#i love my riley i wish i could talk shit like her in the actual book

[marvelsfavoriteuncle]

🎅🏼JJ Claus, JJ Claus, Swinging Thru Midtown ~ 🎶

Summary: Basically JJ is Santa hehe answering questions from the letter he’s been sent and being a bit questionable idk haha 🤷🏻‍♀️

Honorable mentions: Tooth Fairy 🧚🏼‍♀️ (Liane), Jack Frost ☃️ (Ji-Hoon), Sandman ⏳(Ethan), Mrs. Claus 🤶🏻(Liz) and his elves

Note: With a few other names popping up 😉 here and there!!

~~

Santa appears in his chair and smiles. He picks up the first letter and reads.

“Oh this one is from Sid. It reads, ‘Yo Santa! Why don’t you ever come to my house? I’ve been nice all year, stupid.’…” JJ read and gave a deadpan look at the camera. “That’s why, kiddo. Every time I gave you a toy you blow it up and destroy them with such cruelty. Change your attitude, then let’s talk. And be nice to your sister, that’s all I ask. Jeez…kids these days.”

He takes his head and reads the next one, “Aw this one is from Georgia Romanoff. It reads, ‘Oh my gosh Santa hi! Can I get a toy sword for Christmas? My brother wants more books for his collection, magical fantasy books. Please! Oh! Are your elves real or fake? Ohhh! Are you friends with the tooth fairy too?’ Aw, sure kiddo I can do definitely do that. As for my Elves, they definitely real. Actually they’re basically like my spies on the inside and report back to me. And yeah, I’m friends with the other guys.”

~~~

~~~~~

Tooth fairy flies around playing with the stuffed animals and squeals, “Ah! These are so adorable. I only give out money to kids, not toys. JJ can we trade?”

Ji-Hoon Frost rolls his eyes playing with a ball of snow, “That’s not how it works, Lia. You give out cash, and Jolly JJ gives out presents while working one night a year. Don’t you just work almost every week and collect memories of the children, to remind them of their childhood experiences when needed?”

“Yeah, I mean my job is special! No one can fly faster than a buzzing bee than me and do it without anyone noticing.”

“Pff, I notice…”

“Shut up! All you do is throw snowballs and whatever!”

“I bring a little fun to the children. Ever heard of a snow day?”

Liane grumbled frustrated, “See! I wanna bring fun to kids as well, I wanna gift them toys! But your idiotic logic doesn’t let me!” Without a second later, her temper flared up and she burst the stuffed animal as its face began to rise in flames. “Oops.”

JJ opened his mouth to say something but before he could say anything, Ji-Hoon winked and with a flick of his wrist froze the entire stuffed animal before it can get out of hand.

“That’s why you don’t bring toys to children.” Ji Hoon remarked smirking, “Right, JJ?”

He just nodded chuckling, “Yeah. But you’re both amazing at your roles, remember that.”

~~~~

~~~~~~~

JJ sat up in his chair remembering that time chuckling, “I love those guys. Even if my elves might get a bit intimidated by them, but it’s all good fun. Tooth has a fire but it’s amazing, because it’s means she doesn’t always stop when she’s down and keeps going. Ji is our trusted friend here, creating a chill atmosphere and keeping everyone in check at the same time.”

He picks up another letter and reads it, “Aw, it says ‘Dear Santa, my name is Astrid. I want a pet cat for Christmas and new journals, please and thank you. I am curious, do you have help with your Christmas Eve night? Like your elves?’ Aw, thank you sweetheart. I’ll see what I can do about your wish this year. As for your question, I do have some help from an old pal…”

~~~

Santa sneaks into the house with Ethan, also known as Sandman, wanting to make sure no one was awake as he pulled out the presents from the stack. A woman with short hair, named Luna, was asleep on the couch. Ethan helped him with a soft smile excitedly as he hoped Riley, Bella and the other kids loved the toys. The living room tree was lit brightly and shiny with all the colors ornaments.

“This is gonna be amazing!” He whispered yelled grinning then his eyes widened at the dog staring at him. He gulped, “Shit..”

“Ethan what’s wrong…?” JJ started as his words faded away seeing the large dog, blinking, “…oh.”

“Uh…wh-what do we have to do.? He is very big and fluffy and uh…mad!”

“Get him to fall asleep…”

It was like the light bulb went off as he remembered his power set. He waved his fingers throwing dusty golden glowing sand at the large dogs face—well, he was more like a wolf—as he gave a loopy dreamy smile. Images of the galaxy danced above his head as he flopped onto the floor happily, asleep and snoring.

Ethan threw the throw blanket over his shoulder chuckling softly, “Aw, he’s so adorable now that he’s asleep.”

JJ pulled out a present with a name on it and looked at the wolf. He chuckled, “So that’s Rick.”

~~~~

~~~~~~

Santa smiled fondly at the memory and sighed softly.

“Yeah, Ethan’s a kind soul and very respectful figure. I couldn’t ask for better than him and our friends.” He added generously, “He keeps the good dreams alive and the bad ones away. Tooth is lucky to have him, they make quite a pair. They both agree that the whole leaving out cookies for Santa shouldn’t be made, I need a bigger snack than just two cookies. Maybe chicken wings or something? Oh! Chips and guacamole?”

JJ then adds, “I also have my reindeer that accompanies me…”

~~~~

~~~~~~

Santa trying to see in the clouds and realize he is moving so freaking slow.

“Rudolph! I see nothing!” He yelled out.

Rudolph, who was a bit older now, sass him, “Who care Santa? I don’t think my nose is bright enough.”

“You better hope it’s bright enough, when I call your father to whoop your behind!”

“You’re killing my vibe, man…”

“Rudolfo, shut up or I’ll throw you in the back with Cupid.”

Later on that night…🕰️

They was going well, presents were being delivered with the help from, Ethan, Sandman and Mother Time, Petra, before they headed off to the North Pole to celebrate the holiday. But they were big help!

Especially with Petra being able to stop time along the route to bigger destinations and allow them more access to get the job done—without rushing against the clock.

So that just left Santa, JJ was flying calmly, on the phone with Mrs. Claus about family dinner and who’s coming over. Then he noticed all the reindeer blabbering and hushing one another.

“I’ll have to call you back honey…” He said hang up the phone and turned to his reindeer and smiled. “Okay, what’s the chitchatting about guys?”

All the reindeer spoke under their breath and the words didn’t come out right away.

“Dasher.” He said calmly. “Care to tell me, what happened?”

Dasher huffed knowingly, at being the most loyal and honest reindeer as he said, “Rudolph is talking about you again…”

Blitzen added, “Yup sir, he’s being ridiculous and clearly hasn’t done this job long..”

JJ rolled his eyes and sometimes wished he could call one of ghosts of Christmas, Cole, to set Rudolph straight.

JJ sighed, “Buddy, what did you say?”

Rudolph grumbled, “Just that you need to be more tactful when entering people’s home.”

JJ blinked and scoffed with a deadpan expression. He has done this long enough and is pretty sure that his methods are working.

“I must be getting old and foolish with age, but Rudolph, reminds me.” JJ remarked with a hint of sass, “Do you still get bullied by the other reindeer?”

“Well, sometimes, yeah-” Rudolph replied shrugging as he flies.

“Good.”

~~~~

~~~~~~~

“Yeah, so, Rudolph is grounded for the rest of the week and won’t be flying around the base for a while…” JJ replied biting down on a cookie.

He glance down at the other laters deciding to read them later and smile softly looking around the room. He watched the folks stumble across the room and the sound of people talking in the distance.

He looks up at the camera once more.

“Allow me to let you in on a little secret folks.” JJ said chuckling, “As much as everyone thinks that I’m the top dog here at the North Pole, it’s really Mrs. Claus.”

“Yeah, sure I do the trip every year, answer the letters and get things sorted out.” He explained softly. “But in reality? Oh my goodness, she’s the real boss! She makes sure things are in order, everyone knows what their role is and so much more. And don’t mess with her. Last person to mess with Elizabeth got a candy cane, where the sun don’t shine…”

He winked at the camera.

JJ chuckled and shrugged, “Anyways, yeah. That’s all the time I have for you guys today. I’ll be reading more later on. Bye!”

With the camera shut off.

