#vulnerable liam is my muse

[stellaeerrantes]

awh man rose ☹️☹️ I just read what you sent on vins blog. your writing is genuinely so beautiful, you took liams vulnerability and turned it into a moment of intimacy between him and (name). how she didn't say much but still showed so much emotion and love through her actions ugh. and how she was tenderly holding him at the end? I imagined liam just comfortably melting into her embrace oh my godsjdhejr ☹️☹️

rose ily you're a natural born writer, I hope to be blessed with more of your work in the future (if you're comfortable that is) just wanted to say you did a really amazing job, you deserve praise for it 🩷

AAAWW STAWPP you're all being so sweet omg 🥹🥹 I CAN'T HANDLE ALL THESE COMPLIMENTS

Okay but jokes aside, thank you :)

[samuraiko]

CR musings - Orym, Vax, and where the Hells go next (SPOILERS AHOY)

HERE BE SPOILERS

YOU KNOW THE DRILL

LOREM IPSUM

So after letting my brain mull over the most recent episode for a day or so, now I can finally write about it. This is, of course, just my OPINION on the subjects -- your mileage may vary.

ORYM

Yes, I legit cried for Orym at his new title, and his recognition by Keyleth for what he and the Hells have done. I was so happy for my favorite little cinnamon roll. I still think he's going to be struggling with his anger for a while because there's still SO much to be done, and he still feels so very small, but Keyleth's choice of title was an incredibly apt one.

Saviour Blade of the Tempest.

A marvelous callback to two episodes prior, where he begs her, "Allow me to be your blade, Tempest," in response to her intention to utterly destroy Ludinus and the Vanguard. But not just that - by calling him her Saviour Blade, she is reminding him that his job is to SAVE people, to PROTECT people, *NOT* just vengeance.

(I admit, I briefly wondered if she might name him the Shield of the Tempest, in memory of Derrig, but a shield is solely to protect. A sword can attack as well as defend - and that's what Keyleth needs right now.)

This coming on the heels of the 6-Sided Dive episode where Liam talks repeatedly about how Orym's 'bedrock' is crumbling, and how he feels so small and tries to shoulder so much of his burden by himself... to have the woman he refers to as "the boss lady," "our leader," "the Voice of the Tempest," and so on refer to HIM as HER FRIEND... oh, you could see it in the widening of Liam's eyes when Matt said that, he never expected to hear something like this.

(That WHOLE affirmation speech, Liam just sits there and you can see the hint of tears in his eyes. He NEVER looks away from Matt the entire time.)

So, yeah... when I mentioned in another post about wanting to see what he'll do to try and shore up that bedrock before it completely gives way, I think this is a solid step. But it's not over yet - not by a long shot.

VAX

The dark angel stuck in an orb... there's (apparently) been a lot of discussion/argument/whatever about what Vax is, and what it means about him being stuck in an orb, and what will happen if/when he's freed.

I look at Vax's role as something similar to Charon, Thanatos, or Hermes in Greek mythology - the psychopomps whose job it is to shepherd souls to the afterlife.

The MoR tells Vax (both in-stream and in LoVM) that her purpose (and now his) is to safeguard the moment where the soul transitions to whatever its new purpose may be - passage to the Astral Sea, to the realm of whatever deity has potential claim to that soul, or even to consecution, I would suppose. And the moment that Vax TRULY accepted that deal, he stopped being afraid - he was more at peace with himself, he saw his purpose and understood it. And even more than that, it made him so much more aware of the inherent need to live life and enjoy it while you have it.

--

My theory is that Vax being trapped in the orb is why resurrection magic doesn't work. Don't get me wrong - souls can still transition WITHOUT him - the MoR had no champion (as far as we know, lore-wise) between Purvan Suul and Vax, and yet people still died, and people could still be brought back. But presumably their souls were more vulnerable to outside influence.

And right now, the MoR (in addition to mourning) is doing everything she can to protect the moment the souls pass… but only in ONE direction (life > death > beyond), and whatever safeguarding of the tapestry that she can muster. She has no energy to spare to protect or facilitate that moment in the OTHER direction.

--

I also don't think that if/when Vax is freed, that's going to end his service to the Matron. That deal was PERMANENT - "you will return to me, my champion, evermore." I think MAYBE, *MAYBE* when Keyleth FINALLY dies and her soul passes on, the MoR might let Vax go so they can finally be together. But otherwise, nope - he is the Matron's.

NEXT STOP?

Part of this is me conspiracy-theorizing again, part of this is just my personal hopes. Again, your mileage may very.

I am HOPING that the Hells head straight to the Shattered Teeth, instead of faffing around trying to collect allies before they even know WTF is going on yet. They will have far more success trying to recruit people when they can provide concrete evidence of what they're doing, whom they're fighting, and SOMETHING REMOTELY APPROACHING a strategy on how to defeat him.

I'm not 100% saying I don't want them to go to the Menagerie Coast in search of Devexian because anything that helps FCG better understand his own capabilities could certainly help, but I DO NOT want them going to Nicodranas just so they can relieve C2's Greatest Hits. Send them to Port Zoon or something - where they will not run into Fjord, they will not run into Jester, they will not run into Yussa and Marion and the Brenattos... save all that for the live show.

Get them on a boat and heading toward the Shattered Teeth ASAP.

Also (here's the conspiracy-theorizing part) I think that Kathula is a possible language-shifted name for Cathmoira, the land-based half of Toramunda from ExU: CALAMITY. And the tree that Keyleth is talking about (Evontra'vir, the Great Tree of Atrophy) is almost certainly the tree that Laerryn Blight-ed. As far as the woman that Keyleth was talking about, I'm wondering if she's a member of the Ossended Host, one of the two prominent groups that inhabits/controls the islands of the Shattered Teeth.

(I also wonder if Keyleth is perhaps hoping that Jirana will help Orym deal with his grief over losing Will and Derrig the same way that Jirana helped her try to deal with losing Vax.)

--

I can't wait to see the next episode - give me Orym visiting the graves of Will and Derrig, give me Ashton and Orym's new outfits, give me Alma's reactions to her boy getting a promotion, give me more of Ashton's conversation with Thollo about the Hishari... I WANT MORE.

[badger-bear]

Thank you @hellolovers13 @neondiamond @onlythebravest @beardyboyzx @disgruntledkittenface for tagging me to do the 2022 Writing Self Evaulation!

1. Number of stories posted to AO3 this year: 15

2. Word count posted for the year: 144,414

3. Fandoms I wrote for: One Direction, NHL

4. Pairings: Harry/Louis, Marcel/Louis, Zayn/Liam, Niall/Liam, Harry/Emma Corrin, Louis/Florence, Harry/Jamie Oleksiak, Harry/Niall, Harry/Liam

5. Story with the most:

Kudos: as it was

Bookmarks: as it was

Comments: as it was

the rest under the cut!

6. Work I’m most proud of (and why): As a surprise to no one, As It Was. I had an idea for an age play fic for years but was too scared to post it. For one reason or another the previous versions didn't work. This time, it did. I think I showed the complexity of the topic and how at the heart of age play it's about trust and care. I love what I wrote and I'm really happy with it. I'm proud of myself for being vulnerable and posting it.

7. Work I’m least proud of (and why): I have struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome for a long time and I kind of refuse to answer this. Even if the story didn't get a lot of hits I'm proud of myself for writing.

8. Share or describe a favorite review you received: Anyone who commented on As It Was saying they had never read an age play fic but gave it a chance. Especially the few people who said they trusted me to get them through the journey. I am honored that those people gave it a try.

9. A time when writing was really, really hard: Oh god, writing Liquid Gold because of all the sex and the vibe I was going for. Or Not Sure How To Say This Right. I was going through some weird transitions in my personal life which had me axious to work on this fic.

10. A scene or character you wrote that surprised you: Hm, I mean, I didn't expect to write Harry/Emma. Does that count?

11. A favorite excerpt of your writing: This is from Deafening Silence.

Harry turned to run towards the house, his ankle twisted uncomfortably from the quick movement. He pushed through the pain and the fear and started to run, his vans sliding on the gravel due to lack of friction. He slipped going up the stairs, causing him to fall on the cement making him cry out. He got up and tried open the sliding glass door, it was locked.

“No,” Harry cried. “No, no no,” he chanted as he tried again.

He didn’t lock it and he knew Louis wouldn’t lock it if he woke up and didn’t see Harry in bed. Something else locked it.

Fresh tears fell down his cheeks as Harry started to bang on the door, yelling for Louis as he gasped for breath. Harry felt like he was being watched, his gut was telling him not to look behind him and to get inside as quickly as he could. He heard a stick breaking and felt breath on the back of his neck.

Harry couldn’t hear over his own sobs or the pounding in his ears as he begged for help. The door was slammed open, and Harry was pulled inside by the collar of his sweatshirt and right into Louis’ hands.

“Close the door!” Harry yelled as he tried to shove Louis away from him. “Close the fucking door! It’s out there!”

12. How did you grow as a writer this year: Trusting myself! Writing whatever the hell I wanted.

13. How do you hope to grow next year: Same answer as above.

14. Who was your greatest positive influence this year as a writer (could be another writer or beta or cheerleader or muse etc etc): Oh god, I will try not to write an essay. But truly everyone at my discord @writerscornercafe. I built the community I had been wanting for years. Everyone is so supportive and wonderful in so many different ways. The amount of times people have helped me with phrasing or naming a character or reminding me of the name of an object is insane.

There's also a few people I want to shout out because whether they knew it or not, they helped me.

@larrieblr has been my brainstorming buddy/beta/friend/confidant for the past few months. Every Tuesday we talk about our fics, get each other unstuck, give each other tips, motivation and cheerlead. I am so thankful for the care they show me and my characters.

@justalarryblog for not knowing me for long but deciding starting a discord with me was a good idea. She is not only my bot guru but a trusted friend. I love laughing with her, coming up with ideas for the discord and knowing she has my back and I have hers.

The next few are writings who's work has inspired me to create meaningful stories, stories with laughter, and heart. Thank you for sharing your craft. Thank you for inspiring me. I'm sorry if I haven't said anything until now. Next year I hope to be better showing my appreciation.

@neondiamond somehow didn't get freaked out when the first thing I messaged her was that I had a friendship crush on her lol She has sent me pictures of her dog which never fail to make me smile. She is such a joy to get to know and I am such a fan of her work. They are all warm hugs when I need them.

@restless-rebels for being excited and non-judgmental every time I send her a text that says "so..." or "I was a thinking..." or my personal favorite "👉🏻👈🏻". She knows there is a 50/50 chance I am following it up with a bad decision and I can trust her to be honest that it could be a bad decision.

@disgruntledkittenface @uhoh-but-yeah-alright @neondiamond @littleroverlouis @lhhomefics @larrieblr

15. Anything from your real life show up in your writing this year: I haven't talked about this publicly and maybe it won't surprise anyone but I use age regression as a way to deal with trauma, chronic illness and the horror of being alive lol While I didn't write my trauma into As It Was, I used my own experiences and research as a starting off point. I (obviously) did a lot of research and self reflection before deciding to use age regression as a coping mechanism and i think that only helped me as I wrote. There are also a few phrases in every fic that my husband uses.

16. Any new wisdom you can share with other writers: I cannot stress enough to write what you want. Fuck what anyone says about tropes or charterers, do what you want.

17. Any projects you’re looking forward to starting (or finishing) in the new year: I am very excited to finish my big bang!

18. Tag some writers whose answers you’d like to read.

@onlythesweet @tommokat @allwaswell16 @berzerkshires @justalarryblog @voulezloux @louistomlionson @londonfoginacup @littleroverlouis and anyone else who wants to do it!

[arachnidiots-a]

scars, chronic, & stress for liam 💖

all about health

scars:  how many scars does my muse have? where are they located on my muse’s body? how did they get them? what do they look like? 

liam has an ever rising count of scars. it’s a mix of instances, some from childhood and others more recent from her adventures. a childhood hike and slip left her with a line under her right knee cap. wearing the wrong shoes for years, without breaking them in ever, gave them matching blister scars on the back of their ankles. after a nasty fall and drag in one of their first fights their left side holds a lot of memories. left elbow and waist — a series of jagged scar lines, no more than 2 inches in size. left side of left hand — a rash shaped scar. right side of left wrist — a thin two inch line. walking into a jagged metal corner of a college dorm bed left a line of tiny scars on her left thigh. another fight ended with a scar, widening out like a rift in her skin, about 4 inches in size on her right shoulder going down the top of her arm.

chronic: does my muse have any chronic health conditions / illnesses? how do these affect them from day-to-day? 

liam, like many young female athletes suffers from a combination of depression, headaches, lower back pain, shoulder instability, aches primarily in their wrists and ankles, and avoidant restrictive food intake disorder. they all affect them from day-to-day but some definitely more than other some days. the chronic pain and shoulder instability generally take a backseat. arfid is a daily issue, as she experiences a frequent lack of interest in eating, but it’s not a conscious one. mostly she just realizes she’s not had much to eat at the end of the day, but it does lead her to be more tired and contributes to her headaches.

stress: does my muse handle stress well? what is a surefire sign for others to tell that they’ve become stressed? how does stress affect them mentally / physically? 

liam handles other people’s stress quite smoothly. they’re a good defuser. as for their own? they feel like a lost cause. the most obvious way to tell is when they get really focused with a trivial task of searching or waiting, such as repeatedly searching in the same place for an item while talking to themself, or pacing and unable to break from the act. it can typically and very easily escalate into a panic attack in which case she will seek help. it’s one of the few times where she will actively go to someone even if refusing their help in the past. after settling down she will most likely end up sleeping. stress also leads her to often feel guilty for being vulnerable and regretful of it.

[liamxbyrne]

"I should get more praise for that very reason. Practice makes perfect right? Or at least you knew what was awful and what not to make ever again. I had the hard part." He shook his head from side to side. But there were a few chuckles. Sometimes free was not always worth how great it sounded. The chuckles became slightly louder at the idea she was good and not as devious as he had made it sound. "And that's a damn lie. But hey if you have to tell yourself to sleep better at night, then do what you have to do." He raised a brow almost mocking and teasingly. "Don't make me recall all the times where we partners in crime wreaking havoc." The amount of trouble teenagers could get into should alarm anyone. But it was always memories like those where Liam would guard gracefully. That level of being carefree was something that no one should take for granted.

