#i think i had a good grasp of liams character even before watching it

[upsidedowngrass]

see, i dont know if just not htat many people watched the interview, but literally the interview with that person has been INTEGRAL to my understanding of liam. like the fact that liam was described as a cat person, AND that he would name the cat “something practical, like Fluffy” has literally changed how i look at liam ever since i watched it

[critrolesideblog]

I posted 1,658 times in 2022

That's 847 more posts than 2021!

53 posts created (3%)

1,605 posts reblogged (97%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@utilitycaster

@secondhandjokess

@maddyscrsideblog

@saturdaysky

@callingvoicemail

I tagged 1,582 of my posts in 2022

Only 5% of my posts had no tags

#cr campaign 3 - 341 posts

#critrole spoilers - 320 posts

#shadowgast - 185 posts

#caleb widogast - 144 posts

#essek thelyss - 136 posts

#mighty nein - 106 posts

#jester lavorre - 80 posts

#mighty nein reunion - 75 posts

#orym - 58 posts

#fjord - 47 posts

Longest Tag: 136 characters

#i was just thinking about how when jester first ends a message with 🎵do do-do do~🎵 liam specifies that caleb is on the floor laughing

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

A little scene inspired by this lovely drawing by @kurosmind

---

The Nein Heroez set sail from Nicodranas at sunset. Essek stood on the deck of the ship, watching the city grow smaller and the first stars of the evening spark into being in the dusky sky, when -- "oof!" -- a pair of strong, blue arms wrapped themselves around his middle.

"Wow, you're super light!" Jester declared gleefully as she stretched upward to hoist him into the air. He dropped his hover charm. With a squeal and a laugh, she swayed a moment under the sudden weight before finding her balance, and he could not help but laugh with her.

She set his feet on the deck, but did not release him from her grasp. She rested her chin on his shoulder, squeezing him tightly. Joy lingered on both their faces. "I'm glad you're here with us."

"As am I." He peered at her sidelong. "I am looking forward to seeing what sort of trouble you'll get me into this time."

"Oh, so much," she replied, grinning at him mischievously. Her tail wrapped around them, first one way and then the other, like a child playing hide and seek. Then, her smile softened, and she turned her head, resting her cheekbone on his shoulder. "But, you know, we'll get you out of it again. Don't worry."

"I have no doubt, Jester." And as the lights of Nicodranas twinkled like stars in the distance, he found that it was true. The warm ocean wind carded her fingers through their hair, and love, joy, and, perhaps, a little bit of chaos bloomed in Essek's heart, tenacious, vining things, squeezing him tight as Jester's arms around him. He leaned back against her. "I have no doubt."

77 notes - Posted November 9, 2022

#4

"Why don't we set up the Tower here?" Caleb asked, as he stepped out onto the streets of Aeor. "It's as good a spot as any." He gave a long stretch of his arms and a barely-suppressed yawn as he ambled over to Essek.

"Certainly," Essek replied, allowing himself a small stretch of his stiff neck and shoulders, as he glanced, again, up and down the avenue, setting his ears in search of any suspicious sound to indicate a creeping abomination. They had spent the last five hours sorting through the personal effects and, more importantly, the papers of one Octavia Metella, an arcane researcher with a habit of taking her work home with her. "I do not believe we will be disturbed."

Essek drifted toward a nearby alley as Caleb began digging around in his Bag of Holding for the Tower components. In the perpetual gloom of Aeor, the shadows of the alley were difficult for even Essek's keen eyes to pierce, sandwiched as it was between two tall residential buildings. With a practiced flex of his fingers, he cast Dancing Lights and was met with a riot of color.

There were layers upon layers of graffiti crammed into every available square inch on the right-hand wall. Some of it appeared hastily scrawled, some painted with skill and planning in bright colors, and some carved into the very stone itself. He brushed his fingertips against the wall and waited, watching as the letters rearranged themselves, reforming, at last, into new words. One etching, small and blocky, read, Julia and Claudia, the very best of friends. Nearby, a message in simple black ink: On this 10th day of Misuthar, 300 Post Ascension, Drusilla passed her entrance exam! Drusilla's announcement encroached on the edges of a brightly-painted piece, its script alternately bubbly and flowing, surrounded by stylized moons and arrows, reading, If you doubt the power of the Moonweaver, gaze upon my girlfriend.

Essek stepped in further still, tracing his hand along a line of bright green that swirled into spiraling, vining patterns as it lead him deeper into the alley and towards much coarser fare.

Icarus must part centaur, if you understand my meaning...

Celadus makes the girls moan! With your awful jokes, perhaps! We know you wrote this yourself, Celadus! You are merely envious...

You scholars and mages, why have your face in a book, when you could have your face in this pussy?

The source of the bright green line was the end of a phallus, etched deeply into the wall, and encircled with the words Handle with Care. Additional instructions were scrawled beneath for the uninitiated: Students -- rub that dick for good luck on your exams!

Well, that certainly explains why this bit of stone is so much more weathered than the rest, Essek thought, bemusedly, surveying the well-loved dick whose anatomical details had been reduced to vague hints by untold years of rubbing.

It was perfect.

With a flick of his hand, he retrieved a notebook and pencil from his Wristpocket and placed one of the blank pages against the engraven image on the wall. It is a shame I do not have an exam upon which to test this assertion, he thought with a snort of wry amusement as he began making a rubbing of the dick and accompanying inscription.

As if summoned by the absurdity of the situation, Jester's voice burst into this mind. "Hey, Essek! Hope you're having a good day and haven't died! Kingsley and Fjord say 'hi!' We're leaving Gwardon tonight... Got... you... gifts! Love you!"

A fond smile spread across Essek's face. "Caleb and I are well. We had a good day. I have some gifts for you also," he said coyly, grinning as he finished the head and moved down the shaft. "Give Fjord and Kingsley my regards. Safe travels."

"What are you doing?"

If Essek's feet had been on the ground, he might have jumped. Instead, he jerked away from the wall, wheeling around to find Caleb at the alley's entrance. He was regarding Essek and the graffiti with equal parts curiosity and amusement.

"Ah." Essek tried to obscure the notebook in the folds of his cloak, even as he knew the measure was useless. He had been caught. "I was speaking with Jester. She and the crew are about to leave Gwardon."

Caleb raised an eyebrow at him, clearly unconvinced by his obfuscation. He walked forward slowly with his own amber Dancing Lights floating around his head, trailing his hand along the wall in much the same way Essek had. He chuckled here and there at the bawdy messages, until he arrived, at last, at the dick and burst out laughing.

"At Soltryce, we had a statue whose ass you were supposed to kiss. You would never catch anyone kissing it, and yet, it was always the most polished part of the statue."

"Ah, there was a similar tradition at the Marble Tomes. There was a statue of the founder, Zoshia Zolaed, and one was supposed to pat the... ass of the statue." His vulgarity earned him a grin from Caleb. "Zolaed herself, in her current incarnation, finds the practice highly amusing and is often seen lovingly patting her own ass anytime she passes the statue. It is considered extra lucky if you are the first to pat the statue after her."

Caleb was smiling as he leaned against the wall next to the dick, amusement causing his Lucidian blue eyes to sparkle in the dim glow of their Dancing Lights.

"So, are you conducting research on the superstitions of Aeor's students, or did you think I might be putting you through your paces later?"

Essek raised his chin haughtily. "I have never required luck in such matters."

"You never patted Zolaed's ass?"

"She's not my type."

Caleb grinned, tilted his head inquisitively, and waited.

"I . . ." It had been some time since Essek had felt such hesitancy sharing an idea with Caleb. It was easy to share things with Caleb, even untested, off-the-cuff ideas and works-in-progress, even when he had been trying his damnedest not to spill all of his secrets over wine and a hot tub full of their friends. But this was no impartial arcane experiment. The hypothesis tested by this project was one he wanted very much to succeed, and so, he had been putting off the test. But it seemed the time had come. "I have been collecting such samples for a few weeks. I thought I would present it to Jester as important art from the lost city of Aeor." He dipped his voice in joking gravitas as he held out the notebook for Caleb's review. "Of course, she would translate it in no time." Caleb began slowly leafing through its contents. "Not all of it is bawdy, some of it I thought she might enjoy on artistic merit, like that mural we came across in the Genesis Ward, but I thought she would appreciate some of the work of her compatriots across time." He made a vague gesture toward the dick on the wall. For lack of a notebook to hold, his hands found each other behind his back, pressing, twisting, wringing, as he examined Caleb's face for any hint of reaction as he took in Essek's findings.

It certainly seemed like the sort of thing Jester would like. There were days when he felt certain of it, days when he felt he knew Jester very well indeed. Certainly having her voice in his mind daily, sometimes multiple times a day, lead to a certain level of familiarity. But there were other days when an offhand reference to her childhood or her adventures with the Nein would remind him, like discovering an anti-magic field by stumbling to his feet, that he had spent less than a month in Jester's presence.

"Do you think she will like it?"

"Did you draw this?"

See the full post

393 notes - Posted February 26, 2022

#3

Essek and Caleb lounge in the bed in the room that was once Caleb's and is now theirs. Their legs tangle beneath the silken sheets as they lean against an excess of pillows, both things Caleb has gotten into the habit of including in the casting of the tower in recent months, should his Kryn colleague arrive. A tray with a charcuterie board overflowing with fruits, cheeses, meats, and other snacks is held aloft between them by the tail a spectral cat as they sip on chilled wine and discuss their recent adventures.

"So anyway," says Caleb. "Once I had shapechanged, I cast Gravity Fissure. Of course, I tried to aim so it would only hit Uk'otoa…" There is a long pause in which Caleb expects a chorus of whispers, but Essek merely raises a curious eyebrow.

"Is something wrong?"

"Ah, no, it is nothing."

"Why did you pause?"

"It is nothing, truly." Caleb waves a mildly chagrinned hand. "It is one of our bits, you know. I don't suppose we've had cause to do it around you much. Usually, when someone says Uk'otoa, everyone else whispers Uk'otoa. I merely paused out of habit."

"Ah, I see," Essek replies, picking among the snacks on the tray. "I missed my cue. Please --" he pops a grape into his mouth -- "back to your story. Say that last part again, and I'll do the bit."

"That isn't necess--"

"No, no, please. I believe you were casting some advanced dunamancy." There is a warm flame of desire kindling behind his lilac eyes as he takes a sip of wine.

"Ah, yes, I cast Gravity Fissure at Uk'otoa--"

"Uk'otoa," Essek chimed in his normal, conversational tone. "… Like that?"

". . . Hm, well, ja, normally we really lean into the stage whisper: Uk'otoa -- like that."

"Ah, I see. Once more, once more." He beckons imperiously as he searches for another snack on the tray.

"I cast the spell at Uk'otoa--"

"Uk'otoa," Essek's voice dips deep in tone, but not volume. The sort of voice he often used as Shadowhand. "Like that?"

Caleb narrows his eyes at him, and practiced as he is now at seeing past the serene masks Essek wears, when Essek glances at him sidelong, he sees plainly the amusement and mischief hiding in the slight quirk of his eyebrow and narrowing of his eyes. Caleb tosses a small wedge of cheese toward his head for his trouble, which sails past its mark, and the spectral cat, Gertie, swats it out of the air. The mischief and amusement come out hiding entirely as Essek lays back on the pillows laughing. Dimples appear on his cheeks as he laughs, and Caleb can't help but reach out run his thumb along Essek's cheekbone as he commits the image to memory. Essek leans into the touch with a small sigh.

"If you are quite done fucking with me," Caleb says, after a moment, tossing a blackberry at him. It slows in its trajectory mid-air and, with a guiding swish of his hand, Essek floats it into his waiting teeth.

"Fucking with you?" Essek's voice is still silky and deep as he rises from the pillows. "Not at present, but that can certainly be arranged." The fire in Essek’s eyes catches in Caleb’s heart.

"Hm, Gertie, I think that will be all for now."

439 notes - Posted December 4, 2022

#2

Caleb was pulled from his warm, hazy doze by whispered curses in Undercommon. Not an uncommon occurrence in and of itself, but the rhythmic frrrpt, frrrpt of stitches being pulled from knitted fabric was a new sound to his ears. He lifted his head from the pillow where he had been resting for seven minutes and sixteen seconds and peered groggily at the elf sitting next to him in bed, who was looking at a lopsided bit of knitted fabric with great consternation. Essek froze momentarily mid-pull on the thread of yarn connecting the fabric to a nearby particolored ball, as he realized Caleb was watching him, and then resumed his task.

"I dropped a stitch." He said without looking away from his work.

"You dropped a stitch?"

"To be expected, as a novice."

"And… how long have you been knitting?"

"The past five minutes."

"Ah… and when did you decide to take up knitting?"

"Earlier this afternoon." Essek paused as he carefully reinserted the knitting needle in the remaining stitches. "I was speaking with Beau this morning," he said, slowly as he resumed his work. "We were discussing that case she's been working on. At one point, I mentioned my numerous sins, and she told me to, ah, 'get a hobby.'" Caleb gave a soft a snort of laughter as he settled back down onto his pillow, which earned him a brief, withering glare, before Essek continued. "Uraya used to knit -- still does, I assume -- when they were working on a particularly troublesome problem. They said it helped clear their mind. I was always intrigued, but I did not have the time to pursue it before."

"The colors are lovely," Caleb yawned, as he brushed his fingers against the soft ball of verigated oranges, reds, and deep purples.

"I'm glad you think so… I thought I would add a scarf to your collection."

Caleb smiled as he closed his eyes. I love you, too.

517 notes - Posted June 27, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

has this been done yet?

2,390 notes - Posted July 27, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[captainsspnanon]

C3E21 - reaction

Overall thoughts:

This was a much more satisfying aspect of the dungeon crawl to watch. I’m not sure why the first half of last episode wasn’t hitting with me, but I’m glad the rest of it is.  As much as they were technically In Combat, it felt very strategic and honestly well done. I’m also very pleased with the fact that the other team was able to use their tactics against the PCs (though I am sad the EverSmoking bottle got stolen) because despite feeling like in some ways Matt was letting the PCs get there first, he certainly wasn’t making it a breeze.  And even then, maybe it really was just the rolls that had the PCs get there before the Verdict, but I have suspicions that unless they spent like the ENTIRE last episode fucking around, that they’d always get there at least just before.

I also really appreciate Ashton.  They’re outrage at what the groups were put through, for something that wasn’t meant to be anywhere near as deadly, with the turnaround once the paperwork was found… I just feel like I’m steadily getting a much better grasp on Ashton’s characterization as the episodes go by, and I’m really liking what I’m seeing.  I still need more from FCG, but this may just be due to Sam’s RP.  As much as I love Nott, I also struggled with her for a while because Sam’s jokes came through more clearly than Nott’s character choices.  Saw it with Scanlan, see it with FCG.  I’ll get there eventually, and I’ll retroactively love FCG, I’m sure, but I’m not there yet.

I’ve been enjoying it since the very start, but now that the relationships are starting to settle in, I am REALLY enjoying the different dynamics we’re getting between the characters.  There’s something so beautiful about a group of close friends ‘meeting’ each other and ‘learning’ each other over and over again in different ways.  I’m also very excited to see over the next years which dynamics will deepen and which won’t.  Which PCs will have wonderful depth for 30 episodes or so and then switch dynamics where the relationship is still good, but is often hidden because of how frequently other dynamics among the party are explored?  I cannot wait.

I am a bit disappointed Matt went right into survival checks for the journey, they had at least two stories they wanted to discuss with the group (ultgar and chetney wolfing out) and it kinda pushed them past that.  I’m sure they’ll get around to it, but I wanted it now.

Sporadic live reactions:

Sometimes, I don’t actually have energy to watch something spoiler free.  SO!  Things that I already know about the episode: they get the earring, they put it in FCG’s mouth, they beat the other team and set off a trap three times (probably fire), Laudna goes down once?, Sam’s mug is photoshopped yassifying, Ashton is pissed at the lethality of the traps, JH is smuggling something in boxes, suspected to be the luxon or brumstone?, Chetney talks a little about Oltgar, they hit level 6 at the end and Travis is considering maybe a level in rogue, FGC doesn’t think animals have souls, and they return the horses safely?  Pretty sure that’s all I know, and pretty much all the context I have for it as well.  Oh, and of course I know that Ashley is out due to COVID.

THIS IS MISSING ASHLEY HOURS.  T.T

They do not know how to do Ashley’s voice and are just doing breathy sexy voice XD

Also, Fearne has now used Burning Hands without flavoring it as touch.  Can the internet now shut up about Ashley and her spell usage????  ffs (and it looks like she had intended mister to teleport her out too, which would have also shut up other people. Unfortunately Laura acted before reading.  Texting in real time to a probably-delayed stream is hard!)

Liam is standing and reseating himself a lot, I hope he’s physically comfortable!   Having to sit in a chair for four hours if you’re dealing with discomfort sucks. :(

Bah, the fact that I looked up spoilers in the reddit thread earlier means that I’m just annoyed with people.  Luckily I do this rarely, but the people who were saying that Matt was clearly going easy because he was going to throw Fearne rather than attack?????  There’s a hefty chance that he would have set off the trap room and fucked them ALL.  How is that going easy????   Ugh, must ignore people on the internet.

Can I talk for a second about how much I adore Travis when he freaks out on Matt?  Because it is wonderful every single time it happens! And it’s always a very clearly joke!arguing, it never comes across as a bit too ‘true’, which I think has happened for most of the players one time or another.  And he just full on SHRIEKS or BEGS when it happens.  I love it so much.

New Ashton rage of adding a d4 to an allies attacks when in 10 feet. ...I still have mixed feelings about this homebrew, but at the same time I think of the wild magic barb where all the magic effects are really good….so I guess I’m more comfortable with it.

Orym does not feel 3’3”.  He feels more like 2’ at most, with how teeny Liam makes him most of the time.  I think it’s because he reaches above his head for things that would be around head level, adding that discrepancy.

Imogen setting off the traps three times with the group OOC totally for it!  I loved seeing Liam’s face quickly slip from delighted OOC ‘horror’ to completely serious IC horror.  I remembered seeing a mention of this, and I do hope to have some interparty play a little bit.  ESPECIALLY between Liam and Laura.

Mmmm, still not a fan of how Taliesin asks for Guidance each time. It’s just, he’s out of character most of the time, and while it’s super valid optimal play, it just ends up feeling like min-maxing or meta gaming because of how frequently he does it.  He’s been doing it all episode, and not just for himself.  Not all checks need to be guidanced!  (I’ll also be super fair, this isn’t something that would bother me at a home table or anything like that, so my dislike is complete bias, just because this is presented more show and RP heavy than mechanical.  I can freely admit when I’m in the wrong, and I am here!  ...still don’t like it though.)

“Guards, kill them.  I’m kidding!” OMG I want to hate this guy but I love him.  I’ve seen this expressed a lot and it’s super true.

Did not expect Ashton to not punch Evon in the face.  Wondering if this is him being content with the papers/glasses they got, or if this is some sort of reaction to authority that he can’t really fight?  All his anger seems to have vanished pretty much instantly.

Ah, just him being content with the paperwork.

ULTGAR DRAMA this has been utterly glorious and I love every second of it.

I am loving the Orym and Chetney dynamic so much, I really hope this gets explored more in the campaign.  Vax and Grog didn’t have too much interaction, Fjord and Caleb were wonderful early campaign but then in mid-to-late campaign more interacted with other PCs than each other, I’m hoping the Orym Chetney pairing continues to be wonderfully wholesome the whole campaign through.

Fun Ashton info!  *deleted massive paragraph where I went off on a rant on a portion of the fanbase*

LOL at Evon clearly having faked everything.  Good to give to Jiana for the embarrassment/humiliation aspect.  Hope they get paid well!

@suicidallyreckless

[hurting-fictional-people]

Betrayal Story - part 5

This is it guys, this is why the characters got names! I hope y’all like it <3  

CW: branding, burning, forced to watch, emeto (pretty brief and only at the end), whumpee restrained to a table, nonsexual noncon touch, hurt no confort again but that will change eventually I promise lol

tagging  @thelazywitchphotographer @swift-perseides @whump-it-like-its-hot  @sunflower1000  @msrandonstuff @fromtheo-withlove  @boxofsilence  @lionhxartx @sometouchofmadness @paleassprince @livingforthewhump (let me know if you ever want me to stop or start tagging you ♡)

Part one is here, continued from here

-

Fire is strangely beautiful, Liam thinks, watching it flicker and dance in the hearth. A kind of painful beauty that hurts to see, the idea of touching it enough for gooseflesh to rise, but pretty nonetheless. 

He wishes he could be like fire. Not because of its beauty, but because it produces no shadow. No darkness comes from the flames, only light. And pain, when touched without notice. If he could be like that, only light and self-defense, maybe all of this wouldn’t hurt so much. Chase’s leaving, the dread of what each of his breaths might bring as time passes, the plummeting of his stomach every time he hears footsteps outside his room’s door. 

The flames crackle, and Liam wonders why it is he can’t shake the fear off, as he remembers the guards bursting into his room and pulling him out of bed, leading him outside as Liam pretended each step didn’t make him want to scream. That was minutes ago, and yet the fear still drums in tandem with his heart, pulsating turmoil into his bloodstream. Why feel fear when all it does is make things worse? Wouldn’t it be easier if he could just be at peace in those moments between pain, before it comes? But instead, his mind or his body or his soul decides to fill him with dread – only another layer of horror he cannot avoid.

Jonah was waiting for him when they brought Liam inside a weirdly cozy living room, leaning against the fireplace and watching Liam’s uncertain footsteps as he was pushed down to lie on a steel table placed in the middle of the room. Eyes glued to him as Liam was restrained until he could no longer move. His gaze went straight to the fireplace and stayed there since, watching the flames as memories of electricity, lighting up his every nerve until he nearly lost his voice to screaming, flashed before his eyes. The memory is still fresh enough to freeze him into not resisting. What a pitiful sight he must be.

“Hello there,” Jonah smiles, taking casual steps towards him and stopping by his side to watch from above, hands in his pockets as if having someone tied to a table in his living room is nothing out of the ordinary. “How are you today, Liam? Has your voice returned after our last encounter?”

He lifts his gaze to find the man’s eyes blinking innocently at him.

“You are sick,” Liam rasps out, shaky and small, but the words are there. He might be restrained and scared, but he is not broken. He isn’t. Right?

“That’s a yes, then. Very good, I like to hear you,” scream – he doesn’t even have to finish the sentence for the word to be heard. Liam feels sick. “Now let’s call our mutual friend, shall we?”

Liam narrows his eyes as Jonah types something on his phone. He can’t be talking about– 

“Chase!” Jonah says to the camera Liam only now notices a few paces away, held by another one of Jonah’s men. He tries to hear more, but Jonah comes so close to the camera and talks in such a low voice that all he grasps and holds on to is the name. 

Jaw clenched and stomach churning, Liam stares at the ceiling, letting the wave of bitter rage break against him without resistance. It wins the battle against fear for one moment, and that’s enough for him to seize it with every last bit of willpower. It is better to be angry than frightened, and he’s had enough of the latter for a lifetime.

The frantic beat of his heart turns into aching memories of Chase’s lies, promises of love he never intended to keep, each word meant to trick Liam into being a fool. Twice. Once months ago, then again when he genuinely, stupidly, hoped Chase would pick him instead of a job. Fucking ludicrous. 

But bitterness can only do so much to keep fear at bay, and when Jonah’s voice reaches his ears again, not even a minute later, it comes crashing back and flooding his veins with pointless adrenaline.

“He was a very good boy if you want to know. Just stood there, still and obedient as we buckled in the restraints,” he says to the camera, stopping beside Liam once more, placing a hand on his head. “Say hi to Chase, Liam boy.”

“Fuck you,” he spits. Fuck both of you, he means to complete, but Jonah’s hand is already closing on his hair, drawing out a pathetic little whimper from his lips.

“Language, Liam.”

He closes his eyes and waits for the hand to let go. It’s all he can do. Still, his hands twitch uselessly by his side, palms turned to the ceiling closing in fists, knuckles scraping against cold steel.

“I guess this is a lesson for both of you, then. For Chase to not be a prick and for you to behave better, my pretty plaything.”

Eyes snapping open, he glares up at Jonah, feeling indignation bubble up inside of him.

Jonah doesn’t even see it. He is too busy looking at his phone with an unamused expression before handing it to one of the guards. 

Is he talking to Chase? Is Chase delighting in seeing Liam like this, helpless and scared?

The part of him that refuses to give up entirely shakes its head, remembers gentle touches and tender gazes that couldn’t possibly have been faked. The other part, the one that grows each day he spends in this hell, purses its lips and scoffs at his naiveness. If Chase cared, he wouldn’t have left him here. 

“You know, if it wasn’t for Chase, this wouldn’t be happening,” Jonah says, painful grip turning into deceivingly soft fingers that run through Liam’s hair in mock sympathy. “He knew what I’d do if he pissed me off. So here we are again. It is always him, isn’t it Liam? It doesn’t matter how far Chase goes, he’s always the one causing you hurt.”

He tries to fight it. Of all the things he’s been put through, he fights the tears that prick his eyes. And just like everything else, he loses. They fall in warm drops down his temples as he turns his head, looks away into the fire again. No shadows there, nothing like the darkness seeping through the cracks of his heart, tainting his soul.

“Now for the fun part,” Jonah declares, sauntering to the fireplace, crouching down in front of it. Something entirely too close to panic pools in Liam’s stomach as he gets back up, holding two iron rods he’d dismissed as fire pokers. As Jonah approaches him, he can see with disturbing clarity how wrong he’d been – the rods’ bright-orange tips shine in intricate shapes. Letter shapes.

