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writing-good-vibes · 3 years ago

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brad dourif characters x f!reader headcanons: tattoo (smut)

ahh here we are again, disgracing the good name of brad dourif with this scandalous content. these headcanons are of fem!reader getting a name tattoo and was requested by @ayylovley i loved this idea so much and i finally got an excuse to get around to it !! this list only includes chucky, billy and leo, but i threw jack in as well because i love him 💖 hope you enjoy and thank you so much for reading. warning for smut, though not as smutty as it could be, sadly.

charles lee ray

romance at it's finest

(not to steal my girl tiff's look but it has to be a chest tattoo of chucky's name, right?)

he will go feral

What more could you do for him? You'd uprooted your life and bounced from one run-down apartment to another, checking off the 50 states as you went.

A year went past in half a second and suddenly you were driving down another high-way, Chucky's clapped out BMW rattling as it always did. Soon enough, he pulled into a truck stop.

This one was one of the more populated ones you'd stopped at on this particular drive. That is to say, it was more than a trailer with a burger grill. It had a burger joint sure, but it also had a 7/11 and gas pumps.

It was then that you saw it, a sign point around the side of the 7/11. TATTOOS.

Tattoos? Tattoos.

"Can we stop here for a while?" Usually your stops were in and out deals. Grabbing what you needed from the store (if there was one) and using the restroom before hitting the road once more, on your way to god knows where because you suppose Chucky will be damned before telling you any of his plans.

Chucky looks at you, combing a hand through his (much to your annoyance) slightly unwashed hair. "I dunno, we should keep moving..."

"We've been driving for hours," you complain, checking your watch. "It's almost three in the morning, can't we stop, just for an hour? You should get some sleep."

Chucky wasn't the best driver even when he was 100% awake. The last thing he needed was to total his car after falling sleep at the wheel. He scowls but concedes, "Fine, but just an hour. You better wake me up."

"Sure thing," you lean over to kiss his cheek before getting out of the car but he turns around in his seat, facing the window and pulling the collar of his coat over his eyes.

You sigh. You can't tell if he's in a mood or just genuinely wants to sleep. Either way, you get out of the car, shutting the door as softly as possible and - - double checking that he isn't watching -- turning to follow the neon arrow that point around the 7/11.

As you stand in the parlour, the room hazy with smoke and the floor sticky with god-knpws-what, you realise this idea might have been floating around your mind for a while. You almost instantly know what you want, where you want it, you just know that it's going to drive Chucky crazy.

You finish with enough time to stop for snacks before going back to the car to wake Chuck up.

"Baby?" you shake his shoulder gently and he starts awake, grabbing your wrist tightly. "Hey, it's just me."

His eyes wide and piercing, he lets go of your wrist and turns back to sit up properly in the drivers seat. "You got me some red vines?"

You had, actually, but instead you say, "I got you something better."

His eyebrows raise and, even in the relative darkness of the car, you can see his eyes twinkle with something like annoyance, but you know there's a sense of intrigue in there, there always is with him. To curious for his own good, you think. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah." You reach up and turn on the interior light.

He squints against it, but immediately pries his eyes back open when you pull your shirt up.

There, on your breast, is a red heart, sacred with it's dagger. Above it, in surprisingly neat script is one word. Chucky.

He doesn't speak for a moment, he simply looks at the tattoo, vision slightly following the rise and fall of your chest. He leans closer, breath ghosting over your nipple as he inspects the brand f his name.

"Well, well, well," he smirks, eyes finding yours. "Isn't that just something."

"You like it?" your voice is shakier than you meant it to be, and your chest heaves more with each tentative breath.

"Oh, I like," His fingers, clammy from the heat of the car, skim over your breast, careful to avoid the fresh tattoo.

"You mean it?"

"Do you?"

For a second you don't know what he means, until h's grabbing your wrist again, puling you over to him and you settle in his lap, knees planted either side of his hips.

Before you an lean back and hit the horn by accident, he fumbles for the lever and moves the driver's seat back, giving you enough room to rock steadily against him.

"Yeah," you reply, "I'm yours."

"Is that so?" His hands slip down your sides and settle on your hips, grinding you own against him.

"Forever," your fingers ghost over his name.

"Forever is a long time," his hands move once more and slip under your skirt, finding the waist band of your panties and tugging. They come down to your knees and you lift up enough to get them off you, settling back down.

"Forever and always," you insist, leaning in to finally kiss him. He grips your chin roughly, guiding you as he wants while you fumble with his belt.

Finally you get it open and, mouth not leaving his, your shaking thighs left you enough to take him.

You groan into the kiss and you feel him smile.

billy bibbit

this is what kills billy off

he loves you more than anything and when you show him the tasteful tattoo of his name on your wrist he just about faints

(fetch the smelling salts)

he loves it, is amazed you would do something so permanent for him

in return he shows you just how much he loves you *wink wink*

It took a while for the thought to even cross your mind.

There weren't many grand gestures involved in yours and Billy's relationship. No, no, it was much more about the little things. How he made you a cup of tea every morning and how you brought him home books from the second hand store and how you could sit on the couch and stroke his hair whist it poured with rain in the Oregon springtime.

But it had been years and you decide to up the ante for your "little gestures".

You find a nice place and go in on a whim, getting the tattoo then and there.

Billy. Written in neat script over the pulse point in your wrist.

When you get home you try to hide it as you put away the groceries that you had actually left the house for.

Billy is sat in the living room, reading. He read a lot.

"Hey," you start, falling onto the couch beside him.

He absently pulls you towards him, eyes still skimming over the page as he places a kiss to your temple. "A-Angel."

"I have something to show you," you half-whisper, an excited smirk pulling at your features.

He raises and eyebrow, the nervousness that inevitably rises in him at such an ominous comment being quelled by your smirk. "O-Oh yeah, what i-i-is it?"

Pulling your sleeve you, you hold your write out to him. The tattoo is still slightly red around the edges, but it's very clearly distinguishable.

His eyes widen, baby blues glimmering. He reaches for your wrist tentatively, like he might hurt you.

You meet him half way, laying your wrist in his palm and he marvels at the script, permanently etched into your skin.

"W-w-why did y-you get this?"

If it were anyone else, you'd be upset by the question, but not Billy. No, Billy was genuinely just trying to understand why you'd get his name, something linking you two together, forever on your perfect skin.

"Because I wanted to show you, show everyone, how much you mean to me," you reply, bringing your hand up to cup his cheek, looking into his watery eyes.

"I l-l-love you," his whispers, voice quiet and soft and so earnest you think you might start crying to.

"I love you more," you giggle, gesturing to your wrist and that draws a smile out of him.

"Nnno, you don't" he teases and leans in to kiss you. He taste like coffee and his mouth is hot against yours.

You feel yourself sinking back into the couch, your fingers that are tangled in Billy's sweater pull him down over you and he shifts, fitting perfectly between your thighs like you just know he was always meant to.

leo nova

domination and ownership is his thing

so if you get a tattoo of his name it is going to make him feel all sorts of things

which he will mask by being very smug and fucking you immediately

It's not his idea, necessarily, but you aren't 100% sure you would have thought of it otherwise.

He's thrusting into you hard, lips trailing from your jaw to your collarbone, tracing the line of fading hickeys that are already there. You feel his teeth and know he's going to leave fresh ones.

"Gotta make damn sure every knows who you belong to, don't I?" he says when you go to complain. "Gonna mark you up like this forever."

Okay, so maybe he didn't suggest it, but it was close to, and as you lie back in the tattooist chair, you smirk.

