#liv and I were talking about how we aren't angry at all about the way that its ending

[yellowlaboratory]

omg did you see that our boat show is ending.

literally want to cry and bawl my eyes out. im so saddddd

i can’t believe this my favs are leaving us.

i have seen it. then I spent 20 minutes gaslighting myself into believing it wasn't real. now I'm still working on processing it. like I'm truly cycle through the stages of grief.

sending you a massive hug 🫶🫶🫶

(and i'm taking any and all recommendations for new upcoming hyperfixations)

[sydsaint]

Hello darling I was wondering if you could write a Damian x reader fic where reader has a really bad bf (can make it another wrestler if ya want) and Damian gets into a fight with said boyfriend and then proves to her he loves her and is the better option and you find out reader always had feeling for him but was to nervous to say anything to him (some what based on ho hey song by limiters)

I hope you enjoy it!!! <3

Summary: The reader has a bad argument with her boyfriend, Giovanni Vinci. Damian intervenes, unable to stand by while reader gets mistreated.

You storm down the hallway with your boyfriend hot on your tail as you attempt to free yourself from his presence for a bit.

"Stop following me, Giovanni." You whirl around to face him with a scowl.

"YN, come on." Gio replies. "I said that I was sorry. What else do you want me to do?" He asks you.

You scoff and go to turn around and stomp off again, but Vinci catches your arm before you can move away from him. "I want you to stop ogling other women when I'm standing right next to you, dickhead." You yank your arm out of his grip.

"I wasn't ogling, Liv, I swear." Vinci attempts to defend himself. "I was just glancing around the room and she happened to be standing right there." He insists.

"You are so full of shit!" You laugh hysterically. "I saw you staring at her ass, Giovanni! The only thing that could have made it more obvious is if you started drooling!" You shout at him.

The commotion being aired out in the middle of the hallway earns itself an audience when one of the locker room doors swings open. Damian steps out of the Judgement Day locker room and locks onto you pointing an angry finger into Giovanni's chest.

"Everything alright out here, YN?" Damian makes his way over to your side to check on you.

"We're fine here." Giovanni answers for you. "It's none of your damn business anyway." He turns his nose up at Damian.

Damian rolls his eyes and turns to face you. "I was talking to, YN, asshole." He looks down at you with a soft expression. "You okay, YN?" He asks you again.

"I'm alright, Damian, thanks." You glance up at Priest and nod. "Gio and I were just having a disagreement is all." You assure him.

"Alright." Damian nods and backs off now that he knows that you aren't in any danger. "Hey, I was just about to run down to catering to grab a drink for Finn. You want to come with me?" He asks you.

Giovanni scoffs and reaches out to grab your arm again. "She's fine." He attempts to answer for you again. "Come on, YN. Let's go back to the locker room and talk about this like adults." He insists.

Damian grabs Giovanni's arm before it has a chance to clamp down on yours. He shoves Gio's arm back into his chest and steps between the two of you. "Try and grab her like that again and the only place you'll be going is the ER." Damian growls at Giovanni.

"Whatever." Giovanni scoffs and stares at you over Damian's shoulder. "Come find me when you're over this bitchy mood, YN."

You roll your eyes and watch Giovanni retreat back to the Imperium locker room to pout. Once he's out of sight, Damian turns back around and leans down so he can talk to you more comfortably.

"You okay?" Damian asks you. "Does he he all grabby with you like that often?"

"Only when he's in a bad mood." You grumble to yourself. "Which is more often nowadays." You admit. "But I'm fine, thanks, Damian." You smile at him.

Damian nods, thoughts of kicking Giovanni's ass crossing his mind as he looks down at you. "You can still hang with me if you don't want to head back to the Imperium locker room just yet." He offers. "We can chat some more if you'd like." He suggests casually.

"Yeah, that sounds nice, actually." You nod.

You and Damian take off and head down to catering so Damian can fetch Finn's drink like he said earlier. The two of you chat along the way, mostly about work.

"How long have you and Vinci been a thing, anyway?" Damian asks you while you're on the way back from catering.

"Umm, a little over a year now I think." You reply. "It's usually not like this. Gio's sweet, most of the time." You assure him. "We just...well it seems like he likes to argue with me sometimes." You sigh.

"Sounds kind of shitty if you ask me." Damian replies. "I mean, I don't mean to pry or anything like that. But you've seemed kind of quieter and more distant these past few months." He explains.

You unconsciously nod and bite the inside of your cheek. "Yeah well, being a member of Imperium isn't easy." You attempt a half-assed laugh. "Gunther keeps us all on a tight schedule. Anyway, thanks for talking with me Damian. Gio should be cooled off by now. But I'll catch you later, yeah?" You ask him.

"Yeah, anytime, shorty." Damian nods.

You head off to return to the Imperium locker room and Damian watches you go. 'Fuck! I am such an idiot!' he curses himself. 'why couldn't I just tell her how I feel?'

