#i love riley but i think shes really the one to give ellie the type of trauma that she has | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

karahalloway · 3 months ago

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Max was standing in the kitchen, pulling homemade muffins out of the oven. “Good morning, Leo! Want a muffin? I made blueberry, cranberry, chocolate chip and banana nut. You can have one of each if you want!”

Haha agreed - if anyone is baking muffins in this group, it's Max! 🥰

Liam walked calmly out of the master bedroom and into the chaos completely unphased. He was immaculate, as always, perfectly pressed suit, every hair in place, briefcase firmly in hand.

🤣🤣🤣🤣 I am laughing bc again - you completely nailed this! In the chaos of the household, Liam somehow manages to look like he just stepped off a Valentino runway

Do you have a copy of my itinerary for the day?”

Max produced a laminated, bullet pointed list with face to face meetings highlighted in blue, zoom meetings in green and time sensitive tasks in yellow.

Did he just out-Madeleine Madeleine...? 🤣🤣🤣

“I wanted waffles!” Xander started to wail from his seat at the table. “Right here!” Max slid a plateful of waffles in front of him, complete with a smattering of blueberries and a dollop of whipped cream on top. “Waffles are gross! I want-“ A plateful of chocolate chip pancakes cut Ellie off mid-sentence.

Dying!! 🤣🤣🤣

“Drake, you want breakfast?” “No thanks.” “I have bacon-“ “No time, Max, I have to go!” Drake said as he filled his travel mug with coffee.

Again, spot on! 👌

“Riley! You forgot your lunch!” “Sorry, and thank you!” She told him. “I’m going to call you at one o’clock to make sure you remembered to eat!” Max said.

Jace was banging his sippy cup on his highchair tray as he babbled loudly. The corgis ran around the bottom of the hair chair, yipping and begging for more sausage to be dropped. Xander was singing at the top of his lungs about four little speckled frogs, Jax was making car noises as he pushed apple slices around his highchair tray and Ellie was yelling at Xander to shut up.

Omg I'd run and hide 😅🫣

“If there’s nothing you like, I can make you something.” Max offered as he gave Jace more scrambled eggs, which the toddler immediately tossed to the floor and squealed in delight as the dogs went crazy racing around to get to them.

Bahahahaha - typical 🤣🤣🤣🤣

“I know.” Max replied, “But it’s not the same. These muffins are made with love, Leo! Plus, most of that was sent up from the kitchen. I just plate it up and add the finishing touches, like Xander’s whipped cream and Ellie’s chocolate chip smiley face.”

“You had the bacon sent up just for Drake.” Leo sounded vaguely accusatory. Max’s eyes flicked to him as he responded, “Yeah. So?” “So what? You….like each other now?” Max looked up at Leo in surprise, “We’ve always liked each other! He’s my best friend roomie!”

I love how Max says this like it's the most obvious thing in the world!

It did sound just like Max though. Leo widened his eyes at Hudson as he hid his smile behind a coffee cup. He was gratified by the conspiratorial grin he got in return. Maybe the kid was warming up to him after all.

“Thanks, Leo! My organizational skills are second to none. Why do you think Riley hired me as her personal assistant and top advisor in the first place?” “Uh…” Leo’s eyes flitted over to Hudson then back to Max as he tried to water down his response, “To give you a valid reason to always be around without the press having a field day?”

Bahahahahahahhahahahahhahaha.... But yes 🤣

“Yeah, I get that.” Leo chuckled fondly, “But I never pegged you as the organized type.” “Really?” Max huffed, “Did you think that those epic, days long Beaumont bashes just threw themselves?”

“Uh…” “DJ’s just knew to show up? Caterers? All that fucking alcohol? People to assemble the champagne towers? Staff to clean up after the horses? The invitations put themselves in the mail? Customized placards on the doors?” Leo was stunned, “I just assumed Bert did all that!”

Leo's confusion 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Max scoffed, “Nannies can’t replace a loving parent, Leo. We prefer to be hands on.” “Yeah,” Hudson interrupted with his mouth full of bacon and waffles, “That sounds like something good parents do!” “I…” Leo’s eyes cut sidewise to Hudson. There went what little progress he’d made.

Besides, I like being home with the kids!” “Of course, you do!” Leo chortled, “You’re a big child yourself!” “Oh, so real men don’t fuck with their kids, is that what you’re saying?” Hudson had dropped his fork onto his plate to glare across the table at Leo.

“Can you show me around the palace today? I want to see everything!” Max’s eyes went to Leo, “Uh…sure, but your dad would be even better at that. He grew up here, you know.” Hudson’s shoulders slumped, “Fine. I’ll go get dressed.”

Oh no... Hudson has warmed to Max immediately, while Leo feels like a complete third wheel 😬 Hopefully Leo can patch things up!

“How the fuck does she do it?” Leo asked. “Do what?” He didn’t have to ask who she was; Leo was talking about Riley. “Bringing everyone together like that. Never in my life have I been able to maintain one real relationship!

You know what, THAT is Riley's superpower, right there! Not the sex, not the blacklist, not the manipulation, it's this! Bringing people together 🥰

He trailed off, unsure exactly how many relationships Riley had in addition to Liam and Max.

🤣🤣🤣🤣

“Speaking of relationships that didn’t work out…” Leo said. Max blinked, “Were we?”

Bahahhahahaha! His shock 🤣🤣🤣🤣

“Something about being in a group that tried to overthrow the government. I don’t know. But anyway, turns out Lucretia had a teenage daughter named Lilith. Liv is her guardian now.” “Wait, wait, wait, wait!” Leo exclaimed, “Miss I’m never having children because they’re evil little crotch goblins is raising a child?”

Crotch goblins will never cease to crack me up

“Well….see…last time I saw her, there was a…ah….disagreement and she…well, things were said, accusations were made, furniture was broken….I thought it was best to let her cool down for a while.”

Furniture breaks relatively frequenly in the BR universe, doesn't it...? 😆

Max snorted, “I’ll say! Remember the time you crashed that party on the Prime Minster of Japan’s yacht because you thought Liv was there with his cousin and-“ “I don’t want to talk about that Max! It almost caused an international incident!”

“Yeah, well, you chose to date a crazy woman.” Leo lifted a surprised eyebrow at that, “And you didn’t?” “Ok, fair enough. No wonder those two are BFF’s.”

“I didn’t know how to be a dad, Max. My own dad was a piece of shit. I thought the kid would be better off without me.” “You should tell him that.” “Why? It doesn’t excuse a goddamn thing.” “No. But it helps explain it a little. Hudson’s a good kid. Talk to him.”

Leo felt both dread and excitement shoot through him. If Leo Rys, the playboy prince, had ever truly loved a woman in his life, there was no doubt that woman had been Oliva Nevrakis. He just seemed incapable of making it stick, no matter how many times he’d tried.

I feel like he's definately going to try, though!

This was great! 🥰 I laughed so hard!! I miss the BR crew!! Can't wait for more / the rewrite whichever you end up getting to first 😆

Bad Parenting Chapter 2: Chaos for Breakfast

Series: Bad Parenting

Fandom: The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir

Pairings for series: (Riley x Liam x Max) + Riley x Drake

Featuring: Leo, Oliva, M!OC Hudson Rys and F!OC Lilith Nevrakis

Rating: PG

Warnings for this chapter: mild language

Word Count: 2,867

A/N: This chapter indulges my HC of Max as the domestic one of the group!

My other stuff: Master List.

Original series this spun off from: Bad Romance. More specifically Bad Romance Disney Adventure.

After the events in Disney Adventure, Leo finds himself in possession of his thirteen-year-old son Hudson for the summer. Unfortunately for him, Hudson isn’t that impressed with Leo’s newfound desire to be a father.

Being back in Cordonia stirs up old feelings for Leo and ignites new ones for Hudson. Leos strives to reignite an old flame, but Olivia is busy with her own parenting struggles as her aunt’s imprisonment made her the legal guardian to Lucretia’s daughter Lilith, who has plenty of Nevrakis attitude of her own.

Lilith Nevrakis is borrowed, and retrofitted as Olivia’s cousin rather than sibling, with loving permission from @harleybeaumont. She is also much younger here.

Leo woke to the smell of coffee and bacon and the sounds of dishes clattering, children laughing and people talking. He climbed out of bed, hurried through teeth brushing and the relieving of his bladder then wandered down the hallway and into the great room where the open floor plan meant that the living room, dining room and kitchen basically faded into each other.

The muffin tin in Max’s oven mitted hand clattered to one of the stone countertops as he lowered it onto a cooling rack.

The kitchen had exploded with activity. It was alive with noise and activity.

Liam walked calmly out of the master bedroom and into the chaos completely unphased. He was immaculate, as always, perfectly pressed suit, every hair in place, briefcase firmly in hand.

Max thrust a coffee mug into his hands, “Just the way you like it, babe. Your plate is ready, it’s on the table, next to Ellie.”

Liam gave Max a smile and quick peck on the lips as thanks before setting his briefcase down and taking his seat at the table with a smile. “Good morning, everyone!” He said brightly.

“Good morning, my love.” Riley was seated on the other side of Ellie, between her and Xander. She leaned around their daughter to kiss Liam good morning then gave both Ellie and Xander a flurry of kisses as she got up from the table, scooping the last of her food into her mouth as she walked to the sink to deposit her plate in it. She then hurried to both highchairs to kiss her little one’s goodbye before grabbing her glass off the table and walking back toward the sink.

She nodded at Leo from across the room, “Good morning!”

“Riley, I made you a lunch, don’t forget to take it!” Max thrust a paper bag in front of her face. “You can’t keep skipping meals!”

“I don’t skip meals!” She protested as she tipped her glass of orange juice up and drained it. She took the bag and sat it down on the counter as she rummaged around in her attaché case, “Do you have a copy of my itinerary for the day?”

Max produced a laminated, bullet pointed list with face to face meetings highlighted in blue, zoom meetings in green and time sensitive tasks in yellow.

“Thank you love bug!” Riley rewarded him with a kiss as she pulled the itinerary out of his hands.

“I wanted waffles!” Xander started to wail from his seat at the table.

“Right here!” Max slid a plateful of waffles in front of him, complete with a smattering of blueberries and a dollop of whipped cream on top.

“Waffles are gross! I want-“

A plateful of chocolate chip pancakes cut Ellie off mid-sentence. Her face lit up, “Thank you Poppa!”

“Drink your milk, Ellie!” Max said, then turned back to the adults as Drake stumbled into the room looking rushed because he’d woken up late, “Drake, you want breakfast?”

“No thanks.”

“I have bacon-“

“No time, Max, I have to go!” Drake said as he filled his travel mug with coffee.

Max immediately threw together a bacon, lettuce and cheddar sandwich with mayo as he asked, “Tomorrow’s your mom’s birthday, have you called her lately?”

“Max, stop trying to mother me!” Drake scolded, but he took the proffered sandwich as he kissed Riley goodbye. “Love you, babe.”

“Love you, cuddle bear.” She pulled away to shove papers into her attaché case.

Drake grabbed a muffin and balanced it on top of his sandwich.

“Don’t forget about your mom’s birthday!” Max called as Drake headed out the door.

“I’ll call her!” He promised as he stepped out into the palace hallway.

“Leo, grab a plate, there’s plenty of food!” Max said as he spooned yogurt into Jace’s opened mouth.

“I’m not sure there’s room.” Leo protested.

“Here, take my seat!” Liam said as he rose, “I have to get going.”

Liam made the rounds, kissing children and Max and Riley before retrieving his briefcase.

“Max, can you call down to housekeeping today and tell them to use just a tad less starch in my casual business shirts? I felt like a fucking statue they were so stiff this last time! Oh, and could you order me some more socks? I swear, every pair I pulled out of the drawer today had holes in them!” Liam said as he leaned over to kiss him goodbye.

“Yes, and here, take some coffee with you!” Max shoved a thermos at him.

Riley was right behind Liam as he opened the door when Max caught up with them, “Riley! You forgot your lunch!”

“Sorry, and thank you!” She told him.

“I’m going to call you at one o’clock to make sure you remembered to eat!” Max said.

“Okay, okay! Love you, bye!”

Hudson wandered into the kitchen rubbing his eyes, “What’s for breakfast?”

“What do you like kid?” Max asked as he cut up more French toast for Jax.

Jace was banging his sippy cup on his highchair tray as he babbled loudly. The corgis ran around the bottom of the hair chair, yipping and begging for more sausage to be dropped.

Xander was singing at the top of his lungs about four little speckled frogs, Jax was making car noises as he pushed apple slices around his highchair tray and Ellie was yelling at Xander to shut up.

“Uh…” Hudson’s eyes widened as he took in all the food. There were waffles, pancakes and French toast, bacon, sausage and ham, fried and scrambled eggs, toast and muffins, cereal boxes stood open next to the sink, milk, coffee, and carafes of both apple and orange juice littered the counter.

“No, that’s cool uncle Max, there’s plenty here, I can get it myself.” Hudson replied as he started loading food onto a plate.

Max started clearing away the dishes. He rinsed them in the sink then loaded them into the dishwasher.

“Ellie, if you’re done, wash your hands and put your plate in the sink. Your tutor will be here shortly.” Max said.

Ellie grumbled as she put her plate in the sink. She washed her hands.

“You too, Xan.”

Xander followed Ellie to the sink and placed his plate in it. Max supervised his hand washing and drying then he sat about cleaning up the little boys. He wiped hands and faces, removed highchair trays and placed them on the counter to be cleaned before removing bibs and pulling each boy out his respective highchair. Max then wiped down the highchair seats.

“Max, have you eaten anything?” Leo asked.

“Oh, I eat plenty while I’m cooking and getting it ready.”

“You know the palace has a kitchen, and a dining room, you could all eat in there, or have whatever you want sent up…”

“I just watched you make Drake a fucking breakfast sandwich!”

Max shrugged, “I just assembled it.”

“You had the bacon sent up just for Drake.” Leo sounded vaguely accusatory.

Max’s eyes flicked to him as he responded, “Yeah. So?”

“So what? You….like each other now?”

Max looked up at Leo in surprise, “We’ve always liked each other! He’s my best friend roomie!”

“I….” Leo’s eyes met Hudson’s and they both suppressed a smile. Hudson might be new to everyone, but a day had been long enough for him to recognize just how unlike Drake that statement sounded.

Max whipped out his phone and tapped furiously away, “There! Socks are ordered, housekeeping has been advised about the starch issue and Martha has been told to remind Riley to eat lunch!”

“Who’s Martha?”

“Riley’s office manager.”

“Damn, Max! You’re on top of everything!”

“Thanks, Leo! My organizational skills are second to none. Why do you think Riley hired me as her personal assistant and top advisor in the first place?”

“Uh…” Leo’s eyes flitted over to Hudson then back to Max as he tried to water down his response, “To give you a valid reason to always be around without the press having a field day?”

Max gave him a wounded look, “Wow, really? I mean, yes, that was part of it, but I have always had superior organizational skills and Riley needs that, she’s total chaos most days.”

“Yeah, I get that.” Leo chuckled fondly, “But I never pegged you as the organized type.”

“Really?” Max huffed, “Did you think that those epic, days long Beaumont bashes just threw themselves?”

“Uh…”

“DJ’s just knew to show up? Caterers? All that fucking alcohol? People to assemble the champagne towers? Staff to clean up after the horses? The invitations put themselves in the mail? Customized placards on the doors?”

Leo was stunned, “I just assumed Bert did all that!”

“Ha!” Max barked out, “My brother? Mr. Stick in the mud himself? You thought Bertrand made sure the swords were sharpened for the champagne sabering? You thought Bertrand knows where the strobe lights are stored? You thought Bertrand-“

“Ok, ok!” Leo laughed, throwing his hands up in the air, “I get it!

“Personal assistant is still my job. I just work from home now so I can be here for the kids.”

Leo raised an eyebrow, “Don’t you guys have nannies for that?”

Max scoffed, “Nannies can’t replace a loving parent, Leo. We prefer to be hands on.”

“Yeah,” Hudson interrupted with his mouth full of bacon and waffles, “That sounds like something good parents do!”

“I…” Leo’s eyes cut sidewise to Hudson. There went what little progress he’d made. “I’m just saying, Max seems to be doing all the heavy lifting in that department!”

“Nah.” Max replied as he threw a piece of chocolate chip muffin in the air then caught it in his mouth, “Liam and Riley have a whole country to run, and Drake has the queen’s guard. My job provides the most flexibility. I can run Riley’s staff and juggle her schedule in my sleep at this point. Besides, I like being home with the kids!”

“Of course, you do!” Leo chortled, “You’re a big child yourself!”

“Oh, so real men don’t fuck with their kids, is that what you’re saying?” Hudson had dropped his fork onto his plate to glare across the table at Leo.

“What? No! I didn’t mean….I just meant….” Leo’s head swung around to take in Max, the kids running amuck, the food still strewn across the counters, “You know what? I can admit when I’m wrong. Max had to have been up before everyone else to get all this food ready and make sure everyone else’s day got off to a good start. It’s not a frivolous thing. It’s work. I’m sorry, Max.”

“It’s ok, Leo. You haven’t been around in a while. Things change. People change, they grow and mature and move into different stages of life.” Max said as he put the cereal away in the pantry and the milk and juice back into the fridge.

“I see that.” Leo admitted.

“Uncle, Max?”

“Yeah, Hudson?” Max answered.

“Can you show me around the palace today? I want to see everything!”

Max’s eyes went to Leo, “Uh…sure, but your dad would be even better at that. He grew up here, you know.”

Hudson’s shoulders slumped, “Fine. I’ll go get dressed.”

The two men watched him leave. Leo turned to Max and asked, “Maybe you could help me out with this parenting thing? You seem to have it down.”

“We’ll all help you, Leo. We’re family.”

“You really consider me family, Max?”

“Of course, I do! You’re Liam’s brother! Listen, I know you make fun of all of…this.” Max gestured around vaguely at everything. “But Liam is my husband in every way that matters. We’ve been together for over a decade now. We’re not just playing around and even though the official, legal marriage is between Riley and Liam, we all love each other, deeply! I’m not just a plaything to them, Leo. They both love me as much as I love them, and we are a family!”

“How the fuck does she do it?” Leo asked.

“Do what?” He didn’t have to ask who she was; Leo was talking about Riley.

“Bringing everyone together like that. Never in my life have I been able to maintain one real relationship! You and Liam juggle two each and Riley….” He trailed off, unsure exactly how many relationships Riley had in addition to Liam and Max. Drake, of course. But over the years he’d had his suspicions about Rashad.

“Well, she’s just fucking amazing, that’s how!” Max responded. He knew he and Liam would never have become a thing without her intervention. He was as grateful for that as he was for the woman herself. His life was perfect. Close to eleven years in and he was still just as stupidly in love with both of them as he had ever been. Not that it had been smooth sailing in the beginning. Anything but, actually.

“Speaking of relationships that didn’t work out…” Leo said.

Max blinked, “Were we?”

“What’s Liv up to these days?” Leo asked carefully.

Max laughed, “You’re not subtle dude. Liv is fine. You know Lucretia went to prison in Hidar?”

“What?”

“Something about being in a group that tried to overthrow the government. I don’t know. But anyway, turns out Lucretia had a teenage daughter named Lilith. Liv is her guardian now.”

“Wait, wait, wait, wait!” Leo exclaimed, “Miss I’m never having children because they’re evil little crotch goblins is raising a child?”

“Yep. For about a year now.” Max confirmed.

“I should call her!”

“Are you telling me you haven’t spoken to her in a year?”

“A while? It’s been a year! Jesus Leo! No wonder you can’t maintain a relationship!”

“Liv and I….we go all the way back, to like the age of six, ok? And things between us are…complicated.”

Max snorted, “I’ll say! Remember the time you crashed that party on the Prime Minster of Japan’s yacht because you thought Liv was there with his cousin and-“

“I don’t want to talk about that Max! It almost caused an international incident!”

“Yeah, I remember. Constantine was sooooo pissed!” Max chortled.

“It wasn’t funny! She lied to me about where she was that night, she wasn’t even on the damn yacht!”

“Yeah, well, you chose to date a crazy woman.”

Leo lifted a surprised eyebrow at that, “And you didn’t?”

“Ok, fair enough. No wonder those two are BFF’s.”

Xander and Jax ran through the room shrieking with laughter as Hudson chased them. Max laughed out loud, “Look at them bonding!”

Leo sighed heavily, “Now if I could only get him to bond with me.”

“Have you tried apologizing to the kid?”

“What?” Leo blinked at him.

“For not being around? He’s mad, Leo and he has a right to be.”

“I didn’t know how to be a dad, Max. My own dad was a piece of shit. I thought the kid would be better off without me.”

“You should tell him that.”

“Why? It doesn’t excuse a goddamn thing.”

“No. But it helps explain it a little. Hudson’s a good kid. Talk to him.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

There was a knock on the door. “Okay, that’s the tutor for Ellie and Xander. I usually give Jax and Jace a bath while the big kids are occupied. Do you want to have lunch later? I was thinking we could meet in the private family dining room and have lunch with Regina, so she can meet Hudson.”

“Sure, Max. That actually sounds good.”

“Oh, one more thing.” Max told him as he let the tutor in, “We’re having a dinner party tomorrow night and Liv will be there.”

But he was nothing if not persistent.

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bebepac · 3 years ago

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Six Sentence Sunday 11.7.21

We are at another Six Sentence Sunday again. Work is well....you know... Work. Which is why my writing has really taken a hit. Faintly, I did remember saying something about oh I’m going to get into a rotation with my fics....