~~~~

~~~~~~~

Ahhh this was fun to make hehe tell me what you think?? 💭

We both JJ might even say how these kids nowadays only want iPad Air and no ACTUAL toys 😆 he will roll his eyes.

BTW! I HAD a whole other idea in mind for the questions and JJ responses but I didn’t know if they would be funny or nice to write 🤷🏻‍♀️ heheh

Tags: @ask-starrk @missstrawbs2001 1 @purpleprincessonfyre @wizzzardofoz z @thechoooooosenone @rickb-chaos @luna-d-marsh h h @marvelsfavoriteuncle @elzabeth-stark @sci-fi-lexcon n @jackiequick @blueboirick @gcthvile @aidanxsophxoxo @meiramel l @trulysummersprivate

[stitched-mouth]

TALK TO ME SPOILERS

Just watched Talk To Me, loved it. First horror movie in a while that actually scared me, that being said though it was VERY predictable.

And I don’t think it needs a sequel. Like a sequel would just be telling the exact same story with different characters, not interesting. If they could make a story continuing from Mia’s perspective as a ghost I’d love it though. But that’s a nearly impossible story to write.

Also one specific thing that I loved about this movie is how using the hand and temporarily connecting to spirits is framed like drug use. It’s the new drug teens use at parties and get hooked on and I just kinda loved that connection. Although I do see some people hating it as it is very cringy to see teens using drugs at party in movies but I think it was handed very well here.

And how the end references the beginning with the dying kangaroo. Mia is heavily encouraged to put the kangaroo out of it’s misery but opts not to, and kinda cruelly leaves it dying on the side of the road. But when she is encouraged to put her close friend out of their misery, she goes for it and things end badly for her. I strongly think she did actually try to kill Riley but had no control of her body anymore and when she throw Riley onto the road, she actually threw herself. Not her opting to throw herself after being unable to kill her close friend. She didn’t chicken out this time and it ended badly for her. It makes me think the writers have an issue with putting people and animals out of their misery, especially since Riley survives this and makes a full recovery. It’s like the writers are saying even if someone is on death’s doorstep they can still very much so recover and if you try to or actually put someone out of their misery, karma will get you. I don’t really believe in this message but I like that they had a message in there that explained the dying kangaroo in the beginning.

And I loved the bad ending. I want to see more protagonists end up as ghosts in the end. I don’t know why, it’s just a cool uncommon concept. That being said, I did feel very extremely bad for Mia and kinda wished she had a better ending.

Maybe this is a controversial opinion, but I hated Jade. She turns her back on Mia so quickly and never seemed like a good friend anyway. Also she treats her brother like shit. Like girl he’s 15, if you’re going to do ‘drugs’ in front of him you don’t get to act surprised if he asked to join in. And you can’t physically stop him, like he’s 15 and I know you started doing that shit at his age. Also how she just stood by looking all sad when her boyfriend was being humiliated. No wonder why he hates you touching him. Why did the writers make Jade so unlikeable?

Also Sue, I think she was straight up abusing and neglecting those kids. Mia seemed like she was parenting both Jade and Riley in the beginning of the movie; until she started playing with ghosts and Sue has the audacity to blame Mia. Like she wasn’t the hired babysitter, she is a teenager and your daughter’s best friend why are you leaving her to parent your kids?? And acting like she’s responsible when one gets hurt?? Like Sue can be mad at Mia was partying with her kids when she made it clear she didn’t want a party but she should be mad at all the teens for being irresponsible. Not solely mad at Mia as if it was her job to keep her kids out of trouble.

Wish Max had more screen time, cause his character made NO sense. But I was real sad when he got stabbed. Like he was running to help his daughter, found her in the same way he found his wife when she died and then she stabbed him 😭😭😭😭😭 I almost started crying in the cinema. He also looked a lot like my own Dad, who I have a complicated relationship with, so his and Mia’s relationship felt so similar to me and my Dad and it hurt

I was simping for Hayley for a lot of the movie. And I’m once again questioning my sexuality thanks to them. I’m hoping to see Zoe Terakes in a lot more movies, I’ve heard they are already well known in Australia but this was my first time seeing them so again I hope to see them again. I’m really disappointed the whole movie was ban in Kuwait just because the actor is gender non conforming. We still have transphobia in 2023? Wow.

(Credit to @louxkate for the gif)

edit: just found out I’m not the only one simping for Hayley’s actor, Zoe Terakes, which makes me feel better about not understanding my sexuality.

gonna go see this movie a second time now.

[queenmiarys]

Please excuse any errors or mistakes and I want to say thank you to whom all reads. Happy Sunday everyone.

Through  Hell and back

Trr none royal

Pairing: Olivia x Anton

Chapter summary: it's Juliana's birthday and Olivia cut loose and has some fun but confused about Anton's reaction after the party.

Warning: mentions of attempted rape, being tipsy and light profanity.

All characters belong to pixelberry I just borrowed them for my stories.

Word count 1,928

Song inspiration:

Part 2 Green eyed monster

It was Sunday afternoon. Olivia turned over and grabbed her phone, it was now 2pm. " Oh shit Liam."

She dialed his number."I'm so sorry but on the way?"

    

"Liv, we talked with Kiki earlier and she explained your date went over, so I understand I told her to let you sleep, besides you are coming to Juliana party tonight right? 

"Sure I'll be there."

Are you bringing this new guy along?" 

"I don't think so."

"Really you should invite him."

When Olivia arrived at the party, everyone was having a good time. "There you are, Max said, slurring his words." So we don't get to meet this new guy?" Kiki said that he was hot,  but I bet not hotter than me." He laughed, I could already tell he was tipsy. . 

"Babe, come with me so you can cool down some." A wicked grain from Juliana all it took and he followed her upstairs.

—------

Liam and Mia had walked over to Olivia.

"My love, would you mind if I spoke to Olivia for a moment?" Liam said to his girlfriend 

"You know I don't mind, baby." 

Once they made it outside." So you really like this guy Anton?"

"He's okay, but honestly I really don't know him well. We just went on one date."

"Have you talked with Drake at all?"

"No not at all, it's been over a year since we spoke."

"Here's the thing, remember Riley?"

l

"You mean his girlfriend??"

"Yeah her."

 

"Would you just get to the point already?"

"He asked her to marry him last week." 

"Why would you be afraid to tell me this?"

"Well No one really knows how serious the two of you were, but  I knew you both loved each other and despite him meeting this Riley girl you'll always be his first love and the same for you."

"Liam it doesn't mean anything." She couldn't stop the tears from falling.Liam just held her without saying a word for a few minutes. 

"I'm here for you, we can talk about it if you want or not."

"Did you know he was my first?"

"I figured as much, you were so  very young."

"Come on, you guys are only 2 years older than me."

"True, but you know how Drake is, you know he went against his own rules and took a chance with you only being 16, I remember right before you got together you two were always at each other's throats, I remember when he confused he had feelings for you and wanted to come forth, he thought you hated him, you know I encouraged him to just talk to you and treat you better."

.

" Thank you for that, um We should go back in before they come looking for us." She said to change the subject and to keep from reliving the past, besides he's engaged now. 

"Yeah I suppose so, so when do I meet this Anton guy?" Oh look at that smile you really like him huh?"

"He seems alright." 

They returned to the party. "Come on people let's dance the night away a very drunken Bertrand yelled out, Maxwell re entered the party with a change of clothes on, Bertrand and Maxwell broke into dancing to,  it actually look like Max had taught his brother some moves, what was impressive was that Bertrand was so drunk he threw off his shirt, and throw it over his head to Penelope who caught it and was super excited, Bertrand winked at her, until he saw Savannah walk up behind her. 

—--------------- 

Drake called Juliana on FaceTime. " Hi Drake oh hi you must be Riley?" 

She smiled. "Yes, nice to meet you."

"Same here he's told me so much about you

"Excuse me, but I called to wish you Happy birthday kid, I really wish we could've been there."

"I totally understand." She said giggling. Some things never change. Drake will always be himself, she thought.

Olivia was walking past, Juliana was talking and she heard Drake voice but also another female, she peeped in to see a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes,  her heart sunk in her chest, it's been over a long time she thought who could blame him for moving on it had been 2 years she was brought from her thoughts when she heard Juliana speaking again

"Look guys, I hate to cut things short, but I need to get back to my party."

Okay Juliana talk later."

—-----------

"So that's Maxwell's wife?" She's beautiful." 

"So are you, Brooks, and yes I was certainly surprised when Beaumont got married, he was pretty wild back in the day." 

"I've only met Liam in person, and your sister, I would like to meet everyone else, and that video call doesn't count."

"One day you will, Liam has invited you to his wedding, you know I'm the best man so I would be going down early.

" Just how early?" 

"I need to go a week in advance." 

"I can't let them have you for a week." She teased pulling his 6"3  frame down to her 5"4 and kissed him."I love you Mr Walker."

"I love you too."

He couldn't help but to think of Olivia and the way she used to do the same, only Olivia stood 5" nothing. He closed his eyes and shook his head. 

"Baby I need to take a walk, just to clear my head." 

"Okay baby, don't be too late." 

He walked to a nearby park.

" Liv, stop, why do you act like you hate me so much?" 

"Drake please just go."  " I didn't ask you to be my knight and shining armor."

"Look at me, did Jason, just try to hurt you?" She started to cry. That was all the confirmation he needed. "That son of a b**** , "Beaumont, can you sit with Liv till I return?"

"Go ahead, I won't leave her." 

Once Drake made it inside  Jason was standing surrounded by several  females. "Just who I was looking for, I'll  teach you to never touch a lady when she says no." 

Drake punched him and he fell to the ground,  Drake continued to punch him. Until Liam jumped in front of him,  pleading with him to stop. 

"Drake you're going to kill him, come on go with me and get some air."

They got outside." What the hell happened?" 

"That sob tried to rape her, she's a mess, Liam you know how I feel about her."

Once he returned home Riley questioned him going home "Oh, so you want to go without me?"

"Brooks, it's my best friend's wedding. I can't miss that."

He pulled her over to him, and gently kissed her neck." 

"Come on, let's  go take a shower, we will meet up with your mom in a few hours.

"We can just get ready then."

Brooks, I love you, but you take forever to get ready for like 2 to 3 hours and on top of it all, you hate waking up it takes you 30 minutes to wake fully up." 

"Let's pick something to wear,  and take our shower together."

4 hours later. 

"Brooks,  get up  it's been 30 minutes, it's 9:30 we are supposed to meet your vmom in an hour. " 

"I'm up." Drake was just staring ." Don't worry it's going up in a messy bun, it's only mom."

__________________

Olivia work up to her phone Vibrating, she and Juliana, joined by Kiara and Penelope all fell asleep while watching a movie, everyone was drunk except Mia 

"Hello?" She answered. "Oh Anton, how are you?"

"I'm good, so did you have fun last night?"

"It was okay, wish you could've come, me and most of the girls ended up watching a movie falling asleep."

"So you are still there?"  A hint of jealousy came into his voice. But he quickly changed his tone

"Yes I am, 

"I have to go, talk later." He quickly hung up the phone in her face. 

She stood there in shock for a moment. "Is everything okay?" Mia asked whom Olivia didn't know was in the room.

"Yes it's fine, I got to get to work." 

"Me and Liam both too, it's a good thing I own my own business." Today I'll do 12 till 8.

"There you are my love." Liam gave her a kiss and handed her some money. Remember no ATM use, remember off limits."

She let out a sigh. "Okay I promise. "

"Gotta go." he gave her one more kiss

"What's this you not getting money from the atm?" You have new shoes and a new handbag? Olivia said, rolling her eyes. 

"It's the reason Liam went all crazy on me, and he's been very strict on what I spend, I mean the man puts my bank account to shame. He's only 22, he gave me 20 bucks and said that should be enough for lunch." 

"He's always saved up, but he's also indulged in his lavish gifts as well. "

"He's just showing me how to save and what I should invest in, well I must be going now."

Everyone rushed off to work.

—-----------------

Two weeks later,  Anton had come over for dinner. Olivia wasn't the greatest cook, but her mom taught her a few Pasta dishes and how to make the sauce to go with them. "It smells wonderful in here, I didn't know you could cook."

"Well not really,  these few dishes I know were passed down from my mom, I used to help her a lot." 

There was a knock on the door. "Ki did you forget your keys?" She said as he opened the door revealing her father and brother standing there. "Father, Joel

"We just came to see, would you like to go get a bite with us?".

 

"While father I have company, and I cooked

"You cooked as in food?"

"stop it, of course I cooked food silly .

"you must really like this new guy?" Can we meet him

"Sure brother, come in." She opened the door and they all went into the dining room and introduced them, her father knew who Anton was already

"Anton this is my father Lionel and my brother Joel

"Nice to meet you." They both said in union.

They sat and talked for a while, but it was just something that Joel didn't like about his sister new man.

"Sis I hate to run but I got some stuff to handle."her brother said as he stood up to leave.

She hugged her brother and walked him out.

"So what do you think brother?" 

"I honestly don't know yet sis, I mean so far I don't like him, he just has a negative vibe and until then I can't say what it is but I don't like this guy sis."

"You don't like anyone I date so what else is new?" Are you dating anyone ?"

"I was just hooking up with this guy named Kevin." 

"So no one special?"

Maybe when I'm old enough, 27 is still young and beside no one looking for me to marry or have a child, since I don't swing for the right team, as aunt Lucinda always tells me how it's a sin to date men and all."

"You can't listen to her, she is so wrapped up in us but doesn't see that Amber is Bi and Casey may be as well, it'll serve her right for looking down on people." 

"Thanks you're the best little sister."

"I'm your only sister." She said with a big smile..

"Let me get back to Anton." She hugged him and went back inside.

Anton sat in the dining room talking to her father but watching the scene out the window. 

"Dinner was delicious, but I must be going." He hid how angry he was that her dad and brother crashed their date.

@kingliam2019 @choicesficwriterscreations @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @kaitycole @karahalloway

@honey358luv @harleybeaumont @kingliam-rys @tessa-liam @bebepac @dcbbw @mom2000aggie

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[mothmans-wedding-photographer]

Mothman's Buffy rewatch: Season 4, episodes 1, 2, and 3, "The Freshman", "Living Conditions", and "The Harsh Light of Day"

The Freshman

"Do you have to be nowned first?"

Ok if she's renowned and living in Sunnydale she's probably evil

The fucking vampire in the background

He's like aw shit this is the slayer

Why aren't they rooming together? Is it too expensive to like request who you want to be with?

Girl why are you saying it like that

Nice library

"This store discriminates against short people"

RILEY?????

"I'm sorry I've forgotten my manners in all the concussion"

Is the roommate evil? I think she is idk I don't remember it that well

Girl you're already unpacking on the left side

CELINE DION WAIT MY PARENTS WERE LITERALLY JUST TALKING ABOUT HER what a coincidence

Damn okay

The evil bitch monster of death I'm crying

It's PEDRO PASCAL

What was the book about then?

Mr. Pointy mentioned!!

Pedro gets vamped

Is this Gloria or whatever her name is

Ok this girl is an icon actually

Oh that's awkward

"Because you're very very old, and it's gross" real

Giles do your job!! Oh wait he got fired

Idk maybe he could have warned her he wasn't going to do as much

Bro did not last long as a vampire

Monster sarcasm rally describes a lot of these fights

Shit her arm

See I couldn't take my chances getting a dorm in college because what if my roommate snores

Girl she filled her room with crates 😭😭

Can't even sleep in her own bed :(

How did her arm heal faster than the bruise on her face

I'd be so pissed all my stuff was gone

Nice to see Xander

Oh that's great his engine fell out

Oh his parents are making him pay rent

"Once more with even less feeling" is that a Buffy reference??? (This is a joke in case it wasn't clear)

Aww wait sweet

Ruined the moment Xander

NOO MR. GORDO

Oh shit her diary

Well this is going badly for Buffy

I LOVE HER SHES SO SARCASTIC

"But statistically speaking-" PUNCH

Yeah the circumstances was that her mom kicked her out

"Do we hug?" "I think we're too manly"

"Her friends who sleep all day and have no tans"

That's so mean :( her class protector umbrella

Oof close range

"Let me answer that question with a headbutt" - my cat

"SCENE FROM THE INTRO"

Ok so that is definitely not Glory lmaooo I thought I remembered her with curlier hair

Lol Giles I'm glad he's come around to help her

Living Conditions

I forgot to write anything down for the intro

She's ironing her jeans?

The roommate is so passive aggressive

"Wish me monsters"

Oh he looks like he has skin problems

Oh it's Kathy oh no

I feel like her shoving Kathy was mildly cathartic

My dad really did not want to watch this episode because he hates the earwormy song but I really didn't want to skip and episode so he's just got his earbuds in

Snooper :/ get away from Buffys stuff

Everyone's ignoring Xander's horrible parents

The buffinator sounds like something Doofenshmirtz invented. To make you muscular or something

Buffy wants to hurt her so bad

THE ZOOM IN ON HER FACE SIDBJEMS

I'm sure Willow would much prefer Kathy to her party room

THE EGGS BEING LABELED

Is the demon sucking her soul out or smth

I love Oz "I'm a good guesser"

Kathy is such a massive hypocrite

Buffy that's so gross but also yeah get her ass

I LOVE OZ!!!!

Bro got the werewolf vibes

"Nobody deserves mime Buffy"

Buffy looks so forlorn when Oz said she's scaring away demons

Ew toenail clippings

Jebbeisbekneoe Buffy I don't think she's that bad

SJSNWKSBDOEJ THE NET

"Not yet but it will" IM CRYING

"She irons her jeans, she's evil!"

Girl that's a wild thing to say about a woman who's mostly just been awkward to you until you started being mean

"Shhh, don't engage"

Girl said bonk

THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY

Well she was actually evil. Kind of disappointing I wanted Buffy to be wrong for once

THE GUY RISING FROM THE GRAVE ISLSBSJWNSE

Girl left demonville to go to college that's crazy

"Why couldn't Giles have shackles like any self-respecting bachelor?" Crying

Threw her out a window 😭

Uno reverse

THE HOLE IN THE FLOOR

Kinda feel bad for her, just wanted an education. She was really insufferable though

Awww they got to move in together

It's okay Buffy that shit would piss me off too

The Harsh Light of Day

Oz vibing on the guitar

Is Parker evil?  Genuinely don't remember my memory of Buffy, especially in the later seasons, in pretty spotty

I'm pretty sure Harmony is a vampire rn (that's why she didn't go to France)

"Big snake" quite

YEP she's a vamp

Oz with the tiny little cross

