trip for just the two of us."

Kiara laughed. "He is so excited about it. It is all he talks of whenever one of us asks him something." She smiled at Penelope's blush. "Très romantique, non?"

"Very." Hana sighed. "You two are so sweet together."

"Anyone else have that special someone?" Riley asked. "Or needs a little help from Cupid to get them to act right?"

Olivia shook her head. "By Cupid, you mean you."

"I do." The duchess replied. "I know all about stubborn men trying their hardest to keep from being with the perfect person for them."

Elisse sat up a little straighter. "Is that how you and his grace got together?" She did her best to make her question sound like polite curiosity. "Did you have to convince him to be with you?"

Amalas stilled. She had been the one to tell Elisse all of what happened during Liam and Madeleine's engagement tour.

Riley had a dreamy expression on her face. "Drake Walker put up quite the fight. It took all my I had to get him to be with me."

"When did you realize he was worth it?" Elisse asked while turning in her chair so that Amalas couldn't kick her again. "Most would have focused on someone who seemed interested."

Olivia snorted in agreement. "I will never understand how you could choose Walker over Liam."

Riley's smile turned tender. "What can I say? He was a complete marshmallow whenever we were alone. I saw past his snark and knew he had to be mine."

"I think it's terribly romantic." Hana added. "He has shown over and over that you are the most important person in his life."

While Hana and Riley went through the list of things that made Drake perfect, Elisse tbought of Liam's actions in each scenario.

"He took a bullet for her." Hana explained to the visitors.

"I will begrudgingly give him credit for that." Olivia grumbled. "That and for helping take Anton down."

Elisse mentally countered that with Liam coming and facing Anton and his minions alone to rescue the couple.

"He sounds like he will be a protective father." Amalas interjected before they continued to extol his virtues. "One that knows the value of family."

Issabella narrowed her eyes at her. "I agree. Which is why I would love to have him as father-in-law to one of my," she took a gulp of tea, "darling twins."

While the two queens tried to sway Riley toward choosing their children, Liam stepped into the sunroom.

Regina looked up and smiled. "Liam dear, would you care to join us for a cup of tea?"

He shook his head. "Thank you, but I came in here for something else." His charming smile flashed to the ladies. "I do hate to interrupt, but I need to speak to Lady Elisse a moment."

She set her teacup down. "Yes, of course, your majesty."

When Liam noticed the curious looks, he explained that he needed her to clarify one of the requests in the document she had given him.

"Perhaps you need Queen Amalas too." Isabella smirked. "Since she is Monterisso's ruler. Plus, I'm certian Duchess Riley would enjoy hearing something other than Prince Josip's darling ways."

Amalas kept her cool and did not rise to the bait. "I would be more than happy to." She winked at her cousin. "But Elisse was such a help to me as I drafted it that she knows it as well as I do."

"We will only be a moment." Liam promised, setting Elisse's hand in the bend of his arm.

Riley, Olivia, and Hana all shared a knowing look.

Regina noticed their exchange and cleared her throat.

"Would anyone care for more tea?"

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

Once they were out of earshot of the solarium, Elisse spoke up.

"What problem did you come across in the trade agreement?"

Liam's cheeks flushed. "Actually, I haven't seen any problem."

"Oh." She attempted to not let her imagination get away from her. "Then why did you take me away from the tea?"

Liam rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm not--that is--I" he chuckled softly while turning to face her. "I guess I simply wanted to see you."

Elisse doubted that anyone could be more adorable than Liam was in this moment.

She smiled and lowered her eyes. "Would it be too forward to say that I had hoped to causally bump into you while here for the tea party?"

"Definitely. Much too forward." He responded in a serious tone.

Her head jerked up and she saw the humor in his eyes.

She playfully pushed him away. "That certainly cured me of ever doing so again."

He laughed out loud, took her hand, and pulled her along with him.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"To my study to look over the documents."

"But I thought you said there wasn't a problem."

Liam opened the door for her. "There isn't. But one must have their alibis in order, m'lady."

"What am I to do with you?" She teased once he shut the door.