But right now, I’m having a hard time just finding motivation to write, which I love to, so i am deciding to write on what’s been flowing pretty easily. Which is why we have these that are coming up.

Here’s what I have posted in the past week or so if you missed it.

Their Hidden Pain One Off: The Rotten Apple 🍎: Part 2

Mia’s 🌎 World: The Antique Mirror 🪞

Original Post Update: 11/7/21 at 4:28PM EST

Gotta love the end of Daylight Savings Time! #fallbackintofall

Note: If you haven’t read The Rotten Apple Part 2, there are teasers for part 3 Below!!!!

The Rotten Apple 🍎: Part 3

Their Hidden Pain

The Book: TRH / TRF

Pairing: Liam x Riley / Ellie x ?

Status: Still in the writing process

When Ellie pulled the covers back, she knew Nico would blatantly stare at her body. Men were so predictable. Ellie in this instance only, was her mother’s daughter. Ellie was very aware from puberty that men found her attractive. She looked just like her mother. Riley Brooks, when she came to Cordonia, was beautiful and her mother still was, she still had her thick hourglass shape after years of child bearing to give the King of Cordonia heirs. She did well at it, three out of four a’int bad right? Riley could still turn the King’s head quickly.

Ellie had a body type very reminiscent of her mother when she came to Cordonia. Nico’s eyes greedily took in her form for a few moments before he averted his eyes pushing the covers back to cover her body.

“Princess, why are you here? We couldn’t have done what it looks like we did?”

“First off, Princess isn’t what you were calling me last night Nico. I’m not into that particular brand of kink. Despite popular belief, all royals don’t like to be called by their honorifics in bed.”

She glanced down at the sheet.

“And it’s obvious that you enjoy looking at my body because I can see every inch of you erect under that thin sheet. I have to leave soon, we shouldn’t let that go to waste.”

Ellie gripped his leg, and he slapped her hand away.

Nico was not convinced at all at what appeared to have taken place.

“I asked you to leave last night Eleanor. And you left… I remember.”

“Do you also remember kissing me, and the way you fondled my body? The way you touched me?”

His face reddened, but touching did not mean he had done what this situation looked like.

Nico quickly became accusatory towards the crown princess but respectfully.

“Is this a game to you? Why are you trying so hard to convince me I did this with you? When I know I couldn’t, I wouldn’t? What is it that you truly want from me, Princess Eleanor? And I don’t think sex is it.”

“Couldn’t was definitely not in your vocabulary last night, while you were fucking me Nico.”

“Stop that! Something feels very off about this Princess Eleanor, do you think I’m stupid or something? I know myself well.”

Time to go for the jugular. She thought, Ellie’s eyes filled with tears.

“Why are you treating me this way? Like I’m the villain here? I am the one that found you last night. Lonely, craving the touch of a woman. That pain, in your eyes, that’s there right now, wasn’t there last night when we were together. It was replaced with something else. I was there for you when you needed me most, on a very basic carnal level.”

Ellie got out of bed slipping back on her gown and robe, wiping the tears from her eyes.

“Now I know you just used me for a moment of pleasure. Did you ever think the reason every relationship you’ve ever been in fails is because it’s your fault, for your lack of trust in people?”

Nico looked shocked and taken back by her words. His features had softened and she could start to see a look of guilt in his eyes.

“Princess Eleanor……”

“Leave me alone!!!”

She allowed herself to burst into tears in front of him as she quickly slipped by him running out of his room.

When Ellie was what she thought to be a decent distance from his room, she wiped the tears from her eyes, and a slow smile crept across her face.

“Got you Nico Karahalios.”

This Mia’s world is not the next in the series, it was as the result of an Ask, of wanting to see more of Jaiden’s POV when Mia and Jaiden had broken up. So you will see more of Jaiden in this chapter than ever before, and the Brooks and only some of Mia.

When We Were Apart

Mia’s 🌎 World

The Book: Crossover TRR x The Freshman

Pairings: The freshman Characters Emily x Chris / TRR characters are single

Status: Still in the writing process

“What is there to understand Mia? You got upset, you pushed me away, and you ran to Liam. And the only reason YOU didn’t cheat, is because he rejected you! I think I get what’s going on.”

“Please don’t do this.” Mia stepped closer to him, and in turn, Jaiden stepped away from her. “You told me you loved me.”

She looked up at him, searching his eyes, for anything she could hold onto to aid her in counteracting what was happening in that moment.

“I did. Now I feel like I wasted my first time on you.”

Mia gasped in shock, and finally let a sob escape her lips.

“That was a really mean thing to say, Jaiden get out.”

He regretted it immediately. He wanted to hurt her as much as the thought of her cheating on him with Liam hurt, and the look of pain in Mia's eyes, his mission was accomplished.

He took a step towards her. He wanted to hurt her, not make her cry, in his mind, they weren’t the same thing. He really was cruel to her, and he knew she was wrong, but he still loved her. Maybe he shouldn't have said he wanted to break up. Because deep down, he didn't.

Mia screamed at him to leave and hurled the slice of cheesecake at him, missing him completely, and it crashed against the wall.

He decided it was best to leave the room before he made her even more upset. He glanced at Mia one last time before he left her room. She had crumpled herself into a ball, pulling her knees to her chest, covering her face with her hands crying.

As he headed across the quad towards his dorm room, his phone beeped. He glanced down at the social media notification.

There was a broken heart between the two of their pictures with the caption 'Mia Jones is single.'

It was really over, and now the world knew it. Jaiden bit his lip staring at the screen, for a moment, before then turned off his phone as the notifications started to blow up his phone.

Jaiden changed direction, instead of heading towards his dorm, he went towards the campus parking lot.

Was he a total child that the only person he wanted to be around in this moment of pain was his parents, that he needed them?

“Jai? What are you doing at home? Not that we’re not happy to….. Jai what’s wrong?”

“Mia…" was the only word Jaiden could choke out before he burst into tears.

“Oh honey….. What’s wrong?”

He hugged his mother tightly.

"It's okay Jai, it's okay."

She ran her fingers through his hair while Jason gently rubbed Jaiden's back.

After a few moments Ren led him over to the couch to sit down. Jason turned off the television.

"What happened with you and Mia?"

He crumpled the tissue in his hands looking down at it.

"You and Mia broke up, didn’t you?” Ren inquired gently.

Jaiden nodded.

“What happened son?” Jason asked.

Jaiden shook his head. “I love her.”

“We know you do Jai. Do you want to talk about it?”

“No.”

“Do you want to stay here tonight?”

“Yes.”

"Have you eaten dinner yet, Jai?"

He shook his head.

"C'mon I'll fix you a plate."

"And I'll put fresh linen on your bed."

His father gently patted him on the back, as he followed his mother into the kitchen. Jaiden had dated other girls in the past, none were like Mia. Mia Jones, was his first love, and their relationship ending, had torn him apart.

Toga Party

And So... We Met :Chapter 2

The Book: TRR

Pairings: Riley x Drake / Liam x Hana / Liam x Riley / Hana x ?

Status: Still in the writing process

“May I?’”

Professor Rys nodded.

She gently wiped smudge off the side of his face. Liam’s eyes met hers. Her jade colored eyes twinkled at him as she gently wiped his face. Liam was emotionally struck as he peered at her; his azure eyes wide and unblinking. Riley finally broke his gaze glancing away from him.

“There. You might want to wash your hands too, and put some D - D - D - Dawn on that shirt when you get home later. So what happened to you?”

"First off, thank you for that." Professor Rys smiled at her, to which she returned a smile back.

"You're welcome."

“My car fell in a sinkhole.”

The smile that was on Riley’s face abruptly left; and her hand went to her hips as an annoyed look crossed her face.

Liam laughed out loud. “I'm sorry!! I couldn't resist Miss Brooks! That excuse only works for you apparently.. I had to change a flat tire.”

For Hana he thought he was on the way to campus when she called him. But why didn’t he mention that to her.

Both stood staring at each other for a few moments.

“Well it looks like I get to go to hot breakfast since now it looks like I have free time.”

“Enjoy, I expect to see you in another forty five minutes or so, for your next class.”

“Watch out for sinkholes.”

“Sage advice Miss Brooks. Will do.”

#bebepac writes #six sentence sunday #always more than six #trr fanfic #trr fandom #trh fanfic #trh fandom #mia's world #their hidden pain #and so we met #liam x riley #jaiden x mia #riley x drake

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retroellie · 4 years ago

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Dating Ellie Williams Headcannons

Summary: Headcannons for dating ellie

A/N: Have this because my last imagine was ass... I think i like writing headcannons way more than imagines lmao

Warning: TLOU2 spoilers, Mentions of death, PTSD, and NSFW/dirty talk

Word Count: 1.8k

- She fell in love with you when she first saw you

- She had just come to Jackson after the incident with the fireflies

- You being around the same age as her tommy asked you to show her around and tell her what’s what

- “Ellie this is Y/n, Y/n this is ellie.” Tommy introduced y’all

-Her heart stopped when she saw you, she couldn’t help the blush that was forming.

-She couldn’t stop looking at you when you were talking about the shops and sights around Jackson

- It seemed like you were liked around town, you were friendly to everyone and everyone knew who you were

- She will never forget the thing you said to her when you guys were in front of her new home

-”Tommy told me a lot about you and i just want you to know, you're safe now.”

-She felt for the first time she could let go, relax for a minute

-You helped her move into the garage, trying to make her as comfortable as she could be

- She wrote about you a lot in her journal, writing poems and drawing pictures of you

-You guys hung out a lot with Jesse and Dina but she would much rather hang out with you alone

-You two had become really good friends by the time you guys were 16, i mean Ellie opened up to you more than she did anyone

-Opening up meaning talking about her interests and some of her favorite childhood memories

-She was honestly too scared to tell you about her immunity and even more scared to tell you about her past, afraid that she was gonna scare you away

-You introduced her to cat and you definitely regretted it because cat liked her

-When they started dating cat was definitely the third wheel because you and Ellie were so closer

-You held Ellies hand when she got her tattoo, she couldn’t hide the blush than but blamed it on the pain

-You guys shared the same love for music, you showed her most of the music she listened to

-You would sleep over at her place a lot

-You guys would watch movies, talk about space and dance horribly to old music

-Y’all could never get bored of each other

-When you spent the night at her place you would sleep in her bed with her but it was as friends, Ellie didn’t want you sleep on the floor and you didn’t want to force her out of her own bed

-Ellie would always get so embarrassed when you slept over, she would always go into a gay panic

-By the time y’all were 18, she was head over heels for you

-You two were still best friends but her feelings got in the way so she was distant

-It got to the point where she didn’t want to be with anyone else, it was either you or no one

-She didn’t really have time for relationships so she didn’t really mind it

-She would play guitar for you when you came over, even attempting to teach you

-Everything she owned was yours and everything you owned was hers

-”God damn it, where is my Walkman”

-”Oh, I took it. Mine broke.”

-Ellie bashed on everyone you liked, Little did she know you liked her

- You liked the boy who worked at the bar? She had something to say about him

-You found out she liked you when you two were dancing one night

-Your arms were wrapped around her neck and hers around your waist, it was like a scene from a movie

-You both felt the tension, it made the butterflies in your stomach go crazy

-”I’m just a girl.... not a threat.”

-”Oh ellie... I think they should be terrified of you.”

-Next thing you know her lips were on yours

-The kiss felt like it went on forever until you pulled away, panting for air

-No words exchanged just a smirk and her pulling you out of the church

-She didn’t waste anytime, She’s been waiting for this moment

-Now that you guys were together, you guys were too powerful

-You guys spent a lot of time in her garage, i swear you basically lived there

-You guys could spend hours tangled up together or have heated make out sessions that lead to so much more

-Soft kisses and 80s movies

-endless sex i swear this woman is going to be the death of me

-I have said this before but this girl is always horny, i mean she still has raging hormones so she’s always on top of you

-She tries to highlight her tattoo when pleasuring you because she knows it drives you crazy

-She loves when you sit in her lap, it’s both cute and hella sexy to her

-Her kisses make you lightheaded, like you gotta sit down for a minute after she kisses you

-She finds your body fascinating, like it sounds cringey but she love everything about you body

-She likes to explore your body a lot, like what gets the best reaction out of you

-She’s kinda new to sex, she’s had a fling or two but nothing long term so now she really has to get this shit down

-She’s the top, i said what i said

-Joel has walked in on you two lots of times

-”Hey elli... OH FUCK. SORRY, I’m sorry.” He says while covering his eyes

-You both have to stop for a minute just to laugh your asses off

-Y’all were really loud too so like y’all got complaints a lot

-”Sorry, Y/n came over for a minute.” Ellie says busting through the door

-”Yeah i know, i heard y’all.” Joel joked

-She makes really bad cheesy pick up lines to you

-”You know I’m jealous of your heart, because it’s pumping in and out of you and I’m not.”

-”I’m literally gonna break up with you.’

-She never fails to make you laugh

-Her with her fucking puns mama, you can’t hide from her silly side

-Joel is a proud dad, he loves his lesbian daughter and her girlfriend

-Later on into the relationship ellie fully opens up to you

-You were tracing her tattoo one day, feeling the bumpiness of it

-”What happened?’

-She debated on telling you, Joel said not to tell anyone

-She gave in through, telling you about riley, her immunity, her and Joel's trip, even David

-She ended up crying, you’ve never seen her that broken down before

-You held her most the day, giving her all the kisses she needed

-When Joel died, you were basically always with her. Not wanting to leave her alone

-You were the one that found them. You shook ellie awake, Letting her sob into your shirt

-You brought her home, she could barely move. She was in so much shock and pain

-You cleaned her up and took days off of rounds just to lay in bed with her all day

-The nights were the worst

-She would wake up in tears, sweat drenched her body. She would bury her face into her chest, crying her eyes out

-”I saw him. All the blood..”

-”I know baby, it’s okay. I’m here.”

-you guys were still so in love with each other at 20, maybe even more if that was possible

-The trip to Seattle and trying to kill Abby really brought y’all even closer, seeing sides of each other you guys never had

-The fear and the defeat you both felt on that trip, it made ellie more in love with you that you stayed

-You two lived in a small farmhouse after the trip to Seattle, it was nice and quiet

-You lived like two cottagecore lesbians out in the middle of nowhere, it was a good change

-Ellie would love to paint you with flowers, she found that you and flowers together created a perfect masterpiece

-Ellie was kinda a city girl so you had to teach her a lot of stuff, you mostly read books about farms because you didn’t have a clue either

-You guys lived without pants, like no one was there to see y’all, no one to impress so like fuck it, who needs pants

-Ellie loved waking up to you in the kitchen, with messy hair and nothing but her t-shirt on.... Yes please

-To save water y’all would take baths together, it mostly always turned into bath sex

- Ellie was glued to your side, like wherever you went she was there with you

-She was very distracting, always kissing up your neck or moving your hips on hers

-I swear this woman was distracting without meaning to be

-When she was doing farm work and her tattoo would stand out, it made you want to jump on her every single time

-Sex with her back then was great but sex with her now was so much better

-She really matured a lot, she knew what she wanted and just how to do it

-Your pleasure came first to her, she loved the feeling of being able to pleasure you

-Don’t worry, you didn’t leave her out. You made sure she felt just as good as you

-She wasn’t shy so dirty talk was her thing

-”Just one more time baby, i wanna see you cum on my fingers one more time.” I’m so gross im sorry AHDS

-She would fuck you on literally everything in the house

-No one was near to hear y’all and y’all could do it anywhere and at anytime, it was fucking heaven for y’all

-Y’all were together a lot and although ellie loved it, she knew you liked your alone time

-She would go into her painting room and play guitar or draw, doing anything to keep her busy

- After a hour or two went by you would come in and sit on her lap, hinting that you were getting a bit lonely

-You were always there for her when she went through her attacks, telling her it was going to be okay and you were here with her

-”Y/N! I- I can’t.. can’t breath.”

-”Ellie baby, you're okay. just keep taking deep breaths for me, okay?”

-Seeing her like this broke your heart but you were nothing but patient with her, she was really thankful for that

-You never talked about joel or even riley, you knew those were sensitive topics so when she did talked about them you listened and allowed her to rant

-”You know, I think Riley would’ve really liked you.”

-”You think so?”

-”Yeah, she would’ve liked your weird taste in music.’

-Ellie dreamed about what it would've been like in a normal world

-She could see you two meeting at a movie theater, hitting it off and eventually getting married, Maybe adopting a kid or two

-She was so in love with you, no matter what you looked like or what your body type was. She loved you

!Credits to gif owner!

#the last of us #the last of us fanfiction #the last of us x reader #Ellie Williams #ellie williams x reader #tlou ellie

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caitsyoi · 4 years ago

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I made a post about the Seraphites, so now I want to make one about the WLF. This post is mostly about the WLF's home base, aka the stadium and the area immediately around it. I've included some of my favorite pictures, and my thoughts and observations about where they live and their culture.

Under the cut again to keep things nice and clean.

I gotta say, this blew my mind when I first saw this as Abby. The WLF really have their shit together. Multiple power sources, a bunch of the resources FEDRA left behind, and multiple food sources. The field has cattle, sheep, and chickens plus some farming. On the steps they have even more areas for farming. They have a way to collect water, and even people to design and string up their logo everywhere.

It makes sense, supposedly thousands of people live here (you can't see it unless except via glitch, but there is also baseball stadium immediately next to this that they might also occupy).

We only see where Abby and other soldiers (perhaps squad leaders?) live. They have a pretty cushy life, two per luxury box (the rooms NFL teams overcharge for that run along the upper level of stadiums). Mel also mentions a special area for young families, I wouldn't be surprised if these areas were further divided. Perhaps there is also housing for larger families and single people who aren't soldiers or squad leaders. I very much wonder if those who join the military get better housing than those that work as farmers (or dishwashers, teachers, laundry washers, cooks, etc.). As mentioned earlier, Abby and Manny live in a luxury box, and there are 112 of those in the stadium this is based on. That's housing for 224 people, if they all live like the people in Abby's hallway. That would mean there has to be more housing in other parts of the stadium.

This stadium was once used by FEDRA, and you can see the concrete barriers they left behind along the edge of the field. They have to have more cattle than this, to feed all the people that supposedly live under the WLF. There is farmland around the stadium (more on that later), so maybe they mostly let them graze out there, then move some in when they plan on slaughtering them soon.

I love that they have wind turbines AND solar panels. You can see the influence that the Fireflies had on Issac and the WLF, they really focus on stability and restoring what was lost (at least when it comes to comfort). So they have electricity, sustainable food sources (and multiple kinds too), and a way to collect water (you can't see it in this shot, but they use a system similar to Jackson's, just on a much wider scale).

They teach a curriculum similar to what was taught to kids before the outbreak. We only see two classrooms, but from what I can tell they try to give the gives the type of education they could have received in the old days (as best they can, at least). Both the teachers you see are pretty young, which makes me wonder who taught them.

Most of the kinds you see in class are pretty young, like less than 10. These look a little order (they are outside the stadium in the market area, which I will talk about more a little later). I wonder how long WLF children are required to attend school (I think I saw a sign for 1st through 6th grade, so at least that?). I imagine they get a basic education with some broad looks into various topics, and maybe the ones most apt for study are selected to do specialized careers like teaching or meteorology. Other children are probably pushed into farming or the military portion of the WLF. Regardless of what they study, they probably also get a heavy dose of WLF propaganda. That aligns with how gung-ho many of them are to fight.

I wonder if military service is compulsory, like everyone has has to do at least so much time and then they can do other things if they want. Or maybe they make it so you don't have to fight if you don't want to, but those that do get better perks.

Most of the WLF you see appear to be in their 20's or 30's, or at least the fighters. That would mean they have spent most (if not all) of their lives under military rule, and they would have a special allegiance to the WLF since they manage things so much better than FEDRA did. Plus, you know, all that propaganda. I imagine they are told a lot about how the WLF is restoring society and how the WLF saved them from FEDRA/Scars/infected.

Sorta related, I thought of an WLF AU. Ellie grows up in Seattle under the WLF, perhaps with Riley and Dina and the other characters from canon. So many interesting things can be done with this, but that's for another post maybe.

This is one the cafeteria's the WLF use. I believe this is one of a few, although this is the only one you see. There is also a butcher and small market for clothing and items here too. They prepare food here, but I think the majority of cooking is done in an area set up for it in the stands.

They have posted meal times for groups A-F, and separate meal times for children and the late night patrol. So maybe this is the only cafeteria? Each end is blocked off, so maybe they use some of the corridor that circles the stadium for more living quarters.

This is also community space where they can play games, chat, or read. There also seems to be a mix of soldiers and other workers eating together, as well as young families (there is at least 1 or 2 women with young babies in here).

This little detail was super cute to me, but it also tells you a lot about WLF society. Everyone has a job to do, there is a role and place for everyone to contribute.

I'll talk more about this in another post (titled "It's Silly to Call a Post-apocalyptic Group 'Fascists', but Still the WLF Is Pretty Messed Up"), but an important thing to remember about the WLF is that everything comes down to Issac. He has the final say on everything, he makes all the major decisions, he picks squad leaders, he decides who needs to be punished, he's basically the Supreme Leader. Issac has been shown to be somewhat progressive with some things (you can follow whatever religion you want or none at all in the WLF, the WLF has no problem with LGBTQ people, you can get medical waivers for military duty, they provide support for pregnant women and parents, etc.), and in other ways he is very much the opposite (he punishes anyone who disagrees with him - this could be a relatively light punishment of a crappy assignment or it could be a beating, then there's the whole attempted genocide thing). Anyway, my point is that there are good things about the WLF, but also there is a serious darkside.