It takes so much will-power to keep him from finding his little surprise until it's healed; dodging him for almost a week and you're saved only by him having to leave town "on business" for a couple of weeks.

One night he calls late, saying he'll be home the next day and you spend the whole wait practically shaking with excitement.

By the time he gets home, you're so excited you can barely contain yourself as he empties his pockets, leaving a revolver on the coffee table and hanging his coat on the hook.

"Miss me?" he asks. He pulls you off the couch and into a kiss, one hand ghosting your throat, the other splayed over the small of your back.

"Always," you manage when he finally releases you. "And I have a present for you."

"For little ol' me?" he jokes, looking you up and down, hands drifting almost absentmindedly over you.

"Come with me," you tease, leading him to the bedroom.

He closes the door behind him and you don't hesitate in stripping off. You get down to your pantie sand stop, looking over at Leo. He's divested himself of his shirt, the gold of his necklace glimmering in the golden hour sun that spills through your bedroom curtains.

He approaches you, you retreat until the back of your knees hit the bed and you fall back onto it, him following you, the weight of his body pinning you.

You hands trail over the lithe muscles of his chest, gripping his arms as he kisses you again.

You can feel his hand inch lower, his thumb hooking into your wet panties and pulling them aside, enough to push into you then and there.

Freeing yourself from the kiss you whisper, barely catching your breath, "Wait, don't you want to see your present?"

"This ain't it," he smirks, though moves his hand away anyway.

You shake your head, hands leaving his skin to pull down the elastic of your underwear.

He looks down, between your flushed bodies and finally catches sight of it.

Just above your pubic bone is one word. LEO.

You swear you hear his breath hitch, and he looks up at you, eyes wide with surprise until a dirty smirk takes over his features.

"Oh, baby," His hand returns to your panties, this time pulling them swiftly down and you kick them away for him. His fingers brush over his name, a permeant mark on your skin. A brand of who exactly owns you. "I'm flattered."

"That all?" you chance.

His fingers stay hovering over the tattoo, put his thumb dips down, into your wetness and you gasp. It's barely been three weeks and you've missed him so fucking bad.

"You're a good girl, doing this for me," he leans up, breath hot by your ear as his fingers slip lower. "Knowing you're all mine."

jack dante

smug fucking bastard

there's no debate about tattoo location, it's going to be on your ass

wait a few weeks before showing him because he is gonna wanna palm it and you do not want his grubby hands on a fresh tattoo

Jack's birthday was coming up, or so he said, and you'd been wracking your brain for what to get him.

His interests were fairly obvious, his office being full to the brim with all the junk he liked to keep around.

But no, you wanted to get him something special. Interesting. Unbeatable.

It was a very stupid idea but you had nothing to lose, so with a few weeks until the big day, you book an appointment and give up any dignity you might have left in regards to Jack.

One ass tattoo later and you were questioning your choices, but when you look at it in the mirror you break into a smile. He's going to fucking love it.

Finally, the day arrives and it's been a real effort to keep Jack off you and preserve his birthday surprise. But, you did it.

So, when his hands are sliding up your thighs and beneath your skirt, you whisper, "You want your present now?"

"This isn't it?"

"Not quite," you smirk, pressing a kiss to his lips before you turn around in his grasp and, for once, bending yourself over his desk.

Automatically his hands move to push your skirt up to your waist, agile fingers hooking into your panties and pulling them down to your knees for ease of access. That's when he sees it. At the point where the curve of your ass meets your thigh. His name.

Peering over your shoulder you watch his face for a reaction. Eyes widen greedily and he licks his lips like the goddamn pervert that he is. A cold hands palms your ass and he hums in approval.

"Happy birthday, Jack."

He smiles, a smug, shit-eating grin. "All for me?"

"All for you."

His hands are cold as they palm the smooth flesh of your ass, his fingers gripping and clenching where his name marks your skin.

"All for me," he practically chortles.

Fast as anything his hand slides over you, thumb dipping just barely into you and you shiver.

His other hand retracts before a sharp smack hits your ass and he palms it once again, his name shifting and stretching as he pulls at your flesh.

His name. He looks you over, face slack with pleasure and anticipation and he knows he's in love.

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star-spangled-eyes · 5 years ago

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Winner Take All: Part 6: The Counter

This alternate universe fan fiction uses characters created and owned by Pixelberry Studios. Character names, descriptions and likenesses are owned by Pixelberry Studios. The MC, Bragnae Bennett, and story is created and owned by this author.

Book: The Royal Romance (Alternate Universe)

Alternate Universe Theme: Senior Year of College for Drake, Leo, Bragnae and Madeleine in the United States

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC / Leo Reese x MC (Bragnae Bennett – *pronounced Brawn-yah)

Warnings for this series: NSFW, Adult content, suggestive and strong language, sex

Series Description: Bragnae Bennett sought adventure when she first went off to college. Now, navigating through her senior year, she finds herself befriending two gorgeous guys, Drake Walker and Leo Reese, who engage in a seemingly innocent bet with her during a game of pool that leads to a surprising threesome.

Their intimate evening prompts deeper feelings than they all expected to arise, and Bragnae is suddenly swept up in both of their charms, unique to each man himself. Through the pressures of college, work and maintaining a social life, which man will prevail and win Bragnae's heart?

Master List

A/N: I just wanted to let all my readers know how much I appreciate you! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this little series of mine. If I don’t get a chance to respond to your comments and reblogs, please know that I’m still reading and loving them! Life is pretty busy on my end, so sometimes I don’t always have the opportunity, but I DO appreciate it. I just wanted you to know. So, thank you. Muah! 💋

Warnings for this chapter: NSFW, Adult content, suggestive and strong language, sexual content

Word Count for this chapter: 5957 (Oops… okay, this time… Drake made me do it!)

Setting for this chapter: Drake takes Bragnae out to dinner to explain things.

Permatags: @burnsoslow @cora-nova @dcbbw @thorfosterlove @emceesynonymroll @edgiestwinter @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @msjr0119 @notoriouscs @drakewalker04 @pedudley @desiree-0816 @choices-lurker @kingliam2019 @loveellamae @drakexnadira @flutistbyday2020 @indiana-jr @moonlightgem7

Series Tags: @yukinagato2012 @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @nomadics-stuff @ravenpuff02 @texaskitten30 @themadhatter1029 @randomfandomteacher @queenjilian @princessleac1 @seriouslybadchoices

Part 6: The Counter

It had just rained, so the streets were full of puddles as Bragnae made her way over to Mario’s, the Italian restaurant Drake had suggested. She chose to meet him there to avoid replicating what happened with Leo. She wanted to find her own way there and back. Not that she’d be sleeping with Drake tonight, but she didn’t want to be reliant on a man to get her home if things didn’t pan out.

She moved swiftly in her skinny jeans and crimson blouse, and avoided a giant puddle as to save her stilettos from getting drenched. A few patrons walked out of restaurant avoiding the awning over the door that dripped with excess rain water.

As she walked inside, Drake was standing there. He turned to offer her a bright smile. “Hi, Bragnae.”

A sudden chill shot down her spine as he said her name. She wasn’t ‘babe’ or ‘sweetheart’, or any other nickname that Leo liked to use. She was just herself. And she liked that Drake used her name. It meant more.

“Hi, Drake.” She couldn’t help the smile she gave him in return. He looked incredibly handsome with dark jeans and a black polo with the logo of his hockey team embroidered on it. Drake wasn’t the type to get all dressed up, but he was resourceful and could pull off any outfit he could find.