Liam allowed his heated gaze to settle on her. Her question sparked his imagination. There were several things he would love for her to do with him.

"Is this where you spend most of your day?" She asked, exploring his bookshelves.

"For the most part."

Her eyes cut over to him. His casual stance as he leaned against the door was one she was noticing happened whenever they were near one another. His image he maintained to the rest of the world was one of proper, ram rod posture. There was rarely any softening or relaxed muscles.

Except with me, she thought.

Still highly curious and a touch nervous, Elisse sat down on a small couch.

"The Queen Mother told us about the ball you're hosting. How are the preparations going?"

Liam shrugged on his way to sit near her. "They must be going well. No one has come to me with any problems yet."

She turned towards him. "Is it for a special reason?"

You mean other than wanting a night where I can easily steal you away?

Liam kept that response to himself. "I suppose it is. Now that Lady Riley has gotten over most of the morning sickness, we can host a ball in honor of the royal heir."

Elisse was unable to control her facial expression. "I see."

Liam's eyebrows drew together. He had noticed that same irritated expression appear whenever the viscountess heard that particular name. "Elisse, do you not care for Riley?"

Her lips parted, ready to admit how she truly felt about the one that had hurt him, only to close shut. She knew she needed to be more diplomatic for Amalas’s sake.

She turned away from him and shook her head. "She seems pleasant."

Elisse was surprised she didn't choke on that word.

"Pleasant?" Liam's lips began to curve.

"Yes." She pointedly looked out the window, knowing he was amused at her answer.

If I look at him, it will all be over, she thought. She had to fight to keep her smile from appearing as he slid closer to her.

"You find Lady Riley pleasant?" He propped his elbow on the back of the couch and rested his head on his hand. "I don't think I have ever heard such a mild compliment toward her before."

Elisse was unable to resist and turned back toward him. He quirked an eyebrow in silent question when she simply stared at his face.

All she could think about was how generous he had been. Allowing Riley to live here to be near Drake. Giving her a title and a castle. Hosting their wedding. Standing as best man. Fighting to save their lives with little regard to his own safety. And now to naming their child as his heir.

Kindness barely scratchs the surface, she thought.

"Elisse?"

"Hmm?"

"What are you thinking so hard about?"

Without pausing to consider if she would end up embarrassed by her answer, she said exactly what was on her mind.

"You."

Liam didn't think any other answer could possibly top that one.

He slid his hand over hers. "I think of you often."

"You do?"

"No." He grinned at her frown. "It is more than often. You are rarely if ever far from my mind."

Her warm smile returned. "I suppose I am the same way."

Liam drummed up the courage to ask her out. "Elisse, would you--"

"Liam, I wanted to--" Riley's eyes widened at the pair on the couch. "Sorry. Drake told me he had seen you come in here. I didn't know you were still reviewing..."she noticed there wasn't one scrap of paper between them, "trade documents."

"We cleared that matter up quickly." Liam kept a hold on Elisse's hand. "Is there anything you need, Riley?"

"Yes, um, the ball. What exactly did you have planned?"

"Is there anything other than dancing, drinks, and food that Cordonians do at balls?" Elisse teased.

Liam chuckled. "Other than taking a moment to obsess over our apples, not really."

Riley narrowed her eyes. Their little jokes and touches were more serious than she thought.

"I wanted to come in and offer my help, if needed." She muttered.

"Thank you, but everything is under control."

Riley hesitated a moment. "Liam, Drake and I were hoping to speak with you," she glanced at Elisse, "privately."

Liam sighed softly. "I'll join you and Drake in the west drawing room in a moment."

"Okay." She couldn't think of a reason to stick around and see what was going to happen between him and the viscountess.

Once she shut the door, Elisse focused on Liam. "I suppose I should find Amalas."

"Not yet, please." He lowered his eyss to her hand in his. "Lady Elisse," he cleared his throat, "I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me one night."

"Of course. I know we should to discuss the terms--"

"Not for work." He quickly interrupted. "I'm asking you for a date."

Elisse wondered if he could hear her heart pounding. "I would love to."

Liam released the breath he had been holding. "Then I will call you this evening and we will discuss the details."