“J-Jonah,” he breathes, more sob than word, “please, please don’t.”

Jonah smiles at him, and without saying a word hands one of the brands to a guard before placing himself beside Liam’s exposed arm.

He tries to breathe, beg, say something, but every rational thought disappears as Liam follows the blazing hot shapes with wide eyes, gasping for air that refuses to fill his lungs.

He is almost there, the please I’ll do anything hanging from the tip of his tongue when the branding iron is lowered onto the delicate skin above his wrist. 

Burn could never describe the pain that steals every last bit of himself Liam tries to hold on to. Fire sinks into his skin, into muscle and bones until it reaches whatever lies within, and destroys everything in its path. He screams, cries and wails senseless pleads, but nothing passes through the ocean of agony he’s drowned in. 

He barely notices when the brand is pulled away.

He does when the second one is pressed onto his other arm though. 

Liam writhes and sobs, but there’s no escape, no mercy to be begged for. Only pain to feel, nothing, no one else but pain and pain and pain that swallows and dissolves the world into searing flames that hold nothing of whatever beauty he thought he saw.

-

You know, what really makes me mad isn’t even your fucking stupid idea of keeping things from me. It’s the shit job you did deleting those files. Who do you think I am, Chase?

That was all that waited for Chase when his phone buzzed, along with a link to a live stream instead of a video. No recording this time, no certainty that at least while Chase watches, Liam isn’t in pain anymore. 

“Chase. I see you’re faster now. Pity you’re no smarter,” Jonah sighed as soon as he clicked on the link. “But I won’t go into how fucking idiotic it was of you to delete half the information I asked you to get me,” he hissed, low and angry enough for Chase to feel the words as bugs crawling along his skin, up and down, circling his throat, ready to squeeze. “What’s happening here today is entirely on you. I hope you see and hear and remember every bit of it, sweetheart.”

He felt like screaming when Jonah closed his hand in Liam’s hair and made him yelp. The impulse to clench his fist until it shattered the phone was strong enough for Chase to connect the live stream to the television in his living room and bite on his lip when the image expanded and Liam’s terror became so painfully obvious.

One minute later, Chase nearly threw the phone at the wall when he called the man and Jonah simply looked down at his muted cell phone on the other side of the screen and handed it to someone else.

“You know, if it wasn’t for Chase, this wouldn’t be happening,” Jonah said, and Chase seethed, half anger and half guilt boiling inside of him. “He knew what I’d do if he pissed me off. So here we are again. It is always him, isn’t it Liam? It doesn’t matter how far Chase goes, he’s always the one causing you hurt.”

Chase dropped the phone in time to avoid crushing it, but the desk chair didn’t escape his rage. Its broken pieces fell on the other side of the room, doing nothing to soothe the horror building up in his stomach.

And then Jonah grabbed the branding iron, and Chase’s heart missed a beat at the sight, eyes widening in tandem with Liam’s.

“J-Jonah,” Liam choked out, “please, please don’t.”

“Jonah,” Chase said too, unable to hold it in just like anything else in his life, even if he knew he was the only one listening. There was never such a thing as restraint when it came to Liam. If only Chase had seen it sooner. “No–“

When the iron descended on that soft, silky, perfect skin above the restraint circling Liam’s wrist, Chase fell on his couch, legs too weak to hold his weight. 

Liam screamed, loud and raw and utterly hopeless, back trying to arch and being pulled back down by too tight restraints before it even left the table. His body spasmed, trying to escape the blaze, but there was nowhere to go, and it took only a moment for the despair to turn into sobs and tears.

It didn’t last more than a few seconds, but those would star Chase’s nightmares forever. Jonah pulled the iron off Liam’s now bright red skin, and Chase couldn’t bear to look at the letter-shaped burn. He also couldn’t help it. 

When Jonah exchanged the used iron with the second one, Chase felt bile rise in the back of his throat. “Please, p-please, please,” Liam begged, so little Chase barely heard it, so dazed he didn’t think Liam did either. 

He echoed it though.

“No, please don’t.”

But no one heard him, and the second branding iron was pressed to the inside of Liam’s other arm, and his mouth opened in a silent scream Chase heard nonetheless.

By the time the second one is pulled away, Chase is kneeling on the floor, hands covering his mouth and tears threatening to overflow.

It is nothing compared to Liam, though. His mouth hangs open even as the iron stops touching skin, and soft sobs wrack his slim body as his glassy eyes leak a constant stream of tears into his hair.

Chase doesn’t even move when Jonah’s voice leaves the speakers again.

“So? Do you like it?” he asks, a manic grin stretched across his lips as he points to Liam and the camera walks toward him. 

It focuses on his face first. Sweat, tears, pure agony written all over it. His eyes lay open and unfocused, lost to the pain. The image slides down to his heaving chest, restrained arms, until it stops above both his wrists.

Chase turns to the side and vomits at the sight. 

Two bright red burns mar the perfect skin he had once worshipped with lips and tongue and feather-light touches that never felt like enough. 

Jonah chuckles, and the live stream ends in that ghastly image of two letters forever engraved on Liam’s skin. Flourished and elegant, a C stands out on his right arm and an R on the left one. His initials. Chase Raymond. 

Chase pukes again, and then curls up on the floor and weeps.

(next)

[shewillreadyou]

Me before you: Chapter 3: Excuse me miss

A/N: This is a TRR AU. Liam is already married, but see’s Riley and wants his cake. If the readers are receptive this might turn into more than a mini series. Enjoy!

Disclaimers: Most characters are property of Pixelberry

Warnings: Language, adult content, mild sexual innuendo. 

Word Count: 3468

Catch up: Haven’t met you Yet  For Real

Prompts: None 

Pairings: Drake & Riley

Song inspiration: Luther Vandross Take you out & Wait for Love

Be Kind: Hit the heart button, leave a comment or reblog. It makes a writer so so happy.

The hot water cascaded down his sculpted body. He groaned as he ran his hands through his luscious chocolate locks. He lathered his shoulders as thoughts of her ran through his mind. He was captivated by her. She seemed to consume his every waking moment. Liam had crossed the line yet again. Every time it seemed his transgressions got more and more out of hand. He refused to allow his friend’s actions to ruin his final couple of days in the states. 

Bastien had taken over the King’s detail while they were in Waxahachie for Savannah’s wedding. For the next 48 hours, Liam was not his charge, he was his friend. His thoughts went back to her. She represented hope, possibility, promise. He had no idea what was to come, but he knew that it would be an exciting adventure if she was at his side.  

As he pulled his white henley tee shirt over his head, his mind went back to the conversation he had at the reception with his cousin Tyler, who was a cyber-security analyst with the Department of Homeland security. Drake explained to Tyler that he would no longer be sitting with him and the rest of the bridal party because the girl who he had been telling Tyler about who works in advertising, who he met in New York was there, and he intended to spend as much time with her as he could. She was something special. She could be the one. “So you invited her to Sav’s wedding?” he inquired. 

“No, actually she is the friend of Sav’s college roommate, Mackenzie, and came as her plus one. I had no idea she would be here.”

 “Sounds like fate.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that of all the places in the world this one person could be, she is here at your sister’s wedding... in Waxahachie, TX. If this girl is the one, you’re screwed. You might as well spruce up your resume. She’s a career woman. She is not going to move to Cordonia for you, and you suck at long-distance relationships. I can probably get you in at my job. My guy Rob in HR owes me a favor.”

“I’ll keep that in mind if I ever get the courage to ask her out,” he told Tyler.

The truth was, he could easily see a future with Riley. She’s beautiful, honest, smart, quick-witted, and kind. His cousin’s words bounced around in his head as he pulled on his favorite distressed jeans giving himself a quick once over in the full-length mirror in the room his Mom had decorated for him at the ranch after she returned to the states when his dad passed.

He opened his laptop and took a look around the room. The Walker Ranch had been in his father’s family for several generations being passed down to the eldest male child, like each generation before. Drake stayed in Cordonia after his father died and was handsomely compensated by the crown. His college education was covered, and he and his sister received a stipend each month. Drake was always taught to do a lot with little and to save the rest. For years he lived at the palace and saved every penny. Being friends with Liam, he learned how to invest wisely and he did pretty well in the stock market. His newest pastime had been real estate investment. He had been buying foreclosed homes in and around Dallas and having his Mom’s brothers and his cousins fix them up before selling them for a generous profit. 

He was curious, he was now the rightful owner of the Walker Ranch. It had struggled in the past, but because of his business plans and wise investment, the family business was as strong as it had ever been and his mom was nearing retirement age. What if he and Riley did end up together? He knew the plan was for his cousin Miranda to replace his mom when she was ready, while he retained ownership, but where would that leave him? He pulled up the DHS website and clicked on the careers tab. He was reading a description of a position that he believed he would qualify for, Intelligence Analyst.  

Just then Liam plowed through his door without warning. 

“Li! What the fuck man?” he shouted as he closed his laptop abruptly. 

“My apologies, I hope I'm not interrupting.  I just wanted to apologize if I offended you. You were right, any woman can be a lot. Carsyn is not speaking to me, she thinks I'm interested in Riley.”

“You are interested in Riley. She's just not interested in you and it's killing you. Let me ask you something, why is it so hard for you to grasp that a smart beautiful woman would be interested in me over you?”

“It’s just.. It’s not that. I'm not accustomed to rejection. It intensifies my want for her.”

“ I hate to cut our conversation short but I have to head out. I’ve got a few stops to make before I pick up Riley.”

“Then I shall take my leave. Enjoy! Smart man, planning a date when it’s going to storm. I’m sure you won’t have a problem closing tonight,” he said as he left the room.

The evening came and Drake drove along the winding Country Road towards the city. He tapped his thumb against the steering wheel to the beat of Chris Stapleton’s, “Starting Over.”

Then he switched from Prime country to the Heart and Soul station on his XM Radio. If he was going to have her in his life it meant embracing all aspects of it. He knew that music was a big thing for her and although she would listen to a little bit of everything she loved R&B and Jazz.  A song by Luther Vandross came on and to his surprise, it was not very different from the country music he listened to all the time. The chorus was catchy and very fitting. 

“Excuse me Miss, what's your name? Where are you from, and can I come? And possibly, can I take you out tonight?”

He found himself humming the tune as he stepped into the local Nursery to pick up a houseplant to go along with the Pinot Grigio he bought as a gift for Riley.  He decided on a Prayer Plant. 

It was relatively low maintenance and he thought it would be entertaining to watch it curl up in darkness. He didn't want to do the same flowers and candy that everyone does. He wanted to take her something that she would keep for a while, and possibly would make her think of him when she saw it.  As much as he didn't want to admit it the thought of her dating someone else while he was back in Cordonia was driving him insane. 

He was nervous and he couldn't figure out why. They were just going to hear some live music.  But he wanted to impress her so badly. He knew that it was more likely that he would end up putting his foot in his mouth but with her, for some reason, it did not matter. When he pulled up in front of her place he put on ChapStick, and reached into his glove box, sprayed on some Chrome, and checked his breath before quickly gathering the gifts for her and heading toward the door. He tucked the house plant under his arm as he smoothed over his clothes as the elevator took him to her floor.  A small lump formed in his throat as he approached her door. 

She opened the door and his breath caught in his throat as he took in her appearance. She was dressed in a denim outfit with matching stiletto boots and oddly enough, the denim matched his jeans. It would almost appear planned. He was secretly thrilled. She smiled at him and he was sure he forgot his own name for a few seconds. She stretched up on her toes and kissed him sweetly on the cheek.

“Hey Drake, you smell delicious.”

 “Hey. Thanks. These are for you.”

“Aww, you brought me a houseplant and wine? I’m not worthy, but I love it. Thank you. Come in! I promise I’m almost ready.”

She sat the plant on the counter and placed the wine in her wine fridge. 

“You look greeeeat,” she squealed. 

“Thanks. So do you.”

“So how’d you know what kind of wine I like?” she asked as she finished her eye makeup in the mirror. 

“Observant, I guess. I saw a bottle in the trash when I was here yesterday.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Are you ready?”

He stood moving to open the door for her. “After you.” They made it downstairs as a couple of her neighbors made it home from what he only assumed was church. He couldn’t figure out if the staring was due to her outfit or if it was because she was with him. He looked at her in awe as she strutted with confidence to his car. 

He opened the door for her and she smiled before thanking him. 

He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. She was rattling on and on about the artist performing in the festival and he was secretly praying she wouldn’t ask him a question that required an intelligent answer. She kept touching his biceps and his hand. Her hands were so soft and he was sooo turned on. He hoped that she didn’t notice the bulge in his pants and think that he was a creep. He wondered if she kept touching him because she was nervous too?

“Um, Ri? You good?”

“Yeah, why?”

“You are extremely chatty and you keep touching me.”

“I’m excited. I’ll try to keep my hands to myself, but the way this henley hugs your arms,” she wiggled her eyebrows. 

He let out a low chuckle as he quickly glanced at her for the seventh time.

“Are you ok?” 

“Yeah, never better. Why?” 

“You keep looking at me.”

He grinned keeping his eyes on the road. They were nearing the venue when she glanced at his pants. He immediately assumed that she spotted his retreating erection. 

“What?”

“We’re matching you know. People are going to think we did this purposely.”

“Do you care what others think?”

“No, I suppose not.”

“Good because we’re here.”

They parked and he asked her to stay put for a moment. He got out of the truck and grabbed a blanket and wicker picnic basket. He walked around the truck and opened the door for her and she blushed furiously as she stepped out.

They made their way to a free spot among the crowd. Riley noticed a few glares from both men and women, who obviously had an issue with she and Drake being there together. Then she smiled as one woman gave her a smile, wink and thumbs up as she stood to the side watching while Drake spread the blanket and invited Riley to sit. She knew that some people would have opinions of them being an interracial couple, but Drake didn’t seem bothered. In fact, she thought it showed how courageous he was. When another woman mouthed, “That’s a good look!”

She bit the inside of her cheek trying not to smile. The truth was she didn’t need any validation. She knew Drake was a catch. The fact that he was easy on the eyes was a bonus.  

“What’s in the basket?”

“Uh, a little something my mom helped me with.”

He opened the basket and pulled out wine glasses, a bottle of her favorite Pinot Grigio, cheese, cashews, summer sausage, deli turkey, sliced cucumbers, grapes, strawberries, whipped cream and 2 brownies. The opening act took the stage and Drake pulled Riley close. 

“I hope you’re hungry.”

“I am,” she said coyly as she settled between his legs.

They cuddled for a bit before eating, until one of the performers played a rendition of The Gap Band’s, “Outstanding.” She jumped up and pulled Drake with her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and swayed back and forth with Riley. She felt so comfortable in his arms, he actually had rhythm. There went another stereotype out the window, it just felt right. 

After several acts had gone on and several glasses of wine later Riley settled in his lap as a performer started to play a slower song. “I love Luther,” Riley squealed as she began to sing along.

Knowing love the way I do

I can say for certain that it's true

There's a chance for me and you.

I surely feel like the time is near

The picture in my mind is very clear

I think love has brought us here

I remember not too long ago

I was just a lonely person

With a lonely heart, yeah

And I was hoping there could one day be,

Be a chance

For me to get the love

That I'd been missing

Sometimes love takes a long time

Wait for love

And you're gonna get the chance to love

Wait for love, wait for love oh, my

When you take the chance on love you'll see

It's not a waste of time if you truly believe

The impossible can be..

So hold on tight if you think you're right

Cause nothing hurts as bad as when you see

You gave up too easily

Now I remember spending all my time

On a dream that kept me wishing that you could be mine, yeah

And I was hoping there could one day be, be a chance, whoa

I never stopped believing there could one day be, be a chance

For me to get the love that I'd been missing

Sometimes love takes a long time

Wait for love, and you're going to get your

Chance to love

Wait for love, wait for love

And you'll get the love that you've been missing

Sometimes love takes a long time

But wait for love

And you're going to get your chance to love.

Drake couldn’t help but hang on to her every word. He wondered if she was trying to send him a message through the lyrics. She had a voice like an angel and when the song ended he was breathless. 

“Ms. Riley sings too?”

She giggled as she rested her head on Drake's shoulder, her back to his strong chest. He fed her  grapes then strawberries with whipped cream soliciting jealous glances from some nearby onlookers. She made sure to let her lips and tongue graze his fingers.  For a few blissful moments, they both silently enjoyed the closeness.

“You know, this is pretty cool,” he whispered in her ear.

She smiled as his breath tickled her ear. Feeling the effects of the wine, she paused for a few moments before she responded.

“What’s that?”

“This. Us. The festival. It all just feels right.”

She wordlessly looked up at him. She wondered if she could will him to kiss her with her “come get it eyes.”  Suddenly, a torrential downpour covered the venue, leaving Drake and Riley scrambling to gather the blanket and basket before sprinting to his Jeep. Before they could get there he stopped snaking his arm around her pulling her close. 

This was it, he was going to do it, it was now or never. If she was the onehe wanted to look back at their first date and tell a romantic tale of their first kiss in the rain. Now was the time. He leaned in and when she opened her eyes her lips found his instantly. It was everything she expected and more. It was hungry and passionate and lustful and it made her lady parts twitch. When he pulled away he watched her for signs of regret, but her eyes said she wanted more. 

“Hurry, get in,” Drake urged her as he took the time to throw the basket and blanket in the back.

They were both soaked. She laughed hysterically when he finally got inside. 

“This entertains you, does it?”

She nodded as she continued laughing, her eyes were clenched tightly. 

He went back in taking her lips again as it continued to storm all around them. Her hands roamed his body and her eyes went wide when she made contact with the bulge in his pants. Another stereotype out the window…Drake cupped the back of her dripping head with his left hand deepening the kiss while his right hand explored the soft skin of her thigh as a soft moan escaped her. Suddenly his phone rang, “Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood blasted from his pocket startling Riley. Drake huffed and looked at her with apologetic eyes before answering.

“Mom? What’s up?”

“I’m so sorry for interrupting your date Drizzy.”

Riley smiled.

“Mom, what’s wrong?”

“The power is out and the generator didn’t kick in. I gave Larry the weekend off..”

“I’ll be there as soon as I get Riley home safely. Sit tight.”

“Thanks Driz. How’d it go? Did you kiss her?”

“Mom! She can hear you.”

“Hi, Mrs.Walker.” Riley chimed in.

“Hi, sweetheart. Did he kiss you?”

Riley laughed again. 

“Bye Mom!”

Drake ended the call and turned to Riley, cheeks flushed red.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?” She asked as he pulled out of the parking lot.

“For the way, tonight is ending. For my Mom.” 

“Nothing could ruin today. Not even your Mom Drizzy,” she laughed again.

‘Geez, Ri that was below the belt.”

His comment made her think about his bulge and she began to blush.

“Are you blushing?”

“Maybe.”

“Why?”

“Oh, it’s too embarrassing to share.”

“Now you know I won’t stop until you tell me.”

When they pull into her neighborhood the entire area is pitch black. Her building was also dark. 

“Good thing I have candles.”

“Or you could go back to the ranch with me,” he said shyly.

“Really? I don’t want to put anyone out.”

“It’s just Mom and I. Liam and Carsyn should be out for the evening. Besides, I promised you dinner and it’s Sunday, I bet my mom cooked.”

“I can’t meet your Mom looking like this. I’ll be ok.”

“Riley, I’m not leaving you alone in the dark.”

“If you want to spend more time with me just say that.”

“Fine, I want to spend more time with you and I’m not leaving you alone in the dark. My Mom would kill me. Pleaaase! I can get you one of Sav’s outfits. I promise it will be an adventure.”

“Okay, I’ll go. But only because you’re so cute when you beg.”

He bit his lip. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

“Drake Arrington Walker!” she warned.

“Too much?” He smiled.

When they arrived at the ranch, Drake showed Riley to his room and gave her towels and a change of clothes while he went to help with the generator. She quickly showered, pulled her hair up into a messy bun and moisturized with his Nivea lotion that she found on the counter she walked back into his bedroom pulling on the leggings she borrowed. She was still bare from the waist up when the door opened. Her back was turned when she looked over her shoulder to reprimand him.

“Drake!” 

“Riley, it’s me, Liam.”

Riley screamed as she scrambled to cover herself.

“Get out!”

“My mistake. I thought Drake was in here. But this, you are much better.”

“Get. Out.”

“Come on, what’s a little fun between friends?” he asked as he closed the door.

Before she could answer Drake barreled into the room, his fist connected with Liam’s jaw before he tackled him. 

“Have fun with me you bastard, I told you to leave her the fuck alone,” he yelled as Bastien pulled Drake off of Liam. Riley watched the entire scene in horror from the corner.

“Get the fuck out Li!” 

After Bastien escorted Liam back to the guest house, Drake checked on Riley.

“Are you hurt? He didn’t touch you did he?” 

“No, I’m more embarrassed than anything. He walked in without knocking while I was changing.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about him.”

“What in tarnation is all that racket back here?” Bianca asked as she turned the corner.   

“Just Li being a creep. Everything is fine Mom.”

Riley stood when Bianca entered the room. 

“Riley, this is my Mom, Bianca. Mom, this is my Riley.” 

His eyes went wide as soon as the words left his mouth. He grimaced as Riley extended her hand to his Mom. Bianca pulled Riley into her embrace instead. 

“It’s nice to meet the girl who makes Driz nervous.”

“Mom!”

Riley laughed.

Come on darling, I know y’all were supposed to get dinner. It’s Sunday so I cooked some pot roast, mashed potatoes, carrots, and green beans and for dessert, banana pudding funnel cakes.

“Oh my God, Mrs. Walker, that sounds amazing. Drake, you were holding out on me.”

“Not, really. Maybe I wanted to cook for you first.”

@txemrn @pixie88 @secretaryunpaid@khoicesbyk @blackkingliamstan @mom2000aggie @shannonwrote @hopelessromanticmonie @chemist-ana @rideordiechronicles @lucy-268 @dcbbw @darley1101 @maurine07 @sfb123 @bbrandy2002 @kingliam2019 @schnitzelbutterfingers @lem-20 @choicesficwriterscreations @no-one-u-know @jessiembruno @queenrileyrose @thefrenchiemama​ @somersetmummy​

TRR: @twinkleallnight  @bebepac @mainstreetreader @romereadingshop @romewritingshop @lem-20 @texaskitten30

[ownworldresident]

We Are Our Own Heroes. Chapter 1: Saturday Game

Finally I bring you Liam and Cassie! I’ve been waiting for this moment. Enjoy! And stay safe xx

Book: The Royal Romance, seven years post-TRR

Premise:Six years after a tragic loss, Liam and his adopted daughter meet Cassandra, an artist with her own troubled past, and the three find in each other the friend they never knew they needed.

Disclaimer: Setting and some characters belong to Pixelberry studios. I am just borrowing them and will return them when they are feeling better.

Themes: found family, (power of) friendship, healing

The Master Masterlist (link) Our Own Heroes Masterlist (link)

Liam

Cheers echoed around him but drowned out with Liam’s focus on the game. Once strange, the din of the hall and the shouts and whistles from the court were now familiar and welcoming. The smallest shape on the court held his attention. A smile spread ear to ear as he watched her weave, duck and spin, darting under the taller girls’ arms. Near the edge of the court she caught the ball, and immediately came face to face with the tallest defender, who spread her arms wide.

“Come on, Emily!” Liam called. The nine-year-old winked at him, mischievous smirk across her red face, and Liam snorted. Her opponent reached to intercept, Emily bounced it past to her teammate, who turned and tucked it into the goal. Renewed cheers rose around him. Liam stretched out two thumbs-up to Emily as she caught the ball and returned to the centre of the court.

Emily’s coach, an energetic young woman, came to exchange a few words with her before the game resumed. Liam wondered what she was saying, but Emily’s smile grew, so he trusted it to be positive. Backing off the court, the coach -Cassandra- caught Liam’s eye and smiled, and he quickly turned back to Emily.

“Dad!” Emily squeaked, puffing as she came over immediately after the game. Those around them cast those familiar curious glances as he knelt to squeeze her hands. No one said anything anymore, but seeing their monarch at a netball game still seemed an odd sight.

“You were brilliant out there, Panda. Congratulations.” He tucked a pale blonde curl behind her ear. Emily grinned, still breathing heavily, and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand.

“Cassie said we can get ice cream after. Can we? Please?” Emily watched his for an answer and he pretended to consider. 

“Should we trust Cassie?” he asked, one eyebrow raised high. Emily frowned, then nodded.

“We can.” She glanced back to see her teammates gathering around Cassandra, pulling velcroed positions from their uniforms. Liam squeezed Emily’s hands to bring her back. 

“After that game, you can get whichever ice cream you like.” Liam released her hands, standing as she immediately raced off to her team.

Despite how red her pale face was, Emily sprinted across the court, pulling the ‘C’ from the front and back of her uniform. Liam watched her, smiling, but looked away when Cassandra caught his eye again. Lucky for him, a text alert came through to give him a reason. Two messages – Drake and Olivia. 

His best friend was commenting on hearing Liam had the weekend free. Liam knew how that conversation would go. Drake would ask him to come to that bar near the docks he raved about, and drink there for a while. Like old times, but avoiding the wedge still between them.

Olivia’s message was more direct. Don’t spend the whole weekend alone again, do something, like a human being. Olivia didn’t have a firm grasp on what constituted ‘alone’, which was adequate for her, but not for him. He didn’t answer either message.