Later in the night, Damian and the rest of Judgment Day are heading out of the arena. Damian is loading up the trunk with bags when he hears arguing a few spaces away.

"I'll be right back, guys." Damian sets down his bag and heads off to find the source of the shouting.

"Why do you have to act like such a difficult bitch all of a sudden?" Giovanni lays into you verbally in the parking lot. "Just get in the damn car, YN! I'm done arguing with you!"

Damian rounds the corner just as Giovanni makes a move toward you. You step out of Gio's range and swat his hand away. "Just fuck off, Gio! God, I am so sick and tired of taking this verbal abuse from you!" You shout right back at him. "Go back to the hotel by your damn self! I'll find my own ride back." You turn sharply on your heel and begin to walk away with your bags.

"You aren't going anywhere until we settle this!" Giovanni steps forward again and goes to grab you.

You turn around to smack Giovanni but someone beats you to the punch.

Literally.

Your eyes widen in shock as Damian steps out from behind a car. You watch Priest reel his hand back before swinging it at Giovanni's face. Damian's first collides with Gio's jaw and Vinci reels back.

"What did I tell you earlier!" Damian puffs out his chest as he steps in front of you.

Seconds later, Finn and JD appear at your side, having been drawn in by Damian's yelling. "YN? You alright?" Finn sets a hand on your shoulder.

"What? Oh, Finn!" You jump before turning around. "What are you and JD doing here?" You ask him.

"We heard shouting." JD answers you. "Damian!? What the hell are you doing?" He turns to Damian who is now on Giovanni and trading blows with him.

The fight startles you and you shake a bit. "Can you guys separate them?" You ask Finn and JD.

Finn nods and beckons Dominick over from their car. Dom heads over and stands by you while Finn and JD break up the brawl between Giovanni and Damian.

Once the pair are separated, Finn drags Damian over to you and Dominick while JD keeps an eye on Giovanni. Damian calms down when he sees the worried look on your face.

"Shit! YN." Damian's expression softens. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I just...well I wasn't going to let Vinci keep ragging on you like that." He tries to explain himself.

"I know." You nod. "It's okay. Thank you for wanting to help." You blink a few times. "Honestly? I don't know why I've put up with it for so long." Tears dare to spill from your eyes and blur your vision.

Damian recognizes the look on your face and pulls you into his chest for a hug. He rubs your back gently to soothe you while Finn helps escort Giovanni away from the group.

"You know that you deserve better. That's what's important." Damian comforts you. "You want to ride back to the hotel with us? I can get Finn and JD to get your stuff for you." He offers. "Then we can get you a different room to stay in."

"Yeah, that sounds like a start." You nod and pull away from Damian. "Thank you, Damian. I don't know what I'd be doing right now if you weren't here to help." You sniffle.

.Damian cracks a soft smile and hugs you tightly again. "I've got your back, hermosa." He assures you.

[andreal831]

Hi! I love your posts and would like to hear your opinion on this:

Is it just me or does the fandom seem to have different standards between Caroline and the rest of the female characters?

Like, for example, Caroline is allowed to have her flaws (Like being unnecessary mean at times, insensitive slut-shaming, etc) and the fandom praises her and loves her for it. But whenever the any of the other female characters (Elena, Bonnie, Hayley, Liv, etc) behave similarly they’re bashed for it.

This isn’t bashing Caroline, btw. I do like her, this is just something I’ve observed.

First, thank you so much! I'm glad you like my posts <3

Second, I'm going to try and answer this in a way that I offend the least amount of people possible. But remember, these are just my opinions and interpretations of the show. You can like/dislike whatever character you want. My opinion doesn't need to matter to you.

The fandom in general has a lot of misogyny in it and I do think we can blame a lot of it on the writers for encouraging it. But, yes, each of the women in the show are treated very differently for various reasons.

I like Caroline, but I'll talk about my feelings on her more in another post. I know there is a lot of discussion in the fandom of Caroline being a self-insert for JP and it allows others to have her be a self-insert for themselves. Therefore, the fandom tends to be more understand with her because they see themselves in her. I agree with this to an extent. I do think that Caroline is easier for the audience to understand because her problems feel more human. Most people can understand being an insecure teenager or feeling left out by her friends, a girl who has boy drama and fights with her mom. Season 1 really cemented Caroline as the teenage human girl. While Bonnie and Elena were dealing with supernatural problems. While, as an audience, we can appreciate them, we can't fully understand what they were going through.

This plays a part throughout the series for a lot of people. I see fans often forget the struggles of other characters but hold on to Caroline. To me, it's because they related to Caroline on a personal level they just aren't able to do with the others. A lot of girls are watching Caroline struggle through the same issues they are as they are struggling through them. While I don't necessarily think it's in a self-insert type of way, Caroline does represent the average teenage girl, even after she is turned. I don't think this is a problem per se, people will always find ways to relate to a character. It's the point of media.

I hate discussions on who is the better friend between the three because they all have moments where they are amazing friends and moments where they had issues to different extents.