She stood up, suddenly more nervous than she had been. "I look forward to it."

Liam lifted her hand to his lips. "So do I."

***********

"Drake, they were definitely not talking about trade deals." Riley paced back and forth. "He was holding her hand!"

"Take it easy." He placed his hands on her shoulders. "You know stress isn't good for you and the baby."

"What if Liam starts insisting that we sign an arranged marriage between our baby and Queen Amalas's son?" She cradled her small belly. "What will we do then?"

"We'll fix this." Drake reassured her. "Aren't you the one to point out how we always find a way to defeat those that come at us?"

She slowly nodded.

"Then don't worry." He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "We got this, Brooks."

The couple looked up when Liam came into the room.

“You wished to speak to me.” He sat down in one of the chairs.

“Liam,” Drake began, “what were you speaking to Elisse about?”

“We were discussing dinner plans this week.”

"Dinner plans? You have a date with Elisse?" Riley asked.

"Yes." Liam didn't bother to hide his smile. "We've had dinner and lunches together numerous times, but..." His voice held a hint of the true happiness he felt. "It has always been work related. I thought it was time for us to be together for no other reason than because we want to."

"But she's the Spy queen's cousin!" Riley exclaimed.

Liam quirked an eyebrow at her. "I know who her family members are."

Riley motioned to Drake to say something.

He cleared his throat. "Li, you know we only want to see you happy." He shifted under Liam's piercing gaze. "But we don't know if we can trust Amalas or anyone associated with her."

"I know I can." Liam's tone held a warning to not push him on this. "Elisse has never brought up the subject of your child marrying Amalas's son."

"She is probably waiting until you get more comfortable around her." Riley grumbled. "Seems like something a secret agent would do. Seduce the target into agreeing--"

Liam's hand slammed down on the end table next to him, causing the couple to jump in surprise.

"That's enough!" He snapped. His kingly authority reverberated within the formal drawing room. "I won't hear another word against Elisse." His blue eyes sparked with fury. "What proof do you have?"

"None." Riley stepped back from his glare. "Liam, you're so trusting that anyone can take advantage of your kindness."

"Yes," his soft tone scared them even more than his shouting. "I can see where you would both think that, given that I trusted you."

"Liam, what are you talking about?" Riley asked.

"I'm talking about the fact that nearly three years ago I trusted you with my heart." His eyes went from one to the other. "I laid it at your feet, Riley, and asked Drake to guard you while I tried to help uncover this conspiracy against you." He folded his arms. "If anyone shouldn't be trusted in this kingdom at the moment, it would be the two who betrayed me in the worst possible way."

Tear slipped down Riley's cheeks. "Liam, I...I thought you understood." She swallowed. "You stood there as Drake's best man at our wedding. You named our child your heir."

"Just because I understood, forgave you, and accepted it; that does not necessarily mean that I have forgotten." He replied. “I still trust you, but I have become more cautious in doing so.”

"Liam," Drake's voice cracked with regret. "I'm sorry. I had no idea you still felt--"

"I don't." Liam interrupted. "I haven't for a while now." His stance relaxed with his next words. “Since meeting Elisse, I have realized that I am able to move on from the past.”

He thought of the excitement he felt just in anticipating seeing her again. That desire to touch her. Finally feel what her lips against his. Seeing her smile. Holding her close.

He focused again on two people he still considered his best friends. "Regardless of what her cousin does, Elisse is innocent. She is the woman I intend on knowing on a personal level. You either support me in that and treat her with every bit of friendship and courtesy she deserves or you can return to Valtoria until you are able to do so."

With that, Liam left the couple with jaws dropped.

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

Pier at Cordonia’s Capital a few nights later...

"Elisse?" Liam called out when he finally reached The Semblance sailboat.

She popped up from the galley. "Liam?"

His smile formed when she came over.

She climbed up the side, held onto the various ropes, and leaned forward. "Ready to come aboard?"

"You know, I'm not exactly fond of boats." He admitted. "One too many bad experiences."

Her smile turned tender. "I know. That's why we aren't going sailing." She tilted her head to where she had a table set. "I just wanted a spot where I could have you to myself."