There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds. Liam wasn't sure if there was relief in hearing her admit that she hurt him. It wasn't like he conjured up that she didn't believe such, though it wasn't like they talked about that particular instance either. No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. Liam just tried to put it to the side. Especially when she came to him a year ago. Any kind of grudge disappeared. What else could he do when the only thing he ever wanted was to have her back in his life, even if it wasn't for the long haul. Maybe that was the thing about first love's. The first love is like a spark that can never be extinguished. Liam's brows furrowed. This was the first time there was a speckle of explanation, even if it made him in turn want all the answers. He knew right now wasn't the time. But he would be lying if he hadn't analyzed all the different scenarios and reasoning upon her departure. "I don't expect any kind of answer. I gave up on that long ago." He sighed. The concept of closure seemed impossible. If they hadn't talked about that now, then they would most likely never. He still was there for her without judgement. He still would be. That was Liam and his unconditional love for the woman in front of him. She might have not cared about leaving him behind or put herself in a situation to, but that wasn't something he could do. "Just answer this. Throw me a little bone - for my own sanity. Was it because you cheated or found someone else?" Liam wasn't sure that possibility weighed on him heavily. Or if he had been paranoid about it. But it was a common fear for some. He always thought they were so open about those kinds of things, that at least she would have had the decency to be upfront. Though he never thought in a million years she would leave him with no explanation. Not that it mattered now or would change his outlook on caring for her. Nonetheless it seemed as if he wouldn't get the chance again to ask that fleeting question so he took it.

She was saying all the right things. A part of him wished she wasn't because this was how easily she had a hold on him. No one should have that kind of control. He remembered the heartbreak. He remembered all the sleepless and drunk nights from her departure. He remembered the anger, how for awhile he was in destruction mode. She had destroyed him and the whole necessary thing to do was destroy himself more so at least he could have that kind of control. Trying to control everything that happens to you is unavailing to life's vulnerability--You're scared of what you can't control. And he couldn't control what she made him feel every time he saw her or especially now with the words of hope she was offering. She was fighting this time for him. "I don't think either of us are prepared for what's to come." Liam mused. "I don't want to be a part of the feud either. That hasn't changed. But we shouldn't pretend that it's easy for us to ignore it. Or how it won't always fall back into that." Naivety is bliss, but it can become dangerous when it’s blindly followed without questioning or understanding the consequences. Grudge were just like holding an anchor and jumping blindly into the sea with it. "Each of our families are trying to be better then the last generation. To show their worth." And to go to great lengths to have the upper hand. Now, it was their generations turn. They would be the ones effected even if they didn't want to be involved. They would be strapped to that anchor just from the name they were given. By association. "We are each of our weaknesses." She had been his but by the words she was musing, least he had the confidence now to say it was mirrored with the way she was not letting him go this time. "And to be honest, with our past - it's one of the most easiest for the picking." They might have tried to keep whatever was currently going on a secret but it didn't take any sort of genius to note their chemistry. At least from Liam's point of view. "The safest thing we could do right now is distance ourselves from being that chess piece used against our families. Or each other." Liam started as he sighed and moved towards her but not in front. To her side like he was about to walk past her. But he stopped before it could be done. "As much as that choice of walking away would be the better choice in the long run I don't have it in me to do it. I'm stronger with you. You bring calm to my storm." Liam admitted as he looked off in the distance, as if he was calling for some kind of sign to tell him something differently. But within him, his mind and heart he knew he wouldn't get any. She was his answer for most things. His hand slowly reached for her own. Gently squeezing it. "Come on. Let's get out of here."

Olivia couldn’t help but laugh at his words. “There’s a reason you were the test subject and not me.” She did try the first few ones but she quickly gave up and instead enlisted Liam to be the tester. If he didn’t seem to physically recoil at it, then she would also try her newest drink. Turns out, he had became not so bad at pretending her creations were passable only to see her drink the horror. They would wash it off with something better, cheap beer or some Jack. Working there and not going back to these days was hard at times and Olivia wondered if Liam ever felt the same at the garage. “Was I now? And here I thought it was a mutual bad influence. I was such a good girl before you,” Olivia said teasingly. She had never been the good girl type, always more the kind to march to her own beat. It wasn’t always bad, but she tended to do her own thing and follow what she thought was best or what she wanted at a young age.

Every easiness that was between them vanished at his words. Olivia couldn’t blame him, she couldn’t even be mad or annoyed about it. “I hurt you,” she simply said. She hurt everyone, herself included. “I hate it. Your the last person I ever wanted to hurt.” All these words and still not a sorry for what she did in them, at least not clearly. Every one of her words was meant as an apology but she could never make up for what she did, could never apologize enough. “Something happened and I didn’t know how to deal or what to do. Logan took charge because someone needed to and I followed.” There was not much else she could do at the time. It was all too much and a part of her shut down. She barely recalled how they got to the bus station or how the trip to her aunt went. She barely recalled the visit to the clinic her aunt arranged once she got there and how she was at high risk of infection. If she was honest, it didn’t occur to her what she was doing to Liam until a few days later, how she had just ran from everything, him included. The absence of him was not registered until her mind cleared a little and then she tried to shut it all away. Because going back to him meant facing what happened and she wasn’t ready for that, didn’t have the means to do it. Or so she thought. But maybe all this time, he had been the answer. Olivia knew he would have been there for her back then, just like he had been now. And now that she was listening to him, she couldn’t let herself let go of him that easy, not a second time.

“It hasn’t been fun, it’s been everything.” There was no plan when she found herself at his doorstep a year ago. At least no plans other than not running away again. She could have done it, her father was dead and Logan would not have held it against her. No one would expect anything else of her but she did and she went to the only place she could think of. “I don’t know if there’s an us, I don’t know what we are. But I never wanted anyone else. I never stopped wanting only you.” And she had tried or at least fooled herself into thinking she had. “There’s only one thing in my life that I regret and I know I’ll never right that mistake. But whatever this is, whatever sort of us we’ve been having, I don’t want it to end. And I’m not going to let some feud between two men long gone be the reason I don’t fight to keep the only thing I’ve ever been sure of.” She wasn’t a child anymore, like she had been back then. She knew herself better and she understand those around her more. Olivia knew what she didn’t want to loose and what she was ready to give in exchange. “I’m not going anywhere, not this time. And you’ll have to push me away harder than that.” Maybe not tonight, Olivia was feeling the pain of what he wanted to do slowly creep in, the reality of all the feelings she had dumped on him. She had a lot to process and so do it. All she wanted to do was reach for him, to nestled herself into his arms, even if it was the last time before all hell broke loose. At least this time, they’d know it was their last but she wouldn’t push it. If he reached for her, she would allow herself to believe but she would also understand if he didn’t.

[finelinevogue]

Can you do one where Harry take his children and YN to one of his concert and their just dancing around singing along on stage with Harry.

i love this concept so much!! i kinda of wanna make it sad though soooo it’s gonna be harry’s final show :/ hope you enjoy;

oli - 29, felix - 27, belle - 24

The concert had been amazing, but unfortunately it was coming to its’ end now.

The final show.

That’s what Harry had decided to call it; a clever play on words with reference to his first ever solo single. The last 50 years had been a rollercoaster for Harry, from growing up just a kid in Cheshire, to going on the X Factor and winning the hearts of millions and from being in the most successful band of the decade to going solo and still being absolutely beloved. Times had changed, though. Harry had changed. He had a beautiful family of 3 now, excluding his wonderful wife. His children were his universe, no question about it, but they were getting older now - Harry was getting older. He was 50 this year and with that in mind he’d decided to retire. Retiring had involved a long conversation with you, along with a bottle of red wine, about whether it was the right decision or not. But it was - is.

You had suggested he put on one final, massive show, to celebrate his life and his achievements along with all that the fans have too. Tickets were open internationally and it was being streamed on various TV outlets for those who couldn’t attend. The tickets sold within 47 seconds. 47 seconds. It was being held in the Olympic Stadium in London, because it was Harry’s home and it held the most number of people he could genuinely allow.

The concert had started with ‘Fine Line’ songs, which merged into HS1 songs with a few One Direction songs as well. The entire set list had been composed by the fans with various polls on social media, with the concert supposedly lasting 2 hours (although with support artists and a few extra surprises it was more likely going to be 3!)

It had been beautiful so far. Magical. Unforgettable.

Every chance he got, without making it grossly obvious, he looked at you. He'd told you to stick your thumbs up at him every time he caught your eye, so he knew that you were okay - and every time, you did.

The concert was coming to an end now, which everyone was dreading. How could +30 years feel like it'd only been thirty minutes? You were devastated, so you could only imagine what his fans were thinking.

"Hey!"

The end Kiwi, for the second time, strummed throughout the arena and you knew it was time for the final song. His final song.

"Mum, is this the end?" Belle asked you, from where she was standing next to you. You had been dancing together all night and gotten progressively more tired. Your feet hurt. Your throats burned. Yet, as always, it was so worth it.

"Yes, Belles, it is." You tell her, and she pouted sadly. "Dad won't want to see you sad love, okay? He can still sing to you before bed?" You teased her, reminding her of a time when Harry would do such a thing, not wanting her to be all sad. It was supposed to be a celebration, but even you could admit that is was pretty hard-hitting.

"Really mum?" She asked.

You booped her nose annoyingly, before answering. "Every night if you want him to."

The lights changed from their green tone, thanks to Kiwi, back to a bright, white light. It beamed on Harry, making him look even more like the angel that he is. He dragged his microphone back to the centre stage and took a deep breath for beginning a speech he'd told you he'd prepared.

"So this is it, my friends." He laughed sadly into the microphone. He brushed his hair back and took out his in-ears to hear the audience. They were all awwing and crying, but what else did you expect? Their favourite artist was retiring - who wouldn't be crying a river?

"I, um. I'd like to take a bit of time to thank certain people." He coughed, something he always did after performing Kiwi due to his asthma. You thought it was lovely that he'd planned a speech to thank his management and crew. They did so much work backstage and you definitely didn't think they got enough credit for their hard work.

"Okay. I've made a little list..." Harry pulled out a tiny bit of crumpled paper from his pocket. "Just in case I forget anyone." He joked to himself, but made everyone laugh anyways. "So I guess first off, I should start with you lovely people." He pointed around the whole stadium, showing he was talking about the fans. "What you have done for me is indescribable. I think to myself, everyday, am I worthy of even being here—"

"Yes!" An army of agreement echoed around the arena, making Harry stop, blush and smile to himself.

"Well thank you! Um. You have been the best fans ever, and I know you will continue to be. I know you don't owe me anything, but all I ask you to keep loving yourselves and treating people with kindness, because I know I can count on you lot to do that, for me." He sniffled at the end, making you bite your lip to prevent the tears from falling for you. He looked so vulnerable right now, but you knew he'd be feeling on top of the world.

"Jheez." He sniffles again. "That's one thank you down and i'm already crying." He looked to his band to share the joke with.

“Dad’s such a wuss.” Oli laughed, holding his arm around Beas waist, making the people around you chuckle in agreement.

“Shut up you - Mr-tears-in-your-eyes!” You pointed out, laughing as he flipped you the bird - which then got him a hit off his grandma Anne.

All of Harrys family and friends were here, in a special cornered off section. It was such a thoughtful thing for Harry to do. All his family, and a fair few of yours, were sat down along with Harrys closest friends. Everyone was sharing laughs and drinks, whilst using every inch of space to dance along to your husbands boastful music.

"Secondly, my touring family. From Jeff and Ben, to Sarah's Kitchen, Adam, Mitch, Sarah, Charlotte and Nyoh, not forgetting everyone backstage and behind the lights, music and cameras. You've all been the greatest. Everything you do is second to none. You're all talented, warm-hearted, people whom I will carry in my heart forever. Thank you." You noticed members of the crew and band starting to tear up now.

"Moving on to my boys. We've been through it all, lads, and I couldn't have asked for four better brothers than you all. Louis. Liam. Niall. Zayn. Thank you." Everyone cheered ten times louder, maybe because this was as close to a One Direction reunion as the fans were ever going to get, but definitely because Harry had mentioned Zayn. You saw a girl faint at the mere mention of all the boys in the same sentence. The boys lifted up their beers to Harry, stood close by to where you were standing.

"I guess I should say thank you to the women who made all this possible. Mum. Gem. Thank you for signing me up all those years ago. Thank you for believing in me. You've made me the - crap, sorry! - the man I am now and I love you both." Harry prayed to them both, whilst bowing, and swiftly wiped away the tears afterwards. Anne and Gemma, on the other hand, were proudly crying.

"Ol, Fix and Belles. You rascals make me get out of bed every morning and give me more of a purpose in life. You four give me so much joy and happiness. I love you all, even if you do drive me up the wall on an early Saturday morning! Thank you, my loves." You stood close to all your children, giving them the support they needed in this moment. Belle was crying against your chest, the ever-so-emotional woman she was. Felix was stood up, with Heather, with his drink raised to his dad. Oli was to your side, trying to remain cool and stoic, but you still caught the tears that ran down his face.

"Now." The audience calmed down again after awing over your babies. Harry cleared his throat before beginning again. "This evening keeps on reminding me of a very special person in my life. Someone who is my everything and that's my beautiful wife, Y/N." His words make your breath hitch in your throat. You never expected him to say anything about you. I mean, what had you done?

"Mum." Belle called out to you, in affirmation that this was real.

"She's more than just a wife. She's a lover. She's my muse. She's my best-fucking-friend, apologises for swearing but sue me. I was hesitant to let go of all this, at first. What would I do with myself now? You know? People tell me i'm 'happiest on stage', and for a time that was true. Until I met Y/N. She's made me realise that family makes me the happiest. She makes me the happiest." He jumped down off stage, taking the microphone with him. He ran his hands along the fans in the front row, but had no intention of stopping until he met you.