Parker seems nice but he's not gonna have enough cool factor to keep up with her other love interests. Genuinely think it would be healthy than all of her other options, but more boring

ANYA YIPPEE

"Go away" this is his house girl

Eco-friendly wood veneer mentioned

SPIKE IS HER BOYFRIEND???

I think it would be nice if Spike didn't want to kill Willow because he held over some nice feelings from that time he kidnapped her

Harmony complaining is sending me like girl shut up

Can't believe he would settle for her maybe that breakup with Dru is still fucking him up

LOL SHE HIT HIM WHERE IT HURT

LEFT HIM FOR A FUNGUS DEMON IM CRYING

I love the disco ball

ANYA GIRL

The juice box didboandoesm

Why can't she turn him Spike?

Oh my

"Still more romantic than Faith" wild

Foreshadowing (or maybe not idk if Spike was going to date Buffy at this point)

I do not think Buffy is a lucky one

Man you don't ask for consent after doing the thing 😭😭

Everyone's having sex this episode good for them

Xander looks so lost lmao

SHES WRITING ON SPIKE'S BACK Spike hates her so much

"I don't know why i let you be so mean to me" :(

Parker you asshole

Funky bug amulet

Spike just tried to kill her this man sucks

He's using the same dad shtick on everyone 😭

Oh brother this guy stinks

Spike jumpscare

I think Anya needed to be told no like that. And it's a good character moment for Xander

This is like the reverse of when he gets that chip put in his head

Get his ass !!!!

Womp womp Spike

Aww that's nice Oz

Girl you deserve better than him

[lmelodie]

The Santa Clauses Season 2

It's here! And I have access to it, and all of my drably splintery thoughts on the first two episodes.

As an FYI, all my reviews are gonna be hella spoilery so I'll be doing all the reviewing under read mores and under the tags #TSCS spoilers and #Review2

Oh boy unsolicited thoughts HERE WE GO!

Episode 1:

I gotta say, Fluffy is not a bad character in this so far. Christmas Churros are a gold mine and I'm surprised no one has tried to capitalize on that yet.

Scott immediately assuming that Carol was going to kill Gary says a lot about the both of them and their dynamic that I wish was consistent. I love the idea that Carol is down for murder, keep that in cowards!

I have zero idea why Scott is so uptight about Riley keeping this secret when you literally gave EVERYONE IN THE WORLD MAGIC SNOW GLOBES. Nobody here is doing a good job of keeping any of this secret! No one!

And not the North Pole having a Gaslighting Department. Thats, just actually so funny to me. And you bet your sweet ass that Jack frequents that department, he might be employed there!

And once again to reiterate, these songs breaks are just NOT it. As someone who usually love musicals! The songs are mid at most and are just shoehorned into the most random places. Idk, still not vibing.

But Betty and Noel? STILL TOP TIER. I'll talk about them more in a bit, but they are literally perfect. The Blueprint. Betty and Noel get no notes from me. They made cardboard cutouts of each other's faces, like come on! They're cute as SHIT.

Mad Santa lore? Its aight. I appreciate the franchise trying to carve out its own lore after more than 15 years of inactivity. Its decent lore! For the world that it exists in at least. It's just not my personal cup of tea, and I don't see myself utilizing it in my own stories. But I appreciate that it is there.

And you cannot tell me that Jack hasn't tried to team up with Mad Santa before. It just seems like something he would do to, noticing that there was a Santa getting a bad rep and he could feasibly swoop in and break down the institution.

I wanna imagine he went up to him like, so I've heard you've been trying to subjugate a people. Here's my resume, I am all for murder, I do work well with gnomes, consider me. And then he got promptly ghosted.

Episode 2:

Bro the training vest is made out of St. Nicks robe?? What ISNT made out of that robe??? Isn't that like...an important artifact? I would assume it would be if it has that much Christmas magic in it. Why do we keep cutting it up and using it to make things? Is there any of it left?? Does it regenerate its own fabric??? None of these questions will ever be provided answers, I'm sure.

YO ITS MY BOY CUPID!!! LET'S GOOOOOOOO!!!!

Fucking LOVE Cupid! He's just as great as I remember! And because he had so little screen time, he didn't get too butchered!

And I like how he lists only specific Legends that are concerned with the succession. Implying in universe that Father Time and Tooth either think Cal is a good choice, or simply don't give a shit. And i love that for them.

But Cupid does list Sandy, EB and Mother Nature as people who do care. And we already know that were gonna get confirmed Sandy and EB cameos later, so I'm gonna CROSS MY FINGERS SO HARD for a possible Mother Nature cameo at some point. I just want her to lay down the LAW that's all I ask!

Let's how about, leave the puberty topic, out of this series entirely? Wish that whole miscommunication. DIDNT happen.

But we do have WITCH SANDRA!! This was the only possible choice for her, go off queen! Lucy and Sandra with the clasping hands meme: Teenage Girl with Magic Witch Powers. This was the best possible turn for her character, love that for you babe!

As I suspected, Befana in these episodes is a peach yet again. Fucking love Befana, no notes for her either, she's always great.

BUT LET'S TALK ABOUT NOEL AND BETTY!? and how they gave them the most romantic, whirlwind love story of the century? How they met was so FUCKING CUTE! Romeo and Juliet can pack it up! Because THEY are just better!

Betty really took one look at Noel and went, Tee hee, giggle, twirls hair, kicks feet. And I love that for her!

[nathank77]

12/5/24

7:25 p.m Significantly Added to.

My eye still hurts. I can't still feel the bump. I've done hot compresses. I keep doing the dropper. If it doesn't get better I'm committing suicide. I have no choice. If I wake up with my eye swollen shut it's the end of me. If it gets any worse I'm actually going to do it. I don't want to deal with this

I've got to deal with this, one of my worse fears, Riley.... my shit family, my shit environment. I mean my life is fucking awful and not worth living.

And then I think about Elise. And she's my only hope. She's actually the only reason I'm not doing it. I would have the second my eye started hurting the way it did... I'm not joking. She's always saving my life. I just wish I could talk to her. I've been watching Baby Reindeer or whatever which is really good tbh. And I feel like a stalker. I'm not actually reaching out or anything. But I feel pathetic being so in love with her that I'd fight to live just for the chance to know her personally.

I feel shitty cause I'm not actually doing any of things Martha does but I'm talking about her. And I talk about her saving my life. And how she's saved me millions of times with her eyes. And I just feel stupid and low key like a stalker..

A guy's got to have hope though. I'm not hurting her but I'm scared that just by talking about her I'm making her hate me. I need her even if it's just an illusion.

I hope my eye gets better. I'm terrified. I'm afraid I'll wake up and have my eye sealed shut. I don't want to get treatment if that happens. I just want to end it. I don't even want to sleep. If I sleep it could happen, that would be the time it would happen.... I'd rather die.

I mean next step would be oral antibiotics I think... but the problem is its a little too late if it gets to that point or it gets more swollen. Then it's just time to end it I can't handle it. My life is shitty enough as I've written this I've hallucinated 500 times... my life isn't actually worth living. All I do is hallucinate and have anxiety and have health issues that are consistently pushing me closer to my suicide. And I just can't handle an eye issue.

I had therapy. She isn't helpful. She doesn't say anything when I pause for long periods of time. She only talks about me meeting someone at the fucking gym and I say people wear headphones and don't talk to anyone. I talked about mike and how it hurt me that he abandoned me. I got triggered talking about Mike bc he left me sitting there multiple times pretending he had flares up and he was just trying to ghost me and he couldn't even be bothered to fucking refer me to someone..I see a therapist at this point so disability knows I'm still disabled. I don't expect any help. They just see me for money and 99% of them do not think I'm treatable. Which is why they all leave. And I just need the state to know I'm still disabled and I've tried to find therapists but everyone gives up on me.. and yea. Cause I can't make them stay. Mike really fucked me up not even giving me a referral. And this lady she doesn't say anything. But it's whatever the state knows I'm disabled.

I already have to cope with the fact that I don't matter to my family that they don't care about me or my health at all.. and my mother I've caught her smoking pot recently..she seems too fucked up for it to just be that.. but it's whatever she can chemically alter herself and pretend I don't matter and I'll be dead one of these days.

In 6 months my room will be Riley's dog bed.

[olliewrites-stuff]

Stay.

“Stay!”

Her desperate whisper echoed through the room like a church bell. Alice’s hands remained balled at her sides as she stared at the wine stain on the carpet, wishing the floor would swallow her whole.

The anger dissipated, but the tension increased tenfold, as her partner turned to stare at her incredulously. Their hand remained on the peeling doorknob as the sound of soft breathing filled the now silent room.

“I’m sorry, what?” they questioned, disbelief clouding their voice.

“You know what I mean, Riley,” Alice responded, still refusing to make eye contact.

Alice winced at Riley’s dry laugh, devoid of humour, that followed.

“Ah, no actually, Alice. I don’t know what you mean. You never talk to me about anything! You haven’t touched me in months, you’ve shut me down every time I’ve tried to make time for us, and we haven’t held a conversation longer than 3 minutes in weeks!”

Riley’s tone made Alice look up from the floor. She winced at the pain and heartbreak she saw reflected in the tired eyes. Alice resumed her pathetic study of the carpet as the guilt that had been contained in her stomach flooded to fill the rest of her body. ‘Riley doesn’t deserve any of this,’ she thought.

At Alice’s continued silence, Riley scoffed, “Yeah. That’s what I thought.” After a brief pause and a heavy sigh, they spoke again, “I love you so much, Alice. All of you. I would do anything for you.” With a deep breath, they continued, “But relationships work both ways, and I’ve run out of excuses to defend you when my family questions your love for me. I’ve run out of excuses to convince myself that you love me. I deserve to be loved, Alice. We both deserve to be loved. It kills me to be walking away from you, but my love obviously isn’t enough, so it has to be done.”

Riley’s voice cracked at the end, and Alice felt the remains of her heart shatter with the syllables. This was it. She’d done it. She’d pushed away the one person who loved her unconditionally, and who made her smile when thinking of the future. Alice opened her mouth - desperate to respond - when Riley cut her off.

“Please, don’t beg me to stay just for the sake of it. Because if you ask me, I will stay, even though I know you don’t love me, and that my love isn’t enough for you. Please don’t make me doom us like that. You’ve made it clear that you want me gone, anyway. I’m trying to make this easier for you.”

Alice could not have stopped the steady stream of tears that dripped down her face if she’d tried. When Riley turned back around to face the door and twisted the handle softly, Alice felt her heart stop beating.

“STAY!” she sobbed wetly, running towards Riley and burying her face in the back of their denim jacket. “Stay, please stay. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry for everything. Riley, I love you. I love you so much it hurts,” Alice felt Riley’s back stiffen beneath her.

“Please don’t say that, Alice, not when you don’t mean it,” Riley’s pained whisper just made Alice cry harder as she wrapped her arms tightly around their torso.

“I’m not just saying it for the sake of it, Riley. I mean it. I love you. I love you so much. And I’m so sorry for everything, I’m sorry for making you feel like your love wasn’t enough.” Alice didn’t know how much of her rambling could actually be understood through her sobs, but she continued desperately. “I’ve been so scared lately, so scared of how happy you make me, because that means that it’ll hurt so much more when you inevitably leave me. I let my insecurities get the best of me, and I was so stupid.”

During her outburst, Riley had turned around to face her. They gently reached towards her face and wiped away her tears with a finger. When Alice opened her eyes, she stared directly into Riley’s wet, wide, blue eyes.

“I love you, Riley. I’ve been a shit girlfriend, and I’m so sorry for that. I’m so sorry for pushing you away and making you feel like I don’t love you. The choice to leave or stay is up to you; I don’t deserve your love or your time. But I need you to know that I do love you, more than anything else. Your love has always been enough for me. I’m just never worthy of it.”

At Riley’s silence, Alice wiped her face and stepped away, curling into herself in preparation for the pain of watching them leave.

“... that is so fucked up, Alice,” Riley’s voice was soft, and Alice flinched at their words.

“I know, and I’m so sorry. I’m so fucking stupid and I don’t deserve you and - “

“If this is going to work, we need to go to couple’s counseling. And I think it might be useful for you to start seeing your psychologist again. How you’ve treated me recently is not okay, and we’ll need to work on being open and honest with each other,” Riley’s voice was soothing. Alice froze as she processed their words in her head.

“‘If this is going to work’? You mean you’ll…” Alice whipped her head up to stare at Riley’s face. She stared open-mouthed as a small smile appeared on their lips and they walked closer, kissing the top of her head gently.

“Stay,” Riley finished for her. “I’ll stay.”

© O.M.A

[zigsexual]

Theoreticals; part 2 (maxwell x mc)

part one.

merry christmas and merry maxwell-is-finally-an-LI!!!!! this is part two of theoreticals, the third part will be the last one and then this will be done, i promise.

this is the final companion piece to hypotheticals and empiricals, and honestly if you haven’t read those then u probably should because this one has a lot of plot throwback and also tbh its like very divergent from the main storyline seeing as i started writing it in JULY

summary: the coronation is actually happening feat. private planes, maxwell as a baby????? an unfortunate run in with some potpourri, dancing, drake, and an uber driver

word count: 4100+

In what can only be described as a full circle moment, Riley grips the sides of the gilded sink in front of her and stares herself down in the mirror yet again, willing some semblance of courage to emerge and push her out the bathroom door into the waiting ballroom. So far, no such luck — though she’s at least kept from crying this time around. A small victory, considering how long the assembly line of official royal makeup artists had spent on her face.

She’d never even seen Liam on the plane — he’d been stuck in the so-called “diplomat suite” the entire flight — but the anxiety of the potential encounter had kept her on-edge the whole time. Perhaps she could’ve deluded herself for a moment that she’d escaped unscathed, if it weren’t for the familiar crest on the tiny card left for her in the palace powder room. Of course Liam would apologize for not being able to see her, of course he would send a note. It’s the royal thing to do.

Her red dress, albeit beautiful, feels like a lie. Maybe that’s what’s keeping her stuck in this room. She wants nothing more than to go unnoticed, to slip away quietly, as softly as the satin of the gown.

“Riley?” Hana’s waiting at the door, having promised she wouldn’t head into the celebration without her. “Do you need help with anything?”

Wordlessly, Riley turns away from her damaged reflection and opens the door, managing a weak smile for her equally as flustered friend. Honestly, she shouldn’t be the one causing a scene when Hana has enough on her plate to topple even the most practiced façade. “Nah, I’m good. Shall we?”

They find Drake easily enough: he’s sulking by the appetizers. Riley is fairly certain her presence won’t help his mood much, but there isn’t anyone else she and Hana can hang with. He looks up when he sees them approaching, then right back down at the glass in his hands as soon as his eyes fall on Riley’s dress.

Riley plucks some shrimp cocktail off a nearby plate and sinks against the wall next to him.

“You look… nice,” he manages, still deliberately not catching her eye. Hana has been apprehended by some noble near the pâté bar and is shooting furtive glances in their direction, but he doesn’t seem to be letting up.

“Looks like you’re stuck with just me,” Riley says, biting into her shrimp. “Sorry.”

“Eh,” Drake shrugs. “You’re not the worst person here, Aldridge.”

Riley glances over at his drink. “Whiskey?”

In response, he merely raises it up and takes a long sip. “Maxwell?”

“Touché.”

Drake nods, surveying the room. Riley follows his gaze through the throngs of dancing courtiers, the exact opposite of the lives they both should be living. Liam is at the center of it all, shaking hands with dignitaries and bowing to nobles, pressing kisses to cheeks as he greets what must be the hundredth well-wisher today, each time still somehow fresh. Something in her heart aches for him, though she knows it’s not the ache he would want it to be.

“If it makes you feel any better, it just… happened,” she says. “I mean, it wasn’t like — god, I don’t know.”

“Does anyone?”

She reaches over, pulls the whiskey from his hands, and throws back a long drink. He surveys her warily as she swallows, holding it back out to him.

“Thanks.”

“Well, I guess if I’m offering.”

Riley leans her head back against the wall, staring up at the intricately decorated ceiling. Trust the palace to keep even their ceilings interesting. “I know he’s great. Liam, I mean. Like, I know that.”

“No one’s arguing that point.”

She turns her head to face him, even as he doesn’t meet her eyes. “You’ll make sure he gets someone great, right? That he’s happy when all this mess is over?”

“I wish I could promise you that.”

He looks tired.

“Aldridge…”

“Don’t lecture me, or whatever.”

“I wasn’t.”

She eats another shrimp.

He sighs. “Look, I know it’s been kind of… weird, between us.”

Riley scoffs, still chewing. “Oh, you think? I can’t catch a date in New York for four years and now suddenly I’m like, a Cordonian ten. I mean,” she swallows, shaking her head, “what are the standards in this country when it comes to women? Have any of you ever seen one, or is it just like, Madeleine and Olivia all the damn time?”

“You underestimate yourself,” Drake says.

“Okay, well, you would say that, since you’re a biased Cordonian party.”

He laughs, rolling his eyes. “Sure, whatever. I’m just trying to say… obviously I care about you, regardless.”

“Yeah,” Riley nods. “Yeah, I know.”

The background chatter of the room fills the silent space between them, an amicable sort of antisocial moment blooming, like a flower you never particularly wanted, but aren’t entirely unhappy with. Riley looks out towards the ballroom floor and sees Hana, caught up in a traditional dance with the same guy from the pâté bar. She looks about as thrilled as she did near the appetizers, and Riley makes a mental note to plot some diversionary tactic to save her.

Drake seems to be lost in thought. He looks rather sheepish, worn down by their moment of honesty and clearly dreaming of anywhere but here. God, he has this brooding loner shit down to an art by now.

“So,” She elbows him as he lifts up his glass to take a sip. “When did you first realize you wanted to jump me?”

He coughs violently, tensing up and glaring at her. “Jesus, Riley.”

She tilts her head and smiles. “Just curious.”

“Fine, two can play at that game. When did you first realize you wanted to jump Maxwell?”

“I don’t know, I told you. It just happened.”

“Sure.”

“He’s just…” She looks up, searching for the words. “He’s the only one who makes me feel like all of this crazy shit is worth something, y’know? Like… like I’m actually supposed to be here.” She gestures out at the crowd of guests. “Even with all this, he doesn’t ask to me to be anything other than who I already am. He’s always treated me like I matter, even back in New York in my godawful bar clothes — he believed in me. He believes in me. Even when I don’t.”