Liam grabbed the same ropes and pulled himself until he was face to face with her. His lips curved at her slight intake of breath. "I could be on board with that."

She rolled her eyes playfully while groaning. Gripping his blazer she tugged him onto the boat. "Only you are cute enough to get away with that awful pun."

"I try." He teased.

She slipped her arm around him. "I hope you like what I prepared." Her eyes darted around as if she was worried someone would overhear. "Felix has been trying his hardest to teach me how to cook."

"Elisse, you shouldn't have gone to so much trouble." Liam tucked her long dark hair over her shoulder. "Just having a moment with you away from court and our duties is enough for me."

"Liam," she slid her arms up his chest, "I have a confession."

He placed his hands on her waist. "Oh?"

"Years ago, Amalas began a file on you." Her eyes darted to his lips before lifting once more to his crystal clear blue eyes. "And I read it."

Liam grimaced. "It sounds like you're about to say something I'm not going to like."

Her tender smile caused him to pause in pulling away.

"On the contrary," she stepped closer to him, "everything I read, I liked." Her dark brown eyes held his. "That's why I hope you like everything I've done."

Unable to resist the temptation any longer, Liam captured her lips in a heated kiss.

Her fingers tangled in his hair as he continued the sweet exchange.

Their eyes met as they began to part, only for them both to rush forward in a more passionate kiss.

"Liam." She said in a breathless voice when his lips brushed her cheek. "I've been waiting on you to do that for months now."

He chuckled, cuddling her close. "You have no idea how often I wanted to shove everything off my desk and yank you on it."

Her eyes twinkled. "I might have had similar thoughts."

He thought his face was in danger of being set in a permanent goofy grin.

A breeze brought their attention back to the carefully set table.

"I don't want to let your dinner go to waste." He murmured, kissing her neck.

"It probably tasted horrible anyway." She smiled at hearing his laughter. "I would like to get a second date out of this. My dinner might have sent you running as far away from me as you can."

"It wouldn't." He pressed his forehead against hers. "I have no intention of running away from you, Elisse."

Her smile took his breath away. With a slight joyful squeal, she kissed him once more.

"Would you like to lay here and watch the stars appear?" She motioned toward another section of the boat she had piled with an air mattress, blankets, and pillows. A bucket with chilled champagne was on hand with two glasses.

"Love to." He let her go, watching as she retrieved some strawberries and set them nearby their pallet.

He popped the champagne and filled their glasses.

"What should we toast to?" He asked.

"To the longest waited first date ever." She tapped her glass against his. "And how happy I am to finally be here with you."

Liam held her gaze as he downed his glass. He set it to the side and pulled her back in his arms. "Nowhere near as happy as I am."

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

A few ships over, Olivia lowered her binoculars. 

“The date seems to be going well.” She whispered.

“Do you think she can be trusted?” Hana asked. 

“There’s only one way to know for sure.” Olivia passed the binoculars to her accomplice. “We need to dig up all we can on the viscountess and queen from Monterisso as well as everything I can on Auvernal’s monarchs.”

“If Liam falls in love with her,” Hana took a deep breath, “it will hurt him horribly if we discover she is using him.”

“He’s already been through so much.” Olivia murmured. “I don’t want to be the one to deliver news like that to him.”

“But we promised Riley we would investigate Elisse.” Hana shifted. “Do you think she is wrong about suspecting her?”

“I--” For the first time, Olivia doubted they needed to spy on Elisse. “I honestly don’t know.” 

[csmicwarrior]

　" ... " He can't say he's completely happy about this development, but his features quickly go from faintly sour to a big smile right as he approaches the other and places a hand on her shoulder.

　"I see... so you decided to join us at last? What made you change your mind, I wonder...?" He tilts his head, now half of a grin curling on his face. "How about I take you under my wing, hm? I'll send a formal letter to the Tsaritsa and all! I'd love to work along with my adorable comrade personally~" He circled his arm over her shoulder, and pulled her closer affectionately. Like hell he was letting her wander to the other Harbingers' clutches. They were infinitely shadier, crueler, and more manipulative for sure. He'd rather keep her in sight, make sure she didn't cross that line.