Anyway, when I saw this lady and her baby I immediately thought of Dina doing this with JJ while she gardens.

I absolutely loveeeee this little detail. A mural for the fallen. This really reminds me of some stuff you could see today, just replace the wolf with an eagle and make the uniforms camo.

There are 46ish names on this wall, so I wonder if it is continuously updated or if there are multiple murals, because they definitely have lost more people than that over the years. Also, there are about 150 people at the FOB (the amount of bodies at the FOB, yes I counted) that will need to be added. Maybe the war with the Seraphites just really exploded in the last few weeks (or maybe longer) leading up to Ellie's arrival.

I love that you can pause during the ride with Abby, Mel, and Manny to look around the outside of the stadium. Immediately outside there are train tracks and what appears to be a large market running along side of it. This is on the west side of the stadium, I believe. A major highway intersection is also nearby.

The market has all sorts of goods, food, gas, clothing, cleaning products, TVs and other electronics, records, and even more. I wonder if this is some sort of intake area for any goods they bring back to the base. But who runs these little shops? From some notes you can find we know their economy runs on trade, so how does this work?

Once you get past the market area, you see a pretty vast section of farmland. I loved this shot because it also shows one of their rain water storage areas. They mark this water as to be used only for irrigation, so they must use something else for people to drink and bathe with. Or maybe they just filter some water for people to use, and the rest goes to the plants.

In the background you can see the wall and a guard tower. There is a larger wall (like much larger, I'm talking maybe 5 stories) around the QZ, and a smaller one that runs around the stadium.

This is labeled "Checkpoint #4", so I'm not sure if that means there are other gates, but this is the only one we see in game.

The wall is pretty thick, and you can see these guard towers spaced out all alongside it (much like in Jackson). Once you leave the walls you are immediately surrounded by the wasteland that is post-apocalyptic Seattle.

#The amount of detail they put into this game is insane #I can see why it took so long to make #The WLF's base is probably my second favorite place outside of Jackson #But there isn't a lot of competition #WLF thesis stuff #I have spent way too much time thinking about this game #the last of us 2 #WLF

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xaibaugrove · 4 years ago

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An Analysis of Ellie

In honor of The Last Of Us Day, I’m finally gonna drag out this headcanon I’ve had in my drafts forever. If you choose to read this, good luck because it’s a long time.

Of course, SPOILERS AHEAD.

So, this all started with me thinking about how Ellie has suffered from survivor’s guilt ever since she discovered her immunity, when she was meant to die with her girlfriend/best friend Riley.

In that moment, Ellie had already embraced death and wanted to share it with her loved one, but that was robbed from her. She continued to live while forced to watch who might have been the first person she ever loved turn from infection. Ellie had no explanation for why that gift of immunity had been given to her. She had that gift thrust upon her by forces outside of her control. Ellie had to contend with her new existence as someone immune to the infection that had torn apart Earth’s reality, trapped in a paradox as a young teenage girl in a post apocalyptic world, until Marlene relieved her of that pressure by giving her life meaning, by giving purpose to her immunity and bestowing an important identity upon her: the savior of the human race.

Before all that, Ellie had always been just a number. She was just an orphan kid in a sea of other faceless, nameless kids in a military boarding school, without a future or special kind of destiny in a bleak world without any real meaning. Suddenly, she was a savior for all humanity and tasked with the tremendous responsibility of staying alive. She had to contend with her life having more value than others, seeing people sacrificing themselves over and over again, for her, when she had lived as a nobody for all her life until that point when everything changed.

I can imagine that that was a lot for Ellie to deal with as a teenager, a key developmental time in her life when she is just learning who she is as a person. A lot of her identity was based on not having an identity. Being trained and destined to be a nameless soldier. So when that identity was called into question, when she was smacked in the face with immunity to a virus that killed her best friend and numerous people on the planet, she needed the absurdity of her existence to be reigned in by her new title of savior of the human race.

During her journey with Joel, while the player mostly experienced the story and struggle of Joel, Ellie was struggling with her own internal issues as the secondary character. She mainly dealt with the loss of her innocence but she also still carried within her a crippling survivor’s guilt. This is very apparent after the death of Tess. In that pivotal scene in Part 1, Tess made it abundantly clear that the only reason why she was sacrificing herself was because of Ellie’s immunity, to the point of physically grabbing Ellie by the arm and pointing to the point of infection, relegating Ellie to just her immunity. Of course it wasn’t Tess’s intention to do that, but one can only wonder how Ellie absorbed that moment, another moment that helped her in defining herself. Tess wasn’t risking her life to save Ellie the person. She sacrificed herself for the immunity, the potential cure Ellie carried within her.

This assisted Ellie in defining herself by her immunity. Instead of thinking about herself and how she related to the world around her with all the contradictions of her childhood, and the relationships she formed with Joel and Sam, the people in that world, it was easier to just soldier through life with the sole goal of fulfilling her destiny. Saving the human race.

Then came the turning point in her life, when her identity was stripped from her by the very person she had come to trust and love the most.

In a way, Ellie had her autonomy taken from her by Joel and had to come to grips with that, the fact that Joel loved her and yet, hurt her deeply as a result of that love, without truly acknowledging it. In making this ultimate decision about her life for her, Joel triggered her survivor’s guilt and Ellie had no way of expressing it, 1. Because Joel lied to her about the situation and forced the conversation to be buried in that lie, and 2. Because even if she gathered the courage to confront him about the lie, she didn’t really have the cognitive ability at the time to express herself fully, to tell him exactly what was wrong with it. And maybe on some level, she didn’t really want to have the conversation and finally clarify the unspoken truth. If she did initiate the conversation, how could she be angry at him when his defense is that he did what he did out of love? What defense would an average teenager have against a parent making that statement in one of many common situations that could occur in normal settings?

Because of the decision that Joel made, he was able to be content with his surrogate daughter, living his best life in a way, while Ellie was devastated in the aftermath. And if he did notice her inner turmoil, he never addressed it. She was probably subtly carrying around that guilt with her for years. It might have even bothered her or made her hesitant to indulge in the many positive aspects of being alive: developing friendships, romantic relationships, normal childhood things. It wasn’t until Ellie was allowed to stew on it, contemplate everything and allow the guilt to fester within her that she was able to finally muster up the courage to have that difficult conversation with Joel.

In yet another pivotal scene, this time in Part 2, she gave him another chance to confess to what she suspected was a lie for multiple years when she was met with another trigger of her survivor’s guilt, during the reluctant excursion she embarked upon with Joel in search of strings for the guitar he made for her. In that scene, she questions him, counters his excuses and challenges him. Ellie gave Joel the chance to be honest with her. And his choice was to dig his heels in deeper, lying to her face once again. When watching Ellie’s expressions after Joel silenced her protests, so much can be seen in the way she looks at him for a moment.

She looks at him and thinks of how many things he has done to make her happy, out of love for her, and the immense contradiction she feels with those acts of love when compared to the greatest pain he inadvertently inflicted on her as well as the continuation of that pain through him perpetuating the lie. She gave him another chance and he betrayed her trust again. When Ellie looks away from Joel, her expression then reveals her innermost thoughts. Her eyes search the void between them to see that Joel will never admit to the lie and the only way for her to reinforce what she believes is the real truth is for her to seek out the answers herself. So she does.

When he did finally confess to everything, it broke her with not only how indifferent he was to it, but how he had destroyed any chance she could have of fulfilling her purpose. It possibly even reaffirmed the suspicions in the back of her mind that questioned his love for her due to how much he had hurt her without apologizing even once for it and how much he had taken from her in the process. The validity of all their past interactions were suddenly called into question as well, because although Joel did those things to make Ellie happy, every happy moment was always undercut by the tremendous amount of guilt she carried that outweighed the happier moments for her as her entire life was worthless to her, from the moment Joel removed her from that hospital.

After that revelation, her sense of self was thrown into limbo. Ellie severed her relationship with Joel and went back to Jackson with no idea of how to truly carry on with her life and live with herself after that. In order to appease herself in some way, she regained some type of control in navigating their relationship from that point on. Before, their relationship hinged entirely on how Joel wanted to interact with her, with him approaching her to progress their father-daughter relationship after he removed her agency by making choices for her. Post their argument at St. Mary’s, it’s important to note that Ellie assumed control and eliminated that progression entirely. A consolation prize, a reclamation of her agency in life. But it was never enough.

Regardless, things continued on like that for some time, but then something happened that shifted the trajectory of Joel and Ellie’s relationship. On a night when Ellie attended a party, she happened to find herself possibly feeling grateful for being alive when her longtime best friend expressed interest in her and made an advance toward her.

After Joel intervened in a conflict between her and a dumbass bigot, she angrily went to confront him. She continued to exercise her control in their relationship by coming down hard on him. Her anger about everything was very apparent during their confrontation later that night and one can see that she still felt like her life was technically meaningless without her death for the sake of a cure for the salvation of the human race. During that scene she finally expresses exactly how she feels, what she hadn’t been able to articulate for years.

It’s important to note that before she says any of that, Joel disarms her. Joel asked her about the simplest of things, if Dina was her girlfriend. Then he placed an importance on her existence, by saying that Dina would be lucky to have her, which I believe Ellie thought about for a split second. She ruminated on her feelings, on how a potential romantic relationship with Dina made her feel happy to be alive, as it wouldn’t have been possible if she had died in the hospital. And this thought, that Joel could have been right to save her, that she could possibly agree with him, caused her survivor’s guilt to spiral and she lashed out at him with all the emotions she felt since he first agreed to smuggle her across the country years ago.

Then, in a turning point in their dynamic, Joel is finally forthright with her when he responds to her frustration by stating that he would do it all over again. As a result, for the first time ever, Ellie feels as though she can finally understand his motivations and the validity of his love for her. In his honesty, he tells her that her life does have value to him, even if she can’t see that herself. And although she will never forgive him for his transgression or fully understand it because she doesn’t see her own value as a person aside from the potential cure she carries within herself along with her immunity, she realizes that she can’t stop herself from wanting... From wanting to live, from wanting to experience the joys of life, wanting to just be human. Joel introduces a new purpose to her life, to simply exist without purpose and be herself and find value in her life as just a person living it. She can’t erase the past and change Joel’s choices that directly affected her in the end, but she can choose to try his suggestion. To live life, despite her guilt and despite how afraid she feels to do it. This late night moment of vulnerability between a father and daughter opens the door to them possibly repairing what was broken 4 years ago.

Her entire world is then shattered when Abby slams that door shut by killing Joel. Just when Ellie was setting down the path of finding the strength to move on and repair their relationship. Her survivor’s guilt was triggered and sent into overdrive by this event, because once she discovered that the people who killed Joel were ex-Fireflies, she came to the conclusion that Abby killed Joel in retaliation to him removing Ellie from the hospital and killing any hopes of a cure, along with all the Fireflies in the hospital. This essentially caused Ellie to believe that Joel was killed because of her in a roundabout way, as he would have still been alive if he hadn’t saved her, further enforcing her belief that her ultimate destiny in life was to die in that hospital. In Ellie’s mind, Joel died for a pointless reason, because she viewed herself as worthless.

Since she and Joel were the only ones who carried the secret of what really happened at St. Mary’s, there was no one else who could blame her or punish her for his death. Abby punished someone who didn’t deserve the blame and let Ellie go, leaving her to deal with the aftermath and that survivor’s guilt. In Ellie’s mind, it should have been her, but there was no way for her to have swapped herself in Joel’s place. So she punished herself in a different way. This sends her down her path of addiction to self-destruction.

Ellie had no way of punishing herself for her immunity for all those years, for surviving while others died for her. Abby provided an outlet for this desire. Ellie pursued Abby under the guise of getting justice for Joel but more can be ascertained from her constant push to find Abby, in her constantly doing things that go against her better nature, committing horrible acts and torturing people, debasing herself and pushing away those who love her or even putting them in danger while simultaneously traumatizing herself all at once. With every murder she committed, with every wound she sustained, she was punishing herself for being alive.

Each wound she suffered during that pursuit was like a high for her, an adrenaline rush. Each time she damaged her mental state even further with a new murder of one of Abby’s friends, she reinforced the belief that she deserved all of this for surviving. She deserved all the pain for being the cure, for being immune and benefiting from it while the world and everyone in it suffered. This is why Ellie can’t let go, even after her first encounter with Abby.

It was easy for Ellie to spiral in that self-destructive cycle. She punished herself for Joel’s death by pursuing Abby, which caused her closest friends to suffer because they were connected to her hunt for justice. Even when it all seemed to be over and Ellie tried to change. Tommy nearly died and wound up crippled and separated from his wife because of her and even JJ wound up without a father due to Jesse dying while helping her in her pursuit of Abby. This all contributed to her revisiting the same destructive path when Tommy accused her of not following through after all he had lost for her. Tommy started her self-punishment with that accusation. And once Ellie had the chance to think it all over, it was easy for her to return to the same bad habits. This is why she leaves and continues to pursue Abby, steeling herself against a near-fatal abdominal injury, doing whatever it takes to get to her, lying to herself this time, by telling herself all the while that it is in service of Joel. To repay his life that was taken from him. To even out the injustice.

Ellie realizes this lie when she is mere seconds away from exacting her revenge by drowning Abby in the ocean. Joel’s face flashes across her mind, of him during that night when he told her that her life had value. She realizes in that moment that killing Abby will not bring her peace, because the motivation behind the act is a lie. It will not give her life value or meaning, or purpose. Because her life already has value. Outside of a cure, outside of her immunity, outside of her saving humankind. Her life has value because of who she is, not what she can give to the world. And Ellie finally realizes that she must accept this to be whole. Killing Abby won’t help her do this...so she lets her go. She watches the boat leave as she sits in the ocean tides ebbing and flowing around her, thinking of how broken she is, how much she has lost and if she can bring herself back from the brink to find value in the meaningless existence she believed her life was for so long.

When she revisits the farm and contemplates all this while holding a guitar that she’ll never be able to play again, she recalls that memory, when Joel reminded her of her value. In that final scene, she realized that Joel was the first person in her life who didn’t see her for her immunity. Joel saw Ellie for who she was and saw value in her as a person. To such a degree that he was willing to risk all of humanity to keep her alive. She was then able to forgive him and know that he truly did love her for her, something no one else had ever done before him. And if he could love her for her, maybe she could learn to do the same.

#the last of us day #the last of us #tlou #the last of us part 2 #tlou2 #ellie tlou #joel tlou #riley tlou #dina tlou #headcanon

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bbrandy2002 · 5 years ago

Text

My Love

Chapter Four-Please Remember

Book: TRH

Pairing: Liam and Riley

A/N: Thank you @burnsoslow who edited the hell out of this and did so masterfully and just for all your support with everything. Also, @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore and @romanticatheart-posts I stole your words from your comments on the previous chapter. It was just two sentences but wanted to give credit where it was due. Keep your comments coming and you two will have this thing written for me..lol. And lastly, @dcbbw who sent me the perfect song for inspiration found here:

https://youtu.be/3Ru1euNUN2s

Warning: Physical altercation and MC death mentioned.

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

Silence fell on Liam’s lips as he held in his hand the first missing piece to Riley’s death. It had been exactly 12 hours since she departed this earth and his life, taking with her the best parts of himself. Every second since had felt like thousands of painful stings throughout his entire body that he wanted nothing more than to numb. Would this report provide him with all the answers he sought to why her life was taken from her? Would it make his heart hurt any less knowing what happened? Or would it simply open Pandora’s box, leaving him with more questions? He knew it wouldn’t heal the pain he felt, but perhaps it would clue him into why she was gone.

Ignoring Bastien’s suggestion to sit, he turned away from his head guard and pinched the clasp of the manila envelope. With his heart thundering in his chest, he reached inside and slid the report from its enclosure. Pacing nervously, his eyes scrutinized every single word, line by line, from her name to how the exam was conducted. Nothing was abnormal.

He licked his thumb and turned to the second page. His eyes immediately caught sight of the bold type at the bottom of the page, and he couldn’t help but skip straight to it.

The cause of death is acute respiratory distress from potassium cyanide-induced histotoxic hypoxia.

Manner of death: Homicide.

Liam read those words over and over again, unsure he really believed them. His stomach wrenched as thoughts of his own mother's murder began to haunt him; how could this happen again? Riley, his love, the one who made him complete, who turned his world upside-down in the very best ways possible, succumbed to the same death his mother had over 20 years ago. Poisoned.

He had spent the last several hours contemplating whether he had done something to hurt her, thinking perhaps she hadn't been physically ready to be intimate the prior evening. As ominous as that thought was, knowing now that she was murdered, that he risked her life to marry for love after his father warned him of the pain of losing Liam’s mother, made him feel every bit as culpable of her demise. It was why he hadn’t chosen her at his coronation; he knew she was set up, but he had to protect her, even if it meant they couldn’t be together.

Liam turned to Bastien with a remorseful look. “I killed her, Bas.”

“Sir, you did no such thing.”

He held up the report. “Then explain this … he warned me, Bastien; my father told me my love for her made me weak, that I put everyone at risk by choosing her. He was right.”

“Your Majesty, regardless of what the late King said, the same poison that killed your mother was found in the Queen. We need to proceed with an investigation and find out who really committed this atrocious act.”

Liam ran a hand down his face. “Yes, we need another damn investigation that will take you 20 years to figure out-except you didn’t figure out who killed my mother! my friends and I did that!” he spat.

“Sir, with all due respect, I wasn’t the Head Guard when your mother passed.”

Liam yanks Bastien by the collar, nearly nose to nose with him. “YOU ARE FOR THIS ONE!”

The guard attempted to loosen the grip, feeling the weight of his King’s words. “Please, sir. I understand the anger directed at me …”

“Oh, I don’t believe you can even begin to understand the anger I have for you, Mr. Lykel.” Liam stepped back. “You are charged with protecting my family, and so far two members of the royal family have been murdered on your watch:my father and my wife..So help me God, if I find out you could have prevented this and failed again …”

“What’s going on?” Drake asked, having heard the commotion and stepped around the corner to make sure everything was okay.

Liam continued to eye Bastien with a steely glare. “Drake, can you stay with Ellie while I take care of some business? I need someone I can trust to actually protect her.”

__________

In the lowest reaches of the palace, Liam placed two cold hands on the cell bars of the former Duke of Karlington. Godfrey had been imprisoned for the last six weeks, awaiting trial for his part in Eleanor’s death. The elderly man was lying down on his cot, stewing in boredom and oppressive thoughts, when he heard the familiar sound of keys clanking and the creaking of the door swinging open. Before he had time to lower the arm that rested over his eyes, he was jerked from his peaceful doldrums on the bed and brought to his feet. His aging body was thrust against the icy concrete of his prison walls, causing him to bounce off and stumble harshly to the ground.

“What is the meaning of this?”

Liam crouched down beside him, grabbing a fistful of Godfrey’s silver mane in one hand and his feeble neck with the other. “You son of a bitch. I will give you one chance and one chance only to rectify your miserable life before I strangle you with my bare hands!"

"This is preposterous," he gagged slightly as Liam's hand constricted tighter around his neck. Godfrey instinctively began tugging on the King's arm, desperate for breath.

"Did you kill my wife?" His tone became sharper.

The Duke gasped for air after the grasp on his neck was loosened. He furrowed his brows as he stared straight into the unforgiving eyes of his captor, unsure whether the lack of oxygen caused him to misunderstand.

"Did I hear you correctly? The Queen … is dead?"

Liam released his hold on Karlington's neck but kept the other bound to the back of his hair. "Did.you.do.it?'' he seethed.

"I haven't the faintest idea what the bloody hell you speak of!'' he replied contemptuously. "I'm facing death for what happened to Eleanor; what possible reason would I have for harming the Queen now?"

"Because you have a track record, Your Grace. The same poison you used to end my mother’s life was found in Riley’s body. I don’t believe this is just some coincidence. You had nothing to lose."

"I would have nothing to gain either," he replied succinctly.

Liam let out a heavy sigh and stood, towering over the man whose deception and thirst for power had cost him years of anguish and emotional turmoil as a child. He searched Godfrey’s malevolent face for any indication of guilt or responsibility, yet none was detected. Feeling overcome by mental and physical exhaustion, he turned and walked toward the prison doors, where a guard stood nearby watching the encounter. “I’m ready.”

The guard pulled his keys from the clip on his belt and opened the door. As he exited and the lock was secured behind him, Godfrey pushed himself up from the ground and called out to him.

“Your Majesty!”

Liam stopped just out of view but did not face him. "What is it, Godfrey?"

Godfrey grabbed the bars of his cell and pressed his withered face against them.

“Sometimes we have no one to blame but ourselves. Are you really surprised this has happened, considering that from the moment you announced your engagement to the puckish American, our country has suffered one attack after another? Perhaps you’ll think wisely when choosing your next queen, because this lies squarely on your shoulders, Rhys."

Liam hung his head low Godfrey’s words were doing exactly what he intended them to do, getting under his skin and inside his heart. He did blame himself; he knew he always would. The guilt was eating him up inside because he thought the two of them together were unstoppable. They had encountered every possible danger together and always came out victoriously, but somehow he failed her this time. He turned on his heels, motioning for the guard to reopen Godfrey’s cell door.

“Take care of him.”

The guard nodded and lifted the pommel of his club from the holster at his side.