“You look nice,” he told her before planting a sweet kiss on her cheek.

“Thank you,” she blushed a little. “So do you.”

“Our table is ready.” Drake allowed the hostess to seat them, but stayed near Bragnae on the way over. “I requested a round booth. I hope that’s okay.”

She looked to the corner of the room where they were headed, and saw a big red padded booth in the shape of a half circle. They’d be sitting close, and she couldn’t say that she minded. With whatever Drake had to say, he wanted her to be near him when he said it. It was intimate to say the least.

The hostess gave them both menus and allowed them to settle in. Drake slid in next to Bragnae with about three inches between them. She could smell his woodsy cologne, and it was both comforting and ruggedly sensual. They quickly decided on their meals and made small talk until the waitress came back to take their order.

Drake took a sip of the whiskey the waitress had brought him, getting comfortable in the booth. He shifted slightly to face her. “So, thanks again for letting me take you out tonight. I really wanted to explain more of why I wanted to take things slow with you.”

Bragnae drank the red wine from her stemmed glass as he spoke. “I must admit, I’m quite curious as to your definition of slow considering what we’ve already done.” She gave him a cheeky smile.

Drake chuckled. “I know. It must seem ridiculous to you, but there is a legitimate reason behind it.” He paused to take her in. “I told you that I liked you even before the night of the bet. If I would have acted sooner, we never would have had that threesome with Leo. I would have taken you out like I am now, we would have dated and hopefully gotten along enough that you’d want to be in a relationship with me.”

He inhaled a breath before taking another drink. “I don’t like to share, Bragnae. Women, I mean. The truth is, what I wanted to tell you last Friday was that I want to be with you. Not just for sex, but for much more – a deep, meaningful connection. Hell, we’ve been friends for the better part of a year now. We’ve gotten to know each other on a casual level, and now we have a physical bond as well.”

His hand covered hers in her lap. “I want it all. The friendship, the sex, the relationship. You are an amazing person. Funny. Smart. Sexy. I love hanging out with you, and I think about you more than you know.”

Drake’s words floored her. Everything he was offering her, she wanted. A feeling of regret washed over her that they hadn’t had the opportunity to discuss this on Friday before she kicked him out. If she had allowed him to stay, maybe she wouldn’t have gone out with Leo the next night. Maybe she wouldn’t have made the mistake of liking him more than she had only to get her heart broken.

“I thought I might have to compete with Leo for you. He seemed to be into you as well. If I could ask… is he trying to date you, too?”

She thought about her answer. “No.” She wasn’t lying – Leo wasn’t actively trying to date her, but she also wasn’t ready to tell him of her mistake. Bragnae wasn’t over that hurt yet, plus it wasn’t as if she and Drake were in an exclusive relationship when she slept with Leo. She knew Drake deserved to know at some point, but that was her recent past to share when she was ready.

Drake let out a relieved laugh. “That’s good,” he said, scooting closer. “I want to be with you, and see where things go. And if it feels right, then maybe we’d move forward together.” He brushed a strand of hair away from her face as he stroked her cheek. “I just wanted to make sure you knew that all of this means more to me than just being physical. Just because we started out with a threesome, doesn’t mean I see you as only a girl who does that.” He swallowed, wetting his lips. His eyes imploring her to understand his careful words. “I care about you, Bragnae.”

Wow. He was being honest and direct, and that was refreshing. “I didn’t think you wanted all of that.” She was stunned, still trying to wrap her mind around his professed feelings.

“That’s why I wanted to be clear about this because up until now, you might have thought that I only wanted to get into your pants. And that wasn’t true at all.” He leaned in a bit, staring deeply into her eyes. His hand still cupping her cheek.

Drake was always someone Bragnae could see herself with. He was kind, motivated, and down to earth. So many days had passed since they met that she wanted him to end the suspense and ask her out. So many times she wanted to feel his lips against hers. And when she finally did… when he held her in his big, strong arms, filling her up with undeniable pleasure, she crashed hard into him emotionally as well as physically.

“That’s what I’ve always wanted. Everything you just said.” She felt herself becoming gradually closer to him. Their faces mere inches apart.

He smiled. “Bragnae, I’d consider myself a lucky man if you’d let me be the one to give you what you wanted.” His eyes dropped to her lips as he whispered. “Will you let me do that?”

He had captivated her in every sense. His words surrounded her like a warm, cozy blanket. His gentle touch soothed her aching heart. His incredible scent intoxicated her. She knew then there were no games being played. He was genuine. He wanted her in every way, and she knew she couldn’t deny him.

Bragnae nodded. Her eyes locked on his mouth as he pulled her into a tender kiss. She sank into his soft lips, feeling the warmth and veracity of his affectionate gesture. Drake had kept a consistent dreamy pace that made the world seem to disappear around them. That was, until she heard the sound of plates being set on their table. They broke apart immediately. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Bragnae avoided eye contact with the waitress, smiling down at the table instead. Drake was an amazing kisser, and she couldn’t wait to experience that again.

“Enjoy your meal,” the waitress said before leaving them.

“Thank you,” Drake replied. He looked over at Bragnae, bringing her hand to his lips with a sweet kiss. He smiled and gave her a wink. She blushed as she straightened in her seat to begin eating.

After they finished eating and paying for their meal, Drake took Bragnae’s hand in his and walked out of the restaurant.

“Where’d you park?” He asked.

“Oh, my car’s being a little sketchy right now, so I just grabbed an Uber.”

“My truck is just down the street. Mind if I give you a lift back home?”

She grinned. “Not at all. Thank you.”

After a short walk, Drake opened the passenger door to his truck waiting for her to get into the cab before closing the door. Her heart swelled at his chivalry. This is what being treated with respect feels like. She was jubilant and filled with resonating peace. Walking over to the driver’s side, Drake climbed into the vehicle and started the engine.

As they started the short drive back to her apartment, he reached over to entwine his fingers with hers again.

“I can take a look at your car sometime, if you want,” he told her.

She loved the feeling of their hands combined. Reveled in it even. “I didn’t know you were a mechanic,” she teased.

He chuckled lightly. “I’m not, but I have some skills in that area. I’m pretty good with my hands.” He squeezed hers for emphasis.

She glanced at him, biting her lower lip. “Good to know.” Turning back to look at the street ahead, she smiled. The thought of his hands working magic on her body was thrilling. Bragnae could feel him looking at her, which made her blush even more.

Soon, they arrived at her place. He opened her door again, and she thanked him. They walked hand in hand up to her apartment, when Bragnae turned her back to the door to face him. She wanted to invite him in, but it was a school night, and she intended to not rush them along. Even though opposing thoughts were currently consuming her mind.

“I had a nice time tonight, Drake. Thank you for inviting me out.”

He casually moved in closer, not quite touching her. “Me too. I’m really looking forward to spending more time with you this way.”

The heat in his eyes mixed with sincerity drew her in immediately. Looping her arms around his neck, she stood on her toes to meet him with an eager kiss – the one she wanted to continue since dinner. His hands found her hips and migrated to the small of her back as he gradually pushed her against the door. She moaned in approval as Drake deepened the kiss by parting her lips with his tongue. Warmth started to build between her legs when his mouth moved more ardently with hers.

Lost in the moment, Bragnae suddenly felt the support against her back give way. She stumbled backwards a bit, but Drake caught her before she fell.

“Looks like the date went well,” Madeleine said from within the apartment.