　"So? Miss Lumine, do you accept working with me as your nice and pretty and super strong boss? We can later on join forces and conquer the world together, as I promised!"

fatui!lumine ( open )

So, it's come to this, has it? She couldn't believe it. Her brows drew together as she stared at her open hands. As her fingers curled, she clutched her hand to her throat, eyes clenched tight. Images of Aether popped in her head. She re-called how their reunion had went. She didn't ... She didn't understand why he was doing what he was doing. And she knew ... She knew she may never find out, not like this. Not with the limited resources she had.

Truthfully, she didn't think it'd be this ... Easy to join the Fatui. Though, she supposed, her reputation throughout both Mondstadt and Liyue had put her in good standing. Even the grunts recognized her. Viktor, from Mondstadt, had made comments about how she should join them.

She never thought that she would, however. But, this was for her brother. Everything she did was for her brother. She did not—she did not care what it took. How many people she disappointed. Betrayed. It did not matter how much it was killing her inside that she had to stoop to such lengths.

Hearing a voice, one she was too familiar with. Lowering her hand, she looked to him, and a tight smile touched her lips. It did not quite reach her eyes, like they usually do, and a shaky laugh escapes her. Pull yourself together, Lumine, she scolded herself, you made your choice, so stick with it.

" Well, " she began with an absent-minded shrug of her shoulders, " I've been told I'd be perfect for the Fatui by a few now, so I figured ... What do I have to lose? " She hates the truth and weight of her words, but she was honest at the very, very least. As his arm comes around her, she shrinks into him, trying to become smaller than she already is. Doubt and lack of confidence was not a good look on her. It was really unbecoming.

Is Childe disappointed in her as much as she was. she wondered. He seemed happy about it, more or less, but she knew better than to take him for face value. He was an expert at hiding his emotions and thoughts, after all. But this was not the place for that. To expose him and his thoughts of this sudden, drastic turn of events.

" Me, work under you? " She spoke out, sounding a little more like herself now, though let it not be forgotten that she was just as good at masking her feelings and emotions. She's had only about 1,300 years worth of practice on it, after all. " You'd like that, wouldn't you? " She elbowed him playfully, grinning wide at him.

But then, her lids lowered to a half-mast over her amber gaze. " Though, actually, " she murmured out, tilting her head a bit to look up at him more properly, " I'd actually like that ... Young Lord Tartaglia. " She wrinkled her nose at that, however, rolling her eyes with a snort; don't get used to that, Childe. You may be her superior now, but ... It'd feel weird. Wrong. And she didn't ... She didn't want to lose what they've already established between them over this. :et her keep at least this, while she still can.

" You're the only one I can trust here, after all ... — "

[ayanacam]

Stand Still

:03

Four Months Ago...

August 6th, 2022

"Alright class, let's bring our legs into a bent position and begin to do our quick breaths." Instructor Carson Bengali spoke happily.

Dallas held up Christen's legs, her stomach rounded more than ever at the fifth month mark. Dallas smiled as Christen huffed at her discomfort, Christen restless than ever since she couldn't lay on her stomach anymore. Her ankles were starting swell and her hormones were everywhere. She wasn't allowed to work, according to him, afraid of not being somewhere he knew nothing weird could happen without his supervision.

"Are you okay?" Dallas whispered into her hair.

"I'm going to be when I give birth to your daughter. She keeps moving and it's annoying." She answered with annoyance.

Dallas chuckled into her ear, "Well I think you look sexier than ever."

Christen could feel the heat in her body travel up her neck and into the chubbiness of her cheeks. Lately she had been horny as ever and nothing could satisfy her, even countless hours mounted on her husband. They would spend weekends simply trying to satisfy her craving for him.

"Alright class let's begin." Carson clapped.

Quick breaths exercise ensued and Dallas had even joined in along with the other soon to be fathers. Christen looked around, other partners around the room, laid out on a variation of colored mats. Other wives looked as uncomfortable as she felt, the prospect of having her vagina on technical display a little awkward. Christen began to focus on Carson, her breaths following the rhythm she was pacing out for everyone in the class.

"Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha," Carson brought her arms up and down, "Partners make sure your wives are getting enough air into their diaphragm. Don't let them short themselves because of the tempo."

Multiple significant others brought themselves around watching their girls, making sure they were acquainted with everything.

"Are you okay baby?" Dallas smiled.

She nodded, her breaths on a consistent pace. Her throat was burning with the quickened pace of breathing but she was doing this to make sure she could get through the birth of their little girl.

Dallas held his wife's legs up as she breathed, a warm sensation rushing throughout his body. He was undeniably excited, so ready for what was to come. He had been wanting a child for what had felt like years, but he wasn't so sure he'd get them, that is until now.

"Alright class, five more seconds and then we're done!" Carson announced.

Present Day 

January 17th, 2023

The class had ended that day on such a happy note from what Christen could remember. They had gone to lunch and enjoyed their simplistic meals before heading over to the park and walking for a few minutes so she could get her exercise of the day in. It seemed like so long ago but if she thought about it, it was only weeks; sixteen weeks to be exact.

"Christen?" Andrew's voice abruptly brought her to the car.

The windows were frosted, tinted over in a clear dust in just the few minutes that the car had been sitting in the parking lot. The engine had been cut off for a minute or two, but that didn't stop North Carolina's winter frost from creeping over the two of them.

"Yeah?" Her voice thick, almost like she had swallowed a glob of peanut butter.

"Are you okay? Do you need to talk?"

She shook her head, her eyes focused on the small parking lot of the police station. She could slightly remember the night her and her late husband had gotten caught for streaking on the small town's river that one night, but that was years ago and the man she knew then was nothing like the man she had realized he had been during his years on this earth with her.

"I just need to know," she spoke suddenly. "Did you know?"

"Know what?"

"About what he was doing? Did you know...about the other..woman?" She choked.

Andrew's heart broke. Andrew hadn't known, but he might've been thrown signs that hadn't clearly stood out to him. His head shook, his eyes watching her every move in case of a small breakdown.

"Why didn't I see the signs?" She questioned herself softly.

It was all starting to make sense. The business trips and how secretive he was about the bank accounts. They were always separate; she had hers and he had his. Nothing was ever joint in the making of their marriage, except their license. Her mind was racing, searching for all of the times something could fit into this catastrophic puzzle of events. This was her life, this wasn't a scenario that someone could make up.

"Christen, you had nothing to do with him and his ways." Andrew testified, he refused to see this woman beat herself up over a man that wasn't a good one to stay faithful and honest.

"And what if I did?" Christen's voice was even thicker, something Andrew couldn't tolerate.

Tears dropped heavily across her cheeks, staining and drying streaks on the way down. Her face was dry and cracked, lack of moisturization and hydration playing into her state of madness. Her curls strewn across her face as she tried to hide from the cameras and the pitiful stares of the hometown people. Everyone knew, everyone. There wasn't a soul in this world that didn't know, at least in Christen's eyes.

"Christen you can't blame yourself for his mistakes and secrets. He isn't worth it. He was never worth it." Andrew started the car. 

She nodded, not truly taking in his words but instead disbelieving.

Christen's thoughts were everywhere and no where. Her body still being in a state of shock, hearing information she didn't quite believe. She had thought something else for the last few years of her life, her trust never failing against Dallas. Her perception of him was completely altered now, something she could never get back. 

"I want to meet her." she whispered as Andrew slipped onto the road and continued straight. 

Andrew's face pulled into one of shock. His emotions were way less worse than what Christen must have been feeling but even he knew it was probably a bad idea to meet the woman, whom carried Dallas's "bastard" children in a way, so soon after the incident. He knew Christen would be even more broken if she was given more truth on top of her dwindling mental state. That trip could lead her straight into a mental hospital, that he positively knew. 

"Why?" Andrew spoke after a few more moments of silence. 