_____________

That evening, Hana would return to Valtoria. She had offered to stay, but Liam insisted he and Ellie would be fine. Maxwell and Bertrand returned to Ramsford soon after, and Drake retired to his room.

Liam stood just outside his bedroom after putting Ellie in her crib for the night. Fear of being in their room without Riley, sleeping in their bed alone for the first time and knowing that was the last place he saw her alive, prevented him from stepping inside. He placed his hand on the doorknob and slowly turned it, then let go.

With the baby monitor still in his hand, he headed back downstairs and stepped out onto the balcony just off the living room. Liam placed both hands on the balcony railing and leaned into it. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, allowing the cool, spring wind that carried just a hint of honeysuckle to refresh his mind and relax his worn and weary body.

“My love,” he began, peering down towards the entrance of the hedge maze. “I keep expecting to wake up and see that beautiful face of yours looking back at me, telling me this has all been just one horrible nightmare.” His throat began to tighten as his emotions started to resurface. “I have all of our wonderful friends, I have Ellie, but I don’t have you … and I’m so lonely, Riley,” he choked out. “I’m so lonely.”

Liam swiped away the tears that began to surface and roll down his cheeks like a torrential downpour. “Everyone keeps telling me that we will find out who did this to you - and I swear I will - but in the end, it won’t bring you back to me ... and our little girl will never know her mother, Ri. How do I even begin to tell her about you?... about us?”

Liam pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and washed it over his teary face. His gaze turned to a small apple tree that he and Riley planted just outside the hedge maze shortly after finding out they were expecting a baby. Liam recalled she wanted something to represent the three of them: her being from the Big Apple, him being from the Land of Apples and their baby referred to by the people of Cordonia as “the Little Apple.” A thought crossed his mind, and he knew it was the right decision. “Love, if it’s okay, I would like to lay you to rest under that tree.” He sniffles, “I think you would have wanted that.”

Feeling his eyelids growing heavier than he could withstand any longer, he said a quick good night, hoping it reached the heavens, before returning to the warmth of the indoors.

Liam walked back upstairs and grabbed two blankets and a pillow from a hall closet. He entered Ellie’s room. Even with a guest bedroom, he didn’t want to be alone tonight, opting to sleep on the floor next to his daughter’s crib.

______________

It had been one week since Riley died, and there were no leads, no suspects, no evidence other than the cyanide found in her body. No one who had spoken with or saw her in the days prior to the tragedy noticed anything that suggested she was sick. Cyanide poisoning kills quickly, though, and Liam, as the last person to see her alive, couldn’t explain how she ingested it. Their quarters had been swept, and no traces of suspicious activity was found anywhere. As frustrating as all of this was to Liam, he had something else on his mind today.

It had taken him three days to finally re-enter his bedroom, yet he still slept in Ellie’s nursery where the staff prepared a small bed for him there. He knew it was nonsensical, but he just couldn’t bring himself to be alone in bed without Riley.

Today, all businesses were closed, flags lined the streets of the Capital, and a frenzy of press and people were already gathering along the funeral procession route to pay homage to their beloved queen. At the palace, Liam stood before the vanity, adjusting his tie, smoothing out his suit jacket, and locking the emerald cufflinks Riley gave him in place. He glanced over himself once more in the mirror before peeking down at Ellie, who was sitting in a bouncer on the vanity beside him, watching his every move.

“All right, Princess, this is where your mother would tell me my tie is crooked or I have a hair standing up in the back. It’s up to you now; what’s the verdict?”

Ellie’s lips curved into a large smile, completely enamored by the attention she was getting from her father. “I will take that to mean the Princess approves,” he smiled back.

Liam gathered a baby cloth and slung it over his shoulder then lifted the baby from her bouncer. With a kiss to her forehead, he moved downstairs, where Bertrand and Maxwell were waiting for him at the door. Both brothers’ grim faces perked up at the sight of the approaching baby, who was almost a mirror image of Riley. Miss Talbert, who had served as Riley’s personal assistant, agreed to stay on as Ellie’s nanny, having helped care for her in one way or another since her birth.

“Amanda, she’s been changed and fed recently and will most likely take a nap within the hour.”

“Come here, sweetheart.” Amanda took Ellie from Liam’s arms. “We’ll be fine, Your Majesty; I’ll take good care of this little peanut.”

Liam kissed his daughter on the cheek. “Daddy loves you, sweet girl; I’ll be home soon.”

He looked down at his watch and then to Bertrand and Maxwell. “We should probably go.”

Stepping outside the front doors of the Palace, Liam took a deep breath and prepared himself mentally for what he thought would be some of the most difficult hours of his life. The eyes of the world would be watching his every move, every expression, and every shed tear. It wasn’t fair that he had to be strong; he detested the expectations he was burdened with on today of all days, yet it was what was conventional of a monarch during a time like this. Any sign of weakness could be detrimental to his country, or so he had been led to believe. He wondered why grieving the loss of your wife, your best friend, could be misconstrued as a sign of vulnerability ... but then, perhaps, today, he was vulnerable.

The sun was high, and the warmth it rained down was quite welcoming. With Maxwell on Liam’s left side and Bertrand on his right, they stopped at the end of the cobblestone walkway that led to the drive in front of the palace, and there they waited. The silence that commenced for the next minute was finally broken by the advancing sound of a horse’s trot.

Drake was riding Maribelle’s Dream and pulled a wooden caisson bearing the casket of Riley Brooks. Draped over her coffin were the flags of Valtoria, Cordonia, and Ramsford, as well as a bouquet of her favorite flower, purple lilies perched in the center.

Maxwell lost all control of his emotions as she passed by, while Liam and Bertrand bowed their heads in deference. Once the carriage had cleared, the three men stepped forward and followed behind on foot, out the gates and to the cathedral.

The service was a traditional, royal funeral. Liam wasn’t sure she would have liked it, considering she was anything but traditional. Sitting in the front row, he maintained his stoic facade as everyone around him wept and sniffled, yet inside, he was completely destroyed. He was devastated in his grief and the realization that the last time he was in this building, he was beginning his life with her; now, one year later, he was here once again, for its ending.

“King Liam of Cordonia, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you vow to love her, comfort her, and cherish her, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in times of joy and times of trial, til death do you part?”

“I do.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony and after all guests in the cathedral had exited, Liam, Drake, Hana, Maxwell, and Bertrand each gathered around Riley with heavy hearts. It had been decided they would each place a sentimental item with her and say their final goodbyes, away from rolling cameras and the eyes of the public. This would be their final time together as “The Gang” and wasn’t something they wanted to share with anyone else.

Bertrand, never one for words, gave her a copy of the bill for the Applewood dress she never returned, knowing she would have found it hilarious and so perfectly him. His throat tight with emotion. “Goodbye, Lady Riley, until we meet again.”

Hana stepped forward. “Riley, you gave me the confidence to be me, to follow my own path, to have fun, to laugh, to be wild and free. You’ve always been there for me, and I will never forget you.” She gave Riley the recipe for her hot cocoa that they had spent so much time bonding over. It reminded her of all their best times together. She placed a hand on her friend’s cheek.

Maxwell held out a small white box and placed it next to her. “I wanted to give you a box of cronuts because it was one of the funnest nights I ever remember with you … I assume you would appreciate the fact that I’ve already eaten half of them.” he chuckled through tears. “I’ll never forget you, Riley … I … I … I can’t do this.” Maxwell turned and fell into Bertrand and Hana’s embrace.

Drake inhaled deeply. “Uh … hey, Brooks. You already know what I got you.” He slipped a bag of marshmallows inside. “I can hear you laughing now and telling me how gooey I am on the inside. I like to think you had a little something to do that with, but don’t go getting all boastful about it.” He sighed heavily, running his fingers through his hair. “Damn, this hurts, Brooks … but I want you to know, I’ll take care of Liam and Ellie and … maybe you can save me a seat at that bar in heaven.” He smirked, “Yeah, my heaven has a bar, and all the whiskey I can drink.”

The four friends stood back, their arms around each other as Liam prepared to say goodbye. His thumb caressed her temple as he looked down at the face of his angel.

He cleared his throat and reached inside his breast pocket, pulling out several things. “Love … I have a few things to take with you, just some photos of us together and Ellie … and because you know me better than anyone, you would know I spent last night writing this letter to you … you always said I have a letter to write for every occasion. I won’t read it to you, but --” his lips began to quiver and his shoulders shook -- “I wanted you to know how proud I am of you … how proud I’ve always been of you. You possessed a strength I never had and without you, never will. All those dreams we won’t be able to fulfill - yet we lived every dream we had to the fullest. We sure had one hell of an adventure, didn’t we?” He sobbed passionately, “We just ran out of time.”

Liam leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Riley’s lips, lingering for just a moment. “I always loved you … I always will.”

With that, “the gang” left together and returned to the gardens of the Palace. They gathered together for a private burial under that apple tree she planted, while the birds soared, the butterflies flew, and the squirrels ran across the lush palace lawn. The five of them held each other, cried and laughed, remembering times and a life they would never know again.

#the royal heir #liam x mc #liam x riley #king liam #choices the royal romance #tw character death #trh #trr #the royal romance

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kaitycole · 4 years ago

Text

Adventure Made Blondes...

Summary: Jackson catches Drake up on everything he told Riley and tells them about the ill-fated diplomatic ball.

Word Count: 2381

Pairings: Drake x Riley, Constantine x Eleanor, Jackson x Bianca

Warnings: N/A

Part 11 of WP. To catch up read here.

Tag List: @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @glaimtruelovealways @bobasheebaby @bascmve01 @burnsoslow @the-everlasting-dream @ao719 @sirbeepsalot @janezillow @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @kimmiedoo5 @choices97 @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @lodberg @edgiestwinter @marshmallowsandfire @hopefulmoonobject @iaminlovewithtrr

**I don’t own the characters, just borrowing them**

FC for Eleanor Rys and her dress and FC for Bianca Walker and her dress.

He waits until her car is out of sight before heading back into the house. He sits back down in his chair before looking at a picture of him and Eleanor on the table next to him.

“I really wish you here to help, El.” A single tear falls down his cheek before he wipes it away.

* * “Maybe you should just go by yourself. He probably only said I could come so you wouldn’t think he was an awful person.” Drake rubs the back of his neck, regretting his decision.

“Or he wants a chance to make amends with his son. I really think you should hear what he has to say.” Riley gives her husband a smile; she knows this won’t be easy, but she does think it’s important for them to talk.

“I just don’t know, RI. I mean when I confronted him weeks ago, he told me to leave and then confided in a complete stranger.” He flops down on the couch.

“You grew up with your dad being your hero, Drake. Seeing you made him realize that that façade was shattered.” She wraps her arms around his shoulders from behind as she rests her chin on his shoulder, “How would you feel if our baby learned you weren’t the hero they always saw you as?”

Drake knows his wife is making valid points, but it’s not as easy for him as it is for her to accept Jackson’s word. He taught Drake that a man stood behind what he said and how he acted, yet Jackson seemed to have gone back on everything he taught Drake.

“Guess it couldn’t hurt to hear what he has to say.”

“If it gets too much, we can leave. And I’ll be beside you the whole time!” She peppers his cheek and neck with kisses before letting him go, “Let’s go!”

Drake stands up and watches his wife buzz around the room, gathering her purse and sweater before bolting out the door. He didn’t understand why she was so excited about going. He grabs his keys off the holder by the door before locking up and walking to his truck where she’s waiting to get in.

It’s a few moments into the drive before Riley squeals, causing Drake to panic. He looks at her and she giggles.

“According to this baby app, our baby is the size of an apple.”

Drake takes a deep breath, “Maybe save the squeals for when I’m at a red light or parked next time?”

She turns red, “I’m sorry.”

He grabs her hand, squeezes it before laughing, “An apple, eh? Like a Cordonian Ruby?”

“I’ll never understand y’alls love for apples.”

“Speaking of Cordonia, Liam is planning a trip down here.”

“What!” She squeals again, “Liam’s coming!”

Even though Riley initially flew to Cordonia for Liam’s social season, it was clear from the beginning that Drake and Riley were destined to be together. Liam wasn’t blind to how her and Drake looked at each other, so he didn’t make it awkward or continue to try to pursue her. He had given them his blessing, not that they needed it, but Riley wanted it. She refused to tear Drake and Liam apart, refused to be the woman who destroyed a childhood long friendship.

However, that didn’t stop her from befriending Liam and making him her best friend just as Maxwell had made her him. She stuck by his side through the whole social season and helped him gain the courage to stand up to tradition by not settling for a loveless marriage.

* *

Drake sees Jackson sitting on the porch, waiting for them as they pull up into the driveway.

“It’s going to be okay, I promise.” Riley grabs Drake’s hand. She gives him her best smile, the one he fell in love with all those years ago.

He takes a deep breath, “Okay, let’s go.”

They slowly make their way up the walkway as Jackson comes down and greets them midway.

“Good morning. I have a pot of coffee ready, if you’d like some.” Jackson says, kicking some dirt on the ground.

“Drake loves coffee, I’m sure he’d like one, right Drake?” Riley gently nudges his arm.

“Oh, uh, yeah sure.”

The three of them all walk inside the house; Drake and Riley take a seat at the kitchen table as Jackson pours him and Drake a cup.

“There’s sugar on the table and I have creamer in the fridge.”

“I drink it black.” Riley cuts her eyes at him and he adds, “But thank you.”

“Of course. I prefer a bit of creamer, myself.” Jackson sits down across from Drake and Riley. They all sat in a semi-awkward silence, not sure exactly how to start things. It’s not until Riley’s sudden dash out of the kitchen that either say anything.

“Is everything okay?” He looks at Drake with confusion.

“Is that Hazelnut creamer?”

“How’d you know?”

Drake chuckles, “It’s one of Ri’s food aversions.”

“Aver…That means she’s…” Jackson pauses, waiting for his son to speak up.

“Pregnant, yes. Just a little bit into her second trimester.” Drake smiles.

“You’re gonna be a grandpa!” Riley exclaims, walking back into the kitchen, having heard the end of their conversation.

“Wow. Congratulations.” Jackson says, smiling at the couple in front of him.

Drake wants to be happy to share this moment with Jackson, for his child to have a grandfather. “Before we start handing out grandparent titles, I think we need to talk first.”

“Drake!” Riley opposes, cutting him a look; telling him to play nice.

“No no, I understand where he’s coming from.” Jackson says.

For the next hour, Jackson catches Drake up on everything he had told Riley not too long ago. When he told Riley it was effortless almost, he knew regardless of what she ended up thinking, it wouldn’t really affect him. He had no risk in that exchange but he felt a lump in his throat each time he swallowed while repeated it all to his son.

Drake takes in everything his father tells him. How the picture of love at first sight, a happy marriage between his parents, the type of love he strived for; was all a bunch of lies. He listened to how his father started an innocent friendship that ended up in two broken families, to how his once hero became nothing but a stranger in front of him.

“And know you know everything I’ve told Riley.”

Drake just stares at Jackson, he’s not sure what more he could be told. What Jackson could tell him to make him understand why they did what they did, why they left him, Liam and Savannah. Drake hadn’t even called Savannah to tell her yet; he knew he had to, but he just didn’t know how to.

“Are you okay, hun?” Riley squeeze Drake’s hand.

“Yeah. So, what happened at this ball?” Drake looks at Jackson; part of him not caring, the other part of him just wanting to learn the truth.

* *

The next day at the palace, everything is a whirlwind. Floral arrangements, name cards and fairy lights are being carried through the palace halls. Jackson and Timothy are watching as mayhem fills the palace.

“Your wife excited about tonight?” Timothy asks, nudging Jackson.

He knew he was talking about the fact the couple had been invited to the ball by Queen Eleanor herself and that they had been given a reserved suite. Bianca has been talking about the ordeal for days. Even calling her sister and comparing it to Disney World.

“It’s all she can talk about.”

“What about you?”

“It might be weird not being off to the side and being on high alert.”

“That’s not what I meant.” He glances around before lowering his voice, “About having both Eleanor and Bianca together. Since you have feelings for…”

Jackson interrupts him, “Don’t even finish that false statement.”

As he strides through the halls, he gets lost in thought: I can’t believe he thinks something so absurd. Only a fool would fall for a Queen, especially someone so much lower in station. What could someone like me even give a woman like her.

The rest of the day is uneventful, especially with Timothy keeping his distance. It’s not until he’s about to leave that he runs into Queen Eleanor.

“Jackson!” She practically squeals before realizing people could hear, “Office Walker.”

“Your Majesty,” he bows.

“Are you looking forward to the festivities?”

“Bianca hasn’t stopped talking about it since the invitation arrived.”

“I’m glad, but I asked if you were.”

“Oh! It will be different for sure, but it will be interesting to see how the other side lives.”

She playfully bumps his shoulder before smiling, “Does Bianca have a dress? I could have some brought to your suite.”

“That’s not needed. I’m sure she will have something.”

“Well, do let me know. I know what it’s like to feel like an outsider.” She gives him a faint smile.

“Ellie, there you are.” The masculine voice fills the air around them.

“Your Majesty.” Jackson goes to bow.

“No need for that Jackson. This meeting is rather casual.”

“Constantine,” Eleanor nods.

“One of the decorators is looking for you, dear.” He tells his wife.

“Constantine. Jackson. If you’ll excuse me.” Eleanor smiles before taking her leave.

“I take it all the security needs are handled since you’ll be off duty.”

“Yes, sir, but I’ll duck out if needed.”

“I expect no less, but I do hope you try to enjoy yourself. I believe all the children will be staying over. Drake and Savannah are welcome to join.”

“I appreciate that, sir.” Jackson says.

* *

By the time the ball begins, the palace has been completely transformed. Lights, flowers, decorations have truly changed the once cold and stoic palace into a lively and comfortable setting.

Bianca’s eyes were as large as a kid’s on Christmas; trying to take in as much as she could. She’d been in parts of the palace before but never seen it like this.

“Mrs. Walker?”

She turns around to see a maid smile at her.

“Yes?”

“Please follow me ma’am.”

Bianca looks at Jackson who smiles, “Go on, no one here bites.”

She’s then escorted to one of the spare rooms typically reserved for nobles staying from abroad. Her eyes light up once again when she sees several beautiful ballgowns and accessories throughout the room.

“Jackson said you’d have a gown, but I still thought I’d offer.”

Bianca turns around and immediately drops into a curtesy, “Queen Eleanor!”

Eleanor bites back a smile, “No need for all that. It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Walker.”

“Bianca is fine, ma’am.”

“Bianca it is then.” She walks closer to Bianca, “I had some gowns and such brought in here for you to look at. I won’t be offended if you don’t choose any, so please don’t fret.”

“Why’d you do all of this for me?” Bianca looks at the gowns, she’s never seen such dresses before and refuses to even think of what they must’ve cost.

“Let’s just say that I know firsthand what it’s like to attend the ball in a gown people didn’t find good enough.” Bianca sees the sad smile on Eleanor’s face before looking at her own gown.

Up until this moment, Bianca hadn’t realized that she never saw Queen Eleanor as a person. She was always this high-powered entity to her, but now she saw that she wasn’t that much different than her. She couldn’t even imagine how lonely Eleanor must feel being her and not really having friends. Friendships within nobility were rare, Jackson had told her before, they lasted long enough for each party to get something they wanted from the other.

“Which would you pick out for me, Queen Eleanor?”

Eleanor smiles, “I think you’d look lovely in this one.”

* *

Bianca walks down the hall, trying to remember which way she came from. Timothy quickly sees her and walks towards her.

“Need any assistance?”

“Timothy, oh thank heavens. I’m trying to find Jackson.”

“The ballroom is this way, I’ll escort you.” Timothy motions for her to continue walking, “That’s a lovely gown.”

“Thank you. Queen Eleanor lent it to me for the night. She’s very sweet.”

Timothy’s eyes widen, “Yes, she is.”

They didn’t say much of anything else as they walked through the empty halls towards the ballroom. Bianca immediately saw Jackson and parted ways with Timothy.

“Jack!” She called out as he appeared to be looking for her.

“Bianca. Wow.” Jackson’s jaw dropped. His wife stood in front of him wearing a completely different gown than she had arrived in. She had originally chosen to wear an ill-fitting dress that she had for years that she’d worn to Tonya and Cash’s wedding a few years ago. Yet here she was in a pale-yellow strapless dress that had white appliqué flowers covering the bodice and flowing down onto part of the skirt. It hugged her sides which showed off her figure more than most clothes she wore and the rhinestone studded belt insinuated her waist.

Bianca’s face turns red as her husband stares at her.

“Where did you get that gown?” He pulls her to his side and kisses her temple.

“Queen Eleanor lent it to me. Actually, she picked it out as well.”

“The Queen does have excellent taste.”

The couple walk into the ballroom just before the King and Queen are announced. Bianca feels herself attempting to cover her shoulders; feeling slightly exposed as they made their way through the room.

“Cold?” Jackson asks.

“Just feeling a bit uncomfortable.”

“Don’t be. You look beautiful.”

As they reached their table, they stood as Constantine and Eleanor were announced and entered the room. Constantine wore his typical regale attire while his wife wore the lavender colored gown Jackson had seen just a week prior. Her hair was down and curled which was usual because typically noble women wore their hair up to events that lasted long hours.

Bianca looks up to whisper something to her husband but stops when she sees him practically drooling. Immediately the confidence his earlier words had given her, crumbled; feeling herself pale in comparison to the Queen.