We also can't discuss how everyone is treated without mentioning race. Bonnie is constantly held to a higher standard because of this. As the only black/POC character for the vast majority of the show, Bonnie has to represent the whole community. She's not allowed to be angry or loud or rude because then it furthers stereotypes. And when she is, people jump on these stereotypes and write her off as a character in general to make it seem like it's not just their racism.

Now for the rest of the women, I have seen hate for every single woman on this show get unnecessary hate. Including Caroline. I do think Caroline stans let her slide on a lot and will defend her like their lives depend on it, but so will Katherine stans and Elena stans, etc. We tend to want to see our favorite characters as perfect and any critique is seen as an attack on their choice of favorites instead of just that, a critique. There is not a single character alive that cannot be critiqued.

Caroline sleeping with Klaus after everything he did was wrong. Just like Elena sleeping with Damon after everything he did was wrong. Caroline was wrong for murdering 12 witches to save her friend just as Hayley was wrong for helping get 12 hybrids killed to find her family. These things don't cancel each other out or make one alright.

Bonnie is perfect and has never done anything wrong.

I do think Caroline stans tend to make up a very large and vocal part of the fandom so it does come across that Caroline is allowed to do anything without critique, but I feel like I've seen a shift in the fandom (or maybe just the side I'm on) where she does get called out. And this is coming from someone who has gotten some nasty inbox messages from Care stans. But some of my favorite mutuals are also Care stans. I've seen so many people love the villains but criticize the teenagers for absolutely everything they do. People just want their faves to be perfect and for everyone to love them. Don't let the problematic, toxic stans represent the character or the fandom as a whole.

Thanks for the ask!

[alj4890]

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You

(Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis) in a Choices The Royal Romance Crackship AU

Masterlist

A/N I know it's been a while, but I think I can say I'm back 🤞Covid and flu went through my whole family these last couple of weeks and I'm behind on everything, including having fun on Tumblr. I'm starting to catch up on writing, reading, and answering asks. For the time being though, here's something I'd finished right before all the sickness struck. I was finally able to edit it this morning, so here we go with some more angsty romance with Max and Liv.

Chapter 4

Cordonia's Royal Port...

Olivia was seething.

There were a great many things in this world that could make her angry. One that was high on her list was what she deemed: traitor. It just so happened that she was debating on whether or not to assign that particular moniker to one of the men she'd known for most of her life.

Is he betraying me by being all buddy/buddy with Riley? He's pushing so hard for her to win Liam's attention. Shouldn't he be rooting instead for me, his so-called friend?

Her narrowed eyes were riveted upon the joyful trio. It was ridiculous how happy Drake, Riley, and Maxwell were for having won the annual regatta. Olivia felt her temper spike to see her competition engulfing both men in tight hugs before jumping down to the dock to greet Liam and Constantine.

The fact that the three most incompetent people she'd ever known had beaten her soon to be fired crew was absolutely insane.

"Your grace?" One of her crewmen cleared his throat. "Please accept our apologies for--"

"Get everything ready for the party." She snapped. "Guests will be arriving soon. I expect no further failures."

"Yes m'lady." He bowed then scurried away.

Olivia refocused on the various nobles coming towards her yacht. There was only one person she wanted to see from her peer group. She wasn't certain why she wanted to see Maxwell as badly as she did. She chalked it up to her need to set him straight on a number of matters.

Then again, curiosity over their kiss could be another big reason.

She greeted her guests on her way down to the dock, making certain on timing it to where she could run into Maxwell without it appearing planned.

Luckily, he wasn't looking where he was going. His attention was directed upon his phone while a slight frown formed on lips she knew a little too well.

Maxwell bumped into her, nearly sending them both into the water.

"Whoa!" He grasped her waist to help keep her upright. "Sorry."

Olivia's frown deepened over the flush creeping up her neck from their bodies being pressed up against one another for such a brief moment.

Stepping back, she straightened her sweater and waited on him to say something more.

His eyes lingered upon her cold, dispassionate face. Maxwell felt his heart sink at not seeing anything like he'd hoped to after sharing a kiss that had been beyond anything his imagination could conjure.

"Excuse me." He mumbled, stepping around her.

Olivia blinked at that being all he was going to say to her. After that kiss from a few nights earlier, she expected him to say something about why he'd done it.

"Where are you going?" She snapped.

Her waspish tone caused him to freeze.

"Bertrand needs to talk to me." He told her.

"Now?" She asked.

"Yeah." Maxwell sighed. "His, um, his patience is really wearing thin."

He glanced towards her yacht and the nobles already mingling on it. Of all the times his brother demanded his presence for another lecture, it had to be when the woman he was head over heels for threw a party.

Not that she would want me there.

"Aren't you coming to my little get together?" She asked.

His eyes searched hers. Hope flared within him.

Maybe I didn't screw up my chances with her, he thought. If she wants me at her party then my kiss didn't completely gross her out.

"I wish I could." Maxwell ran a hand down his face. "Bertrand is demanding I come find him."