You felt Belle leaving your side, but you were too captivated by Harry to fully understand what was happening.

"So what am I going to do now, you ask? Well..." Harry cheekily smiled at you. "I'm going to make her the happiest woman alive, just as she makes me the happiest man." You began to cry again and the chorus of thousands of fans clapping and screaming surrounds you, only to all stop when his lips meet yours. He tasted like a combination of salty sweat and mint, but he was home. After a minute of crying, kissing and 'i love yous' , Harry ran back to the stage before Jeff could shoot him.

"Thank you all. All my love." He said whilst adjusting his microphone. "Please sing along if you know the words." He asked, full well knowing every single person will be screaming out the lyrics to him.

"Just stop you're crying it's the sign of the times. Welcome to the final show. Hope you're wearing your best clothes."

[sincerelyella]

I already requested this from someone else but I love your writing so much and I wanted to request this from you too! After Olivia’s kiss in book 1 in Lythikos, Liam just breezed over it and it wasn’t brought up again. But what if he kissed Ella to prove to her he doesn’t have moment with anyone else?

Book: The Royal Romance AU

Pairings: Liam x MC (Ella); Drake x MC

Summary: Olivia kisses Liam and Ella sees and gets very insecure.

A/N: Thank you for this Anon! I love getting requests. Ya'll really make my day with these. Hope you like it!

A/N2: Participating in @wackydrabbles prompt will be in bold (the correct prompt - I’m a mess!)

@ofpixelsandscribbles and @alyssalauren thank you for prereading, and Lis, for coming up with this title. To @ao719 thank you for reassuring me about the pinky promise. Love you guys!

Warnings: maybe some angst

Words: 1672

Ella and Liam switched partners during the Cordonian waltz in Lythikos.

“Little Blossom, you’re doing gr-”

The crowd around her gasped, Maxwell stopped mid-sentence and gawked. Ella turned and saw Liam and Olivia in the middle of a kiss. Ella’s chest ached, her stomach churned and her eyes welled with tears. She quickly blinked it away, she was not going to cry in front of the entire court.

“El, you okay?”

She vaguely heard Max speaking to her. “I … yes, I’m fine. But I’m a little tired, so I'm going to go to my room.”

“Okay!” He leaned down and kissed her on her head. “I’ll see you later Blossom!”

Max had no idea how that kiss affected her and that’s how she wanted it. She squeezed her friend’s arm and slipped through the crowd to her room.

A little while later, Ella answered her door and there stood Drake with a vase of red rose blossoms in his arms. There was a note hidden in the bouquet from Liam asking to meet him in his suite.

Drake was munching on some candy as he stepped into her room. “Brooks? Did you hear me? Are you going?”

“No,” Ella buried her face in the roses, taking in their scent. “I’m not in the mood right now.”

“What’s going on?” Drake crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Ella until she looked up at him. “You left the banquet early, you’re avoiding Liam … which is odd because you’re all the time locking lips.”

Ella didn’t answer. She just stared back at Drake as she chewed on her bottom lip.

“It’s because Liv kissed him isn’t it?”

Two can play that game.

She stood on her tip-toes and pressed her lips to Drake's. Ella felt his body tense, but after a moment he relaxed and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Brooks," he whispered after he pulled back.

"Yeah?"

"What are you doing?"

"Kissing you," Ella opened her eyes and met his gaze.

"Why?"

She let out a sigh. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. I know how you feel for me and-"

"You're trying to get back at Liam," he arched his brow and let go of her.

“I know it’s really stupid,” she blurted out. “I already know, and I don’t need you to tell me that I’m acting irrationally.”

“Hey,” he placed a hand on her shoulder. “Brooks, it’s not irrational. Well, you kissing me was. But … you know he’s not with anyone else like that but you right?”

“How am I supposed to know that, Drake? You Cordonians are not monogamous.” Ella began to pace the room. “I know that’s why I’m here. For him to … get to know other women but … I forgot the part where I’m in love with him and my chest hurts when I see him with someone else.” With her last words she felt it, her voice wavered and her tears began to fall. She clamped her hand over her mouth in surprise and Drake’s eyes widened.

“Oh shit,” he pulled her to his chest. “Fuck, Brooks, don’t cry.”

“I-I’m … sorry,” she gasped out as she sobbed against him.

“Don’t apologize.” He was stroking her hair and telling her it would be okay. Finally, when she was a bit calmer he pulled away. “Better?”

"Yeah, thank you."

“Alright. Get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow,” he moved towards the door, opened it, and then turned back. “No more of this crying business okay? That was your only ticket for me to console you."

Ella let out a watery laugh.

"Also,” his eyes softened. "Even though I enjoyed that kiss, I know you love Liam. No more of that alright?"

She nodded. Drake smiled and shut the door behind him.

The next couple of weeks, Ella did her best to avoid Liam. It wasn’t all that difficult, he was busy tending to social season balls and gatherings. Every time Max or Bertrand would tell her Liam was somewhere she would go the opposite way. It wasn’t that she didn’t love him, God, she did. With everything in her. But it wasn’t her place to be jealous and insecure, she knew she was here for this. She just wanted to be left alone in her feelings.

The Regatta was rescheduled by the royal family which was unheard of, but it turns out King Constantine’s health wasn't great and he was in the hospital. The court continued to the next stop which was Applewood. Ella, Max, and Bertrand arrived ahead of everyone else and were quickly shown to their rooms.

“I’ll meet you in a bit, Blossom, I gotta unpack and find something to wear.”

Ella nodded and watched him skip off after shutting her door. As she rummaged through her luggage a knock sounded and it startled her. “Max, how did you forget something already?”

She reached for the door, opened and saw a smiling Liam. “Oh!”

“Hello Lady Ella,” he quickly glanced down the hallway. “May I come in please?”

She stepped back, allowed him inside, and shut the door. Ella turned to face him, her heart was beating a thousand times a minute. “Your Highness,” she curtsied. “This is a surprise.”

“Ella,” Liam stepped towards her, concern in his eyes. “Why are you so formal with me? We aren’t outside.”

“I just-”

“Are you avoiding me?” His baby blue eyes gazed into hers and all her resolve dissipated.

“Truthfully, yes,” her voice trembled.

“Why? I’ve missed you, and I apologize for not coming to see you sooner. Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen you since Lythikos and” - Liam’s eyes widened - “Lythikos. This is about that kiss.” It wasn’t a question; he had figured it out without her explanation.

“I know I have no right,” Ella turned away and walked towards the bed to sit before her knees gave way. “You’re not mine,” her voice hitched. “I just needed time alone, that's all.”

Liam’s heart turned over in his chest. He followed her to the bed and kneeled in front of her. “Ella, you have every right to feel how you’re feeling,” she arched her brow and he chuckled. “You heard me. I have been meaning to tell you this but” - he wrapped her small hand in his - “I love you. I have been in love with you for a while now.”

“You …” Ella whispered, her eyes filling with tears. “I love you too, Liam.”

He grinned. “Really?”

“Really really.”

“Promise?” He looked up at her, a vulnerability in his eyes that she never saw before.

“Promise,” she held up her fist, her pinky finger out.

“What is happening?” He asked as he did the same.

“It’s a pinky swear,” Ella’s laughter filled the room as she wrapped her pinky around his.

“Why are we swearing on our pinky’s?”

“You've never done a pinky swear?” The look on his face said it all. “Nevermind,” she shook her head. “So, did you talk to Olivia?”

“I spoke with her outside after she kissed me. I told her she shouldn’t have done that and I don’t return her feelings. I wish you would have talked to me about it.”

“I should have …”

“This is why you didn’t meet me that night.”

Ella nodded.

Liam lifted her hand that was already in his and kissed her knuckles softly. “I’m yours, Ella. I don’t meet anyone outside of these events but you, I don’t kiss anybody else …” his lips traveled up her arm, slowly, ever so slowly. “… and you are mine.”

After hours of Liam proving to Ella that he meant what he said, he slipped out of the room later in the early hours of the morning. The events in Applewood the next day were kind of fun, baking, being crowned Apple Queen, throwing apples at Drake, and then having Liam come to see her that night in her room. Passionate lovemaking was an understatement, especially when a stoic prince that’s supposed to be proper and polite, dirty talks until she explodes.

The next day, the Apple Festival was winding down as Ella sat on the small swing in the garden maze, Liam gently pushing her.

“You seem happy here,” Ella mused as she pushed a strand of hair out of her face.

Liam smiled. “I’m always happy when I’m with you. I love you, Ella,” he leaned down to kiss the top of her head and let out a small sigh. “But it was less … stringent here. My brother and I never wanted to leave.”

“It has a bit more of a relaxed vibe here,” Ella nodded. “I like seeing this happy, carefree side of you.”

“You bring it out of me, you know,” he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her against his chest. “You bring a lot out of me.”

Ella turned and craned her neck up to make eye contact with him. “Like the dirty talking?”

Liam smiled and his cheeks and neck turned red. “I’m not sure what you mean,” he waited a beat. “But yes.”

A loud whistle blew and that signaled the end of the festival.

Ella sighed. “I think that means-”

“It means, we head over to dinner,” Liam pulled her up to her feet and twined his fingers with hers.

“Yeah, but you always go first,” Ella tried pulling her hand away from his but he held on. “Liam, what are you doing?”

“We’re going to dinner together,” he said simply.

“Wh-what?” She stammered. “You can’t … I mean-”

Liam stopped and turned to face her. His facial expression filled with determination and … resolve. “You don’t want to go to dinner with me, my love?”

His nickname for her went straight to her core and it took her a moment to answer. “I-I mean, yes but-”

Her words were cut off by his lips against hers. When he pulled back, her eyes were still closed. “I’m … I don’t remember what I was going to say.”

Liam chuckled and pushed Ella’s hair away from her face. “I don’t care what happens or what they say. My choice is you. I’m telling everyone about us. If this isn’t what you want, say so now.”

“Why are you doing this? You know they’re not going to let that happen before the coronation,” she whispered.

“You felt insecure in how I feel for you; it made me realize that I need to show you that I love you. Sneaking around and hiding my feelings doesn’t help matters. I can’t lose you, Ella. It’s just not a risk I’m willing to take. Will you have me?”

Ella didn’t even have to think about it. “Always,” she smiled and squeezed his hand. “Let’s go.”

[allwaswell16]

{Recently Read 1D Fics}

January 2021

These are all the One Direction fics I read and enjoyed in January. By the way, I’ve been doing these recs for three years now this month! I can hardly believe I’ve been doing these so long! Anyway, there are 21 recs here in all and are in order by word count and organized by pairing. You can also listen to my podcast to hear me talk about each of these fics as well as an overview of what was posted on ao3 in January! Please let the writers know if you liked the fics by leaving kudos and comments! Happy reading!

Fanfictional Podcast #21 | ko-fi | other fic recs

Larry

🌨️ Mine Would Be You, @crinkle-eyed-boo (E, 114k, exes to lovers au, non-linear storytelling, artist Harry, writer Louis, NYC, break up, pining, getting back together, angst with a happy ending, smut, broke my heart with such dramatic angst)

🌨️ No Going Back, @jacaranda-bloom / jacaranda_bloom (E, 56k, strangers to lovers, one night stand, lighthouse, remote location, Australia, bed sharing, romance, smut, dom/sub undertones, bl)

🌨️ Campus Creatures, @kingsofeverything, @louandhazaf / YesIsAWorld (E, 25k, uni au, vampire Harry, werewolf Louis, rivals, fwb, monsters, fae, science, knotting, intrigue, smut, this was so much fun to read!)

🌨️ What Side Of Love Are You On?, @fallinglikethis (T, 25k, Because I Said So au, movie adaptation, bisexual Harry, multiple povs, Harry/Cara, biphobia, homophobia, internal conflict, scheming, family drama, fluff, humor, light angst, she didn’t tag angst but I laid on the floor and cried so yeah lol)

🌨️ By the Light of the Moon, @phd-mama / phdmama (E, 12k, royal au, magic, healer Louis, Prince Harry, curses, countercurse, smut, omg amazing with an InterestingTM curse haha, great worldbuilding)

🌨️ A Real Work of Art, @lululawrence (NR, 11k, high school au, childhood friends, neighbors, popular Louis, nerd Harry, makeover, crushes, friends to lovers, so cute!)

🌨️ Our Chromosomes In Sepia Tones, dirtymattress (NR, 8k, art au, artist Harry, sculptor Harry, homeless Louis, muse Louis, body worship)

🌨️ walking in a winter wonderland, crybaby (NR, 7k, high school au, crush, pining, school dance, dance committee, humor, fluff, loved awkward Harry!)

🌨️ may we all have a vision now and then, @gaycousinlarry​ / momentofclarity (M, 4k, bar au, first meetings, Americans, age difference, older Harry, vulnerability, fluff, feelings, smut)

🌨️ Number 84, @kingsofeverything (E, 4k, friends to lovers, roommates au, miscommunication, humor, fan fic, embarrassment, blow jobs, bad sex, I had to walk away from it for a minute out of embarrassment it was that good haha)

🌨️ Meant To Be (Arse First), @bayousexual (T, 4k, soulmate au, unfortunate soul mark, humor, bums, alcohol, hangovers, meet cute, absolutely hilarious and had me cackling out loud)

🌨️ so c'mon c'mon (and dance with me baby), @rockstarlouis / theweightofmywords (NR, 3k, New Years Eve au, implied cheating (not h/l), meet cute, NYE party, drinking, dancing, tattoo artist Harry, preschool teacher Louis, kissing, so fun!)

🌨️ beg me silently, @nouies​ (E, 2k, bar/pub au, pwp, jealousy, plot twist, infidelity, smut, oh so good with a fun twist)

🌨️ you fold into me like a heart with a beat, @rockstarlouis / theweightofmywords (NR, 2k, roommates, insecure Louis, hurt/comfort, friends to lovers, fluff, such gorgeous writing wow)

🌨️ Point. Drop. Call., @evilovesyou / 4ureyesonly28 (G, 1k, teen romance, mutual crushes, tik tok, coming out, summer, friends to lovers, fluff, first kiss, omg so cute)

Lilo

🌨️ strike the match, play it loud, carissima (T, 5k, Louis/Liam, canon, hotel rooms, sexual tension, cockblocking, getting together, jealous Louis, oblivious Liam, oh my god the tension was so good!)