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gothamstreetcat · 4 years ago

Note

oh dude dude DUDE have you...have you finished tlou2 yet? God I didn’t even know you liked the game I’m so excited I have someone to bother about it now 😂 anyways if you haven’t finished yet how far are you? also hope you’re doing well and taking care of yourself while playing the game cause it can be quite a bit on the violent side for some people

dear keeps,

rip to this disaster of a review that took me so long to complete:

So anyway, I was really debating on answering this ask or not for two reasons. One, being I don’t think I’m the best person to be doing this type of thing--I’m too scatterbrained. And two, I admittedly have a lot to say but have trouble putting things into words + this will be a lot of writing on my part that I don’t believe my brain can handle. Nevertheless, here we finally are.

I want to start by saying I have a poor memory and had not played the game in many years. I didn’t even play it when it first came out (even though I was interested in it), but only a year following it’s release. I also had not seen the trailer for the second game but once when it came out, and I didn’t see the second trailer they put out--I actually was just barely paying enough attention to anything to know only when the game was released. I’m certain if I had been up to date on all the leaks and scene changes from the trailers that I too, would have been more upset with the game itself. However, I’m not even going to talk about this beyond this point because I don’t know of the specifics and I’m too lazy to do the research and figure it out. On my own personal level, I did feel a disconnect from the first game to the second--mostly because I had not played the first game in such a long time. However, I have played it again as the time of my writing this, and will be talking about much of it here.

In a certain way, since playing the first game again, I definitely feel as though these two games complete each other on a deep, bittersweet level. It’s not perfect by any means but actually messy, and yet somehow I feel these games go together like Ellie and Joel themselves. There are so many little moments that tie them together that I didn’t realize at first but now, make the game seem very complete for me. Even if I didn’t like the ending.

Things like, Ellie telling Riley the only way she’s going to forgive her is with a dinosaur. Or Ellie telling Joel she wanted to be an astronaut + that he’s “so singing for her” when Joel gets badly injured. Or when Joel tells Ellie he’s gonna teach her how to play guitar following their journey to the Fireflies. We see every following moment to these in the second game. Joel singing to Ellie about losing himself if he ever lost her. Joel, teaching Ellie how to swim and then taking her to a museum full of freaking dinosaurs while also making her dream come true and giving her “the best birthday ever.” I don’t think I’m the one to be saying this, but none of this would have happened to Ellie if Joel had not done what he did. I am not trying to act like he’s perfect. I know he isn’t, and yes, I do think Abby is justified for what she did. Yet, I also side very much with Joel and maybe doing what he did seems very fucking selfish, but I view Joel being selfish not for himself, but instead for Ellie. It saddens me to feel as though Ellie only views her importance and purpose in life as being this “cure” however, in my mind, she’s more then that and I think Joel knows that too. You have no idea the impact you can make in someone’s life--big or small--just by being alive. Ellie surely made an impact on him.

So yeah, maybe I can see why people are really upset. Is it right? Sure. Am I a little biased because I too, was raised by a single dad and see just a hint of him in Joel? Yes, and if that’s wrong I don’t want to be right. Besides, I think it’s a lot of pressure to put on a little girl to be the cure for mankind (to be frank, we don’t even know if mankind is worth it). Not only when Ellie indeed, was a young girl who still had an entire life in front of her. Maybe, Joel did what he did because he didn’t want to lose another daughter, maybe he saw Sarah in Ellie (I mean, they totally didn’t put that beginning part in with single daddy Joel for no reason), or maybe, as I said, he saw this entire future for Ellie because even he knows this isn’t all she was meant to do. Something I wish I could have told Ellie before Joel’s passing. Because while she has every right to be upset, I still believe Joel had every right to do what he did when he lied to her and stopped everything.

Let me try and explain, part of me sees some of my dad in Joel. He’s rough around the edges but he’s got soft insides. He feels deeply connected to someone and therefore might become shut-off when he loses them (like my dad losing my mom or Joel losing his daughter). He didn’t have a great start, as I’m fairly sure Joel has killed and done lots of things he isn’t proud of before he met Ellie (for my dad I think it had a lot to do with drugs). However, I do see and believe that Ellie made him a better version of himself and it was clear how much she changed him because instead of pawning her off and shutting her down--he wanted to be with her, and I felt it showed their journey was more about protecting Ellie because he loved her and not just because she was the cure. I pretty sure the games makes it’s obvious enough and I don’t have to point it out because I’m deep in my fucking feelings right now. Yes, Joel is not the only person in the last of us* however, he does get a fucking pass from me for being not only a dad, but a single dad. Single dads do not get enough credit. It hits when we get to part where Joel gets injured and I sit there and think “well, what if that was me and my dad?” Firstly, we’d be fucking dead. There are no five hits in real life and then you restart. Second, my dad would probably fucking tell me to leave him and let him bleed and I’m sure I couldn’t do that. Therefore, I’d try to reason with the bad guys and then we’d be dead, again.

I also want to talk about how it’s interesting when Ellie makes her first kill and Joel does admit “it was either him or me” how this is such a big theme of the game. So much in fact I think it plays a huge role in Joel’s death. This entire time you’re playing these two characters and having to fight and kill because of just that--it’s either you or them. Yeah, you could try and sneak your way past and whatever, but firstly, that’s never seemed to fucking work for me--I’m not Batman. Secondly, the minute they see you they’re going to shoot you--it’s dog it eat dog out there. Yeah, it’s a game and that’s the way it’s programmed, but in Joel and Ellie’s reality that’s what the world has come to. Crazy enough, I complained a little from the second game that it felt you fought more people then infected, yet you come back to the first game and it kinda seems the same way! Like, maybe mankind doesn’t deserve to be saved. You could argue it’s the circumstances that made them that way--but there is still plenty of good people *and yes, I count Joel as one of them because when you’re going around and the people are just shoot you on sight you have a right to defend yourself.* Then over here, you have the Cannibal-rapist King, David and I guess “his people” going around in a tank mercilessly killing people on sight only to be disappointed they have nothing on them besides the clothes on their backs. ????

Don’t even get me started on those bullshit Fireflies, because first off, Marline does not get to fucking come to Joel and tell him what she’s fucking lost. You don’t get to act like another person has lost more or less then you. You don’t get to talk about how Ellie’s mom left her with you and then taint that loyalty and trust by killing Ellie just because “you just want this all to be over” because, in my view, you are lazy and want to take a cowards way out while other people are over here surviving. Tommy is a good example of this because he part of the Fireflies but now he’s not. He’s got a home, a wife, livestock and grown produce and seems overall very happy. He even talks about how those were things people didn’t think were going to be possible anymore.

I understand, Marlene is technically Ellie’s guardian, yet who protected her this entire time? Joel Miller. The one person who apparently wasn’t going to stand for any of this. Who called Marlene on her bullshit--rightfully so, and also, did most of what he did for Ellie. Yeah, maybe he’s her dad or whatever, and perhaps he’s just the stranger she got stuck with--but I feel Joel has every right to be a part in all this because Ellie is just a kid who needs adult guidance. I have to cover all my bases and say yes, maybe Joel was out of line--he’s not her dad but he is a dad and I don’t know any parent in the world who would give up their child for the rest of the world. I know my dad wouldn’t.

Which brings me back to this thing about Ellie and Joel being connected and being puzzle pieces that are different in shape but fit perfectly--more perfect then any of the pieces of the puzzle. Ellie needs an adult figure *which sure as fuck is not going to be Marlene* and Joel I think needs Ellie to be grounded. To be a better person. To complete him--if you will. I say this because I have no problem with Joel taking Ellie’s choice away, even if it wasn’t the perfect thing to do. In his defense however, the Fireflies didn’t give him much choice. They knocked him out while he was in the middle of CPR and a high doubt they pulled Ellie out enough to tell her the full story of the situation--which is not fair to Ellie at all. They would’t even let Joel fucking see her and let me ask, how in the world can you expect Joel or judge him for saving Ellie after they’d been though so much? Ellie is worried about a wasted trip but think of how far you came just to unknowingly die? After having made plans with Joel for a life beyond the Fireflies.

I do think Ellie would have still chose to sacrifice herself, but again, I also don’t think what was happening to her was fair. And before we get into Joel lying to Ellie, he lied in true dad fashion and did the best he could do at the time. He was right and should say it, killing Ellie because Marlene thinks it’s better for her is not for her to fucking decide. Torn apart by clickers? Honey, I really think if that was the case it would have happened by now (or if you’re me it happened several times). Raped and murdered? We already closed that chapter of the book and in all three cases Ellie was able to hold her own like a pro--this on top of taking care of big daddy Joel after he was injured. So no, you don’t get to make the choice just because you think it’s “better” and those are your only reasons. Mind you, this is also the woman Ellie said would have shot her on sight once she got bit. *Please, don’t even come at me with this bitch in season two. Abby has more validation then her.

Needless to say, but I do not like Marlene however, I do wish he death is something I would have done differently. While I understand Joel doing what he did, I found killing her kinda harsh and is she was going to return I would have preferred to cross that bridge in the second game. I also didn’t agree with killing the surgeon (Jerry) --I just wish that could have been different and less brutal. I think perhaps it might have been a little better if them hunting Joel and Ellie became the second game but hey, I didn’t write it and I’m probably wrong. I did try to go around the doctor but nothing happened so I felt exceptionally bad when Joel killed him the way he did (I mean, when someone screams “you animal” it makes you question if you’ve become everything you’ve fought against). I do wish they could have talked it out and reasoned dad-to-dad but that is probably unrealistic and Marlene would have found a way to stop it. I know Abby said she’d been cool being the sacrifice and all but I think things admittedly been super different it was Abby and her father going through this. Write me a fic of Abby and her dad helping Joel escape, I dare ya.

*okay, so I totally just just looked it up and you die if you wait too long to kill the surgeon + hitting him with a brick or bottle does nothing*

Now, the reason I wanted to say all this is because right now, my heart burns deeply for Joel. I am not trying to take away from Abby by saying this or seem conflicted or convoluted, but I do believe deep down Joel’s death has bigger meaning because of these past events. We look at the “it’s either him or me” statement but compare that to Ellie and Joel. If Ellie had died then Joel would most likely be alive. However, being he stopped that from happening it ended up in him losing his own life. Now, I understand Joel said if he could he’d have done it differently--but I really do think in the case of saving Ellie, he’s wrong. If we look at the above instead as “it’s either Ellie or Joel” (as the case ends up being) Joel is most certainly going to pick Ellie over himself because that is what a good parent does for their child. Again, bringing me into the whole him seeing a future for Ellie and giving her one. I feel that’s way more important to him and if he had never done what he did then Ellie would not have had the best birthday ever, she would not have had Dina (the dinosaur) or JJ, and she would have never learned how to swim or play guitar or had a cute little farm with animals and whatever. She would not have touched the lives of the people she met. And I feel like, in most cases it is common for parents to want better for their children (like I’m sure Peter wanted for Abby).

However, Abby is just as justified for wanting to kill Joel and it’s crazy we can justify wanting Abby hurt or dead because she killed Joel. However, things would have been different if we played the first game as Abby instead of Joel. Yet, we have played a game and then some getting to know Ellie and Joel, siding with them and not being able to see the other side where we jump into playing Abby who we only just met.

There is a good post or two I am going to link here* and here.

I also want to point out that while we’ve been playing with Ellie for one game and then some--where she has only know Joel for X amount of time, yet there is Abby who has known her dad her entire life. Abby who, walked in and saw her dad on the ground in his blood, brutally murdered by a “fucking animal.” I’m not trying to take away from anyone here, this mostly for the people who hate Abby just to do it, and I know I’ve probably said lots of time but I know it’s not easy to see your parent die in front of you and I don’t think a lot of people see that. (There is also a neat post I am going to link here) Now, the circumstances are very different but trauma is trauma no matter how you slice it and while I admire Abby for only going after what she initially came for and nothing else, I do with she would have spared Ellie of the sight considering it wasn’t her fault. Knowing what Abby herself had been through.

This part of my review/rant/word vomit is probably going to sound a little fucked-up but I really wish Abby and Ellie could have found a way to be together. I know it sounds dumb but they are really two halves to the same coin and I really believe the only one who could help Ellie with her PTSD would be Abby. It isn’t like she can go to a therapist and fighting for Abby’s death wasn’t going to cure it. Abby and Ellie have both experienced loss (and to some degree at each other’s hands). They were brought into this infected world pretty young and lost their parental guidance in the process. I also, wished things had been different with Joel as hard as that is to say, because I’m not saying Abby should forgive Joel but I would want Joel to be sorry and know what he did. I believe having the characters actually confront the issues they faced rather then look at them and kill would bring more peace--which is all I want to ask for. Peace.

Something else I really liked about Abby was her trying to stop the cycle of revenge (I’m not gonna lie, I really not care about anyone else aside from Abby, Ellie, and Joel this game don’t get me wrong about Lev though). Yes, I know she kinda added to it, but once Lev and Yara came around she too, like Joel, was trying to be a better person and I could really see her potential. It became all about saving/helping Lev and Yara (much like Joel and Ellie). And I feel like I sound crazy when I say I didn’t have much issue fighting Ellie as Abby (it’s really sick how I saw most of the fight style like fighting David in the Steakhouse, wtf Naughtydog) but I had a huge problem fighting Abby as Ellie. I feel as though seeing Abby spare Ellie was showing how much she’s grown and how much she understands Ellie. However, I had a tough time fighting as Ellie because Abby was already so fucking beat by the end of the game. She had Lev as her top priority, had lost weight, been out in the blistering sun, probably starving, and the Rattlers had cut her fucking braid (something I see as a way to humiliate her on top of other things they probably did to her and Lev). Not only that but seeing Abby be cut up repeatedly when she could barley fight for herself was tough.

So yeah, it’s going on one in the morning so now I’m going to talk about some other things... Overall, I really enjoyed the game, I even like the new dodge feature (which I came to realize was not in the first game). I did feel like you kinda had to kill everyone in order to progress the game but to be fair I’m not really good at video games so I don’t really want to count that.

Even I too, did not like Abby at first. I didn’t like her because she was new and by brain often immediately rejects new. I also didn’t like how she jumped (but then I came to realize that everyone jumps that heavy and acts like they just missed that two foot jump). Lastly, I love how Abby and Joel got muscles, therefore, they don’t really need a knife I guess but I hate crafting shivs and I think it’s a little dumb so I don’t know why Abby never made one after that period of time (like girl, you know you need it). I thought the Rattler’s crew was stupid only because they really just seemed there and like you average neighborhood hoodlums--again, just killing people on sight for whatever reason.

I didn’t like the dogs in the game because I felt too real. Killing a dog in the cemetery of Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness? No problem. Killing dogs in The Last of Us? I couldn’t live with myself. If I accidentally sliced up a dog with my knife or melee weapon, I had to let them kill me? A shotgun? No go. Part of the time I could run away but again, I’m not good at video games so this was a bit of a challenge.

I do wish they had let us use Ellie’s whistling on the scars, I think that would have been cool, and I want to say I found myself getting lost a lot but I didn’t want to make another paragraph just to say that.

It’s crazy because I was not totally sure how they were going to approach a second game/what they were going to put in it. I was very shocked Joel’s death but not really turned off by it if that makes sense. I am a little sadder now, but will add that with my thoughts during the ending. I also, couldn’t understand why people were so upset because at the time, Joel’s death did not seem like a good enough reason to me. I was more upset over Ellie being upset with Joel for doing what he did even though she’s right and it’s natural but I also don’t think she could see what Joel was until it was too late. Having someone pass away with unresolved issues is not easy and can take a very long time for someone to get over.

As for the ending, it’s bittersweet. I am a little sad but also a little un-phased--so to speak. At first, I thought Dina had left with JJ, but there was another post (which I didn’t save in my drafts so I’m not going to link it) that explained why Ellie was back at the farm--to possibly close a chapter. She is wearing Dina’s bracelet again (as opposed to in Santa Barbara) that indicates she reconciled and will probably return to Jackson--which is nice. Yet, I am very torn over her giving up playing guitar. Yes, she cannot play the same, but I wish she hadn’t given it up fully. That guitar, which Joel made if I’m not mistaken, was a symbol of Joel’s love. It was something he passed onto Ellie out of love that he wanted to do because he loved her. It was more then a skill to survive and more then a piece of advice given. That’s why it hurts deeply to see her let something like that go. However, I know (as talked about in Ana’s review) that losing her fingers is supposed to show the damage her hunt for revenge caused. She lost her fingers because she begged Abby to fight, can no longer now play guitar the same, Tommy is changed and lost his wife, and Joel is still dead. That is why I wish so much for peace between Ellie and Abby but there may never be any.

On top of letting go of the guitar, I wanna say that sometimes memories are not enough for people. Sometimes all we have are the things people left behind and it can be really challenging to let go. For some reason it always seemed like my dad used material things in place of what I lacked, so when he passed I didn’t want to get rid of anything and kept almost everything. I got my driver’s license so I wouldn’t have to get rid of his car that’s seen better days--despite my family’s wants. Hell, I even have a container of his cigarette ashes from his bedside kept as well as the container he left in the car. I was so upset when I lose his car key that he always used (despite the fact that I broke it and it kept falling off the ring). Things that just aren’t even that important but they matter, you know? So, I feel bad Ellie left the guitar.

My (hopefully) final thoughts: David was the only person I do not feel sorry for and deserved to die (he is another fucking rant for another asks, I swear). I really wish we could have seen Abby choke someone out with her muscles but maybe in the DLC where her and Lev get a more finished ending. And lastly, I know I could have just said if I liked the game or not but I do not live in the real world.

I can’t wait to play the games again, they are my salvation right now.

Hope you are well, and taking care of yourself also!

xoxo

* since it took me So Long to find that second post, I found another talking about Ellie’s tattoo I’m gonna leave here *

#thank you for all the sweet messages. love #asks #guys. you don't have to read this but if you did or even just part of it I'd be so grateful #I worked really hard on this and it's so fucking late #keeps. I was totally gonna make a video because this is a lot #but I didn't so I hope my humor can come through in text #also I really wanna do an ellie inspired tattoo because I am not original at all #XD

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alj4890 · 5 years ago

Text

Cheer Challenge Prompt

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) for day 21 of @jlpplays1-41daysofcheerchallenge of anticipation

(Thomas x Amanda) and all the other pairs going even further in the storyline of And Then I Met You

A/N Not quite a Christmas theme but still anticipation worthy. After Thomas and Amanda were able to give Kathleen her Christmas Wish of a new baby coming soon, I wanted to further explore what happens when they decide to find out what they are having.

@lxaah11 @alleksa16 @penguininapinktuxedo @blackcoffee85 @stopforamoment @hopefulmoonobject @krsnlove @annekebbphotography @cora-nova @hopelessromantic1352. @sunflowergirl05 @desiree-0816 @greywitchyshots @lilyofchoices @emceesynonymroll @dr-nancy-house @aworldoffandoms @ab1901 @pixieferry @lolablackwrites @flyawayboo @i-bloody-love-drake-walker. @trappedinfandoms

Masterlist

Plot Twist

Informal Living Room of The Royal Palace, Cordonia...

"Settle down everyone!" Liam called out. He waited patiently for his friends to cease talking. "Who would like to present their arguments first?"

Amanda nodded to Thomas. "After you."

"This is ridiculous." He muttered. "We do not need to base this decision on a vote!"

She glared at him while placing her hand on her very noticable baby bump. "I am tired of arguing this with you. We have reached an impasse. I am more than willing to bow down to the decision made here. If the majority votes for you, then I will not be angry nor hold it against you."

Thomas ran his hands over his face. He should have remembered how much more stubborn pregnancy hormones made his wife. "Fine." He stood up and went to the center of the room.

"This ought to be good." Olivia whispered.

Thomas cleared his throat.

"Come on, professor!" Addison yelled impatiently. She covered her mouth when he leveled the same disapproving look he used to give her when she was a film student.

Thomas looked around the room. His commanding presence made all still.

"I think we should wait. To not only discover we are pregnant once more on top of finding out that it's twins is an even greater gift. We decided to let Kathleen be a surprise--"

"I gave in." Amanda mumbled.

"Shhh." Liam ordered. "You can speak when it's your turn. Please continue, Thomas."

"As I was saying, Kathleen's birth was by far full of unending anticipation since we were unsure who we would meet. It was a moment I will never forget when the doctor held her up and said it's a girl. I don't want to miss out on that with our next two." Thomas paused for dramatic effect. "I know it is asking a lot, but I hope you will see it is the right way for us to go."

Liam nodded to Amanda. She struggled out of the oversized chair, thanked Ryan for his assistance, and took the spot Thomas had left. She cradled her belly and looked down. Color bloomed on her cheeks at having to speak before everyone.

"As sweet as it was to wait with Kathleen, I believe we should find out. We now have twice as much to plan for. Names, clothes, and I would like to have a nursery ready before bringing them home." Amanda looked up at Thomas. "The chance of us becoming pregnant after this is unlikely. If we do this then we will have had both types of pregnancy experiences: the excitement of the unknown and the thrill of planning everything."

Thomas released a deep breath. "Very well. We will find out."

"Wait! We don't get to vote?" Maxwell exclaimed.

Amanda swiped at the tears that fell down her cheeks. "Really? You won't be upset?"

Thomas got up and pulled her close for a sweet kiss. "How could I be upset with finding out who are children are?" He smiled softly when she hugged him tight. "I will admit now that I nearly caved with Kathleen."

She laughed and kissed him again. "So did I. Multiple times."

"I was ready to have a say on baby Hunt two and baby Hunt three." Addison cried out in frustration.