"Are you going to the beach later?" Olivia wanted to slap herself for sounding like she couldn't wait to see him again.

"Yeah," Maxwell replied, "I think so."

His phone buzzed with another irritated text from his brother.

"I'll see you later." He mumbled.

"Hey." Riley greeted, stopping beside Olivia. "Liam said you're hosting the Ladies of the Court."

Olivia watched him walk away. Her brow furrowed in thought over his behavior and her own holding back in telling him off. She wasn't quite certain what game Maxwell was playing with her, but she knew she needed to stop it before it went any further.

Is it a game he's playing with me? Is that why he kissed me? Or am I giving Maxwell too much credit?

"I am." Olivia turned back towards the gangplank, motioning for Riley to follow. "Welcome aboard."

"Thanks." Riley relaxed some once she saw Olivia wasn't her usual temperamental self.

"Of course." Olivia's overly bright smile made Riley pause. "Please, make yourself at home and do not hesitate to ask for whatever you need."

Riley's eyes widened when Olivia called out for a servant to bring her a bright orange life jacket.

"Here." Olivia's smug smile formed. "We can't take a chance on possibly losing you during our excursion."

"Is everyone getting one?" Riley asked.

"No. They aren't as fragile as our newest member of the Court." Olivia replied.

Riley's own smile held a hint of evil. She took the life jacket in her hands and managed to sound like she was overcome with emotion.

Olivia struggled in her embrace.

"Olivia! Aren't you the most precious person to be so concerned about me?" Riley pulled her into a tight hug. "It is so sweet how much you want to keep me around."

Her delighted out urst drew the nobles' attention. Many were chuckling and whispering while watching the two ladies before turning back to the brunch that was being set out.

"There's no need for this." Riley whispered. "This competition doesn't mean we have to keep being mean to each other."

Olivia pushed out of her arms. "You're a bigger fool than I thought. This is a competition. None of us can be anything other than opponents as we fight to win Liam."

"There is no fight." Riley tossed the life preserver into a nearby lounge chair. "Liam is a man who will choose the woman he wants to ultimately spend the rest of his life with. I don't care what Madeleine says about it being to find the perfect queen. In the end, he has to live with whomever he picks."

She gestured around at the crowd. "Those of us who aren't picked will need to continue on in life. Wouldn't it be better to do so as friends?"

Olivia scoffed at that notion.

Riley really is naive.

"Believe that if you want," Olivia muttered, "but in the end, you'll hate the one Liam picks over you."

"Why?" Riley folded her arms. "If I truly care about Liam, then shouldn't I want to see him get the person he wants most?"

Olivia hesitated. Of course, she knew that's how one should feel. Yet, could she take Liam picking one of the other ladies over herself?

"Anyway," Riley continued, "I think we'll all end up with the person we're meant for."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "That sounds stupidly optimistic."

Riley shrugged. "I'm a hopeless romantic. It's why I agreed to Maxwell's invitation to be House Beaumont's suitor."

She then nudged Olivia.

"You know, there are a lot of handsome guys here."

"Excuse me?" Olivia sputtered.

"I'm just saying, the ladies Liam doesn't pick have a pretty decent selection to nurse their broken hearts." Riley smiled at her. "I bet there's at least one who's not the prince who has caught your eye."

Olivia paled at the thought of Maxwell telling Riley about the kiss.

"He has not caught my eye." Olivia hissed.

"Who?" Riley asked.

"I don't care what he said to you!" Olivia whispered harshly. "Nothing will ever come from that kiss!"

"Who?!" Riley's eyes widened. "Who did you kiss?"

Olivia realized she'd made a huge mistake. The longer she studied Riley's curious face the more she knew Maxwell hadn't told her about what happened that last night in Lythikos.

Furious over her own stupidity, Olivia spun on her heel and left Riley gaping in confusion.

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

The private beach...

Maxwell did his best not to look around and see where Olivia was. He'd already caught her staring at him twice. He knew he should probably talk about the kiss with her.

But...

He didn't want to hear her say that she felt nothing for him.

He softly groaned as he collapsed back on the towel he was sitting on. Once he saw Liam sneak off with Riley, he knew he could finally relax somewhat. He wished he could get out of his clothes and go swimming with his friends. He knew Bertrand would have a stroke if he found out that he did so and that the entire court saw his tattoo.

Still...it was tempting to rip his black shirt off. Hearing the gasps and whispers over the baby hippo residing upon his chest would bring a smile to his face. It would also temporarily take his mind off one particular subject.

He'd give anything to escape his thoughts. Between the heat of the afternoon sun and the inner heat from the memories of how Olivia's lips felt on his, he needed a cool dip in the ocean.

"We need to talk."

His eyes shot open to see the very person he could not stop thinking about standing over him.

Olivia glanced around. Everyone was preoccupied with either swimming or mingling. No one was paying any attention to them. It was the perfect moment to finally get some answers.

"What, um, what do you want to talk about?" Maxwell asked a touch hesitantly.