Louke

🌨️ It’s About A Boy, @missrefridgefreetorator / mynameispiaivy (G, 4k, Louis/Luke Malak, canon Louis, Vegas, birthday boy Luke, first meeting, sexual tension, dancing, omg this was so hot I’m sweating)

Ziall

🌨️ all the stars align, @moondoggiestyle / countthestars (M, 9k, Zayn/Niall, soulmate au, soulmarks, one night stand, stars, fate, choices, loved how the writer portrayed Zayn’s reluctance)

Ziam

🌨️ Live a Thousand Lifetimes, @laynefaire (E, 57k, Zayn/Liam, future canon, miscommunication, exes to lovers, anxiety, substance abuse references, farm, vineyard, bed and breakfast, horses, angst with a happy ending, getting back together, smut, so much emotion in this one)

Zouis

🌨️ The Pink Toothbrush, @folklorezouis / smileformemylovely (M, 2k, Zayn/Louis, past Larry, fwb, friends to lovers, oblivious walnuts, mentions of cheating but not with Zayn/Louis, implied smut, god I LOVE this fic and had a silly grin on my face the whole time)

Multiple Pairings

🌨️ 12 Days of Kissmas, @haztobegood (NR, 8k, pairings include: Larry, Zouis, Niam, Lirry, Narry, Lilo, and Ziam, 12 Christmas ficlets, Christmas fluff, kissing, these were so soft and lovely)

[wefoundloveunderthelight]

Love or Duty by GleefullyCaptainSwan - Chapter 8/8

Read on AO3: | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8

Or on FF

Stacy's Tortured Crew: @teamhook @kmomof4 @stahlop @lfh1226-linda @ilovemesomekillianjones @itsfabianadocarmo @mariakov81 @qualitycoffeethings @zaharadessert @jrob64 @jonesfandomfanatic @natascha-ronin @tiganasummertree @xarandomdreamx @therooksshiningknight @batana54 @superchocovian @onceratheart18 @ultraluckycatnd @snowbellewells @karlyfr13s @the-darkdragonfly @xsajx @deckerstarblanche

Notes:

Thank you all for your interest in this story, it was really my first time trying to write a story that was not modern. It took a lot of research and not all of it is accurate but it was a lot of fun stretching myself to try this out. Thank you all again for all the comments, flails, and encouragement. You guys are the best.

Chapter 8: Love is Stronger

Emma watched in horror as the King and Queen of Jonesboro fell to the ground, a pool of blood expanding under their motionless bodies. Killian advanced to his mother’s position, glaring up at Regina with a look of murderous anger.

She felt like everything was moving in slow motion as he stood from his spot, his sword out in front of him, a low growl expanding from his throat until he ran full force toward the woman. He was blocked immediately by her guards as his sword clashed against metal. Liam moved beside her, rushing to flank the evil Queen between himself and his brother.

Emma stood frozen to her spot at the front of the room, moving only when she saw her mother pinned between two guards. She knelt on the ground next to a fallen soldier, pulling the blade from the man’s hand. Spinning away from an approaching attack, she raised the blade, hearing the metal clang loudly in her ears as it connected with the man’s sword.

The man seemed surprised, his eyes widening as she narrowed her eyes. “Come now sweetheart, I promise I’ll make it quick for you.” He taunted her.

Emma stepped back on her foot, spinning under his blade, and driving hers through the man’s chest. “Thanks for making it quick.” She glared, kicking her foot against his body to push him off her blade as he fell, lifeless to the ground.

She continued to make her way toward her mother when Regina’s voice boomed louder than the commotion around her, causing Emma to spin around to find her in the crowd.

“How does it feel to be king?” She taunted Liam. “Unfortunately, it will be the shortest reign on record.” She growled, rushing toward him. Liam met her sword with his as they stood inches away from each other, a grimace of anger on Liam’s face. Suddenly she saw movement behind the Queen, dark hair moving through the crowd as he rushed toward the pair with his weapon raised in front of him.

Thinking he had the upper hand he left himself unprotected, something that the Queen immediately took advantage of. As if she sensed his presence, she spun around, the end of her blade slicing into his shoulder.

“Killian.” The words left her mouth in a scrambled scream. She looked toward her mother, seeing her defending her spot valiantly. Emma rushed forward, trying to race to the other side of the room. When she could see Liam in front of her, she watched in horror as strong arms pulled Liam backward, allowing the Queen to focus her full attention on his younger brother.

The path to Killian closed as men flanked her on all sides, evil smiles spread across their faces as they held their weapons in front of them. She lunged forward, fighting off two of the men, but the men behind her were getting closer, the blade narrowly missing her leg as she tried to spin away. She heard a loud clash behind her and turned to see her father’s sword enter the fray. She nodded in his direction as he took care of the men behind her, and Emma turned her attention back to the soldiers at her side.

Dispensing of one of them easily, she began swinging her sword, the feeling of anxious desperation to get to Killian’s side starting to grow in her.

When the man in front of her finally fell, she looked up to see Killian still fighting the Queen in the center of the room, behind them she could see Liam fighting off three other large soldiers. Before she could reach them, Liam burst through the wall of men, backing up against his brother as the two of them held their swords, fighting the crowd around them, while trying to keep the Queen at bay.

For a moment as Emma watched between blades, she thought perhaps they had the upper hand, but then Liam was on his back, a blade at his throat and the Queen had Killian in her grasp, his arm wrenched behind his back, a dagger digging into his side.

She spun him around, showing him off to his brother and Emma felt her heart pounding in her throat.

“Which is gonna hurt more, watching your parents die, or your baby brother?” The Queen taunted Liam, laughing as she threw her head back.

Emma kicked at the man in front of her, bringing the blade down against his neck, pushing past him before his body fell. She heard Killian wail in pain, the dagger drawing blood. Emma lifted her sword, ready to plunge it into the woman’s back. Again, as if the woman sensed the presence behind her, she spun around, holding the dagger to Killian’s throat. “The bride wants to play games.” She said with a roll of her eyes.

The Queen looked to her right as a man pushed Liam to his knees and she locked eyes with Killian. “Go…save your parents.” He grunted at the end when Regina dug the knife into his neck.

“No, I won’t leave you.” She cried out, biting her lip as she tightened the grip on the hilt of her sword. Something flashed in the Queen’s eyes before an ominous laugh escaped her lips.

“Interesting.” She mused and Emma took a step toward the woman.

“You have nowhere to go. You are surrounded, we will destroy you.” Emma threatened only causing the woman to laugh louder.

“Do you think your measly forces are a threat to me? Such a naïve child you are.”

“Emma go! Our people will follow you, even after we are gone. They need you.” Killian grunted, struggling to free himself from Regina’s grasp.

“I need you.” She said through tears as her eyes stayed locked on Killian’s, avoiding turning her gaze toward the man she was supposed to marry. She couldn’t lose Killian; she would not let this woman take the one thing she had waited her entire life to find.

Love.

She didn’t know what overtook her, but a growl from somewhere deep in her belly left her throat as she rushed toward the woman, her sword held high in front of her. Killian pressed an elbow into the woman’s side, bending forward to avoid the blow of Emma’s sword, Regina twitched to the side causing her aim to be off center as the blade plunged into the woman’s side.

Before she could react, she was shoved backward against the ground, the woman yelling orders around her as men rushed toward the door surrounding their Queen in a circle of protection.

She winced in pain as she sat up on her elbows, knowing that tomorrow she would have bruises in places she didn’t dare think of, if she survived today, she thought grimly. Killian was at her side, his fingers in her hair.

“Are you alright?”

She looked up into his blue eyes, a smile returning to her face for a moment. “I think so, are you?”

He reached down, pressing his hand to his side. “Nothing that can’t be fixed, thanks to you.” She was transfixed by his gaze, the way he stared at her as if he were afraid she would disappear in his arms, leaning into the soft feel of his hand against her cheek.

“That’s the second time I’ve saved your life.” She said with a soft smile.

“You’re very good with a sword.” He smirked.

As if suddenly they were both aware of their surroundings, he helped her to stand and they both looked around the room at the men and women scattered about the ground. Emma’s eyes searched desperately for her parents only to have them appear at her side, fussing over each scratch and bruise displaying on her skin.

“I’m fine.” She said, brushing them away as she watched the two brothers standing mournfully over the bodies of their parents. She knew they would both be devastated, though Liam was fully aware of the possibility of one day taking the place of his father, she knew this was not the way he had anticipated it happening.

She leaned into her father’s side as he cradled her head in his hands before Liam and Killian approached. “The guards advised that Regina retreated by way of the East Road, though most of her men have scattered.”

“We need to attack while she is vulnerable, Your Highness.” Her father said with a bow of his head toward Liam.

“I am in agreement, she is injured thanks to your daughter, she will not expect an advance after the destruction she left in her wake.”

“Then we shall continue the ceremony at once.” Her father stated, gesturing to some of the men to collect the priest, Emma’s heart sinking in her chest.

~*~

Killian pressed a palm to his mother’s face, closing her eyes and bending to press a kiss to her forehead before draping the cloth over her body. “She loved you more than me, you know.” Killian glanced toward his brother’s voice, a small smile splaying on his face.

“You know that isn’t true.”

“You were the baby, I reconciled with it long ago.” He chuckled.

“Regina must pay for this.” He said solemnly.

“She will. Today we stand together, you and I. Nothing will stop us from bringing Regina’s reign to an end.”

He clasped a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “I will follow you to the end of the earth, my King.”

“You fought valiantly today.”

“We still lost.” He said sadly.

“They would not want us to lose hope.” Liam said softly. “As mother always said, when we are at our darkest, love will bring us to the light.”

Killian turned his eyes toward Emma’s at the other end of the room, her mother fussing over her hair as she looked nervously in his direction.

“It’s you, isn’t it?”

Killian jerked his gaze back to his brother. “What?”

“Before the ceremony, Emma told me that she was in love with another.”

Killian gulped, the guilt tearing at him. “Brother, I swear, I never meant…”

“Do you love her?”

His eyes met hers once again. “With everything that I am.”

~*~

“Mom, please. Stop.”

“It’s just a spot of blood.” Her mother complained, brushing her cheek with the corner of her sleeve. “Emma, I’m so sorry, this is not how your wedding should have gone.”

“I’m not upset about the wedding! His parents are dead?”

“I know.” She said sadly, pausing as she leaned against the wall beside them. “Alice and I were friends when we were younger. I would never have wished this on her. She was a wonderful woman. But Liam has been preparing for this his entire life.”

Emma shook her head, staring at Killian across the room, their eyes meeting for a moment as he spoke with his brother. “Liam will be a good King.”

“And you will be a wonderful Queen, Emma, you were born for this.” Before Emma could respond she was approached by her father.

“We must start the ceremony now.” He announced as Liam and Killian appeared behind him. He turned toward the men. “It’s time, you and Emma must marry now.”

Emma met Liam’s eyes and he smiled at her softly. “I was wrong earlier.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “I cannot perform my duty when my heart belongs to another.”

Her father’s face narrowed in anger. “Are you rejecting my daughter?”

Liam smiled at Emma. “I am simply allowing her to meet her own destiny.”

“King Liam, I know this has been a difficult day, but we must unite our kingdoms if you wish to avenge your parent’s death.” Her father tried to reason.

Liam stepped closer to Emma and took her hand. “You and I do not need to marry to unite our Kingdom, Emma, but there can still be a wedding this day, if that is what your heart truly desires.”

“What are you talking about?” Her father interjected, staring between the two of them.

“Liam…I can explain.” She started before he cut her off.

“There is no need to explain. The heart wants what the heart wants.” He looked over her shoulder toward the woman standing behind her, Elsa looked bewildered as he stepped toward her and took her hand.

“This is an outrage.” Her father said angrily. “You reject my daughter for another woman at her own wedding.”

“Father.” Emma said loudly. “Stop.” She turned toward Killian. “I’m sorry I wasn’t brave.”

“Love, you did what you thought you needed to do. I could not judge you for doing your duty, no matter how much it pained me.” Killian stepped toward her.

“I should have chosen you; for it is all that my heart desires.” She heard her mother gasp behind her.

“Then choose me now.” He reached for her hand, pulling her toward him. “I cannot make you Queen of Jonesboro, but I promise that I will always be by your side, and I will love you like no other.”

“Emma, what is the meaning of this?” Her father stepped between them.

“I love Killian, daddy. I do not wish to disappoint you, but I choose him, and together we can still stop Regina, we can still protect our people.”

“Killian will never be King.” Her father stated somberly.

“You taught me about responsibility, about duty and honor, but I don’t need to be the Queen of Jonesboro to unite our people.” She reached over and took Killian’s hand, looking over her shoulder at Liam. “We simply need to lead the way and they will follow.”

Her mother stood next to her father, reaching out to touch his arm. “Years ago, it was love that tore these kingdoms apart, perhaps now it is time to let love bring them together.”

“But she needs to be Queen…”

“And she will be.” Her mother said suddenly, reaching out to touch her daughter’s cheek. “Emma is the rightful heir of Misthaven.”

“Thank God.” Henry exclaimed behind them.

“Mary Margaret, women are not in the line of succession.” Her father argued. “It is the law of the land.”

“A law that the King of Misthaven has the ability to ignore or perhaps rewrite.” She said with a smile in Emma’s direction.

“Regardless of my father’s stubbornness, and though he would not admit it publicly, he knew that his Margie had chosen the better man that day.” Liam said stepping forward. “And now we face a mighty adversary, a woman who does not care about the law of men. Perhaps on this day, it is not a man who will defeat her.”

“Emma, is this what you want?” He father asked.

“All I have ever wanted was for you to see me for what I could be. I have watched you lead my entire life. I have learned everything I know because of you. I am more than a decorative piece of furniture.”

“Aye, she is a fierce fighter, skilled with a blade, and too stubborn to back down.” Killian said proudly as he stood at her side.