Breathing heavily from being startled, Bragnae looked over her shoulder at her friend who was standing with a hand on her hip and a teasing smirk on her face.

“It was going well until you opened the door.” Half mocking, half serious, she turned back to Drake who just smiled. “I better call it a night.”

He nodded. “Okay. We should do something this weekend though. You can come over to my place. Maybe we can finish that movie.” He flashed a devilish grin.

“I’d like that.” Blatantly aware that Madeleine was still standing there watching them, she wasn’t sure if Drake wanted her to kiss him or not. Luckily he decided that for her by placing a sweet but brief kiss on her lips.

“I’ll call you. Goodnight ladies.”

Bragnae watched him walk down the sidewalk to his truck before heading inside.

“I take it he’s back in your good graces?” Madeleine asked.

Leaning back against the closed door with a dreamy smile on her face, she barely replied. “He sure is.”

It worked out that Bragnae was given Sunday night off from work. In an effort to spend more time with Drake without worrying about homework that was due by Monday, she got it finished ahead of time. She was due at his place by three o’clock. Excited to be embarking on a new adventure for herself, she couldn’t ignore the nervous feeling she had on her way over to his apartment. His shared apartment…with Leo.

It had been a full week, and she still hadn’t heard from him. Not that she expected to. What Madeleine said about him made sense even though she refused to believe it at first. She felt a connection between them – more than the physical. There was definitely something more. She was still confused, and admittedly still hurt by his actions, but she had to move on from that. It would be tough not to have the closure she desired, but she had no choice.

Bragnae hoped Leo wouldn’t be around, so she could relax and avoid the awkwardness that would certainly be present between them if they came face to face.

She had been to their place before a few times to hang out. It was smaller than hers and Maddie’s, and set up like a bachelor pad. Beer was always stocked in the fridge, paper plates and plastic utensils were used instead of real ones, and there was always some sort of clothing strewn about. She noticed Leo was more so the messy one. Drake wasn’t a clean freak, but he always seemed to have his things in order.

She knocked on the door, and soon Drake answered it.

“Hey, Bennett.” He smiled. “Come on in.”

As she stepped over the threshold, Drake pulled her into his arms and kissed her firmly. She leaned into him indulging in his lips. It was the sort of kiss that let her know he was happy to see her, and she loved that. When she pulled away, she looked up into his warm eyes feeling comfortable and content.

“Well, hello there.” She kissed him again.

“You want something to drink? Water? Beer?”

She giggled at his options. “Water is just fine. I have a feeling I’m going to need it if we keep kissing like that.”

“Water it is.” Smirking, he turned towards the kitchen. “I’ll grab this, and we can watch TV in my room.”

“Okay.” She walked further into his apartment, cautiously. She looked down the hallway and saw the door to Leo’s room was shut. He normally shut his door whether he was there or not, so she was still in the dark. She decided to wait there until Drake returned.

“Here you go,” he said, handing her the bottle of water. He had grabbed one for himself as well. Then, he led them to his bedroom.

Drake allowed her to step in first. It had a lot of gray tones. His royal purple hockey jersey was displayed over his desk chair, a hockey stick was propped up in the corner of his room, and his skates leaned against the door of his closet. He had a poster of The Rolling Stones on his wall, and another of Wayne Gretsky – ‘The Great One’ of professional hockey. Rock n’ Roll and hockey. Two of his favorite things. She liked that about him, plus enjoyed those things as well.

His queen sized bed was made, and it actually smelled good in his room. He hadn’t lit a candle or anything, but just his natural scent mixed with residual cologne collected in the air. It was comforting, much like it was when she had opportunities to nuzzle in close to him.

He sat down on the bed wearing a t-shirt with his hockey team logo on it, and athletic pants. She loved the casual look on him.

“Please join me,” he told her, waving his hand over his bed.

She removed her shoes and climbed towards the head of the bed where he was already propped up against the pillows with a remote in his hand. Bragnae settled in, leaving a few inches of space between them.

“So, you want to finish The Hangover, or find something else to watch?”

“We can finish the movie. It’s a good one.”

He pulled up Netflix on his 40 inch flat screen that was mounted on the wall, and navigated to the film. He fast forwarded it to the point where they had stopped it a week ago, and pressed play. Drake tossed the remote on the bed side table, and situated himself closer to Bragnae.

Their legs touched, which was already thrilling, but then he rested his hand on her thigh, folding his other arm behind his head. He was getting comfortable, so she decided she would too. Shifting a bit on her side, she curled up next to him, and leaned her head against his shoulder.

Even though they had once been far more intimate, for some reason now she felt a little awkward. She fidgeted with her hands, unsure of where to rest them before finally deciding to tuck them up against his side.

But then Drake shifted. “Here, let’s make this easier.” He moved to face her more with an arm behind her head and his other hand resting on her leg again. “Better?”

She smiled. “Yes. Thank you.”

They both turned to watch the movie, but after a minute or so Bragnae looked back at Drake. His side profile was just as stunning as his front. She admired his strong jaw line and longer brown hair that swept back casually, yet still looked like it was meant to be styled that way. She knew he didn’t fuss over his hair. He wasn’t the type of guy to care, but luckily for him his hair naturally looked good no matter what he did. Even when it was a sweaty mess when he took his helmet off after a hockey game, he still looked desirable. How was that fair?

He must have felt her gaze on him, so he turned to her again. “The movie is that way, Bennett,” he teased.

“Maybe I found something better than caught my attention.” A flirtatious grin appeared across her lips.

He gave her a heated look full of excitement. “Oh, so you want to add a little romance to this comedy, then?” He slid a hand to her side as he pressed his body against hers.

Bragnae scooted herself down a bit so she was laying flatter than before. “You could say that.” Cupping the back of his neck, she brought him down to her as they kissed through smiling lips. Her giggle instantly transformed into a moan when he readjusted to cover her body more with his. Their legs entwined. Their chests connected.

Drake’s fingers found the inch of bare skin between her waistband and shirt, and glided his calloused fingertips over her. His touch inspired goosebumps to prickle up throughout her body. And then, there was his tongue. Slow. Methodic. Sensual. He really did know how to use it in a way that made her melt.

She let her fingers dive into his chestnut locks before skimming over his impressive bicep. She squeezed his muscle, delighting in its firmness. Both of their breaths came fast as the passionate moment grew. After another moment, Drake slowed his kisses and pulled up.

He peered over her hungrily. “What do you want, Bragnae?”

She knew he was asking how far she wanted to go in that moment. Thankfully, he was letting her decide that today instead of halting them altogether. Although she ached for him to crawl inside her again, she didn’t want to rush things. She did that with Leo, and it didn’t turn out well. However, she figured she’d offer up a fun alternative.

“Show me what you can do with your hands, and then I’ll show you what I can do with mine.”

He looked at her another moment until the corners of his mouth curled up mischievously. “Okay. I can definitely work with that.” He bent down to capture her lips again. There was a renewed sense of anticipation now that they both knew the parameters.

Once they got back into the groove, Drake’s hand traveled beneath her shirt until he reached the curve of her breast. He massaged her as she exhaled whimpering moans. Her bra stood in his way, but it still felt nice to have him touch her there.

His hand gradually left her chest while he continued to adore her with his mouth. Her body trembled as his fingers dipped below the elastic of her pants, grazing over her mound until he located her clit. Even over her silky panties, she could feel every tantalizing circle he made around her sensitive parts. Her breath caught in her throat as he finally hit the position with his fingers that made her toes curl. He applied pressure and rubbed against her slowly at first.