As he put his phone away, Emily and Cassandra approached, chatting animatedly. Emily was still bright red, but it hardly impeded her limitless energy. They broke their conversation when she rushed forward.

“Cassie says you should come with us.” Emily hit him with her pleading eyes. He shook his head, grinning, then forced himself to look up. Liam would liken Cassandra to a resting summer sun, with bright dyed red hair and a smile that reached her eyes. 

“I’m sure your father has lots of important things to do,” Cassandra said, her voice deeper than he expected. When Emily looked at him like that, there was nothing he would say no to; a fact she knew very, very well.

“I have some time away,” he said. “I would be happy to to join you.”

The spectators filtered from the hall as the court was reset for the next game. Liam followed Emily and the rest of her team out as well. Several parents also came, and he was happy to be swept more by the crowd than Cassandra’s company.

The first several months of caring for Emily had drawn a lot of attention. He had second guessed his decision several times. It took a while, but the media eventually accepted the new normal, and moved on to the next interesting thing. Every big development had been the same: initial attention, then eventual acceptance.

Liam dropped her off at school most days, brought her to swimming lessons and netball games, and to dinner or a movie on special occasions. It would have been so easy to let his staff care for her, like his father had done for him. But he had made a promise, and would not reduce that to a roof over her head.

Besides, from the day he brought her to the palace Emily had been the most important person in his life. He wanted to be there for every important moment of hers.

They reached the ice cream van outside the courts and Liam hung back as the group of girls got their treats and Emily chatted with her friends. He wondered if her mother had been as social when she was younger. If she had smiled like that.

For the first time in months, the thought dredged up their last moments together; her last smile... the musty room... the heavy, metallic smell of blood... Liam grimaced, closing his eyes and acutely aware of being in public. The knowledge didn't help, and he sucked in laboured breaths as he tried to return to the present.

“Dad?” A tentative voice sounded beside him, small hand tugging on his jumper, and he blinked back to focus on her. She had a half finished ice cream cone in one hand, and a smear of it on her cheek. He smiled.

“Yes, Panda?”

“Are you okay?” Emily’s eyes were full of concern, and it pained Liam to see so much understanding in someone so young. He squeezed her shoulder, and nodded.

“I am, thank you,” he answered, then looked up at her teammates. “Go on, finish your ice cream with your friends. I’m okay. I promise.”

Emily watched him for a moment longer, then smiled wider, and returned to her team. Liam sighed, straightened his clothes, and hoped no one had noticed the brief exchange.

“King Liam?” Cassandra’s voice approached and he looked up, smiling. 

“Cassandra.” He held out a hand. “Good to meet you.”

She tried to hide a smile as she looked at his hand, then shook it.

“Call me Cassie,” she said, standing beside him and folding her arms.

“Liam,” he replied in kind. Cassie smiled and nodded, then a silence extended between them.

“You daughter is quite a rocket.” Cassie continued after a few moments,  raising an eyebrow as she glanced at him, then back to the group. Liam chuckled, seeing Emily almost lose her ice cream as she talked.

“She is,” he said, swallowing and ensuring he made at least periodic eye contact. Cassie’s eyes were a clear hazel, a distinguishing feature.

“I haven’t coached her before,” she continued as if there were no pauses, “I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do.”

Liam nodded, reminding himself to maintain a tall, open posture. He opened his mouth to reply, but faltered. What was he supposed to say to her? Encouraging a closer acquaintance wasn’t a goal of his except on Emily’s behalf.

“Have you worked as a coach for a few years then?” he managed. Cassie smiled. They fell into light conversation. Liam discovered Cassie was an artist and a blogger, and revealed only the most inconsequential details about his own life. Cassie was easy to talk to, and that concerned him. They were reaching the end of his surface topics when Emily ran over, wiping ice cream across her face with the back of her hand.

“Messy,” he said to her, frowning and shaking his head in feigned disapproval. “Tut-tut.”

Emily grinned. “That’s what ice creams are for!”

“Touché,” Liam agreed. Cassie glanced between them.

“See you next week, Em.” She saluted to her, receiving the same, and moved off.

“Can we watch a movie?” Emily asked. Her face was still a little red, accentuated by how pale her features were, even in the Cordonian sun.

“Maybe later.” Liam lifted a hand away from the crowd and toward their car. The girl didn’t move.

“You said we could.”

“Later.”

Emily frowned, tried not to think of how much she looked like her mother when she made that face. Rooted to the spot with folded arms, she lifted her chin and attempted a look of authority. And came very close.

“Later,” he repeated , challenging her pose from twice her height. They were silent, then the smiles grew, and Liam laughed first. Emily cracked up a moment later, then bounced ahead to the car.

“I pick the movie!” she called over her shoulder, as if there was even the slightest chance he wouldn’t allow that. Liam shook his head, still grinning, and followed.

—

Later that night, when Emily was sleeping, Liam reclined in the living room of his apartments and reflected on the day. He heaved a sigh and leaned back in his armchair, exhausted and alone after a whole day with his daughter. Sometimes he fell asleep here, but those nights were always restless.

A knock on the door roused him from a light doze.

Liam blinked several times and looked around, wondering why his bedroom looked so strange before realising he wasn’t in it. Perhaps he imagined the knock, but in confirmation of it’s being real, the person knocked again.

He greeted his friend with a wide yawn and stepped back to let him in.

“You thought sleeping in here was a better use of your time than catching up with a friend?” Drake said as he reached his favourite chair and collapsed in it. Liam closed the door, leant against it, and watched him, amusement playing on his own face.

“I only just got…” He looked at his watch. 10pm. Emily had gone to bed at 8.30, and there had been plenty of time to spend with a friend. “Oh.”

“Oh?”

“Long day.” Liam returned to his own chair.

“Of course.” Drake pulled a flask from inside his jacket and twisted off the cap. “You realise I’m friends with Bastien.”

Liam frowned. “I am aware of this.” He was also aware that his bodyguard saw everything and everyone, and that Drake leveraged that to keep tabs on him. Maybe he should find more time for his friends. Or ask his bodyguard for more discretion. Again.

“So I figured you’d be spending some time with that red-haired woman from the courts. She looked nice, apparently.” Drake almost smiled – a rare expression. Liam knew he meant well, but his intentions were sometimes skewed by his own reactions to what happened six years ago. Guilt, shame, regret. He felt it, too.

“You figured wrong,” Liam stated, a little harsher than intended. Drake sighed.

“I know.”

Quiet settled and stretched. Unlike earlier, there wasn’t the excited chatter of a dozen nine-year-old girls to fill it. One of the benefits of his relationship with Drake was they could do this –spend hours together and barely exchange a word. The dynamic suited Drake’s introversion, and Liam’s tiredness.

“Li…” Drake said after an indeterminate time, “you know we’re here for you, right?”

Liam looked up. “Thanks, but you also know that I’m well, really. It was just a long day.” With minimal intrusive thoughts. “Em won her game.”

“That’s great!” Drake replied immediately. Another response to his role with Emily’s mother was consistent enthusiasm with her daughter’s achievements.

Much to his delight, Drake sat attentively while Liam recounted the game. The conversation turned to more peer related topics after that as Drake talked about the others. By the time he left it was past midnight and Liam felt like himself again. He promised to try make time for his friends – Drake waved off the comment – and went to bed feeling fulfilled.

What happened when he closed his eyes was rarely so comforting.

------

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[lululawrence]

Annual Writing Self Evaluation

Thank you for the tag @louandhazaf!!! I’m honestly clutching my chest that you tagged me, so thank you xxx especially since i love this little self eval that i think @juliusschmidt came up with all those years ago and we just keep perpetuating it haha

this... is going to get long, though. since it asks me to list my works published this year and that is 24. so. here goes.

1. List of works published this year:

Swerve the Handshake (Nick/Louis)

Need So Much of You (Harry/Louis for @onedirectionbigbang)

You're A (Total) Distraction (girl!direction and hybrid Harry/Louis for @wallsficfest)

Always Keep You Next To Me (Greg/Louis for @wallsficfest)

With Your Hand In Mine (Nick/Louis for @wallsficfest)

Smells Like Omega Spirit (Harry/Louis for @1daboficfest)

If Only We Wish Hard Enough (Harry/Louis for @disneydirectionfest)

Political Pizza (Harry/Louis for @wordplayfics)

Talk the Night Through (Harry/Louis for @wordplayfics)

Wrinkles (Harry/Louis for @1000feelingsfics)

Would You Be My Girlfriend? (girl!direction Harry/Louis for @wordplayfics)

Lately You've Been On My Mind (Harry/Louis for @wordplayfics)

Don't Want It Any Other Way (Harry/Louis for @wordplayfics)

I'm Ready for the Worst (Greg/Louis for @louisandmenfest)

Loving You's the Antidote (Nick/Harry/Louis for @finelineficfest)

Do You Know Who You Are? (Harry/Louis for @finelineficfest)

Don't You Call Him (What You Used To Call Me) (Harry/Louis for @finelineficfest)

Gone Too Long (From You) (Harry/Louis co-written with @fallinglikethis for @finelineficfest)

Just Me and the Stars Can Get Lonely (Niall/Rory McIlroy for @heartbreakweatherficfest)

The Way You Bend the Rules (Niall/Rory McIlroy for @heartbreakweatherficfest)

And Then I Saw His Face (Harry/Louis for @1dtrickortreatfest)

I'mma Give You A Promotion (Nick/Louis)

What You Waiting For? (Nick/Harry for @1000feelingsfics)

(I'm Dreaming of a) One Night Inn (Harry/Louis, Zayn/Liam, Niall/Shawn)

2. Work you are most proud of (and why):

every time i think about this question i’ve got a different answer, to be honest. i do think my I Go Down Blazing, Feeling Like I'm Going Crazy series is probably what i’m most proud of, though. as soon as i knew @runaway-train-works was going to be hosting the heartbreak weather fic fest, i knew i wanted to write dear patience, but as the idea grew and grew and more ideas solidified and i realized what the story was turning into, i realized it was so much more than i originally thought and i needed a second song to help me fully get a solid grasp on it. in the end, it was a hard duo of fics to write, mainly because i honestly don’t know much of anything about golf, i was still trying to create fully the way soulmates worked in the world, and there’s just not all that much about rory online to find, so i was winging it haha but i’m so incredibly happy with the world i made and the fics i wrote, even if i don’t know that they’ll ever get to like 200 hits or whatever hahaha i love them.

3. Work you are least proud of (and why):

uhhhhh you know looking at this list of fics i have, i’m actually proud of every single one for some reason and i don’t know if there’s any of them that i’d even label as “least proud”.

4. A favorite excerpt of your writing:

i hate this question and forget that it is on this list every year lollll let me see if i can find something i really like. okay i found one, it’s from my long grouis haha and i’m apologizing now for it being so long. you can skip ahead to the next question if you like, but i’m just incredibly proud of the banter and the way i wrote this section, PLUS those damn joggers actually happened because he posted a photo of himself wearing them in the shops on instagram and that inspired this entire thing so. enjoy. (i’ve italicized it and indented it to hopefully make it easier to skip it’s so long i’m so sorry)

“It’s safe for you to come back in here,” Louis called out as he closed his computer. 

“Thank goodness, I was getting so exhausted of hiding in your bedroom and snooping through all your shit,” Greg said as he walked out wearing a sheet mask and a pair of grey joggers that did nothing to hide what he was packing. 

Louis smirked and wanted to say something, but Greg kept going. 

“Did you know you have like five different deodorants in there?”

Louis threw his arm on the back of his couch and nodded. 

“Why?” Greg asked, throwing himself down onto the couch and placing his stupidly long legs on top of Louis’. “Who legitimately needs five different deodorants? Do they have different uses or something? Some were even women’s deodorants, so I wasn’t sure if they were your sisters’ or what. Oh, and I helped myself to one of your fancy toners. It had rosewater in it or something.”

“Well, for the deodorants I just like trying different scents and I switch them up based on my mood. And actually, the one I use most often is a women’s deodorant. It works great. Plus I smell fresh and clean like baby powder all day.” Louis shrugged. “And that wasn’t my toner. Dunno who left it. Just showed up one day and no one says it’s theirs, so I kept it. It’s quite nice, isn’t it? Lotts said it’s supposed to help even out the PH balance of my skin or some shit, but I’ll be fucked if I know what that actually means.”

“Oh, that does sound fancy,” Greg agreed, checking the time on his phone. “I’ve got five more minutes on this mask, don’t let me forget. Don’t want to leave it on so long it burns my skin off or summat.”

“Sure,” Louis said, laughing. “So are you actually wearing anything under these or are you just that excited to see me?”

“Eh?” Greg asked before looking down at his crotch. Of course, now he was sitting down it didn’t show anything. “What are you on about?”

“Stand back up and look in a mirror, mate,” Louis said, laughing. “You’re dick was trying to tell me hello a minute ago.”

“I didn’t tell it to do that,” Greg muttered as he shifted so he could stand back up again. He walked into Louis’ bedroom, and Louis could hear when he’d seen himself. “Oh my God, that’s obscene! Does it always look like that when I wear these?”

Louis laughed and walked into his bedroom to see Greg’s eyes wide as he shifted himself around and walked a bit, appalled that no matter what he did, nothing seemed to make it any less there. 

“I wouldn’t know, I’ve never seen you in those. You usually nick a pair of mine,” Louis reminded him. “Do you wear them without pants often?”

“I never wear pants with these,” Greg said, rubbing his forehead. “Fuck, I’ve likely given that nan that lives below me too many looks at my cock without even realising it. They’re my softest, most favorite pair of joggers! I wear them to the shops when I’m too knackered to get fully dressed!”

As Greg continued to narrate the various escapades he’d had over the years in the joggers without even realising what he’d been doing, Louis settled onto his bed, propping himself up on his elbow so he could still watch Greg as he motioned about in distress.

When it was clear Greg wouldn’t be stopping anytime soon, Louis pulled out his phone and started filming. There was no one he could share this with, but it would be good for a laugh later on.

“Fuck, and you didn’t remind me to take off my mask!” Greg cried, rushing back into the bathroom to remove the sheet mask and do whatever else he had to do when he used them. 

Greg was proper obsessed with them, said they were relaxing and kept his skin soft. Louis just liked knowing they were one of Greg’s things, like taking regular baths with a bottle of wine and perusing various adoption websites for dogs he could possibly give a good home to.

“Sorry, love,” Louis said, as Greg walked back out of the bathroom. He really was sorry, but he also couldn’t pass up the opportunity to keep taking the piss. Greg was too much fun to rile up. “Was distracted by your big dick flopping about whilst you remembered all the good times you’d had in the joggers.”

5. Share or describe a favorite review you received:

i’ve had a few this year that told me they don’t usually read that pairing or they don’t usually comment on fics, but for various reasons they gave the pairing a try or wanted to comment because of something specific and those were particularly lovely. that said, every comment is so so great, they really do boost me up to see them and i need to do better with getting my anxiety in hand and responding to them regularly.

6. A time when writing was really, really hard:

this entire damn year, man. all of the time i’d carefully carved out for myself over the past few years to write was basically blown to shit with the pandemic, which also was so exhausting it didn’t leave me with much energy to write. but i still somehow posted 24 fics?? i dunno, dude. i think writing saved me and gave me something to look forward to, tbh.

7. A scene or character you wrote that surprised you:

most of my advent fic, tbh lollll a lot that was in there wasn’t really brainstormed ahead of time, it just happened, and i forgot some of the details even because i just flat out didn’t remember what i’d put in there, so i’m STILL surprised haha i love when fics happen like that

8. How did you grow as a writer this year:

i always think of challenges as fun and then i look back and wonder if i was insane because i thought it would be fun to try something new but it was mostly really fucking hard haha i wrote a lot of pairings and combinations of tropes this year that i never have before as well as stretching myself with writing emotions and situations i never have before, so i’m quite proud of myself for continuing to push the envelope and try new things like that.

9. How do you hope to grow next year:

i mostly hope that i’ll be able to carve more time out for myself as things HOPEFULLY settle down a bit more. i might not be as impulsive when it comes to choosing things to write at that point, but we’ll see. lol

10. Who was your greatest positive influence this year as a writer (could be another writer or beta or cheerleader or muse etc etc):

i... hmm. there’s a lot of people i’m thinking of right now, but it’s hard to choose just one. i think actually there were two and they were @louandhazaf and @disgruntledkittenface. i very much admire both of them for their own writing and works, but i am particularly inspired by how many pairings they write and the variety of fics they have posted. it’s definitely because of them that i’ve tried writing a lot of the pairings that i have, and that’s before you even start to look at the help they’ve given me with betaing certain fics (usually rare pairs lollll). they’re just both so supportive and open to so many things, and i am so much more open to all sorts of things because of them. i CANNOT answer this without mentioning the Write Your Way Out GC either, though. Y’all are my crew in SO many ways and you let me rely on you in every way through this past year. it really does take a village, doesn’t it?

11. Anything from your real life show up in your writing this year:

lmao i’m sure. but all i’m thinking of at the moment are the tumblr posts and canon compliant shit i based the fics on, so nothing off the top of my head apparently haha

12. Any new wisdom you can share with other writers:

hell if i know. maybe just... write for yourself. i think that’s why i’m so proud of every fic i wrote this year. i really was writing for me and if others like it too? bonus. 

13. Any projects you’re looking forward to starting (or finishing) in the new year:

my big bang!!! that’s the big one. i’m so excited for it. i have a whole list of other fics, too, though. hahaha i’m also super SUPER excited for both of my omega harry fics to post hehe 

14. Tag three writers whose answers you’d like to read.

@becomeawendybird @sadaveniren @londonfoginacup

*All answers should be about works published in 2020. Also, you can skip any questions you hate or don’t want to answer, but please leave them on the list so that others can do them if they want.

[sillyrabbit81]

Her Heavy Cross

Summary: Three years after tragedy hits, Lana she decides to start dating again. She meets Will through a dating app and they begin an online romance. After months of constant requests, Lana relents and agrees to meet and go on an irl date with Will. But is Will who he says he is? Lana is quickly pulled into an intense relationship forcing her to confront her tragic past. Will Lana face it or will she close her heart forever?

Pairing: OMC x OFC

Word Count: approx 2.6k

Warnings: swearing, mention of death, angst

Authors Note: The story started as a Henry Cavill fanfiction but I changed it to be an original character, but shades of Henry are still there. Hope you enjoy the story and thanks for reading.

Part 12 Part 14

Part 13

Liam said we should drive to the restaurant. I wanted to get an Uber because I didn't think we would get a car park close to the restaurant. The shoes I was wearing were not made for walking.

"We don't have to worry about the car. They have a valet service," Liam said when I suggested an Uber would be better.

Of course, they do. I don't think I've ever used a valet service in my life, and Liam tells me like it's an everyday thing. I suppose it is for him. Earlier in the week, I was amazed to find out that he gets driven to work most days even though he only lives about 10 minutes away. No wonder movies and tv shows are so expensive to make if they have to pay for things like drivers on top of everything else.

I was excited about going in his car, though. I was itching to drive it. I wanted to ask him if I could, but I didn't. As stupid as it was, I was scared he'd say no. Every guy who had said no to letting me drive his car ended up being a prick. So I was floored when he said I could drive if I wanted.

"Really?" I asked. I was practically bouncing with excitement.

"Yeah, you seemed to like it. I was going to ask if you wanted to take it out before we got..." Liam paused, seemingly to look for the right word. "Distracted."

I clapped my hands and squealed like a child. I'm such a dag, but I was excited. I'd never driven a car that fast or expensive before.

The drive was exhilarating but too short. Its 5.0 litre, supercharged V8 engine was insanely powerful, and since it was AWD, its handling took me a bit to get used to. When we got to the restaurant, I couldn't stop smiling. "Thank you! That was heaps good!"

"You're hilarious."

"Why? What did I do?" I asked, getting out of the car and handing the keys to the valet and thanking him.

"Don't think I didn't notice that you deliberately went the long way and on the highway so you could drive faster."

"I don't know what you're talking about." I widened my eyes and tried to look innocent.

Liam just shook his head and placed his hand on my back, guiding me into the restaurant.

The food was modern Australian, Liam had a scotch fillet and salad, and I had barramundi. Liam wasn't drinking and said he would drive home. I had a couple of glasses of white wine and felt a bit sauced.

I had trouble staying awake on the way back to Liam's, and eventually, the rumble of the engine lulled me into sleep. The wine combined with the stressful week had caught up with me. I woke up when Liam pulled into the garage.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to doze off," I said as we got out of the car.

"Never mind," Liam said. "Come on, let's go to bed."

We walked across Liam's backyard holding hands. I looked around as the first time I was lead through here, I only had eyes for Liam. It was big for a house so close to the city. "You have a pool? I wish you would have told me. I would have brought my swimmers."

Liam opened his back door. "You don't need bathers," he said winking. I blushed then yawned. "Poor princess. Do you want a shower? Or straight to bed?"

I nodded, "yeah, a shower would be good. I've gotta wash this makeup off too." I kicked my heels off. The relief was euphoric, my calves were sore, and I rubbed them as I bent to pick up my shoes.

"Want a bath instead?" Liam asked, noticing my massage. It was sweet that he noticed little things like that. "The bathroom on the third floor has an enormous bath. I haven't had a chance to use it yet."

"Fuck, yes! That would be awesome. What other crazy shit do you have in this place? I think you'd better give me a tour tomorrow."

Liam laughed as we went up the lift. "Yeah, ok, there's a couple of things you might like that I've not shown you yet."

The bathroom was stunning, like a hotel or spa. The bath was the hero piece of the room, and it was huge. It sat in the middle of the bathroom on a raised platform and had tiled steps around it. The whole room was decorated to be a romantic space, a couples bathroom. Candles and body wash sat by the bath, and the room's lighting was warm. Robes hung on the wall near the tub. Although there were a shower and sinks, there was no toilet. The room was definitely built for romance, not practicality.

"I thought you said you hadn't used this bathroom."

"I haven't." I pointed out the candles, soaps, towels and robes. "A stylist got all that, fitted out each room with basics so I can move in, and it's all done." My jaw dropped.

"Your life..."

"Isn't normal." He interrupted with a half-smile. "I know." Liam started the bath. "Do you need anything? Your toiletry bag? Toothbrush?"

I nodded. Liam kissed me as he left to get my stuff. The bath would probably take 20 minutes to fill, so I thought I'd wash my make-up off and brush my teeth while it did. I got undressed and put one of the robes on. They were both huge, no his and hers, but it was warm and soft.

Liam returned, and I started to wash up. I put my hair in a bun with a scrunchy and washed my face. I brushed my teeth and saw that Liam was sitting on the edge of the bath, still fully clothed, watching the water fill up.

"You're not getting in?" I asked with a mouthful of toothbrush and toothpaste. Liam looked at me confused, so I finished brushing, rinsed and repeated my question.

Liam turned the water off, bath finally full and got up. "I thought maybe you'd like to soak by yourself for a while."

"No," I said. I wrapped my arms around Liam's waist, feeling short again as my head rested against his chest. "I want you to get in with me."

He lifted my chin and kissed me softly, almost lazily. "Alright, Sweetheart."

I lifted his jumper and raised it over his head. Liam had to help by ducking. He sat and took his shoes and socks off and then stood to remove his pants. I hung my robe back up, and we both got in the water. I sat between his legs and laid my back against his chest, my head resting on his shoulder. The water was bliss, almost too hot but soothing. Liam had put some fragrance in the water, and it smelled of lavender. Breathing it in relaxed me, and I closed my eyes.

Liam nuzzled into my neck and caressed my arm. I smiled as he kissed my neck and shoulders until I felt him stir against my back. He stopped kissing me, and he just held me close to his chest like he was trying not to get turned on. It didn't seem to be working as I could still feel him, but I admired his efforts.

"Lana, I want to ask you something," Liam said. His timbre was soft but echoed slightly through the room, making his words seem more ominous than he probably meant them to be.

My body tensed slightly, and hesitantly I said, "Okay."

He cleared his throat, and I realised he was nervous. I don't think I had heard him unsure like that before. I felt cold. "I uh, I have a premiere to attend on Thursday evening, one of Myra's. Tom, my agent, set it up." Oh fuck. He's not going to ask me to go with him, is he? "I would very much like it if you came with me." I sat up quickly, and water splashed everywhere. "Sarah said that since the cats out of the bag and I'm serious about you, you should come too." He added quickly.

I looked back at him, furious. "Why would you ask me that?"

"Because you're my fucking girlfriend." He was also mad now.

"I'm not your fucking girlfriend." I stood up and got out of the bath. I almost slipped on the tiles as I did. His hand shot out to steady me, but I pulled my arm out of his grasp. I stomped over to the robes and pulled one on. Then I grabbed my clothes from the floor.

"What are you doing?" Liam asked, getting out himself. He didn't put his robe on, and he just stood there. I don't know why, but that seemed to make me angrier.

"Getting my shit and going home."

"What the fuck, Lana? Why?"

I grabbed my bag and went to leave and found him blocking my way. "Because I want to, that's why. Get out of my way."

"What's wrong with you?"

"Just piss off."

"No, tell me what's wrong. Why don't you want to be seen with me? Why don't you want to be my girlfriend? I don't understand." He was shouting now, his voice full of anger and frustration. "You treat me like a fuck toy one minute, and the next, you're treating me like we've been married for ten years. What do you want from me? You say you aren't my girlfriend, but you sure act like you are. If you just want to fuck me, fine. Come over and fuck me, then leave. But don't lay with me and cuddle all day, cook me food, confide in me, talk to me at night until you fall asleep and make me fall in love with you. I can't take that."