She turns to Drake, and his expression is one of somber resignation.

“Cool.” He looks at his glass, then downs the rest of the drink. “Can’t wait to give the wedding toast.”

She makes a face in an attempt to hide the blush rising in her cheeks. “Who said you were invited?”

In response, he merely raises an eyebrow.

She sighs. “Sorry. I don’t know why I’m telling you all this.”

He shrugs. “Who else is there to tell?”

There’s a pause between them, and then she hears the voice.

“Riley?”

Distant, but. It’s him.

Drake rolls his eyes, but there’s a hint of a smile at his lips. “I’m gonna get a double,” he says, sidling away from the wall and raising his glass to her in exit. “Cheers.”

She opens her mouth to reply, but the moment is lost as he slips away through the crowd, head down. The image of his shattered face in the study washes over her; the way his eyes traveled down her dress just now. She recalls how just yesterday his expression had hardened, guarded, as she stumbled over her words trying to explain the circumstances of her and Maxwell; only the ghost of a feeling left in his eyes as he stood behind the desk like it was a shield.

Her heart aches a little for him too. But it could never be enough.

When she turns, Maxwell is just a few feet from her, adorable as ever. “Sorry. Did I interrupt?”

“Actually, your timing is uncharacteristically impeccable.” She holds out her hand. “Shrimp?”

“I’ve already had like fifteen,” he laughs.

“Oh, well, in that case.” Riley pops the last bite in her mouth. “What’s up?”

“It’s the sponsors dance,” he says, running his hand through his hair absently, “It’s sort of a tradition, for the suitors to have one last display together.”

“Oh, fuck,” Riley squeezes her eyes shut, grimacing. “I have to dance in front of everyone again, don’t I?”

“Well, pretty much this entire thing has been in front of everyone, so…”

“Not helping.”

Maxwell puts his hand on her shoulder. “Hey, don’t worry. It’ll be fun. Unless you want to dance with Bertrand?”

She finally cracks a smile, and he lets his hand fall down to hers, pulling her gently in the direction of the assembling couples in the ballroom.

When they step out onto the floor, Riley is struck with a sudden acute awareness of how ridiculously enormous the ball is. It feels like the entire population of Cordonia is smashed into this one room, watching her.

She tightens her grip on Maxwell’s hand. “I really don’t know how to dance, Maxwell. Like I truly have no idea what I’m doing.”

“It’s okay,” he says, “I’ll lead you. You did fine with the waltz at Olivia’s place; you just have to follow what I do.”

“Yeah, but Olivia’s place wasn’t the biggest fucking event of this entire country.”

“Neither is this one, to be honest.” Maxwell glances around at the crowd. “We had a much better turnout when One Direction toured here.”

“I’m serious!” Riley hisses, but the laughter in her eyes betrays her. Maxwell smiles, taking her other hand in his and placing it on his shoulder.

“You keep your hand here, on the seam,” he explains, slipping his free arm around her to rest his hand against her shoulder blade. “Then you hold your arm with mine out at an angle like this.”

The music is starting up, and she can feel her heartbeat quickening.

“I’m sorry,” she says, “My hand is like, really sweaty.”

“You’ll be fine,” Maxwell reassures. “It’s three steps, okay? Just do what I’m doing.”

She nods, looking down at his feet, trying her best to memorize the one-two-three of the tempo.

He watches her watching him. “You’re awfully calm, all things considering.”

She flicks her eyes back up to his face, raising an eyebrow. “’All things considering’?”

“Ah — you know what I mean.”

She ducks her head to hide her smile, focusing on the movements of the rhythm. Honestly, it’s hopeless and she knows it, but he doesn’t seem to care. She’s a little stiff, a little cumbersome, but when she steps on his foot for the third time he conceals the twinge of pain that flashes across his face fairly well.

“Sorry,” she says.

“It’s fine. You’re fine.”

“Well, also the hand, too. It’s really sweaty.”

“Not that sweaty.”

“That’s so sweet, but you’re lying.”

She holds his shoulder tighter, pulling him imperceptibly closer. He looks at her, like he’s seeing into her soul, like he knows exactly how her fingers have found purchase in the same place the night before.

“I, um,” she has to look away, to regain her composure for a moment, “I’m gonna… I’m gonna miss —”

“Tell me more about New York,” he says suddenly.

“Oh. Okay. The bad stuff, or just the good stuff?”

“All the stuff.”

She thinks, and the music fills the silence between them. She only stumbles a little on the twirl.

“Alright. So there’s this homeless guy outside my subway stop — well, let me clarify, there’s almost always a homeless guy outside every subway stop, but this one is the same guy every day. I usually pass him if I’m working a night shift, and I guess he must recognize me by now because he always says, ‘keep fighting!’ whenever I see him.”

“Keep fighting what?”

“I don’t know. ‘The Man,’ I guess? Anyway that’s not even… that’s not even a good story, I don’t know why I told you — shit! Sorry, oh god, that’s your foot.”

“I’ve been through worse, promise. Keep going.”

“Okay. Um, anyway, what I was trying to get at there is that there’s a local camaraderie, almost like… patriotism? I guess you could call it that. Sort of this feeling that you’re all in it together, but no one’s going to fuck with you. Or maybe that’s just the US in general.”

“I wouldn’t know, you’re one of the only Americans I’ve met.”

“Really?”

“Apples aren’t the biggest tourist attraction.”

“You know they call New York ‘The Big Apple’?”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” She shifts her weight, trying to match his pace. “Your turn now; tell me about Cordonia.”

“What do you want to know?”

Riley shakes her head at him. “You always say that! Maybe I don’t want to ask. Maybe I want you to tell me what you think I should know.”

Somehow throughout the course of the dance, they’ve gotten considerably closer: his hand has fallen to her waist, her fingers curled around his shoulder like a lifeline. Riley feels a rush of something warm and dizzy, struck with the thought of leaning in and resting her head against his chest, of closing her eyes and giving up on the pretenses and just — being.

“Okay,” he looks up, thinking, “Well, my family had this country estate, sort of out more in the hills, near Applewood. Really ridiculous house with a vineyard and a stable and tennis courts and all that. And before my mom died, we used to spend the summers there, get away from the court for a while.”

“How old were you? When… when your mom…?”

He tries to smile, to reassure her maybe, but it doesn’t hit his eyes. “Not old enough.”

She squeezes his hand.

“So, um, the summer, that’s when most of the noble houses get out of the capitol. A lot of them go to the beach, or to the lake, but we were out in the fields and there wasn’t much else around for miles. I used to think it was so boring, just us out there playing doubles or polo, and I’d try and convince my mom to have all these garden parties just so I could see someone else my age. I’d take the horses out as far as I could get them, and I was always getting lost, and Bertrand always had to come and find me — god, I must have annoyed him to death —”

“You, lost?” Riley grins. “I’d never believe it.”

“Very funny.”

There’s barely a whisper of space between them now.

“Anyway, I —” he purses his lips, “Well, my dad sold the estate after my mom died. We just… never went back. I wish I could take you; I keep thinking about it, wondering what it’s like there now. Sometimes I feel like that place is all I have left of my mom. And it’s been so… comfortable, having you in the house all the time. I… I don’t know what I’m saying. I just wish she could’ve met you.”

“Max…” she starts to say, trailing off before anything of substance emerges. Her mind floods with memories: laughing with her dress stuck over her head, the swell of bravery with his hand in hers at the breakfast table, his sad smile as he stood in her room holding her suitcase.

She bites her lip hard against the feeling, but it wells up inside her anyway, unquenchable and strong. It’s almost freeing, finally having something so terrifying being so palpable. Her hands are trembling.

“Hey,” Maxwell says, his voice lowered. “Riley, are you crying?”

“No,” she says, but she is.

He looks both startled and shattered, and seeing him like that breaks apart her final shreds of composure. The tears blur her vision, cut down her face in crooked lines.

“I just…. I, um,” she swallows hard, shaking her head. “I have to… give me a minute, okay?”

She doesn’t wait for him to reply, only pulls away, wiping roughly at her eyes with the back of her hand. This isn’t how she wanted tonight to go; this isn’t how she wanted him to remember her.

She walks quickly off the ballroom floor, head bowed and cursing the flamboyant red dress she had thought so momentous at the time. She’d give anything to be back in her forgettable blue thing right now.

The bathroom is just outside the ballroom entrance, much to her relief, and she crumples against the door the moment it’s shut. The wave of emotion is beginning to subside, but the aftershocks are brutal and raw. She reaches for one of the ridiculous monogrammed hand towels hung about the room and presses her face into it, breathing slowly.

It’s barely been a minute before the door swings open and Riley lets out a tiny shriek, stumbling forward. She hears a loud scoff from behind her, and whirls around in defensive mode, only to find herself face to face with a scowling Olivia.

“What the fuck?” Riley squeaks out, steadying herself on a towel rack. “This bathroom is occupied!”

Olivia puts a hand on her hip, rolling her eyes. “Yeah, I know. And it’s about to be even more occupied, so move over.”

She shoves herself in even as Riley stands agape, still clutching the towels. Olivia motions towards the door, but when Riley continues to stare, she sighs and kicks it closed with one strappy stiletto.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Riley squeaks.

Olivia surveys her warily. “You’re hardly the one who should be asking that. What are you doing crying in palace ballrooms? God, you’re embarrassing.”

Riley wipes at the smudged mascara under her eyes. “Just my luck that you’re the person who follows me in here.”

Olivia sighs, examining her nails. “Look, I’m not here to give you a pep talk. I’ve been trying to get you alone all night.” She glances back up, her expression unreadable. “We need to have a chat. This is as good an excuse as any.”

Riley sets the towels down near the sink, reaching up to rub at her temples once her hands are free. “Well, get it over with. This night couldn’t possibly suck more.”

“And people say I’m dramatic.” Olivia crosses her arms, but the guarded expression doesn’t change. “Look, you know what this is about. You’re not exactly subtle. Flirting at brunch? That atrocious shirt dress that was clearly unplanned? All those long-suffering looks?”

Of all the things Olivia might want to fling at her now, this was the last one she could have expected. Riley freezes, then slowly lowers her hands down, staring up at Olivia. “Sorry… what?”

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t bother being coy about it. I make a point of knowing everyone’s business, especially when it’s juicy. And you, Miss America, are fresh squeezed.”

“God, really?” Riley grimaces. “Can’t you just accuse me of some shit like a normal person?”

“Fine.” Olivia steps back, surveying Riley disdainfully. “How long have you been fucking him?”

“Fucking who?” She stares. “Liam?”

Olivia barks out a laugh. “No, oh my god! Don’t flatter yourself. Liam is such a virgin. Trust me, if he so much as saw a boob, I would know. I’m talking about your man on the side. You know: brown hair, blue eyes, always wears the same shirt?”

Oh god. Oh, shit.

“I—” Riley tries to come up with an excuse, but Olivia just stares her down even more, and look — everyone has a breaking point.

“Fuck.” Her shoulders slump, and she falls back against the sink, running a hand through her hair. “How did you know?”

Olivia throws up her hands. “God, I just told you how. Honestly, you think nobody saw you come out of the Beaumont hookup study with your hair looking even worse than usual? I know scandals when I see them. I only came on Liam’s plane today to confirm my suspicions. I do have my own plane, you know.”

“Of course you do.” Riley replies dryly.

“But that’s beside the point.” Olivia leans against a table laden with potpourri, tapping her fingernails against one of the bowls. “You’re really going to stand here and cry about your double life while the rest of us get flushed down the drain? This isn’t a joke, you know. This is a crown.”

“I know.”

“And to think that Liam is out there probably planning to make you the Queen, god knows why, and you’re off dreaming of sucking some broke asshole’s dick —”

Riley straightens up, eyes wide. “Who told you that?”

“What?” Olivia blinks at her, disinterested. “That you suck dick?”

“No, I was talking about the Beaumonts being broke. God, Bertrand is going to absolutely slaughter me for letting that one get out.” She groans, twisting her fingers back into her hair, before narrowing her eyes at Olivia. “Hey, and you know what? Fuck you, really, because it’s not like I wanted —”

Olivia cuts her off sharply, “Holy shit, you’re fucking Bertrand?”

“What?!” Riley screeches. “God, no! No, Jesus fucking Christ, no.” She gags, partly in pantomime and partly at the sheer horror of the mental image. “I would rather peel all the skin off my whole body and bathe in bleach.”

“Then why are you even talking about the Beaumonts?” Olivia’s veneer of authority has begun to wear down, and she looks almost confused now, her fingernails tapping even faster.

Riley swallows.

“What you said, before…” She can already feel the blood draining from her face, the sweat pooling in her clenched hands, “My, um, my ‘man on the side’? Uh… who were you talking about?”

“Who the fuck do you think?” Olivia says. “The only broke asshole in everyday chambray who you ever talk to.”

“Oh my god,” Riley’s mouth falls open. “Drake?”

She can almost see the wheels in Olivia’s head spinning full gear now, desperately piecing together the new information that she, in all her punchdrunk idiocy, had quite literally volunteered. God, truly her finest hour. Shitshow part three.

Olivia is lost in thought, eyebrows furrowed, crunching pieces of potpourri into dust between her fingers as she thinks.

“So,” she finally says, “You’re… not fucking Drake.”

“No.”

“And the Beaumonts are… broke?”

Riley bites her lip. “Yeah, can you maybe not tell —”

“Shut up.” Olivia holds up a hand. “You’re telling me that when you disappeared during that god-awful croquet game, you weren’t inside getting it on in the Beaumont study?”

Riley hesitates.

Olivia raises an eyebrow. “I see.”

She studies Riley for a moment, then her entire expression changes to one of absolute dumbfounded shock.

“Oh my god,” she whispers, stepping closer and looking Riley directly in the eyes. “… Maxwell?”

Riley’s resolve fails, and everything comes tumbling out before she can stop it, “Olivia, please, don’t say anything, I am going to talk to Liam tonight I promise I am going to set everything right and then I’ll leave court okay? I’ll leave, I don’t want to keep fucking things up anymore, but just please don’t tell Madeleine or whoever else in your harem of cronies wants to ruin my life, because frankly I am just done, I’m tired, and I just —” she takes a deep breath, then sinks down onto the toilet seat in a heap of red satin. “God, I don’t know.”

Olivia watches her talk, expression unreadable, her eyes flickering across Riley’s face. She appears almost like a movie critic, surveying an art, pen poised to decide its fate.

When Riley stills, Olivia squats down, level with her. “Okay, first of all? Let’s get one thing straight. Never in my life would I tell any sort of information to Madeleine. That woman is a scum-sucking witch plucked from the ninth circle of hell and stapled into the body of some 90’s has-been CW actor with a penchant for off-season jewel tones. She is the bubonic plague in human form and I loathe her.”

“Oh,” Riley says. “Um. My mistake.”

“Second,” Olivia stands, brushing off her dress, “You’re an idiot. A prince wants to marry you, and you seriously want to jump Maxwell? You do know that when he was thirteen he still believed in Santa Claus, right?”

Riley shrugs.

Olivia waves her hand dismissively, “You know what, whatever. Your funeral. I just wanted to know that I was right, and seeing as you’re just as guilty as presumed, I’m counting this one as a win.”

Riley stands up begrudgingly, shaking out the wrinkles in her dress. “I hate you.”

“Aw, that’s sweet. I hate you too.” Olivia has a hand on the doorknob, but at the sound of Riley’s shoes on the marble floor, she turns back.

“Hey,” she says, “Question: if you’re not fucking Drake, do you know if anyone else is fucking him?”

“Uh, not that I know of.” Riley cocks her head. “Why?”

“No reason,” Olivia says coyly, shutting the door behind her with a decisive click.

part three.

[txemrn]

Déjà Vu

Chapter 2

New? Check out the first chapter HERE! (Go ahead; you're not late. Sure, we can wait.)

Series Summary: After an unforgettable night with a stranger, Princess Eleanor finds herself caught in a secret love triangle between a noble and a commoner.

Chapter Summary: Drake attends dinner at the palace, and even though some things will never change, he discovers quickly everyone has moved on without him.

Pairing(s): Liam x Riley; Bertrand x Savannah; Maxwell x m!OC; Olivia x Amalas

Word Count: ~4885

Warning: 🔞 Mature Audiences Only 🔞 language (like, a lot); references to infidelity, pregnancy; teasing/bullying

A/N: Welcome to my Crack Fic! If you are new, hi! Thank you for joining us! This story takes place approximately 2 decades after TRR/TRH. I have made some canonical changes (they will be mentioned). Characters and some plots belong to our friends at Pixelberry! This was not Beta'd; please excuse my errors.

~🖤~

Drake

The gentle purr of the engine beneath my grip of the steering wheel shoots pleasurable waves of pure octane ecstasy. My nerves ignite with palpable electricity, coursing through my every cell. The cream leather interior is like butter against my skin, and the scent of luxury leaves me completely intoxicated.

Lucky little shit.  

I still can't believe my nephew–my fucking nephew–owns this beauty. How many twenty-four-year-olds own an Aston Martin Vantage convertible? I wish I could give him more shit about it, coming from such privilege as being the oldest son of a duke, but Bartie has more than earned it. 

He may not have exactly been planned, but he was the answer, and essentially the savior, of Ramsford. Back when I lived in this God-forsaken country, some twenty-odd years ago, Ramsford was in financial ruin. My brother-in-law, Bertrand, Bartie's father, scraped, scrapped and pinched every monetary morsel to keep them afloat for years.

Then along came Bartie: finished the top of his class at some preppy private institute at Stormholt with a degree in finance, and in just three fucking years of working with his dad… well, that little shit has an Aston. 

I'm actually very proud of him. Surely he knows that. We weren't much for talking over the years, but I'd send cards telling him I loved him, and I'd ask about him during video calls with my sister.

Judging that I am sitting in his custom-painted cherry-red luxury car right now? Yeah, Bartie knows I care the world about him. The fact that he's going to allow me to drive it? Fuck, I don't think I even trust myself, especially on these European roadways. Sure, I learned how to drive in Cordonia, but that was over two decades ago. And it wasn't a stickshift.

Can't be that hard, right?

I study the mechanism of the gear shift, comparing it to a quick Google search on my phone as I wait for my nephew to return to the car with a necktie–my suggestion.  Afterall, we're heading to dinner with the royal family… A.K.A. my childhood best friend, his daughter. And his wife.

The love of my life.

Eh, don't feel sorry for me. I'm over it. Seriously. And besides, technically, Liam had first dibs on her; but then again, he had first dibs on several other women at the exact same time, social season and all for his highness, the fucking crown prince of Cordonia. Whoop-de-do.