“She gets that part from me.” Her father said with a laugh.

“People of Jonesboro.” His brother’s voice boomed behind him. “Today has been a sad occasion. We have lost our beloved King and Queen, but we will not let this deed go unpunished. I promise to serve you proudly as King of Jonesboro and we will avenge my parents by removing the evil that set foot in our house here this day.” He turned toward Killian, glancing between him and Emma. “This kingdom has long since held ill will to our neighbors in the North, but starting today, there will be no malice toward the people of Misthaven. We must let love guide our hearts.”

He paused, taking Emma’s hand. “I have learned much from Princess Emma, she has taught me that our duty as royals means that we must protect those who trust us to lead them. But she also taught me that without love, duty means nothing.”

He turned toward the blonde woman standing behind him. “Love is stronger than any blade and I will not allow love to be defeated on this day.” He turned his attention back to the people standing in their seats, confusion, and anxiety on their faces. “Today Jonesboro and Misthaven will join as one, a force of love so strong that it will defeat anything that stands against it.” He guided Emma’s hand toward him until he had placed it into Killian’s palm.

“My brother, Prince Killian will wed Princess Emma of Misthaven, a pair who have proven their worth on this day, a pair who will guide and lead our kingdoms to victory.”

There was a murmur among the crowd as many people whispered to their nearest neighbor.

“Hear me Misthaven.” King David’s voice boomed. “I will follow King Liam into the depths of the black forest until we reach the Queen’s castle and remove her from her reign of terror. I will do so with my daughter by my side, the rightful heir of Misthaven.”

Killian heard the crowds gasp before David pushed on.

“People of Jonesboro, we must never forget the sacrifices that were made today, a loss that I am most certain will be felt for years to come. As many of you know, King Brennan and I were not friends, but perhaps we had more in common than we realized. The devotion of our Kingdom, the joy of watching our children become braver than ourselves, and the support of the one who stands firm beside us.” He reached over and took the hand of his wife, pulling her to his side. “We should have let go of childish pride, but we could not see past our own anger. An anger that divided us and surely would destroy our lands. It is our children that have shown me the error of our ways, sadly it is too late for me to make it right with King Brennan, but together, with our children united, we can save the Enchanted Forest from a most certain destruction.”

Liam clasped him on the shoulder. “Let love rule this day.”

Killian glanced at Emma; her eyes wide as she took in the scene in front of her. “Love, what do you say?”

She turned to him, her eyes blinking slowly. “I…”

“Marry me, Emma. Marry me for now and for all eternity.”

She shook her head repeatedly as her father laughed. “She was never this quiet at home, you have done something I have tried to do for years, you have rendered her speechless.”

“Father.” Emma said in a warning tone but with a playful smile on her face. He turned toward the priest.

“Please, continue.” He gestured to the couple and stepped away from the altar to take his seat.

The priest took in the situation in front of him, hesitant to proceed. “They have my blessing.” Liam said softly, stepping back from the couple and taking Elsa’s hand once more as he guided her happily to a seat at the front of the room.

The man cleared his throat. “I suppose I shall ask again, Princess, art thou here this day in pledged troth of thy own free will and choice?”

Emma turned to him and smiled widely. “Yes Father, with all my heart.”

“Prince Killian…” He continued after a pause, “and Princess Emma have pledged their troth to be married this day, we call upon Heaven to bless this union.” The man stared at the door nervously. “Therefore, if anyone can show just cause, why they may not be joined together, by God's Law, or the Laws of the Realm; let them now speak, or else hereafter keep silent for all time.” He winced, as if waiting for the doors to barrel open once more. When he was met with silence, he exhaled.

“Wilt thou have this Woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”

Killian felt his heart flutter at the words, barely believing the fact that she was standing in front of him, giving herself to him and not his brother. He heard her clear her throat across from him, her eyes nervously scanning his. “Aye, I will.” He said quickly, offering her a smile to reassure her that he was alright.

“Wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”

Emma squinted her eyes closed for a moment and then opened them as she leaned toward him. “About the obey part…” She whispered.

“Considering you are the one who will one day become Queen, it is I who will follow your lead.” He winked.

She laughed light heartedly. “Knowing you, neither one of us will be very good at this whole obeying notion.”

The Priest scowled. “May we continue?” He offered quietly.

Emma stepped back, “I believe we have an accord.” She grinned. “I mean, yes, I will.” She corrected as the Priest stared at her with a frown on his face.

Killian watched her with admiration and pride as they exchanged rings, his hand shaking with nervous energy, his heart barely contained in his chest the moment he felt the cold slide of metal on his own finger.

“Forasmuch as Killian and Emma have consented together in holy wedlock and have witnessed the same before God and this company, I pronounce therefore that they be Man and Wife together, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

He pulled her to him before the man spoke again, brushing his lips against his own as he felt her mouth turn upward in a grin. “My wife.” He whispered softly as she pulled away from him, grinning and turning toward the cheering crowd.

They were approached by his brother and Emma’s parents, congratulatory cheers surrounding them before they were quickly ushered from the room. There was much to be done before they had a moment to digest the last few moments of the day. Planning their armies next moves was paramount if they were to get the upper hand in the fight against Regina which meant they would have mere moments alone before they would head into battle.

The moment the doors closed and the air around them was finally still, he pulled her against him, holding her close against his chest. “I will remember this day as long as I shall live.”

“Then remember to live longer than today.” She said softly against his chest. “For I wish to think upon this day when we are old and gray.”

He pulled away from her, the worry in her eyes shining through. “Emma, I would have followed my brother to the depths of hell to protect my kingdom. And today, I will follow him, but mostly I am honored to fight side by side with you in battle because I believe in you and your will to survive. I saw you today as you stood in front of Regina, unafraid and full of pride. Today you are not only my wife, my love, but my Queen. Regina doesn’t stand a chance against the likes of Jonesboro and Misthaven united. Today she will fall.”

Emma wrapped her arms around his neck, her lips assaulting his in a bruising kiss. “Keep talking like that and you will find yourself properly rewarded in your bedchamber.”

“Our bedchamber.” He corrected her. “And I very much look forward to my reward.”

She closed her eyes and pressed into him once more. “I love you, Killian.”

“I love you too.” He returned, opening his eyes, and staring into hers with every emotion he could muster. “Stay close to me, love.”

“I shall not keep my eyes off you for one moment.” She teased.

“I would despair if you did.” With one final kiss, they joined the others to make their united stand against Evil Queen Regina.

~*~

Three months later…

“No this is my favorite spot.” Killian’s voice wafted from below her, his lips lightly pressed against the skin behind her knee. She mewed appreciatively. “Ah yes, and that is why it is my favorite, it elicits such a glorious sound.” He traced his hand higher up her thigh, “Though I do enjoy the sounds this area brings as well.” A groan left her throat, much lower than the previous.

“Killian, if you keep this up, we will be late for breakfast.” His lips pressed against her inner thigh.

“Since when are we ever on time for breakfast?”

She giggled, watching his dark hair disappear between her legs, her eyes closing lazily as she enjoyed his ministrations. “Mmm, you make a valiant point, my love.” She could feel the short hairs at his chin brush against her most sensitive area, causing her head to fall back against the bed as she reveled in the feelings washing over her.

“I do believe if you continue to make that sound, we will be late for dinner as well.” He teased as his tongue slid across her center causing her to squeal in delight.

“Then it would be wise for you to quickly finish what you started, before your brother arrives on the morrow.” He lifted his head, his blue eyes gleaming in the sunlight.

“Your father takes great delight in our conversations at the table.” His fingers slipped inside of her. “I would hate to disappoint him with my absence, and it has been a while since I have seen my brother.” His tongue pressed into her folds, sliding languidly against her hot center. “But it would be a shame to rush such a delicate art.”

“Art, huh?”

“Aye.” He said with a smirk, “Pleasing you is a work of art that I take great pride in.” His finger curled inside of her, his tongue hanging loosely from his mouth as he watched her, their eyes locked in a sensuous stare.

“You are quite gifted at…” She moaned as his fingers increased their speed. “Oh God.” She cried out the moment the feeling overtook her, her hands fisting in his hair as she pulled his mouth against her center, riding out the wave of ecstasy before she settled against the bed once more.

“I will never tire of that song.” He chuckled, pulling himself against her body as he brought his mouth against hers. “A song made entirely for my ears, or at least that is what I assume since you enjoy tugging at them while you sing it.” He joked, his tongue sliding against her lips as she allowed him entry.

“I find it is the only way to silence you.” She giggled.

“Minx.” His body melded into hers as he slid inside of her, a low groan leaving his throat the moment he was fully seated inside of her. It was in these moments, the golden sun streaming in through their window, the light caressing his naked skin as he hovered above her, his blue eyes focused only on her, the true intent and emotion of their connection the only thing she could see or hear as his body became one with hers, in these moments she knew that when she had been faced with the decision between love or duty, there was always only one answer.

She had fought beside Killian, and Liam, her father standing by her side. On that day, even her mother had found her bow and set aim on Queen Regina that day. Jonesboro and Misthaven fought side by side, driving out the Queen and ending her evil reign of terror.

They had won because they fought together. Because they were bound by their duty to their people and to each other. They were bound by a love that had risen and bonded them in a way that could not be destroyed. That day they fought for each other, for their home, and for love.

And when Emma returned to Misthaven, as the future Queen of her lands with Killian at her side, she had done her duty and in return been rewarded with love.

[holycatsandrabbits]

Tollense, an original serial romance by Dannye Chase, Chapter 5

A history professor falls in love with his best friend, a 3000-year-old vampire.

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Chapter 5

CW: blood

This chapter has 2 versions: a T-rated one here on Tumblr and an E-rated one on Ao3. The plot is the same, but there’s smut on the Ao3 version.

1999 (Two years later)

The second inhuman creature Liam met was named Bennett, and Liam liked him about as much as he liked sand in his socks. Bennett was tall and thin, with a pretty face and a predatory look in his eyes that completely spoiled it.

Liam was walking across campus on an unseasonably cold night (for Florida) and now that he’d come upon a vampire, he was glad for the light scarf he’d wound around his neck. Bennett fell into step with Liam as if they were old friends. “Looking for Kurt,” he said. “Heard around town that you know him.”

“Sorry, I can’t help you.”

Bennett peered at him more intensely, and when Liam recoiled a little, Bennett grinned. “Guess you’ve spent enough time with him to know what I am. So, uh— how good of friends are you? Cause I should tell you I really picked you out by the fact that I can smell him on you.”

Liam decided he was not going to think too hard about that one. “Was there something you needed?”

“Just want to catch up with him. Been a while.”

“Well, I’m sure he knows you’re here.”

Bennett looked confused. “How would he know that?”

“I have no idea how he does it. In any case, if he wants to see you—”

Kurt’s voice cut in, startling Bennett. “I don’t, particularly. But neither do I wish Liam to have to deal with this.”

Kurt was ahead of them on the sidewalk, a shadowed shape sitting on a half-wall by the library. Liam recognized him easily by the fact that it was difficult to decide exactly how large of a person was sitting there in the dark, as the outline of him seemed to shift restlessly. Kurt’s voice fell low, and almost seemed to ripple the air around them. “Get away from him.”

Bennett took several steps back, and Liam wasn’t sure whether Kurt had used his mental powers to compel him into moving, or if he’d just scared the man badly enough. Kurt stood up off of the wall and stepped in between Liam and Bennett. “What do you want?” he asked.

Bennett was cringing. “Look, man— if you can just give me a drop. I’m in trouble, pissed off some guys. I’ll pay you. Anything. I can get you whatever you—” Bennett’s voice trailed off and his eyes grew wide, terror growing on his face. Abruptly he turned and ran, disappearing into the dark.

When Kurt turned back to Liam, he looked completely normal. For Kurt, anyway. So only a tiny bit terrifying, if you looked closely enough around the eyes.

“A drop of what?” Liam asked. He started heading for home again, and Kurt joined him, watching Liam intently, assessing him. Liam didn’t comment on it. He’d learned that protests of his well-being were useless when Kurt was worried about him, that Kurt would perform his own examination and be satisfied only with that.

“My blood,” Kurt said finally, when his analysis had apparently ended. “A drop of it can heal humans’ wounds, and although I’ve never tried it on a vampire, I imagine it would make them stronger. They sometimes come asking for it. I’ve just never found one who wanted it for a good reason.”

Liam was not in the habit of asking Kurt a lot of questions, largely because it was more comfortable sometimes not to know an answer, and Kurt seemed to make a practice of telling Liam the truth. Liam decided to ask anyway. “So, how did you know I’d met your, ah, friend there?”

“I know what happens to you,” Kurt said.

Liam watched him for a second, doing his own assessment. “You know I’m going to accuse you of mind reading.”

Kurt turned and met his eyes, an odd expression on his face that looked a little like bewilderment and a little like a reluctant confession. “I don’t need to. I just know. Listen, Liam, are you busy tonight?”

“You don’t have plans with Jonah?”

“No, he’s out with friends.”

“Ah. Did you get a chance to—”

“I’ll eat when he gets home, if he’s up for it.” Kurt was looking at him curiously, probably because Liam didn’t usually call attention to the fact that Kurt’s lovers provided him with blood. “Do you want to head to Tollense?” Kurt asked. “It’s midnight in Germany. Site should be deserted.”

“Are you remembering something about your origins?” Liam asked.

“I’m not sure.”

Liam nodded and Kurt slipped a hand under his elbow. Their next step brought them down into a darkened river valley. The grass would be green in the sunlight, but under the stars it ran gray and then faded to black in the distance. The Tollense River was more of a sound than a sight right now, the pleasant noises of gently moving water emerging from a dark void.

It was actually warmer in Germany that night than Florida, and Liam unwound his scarf. He sat on the grass and looked up at the clear night sky.

“I think there was a bridge,” Kurt said.

“Makes sense,” Liam told him. “A bridge is a natural place for a battle. People would want to be in control of movement through a strategic point.” Liam tried to imagine the valley as it had looked three thousand years earlier, during a large-scale Bronze Age battle that historians had once thought impossible in this sparsely populated area. Kurt had been here then, young and vulnerable and a great many other things that he would never again be.