"You know what I want to discuss." She hissed. "Now get up and follow me."

He scrambled after her when she darted towards a shaded area filled with palm trees and thick brush.

Once she knew they were well out of earshot of everyone, she rounded on him.

"I know what you're doing." Her tone sent a chill down his spine.

"You do?" Maxwell thought he'd been so careful.

"I'd almost be impressed if you were normally this manipulative." Olivia swallowed, fighting against the frustrated tears that she felt. "But coming from someone like you, all I see is how cruel you really are."

She refused to cry in front of people. It was a form of weakness that a Nevrakis could never show to anyone. The last person she'd ever thought would make her feel this close to tears was Maxwell Beaumont.

Heat rose up her body as she blinked back the telltale signs that he'd upset her to this point.

"Cruel?" His eyes narrowed in concern as he stepped closer to her. "What are you talking about?"

"Your kiss!" She snapped. "You used it to distract me from pursuing Liam all so you're precious Riley could steal him away!"

Maxwell's jaw dropped. He couldn't believe she'd jumped to that conclusion. Didn't she know he was hopelessly in love with her, that he'd never use that as a weapon against her? How much more obvious could he be in showing Olivia how badly he wanted to be with her?

"Listen closely." She poked his chest with each word. "I will win Liam. You and I will never, ever speak of that kiss again after today. I know your tricks now and will never falter again."

"Tricks?!" He finally found his voice. "Liv, it wasn't a trick! I didn't do anything to make sure Riley wins Liam's attention."

"Bullshit!" Olivia hissed. "You knew what you were doing when you came to my room that night! I let my sentimentality over our childhood friendship keep me from seeing just how far you'll go to make Riley be Liam's choice."

"I swear I had no plans to do anything that night!" He cried out. "I honestly wanted to check on you! Don't you know..."

He trailed off, lowering his eyes. He knew deep, deep down he had kissed her in the hopes she would be distracted from pursuing Liam. It just had nothing at all to do with Riley or winning this asinine competition.

He only wanted Olivia to fall in love with him.

Swallowing, he reached for her hand.

For some reason Olivia allowed him to do so.

His thumb brushed over her skin setting off tingles for them both.

"Don't I know what?" She bit out, refusing to relax her fingers.

He lifted his eyes to hers. Olivia took a step back from the undeniable emotion swimming in those ocean blue depths of his.

Maxwell wanted to tell her everything that was in his heart. He knew he couldn't and even if he did give in to his weakness for her, she'd never believe him now. He could only hint at what he felt for her.

"Don't you know me well enough to see that I would never do something like that to anyone, especially to you? "

His voice cracked towards the end of his question. He didn't bother to try and hide how hurt he was. What was the point?

Olivia felt her suspicion begin to dwindle the more she studied Maxwell. He'd always been nice, especially to her. Could he truly have kissed her without any ulterior motive?

She knew he'd had a crush on her since forever. Did he actually kiss her because he wanted to? Or was it to help her know if Liam was what she wanted?

"All I want," he squeezed her hand before letting go, "all I ever wanted was to see my friends happy."

He stepped away from her.

"And since you've always been important to me, that's all I want for you. Whether it is with Liam or..." he grimaced, "or some other lucky guy, I want you to be with someone who appreciates the kind of woman you are."

Olivia folded her arms.

"That's all you want?" She snorted. "Nothing for yourself?"

"I didn't say that." He snapped.

Maxwell could feel the irritation well within him that she was completely blind when it concerned him.

"I want something that I know is becoming more and more impossible with each day this damn competition continues." He explained in a bitter tone. "And I hate that since it is the only thing I've ever wanted that I'm stuck watching from the sidelines as all my hopes get destroyed one by one."

Olivia's lips parted. She had a feeling she knew exactly what he wanted. If he truly wasn't trying to distract her, knowing she was one of the top picks for Liam, then it really could only be one thing.

He wants me.

Maxwell waited a couple of heartbeats for her response.

When she parted her lips, he'd hoped she would say something. Though he wanted it to be what his desperate heart needed, he almost wished she'd tell him to give up. This torturous longing for her was getting worse now that he knew how her lips felt pressed against his. The way her body fitted his like a puzzle piece and the taste of her skin had kept him awake the last few nights. He didn't know if he could continue to be a passive observer for the rest of the season now knowing that what he'd once imagined paled in comparison to the real thing.

Her hesitation in responding caused him to stumble back.

"I need to go." He mumbled, averting his gaze from hers once more. "I'll see you around."

Olivia let him go without a word. She watched him scoop up the beach towel he'd been sitting on and leave the area without saying goodbye to anyone. The lack of both his warm smile and the typical spring in his step let her know that their conversation had hurt him.

Her eyes narrowed once more. She could see that she was nowhere near getting Maxwell Beaumont off of her mind. If anything, this conversation alone would have kept him there. Add the kiss and the unusual feelings that were creeping up each time they touched, and she knew that it was only getting worse.