Drake pulled up to watch her as he increased his speed. She already missed his lips, but now she was able to concentrate on the pleasure he was providing. The warmth was building fast. She clutched his arm, grabbing at the fabric of his shirt sleeve. Her breath quickened.

“Yes, right there,” she whispered desperately. Her eyes closed to help bring the moment closer. She bit her lip in anticipation, and then she found her release. Bragnae’s back arched, bringing her chin up and exposing her neck as she moaned satisfyingly.

Drake slowed his movements to help her ride out the wave, and then rested his hand against her heat as she grew silent. She exhaled shuddering breaths as she floated in the pleasure high he put her in. He bent down to brush his soft lips against her neck as she recovered from her orgasm.

When she relaxed her body again, she pulled him in for a tender kiss. His playful hand wasn’t finished yet, however. As they continued to kiss, he breached the top of her panty line, and sank his hand against her skin. She throbbed against him savoring the skin to skin contact. He had bypassed her swollen clit and instead circled her soaked entrance.

“I did tell you that I was good with my hands, didn’t I?” He asked confidently.

She exhaled a breathy giggle before focusing on his fingers again.

Drake groaned as he dipped his middle finger inside her. She lazily thrusted her hips to feel him more. After a few slow pumps, his finger dragged up to her clit again, using her own natural wetness as lubrication as he rubbed against her skin once more.

The sensitivity had lessened, so as he touched her now the residual pleasure from before pushed her closer to the edge. He had risen up again, letting his eyes rake over her body as he worked. She braced herself on his arm as her body writhed under his determined fondling. This time, the release unfolded rapidly, causing her head to jerk up as she reached the peak of the mountain.

Her cries this time were even louder than before – the blissful feeling was more intense as well. An involuntary smile came to her lips as she looked up at him.

“It’s such a turn on to watch you come,” he said with a smirk.

Feeling incredibly relaxed and satisfied, she giggled. “Well, thank you for making me do it twice. That was very generous of you.”

He slid his hand out of her panties and rested it on her hip. “I’ll make you come as often as you want me to. Seeing you enjoy that pleasure is worth any effort on my part.”

He had a way with words that made her swoon. She pulled him in for another kiss before gently pushing Drake to his back. She threw a leg over his, still on her side, running a hand against his solid chest. Desperate to see his chiseled physique again, she lifted his shirt to reveal his washboard abs.

“I love your muscles.” She outlined his abs with a single finger.

“That’s what working out and playing hockey will do to you.” His eyes followed her hand.

Bragnae peeked at the growing bulge beyond his waist. Grateful he was wearing pants that allowed her easy access, she let her hand slide teasingly slow until she reached his waistband. As she ran a finger beneath it and across his stomach, Drake’s abs flexed.

She locked her eyes with his and smiled before dipping below his pants and briefs to palm his smooth shaft that was hard and ready for her. She wrapped her delicate fingers around him watching his eyes grow darker and his mouth fall open as his breath hitched.

Bragnae pushed his pants down a bit, allowing his erection to spring up freely. He was long and thick – her fingers couldn’t quite reach around his circumference. And it was beautiful. His cock, as lengthy as it was, stood straight, and was perfectly shaped. She had heard stories from Maddie about some awful looking dicks, but the ones she had seen lately, both Leo and Drake’s, were breathtaking. Both by sight and by the way they felt inside her.

In an effort to get a better angle, Bragnae moved to straddle his thighs so she was perched right in front of his cock. She looked at Drake as she took ahold of him again, this time with both hands. His eyes flicked between hers and what she was doing.

With both hands wrapped around him, she began to slowly stroke his shaft up and then down. Drake let out a shuddering breath as she worked in a slight twist of her soft hands paying extra attention to the tip of him. Her long hair rested over one shoulder, falling in her face as she leaned in to increase her speed. She added a slight bounce of her body against his thighs to enhance the experience for him… and herself.

Judging by the tension in his legs, she could tell it felt good, but something inspired her to offer him more. She raised off his legs and scooted her body down a bit as she moved her face closer to his glorious cock. Her eyes locked with his and she saw excitement and desire, but most of all hope that she’d actually go forward on the path her head was taking.

She smiled before lowering her mouth around the tip of him. Still keeping an eye on his face, she watched as his head fell back and his eyes fluttered shut. She had to open her mouth extra wide to really take him in. Using her hands to help stroke him while her mouth and tongue focused on as much of his length as they could, she could hear him breathing heavier now.

“Fuck. You’re really good at that,” he moaned.

Appreciating the validation of her work, she became even more motivated to give him a good show. With her body in a Downward Dog position, her butt stood in the air while her head bobbed up and down. He completely filled her mouth. Her jaw was becoming tired, but she knew it wouldn’t last much longer. Drake had started to thrust his hips beneath her letting her know he was enjoying it.

“That’s it, Bragnae,” he panted. “I’m gonna come.”

Two seconds later, she felt the rush of his hot seed pouring into her mouth. She worked her lips around him until she felt the tension in his body dissipate. Taking every drop he gave her, she swallowed and wiped her mouth before sitting up to face him.

His head was back against the pillows, his eyes shut and the hint of a smile rested on his lips. “Jesus Christ. That felt amazing.” She grinned, tucking him back into his pants.

After another restful moment, his eyes found hers again. “No fair. I didn’t get to use my mouth and tongue.”

She shrugged with a playful smirk. “You gave me two. The least I could do was give you one really good one.”

“I’ll get you next time,” he said with a wink, sitting up to pull her into a crashing kiss. When she pulled away, a surprised expression highlighted her face. “What’s that look for?”

“I just didn’t think you’d want to kiss me after that.” Some of the guys she performed that on in the past had asked her to wash her mouth out first before they kissed again. It didn’t make her feel that great, but she kind of understood why. Although, it never bothered her when they’d want to kiss after reciprocating the effort.

“I’m not one of those assholes.” He stroked his thumb across her cheek. “Plus, there’s a reason why it’s called a job, Bragnae. It’s hard work, and I wanted you to know I appreciated it.”

Smiling, she nuzzled her face against his while he wrapped his arms around her. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure I almost unhinged my jaw trying to fit you in.”

Drake laughed. “Well, it worked. It felt incredible, and it was so hot watching you do it.”

“Good.” Feeling pleased with herself and content in his arms, she shifted her head to reach his lips again. She loved the way he kissed so passionately. Even when it was slow and soft, she could feel how heartfelt it was.

“Now, I’m hungry. Want to order Chinese for dinner?”

“Hell yeah!” She excitedly hopped off of him and the bed after he gave her a playful smack on her bottom.

They left his room and went to the kitchen. Drake led her to a drawer that housed menus from various restaurants nearby. Once he retrieved the one he wanted, he splayed the menu over the counter and allowed her to step up to view it.

Bragnae leaned against the counter’s edge looking through the numerous options on the Chinese restaurant’s menu. Drake stood behind her, affectionately keeping her in place with both hands braced on the counter. He was certainly tall enough to look over her shoulder to read at the same time. She liked the feeling of him standing so close and pressing into her. It sent tingles down her spine.

“What sounds good?” He asked, pulling her hair to one side, and laying gentle kisses on her exposed neck.

Her eyes fluttered a bit, and her knees grew weak, but despite the distraction, she steadied herself. “Fried rice is always a good choice.”

“Yeah?” He began to nip at her neck. “With chicken?”

“Mmhmm,” she replied lazily as he kissed the crevice between her neck and jaw.

“What else?”