“I’m pretty sure I was on a boat under the bridge,” Kurt said. “I remember people falling, and some of them landed in it.” Kurt dropped onto the grass beside Liam. “And I was still looking for that same person that I can’t remember.”

“That’s not bad for three thousand years ago,” Liam said.

“I don’t remember dying,” Kurt said. “You’d think that would be a memorable event.”

“Are you sure you did?” Liam asked.

Kurt looked pensive, and Liam wanted to tell him that he could let go of all of it, the human mask that he tried so hard to keep on, that it wouldn’t frighten Liam to see him as he really was. But Liam wasn’t entirely sure that was true, and he was certain that it would break Kurt’s heart to think Liam was afraid of him.

“You still think I’m not a vampire,” Kurt said.

“Maybe. I mean, yes, you drink blood, but your powers are different, your blood is different, and if you never died—”

“I have the scars from the arrows in my chest. At some point, I must have been vulnerable to weapons.”

“Well, you were human. And now you’ve— changed.”

“There’s something else,” Kurt said. “It’s happened on our last three trips here.” He pointed, and Liam looked, but all he could see was the occasional glint of starlight reflected in the river. “There’s a dog,” Kurt said.

That was not what Liam had been expecting. “A dog.”

“Yeah. A large white dog. I thought he was real until I realized you don’t see him. And also, he’s got six eyes. I couldn’t see him well enough at first to notice that, but he comes closer now.”

Liam fought a little shiver. Surely with Kurt by his side he was in no danger from a spectral dog. And anyway, if Kurt thought there was danger, he’d have Liam nowhere near it.

“Six eyes,” Liam mused. “You know, in Proto-Indo-European mythology, there was sometimes said to be a three-headed dog guarding the underworld.”

“He’s just got the one head.”

“Yes, but he’s got enough eyes for three.”

“I suppose so.” Kurt sounded amused. “But why would a dog from the Underworld be appearing to me?”

“I’ll do some research.” Liam lay back on the grass, alone in a field at night with the first inhuman creature he’d met, and this one was not pathetic and frightened but incredibly dangerous and also quite sweet. Liam decided he’d like to ask another question. “Does it hurt? When you drink blood from someone?”

“No. Well, yes, but I convince them it doesn’t.” Kurt lay down too, but on his side, looking at Liam. “Actually— I usually make it feel nice.”

“Nice.”

“Very nice.”

Liam turned to look at him. Kurt’s eyes were glowing faintly in the dark. “Oh. You mean— nice.”

“Listen, Liam— you and I—” Kurt frowned, almost seeming nervous, which was not a common look for him. “When I drink blood from someone, we form a connection. Something that ties them to me, lets me know if they’re all right or in trouble. I’ve wanted that with you, for a long time. Because we’re— we’re close. But the thing is, it’s been happening anyway.”

Kurt was losing his human disguise a bit. His shape in the darkness was shifting about again. “I know where you are, and what’s happening to you. I know if you’re sick, if you’re hungry. I know when you get those damned threatening letters because they scare you.”

“Why?” Liam whispered.

“I don’t know.” Kurt looked honestly confused. “But you and I already share a greater intimacy than I’ve shared with anyone in a very long time. If I drank from you— we’d be even closer. Is that something that you would want?”

“Yes.”

Kurt was assessing him again. “You’re scared.”

“Not of you.”

“If we do this— whatever you’re scared of might not remain your secret.”

Liam felt a little wetness in his eyes. “I don’t think it’s a secret now.”

Kurt lay there looking at him for another moment, and then he sat up. Liam started to sit up as well, but Kurt put a gentle hand on his shoulder and Liam lay back down. Kurt’s hand trailed down his arm to grasp his wrist, holding him loosely, as if Kurt wanted him to have a last chance to pull away.

Liam did not pull away, and Kurt raised Liam’s wrist to his mouth. The bite was painless. To Liam it felt like a kiss, the soft, warm press of Kurt’s lips against his skin, and there was only a sort of odd lightheadedness that made him realize he was losing blood.

After a moment, Kurt raised his head, and there was a touch of color to his lips, a sort of stain in the darkness. “Do you want the full show?” he asked.

“Seems a shame to miss out,” Liam answered.

*********

Read the E-rated ending on Ao3 or continue for the T-rated ending. The plot is the same, but there’s smut on the Ao3 version.

**********

Kurt lowered his head again, but this time instead of biting, he licked at what blood had welled up on Liam’s wrist. Liam found himself floating in a daze, where every movement of Kurt’s lips or tongue brought him further into bliss. He felt the bite this time, and it was the perfect sting of pain to make the pleasure seem even sweeter. Liam moaned, and he heard Kurt make some sort of light growling noise in return.

The night and the stars seemed to fade away and there was only Kurt. Liam felt dizzy and entranced, his body and mind not his own, as Kurt drank his blood and gave him this pleasure as reward.

While Kurt sat unaffected above him.

It ended before Liam could really understand what a bleak thought that was, that he was alone in this ecstasy, not wrapped in his lover’s arms. He felt Kurt’s mouth move away from his wrist. The bliss gently ebbed away, letting Liam settle back into himself as he lay there on the grass. And yet Kurt was not gone. Liam could feel him inside, close and warm. Not in a sexual way, not anymore. But there was the realization that Kurt had felt Liam’s moment of reluctance and responded to it, maybe not understanding why it was there, but accepting it nonetheless.

Kurt lay down again, so that he could look into Liam’s eyes. He still had hold of Liam’s hand, and he’d laced their fingers together.

“Wow,” Liam said.

Kurt smiled, looking both pleased and sad. Or maybe Liam could tell that Kurt was feeling both pleased and sad. Liam, for his part, felt dizzy and a little cold, and Kurt pulled him close, resting Liam’s head against his shoulder. Liam fell asleep that way, on a battlefield three thousand years old, in the arms of a man who might have died there or perhaps could never die at all.

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

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Want to create fic, art, or other works based on this series? Please do! Just dm or tag me.

My previous serials are for Good Omens: Mr. Fell's Bookshop and Love's Endless Light

My Carrd

[tostardust]

WANTED PLOTS & CONNECTIONS

just a few things i’d love to plot out for some of my main muses. i’ll be linking this in my pinned post and adding to it randomly. if you see anything that sparks interest, feel free to send a message over!

other mutants/experiments/clones for avi, dakota, denver, gen, & tashi (could potentially be linked to their experiments or not)

past/current criminal connections for alice, magda, emil, and liam

anyone giving jobs to liam, tashi, and magda

immortal/long-time friends for jude, gideon, niklas, and penny

someone who doesn’t know they need help from penny, but she’s there anyway

anyone who was present at penny’s arrival at woodstock

other paranormal investigators/someone for freddie to interview/investigate

guests for marty’s podcast...need a plug?

former prison connections for liam

science nerds for avi

aliens!! for nik - literally anyone from space he’d be happy

other non-canon or divergent characters for dean to build past s5

horror plots/characters for jackie, marty, dean, freddie, and peter

past connections for all original characters honestly

longer specific wanted plots below the cut for space - click if interested!  ♥

dean - post hell (s4-5 era) relationship-ish. someone he eventually breaks down with, opens up about what he experienced. they see him at his most vulnerable state, during panic attacks, nightmares, breaking down drinking to numb it all.  //  confronting his alcoholism. (i understand this could be an intense thread, and not for everyone. i think it could be beneficial for a character growth since it was never really addressed in much capacity canon-wise and an interesting dive into his mind even more.)   //   the angel who pulled him from hell. as stated in his info, this can be any angel, not just castiel. i want to work on developing the specific bond they now share due to the sacrifice the angel made to bring dean back to earth and back to life. this does not (and really preferably isn’t...we can build if it goes that way) have to be romantic, it can be some intense platonic trash where they’re basically married but not - just someone who left this random ass scar behind on his shoulder that he now has an unexplained connection with. 

liam - a relationship (romantic or platonic) where he can spoil them. buy dumb shit for no reason, take them dancing, send them on expensive trips, allow him to use his weird love language of aggressive gift giving on them.  //  during a job - for your muse, with your muse, against your muse, etc - shit goes wrong and they’re forced to work together to get out. maybe they hate each other, maybe they’re secretly in love with each other, maybe they’ve never met before and what the hell is happening, just stuff blowing up and pew pews everywhere but working together is the only option for survival at this point type shit. what happens once they’re out in one piece?

avi - a mistake of using too much of his darkness abilities leaves him weak and more susceptible to the darkness overtaking him. eventually it does, changing his entire personality and leaving him essentially as a villain with no care for anything but himself. he’s extremely overpowered and his abilities would need someone just as powerful to go up against him and take him down. this would be a total au plot where death is a possible outcome. 

dakota - mind exploration with someone. a chance for her to deep dive inside someone’s mind and find out what she can do. she’d never intentionally harm anyone who willingly let her explore, but mistakes could happen (with writing consent to booboo your muse ofc). this could also help with anyone who needs to shut down their mind for a bit. coming to her in a sense of need and her being able to help by just letting them let go for a bit.

alice - her ‘in’ to the criminal world. the one who started it all. after her grandparents pass away and she’s left to raise her siblings at a young age things get rough very fast. money is hard to come by and teenagers eat a lot more than she remembered when she wasn’t the one feeding them. someone comes in, sweeps her off her feet, offers her everything, and gets her jobs that pay all the bills and then some. an intense whirlwind, wild, and probably not too good for her romance that introduces her to an entire new life.

emil - someone from his past who knows him by another name. i didn’t touch too deep on it in his bio, but he had a previous life with his parents and siblings before he went ghost and faked his death years ago. he still looks the same, but avoids anywhere he may be recognized. eventually it has to catch up to him, right? they could have been close or just been acquaintances, but the whole i thought you were dead scenario calls to me.

magda - drunken vegas night leads to what do you mean we’re fuckin married??? between her and a current work partner who got a little too into their roles for the job. do they even like each other? who knows.

any muses

- enemies to lovers slow burn bullshit. let’s build up a whole ass past for these dumbasses and why they hate each other, throw them together and see how the chemistry goes. if it works out, it works out - if not, we have mortal enemies so it still works out.

[chcrrysprite]

3, 17, 19 for the fic writer tag !

thank you!!! and also welcome to the blog :)

3.) Is there a trope you wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole? i’ve been asked this before, and my answer USED to be mostly MCD or infidelity, but...i’ve written MCD before i even said that and there was a whole Huge infidelity plotline in a fic i never finished writing, so...okay. i still probably wouldn’t write infidelity if it takes place between the people in the main relationship, and i don’t do non-consensual sex, abuse, or anything like that, but there is one thiam-specific trope that i hate: when liam gets mad at theo after getting vulnerable with him and then immediately says something like “i wish i left you in hell, i hate you, i wish you were dead.” like?? what the fuck-

17.) Do you write your story from start to finish, or do you write the scenes out of order? straight from start to finish, every time. occasionally i’ll write a scene earlier than i need to if it’s a big one or if it’s the only thing i can think about, but i am not Nearly organized enough to try and put a whole bunch of pieces together and trust it to flow correctly lol

19.) Stephen King once said that his muse is a man who lives in the basement. Do you have a muse? i’m not sure if this is considered a muse, but i get a lot of my ideas and themes from songs. most of the time the plots are my own creations that are usually influenced by people i talk to, but the right song with the right lyrics and sound paired with it,,, ugh perfect. 

tysm for the ask :)) !!

[jovialyouthmusic]

Silver Service - interlude

Olivia and Liam take some time out while Anton’s condition is monitored closely at the hospital

Word Count 2619

A/N My muse is being a little stubborn in bringing this part of the story to its conclusion, so I’m posting this while I persuade ‘her’ to cooperate. No warnings, just some fluff and pondering - not enough to be classed as angst. 

Please note I have reduced my tag list, as a lot of folk have not responded for some while and I don’t want to nag them. If you want to be tagged. let me know.

20a Taking Stock

‘I can’t possibly leave the capital with Anton in this state’ Liam said grimly ‘It would be seen to be uncaring and irresponsible’ He and Olivia had delayed their trip to Lythikos, and they were uncertain as to whether to go ahead with it, or cancel. They had returned to the Palace after being updated on Anton’s condition, who now had some level of consciousness, but it was very strange. His eyes were open and he seemed to understand what was being said to him, but he was unable to speak. They were not allowed in to see him as it was feared that their presence might provoke another reaction such as the one that Olivia had triggered. They had also been told that after they left, Anton looked terrified and his eyes never stopped moving, darting about the room. His breathing was erratic, so they’d had to sedate him to keep him calm. She shuddered.

‘The doctor said his expression was alarming. It was a damn shock when he grabbed me’

‘I know, Livvy. Perhaps you could speak to Lucretia and ask her about the poison she used. I daresay that’s what’s causing the strange symptoms.’ Olivia put her hand on her belly, still flat as she was only in her first trimester.

‘The doctor told me I should rest’ she grimaced ‘Much as I’d love to grill the old bitch, the baby’s health comes first. Apparently high blood pressure is not a good thing in my condition’

���Of course, I should have known that. I could ask my masseur to make a visit to the Palace Spa suite to help you relax’ Liam suggested. Olivia made a sour face, and Liam moved behind her to gently massage her shoulders ‘You do feel very tense’ She sighed and leaned back into him slightly.

‘Actually that sounds fantastic. A soak in hot water would be good too. We can work out what to do in the morning. I might even be up to talking to Lucretia then.’  

‘Well let’s take a break right now’ Liam suggested. ‘I’ll just check that Janice is in today’

--------

Half an hour later, Olivia lay back in a warm bath. Janice, the palace masseuse had told her that getting into a hot tub while pregnant was not advised, so Liam had drawn the water for her in the oversized bath in his suite and checked the temperature. The tub was big enough for both of them, so he got in with her as she sipped mineral water with slices of citrus. She sighed happily and wiggled her toes, closing her eyes in bliss. Janice was setting up the massage table in Liam’s lounge while they bathed.