"Were we used for nothing but marriage counselling?" Drake teased. "And Thomas had my vote for the record."

"Mine too." Riley added.

"You must be joking. Amanda has mine." Olivia stated. "Preparedness guarantees victory. You're going to need it with twins and Kathleen."

"Oooh." Nadia grimaced. "I was all for Thomas until you reminded me of that. My vote is Amanda's."

"Clearly." Holly muttered. "She's the one thinking with her head instead of sentimentality."

Ryan turned around in surprise. "How can you expect a man to not be somewhat sentimental over the birth of his own children?"

Matt nodded. "Though we always find out because we have never been able to wait on anything." He winked at Addison. "We at least try each time and see if we can keep it a surprise."

"Three more for Lord Hunt!" Addison called out. "Liam, are you keeping score?"

"I am," he replied with a smile, "and added mine also to Thomas."

"You're winning." Amanda whispered.

"I know my audience." He whispered back, smiling when she started laughing.

Maxwell looked around the room and sighed. "Sorry Amanda, but Thomas's heartfelt speech won me over."

"Wow." Amanda looked up at Thomas. "Good thing I have you on my side."

"Yes it is." He grabbed her hand before she could poke his side.

"When do you find out?" Riley asked.

“I think what Riley meant to ask was, when do we find out.” Maxwell corrected.

"I have an appointment scheduled in three days." Amanda announced.

_______________

Upstairs in the playroom of the Royal Palace...

Kathleen sat at one of the tables, coloring a picture she had been working on for her mother.

“Kat! Come on! I need you on my team!" Xavier Beaumont yelled from the top of the pillow fort he had constructed.

"I'm coming." She finished sprinkling some glitter and studied her creation. Her lips firmed in a frown as she tried to see if she left any of her vision for it out.

"Nuh uh! Kathleen should be on our team!" Prince Emerick yelled back."

I want her to play tea party with us!" Ashley Rodriguez, her little sister Ally, and Mia Beaumont glared at the ones in the pillow forts, trying to steal their friend away on some stupid war.

"Lightsaber battle!" Juliet yelled. "I need another sith, Kat!" Prince Ellis and Marcus Rodriguez stood ready to fight as Jedi.

Kathleen looked up when everyone started arguing. She couldn't tell what had started it nor what they were fighting over, having tuned them out as she worked. She slipped out of her chair then escaped the room.

"And where do you think you're going?"

She turned around and ran over to Thomas. "I was going to look for you and Mommy."

He swung her up in his arms. "You haven't learned where everything is here. I don't want you getting lost."

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Where's Mommy?"

"Taking a nap. Mommies with babies in their tummies need a lot of rest." He explained.

“Oh." She mumbled.

"I have a surprise for you." Thomas told her, smiling at the excitement on her face. "We are going to not only see the babies in Mommy's tummy but also if they are a boy or a girl."

"Really?" She asked. "Then I can say I have a baby brother!"

"And possibly a sister. You might have two little brothers or two little sisters. We won't know until we see them." He set her down and kissed the top of her head. “Why don’t you play some more and I will come get you when it is time for dinner.”

The playroom door swung open.

“Kat! I nearly died from the attack Emerick and Jackson threw at me. Michael is holding down the fort. I came to find you and take you to safety. Come on! Hurry!” Xavier grabbed her hand and pulled her giggling back into the playroom.

Thomas watched it all unfold with a slight frown.

Matt soon joined him in the hallway. “Everyone still alive in there?”

“So it seems. Your son, Michael, might have a future in the military. He is brave enough to hold down a pillow fort while his fellow soldiers go off on special missions.”

Matt opened the door some more to peep inside. He saw his two daughters sitting calmly among the chaos with Mia Beaumont, gossiping and sipping apple juice from tiny tea cups. His younger son Marcus was teamed up with his best friend, Prince Ellis, as they fought against a formidable Juliet Nevarkis-Walker.

Prince Emerick and Jackson Nevarkis-Walker had somehow talked Phoebe Summers into being on their side for the great pillow fort war. Kathleen waved to her from the other fort and laughed when Phoebe rolled her eyes at the ridiculousness of it all.

Matt chuckled as he shut the door. “Ryan went to check on the smaller ones in the nursery. He won’t believe it when I tell him that his little no nonsense girl is helping a future duke and a crown prince fight a pillow battle.”

“And somehow mine got involved on the opposing side.” Thomas shook his head. “Xavier Beaumont is part pied piper when it comes to Kathleen. She always gives in to his plans.”

Matt coughed on his laughter. “From the childhood stories I’ve heard from both Amanda and Maxwell, it looks like history is repeating itself.”

Thomas frowned even more. If history was to repeat itself, then his little girl would one day be heartbroken over Xavier only loving her as a friend.

“Come on.” Matt motioned with his head. “Drake has suggested a Hollywood vs Cordonian billiards game.” He had a smug grin on his face. “They have no idea that you play so well.”

___________________

The Night Before the Ultrasound...

“I’ve already begun a list of possible names.” Amanda explained.

“I always loved that part.” Riley sighed softly. “Thinking of the perfect name to match the new little one.”

“Making certain it is a name that they can carry into adulthood without embarrassment.” Drake added.

“Thankfully, we are pros at that.” Matt grinned at Addison.

“I’ve begun a list too.” Thomas remarked.

The children listened somewhat from their table as the adults laughed and talked.

“What’s the list for?” Ellis whispered to Kathleen.

“Mommy is having babies and she is trying to find names for them.” She whispered back.

“Oh.” He went back to his dinner.

“What are you gonna do?” Juliet asked.

“About what?” Kathleen looked at her friend in confusion.

“If it’s girls?” Her face scrunched up in disgust. “You should be the only girl.”

“Hey!” Ashley shook her fork at Juliet. “Having a baby sister is the best! It’s those brothers that can be the worst.”

Michael and Marcus stared at her for such a statement.

“Amen!” Little Mia exclaimed.

“Hey!” Xavier appeared hurt.

“Well, regardless,” Emerick said, trying to speak like his father though unsure what it meant. “Having babies changes everything.”

“Yes, they do.” Phoebe added. “They cry and don’t do anything fun yet. And mommy and daddy think Harper is so great. She can’t even talk!”

Ashley shook her head while wrapping her arm around her little sister Ally. “They are great!”

“You got her when you were too little to know better.” Phoebe countered. “It’s different for me and Kathleen. We’re more growed up and know stuff. Having a new baby is fun at first but they take too long to be able to play.”

Kathleen felt her initial excitement about her new siblings slowly die with Phoebe’s words.

“Yeah,” Jackson muttered. “Then parents keep telling you to wait while they take care of the baby first.” He grunted when Juliet kicked him under the table. “I remember some of it when you came!”

She glared at him once more before turning back to her friend. “You got to make sure you don’t lose your spot.”

Kathleen’s brow furrowed. “My spot?”

“With your parents.” Juliet explained while Phoebe nodded in agreement.

“How will I know if I lost it?” She asked, worry worming its way into her little heart.

“You’ll know.” Phoebe predicted ominously.

_______________

“Are you excited?” Amanda whispered to Kathleen as the ultrasound technician applied the KY jelly to her protruding belly. “You are about to see your siblings?”

Thomas chuckled when Kathleen nodded nervously. “I know I am.” He lifted Kathleen in his arms so she could see better. He slipped his hand in Amanda’s once their babies appeared on the screen.

Kathleen watched silently as measurements and such were taken.

“Ready to find out what these two are?” the tech asked.

“Yes!” Amanda and Thomas exclaimed at the same time then laughed at doing so.

“Twin number one is being modest, lets check on Twin number two. Oh. Do you see that?” The tech pointed at the screen.

“Is that his--” Thomas smiled when Twin two was announced as a boy.

“A boy!” Amanda covered her mouth as tears built up. She squeezed Thomas’s hand. “I get to have a miniature you running about.”

He bent down and pressed a sweet kiss to her lips.

Kathleen wiggled out of his arms and waited on finding out what twin one was. A baby brother wouldn’t make her lose her spot. Only a--

“There we go! Twin number one has decided to let us in on her secret. It’s a girl!” The tech began to pick through images to print off.

“A girl!” Thomas kissed Amanda again. “I see that I am still destined to be outnumbered by beautiful women.”

She laughed and looked for Kathleen. “Sweetheart! You will have a baby brother and a baby sister!”

“Oh!” Kathleen stared at the screen that had just destroyed her life.

Once Amanda’s belly was cleaned and they left after an appointment, the couple looked down at their little girl.

“My only hope is that they will be as sweet and perfect as you.” Amanda said to her.

“We know that you are going to be the best big sister. They will need you to always look out for them.” Thomas added.

Kathleen smiled at them as she thought of what she should do now. There really was only one option. She should run away before she lost their love. They would have a new daughter to take her place. A son would also take special time she had with them away. Why did I ask Santa for this?

_____________

While the parents of the children celebrated the future Hunt’s, Kathleen confided to Xavier her plan.

“But,” He began. “Kat, they will still make time with you. Phoebe’s parents still do her.”

“Yeah, but mine are having twins. More time away from me.” She mumbled.

He rubbed the back of his neck and looked around. “Where will you go?”

She shrugged her little shoulders. “I don’t know.”

Michael came over when he noticed Kathleen’s sadness. ‘What’s wrong?”

“Uh...” Xavier began.

“I’m going to run away.” Kathleen admitted.

Michael stared at her in shock. “But...you can’t! I want you to stay!” His little cheeks turned red at admitting to such love. Ashley would tease him nonstop if she knew he liked Kathleen like his dad liked his mom.

Kathleen dropped her head as tears fell silently. “I don’t want to leave you or mommy or daddy. I have to go. It was my wish that messed it all up.”

Before either could try and convince her not to, she hugged them each. “Bye.” Then she ran out of the playroom.

Michael ran out after her and looked down the hallway. He didn’t know which way she went.

“We have to tell!” He whispered to Xavier.

“Who though?” Xavier asked.

Emerick who had been spying on them in case they spoke of the next fort battle, joined them. “We’ll tell my dad.”

_______________

Liam snuck out of the room when he noticed the three boys trying to get his attention. He followed them to his study and sat down as each explained what and why this had happened.

“You did right in telling this. Kathleen could get lost or hurt. I’m very proud of the three of you making certain this does not happen.” Liam called Bastien in and formulated a search around the palace. “I don’t want to distress Amanda and Thomas with this until we are certain that Kathleen is truly missing. I will go outside and see if she is anywhere nearby. She might have decided to go to one of the places the children like to play.”

“She loves the wishing well.” Michael spoke up shyly. “She says that it really is real and hopes that one day it will give her a wish come true.”

Liam smiled softly. “Then that is where I will go first.”

______________

The Wising Well in the Palace Maze...

Kathleen climbed the slippery rocks and propped her elbows on the wishing well’s rim. “Uncle Liam told me stories about you.” She looked down at the stars twinkling in the water. “I know you have helped princes and princesses. I’m not one and I won’t wish for it. I just want to change my Christmas wish.”

She shivered as the temperature began to drop. She hoped the treehouse in the maze would be warmer when she moved in. “I still want my baby brother and sister, but can I wish that my parents love me just as much as they do now when the babies are here?”

She closed her eyes and whispered her wish a few more times. “How will I know if it was answered?”

“I know it has.” Liam spoke from behind her. His smile was tender when she turned around and ran into his arms.

“How do you know Uncle Liam?” She asked with tears falling.

He gently wiped them as he propped her on his lap. “I’m the king. Every king is granted the ability to know if wishes to this wishing well will come true. Your parents are going to not only love you just as much as they do now, but I believe that their love is going to grow more over time as they watch you and the twins grow up.”

She sniffed and looked up into his kind blue eyes. “You do?”

He nodded. “You must love the twins very much already to not want them to disappear.”

“I do.” She admitted. “I’ve been wanting a brother or sister for a long time.”

“Then you have nothing to worry about.” He promised.

Kathleen hugged him. “Do you think Mommy and Daddy will be mad that I was running away?”

Liam gently patted her back. “I haven't told them. And I won’t unless you decide to try this again. We all have moments where we sometimes want to run away from things that scare us or changes that are to come. What matters most is what we do about it. You wished for your family to be together and still love you. That was an unselfish wish. It is one that makes me very proud of you. I will reward such by letting this be our secret.”

She wiped her tears and thanked him. He smiled while standing up and wrapping his jacket around her. “Will you allow me to escort you back to the palace, Lady Kathleen?”

“Yes, please.” She murmured. She took hold of his hand and walked out of the maze.

_________________

“Liam? Have you seen--Kathleen!” Amanda hurried over to her. “Sweetheart, you can’t leave the playroom until you know your way around the palace. What would I do if I lost you?”

Kathleen’s face scrunched as tears started falling again. She threw her arms around Amanda while burying her face in her side.

“What’s wrong?” Amanda sat down in a nearby chair and looked up in question to Liam. “What happened?”

“I believe she is in need of reassurance.” Liam motioned to Amanda’s belly.

Understanding came swiftly. Thomas came around the corner and paused in concern. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

Liam whispered about Kathleen’s fears, leaving out her plan on running away. He noticed the three boys watching in concern from behind a suit of armor. He motioned for them to follow as he left the family to some privacy.

“Kathleen,” Amanda said softly. “Do you know why your father and I wanted to have another baby?”

She shook her head.

Thomas knelt down beside them both.

“Because of all the joy you have brought us.” Amanda replied. “We knew that if we got someone as wonderful as you then having another would be a blessing. We didn’t want you to feel alone in this world. Now you will have two that will look up to you and be a source of comfort whenever you need them. I know you will do the same for them with your loving heart.”

Kathleen sniffed and wiped her tears. “But you will have another girl. Will I still be your sweetheart?” She looked at Thomas. “Your darling or will she become those?”

“You will always be that.” Thomas promised. “Your new sister and brother will be just as loved as you are, but they can never take our love for you away. Our love for them will never be stolen either.”

Amanda kissed Kathleen’s forehead. “Just like we are trying to choose names for these two, we will end up choosing special names for them. You will be our only sweetheart and darling. They will be called something just as unique to them as yours are.”

Kathleen hugged them both, feeling reassured by their holding her close. She could feel the babies moving in Amanda’s tummy and smiled. “What are we going to call them?”

Thomas and Amanda shared a look. “We are still debating that. Do you have any suggestions?”

Kathleen tilted her head to the side as she looked down at her mother’s pregnant belly. “Hmm. I like Elizabeth.”

“Elizabeth Hunt.” Amanda smiled. “That is a very pretty name.”

Thomas nodded. “I think that would suit the one I saw this morning.”

Kathleen’s brow furrowed. “Ian for my brother.”

“Ian Hunt.” Thomas muttered. “I think that’s the name.”

“Elizabeth and Ian Hunt.” Amanda smiled with delight. “It’s perfect.”

#Thomas Hunt #thomas hunt x oc #thomas hunt x amanda #and then i met you #jlpplays1 #41 days of cheer challenge #liam trr #trr maxwell #pm nadia #trr drake #trr olivia #TRR Riley #rcd holly chang #rcd ryan #rcd addison #rcd matt rodriguez

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video-killed-the-radio-host · 5 years ago

Text

My Love, Come and Save Me ch4

Hellooooooo long time no chapter

@lady-dmaris

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

Cecil stared in horror at the man across the table. How did he get mixed up in this? He gives a whimper but feels Charles’s hand tighten around his arm and he clamps his mouth shut. He’s haphazardly shoved into a chair at the table and Charles sits beside him. It takes all of his self control to not flinch back when Charles leans close.

“Remember what I said beautiful. One wrong move and-“ Charles presses the barrel of a gun against Cecil’s leg.

Cecil tenses and nods quickly. Charles smiles and kisses temple before sitting up straight.

“So Charles.” Carlos speaks up. “Who’s your new friend?”

Charles turns his attention back to Carlos. “Oh this?” He runs his knuckles down Cecil’s cheek. Cecil bites the inside of his cheek and does his best not to react. “This is Dylan Marron. He’s our newest Recruit. Beautiful isn’t he?”

“Well I can’t say you have bad taste.” Carlos answers with an easy smile. “What’s with the sunglasses?”

Cecil opens his mouth to answer, but Charles digs his nails into his leg and Cecil’s jaw snapped shut.

“He’s got light sensitivity and he’s a mute. But we all have our flaws right? And he most certainly makes up for it in other ways.” Charles smirks and drapes an arm around Cecil’s shoulders, fingers brushing through the short brown hair while his other hand held Kevin’s gently, brushing a thumb over the other man’s knuckles.

Cecil manages a small, forced smile but keeps his eyes down. He can just barely feel the gun laying on Charles’s lap. Maybe he could…..but then they were in a room with Charles’s armed men. Even if he could get the gun, he or Carlos would be shot down before he could even get the safety off. All he could do was sit there and take the advances.

Charles gives a softly laugh and shakes his head. “That’s nice.” He then sits up straight, face serious. “I’ve actually come to ask for your help.”

Charles lets go if Cecil and sits upright. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s about Cecil.”

Cecil does his best not to react at both Carlos’s words and the fact that Charles’s hand tightened on his leg again. He dug his nails into the soft flesh there, causing Cecil to bite back a whimper.

“Is something wrong? Where is Cecil anyway? I thought you never went anywhere without him.” Charles rests his chin in his palm.

Carlos shifts a little. “That’s the thing. I have no idea. He disappeared Friday and I haven’t heard from him since. I think someone took him. And I-I’m worried. He doesn’t do good with a lot of stress.”

Cecil shivers when Charles rubs his thumb back and forth over his leg.

“That’s terrible. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I was hoping you could use your connections to check around? I hate to ask favors but I really need to find him.”

“I don’t mind helping. I’ll look around for you. We’re going to find him. Don’t worry.”

Carlos face breaks into a relieved smile. “Thank you. I owe you one.”

“Eh don’t worry about it. I’m happy to help.”

Cecil stares at the man across the table, desperately hoping to get him to realize what he was missing was right here. Right in front of him.

"Is there anything specific I need to let my people know? Birthmarks or tattoos or the like?"

"Well…." Carlos bites his lip.

"The more information I have the better chance we have of finding him." Charles points out.

"He has a birthmark shaped like an eye on his left hip. He doesn't have any tattoos but he does have freckles on his collar bone."

Cecil tenses again when he feels Charles's arm slip around his waist and bunch the dress shirt up a little, enough to brush his finger tips against the skin of Cecil's hips before digging his nails in. Cecil bites down hard on the inside of his lip as he fights back a reaction. What's going to happen to him now? Who knows what Charles is going to do when they're alone again.

"I'll put my best people on it." Charles gives a sweet smile. He looks up as the waitress approaches. "Oh Hello Cassandra. We'll take the usual love."

The waitress gives a tight smile and a nod. "Of course sir. And you?" She looks at Cecil.

Charles digs his nails into Cecil's side more, nearly breaking the skin. "He'll have it too. Won't you dear?" He purrs at Cecil, once again pressing the gun into Cecil's leg. He slowly moves the gun up to rest at the hem of Cecil's pants. It was a silent threat. Choose your reactions carefully if you want to get out of this alive.

Cecil swallows thickly and just nods.

"So why does the waitress look ready to shank you?" Carlos asks with an amused smile after she had left.

"Oh she's just mad cause her wife works for Ellie to pay off their debt to me." Charles muses into his wine glass.

"Ah well, that's a shame."

Cecil feels himself zone out as the lunch goes on. He picks at the food he's served, aware that this could be the last unpoisoned meal he gets for a while but not hungry enough to stomach it. He knows Charles brought him here to torture him. To make him see that he's helpless. Maybe he got off on it. Charles had moved the gun away again but that doesn't ease Cecil's nerves. If anything it made him more on edge. That gun could be pointed at Carlos. He does finish the glass of red wine but doesn't allow himself to enjoy it. Eventually the arm around his waist disappeared, making Cecil look up. Charles was paying the check but Kevin was standing. Kevin puts his hands on Cecil's shoulders. Cecil looks up. Kevin jerks his head and Cecil takes the silent cue to follow.

Once at the car, Kevin pushes Cecil against it, leaning close.

Cecil's eyes go wide in fear.

"Shh. Don't panic." Kevin whispers. "He's watching but I saw what he did and thought you might need a getaway."

Cecil nods minutely.

"Spread your legs a little. I'm not going to touch you but he needs to be convinced."

Cecil looks uneasy but shifts his stance as Kevin wedges a knee between his thighs.

"We need to talk."

"Okay…." Cecil says in confusion.

"I'm your friend in this mess and I need you to tell me if he's ever to much and I'll see what I can do."

"Kevin…..you shouldn't risk yourself for me. I'm not worth-"

"Shh shh. Just let me offer you the chance for help I never got."

Cecil looks down before looking back up. "Thank you Kevin. Thank you. I wish I could do something for you-"

Kevin looks around before looking back at Cecil. "Forgive me." He says softly before leaning forward, putting his hand over Cecil's lips.

Cecil's eyes go wide and before he could protest, Kevin is kissing him over the hand.

"Having fun without me?" Charles's voice makes Cecil jump. Kevin pulls away and turns.

"Of course not. I just was trying to calm Cecil's nerves is all." Kevin smiles.

"Well we can have fun later. Kevin get him in the car. We need to get home."

-----.-----

“Riley I need you to run a check for me.” Carlos says as he bursts into her office and makes her jump.

“Dude chill. What do you need boss?”

“I need you to run a search for a Dylan Marron. He would have recently moved here.” Carlos leans over next to her. Something about that guy put Carlos on edge.

“Anything to narrow it down?”