He's the one that asked me to look after his hot American suitor during his own personal season of The Bachelor. Are you really surprised I fell for the chick? The guy was never around. And Riley and me? She... she was fun, smart. She was fucking hilarious, gave those noble bitches a real run for their money. And yet, she was still kind and caring. She was easy to talk to; I found myself opening up to her in ways that… well, no one else could. 

Riley Brooks. I guess you could say she's the reason I never settled down with anyone. No one–and I mean no one–ever measured up. 

Oh well. That was a long time ago. And she made her decision. Him. And even though he was like the brother I never had, I… I couldn't. I just couldn't sit back and watch them play house and build a life together. Well, for Liam, it was real. 

I had fallen for her. But so had Liam. I knew that if I stayed–if I had stayed, the secret of Riley and me wouldn't end. Shit, if it didn’t end after they said, "I do," when would it?

Time heals all wounds, right?

Bartie opens the door, and slides into the passenger seat with two neckties in hand, both black as he holds them up to his crisp white oxford. "What do you think?"

"Think about what? The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost? You look like a fucking mormon," I jest as I point to the one with a subtle matte paisley design. "Why are you fussing about this anyway?"

"Just cause," he passively offers as he stares in the visor mirror, knotting his tie. "I'm speaking with King Liam privately after dinner, and… well, I just want to look alright."

Sensing his raw nerves, I pause for a moment, watching him fidget anxiously with the garment. Jesus, when did my baby nephew become a fucking man?  I smile, placing my calloused fingers on his shoulder. "You do, kid." I fasten my seat belt as I turn my attention to the dash. "So, how do I put this thing into drive?"

------

It’s surreal walking into the palace after so many years away. White marble floors. Crimson curtains with gold accents.  Childhood memories flood my mind of our sword battles on the grand staircase, pretending to be blood-thirsty pirates. Or when we would gallop through the secret labyrinth of corridors deep within the estate, charging on our make-believe stallions like mighty Spanish conquistadors. 

We would always sneak to the kitchen between meals to taste the desserts being made for dinner–unless Ms. Marta was working. That fucking old hag. Most of my ass whoopings were from her tattling on us. 

Liam was a fucking weirdo on our kitchen raids.  We would slip through the window of the bakehouse, and when we would confirm that the coast was clear, he would always head straight for the pantry to a bag of pistachios. We're talking about a place that had every sweet, every chocolate, every cookie imaginable, readily available in sealed containers. And he chose nuts. 

I always had my eyes on a nightly staple in the palace: warm apple pie. They were made daily, and I could always find at least one cooling on the window sill. 

Fuck, now I'm salivating over a fucking pie.  

To this day, I humbly have to admit that Cordonia apple pies are the best–don't let the taste of a raw ruby fool you. Something about the bitter compounds reaching a certain temperature causes… something-something to do something… ah, hell. Tell you what. If you're that curious, ask Liam. I mean, I'm assuming he's still a nerd–

"Drake!" 

I startle at the greeting, instantly recognizing the tall, broad-shouldered blond striding closer to me, wearing… an apron? The fuck? The apron has the phrase, 'I love you a bushel and a peck'.

Oh, yeah. He's still a fucking dweeb. 

His outstretched hand takes mine as he shakes it before pulling me into an embrace. "It's so good to see you, old friend," he pats my back before standing back to take me in.

He looks so different, but undoubtedly, he still looks like Liam Rys. Stray pieces of silver litter his perfectly styled, perfectly placed waves. His strong jawline and high cheekbones were cut more razor-sharp by his more mature, thinned face. His strong chest and the swell of his biceps made him look like a fucking Greek god. Lucky bastard. It's like turning forty didn't wreak havoc on his appearance or metabolism, save for a few fine lines around his eyes and smile.

"Bartie," Liam smiles endearingly, "always a pleasure." He extends his arm to my nephew before the scared kid had a chance to bow. I could see the flood of panic in Bartie’s eyes, but I gave him a reassuring nod as he hesitantly took his majesty's hand.

Don't worry, kid. I won't tell your daddy about your ‘poor manners’.

"Please," Liam rests his hand on my shoulder while turning to guide us to the queen's hall, the largest dining area in the palace for private parties. The room boasted an impressive, custom eight-meter-long table that could easily fit twenty-five guests comfortably. "Come, come. Everyone is just being seated." We follow him down the east corridor when suddenly, the savory aroma of roast and… something garlicky teases my senses. Liam obviously caught the delicious waft too, turning back with a devious grin. "I hope you brought some hearty appetites. Riley and I have something special for you tonight."

Riley. Why does the mere mention of her name make me–shit. Get it together, Walker. You're over it.

As expected, my closest friends during my time in Cordonia are all present along with their families. Well, 'friends' might be too strong of a word to use on this crowd. They were nobles and friends of Liam. I was friends with Liam. Ergo, we were friends. Sorta. 

My sister Savannah and her husband Bertrand were sitting at the end towards my right, speaking in hushed tones to one another. They came separately from Bartie and myself from their estate since, well, there wasn't enough room for them and the triplets. Yes. You read right. Triplets. As in three babies at once. They had tried for years to have more children with sadly no avail, and it took a terrible toll on their marriage. I still remember Sav's tearful call five years ago, revealing to me that they were separating. I was preparing to hop on a plane to execute my brother-in-law's accidental demise for breaking my little sister's heart when I got a second call a few weeks later. They were pregnant. I got a call a week after that. I had three nieces on the way.  Sydnie, Stella and Simone: the cutest little shits you've ever seen… and not just because they have their uncle's dashing good looks. 

I'm talking about me, their uncle. Not their other uncle.

Maxwell Beaumont–said other uncle– was sitting next to his brother Bertrand. He officially married Baron Friedrich von Lehndorff twelve years ago when Cordonia overturned their marriage clause of traditional unions. One hundred forty-eight same-gender couples came forward that day to be legally married; Max and Rich led the way to the Capitol. They became a beacon of light and love, not just for Cordonia, but to the world. I remember reading about their march for equality and their victory in my local paper. Maxwell and I weren't necessarily best friends, but a sense of pride bloomed in my chest, seeing him do something so incredible and bold with his life.  

He and Rich have a 9-year-old daughter Gia and 4-year-old son Ollie, both adopted from South Korea. Don't tell them I told you, but I follow their TikTok. Those two are fucking adorable.

Across from the Beaumont-von Lehndorffs is the Scarlet Duchess herself. Olivia Nevrakis. And… I almost can't believe the sight myself–

"Hey, Walker!" She waves, a smile growing on her face.

What. The. Fuck. Was she… happy to see me?

She stands up and makes her way around the table of guests to greet me. 

With a hug.

Shock number two: she’s touching me in a friendly manner. But that's when I was hit with shock number three.

Is she? No, no… she can't be. Is that a–?

She must've seen the curiosity etching across my face as I stared down at a rounded abdomen that just pressed up against me during our embrace. She instinctively cradles her belly and giggles.

Giggles. 

Was I in the Twilight Zone?

She married Amalas a few years after I moved away. I wasn't surprised; the few times Livvy and I hooked up felt odd, like something was missing. I mean, not that I didn't satisfy her. That was never a problem for me with women. Turns out, ol' red was looking for a queen. 

Together they serve as queen and queen consort of Monterisso, and apparently are known for creating quite a riot at international events. I'm not surprised. They have four children: Macaela–Amalas’s daughter with her late husband–Josefine, Joaquin, and Joseph.  And then baby Timothy will be joining them soon. Because that name makes sense.

I'm starting to feel a little self-conscious. It's been over twenty years, and everyone seems to have grown up. Had families. Changed the world. And what did I have to show? Nothing. I mean, I did have quite a successful construction company that I developed with almost seventy employees under my leadership, but… well, that went under thanks to my business partner fucking me over. Fucking twat-waffle. 

But is this really what my life comes down to? Is this how you would sum up my life? Compared to childhood friends, I was still nothing. And here I was again on the coattails of Liam.

An abrupt delicate tink to a wine glass echoes over the various conversations and children squealing, silencing everyone as we turn our attention to the head of the table. 

And there she was. Just as breathtaking as the last day that I saw her.

"Drake," she gasps as I pull her into the dark shadows behind the barn. "We can't. Not anymore." 

I shake my head, her eyes refusing to meet mine. I took a step towards her, but she instinctively shifts, her back pressing against the wall.

"Brooks–"

"Rys," she interjects, the correction like a serrated blade piercing my skin. A sob escapes her as rivers course down the planes of her velvet skin.

Placing my arm against the splintered wood next to her head, I lean closer to her, capturing her intoxicating scent. My hand slips up her neck, my fingers tenderly lifting her chin to look at me, to captivate me with those ocean eyes.

My thumb caresses her rosy lips, feeling her breath hitch. I flutter my mouth across her wet cheeks, my feather touch kissing away her tears.

But we suddenly freeze.

"Riley?"

Liam's smooth voice carries over the moonlit pasture, drowning out our abilities to hear the bustle of the reception.

"Riley…Don't–"

But it's too late. Before I could stop her, she was gone.

I blink. Casually shifting in my seat, I glance nonchalantly around me. Whew, everyone is still staring at the head of the table. No one seems to notice that I got lost in my thoughts for a moment.  I nervously scratch through my stubble before grabbing the water glass in front of me. I take a longass sip of water, but when I pull the glass from my mouth, two crystal-blue orbs with long, flirty lashes are locked on me.

Fuck, I choke on the water on my attempt to swallow it down. I start coughing violently as Maxwell starts patting my back.

"You okay there, Drakey?"

I finally take a gulp of air, and glare at him. "Yes… and it's Drake, Maxi pad." Okay. I admit it. It was childish to retaliate by calling him the name me and some of the other guys called Maxwell growing up. But to my surprise, he laughs before finger-gunning me.

"Good one, Drake. I haven't heard that in years."

I turn back to our royal hosts just in time for Liam to give me a friendly nod, as if to ensure that I'm okay without creating more of a scene. But when I glance over at Riley, she quickly averts her eyes, slipping her hand into Liam's. 

Jesus Christ. If that was a sign of how things were going to be, her cowering and treating me like I'm some kind of criminal for something she did willingly… something she pursued… fuck that. Send me back to Texas.

"We brought wine!" Rich singsongs, pulling out two large bottles from a nearby refrigerated wine rack. "Who'd like–?"

I refused to let the poor bastard finish.

"Me."

------

I can't remember a single time in my life where I have been so positively and exuberantly grateful for Maxwell fucking Beaumont. He fended off the anticipated awkwardness and helped the dinner conversation progress, making the casual assist to include me in this special meal that was supposedly in my honor. 

I'm not saying the others were rude to me, Liam especially. He was treating me like a long lost brother, like the prodigal son that has finally returned home. And I'm not going to lie: it felt good to be reunited with him.

But Riley couldn't even look me in the eye, and judging by the flashes of guilt and her over-eagerness to leave the room every chance she got, I know she never told her husband the truth about our relationship.  He had his suspicions. And I owned up to falling for her, thus the ending of our friendship and me moving to Texas. I mean, I thought it was the end…

But, I didn't just fall for her; it wasn't pining for her from afar, hoping she would give me the time of day.

We were in love.

"This was absolutely divine," Savannah sings praises, taking a sip of her tea. Everyone begins chiming in with their sentiments, thanking the royal couple for the delicious meal. Yes, they prepared it. I know; I was impressed myself.

Individual conversations continue through dessert and coffee when suddenly, the ring of a phone interrupts us into silence.

"Excuse me," Amalas whispers with the phone against her ear, "I need to take this. It's Josie."

Liam and Riley flash looks of concern at one another. "I hope everything is okay," Riley says softly as she twirls her necklace between her fingers, turning to her husband with a more hushed tone. "Did Ellie text you?"

Liam is already looking at his phone, but he's casually shaking his head, appearing more relaxed than his wife. His gaze catches my curious look as I try to put the pieces together of what's going on this evening.

"Josie–err, Josefine–is out with our Eleanor and Madeleine's daughter Bethany this evening." 

Ah, that's right… Josefine must go by Josie, Amalas’s second daughter, her first daughter with Olivia. Shit, I can’t keep these spawn straight….

"Crisis averted!" Amalas sweeps back into the room, placing her cell into her pocket. "The girls said the restaurant was too crowded, so they're going over to the Vancoeur's for a–" she imitates an American valley girl, "girls' night."

"Vancoeur?" I mutter, turning to Maxwell. "Did he… reproduce, too?" The idea sounded ridiculous. What woman lowered her standards that low to sleep with that bastard?

"Yep," Maxwell responds, "he has a beautiful daughter." He takes an obnoxious sip of his espresso. "You know, Bethany, the girl that's out with Eleanor and Josie."

No. Fucking. Way.

"I thought Beth was Madeleine's kid?"

"It is." Maxwell chuckles as mischief glows in his eyes. "Oh Drakey, you missed it. Maddie and Neville were actually married for about ten years." Pulling a napkin up to his mouth, he lowers his voice. "Rumor has it she was about to lose what was left of her inheritance, slept with that weasel, then faked a pregnancy to get him to propose." He snickers. "I wish I could've been a fly on the wall when her fake pregnancy turned out to be a real pregnancy."

"What the–?"

"Mhrmm," Maxwell bounces his eyebrows, "she claims she had no idea." He stares at me intently before rolling his eyes and gesturing with his hand a dramatically large curve over his stomach. “Agnes, my seamstress–can you believe she’s still working for us? Well, anyway, that woman can work absolute miracles…” He takes another sip of his drink.  He quiets his voice while he averts his eyes, slowly crossing his legs. “There was no hiding that bump.”

I shake my head in disbelief, chuckling under my breath when suddenly, I feel a large hand on my shoulder. I whip around quickly, pulling my body away, when I see–

"Shit, Li–"

"I didn't mean to interrupt," he offers a friendly smile.

I blow away the air I had quickly sucked in, willing my heartbeat to slow down. I guess I'm still a little on edge being here, but fuck, that scared me.

"I thought before you left tonight, we could discuss, um… arrangements. For you."

"Yeah… yeah, of course." Following his lead, we start to make our way to the exit for privacy.

When Liam invited me to Cordonia, he was very specific that he wanted to help me get back on my feet. And I believe him. I know his generosity is genuine; he doesn't have any ulterior motives or some secret vendetta against me from the past. At least I hope he doesn't. But this isn't a vacation for me; part of the deal was I needed to work. I'm not sure if that meant finding temp jobs or something more long-term. 

“Do I smell imported cheap whiskey?”

I stop short of the door.

Fuck me. Leo Rys. Liam’s older brother and notorious international womanizer. The man just turned fifty last year, and it’s like he unlocked a new group of admirers, especially now that he’s sportin’ a little silver around the edges these days. 

He and Liam are complete polar opposites. Apples and oranges. Night and day. If Liam was thoughtful and selfless… well, you get the gist. And clearly by his entrance, I’m discovering that some things never change.

As if his deep bellow wasn’t warning enough, his black leather boots announce his presence as he struts across the polished tile, his arm hooked around his helmet. He slaps his free hand on my shoulder, squeezing it firmly as he obnoxiously sniffs me.

"Cheap whiskey… and… is that a hint of beef jerky and cow patties I'm detecting?"

"Good to see you, too." Jackass. I slap his chest before pushing him off of me. I may have used a little more force than I should've. My bad. 

"Am I late for dinner?" He slaps Liam on the back before walking towards the kitchen.

Liam sighs. "Just… a little–"

"Ahh, don't worry," he stops to kiss Riley on the cheek. "I'll serve myself."

As Leo disappears, Liam and I give each other a knowing look before leaving the room as well.

------

"Trust me, you're going to love what Riley has done with the guest quarters."

Liam and I had a good talk. A really good talk. We didn't have to say it, but it was clear: we missed each other. We missed our camaraderie, the confidence we had in one another. He was the first person I called when Dad died; I was the first person he called when Leo abdicated. We grew up and became men together.

But then Riley Brooks happened… but, I'm guessing you know that by now.

Liam has already a number of jobs for me to sift through, several carefully picked out that would play to my strengths with architecture and construction. But since these jobs were either on the grounds or here locally in the Capitol, he insisted I move into one of the private guest quarters with its own private entrance and balcony.

'You don't need to be making that drive from Ramsford everyday.' He's right. It's quite the journey, not to mention I don't exactly have a vehicle of my own here. So, I'm back in the palace. Ain't life a bitch?

"Now I hope you don't mind all-electric. The gas lines and how they were designed don’t–"

"Beggars can't be choosers, love."

Her words are like ice, the sharp chill making even her husband shudder. 

"Riley–"

"What?" She giggles under her breath. "I was joking." She turns a venomous stare towards me. "Drake knows I'm kidding. Don't you, Drake?"

I clear my throat. "Yeah," I play along, "good one."

"Love?" She slips her hand around Liam's arm, lowering her voice into a whisper. "Bartie Beaumont has requested to speak with you privately."

"Oh!" Liam brightens. "Sure. Of course." He gives me a pleasant nod. "Excuse me, Drake. And, please. Feel free to look around."  He begins to make his way towards the dining area, Riley following in step behind with no acknowledgement to me.

I breathe a sigh of relief. I needed a moment to myself anyway.

"Actually," Liam turns on his heel, waving a finger in the air. "On second thought, Love?" He smiles lovingly towards Riley, placing his hands affectionately on her shoulders. "How about you go show Drake the renovations you made?"

Shit.

------

Riley barely spoke two words to me besides pointing to the obvious fixtures and control buttons in the guest suite.

Light... Refrigerator… Bathroom… 

"This, uh, looks really nice," I try to converse, combing my fingers through my hair. "I never thought I'd see the day this room would have a–"

"We don't have to do this." She walks out of the room and into another part of the suite.

Why was she being such a frigid bitch? 

Fuck, I need a smoke.

I take a deep breath, shoving my hands in my pockets as I stroll back out into the hallway of the apartment.

"Is there anything else you needed to see?" She swallows thickly. She tries to remain stoic with a stiff bottom lip. Her jaw ticks… but her glare betrays her as something else brews that I … can’t quite discern.

But then, without warning, Riley's eyes roam down my body, catching on the crotch of my khakis before returning to my face.