‘This mineral water isn’t half bad’ Olivia said ‘Normally I’d be drinking champagne, but I find I’ve rather gone off alcohol’

‘That’s not uncommon’ Liam said ‘Many women lose the taste for alcohol as soon as they fall pregnant’ Olivia smiled

‘You’ve been reading up on it, haven’t you?’ Liam looked bashful

‘Of course, I said I wanted to be supportive, and I wanted to get the facts. But they say every woman is different, so tell me if I get anything wrong’

‘I don’t think anyone knows me better than you’ Olivia said. Liam looked across at her fondly. She looked different – her complexion was more rosy, and the angles of her face and figure were slightly softer. Only someone who knew her well would notice, and he wondered if that had triggered Lucretia’s discovery of the pregnancy. He knew that very soon he had to acknowledge their arrangement – he would already have done so if it were not for Anton.

She had said that she had no desire to be Queen, but as he pondered, he thought that perhaps her skills might compliment his. His father had apparently ruled benevolently, but under the surface he had been ruthless. He planned to rule benignly if it was possible, so perhaps having Olivia as his Queen could give him an edge, stop him from being too soft. He wouldn’t rush into it however – it was just a possibility should he remain King.

‘If I lie here any longer I’ll fall asleep’ Olivia cut into his thoughts ‘I’m starting to wrinkle up, too.’ Liam rose from the bathwater and reached for a towel to dry off.

‘Don’t get out just yet’ he said ‘Wait a moment’ She lay back and stayed where she was, her gaze running over his toned torso as he dried himself off, putting on boxer shorts and a dressing gown. Then he beckoned her, holding out a thick fluffy towel for her, gently helping to dry her. For a moment she looked as if she would refuse him, but she relaxed and allowed him to pamper her. When she had wrapped a fresh bath towel around her and fastened it, they went through into the lounge, where Janice had set up two tables.

‘Now don’t worry, Lady Olivia’ Janice said ‘His majesty has told me of your condition in strict confidence, and you can be assured that this massage will take it into consideration. You’ll be completely safe in my hands. I will avoid any areas that might be sensitive, and use appropriate massage oils. Please let me know if you’re at all uncomfortable.’ She turned to Liam as Olivia settled onto the massage table ‘I took the liberty of asking Carlo to come and give you a massage too, your grace. He’s waiting in the corridor – may I call him in?’

‘That’s very considerate of you, Janice’ Liam replied ‘Of course he can come in.’ The young woman went to the lounge door and let the other masseur in as Liam took his dressing gown off, and soon he and Olivia were destressing under the expert hands of the two therapists. Liam tried to keep Anton out of his thoughts, and hoped Olivia was too. Soon his mind was more clear, and he felt the tension of the last few days melt away.

The massage over, the two masseuses left the suite, taking their tables and oils with them. Olivia lounged on the couch, her face serene and her eyelids drooping. She had fastened her hair into a messy updo before getting into the bath, and tendrils were escaping, further softening her features.

‘You can sleep here tonight’ Liam offered ‘There aren’t any other guests staying in this wing, and the staff will be discreet’

‘I don’t know’ mused Olivia sleepily. ‘Although that sounds heavenly. I’m not sure if I could make it to my suite, close as it is.’

‘Then come and rest with me’ Liam said softly ‘You can always go back if you wake up in the night’ As Olivia started to rise, he held out his hand to help her up. She frowned slightly

‘You don’t have to treat me like I’m china’ she said, but there was no harsh note in her voice.

‘I know, but you’ve been through a lot. Anything I can do to help, I’ll do it’ She nodded

‘Thank you Liam’ she replied ‘You’re a good man – you always have been. I don’t…’

‘If you’re going to say you don’t deserve to be looked after and pampered, stop right there’ Liam scolded. ‘Come to bed and sleep, and you’ll be refreshed in the morning’

‘I may be sick in the morning’ she said wryly ‘But I appreciate what you’re doing. I suppose I’ve always had a hard time accepting kindness’ She let him lead her to the bedroom, letting the towel drop and sliding between the cool sheets as he picked up the towel and took off his dressing gown to join her. He lay beside her, she on her back and he on his side facing her. She closed her eyes, her breath slowing until…

‘You’re looking at me, aren’t you?’ she said sleepily. He laughed softly

‘How can you tell?’

‘I can feel your breath – and I know you very well, Liam Bradley Rys’ she murmured. ‘You can barely take your eyes off me lately’

‘I can’t help it’ he replied ‘You’re changing. It’s subtle, but you’re different, Livvy’

‘Please don’t tell me I’m glowing’

‘Of course not, that comes later – but you’re not as pale as usual’ She remained silent. ‘May I touch you?’ he asked. She sighed

‘Of course you can. After all, we did a lot more than touch in order for me to get pregnant’

‘I just – don’t want to be disrespectful’ he said. She opened her eyes and turned her head toward him.

‘If I let you, will you let me sleep?’ she asked, her green eyes piercing his.

‘Naturally. I just wanted to…’ he reached out and his hand hovered over her belly reverently ‘It’s really there’ he said ‘I can’t quite believe it. A new human being – yours and mine’. She took his hand and laid it over her womb, smiling softly.

‘I know’ she said ‘I can’t either’

------

True to her word, Olivia woke feeling sick, and disentangled herself from the bedclothes and from Liam’s arm that was placed protectively over her hip. It was the first time she had stayed the entire night with him. She had slept solidly, but the morning brought back the remembrance of her condition and all the complications associated with Anton. Liam stirred and rolled over on his back, arm thrown up over his forehead. He looked so peaceful and vulnerable as she left him sleeping, tiptoeing to the bathroom. She threw open the window to get some fresh air, taking in lungfulls to counteract the waves of nausea that washed over her.

Back in her suite she had a herbal remedy from her home country, obtained with the help of a maid of hers who had feigned pregnancy and gone to a herbalist. She really didn’t feel up to the walk along the corridor to her rooms, so rode out the sickness. There came a soft knock on the door and she heard Liam’s voice.

‘Are you okay, Livvy? Can I do anything?’

‘Come in, the door’s not locked’ Liam came in, barefoot and wearing his dressing gown, silky red and piped with gold, the belt tied loosely round his slim hips and hanging loose on his broad shoulders, agape a little at the neck showing off the sparse golden hair on his chest. His hair was immaculate as usual – or rather, as it had been when they entered the suite the previous night. He often had to groom himself after their more athletic sessions in bed. He gave her a sympathetic look. She sighed, sure that a few months ago she would have found that irritating, but now she was just grateful to have someone to support her.

‘You can fetch my toiletries bag’ she said ‘It’s in my en suite. I’m pretty sure I can’t make it there without throwing up’

‘Of course’ Liam said ‘I’ll get it myself’

‘Wait’ Olivia said ‘Would that look odd? Are we ready for anyone to know about us?’ She saw a flicker of something go across his face. What was it – affection? Joy? Surprise? She realised she had said ‘us’ rather than ‘our arrangement’

‘The staff are all sworn to secrecy, you should know that after all this time, Livvy’ he pointed out. ‘They rarely question anything I do.’ She laughed

‘Of course you’re less likely to do anything undesirable or dubious than your father – or Leo’ He grinned.

‘Poor Bastien, they both gave kept him on his toes – though for different reasons. I suppose that’s partly why he’s so sharp. Lewis is good, but he doesn’t have that certain something Bas does.’

‘It must be like a holiday looking after you – or would be if it wasn’t for Anton’ He frowned at the mention of his nemesis.

‘I’ll go and get your bag’ he said shortly ‘We can talk about Severus when you’re feeling better’

-------

Liam left his rooms and went out into the corridor, and the guard greeted him. He gave him a dismissive wave.

‘Get the kitchen to send breakfast up, will you?’ he asked ‘I’ll only be a moment’

‘Sir’ The guard muttered into his lip mic as Liam went to Olivia’s suite to fetch her bag. He paused to look around the familiar room, which had been a favourite of his mothers. It had been redecorated a few times since her death, but always in the same way. The colours, the furniture layout, the soft furnishings had not differed, though anything worn or shabby had been replaced by something similar or identical. He cast his mind back to the end of his social season, when he had tried to sum up his feelings for the other suitors. At that time, he had told himself he loved no-one, had felt no affection for any of his lovers, all his intimate relationships short and transient or sporadic. Although he felt no love for any of them, he hadn’t wanted to enter into a loveless marriage for the sake of his heirs, so he had chosen – no-one.

This was changing with Olivia. Her offer to bear his heir without expecting to be Queen had meant that they had spent time together – and not just in the bedroom. The conflict with Anton had brought them closer together. He would not abandon her to her fate. He realised that something was growing inside him – affection at the least. He really cared for her – did he love her? Was this what love was? He smiled to himself as he entered her bathroom and looked for the toiletries bag she had described. Not so long ago he would have sent a servant to fetch it. But now he wanted to do things for her himself, to go into her room and see how she occupied it, how she used the familiar space.

Although she had not been beside him when he woke, he had liked having her there in his living space. He wondered what it would be like to have her there all the time. She was fierce and independent and didn’t suffer fools gladly. He liked her down to earth attitude, her talent of getting straight to the truth, her fearless nature. He knew that as King he would have little spare time. Olivia would be able to cope with that, he realised. How could he have overlooked her suitability as a possible Queen?

His father had always been dismissive of Olivia, and now he knew how much he had hated the Nevrakis. He had influenced Liam’s view of his childhood friend, undermining her subtly, insidiously, fundamentally. Now he was coming out of Constantine’s shadow, he saw the world in a different way. Some areas were darker than he had realised, but some were lighter. Olivia brought him hope – she knew what Constantine was, and together they could undo many of the bad things he had done.

If only Anton had not come along and tried to take her away from him. But she was a fighter, and he would fight with her. Whatever it took, he would protect her, support her, help her to achieve her full potential. Just as his role as monarch was endangered, if he lost that, he would still have Olivia. Together they fought for Cordonia, but if that battle was lost, they would have each other – and the heir.

He snapped back to reality as his eyes alighted on the toiletries bag she had asked for, and picked it up. With a little smile, he turned and made his way back to his suite, and the woman that waited for him.

@sirbeepsalot @stopforamoment @drakesensworld @katedrakeohd​ @texaskitten30​ 

@be-still-my-aching-heart @hopefulmoonobject @dcbbw @classylady1234 @rainbowsinthestorm 

@kimmiedoo5 @bascmve01  @ibldw-main @addictedtodrakefanfic @trappedinfandoms @ravenpuff02​

[heauxplesslydevoted]

Fracture (King Liam x MC)

Summary:  Inspired by this post from @ao719 and set immediately after TRH Book 2, chapter 1. The King and Queen have their first major blow up.

A/N: This was hard for me because I see both of their sides so perfectly, and I adore Liam so being mad at him, even fictionally is a challenge for me, lol

Tags: @senseofduties @lapisreviewsstuff @akacalliope @badchoicesposts @drakewalker04 @canknot @sirbeepsalot @hopefulmoonobject @eadanga @texaskitten30 @the-unconquered-queen @flyawayboo @aestheticartwriting

~~

The air in the parlor is practically crackling with energy as Queen Kendall glares at her husband. There’s way too many emotions swirling around right now—anger, joy, confusion, relief, fear—and she can’t seem to get a firm grasp on them.

This is supposed to be the happiest day of her life, of their life, but it’s not. Liam just agreed to give their baby away.

He waits on baited breath as she finds the words to respond to him. To say Liam is nervous is an understatement. Anxiety is a cruel mistress and she has a firm grip on his throat.

“You did what?”

“I agreed to their terms for an alliance.”

“How dare you? You married our daughter off and she’s not even a full day old yet!”

“Kendall, you have to–”

“I don’t have to do a damn thing!” Kendall hisses. “You caved! We’ve been working on ways to subdue them and keep them at bay for months, and you give in to their whims like that?” She snaps for added effect. 

The heartbreak is the worst. Not once in their relationship has never done something like this without telling her. She never thought she’d experience a betrayal, from him of all people, on this level. “You made a monumental decision that affects not just us, but our daughter. Our home! Our country! And you did it unilaterally. What happened to us being a team?”

“It wasn’t an easy choice to make, and I didn’t take it lightly.”

“My daughter is not a commodity to be sold off to the highest bidder, Liam.”

Liam reaches out to touch Kendall, but she recoils from him. The act makes his heart shatter in his chest. “My love, please understand. There was no other choice.”

“There’s always another choice,” Kendall argues, a bite in her tone that Liam isn’t used to. “You’ve opened the floodgates now. We gave into their demands, with no security on our side and nothing in return. Cordonia loses! And now that they have the upper hand, who’s to say they won’t come back with more demands?”

“They won’t.”

“Oh, because Bradshaw and Isabella are paragons of integrity?”

“I’m sorry,” Liam says. “I did what I thought was best.”

Kendall ignores his apology, biting down on her tongue so she doesn’t say anything she’ll later regret. Instead she looks down at Eleanor, her precious baby girl. A baby whose future is already set in stone, bound to a stranger in a foreign land, not someone she meets and falls in love with organically. It’s not the life she deserves. A tear rolls down her cheek, mourning the life she envisioned for their baby girl.

“You fought so hard to marry me,” Kendall says softly. Her voice cracks slightly and Liam feels even worse than he did. “You were determined to be with me, because we were in love, and you couldn’t live a lie. You couldn’t just marry for duty once you discovered that true existed. You said I changed your life.”

“You did,” Liam insists. “Kendall, you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“Then how, after going through what we’ve gone through, after experiencing true love, how could you marry Eleanor off? How could you rob her of the opportunity?” Kendall implores. “After seeing how upset and betrayed Olivia felt after she found out her parents married her to someone as awful to Anton, you turn around and do the exact same thing.”

Liam struggles to find the words. He wants to explain himself, he wants Kendall to see that he only had them in mind.

“I did this for you, my queen. I did it for both of you.”

Kendall shakes her head, refusing to listen. “You let them leverage me, like my life and Eleanor’s life are nothing more than bartering tools. I was scared and vulnerable, and you let them manipulate that.”