For a moment, I softened. In so many ways, Liam was right. We had fallen into this relationship so easily. I felt like I knew him because we talked for months before meeting. I did enjoy hanging out with him talking. He's often felt like home to me, a safe place, a person I could trust. He was my boyfriend in everything but name. He saw the change in me and moved towards me.

I stiffened, "No, fuck you. Don't put this on me. I told you to go slow. I told you I don't want a relationship in the spotlight, and you won't listen to me." My frustration poured out. "You lured me in under false pretences with no thought about how I would feel. Like having the great Liam Cross interested in you would be enough. You're so fucking self-centred. I'm not impressed by all this," I waved my hand around the room, "Or that," I waved my hand at his naked body. "For fuck's sake, put some fucking clothes on. You're not that attractive."

Liam looked over at the robes and saw how far away they were. He shook his head. "I think we need to talk, Lana. You can't run away from this."

"You can't keep me here." He just raised an eyebrow. I gasped horrified. "You wouldn't?"

His body tensed, and he looked like he was going to try to stop me for a minute. But then his shoulders slumped, and he stepped aside.

"Thank you," I said through gritted teeth as I walked out.

I took the stairs down to his room and got dressed. He followed me, still naked and dripping water. I thought he would try to keep talking to me, but he went straight to his dressing room.

When he came out, he wore tracksuit pants, his chest was bare, and he still had beads of water clinging to his chest. My traitorous eyes looked him up and down, and I noticed it looked like he wasn't wearing underwear. Fuck me. He was magnificent. I tore my eyes away and back to packing my bag. I wasn't going to let his body distract me.

"Please, Lana, just talk to me."

"What's the point?"

"The point is so you'll let me in. You talk to me, you tell me things about you, and just as it cuts close to the bone, you clam up."

"I'm my own person, Liam. I'm allowed to have secrets." My bag was packed, and I stood up with it.

"Why didn't you tell me about Andy and your father's car accident? I had to read about it on the fucking internet."

I felt like I had been punched in the guts. I felt both hot and cold waves flow over me, and for a moment, I thought I was going to throw up.

"You're a fucking prick." I was raging.

"Alright, Lana, have it your way. Go back to being miserable and alone. Go put your wedding ring back on because obviously, you'd rather stay in love with a dead man than be seen with me." He was still shouting. Liam's body was taught, so much tension in his muscles. His lips almost looked cruel, twisted up into a sneer. His eyebrows were drawn low, making his eyes seem small.

"Yeah, you're right. I would. I shouldn't be here with you." I was near screaming now. I was irrational, tired, slightly drunk and drained. "I should be miserable and alone, and I should be thankful for that. It's my fucking fault he's dead. I fucking killed him. It should have been me. It's my fault..." I sobbed. The tears started, and I knew they couldn't be stopped. "Oh God, it's my fault." I couldn't breathe. I dropped my bag and clawed at my shirt, trying to get a breath. I was on my knees, now fighting the panic that threatened to overwhelm me.

Liam's arms came around me. I tried to push him away, fight him. He was too strong. "Shhhh shhh." He tried to soothe me. He rubbed my back. I wanted to scream at him to go away, to leave me alone. He wouldn't let go. He held me tighter until I couldn't fight anymore and just let myself go. He pulled me onto his lap, and I curled up into him as he whispered, "You're ok. It's ok." I kept sobbing until I clutched at his neck and cried into him.

I don't know how long we sat there. It felt like hours. "I'm sorry," I said when I had calmed. My throat was sore. I don't think I could have spoken any louder.

"Don't be. I shouldn't have pushed you. You were right. I was being selfish."

"I should have told you before you found out. It still hurts. I can deal with them being gone, but I can't get past the guilt. I should have been in the car with Dad. Andy was doing me a favour because I was too tired from Christmas. I wanted a day off, you know? A day where I didn't have to deal with people." My throat was feeling raw, and my mouth was dry.

"You don't have to tell me."

"No, I do. Just let me get through it, ok?" He nodded and pulled me into a more comfortable position on his lap. "I was supposed to take my Dad to Dave's house for a second Christmas. My parents had split up a couple of years ago. I fought with my mum the day before and didn't want to go through it all again the next day. My Dad couldn't drive anymore; his eyes were too bad. So Andy said he'd drop him off and I could stay in bed. He said he would tell them I had a migraine. So I laid in bed sleeping while my father and husband laid on the road, dying, trapped under a truck."

"I'm so sorry," Liam said. "I don't know how I would deal with that either. But it's not your fault. You know that, right?"

I didn't say anything. Liam was quiet after that. But he didn't let me go.

Part 14

[cordonian-literature]

The Aftermath - Ch. 1

The Met

Summary: Riley and her husband take a visit to a museum while their kids have lessons

Word Count: ~2.0k 

Warning: Mention of character death

*All characters belong to Pixelberry, except those that are unique to my story (I’ve also used some characters and fictional instances from Donna Tartt’s “The Goldfinch”*

Catch up here!

After giving Eleanor, Gabriel, and Theodore breakfast, Riley made her way to the kitchen of their New York penthouse and began making turkey sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies, for what she hoped could be for a picnic in Central Park in the late afternoon after the kids’ practices. 

The sound of the mixer didn’t allow Riley to hear her husband walk into the kitchen. She feels his stiff arms around her waist and chuckles. 

Kissing the back of her head, Theodore asks, “Making a treat for me?”

Riley laughs, removing herself from his grasp to preheat the oven on the other side of the kitchen. “For the kids.”

Theodore looks into the bowl. “Isn’t it a little early to be making dessert?” 

“Actually,” Riley goes back and stops the mixer. “I thought we could go on a little picnic?” She looks at her husband thoughtfully. Bringing her attention back towards the cookies, she continues, “After Gabe’s soccer practice and Ella’s dance class, of course.” 

“Of course,” he repeats. He watches her put the cookie dough in the fridge. “We should ask the kids.” 

Riley turns, holding a piece of bread in her hands. “Do you think they might not want to go?”

“Nah, I’m sure they do.” He walks up to her and collects her in his arms. “But I had other plans for us today.”

A shy smile spreads across Riley’s face. “Which is?”

“A visit to the Met. They’ve a new exhibit.” 

“With the kids?” she removes herself from his embrace with her free hand and goes back to making sandwiches.

“We can ask them to come with.”

“And if they don’t want to?”

Theodore laughs. Letting go of Riley, he goes into the fridge to grab an apple. “Gabe’s old enough to watch over Ella for a couple hours. We’ll bring them back dinner.” 

Gabriel had just turned ten, and Eleanor was still many weeks away from turning eight. Even though her husband argued that they were old enough to be somewhat self sufficient, Riley still felt nervous leaving them alone. 

Noticing the concern on her face, he suggests, “We could also just go during their practice times if that’ll make you feel better, babe.” 

“Thanks, Theo,” she smiles, eyeing the apple. “I just... get worried sometimes. Especially for Gabe.”

Theo gives an understanding nod and takes a bite into his apple, but not before Riley notices the irritation on his face. After ten years, she no longer let it bother her, unless Theo’s annoyance of her and Liam’s son got excessive. She understood that it was difficult for Theo to raise a child that wasn’t his, especially when his wife made it very clear that she was still in love with the father of that child. 

Even though Theo agreed to parent Gabriel with Riley, he was glad that they had their own daughter, Eleanor, so he could at least be a father to her in the ways that he wasn’t with Gabe. 

“You know I didn’t mean it like that, right?” Riley turns to fully face him, wanting to keep her husband in a good mood, she tries to explain herself. “It’s just that I don’t want them to do anything foolish or—.”

“Riley. Babe,” Theodore looks at his wife, in her old, dark tank top and a worn pair of jeans. “I know. I worry about them, too. I wanna keep them safe, too.” 

Riley smiles and gives her husband a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you,” she whispers. Turning back to the counter, she finishes making the sandwiches as Theo stands behind her, eating his apple. “I’ll leave these for lunch then, if we’re not going on the picnic. We can get Chinese for dinner, and maybe the cookies could be a snack for later today?” She looks at Theo, and he nods in silent agreement.

-------

Ella and I raced down towards the elevator, Mom and Dad trailing far behind us. We hold the “close doors” button and leave them on our floor as the elevator falls towards the lobby. 

We tumble out, giggling, but Ella freezes and cries, “I forgot my water!” She starts throwing things out of her bag and onto the lobby floor. When Mom and Dad finally come out of the elevator, Mom starts laughing. 

“Forgot this?” she holds out Ella’s bottle to her and helps her put everything back in her bag.

The four of us walk together towards the waiting limo. Once we’re inside, Mom and Dad turn to us. 

“While you guys are at practice,” Dad begins, “Your mother and I will be seeing a new exhibit at the Met.”

“Ou, take pictures for me, please!” Ella requests.

“We’ll pick you up on time, promise,” Mom reassures, caressing my cheek. “You both have your phones on you, yes?”

Ella and I pat our pockets, signaling where we put our devices. 

We reach the indoor soccer courts first. Mom gives me a quick kiss on my forehead and Dad gives me a pat on the back as I fumble out the door with my large bag. I wish Ella good luck during dance practice and head inside. 

I played until I could barely breath. I skipped some of the water breaks, my body wanting to keep moving, so when everyone was hydrating themselves, I continued to dribble and chase after the ball. During the third water break, coach yells at me to “Sit the hell down!” so I relent and down my water in one breath. My parents are planning a trip to Italy next week, and I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t going to lose that much practice time; I was motivated to work ahead. 

After practice, I wait in the lobby with some of my friends. We talk, but we’re not fully engrossed in the conversation: everyone either has their eyes glued to the doors or to their phones, waiting for their parents to give the signal that it was time to go home. 

I turn on the ringer of my phone and sit back on the bench, waiting for my parents. Dad was usually the punctual one, but since they’d gone to visit a new exhibit, I guessed he wanted to spend a little more time there; Mom and Dad weren’t always free to be able to do things together. 

I take a nap while I wait, but when I wake up, I realize that I’ve been waiting for almost half an hour. Ella’s session would end in a couple minutes, so I shoot her a text hoping that she would see it as soon as she got out. 

Hey.

hi. r u guys on ur way?

No. Mom and Dad haven’t picked me up yet.

rlly? whats taking them so long?????

I’m going to check their location 

She leaves me on read.

It says “loading” but then says unavailable. The Met has wifi right?

weird

Can you check, please?

yessir

After a few moments, she texts me back.

it says the same for me :(( im worried

Don’t worry, I’m sure there’s a reason 

I sit in the lobby, trying to calm down Eleanor through text and wave goodbye to all my friends as their parents pick them up. After another half hour, the next set of lessons start for the older kids. The receptionist steals glances at me before finally saying, “Hey Gabriel, is your mom coming to pick you up today?”

“Um,” I look down at the phone in my hand, contemplating whether I should call one of my parents. “I’m not sure.” 

“What about your dad?” she asks.

“No, they should be in the same place. They usually pick me up by now.” 

“We have your grandmother as an emergency number. Want me to call her up and make sure everything’s alright?” she suggests. I want to say no, that there’s no reason to worry, but the sense of dread in my chest threatens to yield tears. 

“Sure,” I allow. 

My mother’s mother lives in Northern New Jersey and visits often, since it’s not too long of a train ride — she’d drive, but parking was difficult, and our reserved underground parking spots in the building was already filled with Dad’s cars. The receptionist introduces herself, then waves me over to talk on the phone. 

“Hell-o!” Grandma greets. “How was practice? Everything okay?”

“Good. Yeah everything’s fine,” I say. “Practice ended almost an hour ago, but I’m still here. And Ella says that Mom and Dad haven’t picked her up, either.” 

“Uh oh,” she says, and I can hear her face fall. “Do you want me to come pick you up? You both can stay with me tonight. Then we will call Mama and tell her you guys are alright. How does that sound?”

I give a sigh of relief. “Yes, please. I’ll tell Ella.”

“Okay, baby. I’ll get there as soon as I can.”

I fill in my sister, but she doesn’t reply to my texts.

Twenty minutes later, I throw my bag into the trunk of Grandma’s Buick and slide into the back seat next to Ella. She stares at her lap, and I know she’s feeling the same amount of worry and confusion that I am. 

When we reach Grandma’s small town, she asks us if we want dinner. When both of us say we’re not hungry, she still grabs us McDonald’s. 

Mom and Dad don’t answer our calls. We even call Dad’s assistant, but she also says that she hasn’t heard from him.

We eat dinner quietly, with Grandma giving us encouraging kisses and pep talks while we talk about our practices. Afterwards, we go into the living room to quietly watch some Netflix while Grandma makes some apple pie. The smell of it baking in the oven makes me nostalgic for something unknown, and it reminds me of the cookies that Mom was making earlier today. I hear Ella sniffle, and turn to see her silently crying. 

After desert, Grandma gives us some of Mom’s old baggy clothes to sleep in. Ella gets to sleep in Mom’s old room while I sleep in the guest room. My eyes burn from the amount of tears I held back today, and its almost painful to close them. 

...

I wake to the smell of pancakes and a familiar rumble in the pit of my stomach. I brush my teeth, but don’t bother to fix my hair. Ella eats quietly on the island in the kitchen. I slide onto the seat next to her and watch Grandma start making another pancake.

“Good morning!” she says to me. “Could one of you please turn on the news in the living room?”

I allow Ella to keep eating and walk towards the little doorway that separates the living room from the kitchen. Turning on the news, I increase the volume. The image of police cars, ambulances, and firetrucks from a helicopter view flash on the screen while a female reporter narrates the incident. 

“On the evening of May seventeenth, the Metropolitan Museum of Art was bombed by an unidentified group. Investigations are underway and the city has been closed off, including trains and bus routes into and out of the city, along with roads and bridges. 

“Many dead bodies have been found, and many others are severely injured. CEO of Blaise Enterprises, Mister Theodore Blaise, has been found dead. The whereabouts of his wife, Riley Brooks, are unknown. Senator Nicolae Adebayo sustained serious injuries, as did many other persons.”

Ella’s screams drown out the sound of my heart thundering in my ears. Grandma rushes towards her and collects her off of the floor and into her arms. I stare at them, the reporters’ voices and the smell of the pancake burning melt into the background as I take a shaky breath and allow my tears to fall. 

[anatomical-heartt]

Song Recommendations

First time writing for syd! She might not be 100% in character while I’m getting used to her

God I love ladies mmmm

Just like any other day, school had been boring and way too long with way too many people. But now it was time for your favorite part of every day, walking Syd home. She was your best friend, and even though you knew Dina was hers, you knew there weren’t many people Syd actually liked so knowing you were cool enough for her to be friends with made you perfectly happy. You actually lived a block before the street where Syd and Stan lived, but you didn’t mind the walk back, and unbeknown to you Syd thought about the simple gesture a lot. You both were in the middle of your walk making small conversation, currently talking about Stanley and music.

“He’s got me listening to some indie band now, bloodwitch?”

“Oh yeah? He madd me listen to them sometime last semester,” you started giggling, “you should’ve seen the look on his face when I told him the only song I liked was motorcade!”

“You liked motorcade? I’ll definitely listen to that song next,” Syd replied smiling, as she pulled out her phone, “how do you spell it?”

You grinned, spelling it out as she typed ‘motorcade’ into her notes app. The action was simple, but it gave you a little bit of butterflies to think that Syd thought so highly of you, even though it was just about your taste in music.

“You know, we could listen right now, I’ve got the song downloaded.”

“Oh yeah? Okay.”

You fumbled pulling your phone out and untangling your earbuds before queuing up the song and holding your phone out, but Syd just stared at it.

“We aren’t gonna listen together?”

“Oh, I don’t have a splitter on me, and I’ve only got the one pair of earbuds. I should’ve brought it!”

Syd let out a small chuckle, “That’s okay, we can share the earbuds loser.”

“Oh, haha, right,” your hands fumbled a little more as you placed the left earbud in your ear and held the right one out for Syd.

You looked away when Syd’s gentle fingers brushed over yours as she took the right earbud and put it in, getting a bit flustered.

“Alright, let’s hear it,” She said looking at you and smiling.

You took a moment to look at Syd smiling like that, since she was normally pessimistic and had been having a rough time since her dad died. Her smile was the most beautiful thing you’d ever seen, and you’d been missing it for a while. Before you could let your eyes linger too long you pressed play and resumed walking. The baseline started and you glanced at Syd to see her initial reaction.

Her eyebrows were scrunched a little, in deep concentration as she digested the song. You looked down at your feet, concentrating on not falling, since you had to stand awkwardly bent to match Syd’s height so you both could wear the earbuds. You also had to stand pretty close, and your heartbeat was not letting you forget that. Because of your proximity, your hands kept bumping into each other at your sides. You almost shoved them in your pockets, but you liked the feeling of Syd’s knuckles brushing against your own. And since she wasn’t moving her hand, neither were you. You thought about how badly you wanted to hold her hand, when Syd slid her fingers between yours and actually did it.

You looked up from your hands to see her biting back a smile as she looked right back at you. A smile crept onto your face and you ducked your head and faced forward to unsuccessfully hide it from Syd. The feeling of her hand in yours felt... good. It felt secret, it felt soft. Softer than any boy’s hand you’d ever held before and certainly get better. It felt right. The butterflies in your stomach gave you that confirmation, and they intensified by 10,000% when you felt Syd’s lips brush your knuckles. She kissed your hand so gently, so nonchalantly, before bringing it back you your sides, you weren’t sure if you had just imagined it. Her shit-eating grin gave it away though; that it actually happened. That cocky son of a bitch.

As the song faded out and the next one began to play, Sydney made no move to remove her earbud or hand, so you continued on with a happy swing of your interlocked hands. But as all good things come to an end, the Novak house came up on your right. Reluctantly, you paused the playlist and removed your earbud and took Syd’s. She stood facing you, looking at you, and the weight of her eyes made you a little antsy- rocking back and forth on your feet and not letting your eyes rest on one thing for too long.

“So...” you said, trying to break the silence.

“So?” Syd smirked a bit.

“That was... new. It was nice.”

You dared to meet her eyes, but immediately blushed and looked away when you saw her grinning.

“Yeah, it was.”

Her short answers were probing you to keep talking to fill the silence but you desperately fought to hold your tongue to save you from over sharing, but in the end you lost like always.

“So was that... not... platonic?”

Syd raised an eyebrow. Here comes the rambling.

“Well It’s just because I know hand holding should be normalized. Americans are so touch starved yknow? Holding hands doesn’t have to be romantic. It can just be two pals expressing their affection- their uh, platonic affection- but I also know just friends don’t kiss each other’s knuckles but I’m a girl and you’re a girl and are you sure about this? I-“

Sydney cut you off, “I’m sure.”

“Oh. Wow okay. This is uh-“

“Wait...” another cut off, “are- are you sure?”

“Oh of course. Of course. No you uh- if you could feel the butterflies I have right now you would definitely know...” you trailed off, nervously laughing and cheeks heating up.

Syd chuckled.

“Butterflies huh?”

You gave an embarrassed, sheepish nod.

“Me too,” she admitted, looking away from you for the first time for the whole conversation.

There was a moment of silence as you both were entering this entirely new chapter of your relationship.

At a loss for words, you finally mumbled out, “Syd I- I really like you...”

“I really like you too.”

“Okay, cool...”

Because of your height difference, you had to lean down and you slowly got closer to her face. This had to be quick- in a place like Brownsville it was uncertain if this was safe to do out in the open. Your plan was to kiss her cheek, but she turned her head so you met her lips instead- not that you could complain.

The tip of her nose was cold against your hot cheeks and her lips tasted like that peach chapstick she loved so much. She grasped your free hand in hers and the back of her other hand caressed your cheek. The kiss was soft and slow and innocent, and as you pulled away you looked at her and she was the most beautiful thing you’d ever seen in your life, with that special smile as the cherry on top. You both quickly looked around the street for signs of someone saw you, but felt a little more comfortable when you didn’t seem to see anyone. The silence was back, and your inability to not break it made you speak up.

“I definitely liked that a lot.”

Syd giggled and took a moment to look over your face.

“I did too. I’ve got to get inside now but- will you call me later tonight?”

“Sure. Yeah. Of course. I’m uh- I can’t wait,” you smiled.

“Awesome.”

Syd walked up her driveway as you stood at the base watching her. She stopped at the door and turned and waved goodbye as she slid the key in the lock. In a burst of confidence and dorkiness, you blew her a kiss. She may have been far away, but you didn’t miss the widening of her eyes and lips curling up. You waved goodbye as she entered her house and you turned on your heel to start your walk home.

“Hey syd?” Liam called from somewhere within the house

“Yeah goob?” Syd answered and she put her keys in the dish.

“Did you just kiss (Y/N)?”

Syd froze. She knew she was caught red handed so there was no use in denying it.

“Yeah?” Syd winced a little, waiting to hear Liam’s response

“Cool. She’s pretty.”

“Oh you have no idea...”

[thejollyroger-writer]

THE WASTELAND - Chapter Three: THE ATHENAEUM // THE CABIN, Part 1

Some triggers: this story is rated TEEN, mostly for violence. It takes place during wartime, and some of the characters go through some violence and torture. If you need more information about this, please just message me!

SUMMARY:  In a world that has been saturated in war for as long as anyone can remember, Emma Swan has rebuilt her life as far away from the chaos as possible, opening her own maternity hospital after spending too many years in makeshift battlefield aid stations. But one night, a bloodied and battered soldier finds her hospital trying to get away from an enemy with a penchant for torture and a personal vendetta against him. With the help of Emma’s childhood friend Prince David and a motley collection of humans and magic-wielders, the quest to save Killian Jones’ life from the poison used by the enemy takes them to places even beyond the known world.

Header and the art for every chapter by the lovely @spartanguard – special thanks to @cssns for making this monster happen!

Prologue on AO3 // Prologue on Tumblr // Chapter One (ART) // Chapter Two (ART) // Chapter Three on AO3 

ART for this chapter 

-- -- --

“What is that one?” Emma asks, trying to focus on Regina as she changes the bandages around Killian’s battlefield amputation — each part of this a remnant from a life she truly thought she left behind. She hasn’t practiced very much magic since she turned to prenatal medicine, only needing the few spells that would help women get through the pain of childbirth, and it’s been just as long since she’s used any potions beyond the few Johanna taught her how to make, nonetheless brewed them herself. 

The memory of how to restitch an amputation like the one Killian sustained comes back to her no problem, though, so as she goes through the motions of fixing what got torn during transportation, she tries to pay as much attention to Regina as she can. 

“This one is hawthorne flower mixed with a little mustard seed and some foxglove root."

“Do you think any of these are going to work?” Mary Margaret’s voice is small, strange coming from the one who usually offers hope even in the times that seem the most hopeless, but even she knows just how bad Killian’s wounds are. 

Regina shakes her head, but doesn’t look up from the worn book on the table in front of her. “It would be much easier if we knew what he was poisoned with that helped make the dark magic this strong, but I’ve never seen anything strong enough to keep a wound from healing, especially not to the point that this one is. It’s just oozing whatever they used on him. 

“And he didn’t tell you what the poison was?” Mary Margaret asks, pacing back and forth in the walkway between the kitchen and the living room, unable to keep her worry off her face. 

“I doubt he even knows,” David says. “I’ve seen what Pan and Baelfire can do on their own firsthand, but now that they’re working together, I can only imagine the kind of vile, dark things they’re doing.” 

“If it’s even from this land,” Emma says, letting the thought slip past her lips for the first time. It’s an idea that they’ve all been trying to avoid, knowing that it would make finding a cure even harder. For all the ages the world has been at war, the thought of new lands beyond their borders is a relatively new one, people too focused on the violence within these borders to even think about leaving them. But within the past few years, talk of other lands has been popping up, especially around communities of mer-nephilm and some of the elders who have tried to focus their energies on new ways of travel beyond trains and cars. 

(King Gold had a small fleet of men who knew how to navigate in the air, the rumors said, but after some of the men threatened to take their science and technology to the Gale, Gold had all of the ships destroyed -- and, the rumors said, all the men as well.)

“Yeah, well, let’s just hope that’s not the case,” Regina mumbles, turning yet another page in one of the books that are currently covering her large dining room table. “I am running out of ideas, though.” 

David and Emma share a glance, thankfully not caught by the others in the room. They both have an idea, one paired with the nightmarish memory from a battlefield hospital and a time they’ve both tried to forget, a time that Emma specifically locked away in the back of her mind in a vault that she never wanted to re-open. 

They try a few more potions and some minor spells on Killian’s wound, even hoping to find something that could at least keep debris from getting in it, but their search comes up fruitless. Nothing they do has any effect on the wound at all.

An hour later, and though the rest of Killian’s wounds are patched, stitched, and covered, they’ve made zero headway towards any sort of healing for the gash over his heart. 

Regina has gone up to her office, searching for a few rare ingredients for her last-ditch effort for a healing potion and packing a bag for their travels; David and Mary Margaret sit on her back porch, each with a cup of coffee in the hand that is not grasping onto the other. But Emma sits on one of the kitchen chairs by where they laid Killian, her focus still on the glimmering wound that covers his heart. She has worked a small ball of her own magical energy between her hands, getting it to react with the snaps and crackles still coming from the dark magic inside the gash. She can feel the power from within it humming, louder as she and her magic move closer toward it, but the most she can get to happen is a fine protective layer over his skin, no thicker than cheesecloth, but still failing to touch the affected area.  