“Black hair Though likely dyed and he’s a mute.”

“Alright….” Riley pops her fingers before typing quickly, scanning through lists and databases. "Anything else? Eye color?"

"No. He had sunglasses the whole time. Charles said something about light sensitivity."

After a moment there is a ping. “Uh Carlos?”

“Yeah?”

“Dylan Marron doesn’t exist."

-----.-----

Cecil stirs when the bedroom door opens. He sits up a little. "Carlos?" He slurs. The bed dips beside him and he sees the faint orange glow of a cigarette. Wait a moment. Carlos doesn't smoke…..

Cecil is rolls onto his side and his sleep shirt is pushed up as rough hands move over his skin. A pen light makes Cecil squint.

"What-" He cuts off with a scream.

The cigarette is pressed into the birthmark on his side repeatedly. He tried to push his attacker away but another hand pins his wrists to his chest. The cigarette is pressed into his skin again and again, burning the sensitive skin. Cecil twists in an attempt to escape the pain. "Stop." He sobs. "Please….stop. I'm sorry. Please… I'm sorry. Im sorry. Whatever I promise I won't do it again." He begs and begs until he blacks out.

#teach me to be bad #my love come and save me #wtnv carlos #carlos the scientist #wtnv cecil #wtnv #wtnv kevin #wtnv au #wtnv charles #angst #dark #not happy

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spilledginger · 5 years ago

Text

Meph & Riley

Meph Steele

Age: 42

Gender: Agender

Pronouns: Any pronouns, but no She/Her

Sexual & Romantic Orientation: Bisexual, Demiromantic

Height: 1.80 m / 5′9 ft

Powers: Pyromancy, possession, levitation, immortal(?)

Voice headcanon: Brian David Gilbert

Riley Thompson

Age: 46

Gender: Agender

Pronouns: He/Him, They/Them, It/Its

Sexual & Romantic Orientation: Pansexual, Panromantic

Height: 2.10 m / 6′8 ft

Powers: Healing, several types of magic (white arts, dream manipulation, light manipulation), flight (has wings that are retractable), immortal(?)

Voice Headcanon: Tom Ellis

More details (about the characters and Meph’s role with a canon character) under the cut!

Meph

Meph has never been the most calm person. They’re always talking about something or doing something. That something isn’t always useful of course, but if it’s doable it must be done

They’re extremely flirty (towards people older than them), but will stop when someone is uncomfortable

They’re quite the prankster, especially when they’re bound to someone

Speaking of being bound to someone, when Meph saves someone’s life, they automatically become their guardian demon. Meph was never in a situation like this, until the present time when they had to save Hanzo

That of course meant that Meph was forced to become Hanzo’s guardian demon, to Hanzo’s annoyance. This is the source of a lot of shenanigans happening (Meph showing up in Hanzo’s bathroom or bedroom uninvited, but also eventually Meph becoming Hanzo’s wingman and viceversa)

Meph also has the power of possession, but only does it when absolutely needed and the other one is okay with it. Their possessions aren’t fully Meph, but also not fully the other person. They turn into some kind of mix of personalities (Meph’s personality being most noticeable) and gain one or two new powers (I’ll make a seperate post that goes more in depth about this)

They can be quite foolish and careless, since it’s incredibly hard to kill them. This also makes them put their friends in danger, since they act impulsively and don’t always think of the consequences

They’re also quite cocky and put on a metaphorical mask a lot of times to not show any weakness

Riley

Riley is the order to Meph’s chaos, the logic to their impulsiveness. He’s organized and thoughtful

He spends a lot of time healing Meph after they got into unnecessary fights

Riley is quite a loving person. A lot of people look up to him and he has the same type of energy as someone’s favorite English or Drama teacher would have

He gives the best hugs and is amazing at comforting people. He’s able to use some of his magic to make the other person feel more relaxed. You’re stressed about some big event coming up? Just hug this giant angel man and you’ll feel way better!

He likes to help out people in need. Kicked out of your home? Riley will help you find a new home. Need your couch moved? Riley will help you with carrying it

He’s not afraid of showing any emotions. He cries when he needs to, he laughs when he’s happy, etc. The only emotion he doesn’t fully show is anger, unless he’s absolutely furious

But he has a lot of emotions and can get incredibly anxious. Looking after people can be incredibly stressful and he cares more about others than he does about himself. He doesn’t take any breaks until it’s too late

He can be quite overprotective sometimes. He gets quite frustrated by Meph’s reckless behavior and bottles up his emotions about it until he eventually snaps at them

Their relationship

They balance eachother out quite nicely, even though Meph is a bit too much sometimes

They both really enjoy PDA, especially hugging

They alternate between top and bottom bunk

Riley is basically the only person I can ship Meph with without it being a crackship

(I’ll probably use one of those ask memes to post more stuff about their relationship later)

#ares' ocs #meph tag #riley tag #original characters #mortal kombat oc

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bebepac · 4 years ago

Text

Six Sentence Sunday 04.25.21

Original Post: 4/25/21 at 12:54PM EST

I’ve been a little all over the place this week I know with me being more missing in action! I’ve hit a really busy spell again at work, technically it’s never “not busy,” and I’m also looking for a new job.

Good news I had my interview on Friday and I think it went really well. There are three positions for the department I want to go into as they have been given more clinical trials to work on.

I had my interviewer laughing and I think I asked very good questions about the organization. My questions when I was asked were:

* How does your organization ensure a healthy work/life balance for your employees?

* I know the job is currently remote right now, but when it’s not i’ll be going into the office three days a week and home two. How do you all strive to have a teamwork atmosphere in the office with staff?

* Is there room for advancement?

I’m hoping I did as well as I think I did.

As a reminder if you missed tags, and it seems like the fandom has been relatively collectively busy in their own lives across the board, here’s what I’ve posted in the past 7-10 days.

And Then... There Were Two (The Meet Chapter 1 : A Greek Meat Prequel)

Pop’s 🌎 World (Mia’s World Special: Pops POV)

What are you working on @dcbbw @burnsoslow @bbrandy2002 @sirbeepsalot

@sfb123 @ao719 @txemrn @darley1101 @jessiembruno and anyone else! Feel free to take me in your wips and six sentences sundays!

This is what I have going on:

Derby Girl

The Life of Riley Book 2: Chapter 4

The Book: TRR

Pairing: Liam x Riley

Status: Still in the writing process

Riley glared at him. “I’m not an animal Duke Ramsford.”

“That remains to be seen. If the Cordonian people do not fall in love with you, even though he could be Lady Riley he will not choose you. Love is not the only thing that matters here. It’s honestly not even a factor here. Prince Liam has a duty to his people to pick the most suitable woman to be at his side. So you, dear idealistic girl must learn to give the people what they want. The derby today will give you the opportunity to meet the press for the first time. This will set the tone of how the people will begin to approve of you or disapprove of you. The Queen is also important here as well.”

“I think the Queen might potentially be on my side.”

Bertrand laughed. “You don’t know The Queen.”

“I met with her and she wasn’t rude to me. She was actually helpful when you think about it. She told me to get a feel for the audience that will be watching me and dress for them. I think that’s helpful advice.”

“You’re right that is helpful advice.”

“You need to get ready. Head to the boutique and make sure you pick something suitable.”

Riley almost didn’t want to go to the boutique after what happened to her the last time.

However this time when she walked in she was greeted by a kind middle-aged woman with a genuinely welcoming smile.

“And you must be Lady Riley.”

“I am.” Riley still had her guard up her voice and body language tight and protecting herself.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Oh!”

“I know that the last time you were here, you didn’t have the greatest experience with the staff, and I apologize for that, but if there is anything you need I will be more than willing to assist.”

“Thank you so very much.”

Riley smiled.

“It’s no wonder….”

“It’s no wonder what?”

“Why he’s so enchanted with you. I was sworn to secrecy, but he couldn’t hide how he feels about you. Let me know if you need any help picking out something for him. You’re living your very own Cinderella story right now.”

The Double Date Mistake

The Meet: Chapter 2

The Book: TRR

Pairing: Liam x OC

Status: Still in the writing process

“And done. He has your number now Jili. Now fly my little birdies fly.”

She thought he would text right away but he didn’t. The whole way to Bebe’s apartment the twenty minute drive Jili’s phone was silent.

Bebe looked at Jili as she glanced at her phone. What the actual hell?

She texted Jilian.

“Bebe why the hell are you texting me? I’m sitting right next to you?”

“I was just making sure your phone was on.”

“I mean he’s still working Bebe. He can’t just drop everything and just start texting away.”

“The hell he can’t. What in the actual fuck is wrong with you bruh?” Bebe grumbled as she angrily typed on her phone.

“Wing Woman are you trying to crash this plane?”

“The mother hasn’t even taken off yet with you two trying to pilot it. I’m gonna need you to get your life together Jili.”

The driver pulled to a stop. “Damn I really wanted to see how this turned out.”

Bebe got out of the car in a huff.

“I’ll let you know.” Jili called out the window to her.

Ri-Liamo de Bergerac

Fast Forward Special: A birthday Fic:

The Book: TRH and Beyond

Pairing: Liam x Riley

Status: Still in the writing process

* not complaining here: but you guys love some fast forward! this would be the second time I’ve asked for a specific series pairing on a birthday fic and fast forward is what is mentioned. I miss it too. *

Riley raised her eyebrow at Maxwell. She saw him pacing nervously as he kept glancing in Taylor's direction. Taylor was completely oblivious as she had her nose buried in a book she'd gotten from the estate library.

Finally Maxwell had psyched himself up. He walked over to Taylor sitting in the lawn chair next to her.

"Hey Softie."

Taylor put down her book, as did Ellie as she was sharing the oversized lounge chair in the sun with Taylor. Both lifted their sunglasses to their hair.

"Lord Playlist?"

"So I was wondering if you want to have dinner tonight."

"Silly Uncle Maxwell, we eat dinner every night." Ellie confirmed matter of factly.

"What Riley Jr. said." Both Taylor and Ellie picked up their books again, sliding their glasses back to cover their eyes.

Riley laughed to herself. Oh my God Taylor she thought. She is absolutely adorably clueless. Liam laughed softly. He gently rubbed Riley's stomach.

"Aren't you glad we're married? We don't have to do that."

"You were never like that."

Liam blushed. "I felt like that when I talked to you the first time. I don't even remember what I said on the street to you. I was so dumbfounded by your beauty."

"You don't remember me being so awkward?"

Liam shook his head. "You… were perfect, is all I remember, My Love."

A light blush hit Max's cheeks.

"What I meant Softie, was you and me alone, away from the estate."

Taylor slowly lowered the book again.

"So like a date?"

"I mean date is a strong word, but it could be an accurate one. Two people dressed nicely eating food together at the same table. I mean I'm not opposed to the idea if you are."

Tagging the comments!

#six sentence sunday #cfwc sunday six #liam x riley #trr fanfic #trr fandom #trh fanfic #trh fandom #play choices #choices fic writers creations #fast forward #the meet #the life of riley #riley goes to cordonia

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lovemehatemenevergonnabeme17 · 6 years ago

Text

Two Crazies Are Better Than One Part 3/3

Part One

Part Two

Shout out to @justfandomlover

Pair: Wrench x Reader, Marcus x Reader(Platonic (Siblings)), and Marcus x Sitara (A little only because I ship them)

Warning: Swears and a couple time skips

Words: 1,520 words 7,655 characters

Song Played: Powerful-Major Lazer Ft. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley

Key: (Y/n) Your Name, (N/n) Nickname, (Y/w) Your Weapon(Besides Guns), (H/n) Hacker Name, and (C/C) Color of your Choice

-Previously-

Beep Beep Beep

“I swear to god I am going to kick whoever’s ass this is for waking me up this early.” I throw my pillow that was around my head to the floor and roughly grabbed my phone

{Unknown}: Hey, Sitara here welcome to Dedsec, meet the rest of us this morning at 8:00 am, this is the location hurry.

{Unknown}: Also bring coffee for us all plus yourself I’ll pay you back.

“Well, Shit!”

-Now-

_(Y/n) P.O.V_

I jump out of bed and run to my dresser and grab my outfit(The photos are in part two if you need a refresh or you can change it idc.) I look at my phone one last time before grabbing my shoes besides my window.

[7:45 am]

‘FUCK!’ I hop out my window and slide down the fire escape making my way to a cafe down the road and then running to the location.

-Meanwhile-

_Sitara’s P.O.V_

‘Where the hell is she?’ I start to pace a bit

“Is she even going to show up?” Josh asked

“Of course she is! She always does!” Marcus responded with

“Are you sure she wi-”*Knock Knock* we all spin our heads towards the cameras

“Uh, hello? It’s (Y/n)” she was standing at the door with coffee and looking around

“Told you.” Marcus whispers

“Great I have the wrong door.” (Y/n) turns around

“Fucking open the door!!” Wrench suddenly yells at Horatio

“Okay okay, geez.” Horatio types a few keys and the door opens

_Back to (Y/n) P.O.V_

The door finally opens, I sigh in relief and through it, the first thing I see is a very large middle finger with Wrench written next to it.

‘Charming.’ I continue down the stairs and once I hit the last step I look around the place in amazement, it was wall to wall with tech of different sizes and everyone was showing something.

“Holy shit.” I pass the coffees to Sitara and continue to walk around

“Welcome to Dedsec, sis.” Marcus puts his arm around me and shows me the tech

~ Two weeks later ~

Marcus and I have been on a bunch of missions lately and it is amazing! I’ve been able to hang out and talk to the rest of the team, I have everyones’ number with whatever they put their name as in my phone, and I have an official hacker name (H/n)!

“(H/n) come here!” Horatio and Josh both call out

“What’s up?” I lean against the back of Josh’s chair

“We have a bet going on and we would like to know your answer for it.”

“Shoot.”

“What do you think will happen, Wrench and his mystery girl will get together by themselves, or that we will have to shove them together?” I think a bit and shrug

“Well I don’t know anything about the girl so I would say that we will have to shove them together.” They both nod

There's an energy When you hold me When you touch me It's so powerful I can feel it When you hold me When you touch me It's so powerful

I frantically rush to grab my phone from my back pocket and walk away from the boys.

“Sup Wrench!”

“Heyo (H/n)! Listen can you come down and help me with Wrench Jr.? I think he has a virus or sorts.” I smile and start walking out the door and to my motorcycle

“Sure be there in a few.”

“Till then.”

_Back with Josh and Horatio_

(3rd Person)

“So do you think she caught on?” Josh spins around to Horatio

“Most likely not she is as blind to her feelings as Wrench is.” Horatio shrugs and goes back to his work space

~ Back to (Y/n) P.O.V ~

I finally get to the garage and walk right over to where Wrench is with Wrench Jr.

“Sup.” Wrench grabs my arm and pulls me over to his work desk

“Okay so I’ve been trying to get through the firewall in Wrench Jr. but it’s taking forever and I’m about to throw my damn computer. Please help.” I take Wrench’s computer and start to type away while he walked off to do something else I assume

Connection Loading ......

> Connected

> Continue? (Yes) No

“Wrench I’ve got the firewall dow-” I stop when I feel arms around my waist, a spiked body against mine, and a mask nuzzle into my neck a bit

“Okay can you find a file under the title console-control/proco, please.” I nod and try to continue as much as I can.

‘Don’t blush (Y/n). DON’T. FUCKING.BLUSH!’ I keep thinking over and over again

“Hey, (H/n)?”

“Huh?”

“What’s your favorite movie?” I can feel Wrench move his head off of my shoulder

“I would have to say Alien vs. Predator.”

“You’re shitting me right?!” I turn around to face him

“No I love the movie and besides I us to watch it all the time.” Wrench’s mask displays !_! and then ♡_♡

“That is amazing! I am so glad you have seen the movie, now the real question, are you an Alien or Predator girl?”

“Predator girl, I mean yeah two out of three of them die when they go against the Aliens but the still destroy them in the end.”

“Nice. Predators are the top dog if they defeated Archie.” Wrench went back to laying his head on me until Wrench Jr. was fixed

“Next time just give your computer a couple of minutes before trying to attack the firewall again okay?”

“Yeah I’ll keep that in mind, see you tomorrow.”

~ At (Y/n)’s apartment ~

I was in bed watching a new horror film. Well when I say new I mean an older horror film I haven’t watched yet, the new ones are more about the sex scenes than anything else.(Idk go with it)

Beep Beep Beep

I pause my movie to see who texted me.

{Hacker Lover ~ ^ }: Thanks again with Wrench Jr.

I smile

{(N/n)}: No problem Wrench I’ll be there for you if you need help with anything :)

{Hacker Lover ~ ^}: Well I will leave you be. Night Princess ;)

I blush and take a minute to squeal

{(N/n)}: Night Handsome ;)

~ Time Skip to the night of Swelter Skelter ~

I am so excited about tonight! Swelter Skelter practically made for us hackers to show off!! I go to my closet and grab a spiked baseball cap (bought by my brother), long over the shoulders sweater, shorts, and high tops for shoes while my hair was(straight/curled/ braided/etc).

I ran out of my apartment after towards the HQ to meet up with the others.

“Ready to rock bitches!!” I yell as I jump down the last couple of stairs

“Hell yeah! Let’s go!” We all head back upstairs to a van and head to the location of the event

~ At the Swelter Skelter ~

Once the van was parked everyone ran their own ways. I personally went to this vender next to what seemed to be a cage fight to see if I could get a cute little stuffed desktop computer that had 01001011010 on it.

_Wrench’s P.O.V_

Everyone went their own ways while I went to the cage fight. I got a couple odd looks because of how I am dressed but I don’t really care what they think, no one knows my actual face.

When I get to the cage I look around a bit before the fight starts again and when I looked to my right I froze.

(Y/n) standing there in all her glory looking like a goddess with how she is dressed and smiling while trying to win a prize at a vender.

‘Dammit (Y/n) you are going to make me crazy or get killed by your brother.’ I kept looking at her because who could look away from her really I mean I’m surprised she is single

I was in such a trance that I didn’t notice (Y/n) looking at me and waving with the biggest and most toothiest smile I have seen. Once I got out of the trance though I waved back to her.

‘Nice dumbass now she probably thinks you’re a stalker or something.’ I huff but don’t look away from her completely forgetting about the main reason I was over here.

“Yo, Wrench.”

“Hey.” I didn’t even look back to Marcus

“You like her don’t you.” That caught my attention, I could feel my cheeks heat up when I spun around to face Marcus and I looked down at the ground rubbing my head

“Yes, I do Marcus. I just wished she felt the same for me.” I turn once again back to (Y/n) to see waving towards to two of us and I waved back

“*mur mur*” I was going to ask Marcus what he said but when I looked back he was running off

“Wrench! Look what I got!” I hear (Y/n) run up behind me and I can see that she got what looked like a desktop computer

“Nice, is that for someone special?” she grins and nods her head and I can’t help but feel a bit jealous

“Yeah it is.”

What I didn’t expect was her to push the plush to my arms and then kiss the side of my mask.

“When this fight is done you know where to find me.” with that she walked off

‘I am most defiantly fucked. In more way than one.’ after that thought I ran after (Y/n) to enjoy the rest of my night.

(Yay the story is finally done! I hope you all enjoyed it! Remember that you can request any x reader imagines, headcannons, stories, or anything else you can think of! Night Loves!!!)

#watch dogs 2 #watch dogs wrench #watch dogs marcus #watch dogs 2 wrench #wrench x reader #wrench imagines #marcus holloway

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viviennevivisection · 2 years ago

Text

Session 19 Notes - “A Favor” - 9-28-22

-Ellie gave Cass the “no makeup” makeup look and curled her hair with Alice’s curling iron

-Cass is wearing her usual purple overalls, but cinched! Slay

-Ellie is wearing a yellow sundress with a white headband and white kitten heels (with the intention of co opting the Riley Smith Look but better)

-Naomi did not change

-Heading to Ms. Moody’s house for dinner — it has a wrap around porch

-MM and Ellie (adult) are drinking sweet tea

-It’s giving the house from Practical Magic

-Jamieson is also coming for dinner

-Eleanor is grown woman (Alice’s age) but…doesn’t seem to be all there —> in her mind palace

-“It’s probably not smart to cast in Ms. Moody’s house without her permission.” - Cass

-Jamieson is here

-“This is Naomi and Ellie! … and Ezra!”

-Jamieson is gnomish her (kind of)

-The dinner consists of studio ghibli type food

-We are saying grace!

-There’s some divine magic happening…

-It acts as a modified hero’s feast…16 temporary hit points

-Jamieson is trying to get a viral GoFundMe to fund the school —> he wants to take a field trip to Idella

-Everyone loves Woodvale…and no one leaves!

-Ms. Moody literally hates Riley

-Jamieson has a crush on Cass

-Eleanor has trauma

-Ellie spent most of the dinner chit chatting to/at Eleanor, trying to find a special interest that may bring her out of her shell. She seemed to appreciate it, but didn’t really change. She’s dealing with something that she would benefit from forgetting. She’s stuck on something and when she disappears, that’s where she goes.

-She may benefit from having an “Ellie”

-Ms. Moody gave us the cobbler recipe

-Eleanor Adler (her married name)

-Going on a walk with Ms. Moody to Talk About Things

-Explaining the internal ley system and arcane virus stuff as we understand it to Ms. Moody

-Woodvale Sickness has always been around — but usually only affected miners. In those days, it used to be more of an inconvenience as opposed to a life-threatening illness

-It’s seemed to have gotten worse over time

-The Mines closed 30-50 years ago

-Correlations

-People didn’t from [from the illness] before Dodder showed up

-Thought to have been caused by long term exposure to whatever is in the mines (residuum, Ms. Moody thinks)

-Giving MM a crash course in how to read internal ley systems

-Eleanor’s daughter passed away from Woodvale Sickness

-Going to the Town Meeting

-Vibes are like Gilmore Girls Town Hall in the barn

-Ezra Darcy!