She returned to her lounge chair to think on what to do about this unexpected complication in her life.

As the sun set, a gasp slipped past her lips. Her fists clinched as a more pointed realization struck. It was unbelievable what she'd done.

She'd spent the entire day thinking of and interacting with only one man.

And it wasn't Liam.

[rahleeyah]

d.c. anon with a question I would love your thoughts on. 🥰🥰

could Elliot and Olivia really ever just be friends now?

I’m seeing in a ton of fic that elliot would be her friend if she decided she didn’t want a relationship with him. we know they were friends, technically, and partners in 1.0 but there was always a barrier that prevented them from being more. and then we have his 2.0 invisibility.

now that he is back, if they got to a place where they talked but Olivia was never ready, do you think they could actually be friends?

for me, it’s a big idk if they could. right now, we know e wants to be more. idk he if would just be satisfied with only being her friend? he is ultimate dad, wants to be in that domestic situation with her and noah type. and if not olivia, I really don’t see him settling down with anyone else? it would be that-settling-for someone who would never have his whole heart. and we all know he would wait for olivia if she asked. but would he wait forever if she were never ready or just distance himself bc it was too hard? like I know 💯 he would still be there for her regardless (and she would know it too).

with olivia, she wants to but is not ready. that’s fine. so when will she be ready? def not asking bc I’m looking for a timeline, but just as more of a rhetorical question. she has had a pattern of keeping him at arms length, mostly due to the previously mentioned barrier and his obvious disappearance. but if in the future she decided she didn’t want a relationship could she have a friendship with him? seeing him casually date? or being around him knowing what could have been? it would be heartbreaking for them both. and I think the same goes for olivia- if not elliot, anyone she MIGHT end up with would be settling.

there’s also some to be said for the argument that she’s a powerful, intelligent woman who doesn’t need a man but that’s a different conversation for another time. 😂😂

im thinking it might have to be all or nothing? agree? disagree? somewhere in the middle? thoughts?

I don't think they could just be friends bc there's always gonna be a part of Elliot that wants more. That watches her too closely that protects her too fiercely that looks at her and says mine and takes up so much space all around her there's no room for anyone else. That's how their relationship was for all of 1.0 , that's what we liked about it. Kathy and the job were the only things holding them back, now that those two things aren't in the way if it's Liv who pushes him out? Tells him never? He'd be devasted, intially, and angry and pouty and if his moody outbursts didn't completely destroy their relationship what friendship is left to them? They can't be spending a lot of time together bc they'll be right back where they were and if Liv is committed to no romance that intense intimacy would chafe her, I think. Elliot getting between her and potential romantic partners wouldn't be endearing to her any more. They could be acquaintances, perhaps, drawn back into old patterns for brief moments when their paths cross, but consistent, sustained friendship? Nah. I don't think that tracks with either of their personalities or with their relationship. There's this quote I like about being friends with your ex; it's like if you're still friends with your ex either you're still in love with them (and so still clinging to the hope that one day they'll love you like you want) or you never were (and so it's easy to be around them, there's no grief). Elliot is still in love with Liv, even if she says no. And him still being in love with her means he wouldn't be just a friend. He couldn't. There's a trend in fandom sometimes to make eo like. More virtuous than they are. To overlook their flaws, to make them so endlessly selfless and good that they cease to be themselves. One of the most compelling things about these characters is how developed they are, how real they feel, and part of that realness is that they aren't perfect. I don't think either of them will ever be chill about the other fucking someone else. Even if they never fuck each other they belong to each other.

[alj4890]

Chapter 31 Buona Sera

The Royal Romance Fan Fiction (Liam x MC*Riley) (Maxwell x OC*Amanda) (Drake x Olivia) (Hana x Rashad)

These characters are from the amazing writers of Pixelberry's Choices stories: The Royal Romance and Red Carpet Diaries. The only character of my own is Duchess Amanda Bridgerton of House St Orella. 

Masterlist The Other Friend TRR

Chapter 31 summary: It has been a few days since the barn raising and the tour has begun in Italy. Riley tries to talk to Bertrand and has her first meeting with everyone’s favorite countess. Madeleine talks to some of the others, slowly stirring the pot.

Chapter 31

Okay. Deep breath. One more time. I know I have never been a queen before. I've never been to Italy before. I've never been married before. I've never--okay Riley you are horrible at psyching yourself up. Look at the positives. You are married to the love of your life. You are in a beautiful country. You have your friends to support you. Everything will be fine.

Riley checked her appearance in the mirror. Olivia, Hana, and Amanda had come by earlier to help get her ready for the dinner this evening. Olivia had brought a red dress to impress the Italian noble that Riley would be meeting. Hana had helped her learn some phrases in his language as she put her makeup on. Amanda had been quiet through most of the meeting.

As the ladies prepared to leave, Riley asked Amanda to stay behind. "I can tell something's wrong."

Amanda looked away, biting her lip. "Riley, I don't want to burden you. Not with this tour and all."