"She's hurting too Andrew," Christen explained quietly. "She has kids with Dallas, at one point living a picture perfect life or somewhat. He wasn't there. I don't know what Dallas had set up for her."  she choked, thinking this woman was just as set as she was. That Dallas had everything taken care of in case something did happen with his shady past. "I also need to be in touch for the insurance policy since he's gone. He didn't have a will, so everything is rightfully mine. She deserves support too." 

Always the person to have a big heart even when she was broken. Andrew was in full disbelief in what Christen had presented. She was going through turmoil, a destructive and disastrous one, yet she wasn't even thinking of herself. Her husband and her daughter were both brutally murdered, her the only survivor to the madness. She had also been hurt, her ribs and face busted. 

"If that's what you want." 

Christen simply nodded. She couldn't find the words to say what she really wanted to say. That she was hurt, obliterated, and exhausted. She didn't want to admit that she felt like disappearing. She, at this point, could care less about Dallas. Her anger shining through subtly. Her own daughter was taken away due to his careless mess. She wanted her daughter more than ever. 

"When would you want to go?" 

"As soon as possible, preferably." Her voice sounded. 

She sounded far away, her ears still disheveled after being hit on the side of her head. 

Andrew nodded, "I'll get her information and I'll let you know." 

The car pulled into the motel parking lot. Andrew hadn't wanted to take her to the house. The crime scene was still commenced and blood was everywhere. He had been their as soon as he was called to be Christen's lawyer. He had to know what he was dealing with. Seeing his best friend's body was one for the books. Eyes were wide open while blood, that had dried over the last twenty-four hours, sat around the entirety of his body. His face was as white as a ghost, blood drained. His body was upright, and spread eagle across the foyer floor. They suspected that was Dallas's demise, being thrown off the balcony from upstairs. 

The rest of the house was covered in blood spatters and broken memories. Pictures, with their broken frames, covered the stairs and upstairs. The nursery bed was broken, luckily Angela hadn't passed that way. Didn't mean that it hadn't been a painful death, but Andrew knew he wouldn't be able to deal if he had seen his god daughter smashed by the bed. Her small body would've been crushed, splattering everywhere in vicinity. She had passed after being suffocated in her car seat, patiently waiting for her mother that had almost saved her. 

What Christen didn't know was that there was camera footage of the whole incident, there security cameras working faithfully. They had them installed after Angela was born so that they would always know she was safe. Andrew had seen everything. 

His stomach becoming queasy, he opened the car door and puked. Christen immediately jumping to his aid while his arms forced her back. Tears streamed his face as he let the contents of his stomach go. 

Eventually it had subsided, Christen standing to the right of his door. She wanted to reach out and console him. She knew this situation had taken a toll on him just as it did her. 

"It's not your fault." Her voice broke. 

Andrew shook his head, his breathing even but tears trailing down his cheeks. 

"I should've protected you Christen. That was my promise. Ever since that night, I tried to keep it. I'm so sorry." Andrew admitted through broken syllables. 

Christen shook her head, here was not the place to discuss the night she realized her feelings for Andrew. That maybe she had chosen the wrong man to spend the rest of her life with. 

"You couldn't have known. It's not your fault Andrew." She whispered through her erratic heart beating. 

She pulled his arm, dragging him around his mess and pulling him to the side. 

They hugged while he leaned against the car for support. His head buried in her hair, she smelled of anesthetic and disinfectant. Somehow calming and disorienting in the least, but that was the least of his worries. His heart was beginning to calm down slightly, his breathing returning to normal. 

"Come on." He spoke softly. He tapped her shoulders and spun her around to lead her to the room. It was nice, two beds with a full access bathroom and windows. He kept the curtains closed in case of cameras sneaking pictures to incriminate Christen. 

"How long do we have here?" Christen questioned. 

"As long as you're comfortable to stay here. I didn't know if you wanted to start looking for apartments." 

She nodded, sitting on the bed. 

"Can I sleep?" Christen wanted nothing more than to do just that. She wanted to sleep the rest of her life away so that she no longer had to deal with the emotional repercussions of this situation. 

"Of course." 

She pulled the bed sheets back and slipped in, still wearing everything but her shoes that she had discarded at the front door. 

Her eyes shut and soon enough, as Andrew peaked at her a few moments later, she was fast asleep.