Eyes up here, your majesty.

She clears her throat, pretending I didn't just catch her checking me out. "Um, anything else you wanted to see… of the suite, that is? Because, uh, we should probably –" she shuffles backwards, pointing aimlessly behind her, towards the door.

"You go on ahead," I tell her. "I'm gonna check out the balcony if you don't mind."

A heated swirl of rouge ignites on Riley’s cheeks. She nods, turning on her heel quickly without saying a word, and exits the apartment in record time. 

Thank God. I don't know what just happened, but… this is a very interesting turn of events. Does she still have feelings for me?

No. Stop.

Shit. Maybe moving in is a mistake.

I make my way outside, and damn. The view from this balcony is stunning. It actually overlooks the Cordonia countryside, which means less lights from the city and plenty of stars to be seen at night. It's... actually a nice reminder of home.

Taking a seat on the balustrade, I pull out a cigarette and nestle it between my teeth as I search for my lighter. I pat my pockets, both in the back and front of my pants before checking my shirt.

Shit. Can the universe just pass me a fucking bone?

I slump over, resting my elbows on my knees. Holding my hands in front of me, I begin to pick at my calluses as the events of the evening replay like a movie reel in my head.

But suddenly, there's a snick, then a spark; then a single flame is held in front of me. Fishing my cigarette out from behind my ear, I fix it between my lips and lean into the fire. I pull heavily, deeply until the familiar burn touches my anxious nerves, and I blow away my initial puff.

"You know smoking can kill you."

I raise an eyebrow at the deep voice, taking another inhale before blowing it in Leo's face.

"Malaka."

I chuckle at his insult, watching that smug grin pull out his own cigarette to light. He leans against the side of the balcony before hoisting himself up onto the balustrade.

"So," he licks his lips, looking at me inquisitively. "How does it feel to be back in lovely Cordonia?"

I look at him, scrunching my face. Really? That's the best you can do? I look back down, flicking some ash on the ground.

"How does it feel–" he blows smoke over his shoulder, "--being back close to Riley?"

My head shot up.

"Ohhh," he snickers, "that got Walker's attention really fast."

How the fuck does Leo know? How the fuck does Leo know anything? I can feel my heart begin to pound, my eyebrows furrowing in anger.

"Now hold up, Walker," he holds up his hands in defense. "I come in peace. I don't care that you fucked my sister-in-law once upon a time… okay, fine. Maybe just a little–"

"What do you want, Leo?"  I interrupt, irritation baited in my voice.

He looks down fidgeting with his fingers.  When he turns back to me, he has an indiscernible expression on his face, as if a wave of vulnerability is crashing over him.

"I know it can be… challenging, you know? Moving back to Cordonia after a hiatus, and I figured tonight was probably a lot for you."

And now Leo is trying to have a heart-to-heart with me… What the fuck happened to these people while I was gone?

"I thought maybe… you could use a friend."

"Well," I stand up, taking a step away. "Thanks. I appreciate it–"

"I mean it," he holds a hand to his chest. "Say–" he jumps to his feet, sandwiching himself between me and the door. "What are you doing tonight?"

Besides leading the exciting life of letting my nephew drive me back to his parent's house, eating a bag of Doritos in my boxers and getting shit-faced?

"There's a new club opening in town tonight. Tons of people. Who's who. VIP–" 

"Thanks, but–"  I try to shove past him, but he stops me, putting his hands against my chest.

"Six full bars, and–" he wiggles his eyebrows. "Lots… and lots… of fresh Cordonian-grade pussy. How do you like them apples?"

Like I said, some things never change.

"C’mon, Walker… you in?"

~🖤~

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Thank you so much for your support! Every like, comment and reblog means the world to me! 🖤

[lakemichigans]

tlou episode 4 thoughts!

- i loved seeing ellie play around with the gun in the bathroom. that felt like the perfect amount of childish innocence contrasted with the fact that she clearly knows how to use a gun on some level

- THE JOKE BOOK THE JOKE BOOK THE JOKE BOOK!!!!

- i totally didn't think we would see that scene with ellie and joel in the truck, i thought that the end of the last episode was all we'd see! i even showed my friend a clip of that scene from the game because i didn't want her to miss out, oops. super cute though

- joel not being able to sleep because god help him, he has a job to do. my hearttttt 😭 and the fact that as soon as he recognizes that he cares about her, even the smallest bit, he rebuilds that wall and insists that she's just "cargo", not family. typical joel.

- they really upped the tension leading up to the iconic "he ain't even hurt" scene (although i'm sad they cut that line, because it implied so much about joel). i loved how ellie felt genuinely scared and joel kicked into protector mode (and the callback to sarah hurting her leg: "are you hurt anywhere, are you hurt?" was so good)

- okay so of all my predictions on how the stolen gun would turn out, ellie successfully saving joel was the option i called the most boring, but i'm actually 100% happy with how it turned out. we finally get to see some humanity, remorse, and sadness from ellie in relation to death, something i've been CRAVING. this felt like the ellie i know and my heart broke seeing how that encounter happened. the fact that joel actually apologizes and doesn't act like an asshole after? hello?? that was a welcome change. hbo!joel is a lot more self-loathing where game!joel is more closed off to emotion in general, so this makes sense to me. joel teaching ellie how to properly hold the gun was so cute! and then she puts the gun in her pocket anyway yesss that's so ellie, that's my little shit

- "it wasn't my first time." HMMMM is she talking about riley? did she have to kill riley? :( or someone else?

- melanie lynskey killing it as always!!! it makes so much sense to tie her to henry. i'm super interested by her story! it feels like a soft intro to abby's future story; maybe they're introducing the idea of the cycle of revenge now so people won't freak the fuck out when we get to part 2? one can hope...

- jeffrey pierce!!! i didn't recognize his face but as soon as i heard his voice i was like omg

- joel wheezing his way up the stairs was so cuuuuute, "get up you lazy ass" 😭 i love them so much

- what a beautiful fucking scene, you know the scene i'm talking about. man. i could listen to them laugh with each other all day 🥺 reminds me of this concept art:

- HENRY AND SAM!!!! they must've already been in the building right? i loooove the way they introduced them after joel promised that no one would sneak up on them and they already stated that joel is hard of hearing on the right side, which we then see that he rolled over in his sleep (letting his guard down) and he didn't hear them sneaking in. just another one of joel's "failures" in his mind. and sam is deaf (?) or possibly they're just using sign language as a way to stay silent/safe? either way it all ties together so well

- this is a dumb complaint but i really wish they had used ashley johnson's cover of true faith for the credits. but i'm glad lotte kestner is getting recognition after what happened with the original trailer

- neil druckmann in the post-credits saying "i love humanizing villains" sooo real, i love it

[angelasscribbles]

Bad Romance Disney Adventure Chapter 6: Bonding

Miniseries: Bad Romance Disney Adventure

Main Series: Bad Romance

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings for series: Riley x Liam, Liam x Max, Riley x Max, Riley x Drake, Riley x Leo (past)

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: Language

Word Count: 2,580

A/N: Thanks again to @queen-arabella-of-cordonia for the ask for Jace's birth and @nestledonthaveone for the BR gang at Disneyland ask. They launched this series. Thanks to @dcbbw for prereading a snippet or two.

A/N2: This is actually, finally the last chapter! (There will be an epilogue though).

A/N3: καρδιά μου is Greek for "my heart"

My other stuff: Master List.

Max and Liam tag teamed the diaper changing while Drake climbed into the bed with Riley and slipped an arm around her, “How are you feeling? Do you need anything? Are you tired?”

“Mmmm.” She snuggled against his chest, “I feel fantastic, I have everything I need right here in this room with me and no, not tired yet but I’m sure I will be once the endorphins wear off.”

He ran a hand up and down her arm as he kissed the top of her head, her forehead, her cheek, and the tip of her nose, “I love you. You were amazing today and he’s perfect.”

“Thank you. I love you too and I’m sorry if I’ve been a little difficult lately. Late term pregnancy will do that to you.”

Laughter rumbled through his chest, “A little? But yes, we all know what the last month of pregnancy is like. This ain’t our first rodeo you know. Frankly, I’m amazed you’re not worse. Between the swollen feet, the heartburn, the sciatica, carrying around all that extra weight….I couldn’t do it and I’m a trained solider. Leo was right about one thing, you are a bad ass.”

She sighed happily as Liam appeared at her side with Jace, “I think he’s hungry again.”

“Ok, here.” She reached out and took him in her arms, “Hey, where’s my phone?”

“I’ll get it!” Max pulled it out of Jax’s diaper bad and handed it to her.

“Well shit. It’s almost dead. And of course I don’t have my charging cord.”

“I can get you a new one.” Drake said, climbing to his feet, “They probably have them in the gift shop, and we could probably use about four of them.”

“Thank you squishy.”

Drake shook his head, but the corners of his mouth quirked up. He grumbled about her overly sweet nicknames for him, but secretly he liked them, he liked them just fine.

Liam left right after Drake, on the phone with Cordonia. “Sorry, love, I just need to take care of this real quick.”

“It’s fine, go.” She told him as she tilted her face to the side so he could kiss her cheek.

By the time Leo came back into the room, Max was attempting some semblance of their bedtime routine, settling Ellie and Xander down with a stack of children’s books that had been brought in by a hospital volunteer. Jax was already asleep on the couch.

“I guess you found the nurse?” Max greeted him.

Leo was in a different scrub top, the first one had been beige, the new one was a dark blue. “Yeah, she took me to a supply closet and got me another shirt.”

“Damn. You were gone a long time just to change shirts. What else did you do in that supply closet?” Max smirked at him.

“Mind your business, Beaumont.”

Leo scanned the room for Drake and Liam, but they were nowhere to be found. “Where’d twiddle dee and twiddle dumb go?”

Riley answered, “Drake went to get me a phone charger. I need to take pictures of this precious little nugget and send them to Hana, and Siobhan, and Olivia, and Rashad.”

“Sent your minion out to run errands for you, got it.”

“You’re one to talk, Mr. I brought you a cheeseburger, am I your favorite brother in law.”

“Ouch, Riley. You wound me.” Leo placed both hands over his heart.

“I’m pretty sure my nurse can’t wait to kiss it and make it better for you.” She smirked at him, “If she hasn’t already.”

Leo grinned at her, “Are you jealous?”

Riley laughed so hard she snorted, “You wish.”

“I do.” He affirmed, “But I guess I’ll have to make due with hot nurses.”

“You poor thing.” Riley said in mock sympathy.

“Where’s my brother?”

“Liam stepped out to fax some paperwork from the business office. He’s already been on the phone with his lawyers about the scholarship.”

“Poppa!” Ellie called out, “Come read!”

Riley smiled fondly at the way Max jumped to do Ellie’s bidding. He was an overly indulgent parent, but it was sweet and endearing how devoted he was to all of their children.

“Hey Leo, I need your help for a minute.”

“Anything for you baby, what do you need?” Leo was immediately at her bedside.

“I need you to hold the baby.”

Leo froze, “Why?”

“Drake and Liam are gone at the moment. I have to go pee and I want to take a shower. Max is busy. That leaves you.”

“I’d like to help you, Riley, really I would, but I don’t know how many more shirts-“

“Leo, stop being a wuss and take him. He weighs seven pounds; you are not afraid of a newborn. Besides, I have him wrapped up in a blanket this time, if he poops out of his diaper again, that should contain it.”

“Fine.” He huffed, “The things I do for you woman.”

Riley transferred the baby into Leo’s arms with a small snicker, “Other than the burger and fries, which you fumbled by the way, what have you ever done for me, Leo?”

He gaped at her in disbelief, “Orgasms, Riley, lots of orgasms and if memory serves, I paid for the hotel room and all the food we ate, and wore, that weekend. In fact, I was out getting your favorite bagels when you ghosted me!” 

She waved her hand dismissively in his direction as she stood, “You would have had to pay for the hotel room with or without me in it, you got as much out the sex as I did, and the food was the least you could do considering I talked that stripper into joining us the second night. You know she did that for me, not you, right?”

Leo’s mouth fell open. He wanted to argue, but no logical rebuttal presented itself to him.

She decided not to mention that the reason she left that day was because said stripper showed back up and asked her if she wanted to ride with her and her friends out to California for a few months.

Leo watched her shut the bathroom door then glanced over at Max, who was covered in children. His eyes went back to the infant in his arms, “Looks like it’s just you and me little guy.”

Jace peered up at him and made the most adorable cooing noises as his little mouth and eyebrows moved around, like he was testing everything out. Leo cooed at him, and Jace cooed back. Leo was mesmerized. Jace was so small and helpless yet already so aware and expressive. Leo felt an unfamiliar sensation in his chest.

By the time Riley came back in the room, wrapped in a plush robe, wet hair cascading down her back, Jace was asleep, laying on Leo’s chest, his little back rising and falling rhythmically with the occasional deep, shuddering breath. Leo’s hand wrapped protectively around him, marveling at the fact that his hand covered most of his tiny nephew.

Riley watched Leo for a moment, surprised by the tenderness she saw. “I can take him back, if you want.” She offered.

Leo looked up and shook his head, “No, I’m good.”

“This is a new side of you Leo. I like it.”

“He’s so helpless, Riley.” Leo said, emotion catching in his throat. “Are they all like this?”

“At first. They grow into tornadic toddlers like Jax and precocious preschoolers like Xander and strong willed little people like Ellie. And eventually teenagers, though we haven’t got there yet.”

Something flashed through his eyes. Guilt? Regret? Shame? She wasn’t sure. She glanced at Max, who was now asleep with Xander laying across his torso, then turned back to Leo, “Liam asked you earlier if you’ve ever met any of your children. Have you?”

Leo shook his head, “I’ve never wanted to settle down, get married or have a family. That’s part of the life I ran away from when I gave up the crown.”

“Leo.” Riley sat down in the chair next to him and laid her hand on his arm, “You can be in your children’s lives without being in a relationship with the mother. It’s called coparenting. Maybe you could try it.”

“I don’t know. You don’t think it’s too late?” She’d never seen him sound vulnerable before.

She shook her head, “Better late than never. Imagine if you had a second chance to get to know your mom. Would you take it?”

“Maybe.” He said thoughtfully.

“Ok.” She tried again, “What if she had shown back up when you were eight? Or ten? Would you have wanted that?”         

“I used to dream about it.” He admitted, blinking back tears.

“Well, there’s your answer.” She patted his arm.

She started to draw away, but he reached out and grabbed her hand. Squeezing it, he simply said, “Thank you.”

She squeezed his hand back and said, “Your welcome, Leo. That’s what family’s for.”

Drake came through the door and froze for a moment as he took in the scene in front of him. Riley’s chair was pulled up close to Leo, their hands were clasped. Leo released her hand to wipe a tear off his cheek as he turned his head away from Drake’s gaze.

Drake raised an eyebrow questioningly at Riley, as he shut the door behind him, but all he said was, “Got the chargers.”

That was the thing about Drake. He could huff and he could rant, and he could be surly and gruff, and he said the wrong thing about seventy percent of the time. But he really was a marshmallow at heart. His protective side often came across as possessive but at the end of the day, he did trust her.

Leo might annoy the crap out of him, and had since childhood, but he wasn’t really threatened by him, he actually cared about the guy and as hampered as he most often was at expressing his emotions, he managed to show them in a million little ways that counted more. Like not calling Leo out when he’d interrupted what had clearly been a moment. And she loved him for it.

While he might rage when Leo flirted inappropriately and outrageously with Riley, that was all bluster borne of annoyance and impatience with Leo’s antics and his protectiveness of the woman he loved. He knew Leo was only half serious, he also knew it didn’t matter how serious he was, Riley would never actually entertain the notion. It still irritated the shit out of him, but that’s half the reason Leo was doing it. Snark and insults were exactly how Drake and Leo bonded and always had been.

He’d leave dealing with whatever that emotionally charged moment had been about to Riley, content in the knowledge that he could ask her about it later and she’d fill him in privately. In fact, he probably wouldn’t have to ask, she’d volunteer the information. Mostly to reassure him there’d been nothing romantic about it. Not that she had to. He knew that. But she understood that he still sometimes struggled with feeling worthy of her and she went out of her way to show him what he meant to her. And he loved her for it.

“Thanks, babe. I’ll get my phone for you.” She told him as she made her way back to the bed and grabbed her phone off the nightstand.

“You didn’t have to get up.” He said as he unwrapped his purchases, “I’m capable of putting your phone on the charger.”

“I know. But I’m about ready for some sleep anyway.” She answered as she climbed into the bed.

“Li’s not back yet?” He asked.

“No. You know how he is when he’s working. He loses complete track of time. The lawyers probably got all excited to have him on the phone and started faxing him other documents while they have his attention.”

“Hm.” Drake hummed, “Ok, I’ll text him and remind him that we all still exist.”

Riley laughed softly. It was a running joke with all of them that Liam went into some time warp when he was working and forgot their existence. It had become part of his personal guard’s job to remind him to stop working when he had dinner plans with his family.

“Snuggle with me?”

“Thought you’d never ask!” Drake put both his and her phone on chargers and climbed into the bed with her.

“Thank you.” She whispered as she snuggled into his embrace, resting her head on his chest.

He smiled in response; he didn’t have to ask for what. He brushed a kiss across her cheek then whispered in her ear, “Anything for you, καρδιά μου.”

She looked around the room at Max sprawled out asleep with Ellie, Xander and Jax over to Leo still completely taken with Jace back to the man whose arms she was resting in. The only thing missing was Liam but that was rectified as the door creaked open and he stepped back into the room apologizing for taking so long.

“You’re fine.” She told him as she scooted closer to Drake, “Hop in here.”

“Are you sure we can all fit?” Liam asked. The bed in the VIP room was a double, not a twin like standard hospital beds, but three people was still a stretch.

“Maybe not all night, but just for a little bit. Please?” One of them would have to get up soon enough to take over baby duty anyway.

“Who am I to deny my queen anything she wants?” Liam slipped into the bed on the other side of her and ran his hands down her back.

Riley kept one hand on Drake’s chest and reached back for Liam with the other. She sighed in contentment. She knew that Jace would be demanding her attention soon. The fullness in her breasts told her that. But for the moment, everything was serene, blissful and perfect.