Riley sat down. "Hey, it's okay. You can tell me. You and Maxwell aren't having any trouble are you?"

Amanda took a seat across from her. "It's Bertrand. Constantine followed through with his threat to Maxwell. Bertrand is beyond angry at him for marrying me instead of bowing down to the king's demand and taking his offer of refilling the Beaumont coffers. I...I don't know how to fix this. Maxwell is trying to hide how much this hurts, but you and I both know he isn't successful at that. I'm afraid of what else might happen. I'm worried that if this does not get resolved then Maxwell will come to resent marrying me. I've tried to speak to Bertrand, but he ignores me and leaves the room each time."

Riley sat there trying to absorb what was going on. She was worried that Constantine would follow through on the rest of his threats. What did he have in store for everyone? Was he only going to attack Maxwell and Amanda?

"Amanda, I will talk to Bertrand and see what is going on."

"No, I can't ask that of you. You have this tour and everything else going on. Plus, you should be enjoying the honeymoon part of this."

Riley smiled and squeezed her hand. "Lucky for you, I happen to be an honorary Beaumont. I love you guys and want to make sure you keep your happy ending."

Amanda hugged her and left to finish getting ready. Riley checked the time. Liam wasn't due back from his meeting for another hour. She decided to try and find Bertrand.

Riley found him sitting at the bar in the club car. He was talking to a lady that she did not recognize. When he saw her approaching, he rose and bowed respectfully. He had a fond twinkle in his eye. "Your majesty," he said with a smile. "How are you this evening?"

"I'm doing well, thank you."

He turned to the lady next to him. "I don't believe you two have met. Queen Riley, this is Countess Madeleine." Madeleine cooly assessed Riley before dropping into a curtsy. Riley smiled. "Good evening Countess, it is nice to meet you."

Madeleine continued her calculated stare. "Yes, I've heard quite a lot about you. It is amazing how one from so common a background has risen to such heights."

Ah, thought Riley. Now I am starting to see what everyone was talking about. Riley turned to Bertrand. "May I have a word with you?"

Bertrand nodded and told Madeleine he would find her later to escort her to dinner. She bowed her head and left for her room.

"What can I do for you?" He inquired.

"Bertrand, did something happen between you and Maxwell?"

His genial expression hardened. He sneered. "Did something happen? Only the most important thing happened. Maxwell had the chance to regain our fortune. I do not regret you becoming queen per say, but he should not have defied the king. He purposely chose to marry and not even attempt to save our legacy. And that... woman he married! She refused to do her duty. The people and her king wanted her to marry Liam. And she did not do as she was supposed to! She enticed my brother with her ways to turn his back on me. His own flesh and blood! They are both a disgrace to the Beaumont name!"

"Bertrand! They were following what Lord Nicholas had wanted. They were bound by that contract, just as much as Liam and Drake. Maxwell and Amanda love each other. Surely you do not--"

"Love! Bah! They could have still been together If she had married Liam. The King Father had made plans for such and shared such with them. They refused to think of anyone but themselves. I want nothing more to do with either one."

Riley stood there in shock at his disgust. "Bertrand, please try and see it from their point of view. They have been in love with each other for years. Liam and I could not have been together without them. Please don't lose your family over this."

"Father always said you have to put your duty above all others. Maxwell chose his path. Now he must deal with the consequences." Bertrand gives her another bow and walks away. She stood there for a few moments wondering what just happened.

Liam walked up behind her. "Good evening, my love". She turned to receive his kiss. "Wow, that dress is...wow." She laughed and kissed him again.

"Was that Bertrand you were talking to?"

Riley shared what Amanda and Bertrand said. "Liam, what are we going to do? Is your father planning on coming tonight?"

Liam had to fight to keep calm. He had expected his father to strike again. He thought though that it would be towards himself instead of his friends."We will figure something out. My father and Regina have another engagement this evening. At least we will have a reprieve. For now, we should make our way to dinner. I can't wait to show you off to Italy."

Drake and Olivia were looking at the nobles mingling, while waiting on their drinks at the bar. "I've got to say, I had a hard time keeping a straight face when you told that Italian lord what you really thought of his home during dinner."

Olivia grinned. "He just wanted us to keep inflating his ego. Someone had to pop it. I'm not going to sit and coddle him." Drake handed her a drink and clinked his glass against hers. "Here's to more popping."

Madeleine walked up to them. "Well, well, well. Don't you two look cozy?"

Drake shared a look with Olivia. Her lips smirked, "Drake, did you catch a repulsive aroma of sulfur just then?" He chuckled and sipped his whiskey.

Madeleine's eyes narrowed. "Olivia, I'm surprised to see you so chummy with the man who has insulted you through the years. It's very interesting. Is this a new way of getting your revenge? Lead him on to end it with humiliation?"

Olivia's eyes flashed with hatered. Drake gently put his hand on her shoulder. "Come on Liv, let's go find someone decent to talk to." She looked into his eyes, and he saw her fight to calm down. She brushed past Madeleine with her hand in his. Madeleine watched them go with an intrigued smile.