-Riley is also wearing a yellow sundress, but it looks homemade :) mine is designer

-Cass is snatching her waist

-Ezra Darcy is a hottie, but we been knew (Markiplier vibes, but like…dirty from work)

-Norman Steele (president of Dodder) has issued an ultimatum for the town of Woodvale

-The party approaching Ezra and Riley

-Ezra Darcy: “Cassie!”

-Cass: “You know nobody calls me that.”

-Ezra Darcy: “I call you that.”

-Ellie to Riley: “Did you make that! That’s so cute! In the city we’re so busy all the time, I basically have to buy designer clothes.”

-I think this is where an enraged Riley made a comment through gritted teeth that she liked my dress, and Ezra said that they should get her one like it

-Ellie: “Oh, do you want this one? I have so many dresses— you’d be doing me a favor!”

-Nothing about Woodvale Factory makes any fucking sense — with the mines closed, they ship everything here to be made and then have to ship it away once it’s done. There are workers everywhere. Why Woodvale? There has to be something we and the town at large don’t know about. A bargaining chip. Ellie said all of this (a little bit more nicely) and ended up giving a worker of the world, unite kind of speech

-Cass did in fact trap Riley in the mines lmao

-Cass is revealing that she stole the key

-“It seems like the mayor’s daughter [dodder] has been..reckless.” Cass has committed the public execution of Riley Smith

-Riley tried to use her magic item (necklace) — suggestion spell

-Ellie and Naomi go to the bathroom, Ellie casts detect magic, and Naomi asks DN to follow Riley and Ellie can SEE HER? “Oh my god, is that you? I’m your biggest fan!!!”-DN has agreed to follow Riley, Naomi feels weird because it’s first time she’s noticed an absence as opposed to feeling a presence

-Cass came clean to Judd about not finishing school — that she’s not graduating. “More like Dodder didn’t want me to. I found something they didn’t want me to know.”

-Judd: “Are you in danger, sweetie?”

-Cass: “No.” NAT 1 DECEPTION

-Judd is a slay dad, we Stan

-Cass “may have an ace up her sleeve when it comes to the negotiation”

-Cass is asking about Grandad AGAIN

-Ezra Darcy #confirmed has an arcane virus, similar to Heather’s. His internal ley system is weakened like Cass’, but not zeroed like (Gay) Ezra’s

-Ezra had plans to leave Woodvale!

-Naomi can’t cast magic without DN! Omg

-Cass delivered the superior yellow sundress to Riley via Watts lmao

-We sent Ms. Moody a magic letter with the information that Ezra Darcy is infected with the AV

-Grandad was a ranger

-One day a shift didn’t come back when it was supposed to — seemingly vanished without a trace

-The official story was that there was a collapse from digging too deep. No survivors.

-Grandad disputed this. He said he saw an unnatural glow and started to feel weird, compelled to keep going when everyone else flat out refused

-The Miller Curse

-There are other tieflings in Woodvale, but the Millers got hit three generations in a row

-Judd: “I’m so proud of you and I love you.”

-There are crazy expensive-skeletons everywhere in Cass’ bedrooms — Watts prototypes

-Dark Naomi has returned…

-She showed up Riley storming out of the Town Meeting and scurrying to a nice home — our POV is smooth, like we’re floating — she goes inside straight to the dining room where Charlie Smooth is doing paperwork. There is a suit sitting there as well, smoking a cigar. This man doesn’t have an accent and Cass (watching over the telepathic bond) recognizes him as Norman Steele.

-The Smiths and Dodder are officially #confirmed in bed together

-Norman knows! He saw!! (Cannot remember what he knows or what he saw but this note is so ominous)

-“Did you lose a key, Riley?” Norman to Riley

-THEY MADE MY ARRIVAL INTERESTING??

-“Did he fucking come FROM HELL?” -Sam

-Norman to Riley: “I need you to work on Charlie, he’s been….resistant.” (AAAAAAAAAAAAH)

-It needs to be of Charlie’s free will that he signs the deal

-Norman to Riley if she fucks this up: “You know the consequences.” STRAIGHT TO HELL HOPEFULLY!

-Is Norman Steele……….Kirruk?

“This small town bitch is going to sell the city to HELL to marry some hunk?”

-What is Riley’s…last name? Smith….Helen Smith

-Edible Wikipedia Time

-Looking up an old interview of Helen Smith…she has a slight Woodvalian accent

-White searching, Ellie finds a news article posted TODAY: Techrono ends partnership with Helix Labs. Quietly the relationship was dropped — and there is a public paper trail.

-WHY? BECAUSE DR. CUNT COULDN’T GET US???

-Danny Wright doesn't know anything about the split (presumably I quit or am fired) but he’ll try and poke around and let us know

-Dr. Cunt was the dean of students at the Aurora Conservatory

-(Now why are all the deans of students evil? I wish we had spoken to the one in Idella)

-Cass went around mending various things around the house while everyone was asleep <3

-Naomi is TRYING to sleep

-“You see…what you’ve seen before.”

-“What makes something real anyway?”

-Dark Naomi is suddenly there on top of her, reaching toward Naomi’s cheek as her own face seems to rot and sag

-Naomi felt Dark Naomi physically touch her

-“You owe me a favor.”

-The ghost of her touch

-Naomi is drawn to look outside the window with an overwhelming sense of being watched. Dark Naomi is standing on the wood line with Dark Ezra. “A Favor,” She says and turns and walks into the woods.

#campaign diary #dnd

0 notes

hellospunkiebrewster · 7 years ago

Text

Rage - Part IV of Duty

Author’s note: Thank you all for your support and love and comments. They really give me the confidence to continue sharing my content. I’m forever grateful. If you’re new here here’s the previous parts of my Duty series:

Part I - Part II - Part III

Summary: As the official period of royal mourning begins, Riley and Eleanor get some much needed privacy to work their way through the effects of the attack on their family. They begin to piece it together, just the two of them. Friends reach out, but Riley withdraws, not ready to face even those she trusts the most at court.

Word count: 3448

Tags: @queencatherynerhys, @theroyalweisme, @boneandfur, @crayziimaginations, @hopefulmoonobject, @mfackenthal

I don’t own these characters or places, Pixelberry does.

“Ma’am,” Mara continued her brief of the morning’s schedule, “The princess and yourself will be leaving via car once Leo and his wife have been dropped at the airport to return to the United States. Your luggage has been loaded and everything is in place for a departure for Valtoria at noon.”

Riley enters the dining room used for informal meals as she had each day since guests arrived at the palace for Liam’s funeral. Taking her place next to an empty chair at the head of the table, left vacant as a respect to the fallen king, she’s flooded with memories of her and Liam at this very table, upon returning to Cordonia after clearing her name they’re telling his father and Regina to stand down. She drifts on from that memory and they’re at the same table and his hand is on her knee, sometimes wandering higher without the knowledge of their guests. She’s thrown from that memory and her back is pressed against the warm mahogany, dress falling from her shoulders, Liam leans over her peppering her collarbone with biting kisses. A maid walked in on them that time, and suddenly it was protocol to knock on every door before entering despite where the king and queen were supposed to be. Riley is snatched from these thoughts by laughter coming from all around the table.

Leo. Even days after the funeral she couldn’t escape him. She barely uttered more than two words to him each royal breakfast he sat in on since arriving. Riley knows her anger is perhaps misplaced, but she can’t shake it. After the first attack, he never visited or even attempted to call. When a suspicious envelope was delivered to the royal residence containing a white powder shortly after she gave birth to Ellie, radio silence from him. When bomb threats had been called to the library where she and Liam made an appearance to speak about her children’s literacy initiative, not even a message. He is telling a story to the table, his perfect teeth sparkling and eyes shining as he reaches the punch line. The guests all laugh with him, under his spell, the rogue, honey-tongued former heir to the throne.

Riley clears her throat and quietly and reaches for a scone. A hush falls over the table and Leo turns his gaze to her, his lips forming a thin line. The others continue their breakfasts, soon the only sounds in the room is the quiet clink of silverware on china. Riley takes her knife, scooping a dollop of apple butter from a small crystal bowl and spreading it over her scone.

“Good morning Riley,” Leo begins.

“It’s your Majesty,” she corrects quietly.

“Apologies, I’ve been away from the palace for quite some time,” he answers, “I was sharing with others some of Liam and my escapades, when we were younger and much more carefree.”

“By all means, don’t let me stop you,” she replies a sugary smile on her lips, adding under her breath, “You do exactly what you want regardless.” Leo doesn’t hear her addition and has already launched into another story to the delight of others at the table. She drops her knife to the side of her plate and rises, leaving the room quickly before anyone can object and most are too engrossed in Leo’s storytelling that they don’t notice. Maxwell follows her.

She leans against the wall of the hallway outside the dining room, sighing as she looks up at the ceiling, willing her tears to quell before she makes even more of a scene. Her cheeks are warm and she can feel the blood coursing in her veins, hot and angry.

“Uhm... Riley?” Maxwell approaches her tentatively. She closes her eyes, squeezing the tears away before glancing at him. In that time, he moves next to her, also leaning against the wall.

“Doesn’t he know this is all his fault?”

Maxwell looks at her, shell shocked at her question. It isn’t often that he’s rendered completely speechless and Riley exhales, leaning her head on his shoulder.

“Liam should still be here. I know everything would be different if Leo never abdicated, but Liam deserves to be here.”

Maxwell’s arm wraps around her back, his hand finding her waist tugging her closer. He’s warm and soft, comforting, against her side. “It’s easy to say that Riley, but without it, you wouldn’t be here. Ellie wouldn’t be here.”

“But isn’t that selfish thinking? I could’ve been content in New York, maybe I’d never have found what I had with Liam with someone. But he’d still be here, he’d be happy. He’d be… alive.”

“You don’t mean that.”

She sighs, “I don’t even know what to think anymore. I just know this isn’t going to be something I’m going to ever get over.”

“I don’t think any of us will. All we can do is be there for each other when we need each other to be.”

The door to the dining room opens and it’s Leo leaving with his wife. He sees Riley and Maxwell against the wall of the hallway and tells his wife to go ahead. Leo takes the few steps towards them and shakes Maxwell’s hand.

“Maxwell Beaumont, it’s been a pleasure. I only wish it was under happier circumstances.”

“You do realize this is your fault don’t you Leo,” the words escape her lips before she can stop them.

“Excuse me?” he looks at her, the smile fading from his eyes. His brow knots in confusion.

Riley figures she’s all in and continues, “You can’t tell me that the thought has never crossed your mind since it happened. Where would Liam be right now if you never abdicated, if you never shirked your duty to your country in favor of the life of a playboy?”

Leo shakes his head and exhales sharply. “We’re all hurting here, but the only ones to blame are the attackers… and maybe the royal guard. I mean come on,” he spits in response.

She narrows her eyes and hisses at him, “How could you possibly know what sort of damage you did to the people’s confidence in the crown by tossing it aside? By tossing your family and country aside?”

“You can’t be serious! The damage was done long before I ever abdicated!” Leo raises his voice.

Riley smiles despite herself and matches his tone, “And still you left, you left Liam behind to run away with some- some woman.”

“She has a name,” he is seething, chewing on the inside of his cheek.

“You pulled Drake from college, and once he was in place you left, leaving your brother torn apart. You know he was never truly whole after the first attempt on his life. We were attacked in our own home, twice. Attacked outside of it, sent threats, and nothing. Silence from someone he so trusted and loved,” she’s ranting, Maxwell grabs her arm to try to calm her.

“Maxwell no, he needs to understand his actions had consequences, very real consequences.”

“You don’t think I realize that?” he roars, looking down, struggling to find words for what he wants to say. He opens his mouth to speak again, this time quiet, “I don’t- It’s something I’ll carry with myself forever,” he sighs. “I’ve got a plane to catch,” he utters, his usually shining eyes, sad and hurt. He turns on his heel and leaves in the direction his wife did.

Leo is out of their sight for a considerable amount of time and the two of them stand in the silence of the hallway. She can’t put her finger on why, but she feels better, the fog of rage has lifted. If she’s honest with herself, she feels a little sorry for attacking him like that. Maxwell finally speaks first.

“So that happened.”

The sweeping estate at Valtoria comes into view miles before they arrive at the house. Riley’s estate is located in a mountainous forest and as the car comes over the edge of a large ridge the house, a large wooden cabin can be seen in the valley below. The car winds its way down the side of the mountain, riding along the bank of a small lake. A pier juts into the water, coming visible as the car rounds the house headed to the garage. Riley lays her cheek against the cool window of the car, surveying the complete and total serenity that engulfs the estate.

They rarely got the opportunity in recent years to spend much time here, in the beginning they spent holidays but as things became more fraught in the country they had less time. There was legislation to pass, trade deals to negotiate, and damage to repair after the initial attacks on the palace and the orchards. In the last couple of years, things were starting to look up for the country and Riley was looking forward to being able to take holidays with Liam and Ellie again. It was a long few years, highlighted by the birth of their daughter. Liam poured every spare moment he had into her, always hungry for more time with her in the evenings. He’d rush home from his final meetings to feed her the last bottle of the day and rock her to sleep. Bathtime was the highlight of his evening. He even snuck out of bed at Eleanor’s tiniest cries, before Riley would be roused from her dreams to comfort her back to sleep. It was exhausting for him, but it was the type of work he enjoyed doing. He finally had what he desired after all this time, a family and a Cordonia that was on the upswing.

Riley feels the handle of her door click and she sits up as it’s opened for her. She steps out, grabbing a sleepy Ellie by her armpits and carrying her into the house.

The staff had done their best preparing the estate for her and Eleanor. She was sure everything in here had probably only hours ago been dust covered and smelled of stale shut-in air. The crisp mountain air wafted in through the sheer curtains, smelling of the evergreen trees around them. She took a half asleep Ellie to her room and tucked her in, the days drive was much harder on her as she gaped at the changing landscape outside of the car window. Her notebook was full of drawings of animals she saw or imagined seeing on their trip there.

Once Ellie was safely tucked in, Riley padded down to the living room and reached for a bottle of wine in a cabinet. She knew the bottle well, and immediately she was flooded with memories her and Liam had shared enjoying this same wine. Liam had insisted they buy cases of it, not only to serve at their wedding but to enjoy together whenever they pleased so they could remember all the happy times they enjoyed together. She greeted him with a glass of it the night he came home after she learned she was pregnant. Riley remembers him thanking her for the wine, one of his eyebrows raised in a question, wondering whether he forgot a special occasion for the first time. He swept her off her feet and spun her around when she passed him the pregnancy test.

They shared a bottle of this very wine on their anniversaries, on the night they learned Savannah and Bertrand were engaged, on the day they returned from the hospital with Ellie, and on the night their daughter turned one. Riley pours herself another glass of this same wine she’s enjoyed on many occasions hoping to feel that happiness and excitement once more. When the liquid fills her mouth, the flavor transports her, she can almost taste it on his lips on one of the many nights they spent together in this house before things got so all-consuming.

Her body relaxes into the supple leather of the couch and she inhales slowly feeling the tension of the past week begin to melt away. Riley was unsure if this is what healing felt like, because really, she didn’t feel any different. She felt a little less hollow, away from the intensity of the palace, and with that more sentimental and emotional. She was thankful for the privacy that the beginning of the official period of royal mourning afforded her and Ellie. It would allow them to connect and begin to repair their shattered hearts.

Riley sat in silence, sinking further into the cushions of the plush couch by the minute. She welcomed the hug her estate was giving her and drank her wine with her eyes close. When she finished her glass, she poured another, allowing the warmth of the alcohol in her belly to soothe her.

She didn’t plan on moving from the couch until she finished the bottle, allowing the memories of their life together to wash over her with each sip. Her stomach, however, forces her out of the warm cocoon of the brown leather couch and knitted blanket. Before rising from the couch, Riley is unaware just how much she was feeling the effects of the bottle of wine. She shuffles wobbly to the kitchen, opening and shutting cupboards at random looking for something to eat. She pulls out some bread and finds some cured meats and soft cheese in the refrigerator. She spreads the soft creamy cheese over the dark seedy bread before adding a generous helping of Cordonian cured sausage. She remembers Liam explaining that the pigs are fed a diet of strictly Cordonian Ruby apples and beer. As Riley wobbles back to her nest in the couch, she snorts at the idea of drunk pigs.

Her stomach appeased, Riley is free to finish her last glass of wine in her meditative state. Each sip brings her a new memory, a new story about him. She drifts to sleep, the warmth from the wine embracing her and lulling her to sleep.

Riley doesn’t even look at the time when she’s awoken by her phone buzzing. At first it’s Hana, then Maxwell, asking how she’s doing all alone up at Valtoria. She shoots them both messages back, that she’s feel better in the quiet, away from the prying eyes of the public and press before taking the last of the wine in a gulp.

Hana wants to visit, Maxwell asks if she wants someone there with her. She assures them she’s fine, that she is enjoying the solitude, for now. She and Eleanor must return to the palace in a week anyway, they just needed the time to themselves for now. Riley lays her head on the arm of the couch, feeling the cool leather warm against her cheek as she lays there. She reassures Hana again that she’s fine before she closes her eyes again.

Riley knows it’s late when a banging sound awakens her again. She squints against the light she left on in the room when she opens her eyes and feels the room spinning ever so slightly around her. Unsure if the banging was her head, or something else, she has to try twice to stand before she manages to stay upright. She knows it isn’t possible, but the floor shifts from side to side under her feet as she wanders around the house searching for the sound of the banging. Her eyes trained on the baseboard of the hallway to the front door, she stumbles towards the foyer, her feet cold on the stone entryway. Surely this was a dream, there wasn’t another living soul around for miles and if there was her security team would have apprehended them long before they arrived at the door.

The banging continues, sending sharp reverberations through her skull with each rap on the door. It’s dark outside, the front light left off when they arrived in the faint dusk light. She flicks on the light, still unable to make out the figure outside, her vision sliding in and out of focus. Riley isn’t sure if it was her eyes playing tricks on her because of the tiredness and alcohol, or that they had installed a textured glass on the sidelights. It had been so long she couldn’t remember. She rests her hand on the cool glass of the narrow windows to steady herself before fumbling with the locks on the door with her free hand. She manages the last one and swings the door open. Before she can see who it is, she straightens herself, the cold night air waking her up ever so slightly as the door opens.

A figure comes into a hazy focus on the doorstep as the sleep drains from her eyes.

“Drake?”

One hand is gripping the back of his neck and the other hangs at his side. His hair, normally tousled, looks messy and stiff like he hasn’t showered in a day or two. His eyes are tired and bloodshot, she guessed from lack of sleep. He studies her for a moment as she shifts from foot to foot trying to keep the floor from swaying under her like a ship tossed at sea. She grips the edge of the door, moving to the side to allow him to enter.

“What- Why- What’re you doing here?” she begins and starts her question over and over, fumbling for words in her state.

“I know you all need space, I know I should’ve respected your wishes, but I couldn’t stay in that goddamned capital city one more moment,” Drake turns to leave before he even finishes talking.

“This was a mistake, I’m sorry, I’ll go find somewhere else to stay.”

“Drake,” she begins wobbling again as the room shifts in the direction it spins. He pauses and turns to her.

“Don’t go Drake, you’ve come all this way,” she shivers, “And it’s cold please get your ass inside.”

He steps back into the door and she swings it closed, leaning against the heavy door to steady herself every moment it takes to lock it. She turns, still leaning on the door, the smooth wood keeping her upright and helping keep her grounded enough that the wobbling wasn’t going to make her throw up. She looks at him, one of the first genuine smiles she’s had in a long time creeps to her eyes. It’s barely there, but he notices.

A small laugh escapes her, “A couple pieces of work, aren’t we?” Her speech is stumbling and she can’t bear it any longer, her stomach lurches and she’s thrown forward. She finds the large vase where they keep the umbrellas and releases the remaining contents of her stomach.

“Shit,” she mutters before standing upright, her back finding the smooth wood of the door again. Drake regards her for a moment before reaching out to help her back down the hallway. When they’re in the living room he walks to the same cabinet she pulled her bottle of wine from and removes a crystal whiskey decanter. He pours himself a couple fingers of the amber liquor before sitting across from her on one of the large armchairs. He brings the bottle with him. Riley lays her head again on the armrest, watching Drake drain his first glass in one quick motion before refilling it and sipping it. They don’t speak for a while and just when Riley thinks she might fall asleep again Drake breaks the silence.

“I heard you gave Leo what’s for.”

She nods, not quite sure what to say. Riley knows she wasn’t at her best this morning and said things she didn’t entirely mean to him.

“Someone had to do it,” Drake grumbles bitterly.

He doesn’t speak again and Riley finds herself struggling to keep her eyes open. It had been a week since she had been able to sleep until sun up, often she was roused from sleep by Ellie having nightmares about her father and the bad people. Sometimes she couldn’t sleep because all she wanted was to feel his chest pressed against her back one more time, to feel his breath ruffling her hair. She gives in and lets sleep take her for the night.

Part V: Promises is here.

#playchoices #play choices #the royal romance #trr #the royal romance fanfic #king liam #liam x mc #drake walker #maxwell beaumont #duty

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