````````````````````````

Two months later, she hugged Leo as Max and Drake herded the three older kids out to the waiting SUV and Liam oversaw the loading of their luggage.

“I’m really gonna miss this little guy.” Leo said a bit wistfully as he tucked the blanket around Jace in his baby carrier.

“So, you’re going to take my advice and reach out to those baby mamas, right?” Riley asked him.

“I’m seriously considering it.” He told her.

“Can I make one more recommendation?”

“Sure…”

“Get a vasectomy.” 

“What?” He squeaked.

“You heard me. Vasectomy.”

Leo’s hand flew to the front of his pants, “But Riley! The crown jewels!”

“Then learn how to wrap it up, buster or you’re going to have a dozen more kids!” She poked a finger into his chest.

Leo audibly gulped, “I’ll look into it.”

Goodbyes were said and they headed to the airport, making plans for Jace’s first public appearance once they returned to Cordonia.  

Disneyland had been fun despite the giving birth part, and now they had an amazing story to tell Jace someday. The two months at the LA mansion had been a nice change of pace, with no royal advisors or members of the press underfoot as they bonded with their new baby.

But they were all ready to get back to Cordonia and resume their normal lives. Riley snuggled into Max’s chest as the plane taxied down the runway, happy and ready to be home.

[taylorkellyreporting]

i hope no one minds if i liveblog this bitch: scream 5

i wish i could say i’m going into this completely blind but unfortunately i got some major parts of the movie spoiled :/ still excited to watch it tho

opening to a phone ringing i feel sick

God i’m already holding my breath

“ANSWER THE PHONE BITCH” 😭😭

“it is gale weathers, you motherfucker!” lmfaoo

jenna ortega acted her ass off oh wow

so…richie isn’t sam’s dad. alright.

not hobbs and shaw 😭😭

uglier michael myers dkfkfkdks

he’s just collateral damage i bet

i have so many questions. first one being: what the fuck?

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK WHAT THE FUCK WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE’S BILLY’S KID WHAY

the picture of dewey and gale oh i cant breathe

“give me one good reason to talk to you!” “i’m billy loomis’ daughter!” “that’s a terrible reason to talk to you” i love dewey so much 😭

gale talking about her bangs fjgjgjdks

i wonder why gale and dewey got a divorce ☹️

SIDNEY’S A MOM IM GONNA CRY

SHE HAS TWINS OH 🥺

“i’m sidney fucking prescott, of course i have a gun” ugh i love her

this is their last conversation, isn’t it? :(

“hope you’re doing well 🙂” FKGJGKDKD

“my brother would be so proud!” lmao he so would

“maybe you’re the killer cause that cut deep” 😭

“i’m starting to regret coming here” fr

“you’re safe”

“i’m gale…riley. weathers! i’m gale weathers!” ☹️

God gale and dewey still love each other so much

“you know we have to live through this to help her, right?” pls

oh God i can’t do this i’m not ready for dewey’s death i’m not strong enough

“who gives a fuck?!” “i do.” GOD

GOD HIS SMILE WHEN HE LOOKED AT HIS AND GALE’S PICTURE IM GONNA BE SICK

can’t even appreciate gale and sidney hugging bc of the fucking circumstances

they made it so obvious that richie is in on it bc why wouldn’t ghostface kill him too?

i don’t like amber and i sure as shit don’t trust her

mason gooding fine as hell

“don’t take this the wrong way” 😭

chad? chad? his name is chad? are you kidding me?

well chad is deffo dying next

“well he’s dead.” i love mindy 😭

“turn around!” maybe listen to ur own advice, mindy

“there are always two killers!” and ur one of them

“i’m bored.” I LOVE HER

“you killed my best friend!” i hate it here

“enjoy that torch” 😭😭😭

i’m so sad about dewey ☹️ like i get why it had to happen but he was one of my favorites

my God this was so good i’m shocked lmao

[dumbfuck-mojave]

First Dates and A n x i e t y

(Some lines of dialogue in this are from this prompt post by @screnwriter, go have a look there’s a lot of good ones!!) 

Franchise: Scream

Pairing: Dewey Riley x Reader

Also Featured: Mentions of Sidney, Randy, Tatum, Billy and Stu. Maureen Prescott mention. 

Warnings: A very VERY obscure spoiler for Scream (2022), you probably won’t even notice it if you don’t know what I’m talking about by the time you’ve read through but I know some people don’t like wondering or realizing they got spoiled over some little detail so tread cautiously. Mentions of the events from the first Scream, survivor’s guilt and the grieving process. This is also hella awkward lol. Like one or two swears, mentions of vomit in one sentence. Reader and Dewey are on a diner date so food. Reader is Dewey’s age but nothing else is specified. 

A/N: Just to clarify, I tried very hard not to romanticize grief or the healing process in this. It’s an extremely hard thing to go through, and someone saying they love you isn’t going to magically fix it. I was trying to figure out how to not make this pro-cop but make it pro-Dewey. Cops scare the absolute fuck out of me but I trust Dewey with my life. I found him super hard to write for some reason, but I still like how this ending turned out. He’s my darling man 💖💖. I do the ~ shit in every fic of mine I think I’m making it my brand.

Word Count: 1,761

@novatheghostfaceapologist @thirsting4slashers​ gotta make sure to tag the Scream besties officially got a clique going

“Are you, um, are you having a good time?”

“Yes, Dewey. I am.”

“If you’re uncomfortable, you can tell me.” 

“Dewey.” You sighed, putting down your hamburger so you could grasp his hands, “You can never make me uncomfortable, ok? So stop thinking like that.” 

“If you say so-” Dewey looked away for a moment, then back towards you. He barely got his lips parted before you spoke up and beat him to it. 

“I’m sure. I’m unequivocally, definitely, certainly sure. Let’s go back to enjoying our meal.” You caught his eye and shot him a small smile, just to be sure he knew you weren’t actually mad or upset. 

The little diner was quiet, the few other customers than Dewey and yourself were scattered intermittently through the brightly colored room. A radio news station flowed softly from the overhead sound system, pairing with the soft conversations from patrons and the occasional clanging of dishes to make a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. But the most comforting part of everything was the man who sat in front of you, you just wished he could see it. 

You and Dewey had been vaguely familiar with each other your whole lives, having been in the same grade during school. After you had graduated and Dewey became a cop, you had only seen him a handful of times, not trying to agitate or get in trouble with the law. He was always so passionate and helpful, you weren’t surprised he chose that career path in your small, sleepy town. Everything was fine, you gave him a wave in the fleeting moments you saw him, feeling fuzziness in your chest as he would give you a wide smile in return. 

Everything was fine, everything was fine until it wasn’t. 

The news of Maureen’s death was a shockwave. Stuff like that didn’t happen in Woodsboro and the authorities had been left scrambling to calm the aftermath of the shell-shocking news. It was a new thing for everyone and the bruises and scars were still prominent in the town as time moved on. You remembered the day Dewey had come in to question you, Maureen having been a frequent at the store you worked at. He was fumbling and tinted red throughout the entire process and half of your energy had been spent trying to relax him. The other half was spent trying to relax yourself for being this close to him, alone, for the first time in years.

Inappropriate? Maybe. But it was all over and done with now.

 Then, you know, Ghostface. 

It was on a whole other level. Your heart already ached for Sidney enough when her mother died, but having your classmates and best friend brutally murdered by your boyfriend and other friend barely a year after was enough to break somebody and you tried to keep a close eye on her while still staying in your proper place. Tatum was a sweetheart, routinely coming in after school, Sidney and sometimes Randy in tow, and would spend hours looking through all the inventory. You worked at one of the fancier stores in town, a fashion boutique with a name most of the customers couldn’t pronounce. 

The store felt a little less lively now. 

Your heart hurt for Dewey too. He adored Tatum and Tatum adored him, no matter how much she poked fun in a way only siblings can. Dewey’s natural sunshine went away that day, overcast by clouds of grief and guilt for something he didn’t need to blame himself for. That was the first time you fully reached out since graduation day, not being forceful but just offering up a safe space to talk, and he accepted.

 You felt a little nervous getting close to him this way, in such a horrific circumstance, but the feeling of old nostalgia held a strong grip on you as you helped Dewey the best you could. He even, at one time, admitted shyly to you that he had been wanting to talk again for ages but could never find the words. After that, you became more clear with your concerns, hoping he would understand and not take offense or be upset. Of course, being the gentle and sweet man he was, assured you he wasn’t upset and understood you. A new form of conversation opened.

Which is why you felt comfortable saying yes when the Deputy of Woodsboro asked you out early one morning, quietly as you poured him a cup of coffee. 

“These fries are really good, I’ve never tried them in this style before.” Dewey spoke up, holding a seasoned crisp in the air for emphasis. 

“Aren’t they? I used to come here all the time when I was younger, the recipe has barely changed. I would even say they’ve improved them.” You cheekily winked at Dewey, and he chuckled. 

“I’m glad you recommended this place, I’m not so good with choosing things.” You could see him cringe then, looking away, “It’s starting to seem like I’m not good at dates in general.”

Your brow furrowed, “You’re doing just fine, Dewey. Just let it go, don’t worry, I’m not going to judge you or anything. I already know you and I already like you, you can’t change my mind with one date.”

You were hoping you would get a smile out of him with that, but you didn’t. You were struggling to, not wanting to say the wrong thing or act a certain way despite just telling Dewey to not worry about doing so. Just two awkward people, sitting in a diner, but it somehow didn’t feel awkward. You were broken out of your thoughts when you felt a warm hand settle on your own. 

“I’m scared.”

That…wasn’t what you were expecting, for some reason. 

“Why are you scared?”

Dewey inhaled deeply, then let out a sigh. The sigh of a broken man, and your frown deepened as the lines of his forehead did. 

“I’m scared of the future. I’m scared of who I’m going to lose next. I barely survived this one, what if it happens again? What if I lose you? Or Sidney or Randy? They’re just starting out in life, they haven’t even graduated yet, they shouldn’t have needed to go through this. I’m worried about me. I don’t want to be stuck being useless in some town not able to solve murders and watching more people die. I can’t focus on the present because I’m too worried about the future.”

He stammered to a stop, becoming aware of how loud he had gotten. His gaze darted around the room nervously. You took his face in your hands, watching how he relaxed from your warm touch immediately. 

“You’re... so brave, Dewey. I know it’s hard to not overthink past actions and mistakes, but what’s important is that you did your best. You always do your best, and I love you for it. I know I can’t make it all better, it won’t go away just like that, but I’m going to be there for you. You aren’t alone, there’s so many people who care and have so much respect for you. You’re amazing, you show me that every moment of every day. You’re strong and you can get through this, I know you can. There’s going to be bad days, bad weeks, but you have people you can rely on. You’re not a burden, you’re not useless, you’re Dewey Riley. Dewey Riley is incredible, he’s sweet and he’s helpful and he’s the man I’ve been in love with since 7th grade. So, please don’t think you’re nothing short of spectacular, or at least talk to someone about it. You don’t have to hold it in.” 

Dewey’s eyes welled with tears and he nodded. 

“I don’t know what else to say, but thank you.”

“You don’t need to say anything else.”

“We’re going to do this together?”

“Together, I’ll be with you until the stars fall and the tides disappear, you’re the one for me.”

You got your smile with that. 

“That was awfully poetic.”

You blushed, “I wrote a lot of poetry in 7th grade.”

“Ok, I definitely need to see that now.”

“No, you absolutely do not.”

“But I dooo~.” He cooed at you in a sing-song voice, and you thought you could never feel softer for this man. So light. So warm. 

Dewey moved a little towards the opening of the booth. 

“Can… I come sit next to you?” 

You giggled, moving further into the seat, “Of course, Deputy Riley. It would be my pleasure.”

Dewey smiled as he stood up, tumbling a bit before he caught himself. He must’ve seen you jump out of the corner of his eye because he was quick to reassure you.

“Don’t worry, kind of still getting used to the nerve damage, you know?”

He laughed and despite the unusual circumstances, you laughed too. 

He plopped down into the seat beside you, pulling over his almost empty basket as you scooted just a bit closer to him, so your arms were side by side. 

“So, I, uh, I heard Sidney and Randy stopped by looking for some clothes for graduation pictures.”

“Oh, yeah!” You perked up at that, but still made sure to replace your arms touching with your thigh pressed against his, “It was really good to see them. They were in there for a bit, Randy kept looking at bowties so we know what to expect from him at least.”

You both chuckled.

“That’s not bad. Nothing will ever top our graduation ceremony, I think.”

“Oh? The one where I fell on my ass going across the stage, the one where Robby Sinclair vomited right in front of that old lady in the first row because he was already so blasted from pre-gaming? The one where your shoe fell off as you were going down the stairs?”

As you recalled more and more things about that momentous day, Dewey stayed silent, staring at you fondly. 

“That is, in fact, the one I’m referring to.”

“Listen, I’m not saying we were the best class that school has ever had, but we were the best class that school has ever had. Go Panthers, am I right?”

“Go Panthers.”

“Do you remember that one time when-”

“You don’t mind if I kiss you, do you?”

You halt with a screech after that, looking over at him with wide eyes. But once your eyes meet his own, fond and warm like melted chocolate, you sigh and smile. 

“No, no. I don’t think I do.” 

[nathank77]

10/10/24

9:24 p.m

Mom came home, Riley has been in the crate the whole time. I guess My sister and liv are going to introduce them with a leash.

She ate these plastic fur covered cats.... I thought it was shit on the floor but it was plastic cats... inwhich she stole from the bathroom over the toilet and ate the fur off them over night...

I said to mom you really got to consider somethings:

1) Riley ate the fur... and a pot holder and we aren't bringing her to the vet bc we have no money...

2) she makes me extremely uncomfortable

3) you can't take care of her....and no one else wants to..

And let's not forget she could have something suck in her fucking digestive system... that could kill her.. let's highlight that.

Idk how it'll go i just took xanax. I'm gonna pass out hopefully. My mother has another benzodiazepine in the house, when I touched the bottle and held it i like almost moaned. I won't take any of them... but you have no idea how badly I just want to pop well one you know? I fucking won't... but God I want it..

I'm depressed about still being single. I'm depressed that Riley has been caged for so long and I feel accountable.

I'm depressed that it's 10/10... I'm worried about sleep. I'm depressed that I feel like my existence is pointless. My mother was making me feel bad for having ocd and not being able to touch anything..

Like i hate to say it BUT IF I COULD WORK I'D MAKE 5X THE MONEY I MAKE. ID ACTUALLY BE A SOMEONE. ITS NOT AN ACT. NOT FOR 900$ A MONTH I ASSURE YOU.

I wish I could be a someone. The person I was meant to be. Idk why I'm here. All I know is id love to be working on my PhD or working at Yale. And making money and have my own apartment but Riley has crippled me more than I was crippled before.

Also liv has been being a bitch about me leaving Riley in a crate for 5 hours. I'm sorry but I'm putting me first. I had to go grocery shopping. I had to cook chicken bc i need my b vitamins. I had to scrub the shower bc Riley won't stay out of the bathroom and I had to take a shower......

Like fuck off but I'm seriously mentally ill and it's not like I left her there for 10 hours. It was going to be max 5 hours. I have to take care of myself and you don't feel your skin crawling with anxiety about the dog.

She yelled at my door if I see Riley in the crate again I'm going to flip out. Umm fuck off. She made a comment about how she didn't need to be there for 5 hours.. umm fuck off. Me taking care of myself is more important. I was going to take her out after I cleaned the bathroom and got dressed. Like I'm not a monster. I have to put my self care first.

I'm hardly eating chicken... bc of Riley. I hardly leave the house so I don't have to crate Riley. I dont even game anymore bc I have a crying German shepherd outside my door. Like you can suck a dick. I'll crate her when I need to.