She is so focused on this that she fails to notice as Killian starts to stir, his head moving slowly from one side to the other as he regains consciousness and tries to figure out where he is and how he got there. 

“Swan,” he chokes out after a few moments, no louder than a whisper with how dry his throat has become, but it still scares her enough to get her to jump from her seat. 

“Fuck,” she whispers, her hand over her heart, but a small smile starts to spread across her face. “Sorry, you just scared me.” 

Killian offers a small smile of his own. “My apologies, love.” He tries to cough to clear his throat, but only finds pain. “Could I get some water?’ he whispers. “And what the hell did you do to me, everything hurts again.” 

Jumping out of her seat for real this time, Emma nods. “Yes, yes, of course. And I’ll get you another round of painkillers.” 

He finds his eyes locked on her as she walks away, really taking in her figure for the first time since she found him in her office. She’s slender, but muscular, he notices — though it’s not the first time for that, since she did have to move him a few times. But this is the first he notices how truly beautiful she is, her wavy blonde hair piled high on top of her head so as to stay out of her way as she worked on him. When she turns at the kitchen counter, filling the glass she has found with water from the faucet, she finds him watching her, and the corner of her lip turns up into a gentle smile. 

He realizes here, answering her smile with a small one of his own, just how indebted to her he is. He does not remember much about the night he crawled into her hospital, but he knows just how damn lucky he was to have ended up there and not in a place where he would have been denied care — or, worse, turned back to Baelfire and Pan. 

Just how lucky he was to find a caretaker with such strong ties to the Prince, the only other leader he has found worthy of his dedication since he lost his brother, and the man who, at many times, even reminds him of Liam in the best of ways. 

Under any other circumstance, he most likely would have been dead already and not in the care of someone who so adamantly wants to find a way to rid him of the darkness found within the deep wound inflicted in his side. Someone he feels so drawn to, though he cannot figure out why, and certainly will not act on that feeling.

“Here you go,” she says, handing him a glass of water before doing her best to help him sit up without causing him pain or reopening any of the wounds she just finished restitching. 

“Thank you.” 

He takes a small sip of water, the coolness of it immediately helping his dry throat. 

Slowly, Emma sits down beside him, and he realizes that she has not taken her eyes off of him since she handed him the glass. 

“Can I ask you something?’ she asks after a moment, her voice quiet, as if she is trying to keep their conversation a secret from those around them, even though they are alone in the large open space. 

He just nods, taking another sip of the water. 

“Do you know what Pan used to drug you?” 

Squeezing his eyes shut, he takes a deep, ragged breath. This is the conversation he has been dreading, because he knows that revealing it will only remove the small amount of hope left in Emma, her thinking that they will be able to find a cure for him. He does not know if anyone else in their party has any experience with the poison, but he knows more about it than he cares to, though he does not yet know how to share that with her. 

“Yes,” he says finally. “Though I’m afraid that, in the times I’ve dealt with it in the past, there has been no way to cure the victim once it’s been used, and I certainly haven’t seen it used alongside dark magic the way it has been here.” 

His words are ice to the deepest parts of her, and she doesn’t need him to say any more to know that her hunch has become the reality. 

“Dreamshade.” 

They say it at the same time, their eyes locking together moments later, and neither of them dares to move. 

The sliding door to the back porch slides shut even though neither of them heard it open. 

“Dreamshade?” David asks, and they both snap their attention to him, though only Emma nods. 

“That’s good, though, right?” Mary Margaret asks, much too much hope in her voice for the circumstance, “Now that we know that, we just have to find the antidote?” 

David and Emma share a look again, and this time it is noticed by the others in the room; obviously they know something they’re not sharing. 

Nobody answers — nobody moves —  for what feels like far too long. Mary Margaret takes turns staring at both of them, but does not press any further. The silence holds until Regina comes down the stairs, and she notices the awkward, tense silence right away. 

“What the hell is going on down here?” 

This is the question that breaks them, and both David and Emma seem to return their attention back to the room from wherever their minds took them to, but it’s not until David speaks that Killian does the same, his mind off on a memory of its own. 

“Do you want to tell them, or should I?” David asks, and when Emma doesn’t answer, too afraid of the ghosts the story will reveal about her past, David takes the lead.

“Psst, Em,” David whispers, nudging her with his elbow. She didn’t mean to fall asleep, really, but with everything going on, with all the changes happening to everything around her, she's glad she was able to find a little bit of rest . It takes her a moment to adjust to her surroundings — or, what little of them she can see, since everything around her is still dark. 

“It’s the middle of the night,” she mumbles, still trying to figure out what the single blinding light in front of the truck might be. 

“Yeah, but we’re here.” 

They’re here. 

“You couldn’t have, I don’t know, gotten us here during the day?” she jokes, but neither of them smile. None of this is funny. 

“We can’t cross the Wasteland during the day, Swan,” Robin says from the backseat, not sensing the joke, and David lets out a small laugh. But in a moment, as the hospital becomes clearer in front of them, all of the laughter in the truck is sucked away. 

“Have any of you ever been to a battlefield hospital?” Emma asks, a much more serious tone in her voice than was there a moment before. 

A much more terrified tone. 

“I promised my mother I’d stay away from them,” David says. 

“Yet here we are,” Robin deadpans. “Why are we here again?”

“I need to be somewhere other than sitting behind the planning table next to my father, who will never listen to nothing I say to him anyway.” 

“And this is where you decided you’ll do the most good?” 

“I was forbidden from battlefields, especially with all this new technology Gold’s trackers have. I wasn’t forbidden from raising the morale of the men fighting for me by aiding in their healing.” 

“What about the rest of us?” 

Emma holds up her hands, answering for herself before David can pull her into the conversation. “I’m a medic, so I can help people wherever we end up.” 

“A healer I understand, Dave, but you brought a Terren to a place where neither a connection to the earth or the animals will be helpful.” 

David cranes his head so he can see Robin in the rear-view mirror. “I brought you because you’re the only man who I trust with my life,” he says, as much sincerity in his voice as he can muster, and the truck stays silent as David parks in the small lot outside the hospital.

They’re greeted by a man in all black with wild blond hair sticking up in every direction and a woman with long, dark hair in jeans and a maroon fatigue top, with a rifle slung across her back and a pistol and a dagger in matching leather sheaths on either hip. T he man speaks first, holding his hand out to David after opening the gate for them before greeting the rest of them. “Welcome, Your Highness. It’s a pleasure to have you all here. I’m Victor Whale, I’m sort of in charge around here.”  

“And I’m Mulan,” the woman says, her face and voice lacking all signs of emotion. “I’m in charge of everything Victor isn’t.” 

She shakes none of their hands, though acknowledges David with a slight nod. He’s been around warriors like her before, can tell by her countenance alone that she is among those who have been forced into a war that they wanted nothing to do with simply because they had no other choice. He is sympathetic towards them, but he would never say it out loud, as it would be seen as dishonorable though he would never mean it as such. 

Victor offers them a small tour of the camp, only the things they pass on the way to their cabins, with Mulan disappearing in the opposite direction.

“I apologize for her, Your Highness, she—” Victor tries, but David silences him both with a hand held up and with his own words. 

“Please don’t apologize for her. I’ve been around enough of this war to sense the disdain for me, my father, and everything we stand for without anyone needing to say anything. It’s part of the reason I’m so dead-set on spending time outside of the safety of the palace, part of the reason I’m here in the first place.” Victor nods. “And also, I think it would be better if you just called me David, and I would only like for you to introduce me as such. I don’t want the soldiers out here to think of me as their Prince, but just as another man who is on their side of this war.” 

At this, Victor smiles, pulling open the door to a well-kept cabin in a more secluded part of the camp. “You’re a good man, sir. I hope you know that much of this army chooses to fight for you and not for your father. That many of us wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you.” 

David follows Emma and Robin through the door, finding themselves in a small common area with a few doors around it that lead to a single bathroom and four individual “bedrooms,” which only contain a small cot and a set of drawers, the space that the three of them will call home for the next few months. 

“I really appreciate it, Victor.” 

“Get some rest and I’ll find you again in the morning to show you around the rest of the camp. It’s been a quiet few days so hopefully you’ll be able to get a bit settled before any of you are really needed.” 

  They go through a relatively quiet two months, nothing unexpected coming up through the woodwork from the frontlines, though with far more bullets than Emma ever wanted to see, a very different life than she ever imagined since David introduced her to the palace medic. 

Until Jefferson arrives. He was part of a prisoner swap between this hospital and another, not the first of those Emma had been there to witness, but he was in a far worse state than any of the other wounds that Emma has helped with since her arrival. 

A far worse state than she’s ever seen before. 

Will Scarlett, the man that came with him, relayed the information he’d discovered during his time as a prisoner in the Nephilim camp — though there was not much to relay beyond his knowledge of what happened to Jefferson. 

“From what I gathered, there were a few higher-up Nephilim soldiers who recently took a liking to torture, and were, uh, practicing some newer forms.” 

“This is more than just torture,” David mutters, watching as Whale’s surgical needle fails to take hold of the skin around the gash on the man’s arm. 

“Well, yeah,” Will says, sitting up on his elbows in his cot. “One of those forms was this new kind of poison, supposedly from some far-off land that no one has ever seen before.” 

“What land?” David asks. 

Will narrows his eyes at him, his attention flitting for a moment to Robin, standing right behind the Prince. “I don’t bloody know, it’s a place that no one has ever been,” he practically spits. “Why do you look so familiar?”

David shrugs off the question, trying to go back to the poison. “Did you hear them say anything about the poison they used?” 

This time, Will just shakes his head. After a moment, he adds, "I think they called it Dreamshade, if that means anything to you." 

Everyone around the bed exchanges glances, hoping that it means something to one of them. 

It doesn't. 

Over the next few days, his condition only worsens, the area around what they decide must have been the injection site growing black, with the darkness spreading further up his arm in his veins.  

It takes two days before he is able to move, slowly recovering from his complete paralysis, but no one gets their hopes up. 

It’s a week before he begins to speak, his eyes always set off in the distance and unresponsive to anything or anyone that tries to pull him out of the obvious trance he finds himself in, saying things like, "The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!" or "Half-past one, time for dinner!" in a very excited tone, his words rushed, though often half-whispered.

Or even, sometimes, words none of them even recognized, sung as if part of a poem: "Twas brillig and the slithy toves did gyre and gimbel in the wabe. All mimsy were the borogoves, and the mome raths outgrabe." 

On day 12, he makes eye contact with Emma as she is changing some of his bandages, a crazed expression that covers every inch of his face — and somehow, Emma has the feeling that if he had the strength for it, he would have bolted to sit up straight. 

“Neverland,” he says, his focus on her so intent that it terrifies her for a moment, though she does think this word is just part of another string of nonsense. 

 But then he reaches out to grab her arm, suddenly overcome with a strength none of them would have guessed he could muster in his current state, and starts to speak again, the words coming out almost too quickly for her to understand. “They said it was from a place called-called Neverland, and the little boy was in charge. The-the-the little boy and the prince.”

“David!” Emma calls, not breaking her eye contact with Jefferson, afraid that it would also break the streak of consciousness he seems to have at the moment. “Whale!” 

“The prince, he wanted something that c-couldn’t be cured, and this-this is what the little boy suggested, say-say-saying that no one could ever find the cure  since it's only on an island that no one could-could ever find on their own.” 

“Neverland,” Emma says, thankful for David’s hand heavy on her shoulder, keeping her grounded, needing him to know something about the babble coming from this immensely wounded soldier. 

“An island no one can find,” David repeats, his voice soft. Jefferson shifts his gaze to David, as if realizing for the first time that he is there. 

“The boy t-talked about-about jungles and rivers a-and-and enchanted pools, the only place where-where anyone could f-f-find the cure.” 

He looks away from all of them, his eyes once again set off in the distance, but his grip on Emma’s arm even tighter than before. 

“Neverland,” he repeats one more time, taking a slow breath deep enough that Emma watches the rise and fall of his shoulders. 

And then, as quickly as it started, his hand grows limp on her wrist, and he mumbles, "Why is a raven like a writing desk?", his attention no longer on anything around him as he slips back into madness. 

“That was the only thing he ever said that made sense,” David says, wringing his hands around his cup of coffee as he shakes his head. 

“What happened to him?” Killian asks, his eyes pressed shut as if he is afraid to make eye contact with anyone in the room. 

(He is, fearing that he knows the answer to his own question,)

“He lived for another four days, mumbling nonsense, and then one morning, he just didn’t wake up. Sixteen days.”

Eyes still shut, Killian nods. This was the answer he was expecting, though far from the one he was hoping for deep down. 

“Sixteen days,” he whispers, not needing to open his eyes to know that everyone in the room is focused on him. 

“Sixteen days after he came to the hospital. According to Will, he was at the Nephilim camp with him for at least another two weeks before that.” 

Killian lets out a small laugh, shaking his head. He does finally open his eyes, but the only person in the room he is able to look at is Emma, whose green eyes are full of sympathy, but not sadness. 

He’s thankful for that. 

“So that’s, what, a month? It’s already been a week since I escaped from Pan, a few days longer than that since they first used the Dreamshade on me.”

No one speaks. 

Until: “So, that means we’re going to Neverland now, right?” The question everyone was thinking comes from Mary Margaret, to no one’s surprise. 

Everyone turns to Emma, and the pressure of it all sucks the air right out of her lungs, so she shrugs to give herself a moment to recompose. “I don’t think we have a choice. I’d like to think Killian at least has a fighting chance, from how his wounds have been reacting to my magic. It’s certainly something I’ve never witnessed before, and much different than anything we experienced with Jeff.” 

No one speaks, and Emma takes a moment to look around the room, her eyes landing on Regina last. 

She, unlike everyone else in the room, looks shocked. "What do you mean, how his wounds have been reacting to your magic? " she asks after another moment, her voice both intrigued and slightly scared. 

Emma, in turn, can’t keep her confusion off her face. "You mean your magic didn't react weirdly to his wound?" 

Regina shakes her head, moving slowly towards where Emma still sits next to Killian’s makeshift cot. "Show me." 

So Emma does, conjuring a small light between her hands before focusing on the wound in Killian’s side, where she is able to create the same crackling effect that happened before.

Regina says nothing, her wide eyes unmoving, set on Emma’s hands. Mary Margaret tries to shake her out of her trance, and it takes a minute to work before she turns away from them and rushes back upstairs, still without saying a word, and returning moments later with a small vial of a shining grey liquid, which she hands to Killian. 

"Drink this." 

He raises both eyebrows at her, then looks down at the bottle in his hand. "Pardon?" 

"Just do it." 

When he turns to David, he just shrugs, so he empties the vial into his mouth in a single swallow. Everyone is watching him intently, waiting for something to happen. 

But it doesn't. 

"Do that thing with your magic again," Regina whispers, as if afraid to speak too loudly and break some sort of spell. 

Emma listens, drawing her power up into her hand before focusing on Killian's wound — and this time, along with the crackling and sparking, she is able to pull a viscous black liquid from the wound, though it startles her and she loses focus, so it all disappears. 

Everyone turns their attention to Regina, who just stares wide-eyed at Killian's wound, terror written across her face. "We have to go to the Athenaeum" 

"Are you crazy? I can't go to Nephilysis," David argues, and Killian agrees. 

"There are already enough people looking for us as is." 

"There has to be another way," Mary Margaret tries. 

Regina shakes her head. "No, it's the only place we'll find answers.” She stops, looking down at her wristwatch. “And we need to go now ." 

David huffs. "What do you expect us to do? Just sit around and twiddle our thumbs until you get back?" 

Regina rolls her eyes, but Killian clears his throat. "We could go to the cabin, see if anyone else is there."

This time, David scoffs, his attention on his friend. “Wait, you think we should split up?" 

"That really seems like the only logical plan," Killian replies, obviously not thrilled with the idea, but knowing that it really is their best bet.

"You need to come with me," Regina says, pointing to Emma, who has stayed quiet through all of this. 

After sharing a glance with David, Mary Margaret reaches out to take Emma’s hand in hers. "I'm not letting you go with her alone.”

Regina rolls her eyes again, ignoring the spite in Mary Margaret’s voice. "We have to leave tonight," she says again. 

Emma nods, turning to David. After a moment, he nods, too, turning to Killian. "We shouldn't stay put for too long, either." 

It's a plan — well, more of one than they've had this far. 

"We'll take a week and meet back together before we go to Neverland."

“How do you even get to Neverland?” Mary Margaret asks, looking around the room in hopes of someone having the answer. 

“You have to fly,” Killian says, his voice soft, obviously far away. 

"And how the hell do we do that?" Emma asks. 

Killian smiles. 

TAGS: @shireness-says​​ @cssns​ @kmomof4​ @thisonesatellite​  @teamhook​ @darkcolinodonorgasm​​ @cocohook38​​ @ultraluckycatnd​ @facesiousbutton82​ @hollyethecurious​​ @stahlop​​ @tiguanasummertree  @angellifedeath​​ @pepperpottss​​ @mariakov81​​ @scientificapricot​​ @kday426​​ @xarandomdreamx​​ @ohmightydevviepuu​​ @xhookswenchx​​ @nikkiemms​​ @carpedzem​​ @superchocovian​​ @resident-of-storybrooke​​ @snowbellewells​​ @courtorderedcake​​ @captain-emmajones​​ @killian-whump​​ @officerrogers​​ – want to be added or removed? let me know!

[alj4890]

And Then I Met You

What happens when the one you thought you were meant for turns out to be meant for someone else?

A\N Choices Fan Fiction with characters from The Royal Romance, Red Carpet Diaries, and Perfect Match

@lxaah11​   @alleksa16​   @penguininapinktuxedo​   @blackcoffee85​   @stopforamoment​     @hopelessromantic1352​     @krsnlove     @annekebbphotography        @hopelessromantic1352   . @sunflowergirl05   @desireepow-1986  @greywitchyshots   @lilyofchoices @moodyvalentinestories  @emceesynonymroll   @my-heart-beats-for-ya @aworldoffandoms   @ab1901     @lolablackwrites     @flyawayboo   @i-bloody-love-drake-walker   . @trappedinfandoms   @kate-mckenzie

A/N This is the final chapter for this storyline. Thank you so much for reading this and enjoying it with me. I will still offer shorts and requests for this pair in this storyline. My next series for Thomas and Amanda will be the, “what if” she never told him about being part of the selection for Liam’s bride. The trip to Lake Tahoe will not result in their hasty marriage. No Lauren. None of what has happened here. If you would like to be tagged in this, please let me know in the comments. The new series will be called, And Then I Left You. Cheesy right? LOL!

Masterlist

Part 27 

Lord Thurston Vancouer’s study, Cormery Isle, Cordonia...

Lauren stilled at Tariq's words.

"You," her eyes narrowed, "you are ending our engagement?!"

"Yes." He clasped his hands behind his back. "I have already sent in my statement to the press and--"

"You did what?" She screeched. "How dare you! I should have been the one to do that." She stepped forward and slapped him. "Do you have any idea what this will do to my reputation?"

Tariq's jaw spasmed from the impact. He calmly turned his head back toward her.

Her temper flared even more at his silence. “I gave up my career for you, you bastard!” She raised her hand to slap him again.

His hand shot up, grasping her wrist. “I think this is for the best.”

“You think so?” Her lips curled in a snarl. “You will regret this.”

His expression hardened. “I think I will regret it more if I don’t end things now.”

Lauren yanked her hand away.  “You weren’t the only man who wanted me to marry him.” Her chin lifted as she tried her best to look down her nose at him. “I was told by your friend to dump your sorry ass and choose him.” 

Tariq merely shrugged causing her vengeful temper to burst. 

“It’s Blair isn’t it?” She narrowed her eyes. “Don’t think I’ve been oblivious to the extra time you have been spending with her.”

“She is in a sense a reason behind my decision.” He responded. “But mostly, she opened my eyes to your true nature.”

“You haven’t even begun to see my true nature.” She warned.��“But you will. You will see all that I am as I destroy every single thing you love.” 

Her smile sent chills down Tariq’s back as did the words that followed.

“I think I will start with Arabella. That will punish not only Neville for what he did to me, but will also hurt your precious Blair. Then I’ll--” 

“I don’t think you will have the chance to do anything to my daughters or son.” Lord Thurston’s hard tone cut through her tirade.

Lauren paled when she saw members of the King’s Guard fan out around the study behind Lord Thurston. 

“Your time in Cordonia has come to an end.” Thurston told her. “In fact, I believe you will never have an opportunity to hurt anyone ever again.”

Lauren screamed out her denial when the the guards moved to take her into custody.

“You can’t do this! I--” she was silenced by the guards forcing her to the ground to handcuff her.

An Interpol agent stood by, watching it all unfold while reading out the crimes she was accused of.

Arabella and Blair stood silently with Neville in the hallway as Lauren was dragged out, screaming and crying.

“We must inform Lady Olivia and Lady Amanda that it is done.” Thurston said once the front door closed behind the guards..

“I’ll call Olivia.” Arabella ran off, excited to not only see Lauren taken away, but at also recording the whole incident. She knew a few popular reporters in Cordonia who would appreciate this video.

“I’ll make certain that Lady Amanda is told.” Blair went to Tariq and gently squeezed his hand. Her eyes met his. “Are you alright?”

He nodded, a gentle smile formed over her concern for him. “I am now.”

With a whispered promise to talk to him soon, she left the three men alone.

Thurston cleared his throat to break the tense silence and waved toward his study. “I believe we need to clear the air between you two.”

“There is no need.” Tariq replied. He averted his eyes from the two. “It will take time, but I refuse to let what happened ruin my relationship with the Vancouer’s.”

Neville lowered his head. “I don’t know what possessed me to do that to you.” He lifted remorseful eyes to his old friend. “I humbly ask your forgiveness.”

Thurston wisely remained silent as he watched his son and the man he considered a second son. He knew that this was something that only they could resolve.

Tariq shifted from foot to foot. “I won’t insult you by lying that I understand why you did it or that it didn’t hurt to hear that you--” he shook his head. “I consider you and your family as my own. And if things go as I think, then we will be brothers in truth one day.” His shoulders straightened. “You will have my forgiveness, but it will take a long time for you to regain my trust.”

Thurston looked on in approval as the two shook hands, his son expressing once more his sorrow for his actions.

Time would heal these wounds.

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

The night before in Monterisso, Queen Amalas's private quarters...

"Enough haggling." Olivia grumbled. "I've offered my services the next time you need them." She folded her arms, leveling her basilisk gaze upon the Queen of Spies. "What have you found out about Lauren Benefield?"

Amalas poured them each a glass of wine. "Have a seat."

Olivia eyed the crystal goblet.

"Please." Amalas rolled her eyes. "Why would I make deals if I planned on poisoning you?"

Olivia set the glass down. "I know you didn't poison it. I am here on business, not some social call."

The queen's expression held hints of approval. "And this is why I offered my services to you." She pulled out a small flash drive and tossed it to her. "That, your grace, holds everything."

Olivia quirked an eyebrow. "I assume you kept a copy for yourself."

Amalas silently raised her glass in a toast. "Wouldn't you?"

Olivia's lips twitched into a brief smile. "Naturally."

The Queen pressed a button under her desk. The wall to the left opened, revealing a series of monitors.

Amalas took her own copy of the flash drive and began to pull up all she had discovered on Lauren Benefield.

"It is a good thing you managed to have Lauren quit Lord Hunt's picture.” She began, “ Here's a brief synopsis of what I discovered about her and her associate, Viktor Montmarte.

Olivia pulled up a chair and began reading. Her complexion paled due to some of what she read.

"Kidnapping. Drugs. Sex trafficking. Rape. Extortion." She clicked and saw the small island in the south Pacific that Viktor owned.

"Lauren was not only partaking of these activities." Amalas explained. "She was handpicking underage girls and having them sent to his island," her voice hardened in anger, "under the guise that this was their big break into Hollywood."

Olivia's eyes widened at the satellite images of what was happening around Viktor's estate. "Dear God."

"Interpol along with the FBI are thrilled that I was able to get some concrete evidence." Amalas explained. "I've been working with them the past few months." Her voice turned cold. “Montmarte has friends in very high places that have been helping him stay just under the radar.” Her eyes narrowed. “I knew he couldn’t be doing all this on his own.”

"And when you saw what Lauren was doing to Thomas and Amanda, you were able to get the final piece to the puzzle?" Olivia murmured.

"I didn't know if she was a victim or a partner of Viktor's. Once I tapped into their conversations while she was at Lythikos, I was able to see how deeply involved she was." Amalas enlarged a photo of Lauren smiling as she disembarked off a plane with two teenage girls. "Without her help, Viktor wouldn't have gotten half of the girls he and his friends preferred."

Olivia clicked on another image of Lauren and Viktor at a pool party. The actress was laughing while holding down a young woman in tears so that the producer could forcefully fondle her.

Amalas clicked back to her notes. "I discovered this too." She pulled up a recorded conversation between Viktor and Lauren from when she first began working with Thomas. "Lauren records everything in case she needs to blackmail Viktor and vice versa."

Viktor: How's your seduction going?

Lauren: *laughter* Slow. I have to handle Thomas with kid gloves.

Viktor: If anyone can do it, it's you.

Lauren: I know. *more laughter* Don't worry. I won't forget about you. Once Mr. Hunt is mine, I will give you his grieving wife.

Viktor: *chuckle* I have plans for the duchess.

Lauren: I bet you do.

Viktor: I haven't ever had a noble before. *sinister chuckle* Perhaps I should use the gold rope when I tie her up.