Her breath quickened. She was enjoying the sensuous movement of his mouth against her skin too much to concentrate on the conversation. Overcome with the urge to kiss him, she spun around and seized his lips. Drake propped her up on the counter, and stood between her widened legs as they kissed more fervently.

“Hey, I got us more beer,” Leo spoke loudly into the apartment as he rounded the corner to the kitchen. “Oh, sorry, bro. I didn’t realize…” his voice trailed off.

Startled by the sound of his voice, Bragnae broke their kiss, and looked behind her to see Leo standing on the other side of the counter. Drake chuckled, but humor was the last thing on her mind. She slid off the counter and faced him. Drake stood behind her again like he did before.

Leo looked stunned. “Bragnae… hi.” It took a long moment before he finally peeled his eyes away from her and landed on Drake instead. “So, are you two a thing, now?” He watched carefully and waited for a response while slowly removing a beer from the case he had just placed on the counter.

Drake squeezed Bragnae’s arm prompting her to look up at him. He smiled and turned back to Leo. “Yeah, I’d say so. A new thing.”

Turning her attention back to Leo, she noticed the muscle in his jaw twitch at Drake’s reply.

Ringing came from Drake’s pocket suddenly, so he retrieved his phone. “It’s my coach. I’ve gotta take this.” He walked off towards the living room leaving Bragnae and Leo to continue staring each other down in the kitchen.

Leo twisted off the cap to the beer in his hand, and took a drink. There was something different in his eyes today compared to the last time she saw him. A week ago, he was avoidant, uncaring and somewhat callous. Now, she saw regret and maybe a little jealousy in his eyes.

Seeing him now made it hurt all over again. She didn’t get the closure she needed from him since he was the one who decided to abruptly end whatever it was that they had without her consent or acceptance. But not wanting him to see that, she decided to take control of the conversation.

“We were about to order Chinese. Do you want some?” Her eyes never left his.

He stood there in contemplative silence for another moment. “No, thanks.” Leo brought the case of beer over to the fridge. After closing the door, he hesitated and opened it again to grab two more beers. “I’m just going to hang out in my room.”

Without another look, he headed off down the hallway to his room, and shut the door behind him. Bragnae fumed inside. He was the one who decided not to hang out with her or call her anymore. So, why the hell was he being so standoffish? What right did he have to still be this self-important? He couldn’t even make small talk with her without running off like the immature little boy that he was.

With her starting to date Drake, she knew this wouldn’t be the last time she’d hang out in their apartment. And Leo would just have to get used to that. She would too, if she were being honest. They were friends before all of this, and now he ruined it. Standing with her back against the counter, she crossed her arms over her chest as she waited for Drake to be done with his phone call.

“Sorry, Bragnae. That was my hockey coach.” Drake set his phone down on the counter, and pulled her in for a sweet kiss, which lifted the raincloud that came in with Leo.

“What did he have to say?”

“He wants me to go to this hockey camp to get ready for the season. Its two weeks long, and about two hours from here.”

“Oh,” she replied. She was disappointed he’d have to be away so soon after they started dating. “When do you have to leave?”

“This Friday after school.”

With the hockey season starting up next month anyway, she figured he’d be busier. “Well, that sounds exciting for you. I’m glad you get to do it, but I’m kind of sad that you’ll be away those two weeks.”

He wrapped his arms tighter around her. “Me too. But we’ll make the most of it.”

As she embraced him with her cheek against his chest, Bragnae wondered how much she’d get to talk with Drake while he was away. She even considered driving there in between the weeks he was gone to hang out. Amidst all the positive and healthy plans running through her mind, she still couldn’t escape the awkward encounter with Leo, and trying to assess what it all meant.

#trr #trr choices fanfic #trr drake #trr leo #the royal romance #the royal romance drake #the royal romance fanfic #trr fanfic #drake x mc #drake x bragnae #drake walker #leo reese #bragnae bennett #trr love triangle #TRR Winner Take All Fanfic #italianfood #chinesefood #handy turns to a blowy

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upennmanuscripts · 5 years ago

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Overlooked Texts, Overlooked Images (Part I): An Erasmian Album

Fifty-two discoveries from the BiblioPhilly project, No. 40/52

Album of Engravings and Devotional Texts by Erasmus, Marco Girolamo Vida, and Prudentius, Philadelphia, Free Library of Philadelphia, Lewis E 179, fols. 46v–47r, Erasmus of Rotterdam, Prayer for Seious Illness; engraving, Christ breaking bread with the Apostles

Sixteenth-century books that combine manuscript text with engraved or woodcut images can sometimes fall through the cracks of scholarship. On account of their hybrid character, they are often neglected by manuscript specialists in favor of entirely hand-written books. At the same time, scholars of early printing, on the lookout for editions by recognizable publishers, tend to cast aside these complex combined works in the search for more easily classifiable items. However, over the past several decades these tendencies have started to change. Increasingly, scholars have taken on the complex interface of early printing and handwriting as a fascinating subject in and of itself.1

Still, the story of one neglected item, preserved in the collections of the Free Library of Philadelphia, perfectly illustrates the disciplinary pitfalls described above. Lewis E 179 is a modest book of 109 paper folios written in a non-professional, Northern European humanist hand, adorned with forty-five engravings illustrating the Life of Christ from the Annunciation through to the Last Judgment. Based on the texts and images, the book could be dated as early as the 1530s. However, the distinctive watermark visible on some of the book’s pages (with the help of transmitted light) was employed only in the 1550s and 1560s, in the Netherlands and Northeastern France.2 It provides a relatively late terminus post quem and a rough localization for the book’s place of origin.

Lewis E 179, fol. 35r (detail of watermark visible with the aid of a light sheet); drawing of Briquet 9373 watermark from Briquet Online database

Evidence of subsequent provenance places the book in some important German collections of the early modern period. An early bookplate on verso of first flyleaf dated to 1661 indicates that the book was formerly in the possession of Joachim Enzmiler, Count of Windhag,3 while a second bookplate, from the eighteenth century, records the ownership of Eberhard von Kniestedt. Before joining the Lewis Collection, the book had been in the possession of the great German-Spanish-English bibliophile Henry Huth (1815–1878), who famously preferred intact and pristine copies to damaged books, qualifying the latter rather uncharitably as “the lepers of a library.” Huth spent a considerable amount of time in Hamburg, which may have provided him with access to this item. In both the posthumous 1880 catalogue of Huth’s collection, written by his son Alfred Henry Huth, as well as the 1911 catalogue of Alfred Henry’s collection, the book was described principally by means of its engravings.4

Lewis E 179, flyleaf 1 verso, bookplate, Joachim Baron Windhag 1661; inside front cover, bookplate, Eberhard von Kniestedt

Since its acquisition by Lewis, the book had been summarily described in only two places: the catalogue of Lewis’ western manuscripts published by Wolf in 1937, and the de Ricci census.5 John Frederick Lewis, the Philadelphia bibliophile who had a penchant for oddities that could help illustrate the history of writing, evidently was not taken in by the widespread disinterest in this sort of book, even if those who catalogued his collection after his death did. Lewis liked “multimedia,” creations—he grangerized (adorned with extraneous material) dozens of his own modern reference books with pasted-down snippets and even full pages drawn from illuminated manuscripts. Lewis probably appreciated the book for its unusual amalgamation of print and script, not to mention its interesting original leather binding, with, on each side, a stamped center panel showing Christ triumphing over Death, with the initials HGV—perhaps those of the binder—, all set within blind-tooled, all’antica borders of scrollwork and portrait medallions.