Rashad was waiting on Hana. She wanted to talk to Riley about an idea for an event during the tour. He had let her go without him so he could complete a call to his business partner, Wiliam. He was quite content to stand there across the room from her. His eyes touched on so many things that made her, well, her.

She would gently push some of her hair behind her ear whenever she was planning something or talking serious. He watched her smile bloom and could hear the music in her laughter. He was falling so hard for her. Even William noticed a difference in his voice recently. He was happy. He had been trying to take things slow with her, but all he wanted to do was go fast.

She glanced over at him and gave a sweet smile. He winked back at her. He loved the blush that stained her cheeks. He loved that she shyly winked back. As he was in this blissful state, Madeleine came up beside him. "Good evening your grace."

"Countess Madeleine."

"I see that Lady Hana has caught your attention. Such a pity."

Rashad knew he should ignore her, but he could not stop from asking. "What's a pity?"

"Oh, just that she is the kind of lady to agree to an engagement, then break the poor man's heart a few days before the wedding. It is all over the U.K. how she did the Earl of Renthorpe so badly with that stunt. He was simply devastated by her false promises. I would hate to see someone like you go through that. You've already been through so much."

Rashad stood there in anger and irritation. Not at Hana, but at Madeleine for making him think and doubt any part of her. Hana had previously shared how her relationship with the Earl went. He trusted her. He was falling in love with her. He knew the risks. He needed to get away from Madeleine. He bowed his head and walked away. Madeleine watched him leave the room and saw Hana's worried expression.

Amanda stood alone, looking out over Venice from the balcony of the restaurant. She needed a break from having to pretend that she was happy and that she didn't notice her husband's unhappiness. The dinner had been difficult to get through. Each time Maxwell and Bertrand were near each other, the coldness and snide remarks happened.

She sighed and leaned against the railing. It's only going to get worse, she thought. Amanda turned when she heard footsteps behind her. Well. It's official. I'm a psychic, she thought. Looks like the worst is coming my way.

Madeleine walked over to Amanda. "Good evening, Amanda. I haven't seen you in a long time. The way things were going, I thought you would stay in California."

"I never intended to move there. I was only helping Thomas Hunt adapt my novel."

"Hmm. Perhaps it would have been better if you had remained there. I know it would have been better on poor Bertrand and Maxwell. It would devastate me if I was the cause of brothers hating each other. Then to let down the people of Cordonia after winning their hearts. You are by far stronger than I am to be able to do all that and still be cheerful."

Amanda knew Madeleine was trying to make her feel awful, but she had thought of most of that already. She was tormented with wondering if it would have been better if she had decided to stay in California. She could have nullified her uncle's contract by marrying someone like Ryan. Had she been selfish in trying to win Maxwell and then marrying him?

Madeleine cut her peridot eyes at Amanda. "I don't know how you are able to face Maxwell everyday knowing it is because of you he has lost his only family member. Why, if I-"

"That's enough Madeleine! You will not speak to my wife like that again! Do you understand me?"

Amanda turned in surprise to see Maxwell standing there with his fists clinched. Madeleine turned to simper to him. "Maxwell, I want to help you and your brother heal your relationship. With Amanda as your wife, you need help. I would never-"

"Do you ever know when to shut the hell up?! Get out of here, bitch! No one wants you around."

Madeleine stiffened. "Oh someone does want me. He just wants nothing to do with the two of you." She walked past him to go back inside.

Maxwell took the last few steps to Amanda. He was slightly shaking with anger. He gently cupped her face. "Are you okay? Why didn't you tell her to leave you alone? If I had known you were not going to come back at her, I would have jumped in sooner."

Amanda pulled back and faced the the city. "I don't know why. I was...what she said is basically true. Things might be better for you if I had not returned. It kills me that I can't fix this for you. Knowing I am the cause of--"

Maxwell interrupted her. "Constantine is the cause of all of this! Bertrand has his head so far up his own 'name loving' ass, that he can't see anything else. If you had decided to stay in California, I would have come after you. I was already toying with the idea before you told me you were coming back."

He placed his finger under Amanda's chin to turn her face to his. "I have never at any point felt that you were the cause of anything bad in my life. You are the best thing to happen to me. You were the one dream I had. I don't ever want to see you allowing Madeleine or Bertrand or anyone ever talk to you like that again!"

He wrapped his arms around her. Her eyes met his. All she could see was love. She kissed him. "Thank you, my love, for defending me."

He smiled and kissed her. "Anytime.” As he his hands moved soothingly up and down her back, his mind began to think of something more pleasant to end the night on.

“Hey.”

"Hey to you too."

"I just had an idea."

"Okay. What is it?"

"Amanda, we need to get to our room. Now."

"Why?"

"You never had a bachelorette party."

Amanda feels her heart race at the way he is looking at her. She grins at his playfulness. "Do I get a private dancer for this?" He nods and gives her a slow wink. "Then lead the way, my Lord."

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