Lauren: Promise me that I get to watch. I can't wait to see her content, happy face devastated.

Viktor: I promise it will be all that you desire, my dear.

Lauren: Maybe we should first force her to watch what I do with Thomas. That will really get her.

Viktor: The more broken they are the more turned on I get. We'll use the rooms with the two-way mirrors. I’ll start by--

Olivia turned it off. Her rage exploded as she stood abruptly from her chair.

"I--" tears sparked her green eyes. "I can't believe--" words failed her as she thought of her closest friend encountering such evil. That she actually had this person in her home as a guest.

Amalas placed a comforting hand on Olivia's shoulder. "Don't worry." She closed the files. "Once America and Europe are finished, these two will be permanently placed in a dank cell."

“They don’t deserve that consideration.” Olivia snapped. “To think of all the lives they have ruined.”

Later that night, Olivia called Liam and Bastien. She explained all that she had discovered, urging them to alert Lord Thurston to guard Arabella and Blair.

Plans were made to have the actress apprehended and held for extradition. Liam promised to call Tariq to go ahead an issue a statement that his engagement was over before the scandal struck.

After talking to them, Olivia called Amanda.

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

St Orella, Cordonia, the next day...

Thomas was in no state to continue filming. Last night's discovery had nearly broke him. Knowing he would have been the one that brought about harm to Amanda and their life together had devastated him.

He had briefly explained to Holly to have the crew take a few days off while he came to terms with everything.

He then spent the morning on the balcony, staring off at the waves, crashing against the rocky shore.

"How long have you been out here?" Amanda asked once she found him.

"Sunrise." He replied, unable to look directly at her.

She came over and sat next to him. Her hand slipped into his as she turned her attention to the beauty before them.

Thomas couldn't take the simple kindness. He rose abruptly and went to stand over at the balustrade.

"Thomas?" Amanda followed him and wrapped her arms around him from behind. "What's--"

He jerked out of her grasp. "I need to be alone."

Her eyes searched his, causing him to avert his gaze.

"Why?" She asked.

Thomas ran his hands over his face. "You know why."

She leaned against the balustrade, silently observing her husband’s odd behavior.

He couldn't take it. He left her without a word and went directly to their closet.

Amanda followed him, watching as he began to pack.

"What are you doing?" She asked. "We don't leave for the capital until Thursday."

He tried to swallow the lump forming in his throat. "I'm not going to the capital."

"What? Why?" Amanda couldn't take him avoiding her and blocked his path. "We must attend Liam's coronation!"

Thomas stilled when she took his hands. His head dropped, wishing she would order him to leave and never return. He didn’t deserve her. 

"Are you angry with me?" She asked.

His head jerked up. "What would I have to be angry with you for?" His expression hardened. "Were you the one to insist on having an actress be around the one you vowed to protect? Were you the one who dismissed all the concerns voiced by those you trust?" His voice cracked. "Did you leave the one you love more than anything alone with such a person nearby to film on location?"

Amanda stepped closer, winding her arms around him. "You didn't know Lauren was that evil. You thought she was a flirt. A woman who got off on destroying people's lives with affairs."

"I should have put two and two together." He snapped, completely disgusted at himself. "I suspected Viktor of predatory behavior with young actresses. I should have seen that his closeness to Lauren meant that they were of like mind."

His temper broke as he thought over all his decisions concerning the actress. “AND I’M THE FOOL WHO BROUGHT THEM INTO OUR HOME!”

His voice echoed in their bedroom. A nervous Hudson knocked on the door, forcing Thomas to quickly apologize for his outburst.

Amanda shushed him, pulling him closer to her. The morning's news had shown the actress being extradited from Cordonia while Viktor was simultaneously being dragged from his Hollywood mansion in the middle of the night. Some other famous people and those in the business and diplomatic world were being held for questioning and arrested.

"It's over." She said softly. "Neither Viktor nor Lauren will ever have a chance to hurt someone again." She pressed a tender kiss to his cheek. "And thankfully, they did not have a chance to hurt us as they had planned."

"If they had, I--" he swallowed at the lump in his throat. "I could have lost you."

Amanda shook her head. "You wouldn't have lost me." 

She tried to kiss him. Prove to him that all was as it should be.

He broke away. "I would have. If Lauren had succeeded in making you believe I was having an affair. If Viktor had succeeded in--" his fist clinched, wishing he had them wrapped around the man's throat. "I would have lost you."

She tried to say he wouldn't, yet, she knew deep down that he very well might have. As she imagined how she would be after going through something like that, she realized what would have happened if they had divorced.

"We would have found our way back to each other."

Thomas raised his heartbroken eyes back to hers. "You sound so certain."

"Not only do I love you, I need you." She admitted. "You give me comfort." She tugged on his arms to hold her. "You listen to me, try to help me...I would have needed all that if they had succeeded." She nestled her head in the crook of his neck and shoulder. "Your touch alone helps ease any worry or pain I have."

He clutched her tight, words failing at how she did the same for him. He pressed his lips to her forehead, letting them remain there as he allowed her to ease the tension within him.

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

Fives Months Later, Hollywood...

Thomas tugged at his bowtie while he waited downstairs. He reviewed the speech he had written for tonight’s premiere of The Earl’s Undoing.

“You’re going to ruin that if you keep pulling at it.” 

He looked up and smiled at his wife coming downstairs. Slipping the notecards in his breast pocket, he met her at the bottom step.

“I must admit that I feel those same butterflies that I had the night you took me to the AFI’s awards.” She tilted her head when he kissed her cheek. “Are you sure this is what I should wear tonight?”

Thomas took her hand and twirled her. The rich royal blue gown sparkled in the lamp light. “You look beautiful.” 

She pressed a tender kiss to his lips, smiling as he held her close. “You look very handsome.”

“I notice you say that whenever I wear a tuxedo.” He teased. “That is the only reason I keep wearing them to events.”

She laughed, slipping her arm in the bend of his. “We better go. Liam sent a text saying that they would be leaving the hotel in an hour.”

The two made their way to the theater. Cameras flashed as their limo pulled up.

“Ready?” Thomas asked.

“I think so.” She gripped his hand. 

“Normally, I would say we forget about it and go straight home.” He stepped out of the car and helped her out. As cameras flashed and cheers were yelled, he leaned down to whisper in her ear. “But I want everyone to see how proud I am that you let me direct your story.”

Cameras once again captured the moment the two looked at one another. The tender smile and obvious love was seen by all along with the sweet kiss the duchess gave her director.

That night, Thomas did not remain dismissive of any question posed about the film. With Amanda by his side, he remained for the most part, almost pleasant with the invasive inquiries of their life together and whether or not they would work on any more projects as they had with The Earl’s Undoing.

Finally making it inside the theater, they joined their friends who each had a hand in helping the couple get here together.

Once they all found their seats, Thomas whispered that he would be right back.

He made his way to the front of the packed auditorium and raised his hand for silence.

“Good evening.” He began. “I want to thank each person who made this movie possible. My gratitude to our friends from Cordonia who traveled here specifically to support us. And how grateful I am for those of you who came out tonight.” 

He cleared his throat and waited for the applause to die down. “Let me begin by saying what many directors that have come before me have said. This was a labor of love.” His eyes met Amanda’s. “But unlike the love we feel for our craft, mine was truly one of deep, heartfelt emotion. Without this story, I would have never met the author who ended up becoming the very love of my life.”

Amanda blinked back tears as he gave a brief story of how he had fallen in love with her while working towards making a movie. Beside her, Nadia, Riley, and Addison were sniffing and wiping their own tears. Even Olivia and Holly were slightly affected, both attempting to pretend they weren’t.

“What you will see on the screen is a love letter to my wife, Amanda.” He explained. “Every shot. Every line said in a particular way. Every bit of costume and scenery...it is all from my heart.” He once again met his wife’s unwavering gaze. “For the rest of my life, this movie will be my favorite of all time and all because I met you.”

[shewillreadyou]

Me before You: Chapter 2- For Real

As always. I hope that you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing.

A/N: This is a TRR AU. Liam is already married, but see’s Riley and wants his cake. If the readers are receptive this might turn into more than a mini series.

Disclaimers: Most characters are property of Pixelberry

Warnings: Language, adult content, mild sexual innuendo. 

Word Count: 2458

Catch up: Haven’t met you Yet

Prompts: @theworldofprompts​ 

“Name one thing you regret in life?”  

“Well, for starters, I married you.” will appear in BOLD.

Pairings: Drake & Riley

Song inspiration: For Real- Amel Larrieux

Be Kind: Hit the heart button, leave a comment or reblog. It makes a writer so so happy. 

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may salute your bride.”

Savannah and her groom shared a modest kiss. 

“It is my pleasure to present to you for the very first time the Duke and Duchess of Ramsford. Bertrand and Savannah Beaumont of Cordonia.”

“Cordonia?” Riley whispered to herself.

“So I’m not crazy. Drake said he is from Cordonia. The Liam look-alike could really be King Liam of Cordonia. The matron of honor could actually be Queen Carsyn. This is insane.” 

Her thoughts raced as she tried to make connections. 

“There will be a cocktail hour in the barn,” an older woman announced.

The barn was decorated in a rustic theme, Tim McGraw’s, “I like it, I love it” played in the background and there were servers with appetizers everywhere. Quickly, lines formed for the open bars. Mack held on to Riley’s arm as they waited.

“So let me get this straight? The guy you met in New York, was Drake? Drake Walker? Like Savannah’s brother Drake? No fucking way. The world is not that small.”

“Yeah, apparently it is, he is the man I saw at the airport, the guy from the bar, the guy I’ve been texting and now he’s here.”

“Sounds like fate.”

“I don’t know if I believe in fate. More like dumb luck.”

“Miss Riley?” a server interrupts their conversation. 

“For you and your guest.”

He offers a whiskey sour and an old fashion, the signature drink to she and Mack.

“Compliments of Mr. Walker. My name is Caleb, I have been personally assigned to you for the duration of the evening. You don’t need to wait in lines. I can bring you whatever you need to eat or drink.”

“Wow, well thank you Caleb. That’s very thoughtful.” 

She tries to tip Caleb and he refuses. 

“No thank you Ma’am. Mr. Walker has already compensated me handsomely. Please let me know if there is anything else I can get for you.”

Later

The wedding party joins the guests in the barn before the bride and groom have their first dance. Riley watched from her assigned seat wondering who would end up seated next to her. The seat went empty for the first part of the afternoon. 

“That was a beautiful ceremony. You know, I have seen pictures and heard tons of stories about Drake from Savannah, but he has really grown up. He is a hottie.”

“He’s ok.”

“Wow, just ok? Huh? I’m wounded.” he says in a raspy voice. 

“Drake!”

Mack and Riley blush furiously.

“Raye. It’s good to see you again.”

“That’s one way of putting it,” she smirked.

“Sorry! Drake, this is Mackenzie, Mack this is Savannah’s brother Drake.”  

“Don’t listen to her. She was definitely pleasantly surprised,” Mack said as she extended her hand for Drake to kiss. 

Riley elbowed Mack and Drake laughed as he shook her hand. 

“Good thing I get the honor of keeping you company tonight. My seat was moved next to yours.”

He smiled and Riley’s heart melted just a little bit more. He leaned over to hug her and she immediately flashed back to their dance on the rooftop. 

After their first dance, all the guests were invited to the dance floor. “At Last” by Etta James started to play.

“May I have this dance? And please don’t tell me that your feet still hurt.”

She stood, unsure of what to do in the presence of royalty.

“Your Majesty, we have to stop meeting this way. Shouldn’t you be dancing with your Queen?”

Before he could answer, Drake slipped up behind Riley snaking his strong arm around her waist. Pulling her into his embrace.

“Beat it Li!”

“Miss me yet?” 

“Perfect timing. Small world. You didn’t say that your Mom and sister lived so close to me.”

“I didn’t think it was pertinent information at the time,” he said as he led her in a slow dance. Riley watched Queen Carsyn over Drakes shoulder, as she shot daggers at King Liam. 

“Is he always like that?”

“What?”

“Liam? Is he always so tactless?”

“I’m not at liberty to comment,” he chuckles.

“Question asked, question answered.”

“Enough about Liam. Have I mentioned how stunning you look?”

“No, but thanks for the compliment anyway.”

She smiled, getting lost in his eyes as they swayed to the music.  

After sitting and watching Drake and Riley dance and flirt for hours Mack was about ready to go.

“Ri, I’m about ready to head out.”

“Riley reluctantly said her goodbyes to Drake, not knowing when she’d see him again. 

After a short drive back to her place they arrived to see a red Jeep sitting idle in front of her door waiting. Riley looked at Mack and shrugged her shoulders. When she had said goodnight to her friend, she headed to the door. The window of the Jeep lowered, “Hey, could you tell me where to get something good to eat in this neighborhood?” 

“Drake! What-- how did you know where I lived?”

“Guestbook.”

“Well, that isn’t creepy at all.” 

“I’m hungry and thought you might be hungry too.” 

“So, where to?”

“I don’t know, I have only been here a few weeks.”

“I know a place.”

Drake gets out of the truck and walks around waving at Mack, who is still watching from her car. He opens the door for Riley and grabs her by the waist helping her into the truck.

“Really? Such a gentleman.”

He smiles as he heads back around. Mack lowers her window and says, “I took a picture of your license plates just in case she doesn’t make it back.”

“Noted.”

“Thank you. So where are we going?”

“Whataburger. I can’t get that in Cordonia.”

“What the what?”

“You’ll love it, promise and it’s on me. Seat belt.”

“Let me ask you a question?”

“Just one?”

“God no, I have a million questions.”

“Ok, I will try my best to answer them.”

She thinks of what she wants to ask first.

“What did you honestly think when you saw me today?”

“That I am not this lucky.”

A blush crept across her face as she awkwardly shifted in the seat.

“Why do you live in Cordonia if your Mom and Sister are here?”

“Work is there. Besides, I have never had a good reason to come back.”

“I see.”

 Her face betrayed her, she was feeling conflicted and defeated and it showed. They drove along the dark road quietly for a few minutes.

“So, uh, you must do important work in Cordonia for you to stay there instead of here with your family.”

“If you want to know what I do for a living Raye, just ask.”

“You told me not to and I respect your wishes.”

“Well, some would consider it important. My family won’t be here for long, Sav and my nephew are moving to Cordonia this week. I’m the lead for the King’s Guard.”

“You mean you protect Liam?”

“Yeah,” he says as he rubs the back of his neck.

Just then they pulled into the parking lot. The line in the drive thru was long so they headed inside. He held the door open for her and when they stood in front of the counter he stood directly behind her as they both looked up at the menu. He rubbed his hands up and down her arms when he noticed her shiver. 

“Cold?”

“Yeah, a little. Also, overwhelmed with this menu. Order for me?”

A mischievous grin crept across his face as he placed his suit coat around her shoulders. 

After an hour of probing conversation, many laughs, and eating a deliciously greasy burger, heavenly fries with as Drake called it “fancy fucking ketchup,” they headed back to her place. 

“Drake, I’m not ready for tonight to end,” she confessed.

“I know the feeling.”

“Come upstairs with me?”

“Riley Elizabeth Raye! What kind of guy do you think I am?”

“The kind who steals people’s personal information out of wedding guest books.” 

“Checkmate.”

“Besides, I have had these shoes on since this morning. My feet! Anyway, we can watch a movie and chat for a little while.”

“I have been told I give a mean foot massage.”

“Are you offering?”

He licks his lips and bites his lips. Her center twitched.

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what? Why are you looking at me like you want to climb in my lap?

Her cheeks flushed red.

“You wish.”

“Enough about that, let’s talk about our first real date.”

“Who said I wanted to date a guy with no real reason to come to Dallas?”

“Whoa, that was before.”

They headed up to her apartment. He stood so close to her in the elevator that she could feel his body heat. They had a staring contest that she lost. She definitely looked away first. It was like he was staring into her soul. The sexual tension was thick and she felt relieved when the elevator dinged and the doors slid open. 

“Long distance dating is not exactly something I want to pursue.”

“Understandable. I’m here now. Let me take you out tomorrow.”

“What would that look like?”

“Dallas Jazz fest is tomorrow.”

“And you just happened to know that off the top of your head?”

“I might have done some research on my phone when I learned that a certain lady whom I’d like to impress was within my grasp.”

She chortled, “you like jazz?”

“No, but if I get to spend time with you it can’t be that bad.”

“You’d do that for me?”

They step inside her place and he makes a face. 

“What is it?”

“Your place smells exactly like I expected, fruity.”

She invites Drake to sit as she kicks her shoes off. She moves around the counter and opens the fridge grabbing a couple bottles of water, a bottle of Glenmorangie, and a couple glasses. 

“Raye, this is the good stuff. It’s really expensive. Sure you’re sharing?”

“Completely, pour me one too? Be right back,” she says as she headed into her bedroom to change and freshen up.

When she returned, Drake cleared his throat at the sight of her barely there clothing change. 

They settled on the soft couch as Drake passed her the tumbler of whiskey he poured for her. She eyed the drink as he stared at her. 

“What are you looking at?”

“Your umm, outfit? Comfy?”

“Yes. Very. Should I drink this? I didn’t see you pour it.”

“Good grief, switch with me.” Drake says before raising his glass.

“Cheers, to the best reason I ever had to come back to the States.”

She bit her lip trying to contain her smile.

“Well then, after a toast like that you get to pick the movie.”

She later regretted being so generous. Drake chose FACE OFF. They started off good, he pulled her aching feet into his lap and rubbed them until she was sure she would orgasm. She pulled away crossing her legs in a twisted attempt to save her panties. 

She loved the movie but knew she couldn’t get through any of the scenes when they ran their hands down the others face to wordlessly say, I love you. So as much as she tried she sat with tears running down her face for much of the movie. The first time she cried Drake pretended to ignore it. She wiped her face on her. The next time she cried he looked at her with a raised eyebrow and the final time he pulled her into his arms and wiped her tears.

“You definitely get to pick a movie that won’t make you cry next time.”

“Next time? You really want to go out with me, huh?”

“I thought that was clear by now.”

  “Drake, can I be honest?”

“I’d prefer it.”

“I have never dated a white guy before.”

He feigned shock. Then laughed. 

“We have that in common because I haven't either. Is that all?”

“No, I didn’t expect to like you this much.”

“Have you dated a black woman before?”

“No.”

“Are you ready for family and friends to turn their backs on you? For strangers to shoot us dirty looks in public? For all of the things that come along with dating me?”

“I guess I never really thought about it. But I’d like to think that it would be a small price to pay to be with you.”

 They chatted until they both fell asleep. The sunrise plucked him from his slumber. She had fallen asleep in his arms. He watched her for a few moments fighting the urge to kiss her. He untangled himself from her and used her restroom. When he returned, she was awake. 

“I thought you finally came to your senses and left.”

“I don’t scare easily. I’m headed back to the ranch. I’ll pick you up around 6pm.”

She stood and they shared a long embrace as she secretly sniffed him trying to memorize his smell before she let him out.

Back at the ranch

“You stayed out all night. Did you get some trim?”

“No.”

Figures. You wouldn’t know what to do with all that ass anyway.

“And you do?” Carsyn interjects.

“Carsyn, I didn’t realize you were back from your morning run.”

“I knew that you wanted to fuck her. I saw the way you were looking at her at the wedding.”

Drake stands, “This seems like a personal conversation. Call me later Li.”

Liam shakes his head and turns to his wife. 

“You are always making a big deal out of nothing. I have given you everything. You knew who I was before you married Me. You are the queen. Why are you so insecure?”

Tears filled her eyes. 

“Name one thing you regret in life?”  “Well, for starters, I married you.”

Liam stormed out of the room to find Drake in the hall on the phone with Riley. When Drake sees Liam he ends the call.

“Drake Walker. Your nose is open. I know you think you like her but, do you really want to start seeing a black woman? They can be a lot.”

“Don’t be an ass Li, any woman can be a lot. But it’s different with her. She is so chill. Like it’s easy with her.” 

“If it’s so easy, why didn’t you close?”

“I said that it’s easy to be with her. Not that she was easy you, prick.”

“Just be careful Drake. You know what they say… Once you go black…”

“Li! For fucks sake.”

“I’m just saying. I’m going out tonight so if you need a trial run Carsyn will be here alone.”

“Did you just give me permission to fuck your wife?”

“Sure, everyone knows I’m not.”

“Hard pass.”

@txemrn​​​ @pixie88​​​ @secretaryunpaid​​​@khoicesbyk​​​ @blackkingliamstan​​​ @mom2000aggie​​​ @shannonwrote​​​ @hopelessromanticmonie​​​ @fanjessfic​​​ @rideordiechronicles​​​ @lucy-268​​​ @dcbbw​​​ @darley1101​​​ @maurine07​​​​ @sfb123​​​ @bbrandy2002​​​ @kingliam2019​​​ @schnitzelbutterfingers​​​ @lem-20​​​ @choicesficwriterscreations​​​​ @theworldofprompts​​ @no-one-u-know​​

TRR: @twinkleallnight​​​  @bebepac​​​ @mainstreetreader​​​ @romereadingshop​​​ @romewritingshop​​​ @lem-20​​​ @texaskitten30​​

[ba-responds]

Imagine: Being Garrett Douglas’ True Mate (Part One)**

Garrett Douglas x Reader

A/n: This is a 2 parter. Don’t get too used to stuff like this, because Older/Younger smut/relationships make me slightly uncomfortable now, but I like how this one turned out! **Warning(s): Smut, Sex, DUBCON*, Alpha Kink, Older/Younger, Teacher/student 

        -Dubcon: consent is unknown or uncertain, and this is distinguished from consent being definitely absent, as in non-con. Often, a character involved is uncertain about whether he or she wants to participate.

Word Count: 4K

Masterlist

Garrett Douglas clenched his jaw, grinding his teeth together as he stared at you from down the hall. You were surrounded by your ‘pack’, all of you talking and laughing about something that Garrett couldn’t care less about. The only thing he could focus on was you. Your smile, your body, everything. You were leaning against the lockers, watching with gleeful eyes as Liam did a little dance move that made you laugh. Garrett took a deep breath, trying to desperately control himself. His fist clenched and his fingernails dug into his palms as he tore his eyes away from you, instead glaring up at the ceiling so he could collect his thoughts. 

“Good morning Mr. Douglas,” a student said as she passed by him to get in the classroom. He glanced down at her with a fake small smile, nodding in acknowledgment to her. Loosening his clenched fist, he pulled them behind his back as he felt the skin heal, before carefully reaching into his pocket, pulling out a tissue to clean the little drops of blood that came out of the healed wounds. He wore a fake smile as more students passed him to enter his class, letting his gaze scan the hallway. You were walking backwards, with your back facing him, as you were saying your last parting words to your friends, Lydia by your side. After saying your last few words, you turned back around, walking side by side with Lydia, heading straight towards Garrett. Garrett genuinely smiled for the first time in a few days as he watched you walk closer and closer to him. 

“Good morning,” He said, letting his eyes linger on you for a second before sliding towards the redhead. Both of you smiled politely, but he felt your eyes look him up and down, trying to be discreet.

“Morning,” Lydia said, barely paying attention to him, and slipping into the class. His eyes snapped back to you, sending you a small smirk and a wink. Your eyes widened as your mouth dropped a little, before you sped past him, muttering a light ‘good morning’. Garrett wore a large smirk as he closed the classroom door, walking up to the front of the classroom.

“Okay, so is everyone ready for AP Physics?” He asked, smiling when he heard a loud series of groans.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

You huffed as you stared down at the textbook in front of you, trying to find out the best way of doing the new ‘fun’ advanced physics project; which consisted of building a functioning boat or raft capable of carrying, and supporting, two people, only using thin plastic materials, cheap tape, and nylon twine. Groaning, you glanced up at Lydia, who was sitting on the other side of the room with her assigned partner, already looking like they had a plan for the project. 

“Can we use Duct tape?” Rylan, your newly assigned lab partner, asked as he stared over your shoulder at the directions sheet in front of you. Shaking your head in response, you flinched lightly when he rested his chin on your shoulder playfully. “Well we're going to need really strong plastic to carry both of us,”

“It can't exceed ¼ of an inch thick, though,” you muttered, leaning your head to the side so it knocked gently on his. Rylan was one of your friends, not a best friend, but a close friend nonetheless. He was a really sweet guy, who always playfully acted as if you two were a couple, despite him being gay, but you didn't mind. 

“Any ideas?” He asked, his chin still on your shoulder as he wrapped his arms around your waist so he could type on the laptop you had on your lap. Shaking your head, you leaned back into his chest with a huff, letting your eyes scan the room to spot if anyone else was as hopeless as you were. Your gaze came to a halt when you saw the look on Mr. Douglas’ face. He had a look you never seen on him before, one that was almost well disguised, but you could tell by his glare and clenched jaw that he was mad. His eyes suddenly met your gaze, making your heart skip a beat as your gaze shot down to the textbook in front of you.

 You cursed yourself for staring, but who wouldn't stare at the young, sexy teacher? As you tried to make sure you didn't seem like you were just staring at him, you couldn't help but imagine all of your dirty little fantasies you had about Mr. Douglas. It was just something you couldn't help, you felt compelled to be near him, to be with him. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you tried to reason to yourself that all these fantasies were actually possible, because of the fact that you were 18 years old, and considered a legal adult. This fact sometimes reassured you, seeming to make the possibility of being with Mr. Douglas even greater.