Lewis E 179, front cover; back cover

Looking more closely at the composition of Lewis E 179’s texts as part of the BiblioPhilly cataloguing process, I discovered that these consist of prayers and other devotional works by two important intellectual figures of the first half of the sixteenth century: Desiderius Erasmus and Marco Girolamo Vida. Interspersed as well are excerpts from the late-antique Christian apologist, Prudentius. These passages were copied by hand from editions that had been produced recently.

The prayers authored by Erasmus that have been copied into this book stem from three major sources. Eleven votive prayers are drawn from his Precationes aliquot novae, first published in 1535. These are interspersed throughout the work, diverging from their order in the 1535 edition. They consist of votive prayers for Receiving Communion, for Docility, for Penance, Against Temptation, for Thanksgiving in Victory, for Serious Illness, as well as prayers to the Virgin, to each of the three persons of the Trinity, and to Jesus as the son of the Virgin. Seven sections found in the second half of the book stem from Erasmus’ Precatio Dominica, a short work of seven prayers for the days of the week based on the seven parts of the Lord’s Prayer, first published by Froben in 1523. 6This work became immensely popular throughout Northern Europe and beyond, and within five years had been translated into German, English, Czech, and Spanish. Six sections, concentrated in the first half of the book, are excerpts from Erasmus’ paraphrases of Luke, Matthew, and John, each of which was published separately in the early 1520s.

Intercalated within the first half of the book are sections from the Christiad and four extracts from Prudentius’s Liber Cathemerion. The former is an epic poem first published in 1535 but written at the request of Leo X, which provides a Christian counterpart to Virgil’s Aeneid.7Its author, Girolamo Vida (ca. 1485–1566) was an Italian humanist, bishop, and celebrated poet during the early Counter-Reformation period.8 Works by the early Christian poet Prudentius, here represented by hymns for Epiphany, the feast of the Holy Innocents, for before meals, and for after meals, were appreciated by Erasmian humanists for their conflation of classical Latin forms with Christian motifs.9

There are other surviving manuscript compendia that contain assortments of Erasmus’ prayers, such as an unillustrated manual today in Brussels (Bibliothèque royale de Belgique, MS 5010).10 However, on the whole, such items remain understudied, not to mention un-digitized. Hopefully, the substantial community of Erasmus specialists will now be able to discover the intriguing Philadelphia volume and provide yet more information regarding its original context.

By pairing a unique selection of manuscript texts with an unusually extensive cycle of printed images, Lewis E 179 provides first-hand evidence for how these popular devotional texts were adapted and recombined by readers as the popularity of the traditional Book of Hours waned. The Prayer Book demonstrates how a new type of devotional manual could provide an idiosyncratic alternative to traditional forms in a period of religious foment. But what of the forty-five engravings that punctuate its pages, which remain unidentified? More will be said about those next week, when we will be joined by guest contributor Dr. Brooks Rich, Associate Curator of Old Master Prints at the National Gallery of Art and recent University of Pennsylvania graduate.

from WordPress http://bibliophilly.pacscl.org/overlooked-texts-overlooked-images-part-i-an-erasmian-album/

#Fifty-two discoveries #The Free Library of Philadelphia

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cordoniantrash · 5 years ago

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Noël Dernier

Hello and welcome! This is my submission to day 8 of the The 12 Days of Ficmas, hosted by @leelee10898, with the prompt Last Christmas. Set sometime in the future, inspired by a line by Liam during a diamond scene in TRR 1. Huge thanks to @thequeennefertipi, who betaed and patiently held my hand through this. Spelling and grammatical errors are mine.

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Liam x MC

Rating: G

Warning: none

Words: 2121

Contributors: @hopefulmoonobject @allaboutchoices @zaffrenotes @cordoniantrash @burnsoslow @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @msjr0119 @texaskitten30 @janezillow @the-soot-sprite @mskaneko @blackcatkita @darley1101 @thecordoniandiaries @speedyoperarascalparty @ao719 @leelee10898 @cocomaxley @theroyalweisme @alj4890 @bbrandy2002 @cordoniansgonewild @god-save-the-keen @debramcg1106 @emichelle @annekebbphotography @brightpinkpeppercorn @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria

Readers: @dangerouseggseagleartisan @innerpostmentality @beardedoafdonutwagon @desiree-0816

my taglist:

@cora-nova, @thequeennefertipi @captain-kingliamsqueen @feralhuman-hsskkk @mirandatwodots @princesskennarys @emceesynonymroll @kingliam2019 @bobasheebaby @princess-geek @fbloveschoices @dcbbw @los-cafeteros @whovianwriter @vaticanwaltz @typicalweirdbookworm @cheyismaxi @lilaccatholic @supercoolperson0808 @twinkle-320 @mkatschoicesblog

It was the night before Christmas. Fairy lights twinkled merrily on many a window and the wind coming from the sea brought along a welcome chill in the air. Up the hill, the Royal Palace glittered: a bejewelled spectacle for the masses to marvel at. Inside the palace, the halls echoed with the combined sounds of many running feet, snatches of conversations and the tinkling of laughter.

The throne room was exquisitely decorated for the occasion. The room, made to look like a snowy landscape was decorated with centrepieces that glint in the light, fountains of champagne, silken curtains hanging on the walls and a string quartet that was stationed near one wall. The staff were at their designated places with the King and Queen and the little prince standing by the thrones, poised and ready to welcome their guests and start the gala.

Liam heard a sigh beside him. He turned and met his wife’s eyes. Cassie smirked and tilted her head towards a squirming Lucas. Sharing a fond look with Cassie, Liam knelt down and helped loosen up his son’s bow tie.

“Better?”

Lucas nodded then added, “How much longer, Dad?”

“Not too long now, dear.”

Lucas pouted, “Promise?”

Liam smiled. “Promise.”

He straightened up and took in the room one more time. Everything was in place. Liam felt a hand slip into his own. He turned and kissed Cassie’s hand, sharing another smile before they turned forward again. A beat passed.

The doors opened.

The guests entered, the music started, and the gala began.

As the nobles and other guests formed a line to greet the monarchs, Liam noticed a familiar face among the throng. It took a few minutes for the memories to resurface but recognition finally came along with wistfulness and a dawning sense of embarrassment.

It was Eira Blanchard in all her blonde-haired, eye-greyed glory, wearing an elegant green dress that showed off her slender frame. The diplomat’s daughter. A reminder of his life before Cassandra.

Beside him, his wife whispered, “Are you all right, love?”

Liam turned toward her and answered yes with a reassuring smile. He turned towards the line once more, physically there while his mind wandered off to the past and to a different party in another Christmas Eve.

−

Last Christmas, I gave you my heart…

−

Seven years ago, Paris, France…

He found her inside the embassy’s sitting room. Sheathed in ivory, she seemed to glow amidst the dark wood that decorated the room. These last few days saw him trying to gather the courage to confess his feelings. To put into words just how much their time together meant to him. How she meant to him.

As he walked into the room, taking care to make a noise to alert her of his presence, his mind wandered to his brother and friends and their reactions to what he was planning. He knew that they did not really think well of her. Leo thought her to be too self-constrained and Olivia thinks she’s too haughty. Maxwell added that she was too quiet while Drake thinks she’s boring. But Liam saw more than what was present in the surface. She was intelligent, ambitious yes, pragmatic too. But she was also kind and… and just perfect. She was the only one outside of his intimate circle that treated him as an equal. As a peer whose opinions matter.

Someone who matters just as much as the Crown Prince.