I wasn't the one who used it as punishment. I made her crate a happy place. You fucking yelled at her and made her go in it as a punishment. I fucking give her treats and talk to her while she's in there and comfort her.

I never put her in it once to punish her. I only put her in there so I could cook, leave the house or shower. I always give her treats while she's in it. I make it a positive place and your ruined it bc you punish her.

Tomorrow when I go out yup she's going into the crate and if she has to be in there for 5 hours suck a fat one. I'll suffer the rest of the night while she runs around the house shitting everywhere and making my skin crawl but a guys got to eat. And shower.

[buckyjamess-archive]

𝓻𝓸𝓼𝓲𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓲 ❁ 𝓫𝓾𝓬𝓴𝔂 𝓫𝓪𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓼

chapter seventeen • a/n: thank the sudden burst of inspiration for these chapters coming out so fast. Feedback is appreciated! • wordcount: 1.5k+ • warnings: kids, parenthood, nothing more?

summary

going through  rough years after losing your husband, you try to raise your daughter the best you can. With the help from the wilson's you make the best of it but the road is bumpy when sam introduces you to his friend.

masterlist

F O U R M O N T H S L A T E R

"I'm running a little late today, so I won't be home in time but I asked Steve to be there to open up–" a heavy sigh "for the love of god, try to be nice buck, that's all I'm asking, okay? Also, can you let me know if you're staying for dinner so I can pick up something extra on my way back– thank you. Okay..bye, love you." 

love you. Bucky never expected to keep hearing those words falling from your lips but he does– after every call, every voicemail, every goodbye and see you soon. It makes him smile yet he doesn't deserve those two words. 

you had assured him that morning after that you would always love him no matter what; that he's still the father of yet another gift in your life. The best months of your life after a shit show of years prior– you'd always love Bucky even if he broke your heart in a million pieces, he seemed to be the only one to put it back together..or steve. Steve did a pretty good job of glueing shattered parts of your heart back together.

It angered bucky. Coincidentally; Steve rogers marriage came to an end not two weeks after you'd moved into your own little place with the kids and for a split second Bucky had wondered if nothing ever happened between you and Steve during the time he suspected something. But he believed you. Nothing had happened, never and though Bucky still had to get used to Steve being around more and more each day, he knew he could trust the blonde. 

You seem happy with Steve and unlike you and him, things between Steve went slow, taking time. No moving in three weeks after or by each other's side everyday and you certainly didn't let the man straight into Rosie and JJ's life.

A break..of sorts and maybe he'd gotten his hopes up and believed it actually could get better with time; get back together and be that little family again but as time passed by, it became all too clear– you really didn't plan on getting with him again and Bucky couldn't even blame you.

But you still let him into your life, let him be a part of your life. A part of Rosie's life..of JJ. You let Rosie stay with him whenever she wanted to, let her stay the night or a couple of days until the girl wanted to get back home again. Got to see his son nearly everyday and have him all weekends. 'I'd never take away your kids, buck'

Invitations to stay for dinner or spend the evening or to tag along with one of your day outs– all too eager to spend all the time he could with what once was his family,  even if it meant spending time with Steve.

You still took care of bucky, you still loved bucky because the man who broke your heart made you believe in love again, pulled you out of your shell after years of wanting to be alone. Took care of you during your darkest days, stayed by your side when you needed him the most. Gave Rosie a father figure she never had the opportunity to get, gave you another little soul to take care of. Bucky Barnes stole, bruised and broke your heart and till this day manages to glue it back together. 

It took you a while to forgive him, you're still not sure if you actually have. With the loan you got from your new part time job at the store around the corner, you managed to get yourself a small two bedroom apartment not too far away from bucky– following most classes from your new study online and still being able to be there for your babies; if you were being honest, life was good. 

The family wilson being back in your life being the icing on the cake. Sam being to eager to apologise for everything he'd said and done although 'I told you so'– first flight to Brooklyn and before you knew it the family stood in your apartment, unpacked boxes and painted rooms as if their lives depended on it; be there for you like they were after riley– family. Hailey even spent the better part of her summer in Brooklyn by your side to catch up while in all honesty, she got tired of her dad and needed some time alone.

Life was surprisingly good after everything.

"Dad?" 

Snapping out of his daydream, Bucky looks up and meets the eyes of the little girl in the rear view mirror. The braid bucky had managed to braid that morning an untangled mess, hanging from her shoulder. Left overs of a chocolate cookie still visible on the corner of her mouth. Yellow shirt covered in dirt, paint and what else she'd been playing in and with at school.

Bucky hums and types a quick text to you, telling you he'd stay over for dinner "What's up?" 

"Can alpine come with me sometime?" Rosie asks seriously, a hint of hope in her voice. 

"I wish he could sweetheart but mom's not allowed to have any pets," Bucky chuckles "He misses mommy, right?" 

"I don't know, he can't talk silly." 

"Really then why does alpine talk to me every night?" Bucky quips back "he tells me how you steal the last cookies from the cookie jar." 

"That was JJ– when are mommy, me and JJ coming back home, I want my own bedroom again." 

Bucky clears his throat and quickly gazes to the little boy fast asleep in his carpet on the backseat and back to Rosie, Bucky swallows the lump in his throat. 

You tried to explain it all but the 4 year old never seemed to be able to understand any of it; the two times Christmas, two birthdays not working.

"I don't know princess," Bucky admits "whenever mommy is ready." 

which is never

Heavy footsteps echo against the grey stone walls of the short hallway,  doors with small white numbers glued onto the wood– Steve isn't much taller or shorter, maybe a bit broader but nothing to be afraid of and yet bucky finds himself tiny next to the man, intimidated to say the least- black leather jacket over a simple grey shirt clung around his biceps, long legs...intimidating but with the softest facial features, christ bucky didn't have any reason to feel this way around someone You deemed important. 

If anything, Steve was as awkward as him.

Twirling around the hallway, her pink and purple colored bag bouncing up and down her back and her messy braid flying through the air, Rosie stills at the sight of the men walking their way 

"You're late." 

"I know, kid," Steve chuckles lowly "tried to be faster." 

"Well, you should be faster next time." Rosie simply states. 

Steve nods his head towards bucky with a slight smile which bucky returns and without another word, Steve twirls the keys out of his pocket and unlocks the door with the faint 9 on it. 

Rosie storms in, nearly tripping over her own feet as she pulls her backpack off and throws it in the corner with all other shoes, bags and umbrellas. 

The man nods again as Bucky pushes the stroller with JJ through the door. The familiar smell of you lingering in the air and fills his nostrils. He ignores the footsteps behind him. Bucky pushes his son further into the kitchen where he picks JJ out and sets the little man on the floor. Bucky's not even able to say another word, his son zooming off on all fours, going straight to the box filled with toys near the couch in the living room. 

"I was told to hand you the keys." Bucky's eyes shoot up to Steve, your keys dangling between his thumb and index finger– Steve clears his throat. 

Casually folding the stroller back before standing up straight, bucky nods and holds his hand out. 

Your keys, not Steve's. Great, he's not at that base yet.

"y/n asked if you wanted to bathe the kids," Steve clears his throat once again and shifts his weight from one foot to the other "so she can start with dinner when she's back." 

"Yeah, sure." Bucky mumbles almost inaudibly, calm and collected, through his stomach drops as Steve nods and strides his way to your bedroom and comes back out with a black overnight bag hanging from his shoulder; rogers printed on the fabric. 

so, he's at that base already

"So, yeah– I should head back out. Work and all." Steve breathes out a laugh. 

Placing both hands on his sides, Steve looks back to the living room where Rosie and JJ crawled and played around the coffee table. 

"Bye rosie," Steve waves awkwardly and with no answer back, he looks back at bucky with a slight smile and nervous chuckle "kids, right." 

"Yeah," Bucky deadpans, not batting an eye at the men in front of him "kids." 

Bucky doesn't have the right to feel jealous, he screwed things up and not you but he still loves you with all his heart and he'll be damned if he didn't at least try to gain back your trust and maybe even woo you back in his life– Steve stands in the way of just that.

Taglist: @farfromshawn @Nicollettemarie @wooya1224 @felicityofbakerstreet @agentmstark @sierrax023 @lilyevanswhore @qhbr2013 @buckybarnesobsessed @themaddies-obx @aloserwithoutacause @aanngie @sebby-staan @sweetth1ng @starrystarkey93 @libidinexx @dontputyourfckingdrinkonmytable @gasly-kvyat @brown-bi-beautiful @peter-laufeyson @im-squished @meshlababy @lindseyrae20 @cb97skies @qwccrr @ssprayberrythings @yougottalovefandoms @jbcalway @realgaytrash @natyvwe @poetryazenth @winterberryfox @ahahafudge @okiegirl24 @0moondoodler0 @why-wait-4-eventually

[headinthestaticsky]

Frozen Within the Night Wind: Jasper Hale x Fleur Swan, Chapter 10

None of the characters in Twilight belong to me, all rights go to Stephenie Meyer.

"Having you close My head is damaged I get closer, everything trembles me

Now I have the certainty That I have not lost the desire Wake up with you in the morning But I'm looking for your gaze And your eyes, baby, don't tell me anything."

Nuestro Planeta by, Kali Uchis Featuring Reykon. Translated lyrics.

Jasper, Jacob, and I were all standing in a large field awaiting the arrival of Bella and Edward. The very field we were standing in would be the battleground between us and the newborn army.

"Hey, le... Fleur?" Jacob asked."

"Hmm?"

"Why haven't your diluted eyes at all? They still look like a rose." Jacob observed.

"I mean it hasn't been a full year yet."

"Yes, darling but... they should've at least diluted a little by now, amber should start to peak through." Jasper added.

"That's strange...I haven't had any human blood I swear."

"Yeah right..." I heard Jacob mumble.

"Oh shove it, Jacob, at least I'm not in the middle of a toxic, manipulative, love triangle."

"Can it leech. You know nothing about Bella."

"Keep telling yourself that."

Before Jacob could rebuttal, Edward and Bella finally showed up. Edward didn't look thrilled at all and Bella had a blank look on her face.

"I don't like this idea at all." Edward grumbled.

"And we need you for the fight but you aren't coming to that so...tough, get over it." I rebutted.

"Leave him alone Fleur...he's doing it for me. Bet Jasper hasn't done that for you." Bella said a dreamy look was in her eyes.

"Uh...he didn't have to, because I didn't cause chaos where ever I went and didn't piss off nomads you dumbass." I heard Jasper let out a short laugh.

"Wait, pretty boy isn't fighting, aww did you pull a muscle?" Jacob mocked.

"Can we get on with this... I wanna be anywhere but here." I interrupted.

"Whatever, just tell me the plan." Jacob said.

"Edward and I are going on a campsite, even if he carries me they’ll still pick up our scents." Bella explained.

"Your stench, however, is revolting." Edward interrupted

"Dude, you really don’t wanna start comparing stinks." Jacob snapped

"What he means is that your scent will mask mine if you carry me," Bella said.

"Done."

"This is not a good idea."

"You've already established that Edward," I said.

"Edward, they won’t wanna get anywhere near his... odor." Jasper carefully.

Jacob picked Bella up before saying... "Odor-de-wolf comin’ up."

Edward glared at me when Jacob was gone. Jasper noticed this and tensed up.

"You need to stop talking to her like that!"

"Like what? Truthfully, honestly?"

"It's not truthful it's insulting!"

"Dude...have you been living without any of your senses? The amount of shit she has said and done to me is a lot more disgraceful than how I am acting. Like I am petty, I know I am, but her pretending to be all innocent is hilarious."

"Oh please..."

"Okay so when she insults me and brings up that my mother completely hates my guts it's fine but when I rebuttal it's like I'm opening the gates of hell huh?"

"You don't know anything about her... she isn't malicious!"

"You sound just like Jacob."

"Don't even compare me to that...fleabag."

"What are you gonna do about?" I said he then got up close to my face, he looked like he was going to hit me.

"Don't test me Fleur... I will put you in your place if I have to."

"I'd love to see you try...boy." Jasper said getting between the two of us.

Edward snarled at us and walked away, stalking off to the far side of the field.

"Man... being a vampire has definitely amped up my attitude. Good thing you're here to stop me from doing something stupid." I joked.

"I think you're spending too much time with Rosalie darlin." Jasper said, smiling at me.

"This whole love triangle thing makes me want to set myself on fire. I kinda feel bad for Jacob...I know she's just manipulating him."

"I wouldn't put it past her darlin."

"I really wish we didn't have to do any of this...we should be getting married right now... not fighting a battle they could possibly be getting us killed." I confessed.

"Well one, we just have to wait until November... and two we will be fine, we've been training all this time."

"I know but...it's still a terrifying thought, this is the first fight I've ever been with another vampire."

"Did you forget about James love?"

"Well... with me as a vampire."

"You're going to be fine... Alice told me the vision she had of you fighting James, you cracked his skin by throwing a rock.... if you're that strong as a human I'm scared to see what you can do as a vampire."

"Okay, okay... stop trying to boost my ego." I said smirking, I pulled him in using some of my strength. I kissed him before pulling apart, biting his lip to tease him."

"You're cruel darlin, just cruel... Oh forgot to say something..."

"What is it?"

"Bella and Edward got engaged."

"Oh my god... are you serious?"

"Yeah, and Alice said they planned on eloping in Vegas."

"She must be really angry with those two..."

"Actually, she isn't really that mad."

"Okay, what happened to Alice?"

"I think she's starting to get a little... annoyed with Bella."

"It was bound to happen... Dad is going to kill Edward."

Edward ran toward us again and told us to be quiet. Before I could ask why Bella and Jacob came back into view.

"Well Jasper and I will do a quick sniff check... you three can stay here and.... mingle." Before they could protest we took off into the woods.

"The stench is revolting."

"It is pretty bad."

"I can't make up any Bella though, so the plan worked."

We quickly ran back down to the field, both of us had stepped down off of a broken tree laying on the ground.

"Just picked up wolf stench, no Bella." Jasper stated

Timeskip: 2 hours later

I was waiting for Alice in the Cullen's house, knowing that Alice told dad we were all going on a camping trip. I thought it would be good if we all hunted before the battle to power up. I needed all the strength I could get.

"I swear if Bella and Edward do anything in our room I am going to kick Edward to the moon." I grumbled.

"Don't worry Fleur...I'm sure Edward won't do anything." Jasper reassured, a guilty look was on his face, however.

"You threatened him didn't you?" Not buying his innocent act.

"Yes, yes I did."

"Alright everyone, we can go!" I heard Alice say outside, Dean, Jasper, Rosalie, Emmett, Esme, Carlisle, and I all made our way outside quickly.

Timeskip: 6 hours later

"Damn Emmett, at this point you're going to put bears into extinction."

"Serves them right short stack."

"Dude I am 5'9, that's pretty tall for a girl."

"But pretty short for someone who's 6'5."

"Oh shut it and hit your head in the doorway again."

"Darlin, if he keeps doing that the support beams are going to give out in the house." Jasper added.

"Nah they'll be fine, he's as tall as a support beam." I joked.

"Can't wait to kick some newborn-vampire ass," Dean said, jumping up slightly in excitement. Alice giggled and wrapped her arms around him

"Are the newborns still making their way to the field Alice?" Carlisle asked.

"Yes, they should be here at 5:15 pm tomorrow."

"We'll be ready," Carlisle said.

"You guys go ahead in, I need some quiet. I'm going to try and track Victoria."

They all nodded and went inside, I saw them all however observing me through the glass walls."

I got into my trance, rolling my eyes behind my head and I was flying through the city once again. I stopped in an underground tunnel, the likes of which was located in Seattle. I finally found her, she was talking with that man that turned me... the name I finally found out to be Riley Biers.

"You’re not coming with us?" He asked angrily.

"It’ll be a last-minute decision. I told you how it works." Victoria replied she seemed bored.

"The Cullen’s have powers according to one of your friends," Riley said skeptically.

"Yes, my friend told me... my DEAD friend. Don’t underestimate them, Riley. One of them made me have hallucinations of my friend. You’ll have the numbers, but they’ll be able to anticipate your every move. You don’t trust me do you?"

"I trust you with my life. I’m just saying…"

"I’m doing this for us so that we can feed without their…retaliation and I can’t live in fear anymore waiting for them to attack."

"I won’t let them. I’m going to end the Cullen clan. I swear."

I broke out of my trance before I could get anything else out of the conversation. I rushed inside, eager to tell them what I found.

"It was Victoria guys!" I said.

"What? I would've seen it." Alice replied.

"She was hiding behind that kid, Riley... She's letting him lead the army to us..."