“(Y/n)? Are you okay?” Rylan asked, pinching your thigh. Snapping out of your thoughts, you immediately nodded, before leaning forwards to continue trying to think of the best structure your boat could have.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Garrett gulped, trying his best to stay in control but you were making it really hard. Even when he turned away and focused on something else, he couldn't help but to continue to think about you; which usually wouldn't bother him, but now that you were in that Bastard’s arms, he could barely stop his hands from shaking in anger. 

“I thought he was fucking gay, or else I wouldn't have partnered him with my (Y/n),”Garrett thought to himself as he forced himself to take deep breaths. He glared up at the clock, waiting for the moment he could let the class leave. When that time finally came, he immediately stood up, telling the class that they were free to go, which everyone seemed happy about. Garrett held his head in his hands as the students packed up, groaning lowly as he felt a headache come on. After a minute of quiet shuffling, a single pair of footsteps made him look up with an annoyed face.

“Um, excuse me Mr. Douglas,” you muttered, with a small smile as you stepped forward. His heart leapt in his chest as he stared up at your (e/c) eyes. He almost grinned, but then he smelled his scent all over you, making him frown and almost let out a growl.

“What?” He snapped, making your eyes widen as you fumbled on your words.

“I-I um… I was wondering if t-there's any tips you can give me for this project. We uh….we really couldn't think of anything useful,” You said, avoiding his gaze. He felt anger bubble up inside him, not because of you, but because that bastard Rylan had distracted you from reaching your full potential.

“Well maybe if you and Rylan were actually listening instead of cuddling in the back, you would have heard me tell the class that there is a tip sheet online,” he growled out, rolling his eyes as he stood up. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw you flinch and look down sadly, muttering an apology, your heart pounding in your chest. Garrett couldn't quite tell whether it was beating rapidly out of embarrassment of being called out, or something else.

“Knock that stupid PDA shit out, it's fucking annoyingly,” he hissed lowly, feeling his fist clench just thinking back to how comfortable you seemed to be with Rylan. “You're supposed to be with me, and only me,”.

“I'm sorry,” you muttered, speeding out of the class, a few tears dripping down your face. Garrett felt his eyes change colors as the room was bathed in red, as he lost control of himself. He wanted badly to go after you and apologize, but he just couldn't get the image of you and Rylan out of his head.

You leaning on Rylan’s chest with a small smile, with his arms wrapped around you; Rylan resting his chin on your shoulder, while yours leaned gently against it. Garrett felt his chest become tight as he tried to suck in a desperate breath. His vision started to fade as he stumbled to the supply closet at the far side of the room. Yanking the door open, he grasped at the helium tank on the shelf, pulling it down to him. Grabbing the facemask already connected to it, he held it up to his mouth, before turning the tank on. Garrett took deep breaths of the helium as he let his body slid down the wall until he sat on the cold tile floor. Looking up at the ceiling, he shook his head. These ‘attacks’ had been happening more and more recently, and he knew exactly what was causing it. Not being with his mate was going to kill him.

“That's it. I need her,” 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

You winced and groaned as you limped down the empty street, wrapping your thin jacket further around your body as you desperately tried to cling to the little heat you had. Your eyes scanned the sidewalk, slightly paranoid about all the Ghost Rider activity that has been happening lately. 

“Shit…” you muttered to yourself as you put a little too much pressure on your hurt ankle. Hopping on one foot to the nearby bus stop, you flopped down on the seat. Gently lifting your right leg, you rested your ankle on your left knee. Poking your swollen ankle a little to test the pain, you hissed. Your shoulders slumped as a tear threatened to fall from your eye. 

Of course it was just your luck to sprain your ankle on the walk to your house from Scott's house. Since you were only about 10 minutes away from your house when it happened, you didn't think of calling anyone, not wanting to bother anyone at this time of night; besides your parents weren't going to be home tonight, so you didn't have to worry about being in at a certain time. After resting for a few more minutes, you hesitantly stood up, softly putting more and more pressure on your hurt ankle, until you felt confident enough to continue walking on it. After taking a few agonizing steps, you hissed out in pain, muttering a few curses. A black car driving past made you look up out of curiosity, watching as it slowly came to a stop in the middle of the street a few feet away from you. Your heart dropped as you mentally prepared to run as fast as you could on your hurt ankle, continuing to limp faster than before. The car’s window then started to roll down, and that is when you noticed the familiar face.

“(Y/n)? Are you okay? It's almost 1 in the morning, what are you doing out here so late?” Mr. Douglas questioned as he stepped out of the car, hurrying over to you when you stumbled. You gave him an embarrassed smile, before pointing down at your ankle.

“Uh, I tripped and hurt my ankle. I'm just trying to get home now,” you muttered as he helped you up, letting you grip on his arm as you found your balance.

“Come on, I'll give you a ride,” he said, helping you to the passenger side of the car. Your heart fluttered in your chest at the thought of being in the same car as Mr. Douglas, your mind immediately coming up with a dirty fantasy of what the two of you could do in the car. You looked down at your feet so he couldn't see your face, not wanting to chance the possibility of him reading your expression. After helping you inside the car, he jogged around to the driver's side, sliding into the seat before he turned to you.

“What's your address,” he asked, glancing over at you, concern still etched on his face. You told him your address, looking discreetly around the black interior of the car. 

“Thank you,” you said when there was an awkward silence, looking at him before shifting your gaze out of the window. He sighed deeply, glancing at you from the corner of his eye.

“I'm sorry about earlier… I didn't mean to snap on you, I was just having a bad day,” He said, as he pulled the car up in front of your house. He immediately jumped out, rushing over to your side as you opened the door and tried to put weight on your hurt ankle. “Careful!”

He held out his arm so you could grip it and lean against him to shift your weight. As the two of you walked to your door, taking your time, he looked around at the dark windows, his eyebrows furrowing.

“Is anyone home?” He questioned, as you reached into your pocket to get your house keys. Simply shaking your head, you unlocked the door, trying to pull away from Mr. Douglas, but he held onto your arm, insisting he at least help you to the couch and  check out your ankle. Upon stepping inside and closing the door, you twisted to try to flick on the light, but you ended up putting way too much pressure on your ankle, making your leg crumple from under you. Mr. Douglas immediately reached out to catch you, but instead was tripped by you accidentally, making him fall on top of you. You yelped when the back of your head came in contact with the ground harshly, darting forward to grab a hold of the new injury. Upon doing this, your face mashed into something, your lips catching the side of something soft. You immediately recognized your mistake, and pulled back, slamming your head on the ground once again, this time seemingly harder than the first time. You hissed as you squeezed your eyes shut, your face heating up with embarrassment.

“I think I just accidentally kissed him…” 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“She just kissed me…” Garrett thought shocked, a smile creeping onto his face. Just the small kiss had sent shivers up his spine, his body feeling rejuvenated. In a moment of weakness, he couldn't control himself, so he reached up, catching your jaw. He closed his eyes as he leaned down, connecting your lips. He felt you freeze, and could hear your heart skip a beat before speeding up. Slowly you seemed to melt in the kiss, finally feeling the same sparks he felt. Goosebumps rose on his skin under your touch, your fingers hesitantly drifting up his arms. 

After a few more moments, he reluctantly pulled away, taking a deep breath. You panted under him, and with his Alpha vision, he could see that your eyes were closed, your lips slightly parted. You slowly opened your eyes, staring up at him, dazed. Your eyes suddenly widened, as you shot from under him, crawling backwards.

“Y-Your eyes…” you muttered, staring at him shocked and slightly terrified.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After the kiss, you laid completely shocked under Mr. Douglas, your eyes still closed as you tried to process everything that just happened. The kiss had your mind clouded, and all you could think about was how perfect his lips felt on yours; the rush that seemed to flow through your body. You slowly opened your eyes, taking a second to be able to focus in the darkness. When you finally made eye contact with him, you gasped, crawling backwards away from him as fast as you could.

“Y-Your eyes…” you muttered, staring into his glowing red eyes. You shook your head, rubbing your eyes for a second before looking at him again, only to see that the red eyes were still there. He looked at you panicked for a moment, as if he couldn't think of an excuse.

“I-I uh…” he stuttered, frozen to his spot.

“Y-You're an Alpha….” you whispered, gulping. “I just made out with an alpha...who's also my teacher…” 

“You're my mate,” he admitted out of nowhere, as if that would explain things, but it only confused you further. 

“His mate? It couldn't be…” you thought, trying to think of everything Deaton had told you about mates. It wasn't much, but you do remember him mentioning a thing called ‘true mates’, but that couldn't be possible right? Not you of all people. You were so wrapped up in your  thoughts, you didn't realize he came closer until he was right in front of you.

“You're mine,” he growled, his nose flaring as he grabbed your arms. His lips suddenly smashed onto yours, making you gasp. His tongue found its way into your mouth as he pushed you back so you were laying down on the ground again. Through your jumbled mind, you couldn't focus on anything other than the need to be with him. That need clouded your judgement, and you found yourself wrapping your arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He groaned, his hands traveling down to grip your thighs as he pulled you closer to him. 

Pulling away, you gasped for air as he began to attack your neck with kisses. The thought of stopping him past through your mind, but it was quickly discarded when he began to suck bruises into your neck. Your eyes fluttered closed as you brought your hands up to run through his soft hair. 

He suddenly pulled away, sitting up to yank off his jacket and shirt. You watched mesmerized as he smirked down at you, his eyes still glowing red, but you couldn't care less at the moment. After tossing his shirt to the side, he pulled you up unexpectedly, lifting you into his arms as he crossed the room to the couch. He fell backwards onto the couch so you were on top of him. After taking a second to get comfortable and to take off your jacket, he grabbed you by the back of your neck, pulling down into another heated kiss. You moaned into the kiss, grinding down on the growing bulge in his pants.

You couldn't understand what came over you, but this urge was making you want him so bad. You broke the kiss to rip off your shirt, tossing it to the side before leaning down for another kiss. A shiver went up your spine as his hands traveled your sides, unclasping your bra, before reaching under to cup your breast. After taking the bra away, without breaking the kiss, you dropped it on the floor next to you. 

Garrett suddenly twisted, maneuvering the two of you so he was now on top. He growled lowly as he attacked your chest, his hands freely roaming your body. You threw your head back, your lips parted in a quiet moan.

“Why am I doing this?” You thought to yourself, as your fingers traced his back muscles. He kissed down your neck, before clamping down on one of your nipples, the other being toyed with his hand. You arched your back some, grinding your hips onto his, drawing a soft groan from him. His fingers drifted south, swiftly pulling down your pants and underwear with your help. You fumbled to unbutton his jeans, zipping down the zipper quickly. Deciding you were taking too long, Garrett decided to do it himself, yanking down his pants. Once everything was off, his lips connected to yours again, this time harder than before, more needy. His nails dug into your skin some, making you whimper slightly, but he ignored it.

“I'm gonna make sure you stay mine,” he growled as he dug his nails further into your thighs, making you squirm under him. He suddenly pulled one of your legs up,  making you gasp as he settled in between your legs, his erection against your core, but not penetrating.

“Mr. Douglas…” you muttered, your eyes rolling back as he sucked on your bare nipple. 

“I'm your alpha! Call me your Alpha!” He growled lowly, nipping at your shoulder. Your mouth dropped open again when his hips started to grind against you, his cock rubbing against your clit. 

“A-Alpha…” you panted, grabbing a fistful of his soft brown hair. He hummed in delight at the name, grinding a little harder against you. “Please Alpha…”

He sat back, his hand reaching down to line himself with your entrance. A sudden thrust later, you yelped, clenching around him at the sudden evasion. A tear rolled down your cheek from pain, but he quickly wiped it away with his thumb. You looked up at him, biting your lip as you adjusted to his size. His eyes were still red, but this time he had a dazed look on his face. He leaned down, his lips only an inch away from yours.

“You're mine,” he mumbled once again, before harshly kissing you, his tongue forcing its way into your mouth. You eagerly kissed back, forgetting the pain, and being consumed by the intense pleasure that being with him brought. He slowly began rocking his hips, pulling out of your slowly, before burying himself back in once again. He groaned loudly as he picked up his pace, his thrusts becoming faster and faster. He suddenly grabbed your hands, which were trailing his chest and down his stomach, holding them above your head with one hand. 

“You're so good for your Alpha, aren't you?” He said, as your head lolled back when his thrust became slow again, teasing you.

“Yes, Alpha,” you moaned, closing your eyes. You desperately wanted to grasp onto something, but his strong grip on both of your wrists prevented you from doing so. With his thrust still going slow, he leaned forward, his lips skimming past yours, before going towards your ear.

“Beg,” he whispered into your ear, which sent a shiver down your spine. You opened your eyes, staring right into his as you begged.

“Please,”

“Please what?”

“Please Alpha, make me yours,” 

“Good girl,” he groaned, his chest rumbling with a low purr. Your response seemed to send a surge of thrill through him, his hips began jerking harder and faster. Your own hips began to move in rhythm with his, soft moans slipping from your parted lips. He began muttering how much of a good girl you were in your ear, pushing you closer and closer to your edge. You felt his nails grow, digging into your wrist, which made you his. His soft groans began to sound more like animalistic growls as his hips jerked harder and harder, shaking the couch erratically. As your legs began to shake, and you started to clench around him, he buried his face into your neck, panting hard. You gasped for breath as your orgasm washed over you, clenching around his cock as he buried himself inside you, growling in pleasure as he came inside you. 

His teeth suddenly sunk into your shoulder harshly, making you let out a loud blood curdling scream and you jerked your body away from him. You fell onto the floor in a heap, your hurt ankle slamming onto the couch, making you cry out and grasp it. Using your good foot, you backed away from him, scrambling to find clothes to put on. Blood dripped from your wounded shoulder, just like the tears dripped down your face. After quickly finding your pants, and tugging on a random shirt, which turned out to be his, you scrambled to your feet, putting most of your weight on your good ankle. 

You gripped your shoulder as agonizing pain exploded in the wound, almost making your knees go weak. Your hands clutched your phone, which was in your pants pocket. Your eyes shot to Garrett as he finally stood up, his naked body standing straight as he looked at you with a smirk.

“What the fuck!” You yelled, stumbling backwards as he walked closer to you. You fell onto your butt, scooting backwards as he came to a stop a few feet in front of you. Discreetly, you pressed the screen on your phone, unlocking it, and dialing Lydia on video-chat, who you hoped would answer.

“You said you wanted me to make you mine, so I just did. Now no one will have you, only me,” he chuckled, as he picked up his discarded pants, tugging them on. Your eyes squeezed closed as tears continued to fall from your eyes. The pain was unbearable, it was so bad, you couldn't even force yourself up so you could get away from your mate. The door suddenly flew open, making you jump and look. 

“No….” you muttered when you spotted a group of Ghost Riders at the door, all walking in to circle you, Garrett standing in the middle of them with a wicked smirk. Your heart was beating painfully in your chest as you shook your head, feeling desperate. Sweat dropped down your forehead as the room suddenly began to get hot, your vision began to blur as a loud high pitched ringing sounded in your ears. Your phone vibrated, making you look down at it, seeing that Lydia had answered and was looking worriedly, yelling words you could no longer hear. 

“Help…” you muttered to her, as you stared up at Garrett, who held one of the Ghost Rider’s whips. The last thing you saw before everything went black, was him bringing the whip down, and a flash of green smoke.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

[sillyrabbit81]

Her Heavy Cross

Summary: Three years after tragedy hits, Lana she decides to start dating again. She meets Will through a dating app and they begin an online romance. After months of constant requests, Lana relents and agrees to meet and go on an irl date with Will. But is Will who he says he is? Lana is quickly pulled into an intense relationship forcing her to confront her tragic past. Will Lana face it or will she close her heart forever?

Pairing: OMC x OFC

Word Count: approx 3.6k

Warnings: smut, swearing, Dom vibes, dirty talk

Authors Note: The story started as a Henry Cavill fanfiction but I changed it to be an original character, but shades of Henry are still there. Hope you enjoy the story and thanks for reading.

Part 14 Part 16

Part 15

After lunch, Liam took me on a tour of his house. We skipped the ground floor as I had already seen pretty much everything.

The first floor was a complete mystery to me. First, Liam showed me his study. It had two desks; on one, Liam had a fancy-looking PC, the other had a laptop and scripts and other paperwork scattered around. It had a large built-in bookcase with only a few books in it, most of them mine. I frowned at this. For an avid reader, he had a small collection. There was also a tiny bathroom, a guest bedroom which Liam says sometimes Ryan stays in.

The last room was a cinema room, all painted black with three rows of reclining chairs set on raised platforms with a projector screen. "This is fantastic," I said. There were cupboards, also black to store discs. When I opened them, I saw Liam's movie collection was also surprisingly bare. "For someone in the film industry, you don't have a lot of movies."

"I do, but most of them are back in London. It's the same thing with all my books and half my wardrobe. I don't know how long I'll be here. If the show is a success and gets picked up for another series, I might ship some of it here."

I let his words sink in. I don't know why, but it never really occurred to me that he may pick up and leave in six months. I felt myself close up and shut down. Regret started to set in. I tried to ignore it and tell myself to cross that bridge when the time comes. I forced a smile as I closed the cupboards and said to Liam, "What's next?"

We went up to the second floor. Liam's bedroom was there with another two bedrooms and a sitting room. The final floor was where the real master bedroom was. It had the gorgeous bathroom we were in last night and a huge bedroom that took up nearly the whole space. It had an even bigger wardrobe than Liam's, split in two with distinct areas for each partner. The bedroom had its own lounge area, and the whole room was arranged like a hotel suite complete with en-suite balcony and city views. It was exceptional. I was so blown away by the house, mansion really, that for a while, I forgot to worry about the future.

"Why didn't you use this as your bedroom? It's amazing."

Liam shrugged. "I did when I first moved in. But it was too big for just me. I felt lonely up here, and it was that bit harder for Cole to come and see me. I almost moved down to the first-floor bedroom, but it doesn't have a dressing room, so I went to the one I'm in now. What do you think?"

I was leaning on the balcony railing, looking towards the city. The trees were a colourful mix of green, red and gold. A few were starting to lose their leaves. It was so pretty. I felt Liam come up behind me and wrap his arms around me. He put his chin on my shoulder, and we both looked out towards the city. "Of the house? It's amazing. I don't know how else to describe it. I mean, it's a bit much for me. I'd cry if I had to clean it. But I assume you have cleaners?" Liam nodded. "Yeah, I wouldn't live in a place this big without a cleaner."

"I'm glad you like it. I want you to be comfortable when you come over."

I interlaced my fingers with his and held them against my belly. "I'm definitely comfortable right now." We stood there for a while and relaxed into each other. Thoughts of Liam leaving reared it's ugly head a few times, but I ignored it. Instead, I focused on now. All I could do was enjoy the time I had with Liam and make the best of it.

Soon the wind started to pick up, and I grew cold. Liam took me back inside.

"I've got to work out for a bit," Liam said as we took the stairs down. "Do you think you can keep yourself occupied for an hour or so?"

"I could join you if you want? I didn't go to the gym yesterday so I could do with some exercise."

"Yeah, ok, let do it."

Liam went into his dressing room, and I changed in his room. I put on a pair of white and black ankle grazer tights and a white sports bra. I felt good in it and knew I looked good too. I went over to the chair to put my shoes and socks on and caught Liam looking through the door.

He was dressed already in shorts and a singlet. Guys always seem to get dressed so quickly. It takes me ages to dress unless I'm in a rush. Liam leaned in the doorway, arms crossed over his broad chest, watching me. I ignored him as I did my shoes up.

"You look good in that." He said. I caught myself straightening my back, and a warm tingle flowed through me. I liked his little compliments.

"Thanks," I said, getting up. I put my hair in a ponytail, deliberately sticking my chest out as I did.

"Is that what you normally wear to the gym?"

"I usually wear a singlet over the top."

"But not today?" A smile spread over his face.

I smiled and said airily, "Nope, not today."

"I know what you're doing, Sweetheart." He walked past me, patting my bottom as he did. I tried to look innocent. "Come on. Let's go."

Liam put some music on and got started. Cole heard the music and came in, plopping himself on his mat in the corner. I blocked both of them out as much as I could and focused on the music. I was not going to get caught looking at Liam. I was going to make him look at me.

I got on the bike to do a bit of cardio. After warming up, I spent 10 minutes doing some interval training and worked up a decent sweat. I went over to the barbell, removed several weights, muttering "fucking hero" under my breath. I started my weights with a few sets of deadlifts. I noticed Liam in the corner of my eye with a kettlebell. He was sweaty too and looked amazing doing his lifts, but I pulled my eyes away. He was watching me. Good. I tried hard to keep the smirk off my face, but it was bloody difficult.

I focussed on my next exercise. I changed the weight again for the overhead press. These were hard for me, as my upper body was weaker than my lower body. I did these as quickly as possible because I hated them and only did them now because I knew they would drive Liam to distraction.

I did some goblet squats with a dumbbell before moving to my favourite, the weighted hip thrust. I got the barbell again, sat with my back against a bench, and brought the barbell to my hips. I planted my feet, and exhaling, I leaned back onto the bench, squeezing my glutes until my upper body and hips are straight. Then I lowered and exhaled again and repeated the exercise. When I had finished the set, I lowered myself to the floor and rested.

"Do you do that at the gym?" Liam asked.

I didn't look at him, knowing I would smile if I did. "Yeah. Why? Am I doing it wrong?" I knew full well I was doing it right.

"No, your form is lovely," I ordered myself not to blush. Liam paused and asked, "Are there men at your gym?" Got him.

"Yeah, it's usually 75% men."

"Lucky bastards." I looked at him and giggled. I wanted to smack myself. I was trying to be sexy, not a fucking child. He was sitting on a bench press. His legs were on either side of the bench, and his elbows rested on his knees. He was still sweating, his curls plastered to his forehead. His arms glistened. I wanted him to fuck me so badly.

Composing myself, I said. "I have another set to do."

"I'm finished." He said, "Go ahead. I'll wait."

I got back into position and repeated the set. When I finished, I lowered myself back to the floor. Liam asked. "Done yet?" Liam was standing now. He had moved closer and had his hands on his hips.

"One more." I was excited. My heart rate was raised, not just from the exercise.

Liam growled impatiently.

I started my last set, and my body was trembling. I didn't know if I could do the full set. I was too excited, too turned on. Liam entered my field of vision, watching me as I worked. I wasn't going to be able to do it with him watching. I closed my eyes, found my focus, and continued.

As I finished and rolled the barbell away, Liam lifted it and put it away. I laid down on my back and stretched out my muscles.

Liam stood over me. "You did that on purpose." It wasn't a question.

Still trying to play innocent, I said, "I don't know what you're talking about. I was just working out."

"Get up."

"I'm stretching."

"You're done. Get up."

I smiled at him and put my hand out. "Help me up?"

He grasped my hand and lifted me. He pulled me close and kissed me hard. "You're a fucking tease." He said. He didn't let me go. He held me tighter, his hand resting on my arse.

I started to protest that I didn't know what he was talking about, but he spanked me and said. "Don't deny it." He said, lifting me and wrapping my legs around his waist. "You know you were trying to get me hard." I could feel him against me. It had worked. "Since it worked, you can deal with it." His voice had taken on the gravelly tone he used when he was turned-on. It thrilled me. I put my arms around Liam's neck. Kissing me again, he walked out of the room. His lips tasted salty as I kissed him back.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked.

"I'm giving you what you want. I'm going to fuck you."

"I didn't say that I wanted that," I said. Oh, but I did want that.

"You didn't have to," Liam said. He pushed me against the wall in the elevator as he pressed the button. "You know what to say if you want me to stop." He looked me in the eyes, "Anytime you want me to stop, I will. Don't hesitate or do anything you don't want to." I nodded to show him I understood. "Good."

When the lift opened, he took me to the bathroom we had used last night. I chuckled when I saw his clothes were still in a pile on the floor. He had let the water out of the bath and replaced my robe.

Liam took me over to the shower. "Shoes off," he said, and I took my shoes and socks off while he did the same. "Let your hair down." I pulled the band out and shook my hair until the curls fell around my shoulders. "Take your pants off." I lowered my tights slowly and stepped out of them. Liam did the same I could see how hard he was now. He continued to tell me to undress as he did the same until we both stood, our bodies bare.

He was beautiful standing there naked and hard. His arms looked more impressive than usual because of his work out. I wanted to touch him. I stepped closer to him and put my hand on his bicep. I felt my way up his arm, over his shoulder and across his collarbone. I stood on my toes to kiss his neck while I felt his chest. I reached my hands around his back and pressed myself against him. "Get in," he said. "Hurry."

I let him go and got into the shower. The temperature was perfect, and I let the water run all over me. I ran my hands through my hair to make sure it was all wet before turning around and facing Liam. He turned me around until I met the wall and used his body to shepherd me until my whole body was against it.

The tiles were cold, instantly making my nipples grow hard and tingly, sending ripples of pleasure down to my sex. My arms were pulled behind my back, elbows bent and forearms next to each other. Liam's body pushed into me, holding them there. In this position, I was helpless, and at his will, he could do what he wanted. It excited me. My whole centre throbbed. I wanted him. He was taking too long.

Liam's knees forced my legs apart, and I could feel my slick arousal on my thighs. He tilted my hips so my bottom jutted out. I thought of how I must look, arse out, legs apart, arms behind my back with my breasts and face pushed into the wall, his huge body covering mine. He leaned his head on the tiles next to mine, and his teeth nipped at my ear. I shivered in pleasure, in desperation and need.