He knows that she saw him as more than just the quiet, dutiful spare.

At the sound of him entering the room, Eira turned, the skirt of her gown following her graceful movements. For a moment he felt dazed. Here was someone who was fit to be a queen, with the world at her feet. She certainly deserves nothing less, and although he can’t give it to her, being just the second son, he can and will give her his heart anyway. If she’ll have it.

Liam was shaken out of his thoughts when the first noble reached them. The night dragged on; the line moved steadily forward, bringing closer to where he and his family stood. He glanced at Cassandra, a question his eyes. She shook her head and smiled, taking a moment to squeeze his hand before turning to the next guest and engaging in small talk.

It all happened in a blur. One moment, Liam was talking to an ambassador, the next he was faced with wide grey eyes and an avalanche of memories. Ears burning, he nodded as she sank into a curtsy, ever the proper lady.

She spoke, voice cool, light and airy; just like the snow that fell on the windowpanes that night, all those years ago. He responded with the proper replies, face blank and voice betraying nothing. Both of them adhering to the script that they had been taught with all their lives.

Beside him, he could hear Cassandra making small talk, being an excellent hostess, despite the fact that they had been standing there for nearly an hour. Instinctively, he put his hand on the small of her back, the gesture meaning to provide her with support. It ended up being a reassurance for him.

Everything will be all right…

----

Grey eyes flickered, looking between husband and wife and briefly meeting warm brown before looking down as she sank into another curtsy, this time taking her leave. The royal couple, tonight being the incarnation of poise and hospitality, waved her on with more pleasantries before turning and welcoming another guest.

She walked away, as she had done that day, as she had done time and time again. Forever chasing and never quite reaching. Her heart clenched, her chest tightening slightly. She looked back, despite herself. He was talking softly with his wife, one hand on the small of her back, the other holding his son. His queen smiled, her hands resting on her little bump.

He looks happy.

Happier than he had been that night, or during the days she knew him. It was what he deserves, really. A home by the sea surrounded by family.

And yet…

Eira shook her head. Grabbing a flute of champagne, she wandered around the party feeling cold and empty amidst the revelry. Christmas had always been a melancholy time. Has been for years. Memories falling in place in her mind, recreating the way snow fell on the windowpanes in her apartment. Her biggest what-if being replayed in her mind, haunting her wherever she goes.

Seven years ago…

His confession still rang inside her mind. Last night had been more than she had hoped for. Eira could barely recall being as happy as she had been in that study, with the heat of the fire behind her and the warm brown of Liam’s eyes in front of her. Unbidden, words of acceptance spilt from her lips, her joy too much for one heart. He had taken her in his arms and spun her around, laughter and smiles shared between them. She could still see how his eyes lit up, could still feel the ghost of his lips on her forehead. His warm lips on hers. Soft, gentle and quivering into a smile.

In the cold light of the morning, the envelope lay on her desk. The acceptance letter cool in her hands. Her life-long dreams finally in her grasp. Eira looked out the window. He sent her a bouquet of lilies. She laid it next to her vase full of poppies.

She knows what to do. What she must do.

Eira could feel her heart break.

−

But the very next day, you gave it away

−

He avoided her like the plague throughout the night. It had started when she caught his eye as he was talking to a group of diplomats. Liam recognised the look in her eyes. Determination. For what, he did not know. A part of him does not want to know. He kept flitting in and out of groups keeping an eye out for Eira and ducking out whenever she came close. He felt silly doing it. It probably looked silly, judging by the confused looks that Cassandra kept on shooting him whenever he made his excuses.

Lucas, on the other hand, loved it. His son had taken to skipping away with him, giggling all the way. Liam always felt lighter during those moments. But it was nearly midnight and Lucas was already in bed, tucked in, safe and snug and so so loved.

Midnight saw him standing on the balcony. He had just finished a rather tedious conversation with some of the representatives in the foreign ministry and had needed a breather.

As he leaned his hands on the railings, he could hear snatches of conversations as voices from the ballroom carried to the balcony. He looked up. Spotlights moved in patterns across the sky, masking the stars. He allowed his posture to slip, his shoulders to release tension.

Just one more hour, he reminded himself. Then he and Cassie can finally make their excuses and retire for the night. Silently he went through a list in his mind. He had already asked the staff to draw a hot bath and requested a tray of her latest cravings to the kitchens. He just had to make sure to light the candles in the bathroom when they get back to their rooms and pamper his wife.

There was a shuffling noise on the other side of the balcony. Liam tensed. The hairs at the back of his neck stood up.

“Your Majesty.”

Eira Blanchard stood at the other side of the balcony, shadows blending into her green gown.

----

“My lady.” He inclined his head towards her. She returned his gesture before taking a few steps in his direction. Eira took in his appearance as she came closer. His hair was shorter, his stance more solid. More grounded. His eyes had hints of crinkles, a sure sign of someone always smiling.

Time’s been kind to you…

She also noticed the way his eyes flicked toward the door, his suddenly blank expression and the way he tensed. Her mind flashed back to the way he carried himself around his wife. She felt a weight drop to her stomach. But she still managed to straighten her back and arrange her face into something that resembles a smile. Taking a deep breath, she forged ahead.

“He looks like you…” she trailed off, unsure why she suddenly brought up this subject.

Liam’s stoic façade broke as confusion sank in. Eira could feel the corners of her lips twitch into a genuine smile. At least some things don’t change.

“Your son,” she clarified.

“Oh… uh—that’s kind of you to say,” Liam said, hands twitching. Eira looked down at her glass. She cast about for another way to keep the conversation going.

“Oh! I—ah, I’d like to offer congratulations as well.”

Liam’s smile was wider this time. “Thank you, Eira. I heard congratulations are in order for you as well. Your work in Africa was all Cassie could talk about last month.”

Eira flushed. “Thank you,” she murmured behind a growing smile. “It seems that I have a fan.”

Liam chuckled, his shoulders relaxing, eyes lighting up.

“She’s very passionate about these causes,” he said, visibly brightening up, “she’s already spearheaded several initiatives…”

Eira watched as Liam positively gushed about his wife, adoration clear on his voice and tone. Eira’s smile turned a touch melancholic. Something within her heart unclenched.

“It sounds like you’ve built a good life here,” she mused during a lull in the conversation.

“Seems that way, yes.”

“Are you hoping for another boy?” she asked, catching sight of the Queen as she made her rounds.

“A girl actually, although Lucas and Cassie are insisting it’s going to be another boy.”

“Hmm. I’m not sure the world could take another Liam.”

Liam laughed, the sound prompting her giggles as well.

----

Their laughter faded. A movement at the corner of his eye caught his attention. Liam turned and saw Cassandra in the middle of laughing with Hana and Maxwell. Still chuckling, she looked around and caught his eye. Cassie smiled and waved. Liam grinned and winked, his heart full.

“You should go,” Eira said softly.

“What about you?”

She shrugged and answered, “I think I’ll enjoy the sights for a little longer before I head out.”

“Of course.” Liam nodded.

Their eyes met. He offered her a soft smile. She answered with another, wistfulness tugging at its edges. He nodded to her once.

“Take care, Eira.” He murmured.

“You too, Liam.”

With one final smile, he turned and made his way back inside.

−

This year, to save me from tears

I’ll give it to someone special

−

A/N: lemme know what you guys think!

#choices 12 days of fictmas #emgee tries to write #liam x mc #trr #choices trr #the royal romance #king liam #12 days of ficmas #choices stories you play #playchoices #choices the royal romance

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