I cried out in shock and relief as I felt Liam's fingers reaching around and parting my slit. "Fuck," he growled into my ear. "You feel so fucking good." He found my clit and played with me.

I cried out. I was so aroused I was almost too sensitive for his touch to feel good. I tried to pull away, but Liam's hold was firm. His fingers followed my every movement, not willing to let go until their mission was complete. He kissed and bit my neck and shoulders, adding more sensations to my already overwhelmed body. I didn't think I'd be able to take it.

Then it felt good, better than good, and I was able to stay still and let him have me. Liam's fingers danced over me. My cries quickened, and my body felt tight. I knew my climax was fast approaching.

Liam knew too. "Are you going to cum, Lana?" He stopped kissing me and watched my face. I couldn't say anything. I was too strung out, too close. I nodded as best I could. Liam put his hand into my hair and pulled my head back.

"After you cum I'm going to stick my cock into your tight wet pussy and fuck you until I cum. Is that what you wanted, Lana? Is that what you wanted when you got dressed in your skin-tight clothes? When you wore that bra that pushed your perky little tits together? When you lifted those weights, and I had to watch you thrust your arse and hips around? Is this what you wanted?" I tied to say yes, but instead, I came undone.

Liam kissed me, his mouth consuming me, his tongue owning my mouth as little aftershocks rippled through me. He took what little breath I had, and I was left gasping. The sound of the shower was suddenly thunderous in my ears as my senses returned. The stream of water was hot against my cooling skin, but it felt good. I was still gasping when I felt Liam's cock at my entrance. He stood up straight, releasing my hair and arms. Although they ached, I put my arms against the wall to brace for what I knew was to come.

His hands steadied my hips as his cock parted me, opening me up to him. I heard him groan as he entered me. I was tight from my orgasm, but I was so wet and relaxed he slid in quickly. His size stretched me until I was full, and he had sheathed himself completely. He wasted no time and immediately ploughed into me. Each thrust was rough, almost reaching the point of painful, but always just shy. I pushed back into him, arching my back further to give his movements more room.

His fingers dug deep into my hips as he forced them back to meet his. Each push seemed to elicit a deep exhale from Liam's throat, a growl that grew more shallow with each moment. I heard him bellow as his hands reached up for my shoulders. He pulled my shoulders down as he pushed so hard into me, I thought I would split in two. He held me there for a moment as he let go into me, and I cried out, unsure if it hurt or felt like heaven. I felt him release inside me, pulling me down while he pushed into me. I almost cried no more, but it would have been a lie because the hurt was too sweet.

Liam's head lulled onto my back as he released my shoulders and regained his breath. He lifted his head to turn me around. With my back against the tiles, he once more leaned into me, this time just to hold me, his head buried in my neck. I held him to me, wanting his comfort, and he kissed my neck softly, moving up to my face and kissing my lips.

He was smiling as he brushed my hair off my face. Then he moved me under the water. He found the body wash, couldn't find a sponge or anything so he just used his hands to wash me. He ran his hands all over my body, and it felt heavenly. He rubbed my shoulders, massaging deep into me, his thumbs moving so deeply they almost hurt. Any tension I had left fell away, and I felt light and free. He gave himself a quick wash before he stepped out and brought me a robe and slipped one on himself.

"Finally, you decide to cover up," I said as I watched him use a towel to dry his hair. His curls were a cute little mess on his head almost fluffing up like a duckling.

"Yeah, righto mate." He said, using my slang back at me.

I laughed. "Seems I'll make an Aussie out of you yet."

"Pull your head in," Liam said, complete with a halfway decent accent.

"What the hell? I don't think I've told you that one!"

Liam smiled and kissed me on the nose. "That one I learned from Boyd."

"Who's Boyd?"

"Boyd McCarthy. He is going to play my best friend. He's helped me out with a few phrases. However, I don't entirely trust him. He tried to get me to believe in drop bears."

"I like him already," I said as I gathered my clothes.

"Well, you'll meet him on Thursday."

"I still don't know what to wear to that."

Liam had his clothes, and we went downstairs. "I can take you shopping tomorrow if you'd like."

"I wouldn't even know where to start."

"Usually, high-end fashion boutiques or department stores."

I thought for a minute. We had arrived in the bedroom, and Liam went into his dressing room.

"Ok. I think a department store. They will have everything I need, shoes and a bag. We won't have to go to a million places."

"If you want to go to a few boutiques as well, I don't mind. We can take as long as you want."

I shook my head. "I don't like clothes shopping. I order most of my stuff online. I'd rather spend a day online shopping than dealing with crowds in shopping centres. I'm only agreeing to go into a shop because I have no idea what's in fashion or if I enough time to get the right dress online." I looked at my bag, "Hey Liam, what are we doing for dinner? Are we staying in?"

"What does it look like?" Liam came out in his tracksuit pants.

"Fair enough, tracky dacks it is."

Part 16

[badchoicesposts]

In a Land of Myth...

Chapter 13

Summary: When Selene, a young sorceress, arrived in Stormholt she had every intention of remaining anonymous. King Constantine Rys had strict rules on sorcery. The act itself was punishable by death, and she had no desire to be burnt at the stake for her “crimes”. However, it becomes increasingly difficult for her to remain unseen when she becomes Prince Liam’s personal maidservant, and it seems that it’s her job to protect him from everyone that wants to kill him.

Disclaimer: This AU is a cross between TRR, The Crown and The Flame, and BBC’s Merlin. Merlin follows the tale of King Arthur and the sorcerer Merlin. Merlin comes to Camelot where magic is outlawed and is made Prince Arthur’s servant. You do not have to watch the show to understand this fic, but it is based on the BBC show Merlin so the story line will be similar. I don’t own the plot to Merlin or any of the TRR characters.

Word Count: 4,228

Author’s Note: This series is finally back and with a new mood board! Thanks so much for being so patient with the fact that it took so long!

Taglist: @flowerpowell, @bobasheebaby, @alexintheskyy, @slytherincursebreaker, @kingliam2019, @furiousherringoperatortoad, @goldenbirdcrystalcage, @burnsoslow​, @zilch3, @desiree-0816, @sanchita012

Let me know if you would like to be added to or removed from the taglist!

Catch Up: Masterlist

Selene slid herself into Liam’s wardrobe, shutting the door enough to keep herself hidden but also making sure she could still hear what was going on in the room. Liam and Kiara had already been on their ride for over an hour, and it was getting dark outside, so they should be returning at any moment. Selene let out an annoyed breath as she pushed one of Liam’s cloaks out of her face. When she had woken up that morning she hadn’t expected to have to hide in her employer’s wardrobe to spy on him and the woman that was trying to kill him, but here she was anyway.

“Stupid Liam and his stupid hadsome face, never knowing when someone is trying to kill him. And of course I have to do all the work and save his royal ass, but do I ever get any thanks? No, it's all ‘Don’t tell anyone you have magic, Selene. You’ll get murdered for saving the prince’s life, Selene’,” she grumbled under her breath, giving her best Bastien impression.

“Are you talking to yourself in there?” Drake whisper yelled from his hiding place under Liam’s bed.

When he had heard how dangerous the sidhe could be, he insisted on helping her. She had tried to explain that she was the one with the magic, and if something went wrong she would end up having to save him and not the other way around, but Drake was nothing if not stubborn. 

“Shhhh, stop being so loud,” she called back to him, cringing when she realized that she had complained loud enough for him to hear. 

“You’re the one who started it!” he responded in the same tone, causing her to roll her eyes. 

“Yes, well now I’m telling you to stop continuing it!” she said, hearing him grumble in response. 

She shushed him once again when she heard the door to Liam’s chambers opening and peeked through the small opening between the wardrobe doors to see Liam and Kiara stumble in. From her spot she could see the dazed look on Liam’s face as Kiara pushed him to sit on the bed. She stood over him looking intently into his eyes. Kiara grasped his hands tightly in hers and muttered an incantation. 

“Our love is strong. Tell me you feel the same way too,” she muttered in a low, sultry voice. 

“I feel the same way. I love you,” Liam responded in a hypnotized voice. 

“I could never stand to be parted from you,” Kiara continued, rising one of her hands to stroke the side of his face. 

“I would never let anyone part us,” Liam said. 

“We should be together. Till death do us part,” Kiara said. 

“Till death do us part.”

Kiara muttered the spell once again before pressing her lips to Liam’s. She pulled away from him and he fell onto the bed unconscious. Kiara looked over him for a moment, before waltzing out of the room. Selene sprinted out of the wardrobe and checked for his pulse. The man was still alive, but in a deep sleep. 

“Drake! Get out of there!” she said, running to the door. 

She was about to open it when she heard Kiara and Hakim’s voices on the other side.

“He’s ready. He’ll do what we need him to,” Kiara said. 

“Good. I must go to the elders,” Hakim said. “You have done well.”

“Good luck, father,” Kiara responded, closing the door to her own chambers as Hakim began to walk in the other direction.

Selene poked her head out the door and made sure that the corridor was empty before sprinting after Hakim’s retreating form. She heard loud footsteps behind her, and a moment later Drake’s strong hand grabbed onto her wrist and stopped her from moving. 

“What are you doing?” he asked quietly. 

“What does it look like? I’m following him,” she whispered back, pulling her arm out of his grasp and moving forward. 

Drake grabbed onto her again and pulled her behind a nearby pillar. 

“That’s not a good idea,” he said. 

“Do you have a better one? We need to know what we’re dealing with and who these elders are,” she said, moving to follow Hakim once again. 

“Selene,” Drake called after her. 

“I’m going, Drake. You can’t stop me,” she said.

Selene heard Drake mumble something under his breath, but he didn’t try to stop her again. Instead, he walked up next to her allowing her to lead the way. 

“You’ve never followed anyone have you?” she asked.

“No, why would I have?” he asked.

“Get behind me,” she instructed.

“Why?” 

“Because if we’re walking side by side it’s more noticeable,” she said, grabbing his arm and pulling him behind her.

They began walking through the woods, making sure to keep a respectable distance from Hakim, before stopping in front of a large lake. Selene pulled Drake behind a tree next to her, and they both peered out from behind it. Hakim began to speak loudly in a language Selene didn’t recognize, and a moment later, a bright ethereal light coming from the surface of the water blinded them. Several blue orbs of light began floating around the surface of the water wildly and slowed to a stop in front of Hakim. 

At first glance the creatures seemed beautiful and nonthreatening. However, upon closer inspection Selene could see that the harsh faces and sharp teeth on the creatures. They were small but terrifying to look at. 

“I come to you to plead for a chance of an immortal life and entrance back into the realm of the sidhe,” Hakim called loudly over the rustling wind. 

“Your punishment for killing another sidhe is a mortal life and a mortal body. You shall never be allowed back into our realm,” the elder responded, his voice deep and intimidating even for a creature so small. 

“The crime was mine, not my daughter’s. I offer you the soul of Prince Liam Rys of Stormholt in exchange for my daughter’s passage back to our home,” Hakim called desperately.

The elder was silent for a moment as he looked over Hakim curiously. 

“Liam Rys,” he mused. “Liam Rys. Bring us his soul and your daughter shall be welcomed back with open arms.”

With that the sidhe elders began zooming across the surface of the lake once again and disappeared a moment later. Hakim chuckled in satisfaction to himself and began to turn around to make his way back to the palace. Drake grabbed onto Selene’s shoulders and pushed her back against the tree they were hiding behind, pressing himself up against her as Hakim walked past their hiding spot. Selene was almost positive that he could feel how fast her heart was beating in her chest as she stood caged between his body and the tree. 

She could feel his breath on her skin as he gently pressed his forehead against hers, the action causing her to close her eyes and lean closer into him. Their lips were centimeters apart, and Leo’s words telling her to explore her options floated through her mind. It would have been so easy to sink into his arms and pretend that everything was okay. But, then she thought back to Liam. Liam who was lying in his bed at the castle, bewitched and about to lose his soul.

“He’s gone. It’s safe for us to go,” she whispered, pushing him away from her and beginning to walk back to the trail to the castle. 

After a few moments of walking alone, she felt Drake come up behind her, and the two made the rest of the journey in silence. He followed her back up to her and Bastien’s chambers, the two bringing a tense energy in with them. Bastien had been preparing himself for bed, and Selene dropped down onto the mattress next to him and stared at the ceiling absentmindedly.

“They want to sacrifice his soul to the sidhe elders so that Kiara will be regranted immortality,” she said tiredly. 

“Regranted?” Bastien asked.

“Apparently Hakim killed another sidhe so their punishment was a mortal life and body.”

“And Kiara has Liam under some kind of spell. He just agrees with whatever she says,” Drake said, leaning against the wall next to the bed.

“You know what they want now. That’s good, it’s progress. You two should get some sleep tonight. There’s not much more you can do tonight,” Bastien said.

Drake bade them goodnight and departed, however, Selene made no move to get up from the bed beside Bastien. 

“What is it?” he asked her.

“I know that my magic is strong, but this feels different. It feels dangerous. I know people have tried to hurt Liam before, but no one’s ever controlled his mind like this. How am I supposed to stop them?”

Bastien sighed and turned onto his side to face her. 

“I think you know what you have to do,” he stated, looking at her sympathetically. Selene’s eyes began to fill with tears.

“I’ve never killed anyone before, Bas. Not directly. I caused the chandelier to fall during Joelle’s performance, but I’ve never actively tried to take someone’s life. I don’t know if I can do it,” she said, curling herself into his side and crying into his shoulder.

Bastien wrapped his arms around her and held her close. 

“I still remember the first life I ever took. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget it,” he said softly. “I was coming back to Stormholt with a patrol group, and we were attacked by a group of bandits. They were brutal, and they struck to kill. We were surrounded, and I ended up locked in battle with one of the most ruthless of the bunch. It became obvious that it was going to be him or me, but it was still one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make.”

“How did you deal with it?” she asked, her tears soaking into the thin material of his shirt. 

“I went to Jackson Walker,” he said. “My father was already dead, and even if he was alive, it wouldn’t have made much of a difference. He was never the type to think twice when it came to defeating his enemies. Jackson spent quite a bit of time with the knights of Stormholt, and he was always kind to me.”

“What did he say?”

“He told me that there was a difference between survival and murder. There’s a difference between good intentions and bad ones. He said that ending someone’s life should be a last resort, but the fact that I was having such a hard time dealing with it set me apart from that bandit. He said that the guilt and remorse I felt proved that I was still human. Killing should never be an easy decision, and when it becomes one is when you know you’ve lost yourself, you’ve lost your humanity. Why do Hakim and Kiara want to kill Liam?” 

“Because Kiara wants to be immortal.”

“And do you think that’s a selfish or noble reason?” Bas asked.

“It’s selfish, but don’t you think there’s good and bad in everyone?” she said.

“I do believe that,” he said simply, as Selene shifted slightly in his arms to make herself more comfortable. 

“I don’t think they’re all bad, but they’re willing to sacrifice someone else’s life for their own personal gain, and that isn’t fair,” she mused. “But, then it could also be argued that killing them to keep Liam from dying is also selfish. I’m so confused.”

She pushed her face back into his shoulder and groaned in frustration. 

“Selene, what I’m trying to say is that you’re not a bad person. I know you’re having a hard time with this, and it’s not fair that you have to make a decision like this. But, the difference between you and them is that you’re here crying about the thought of harming them, but they didn’t think twice about hurting Liam.”

~~~

Selene woke up with the sun the next morning and rolled over to see Bastien lying asleep next to her. She slid out of bed and slipped out the door, her head aching and eyes still swollen from all of her crying the night before. Bastien had done his best to console her, but no matter how hard she tried the thought of killing Kiara and Hakim set her off. However, right now she couldn’t even think about all of that. The only thing on her mind was making sure that Liam was still okay. As she approached his chambers she could hear raised voices coming from inside them and began walking faster.

“Li, this is crazy!” Drake exclaimed as she pushed the door open. 

“Kiara and I are in love,” Liam said, his voice dazed. “My father would never agree to our marriage, so we’re going to elope.”

Liam was hastily throwing clothes and items from his dresser into a bag.

“Liam?” Selene called softly, causing them both to turn to look at her. 

“Selene, I’m getting married today,” Liam said. 

The smile he gave her was unnatural, and Selene could see no real joy behind it. 

“Liam, you can’t do that,” she said in a soothing tone, trying not to agitate him. 

She moved forward and grabbed the bag out of his hands. Liam seemed to startle at her touch, and he looked at her intently for a moment. The moment was over as soon as it began though, and he grabbed the bag from her again. 

“Liam, you can’t do this. Kiara has you under a spell,” she said, more insistently. 

“That’s ridiculous!” Liam exclaimed, looking around the room confused.

“No, it isn’t. You’re not yourself, Liam,” Drake said, approaching the two of them as well. 

“People will always try to keep us apart, Liam. That’s why we must leave now,” Kiara’s voice came from behind them.

Selene and Drake both tensed anxiously as the woman and her father entered the room.

“Liam, they’re controlling you,” Selene said, her voice determined as she moved towards him. 

She reached her hand out to touch him, hoping that it would do something to distract him from the spell the way it had briefly done earlier, but Hakim’s hard voice stopped her. 

“That’s enough,” he said threateningly, causing her to turn back to him nervously.

Hakim’s eyes were growing bright red as he glared at her, and she heard Drake curse softly to himself once he noticed it as well.

“Liam, look at them. They’re not human!” she called desperately again.

Selene gasped in horror when Liam looked up at her, his own eyes glowing bright red.

“We’ve wasted enough time,” Hakim said, looking over to his daughter.

The two of them shared a knowing look, and before Selene could move to stop them, they raised their staffs in unison, a bright blue beam coming out of the crystals and hitting both Drake and Selene in the chest. The force of the blue beams threw them back against the wall behind them, their bodies colliding roughly with the stone. Selene barely registered the pain in her back as she began to lose consciousness, the world fading to black around her. 

“Selene. Selene!” a loud voice said insistently in her ear.

Selene jolted awake. Her entire body was sore, and there was a loud ringing in her ears. She looked around the room confused. Her vision was slightly blurred, and it took a minute for her to notice Madeleine’s annoyed face in front of her.

“What the hell happened here? I thought you were going to keep Liam safe? I saw him leaving the castle with Hakim and Kiara,” she said, her voice betraying her irritation. 

“I am. I’ll fix this,” she said, trying to stand up only to realize that her balance was off.

Her legs were still unstable, and as she stood up her head started spinning. Madeleine gave her a disbelieving look. 

“You don’t look like you can do anything. I’ll go after them myself if I have to,” she said stubbornly.

“No!” Selene yelled, cringing at how loud her own voice was. “No, Drake and I will take care of it. If anything were to happen to you and Liam both, Constantine would kill me.”

“Drake is still unconscious,” the other woman pointed out, crossing her arms over her chest. 

“Please just trust me,” Selene said, wobbling over to Drake and dropping to her knees beside him. “Go find Bastien and stay with him until I get back.”

Madeleine looked at her hesitantly before nodding and exiting the room. Selene turned back to Drake and began shaking his shoulder forcefully. However, this did nothing to rouse him from his sleep. She looked around the room frantically and reached over to the pitcher of water on Liam’s dining table. She dumped the contents on top of his head, and he stirred slightly. 

“What happened?” he asked. “Why am I wet?”

“Come on!” she called, ignoring his questions and pulling him to his feet unsteadily. “We have to go after Liam.”

The two began running through the path in the woods toward the lake they had followed Hakim to the previous night, Drake easily taking the lead since his legs were much longer than hers. She did her best to keep up. She had no idea how long the two of them had been unconscious and prayed to whoever was listening that Liam was still alive and well. Hakim’s strong, deep voice was chanting loudly as they got closer and closer to the lake, and they arrived just in time to see Kiara pull Liam into a quick kiss. The action itself seemed to take his life away, and he fell back into the water, completely unconscious. Kiara moved deeper into the water and began chanting along with her father as Liam disappeared from sight. 

“What do we do?” Drake asked her frantically. 

Selene looked around, trying to figure out the best way to approach the situation when she saw Kiara’s staff abandoned at her father’s feet. The young witch held her hand out and muttered an incantation causing the item to come flying into her had. Hakim turned to face them abruptly once he noticed her actions, but before he could move to harm them, Selene pointed the staff in his direction and loudly recited a spell she knew would work. The same blue light that had hit her in the chest earlier that day exploded out of the top of the crystal and went hurtling towards Hakim. The man was destroyed as soon as the beam of light hit him. Selene faintly recognized Kiara’s pained voice calling out to her father, before she turned the staff on the woman as well, repeating the spell once again. 

Selene’s heart was beating rapidly in her chest as she dropped the magical relic and ran towards the lake where Liam was lying somewhere under the water. She wasn’t the best swimmer, but she dived in nevertheless, desperate to find his body. After searching for a moment, she resurfaced and took a gasping breath of air before ducking back under. She reemerged a few moments later, gripping tightly onto Liam’s arm as she attempted to drag his body back onto the river bank. Drake was looking at her in shock as she dropped down beside Liam, pressing her fingers to his neck to check his pulse.

“He’s still alive,” she let out a relieved breath and dropped her head down to his chest as she tried to regain some of her energy.

As she lay there with her head on Liam’s chest, she felt a slight stinging behind her eyes as the reality of what she had just done finally caught up with her. She could hear Kiara’s pained voice calling out to her father clear in her mind and forced back her tears as she stood up and turned to Drake. 

“Can you help me get him back up to the castle?” she asked, refusing to make eye contact with him. 

He nodded slowly and grabbed onto one of Liam’s arms and they both began carrying up back up to the castle. Once they were back in his chambers, Selene stripped him of his wet clothes and changed him into dry ones before covering him with his blankets. 

“We can’t tell him what really happened?” she said, standing in front of the fireplace of his chambers to dry her own clothes as well.

“Why?” Drake asked in confusion. 

“Because if he knows they were magical creatures it’ll raise too many questions of how we got rid of Hakim and Kiara,” she responded, debating on whether or not she should tell him the truth about Madeleine’s dream as well but decided against it. 

He nodded in response looking closely at her face while she did her best to avoid eye contact, her chest hurting when she thought of the lives she had just taken. 

“I’ll stay with him if you want to get changed,” he said sympathetically. 

Selene smiled at him in thanks before leaving the room to get back to her chambers. Upon entering, she was unfortunately reminded of the fact that she had told Madeleine to go stay with Bastien, and was greeted by the two of them looking at her expectantly. She had originally only told her to go to him because she figured it was an easy way of getting rid of her, and she knew that Bastien was good at keeping people calm. However, she had forgotten that now she needed to come up with some kind of explanation about what happened.

“Is Liam okay? Did Kiara hurt him?” Madeleine immediately asked, rounding on her. 

“Liam’s fine,” she said, feeling Bastien’s warning gaze on her. “Kiara never wanted to kill him.” 

“Then what happened?” Madeleine demanded. 

“Apparently Liam was smitten, and she convinced him to elope with her. I guess she thought it was an easy way to gain a title. But, Drake and I stopped them in time,” she said. 

Madeleine narrowed her eyes at her suspiciously, and Selene tried to smile at her convincingly. 

“So, she didn’t try to drown him?”

“No.”

“Then why are you so wet?” Madeleine asked, her eyes raking over the other woman’s figure. 

“Um, well, they decided to get married in front of a lake, but a fight broke out when Drake tried to talk Liam out of it, and in the process I fell back into the water,” she offered pathetically. “Liam and Drake really got into it, and Liam ended up getting hit in the head pretty hard too so he’s in his chambers lying down.”

Madeleine was still looking at her curiously, but she seemed to accept the story anyway. She straightened her spine and made for the door. 

“Well, I’m glad everyone’s okay,” she said. 

She was about to walk out the door when she turned back to Selene. She looked as if she were giving her next words great thought before finally speaking again. 

“Even though I wasn’t right, I appreciate you taking my concerns seriously,” she said uncomfortably. “Thank you.” 

With that, the king’s ward left the room, and Selene let out a relieved breath. 

“You’re going to need to become a better liar if you plan on using magic,” Bastien said with an amused smile. 

“Give me a break. It’s been a long day,” she said tiredly, dropping down onto a chair at the table.  

She rested her head down on the wood and stared absentmindedly at the wall, shivering as the cold air hit her still damp skin. 

“Are you okay?” Bastien asked, coming up behind her and wrapping a blanket around her shoulders. 

Selene looked up at him as he sat down in a chair next to her and wiped away a stray tear. Chance rested his head on her feet, whining softly until she reached down to scratch behind his ears.

“No, but I think I will be,” she said, softly.

“You did a good thing today, Selene. You saved Liam’s life, again,” he said in attempts to make her feel better. 

Selene plastered a forced smile onto her face and leaned back in her chair, throwing her feet up into his lap. 

“It’s tiring always having to be the hero,” she said jokingly, causing him to laugh heartily. 

“Okay, hero, go change into dry clothes, and we can have lunch,” Bastien said, pushing her feet off his lap and motioning towards her bedroom. 

Selene shoved his shoulder playfully as she walked by, a real smile on her face. She remembered all of the things Bastien had said to her the night before as she expressed her fears about hurting others and smiled. Bastien truly was good at helping calm people down. She wasn’t sure where she would be without him. 

~~~

Lucretia was more disappointed than she was angry. The Prince had survived, and she was once again faced with the struggle of figuring out how to get rid of him, of figuring out how to get rid of Constantine’s entire bloodline. But, there was one thing she knew for sure now. If she wanted to get rid of Liam, she would need to get rid of Selene first.