She sighs an exhausted sigh. Between finding out Godfrey murdered her mother-in-law, being trapped in the palace like a hostage, going into labor and nearly dying, and now this, she’s drained.

Kendall turns towards Liam and looks him in the eyes. “I’m too tired to continue this conversation, so I’ll end it with this. You’re the fucking king of this country, and you better employ every single drop of power that title has bestowed upon you to fix the mess you put us in, and I don’t give a damn how you do it. Rob, kill and destroy, hell start World War 3 for all I care.”

She stops, contemplating her next words. “Hear me well when I tell you this, Liam. I have endured a lot when it comes to living in this country, being the Queen, and being your wife, but this, I will not stand for. I will burn Auvernal to the ground before I send my daughter there to be a pawn in the game of politics. And if you don’t rectify it, and rectify it soon, I will go to that godforsaken country and split both Bradshaw and Isabella from navel to jugular myself, and I’ll do with a smile on my face.”

A chill runs down Liam’s spine at his wife’s words. He’s never seen her so angry before, it’s downright scary. “I promise you, my queen, I’ll fix it.”

“Good.” She hastily wipes away another tear from her eye. “Can you get Mara or Bastien?”

“Of course. What’s wrong?”

“I want to go to our chambers and I’m going to need some assistance getting there.”

“Nonsense, I can help you with that, darling.”

Kendall lifts herself off of the couch and immediately grabs the arm with one hand to steady herself. She wobbles a bit, slightly dizzy and Liam places a hand on her back. 

This was supposed to be happy. They were supposed to be happy together. But in this moment, Kendall can hardly stand her husband’s presence. “If I wanted you to escort me, I would’ve asked you.”

He falters, taken aback at the harshness. He’s never seen this side of Kendall. But he can’t blame her. He deserves it. “Very well. I’ll call Mara for you.”

~V~

Liam anxiously paces back and forth in the palace suite. Kendall’s been in labor for almost six hours, floating in and out of consciousness.

Drake runs a hand through his hair and huffs. “I can’t stand here anymore, I’m going to go help Olivia and Mara break down those doors.”

“I’m sure there’s a battering ram in this palace somewhere,” Maxwell muses silently.

But Liam just ignores them. He goes back to Kendall’s side and presses a kiss to her head, whispering calming words in her ear.

“You’re doing so amazing,” he tells her. “I’m so proud of you, love.”

“Liam, I can't do this anymore,” Kendall says with a whimper.

“Yes, you can. You’re so strong, you’re almost there.”

“I’m tired.”

“I know.” Liam runs a hand through her hair, uncaring that it’s damp with sweat. “I just need you to stay up with me. Can you do that?”

She goes quiet for a long while and Liam stiffens. Finally she responds with, “I’ll try.”

“And you’ll succeed. Because I love you so much, and we’re just now starting our lives together. We’re so close to our happily ever after.”

Kendall leans in to his touch and closes her eyes again. “I love you. I want you to know that I love you and our baby so much.”

“I love you too.”

When silence fills the room again Liam looks down and sees Kendall has gone under again. “Kendall.” He shakes her shoulder to no response. “Kendall, wake up, baby. Wake up.”

His blood runs cold and again shakes her, much more forcefully, but her body is limp under him. His fingers slide to her neck, checking for a pulse. When he can’t find one, that’s when he flips. “KENDALL!”

Liam awakes with a start, cold sweat dripping down his forehead, heart beating wildly in his chest and his breathing erratic.

Tears stream down his cheeks as he struggles to calm down. He takes a moment to survey his surroundings, quickly realizing that he’s not in his bedroom, but in one of the spare bedrooms of his private quarters. Kendall is noticeably absent, the left side of the bed is cold and empty.

The dream—nightmare—was too realistic. Was it even a dream at all? Or was it actually a vivid memory?

On wobbly feet, he jumps up and rushes towards out of the room. He stumbles through the long hallway until he makes it to their master suite. He throws open the double doors, startling his wife. She’s awake, sitting up in the middle of the bed, baby Nori sleeping soundly in her bassinet beside her.

“Liam, what on earth are you doing?” Kendall looks at the time on the small digital clock on their bedside table. It’s almost noon, the arrival of their baby girl completely throwing off their concept of time.

He doesn’t say anything, he just rushes over to her and sweeps her in his arms. Kendall can feel his heart beating fast against her own, and every muscle in his body is stiff.

He holds her tightly against him for a long time, refusing to let go, afraid of what might happen if he did. Images of cold and lifeless form still cloud his mind.  “You’re alive.”

“Of course I’m alive.” Liam releases her from the vice-like grip she’s in, and that’s when she notices that his eyes are bloodshot and there are tears streaming down his cheek. 

Now she’s alarmed. Always one to remain calm and composed, Liam hardly ever cries.

“Liam, what’s wrong?”

Liam shrugs off the question. “Nothing, it’s nothing. I just needed to check on you.”

“You burst in here like a bat out of hell,” Kendall deadpans. “And you’re crying. Talk to me.”

“I just had a nightmare,” he confesses quietly, peering into the bassinet to get a look at his daughter. Not wanting to disrupt her too much, he runs a finger through her curly hair. She moves slightly, but doesn’t wake fully. “You were in labor, and you just kept passing out. And you were so...pale and weak. And I was trying to keep you conscious, but eventually you just closed your eyes. You closed them and they never opened again.” A strangled sob burst from his chest and he tries to clamp down on it in vain, but it comes forth anyway. His entire body shakes as the weight of everything crashes down on him. “You died.”

After hesitating for a moment, Kendall wraps her arms around her husband. He buries his face in the crook of her neck, his tears hitting her skin.

“Well that didn’t happen,” Kendall declares stubbornly. “I’m right here.”

“B-but it could’ve happened,” Liam argues, his voice muffled. After a few more seconds, he removes himself from Kendall’s embrace. He stands, drawing himself to full height and closes his eyes. “There was so much going on last night. I had just found out one of my father’s closest friends and advisors, one of my trusted advisors...mur–” he chokes on the word, shuddering as he spits it out, “murdered my mother. My pregnant mother. And there’s absolutely no time to process it because you went into labor, and there were so many complications.”

“Kendall, I don’t think you understand just how close you were to dying. How close I was to losing you. It felt like the walls were closing in on me, and just last week we had that car accident and–” Liam pauses. He drops to his knees and looks up at his wife, eyes still glossy with unshed tears. “I couldn’t think, I couldn’t breathe. The Auvernese guards had the weaponry to break down the barriers, and I was willing to do anything in my power to get Dr. Ramirez to you. It was a terrible decision, but you were mere minutes away from going into full blown eclampsia and dying and I couldn’t let that happen, not when there was a solution in front of me.”

“Yes, Isabella and Bradshaw are horrible people for dangling your lives above my head, but you’re alive. Our daughter is alive. You have every right to be mad at me, but as long as there is breath in your body, I am at peace. I would make a deal with the Devil himself if it meant you and Eleanor were safe. I apologize for betraying you, but I can’t apologize for doing what I did to keep you alive.”

A tear falls from Kendall’s eye and she wipes it with the back of her hand. She didn’t even realize she was crying. 

Hearing Liam explain himself forced her to look at things from his perspective. It was a shitty situation all around, and he was cornered in a time of vulnerability.

“I’m sorry for lashing out at you earlier,” she whispers. “I’m just feeling a lot of feelings right now, and I got really scared on top of being incredibly hormonal, but you didn’t deserve that.”

“I did.”

“No, you didn’t,” Kendall insists. “I didn’t put myself in your shoes. And if it was your life on the line, I would’ve walked through the pits of Hell for you and our baby.”

The King releases a sigh of relief and his head falls forward. Kendall’s fingers graze his scalp, massaging away some of tension. 

“What did I do to deserve a Queen as amazing as you?” Liam muses. He takes Kendall’s free hand and presses it to his lips. 

“I don’t know.” She takes her hands and cradles Liam’s face, forcing him to look at her. “But my forgiveness has its limits. Don’t you ever, ever do something like this again. You’re not Constantine, and I’m not any of his wives. I will never be kept out of the loop. We do things together, 100 percent equal at all times.”

“Yes, my queen.”

She leans forward and presses their lips together in a kiss that’s over far too soon for Liam’s liking. “We’ll figure this Auvernal thing out together, like we always do. And they’re going to regret the day they ever decided to go against Kendall and Liam.”

Liam nods and wraps his arms around Kendall again. And for the first time in over 24 hours, he feels like he can breathe.

[indiaalphawhiskey]

PU Drabble #1

Note: This plot has been sitting in my mind for a while, but I really, really cannot afford to start another WIP. So, as a writing exercise, I’m just going to keep writing in this universe in short drabbles and posting them under the tag “Political Unrest ABO”. Please excuse my self-indulgence. xx For @theficwritersblock​. I love you very much, friend! :D ----- “This is ridiculous. You’re being ridiculous,” Louis said, enunciating each word rather pointedly. “Niall, tell His Royal Highness Prince Liam James Geoff Bartholomew, Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland that he’s being ridiculous.”

Liam sighed and leaned back in his chair, so, so tired. “You know I can have you tried for treason for using my title like that, right?” 

The threat was drastically dimmed by the way his hands slid frustratedly down his face, making him look like a modern version of Van Gogh’s ‘The Scream’.

“Please,” Louis scoffed, over his shoulder. He looked back out the window at the expansive, rolling grounds. “You didn’t even have me tried for treason when I told the Headmaster all of Niall’s Playboys were yours in secondary.”

“I remember that,” Niall chuckled, uncapping the glass decanter in the corner. “Think that saved me from expulsion, honestly.”

“Glad I could help,” Liam deadpanned, still behind his hands. “Nevermind that Jamie Langford called me ‘His Royal Pervert’ for the rest of sixth form.”

“Mm,” Louis hummed thoughtfully, turning to face the boys, and resting his arse on the windowsill easily. His eyes sparkled wickedly. “Maybe you should have him tried for treason, retroactively.”

“Louis,” Liam whined to the ceiling, and it amazed Louis how dignified Liam could be, even while whining. “I swear I’ll have every single one of your ex-boyfriends locked in the Tower of London tomorrow if you just promise to go.”

Louis paused, pretending to consider the tempting offer, but when Liam sat up, eyes alert and wide with hope, he dropped the act.

“Li,” Louis tried, his guilt skyrocketing as he watched Liam’s face fall. “You know I can’t. The first Omega candidate for Prime Minister running scared three weeks before the election? That’s playing right into the oppositions’ hands.”

Liam stared at him, his eyes wide. “Louis, you woke up to a death threat nailed to the headboard of your bed and no sign of forced entry, for fuck’s sake. I couldn’t give a rat’s arse about the opposition right now!”

“I can’t run every fucking time someone threatens me, Liam,” Louis argued, voice sharp but even. “That’s exactly what they want, and you know it. God,” he chuckled humorlessly. “I can see the tabloids now: ‘Prime Minister Hopeful and Supposed Gender Equality Advocate Louis Tomlinson Locks Self In Bunker and Sets Omega Rights Movement Back Three Centuries!’”

“Probably too long for a headline, that,” Niall mused, unhelpful. When both men glared back at him, he only shrugged. “What? I majored in Journalism, sue me.”

“You majored in Financial Journalism, Christiana Amanpour,” Louis shot back.

“‘S the same ––”

“Louis, listen to me,” Liam cut in, standing up from his desk and striding smoothly towards him. “I know you would do anything for the good of this country. I know you want to change it, I know you want to fight. But you can’t do that with a fucking bullet in your back!”

“No one’s going to assassinate me –”

“You don’t know that!” Liam screeched. “You saw how those stuck up misogynists reacted when you inherited your father’s seat in the House of Lords. I thought they were going to straight up strap a bomb to your chair –”

“Well I fucking survived, didn’t I?” Louis yelled back. “I showed up without security every bloody day, and fought my fights, and I’m not going to back down now!”

“This is different, though, Lou,” Niall interrupted from where he was standing, his voice suddenly somber. “This isn’t one seat in a hundred. You’re the most controversial candidate for Prime Minister in the last century, and it looks like you’re going to win. The opposition is going to get desperate.”

“So you want me to run away? Are you mad?” Louis asked, unable to accept the words that were coming out of his mouth. “Why don’t I just put on an apron that says ‘Mate Me, I’m Pretty’ and set the Omega flag on fire, while I’m at it?”

“You’re not running,” Liam said firmly. “You’re lying low. You’ll go to the cabin for a week, just to give us some time to talk to MI5 and come up with a game plan without a target on your back.”

“It’s campaign suicide--” “Better than murder,” Niall threw in, face stern, and if Niall was being this serious, maybe it was dire. Still, Louis rolled his eyes. “I don’t really get how dumping me in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, by myself, is going to deter assassins from finding me,” he answered, voice bordering petulant. “If anything, they’ll have me cornered where it’s easy to dump the body.”

“Do not joke like that, Louis William Tomlinson,” Liam barked, immediately paling as the Alpha timbre slipped out. “I’m sorry,” he rushed to say, raising his hands towards Louis in surrender. “You know I didn’t mean to do that.”

Louis swallowed, trying to fight the familiar nausea of displeasing an Alpha that was curling thickly at the bottom of his belly. God, fuck biology. Fuck biology sideways, honestly.

“It’s okay, I know,” he managed to say, feeling placated by the sheer amount of guilt pouring out of Liam’s eyes. Liam stepped forward then, and put a hand on his shoulder.

“Louis, please,” he nearly begged, looking more pained than Louis had ever seen him. “You know I would never pull rank – gender or otherwise.” He looked straight at Louis, apologetic. “But if this is what it takes to keep my best friend safe, I will command you to go.”

Louis paused, biting his tongue between his teeth as he thought this through. Admittedly, he was shaken – the image of him lying alone, asleep and vulnerable, while a stranger, possibly armed, traipsed comfortably through his flat was enough to make his stomach turn – and though he knew his campaign would take a massive hit if he lay low even for a week, Liam was right. He would be of no use to Britain if whomever was threatening him got their way first.

Slowly, he smirked, the left side of his lip curling upward.

“I have been meaning to take a holiday,” he joked, weakly.

“Oh thank God,” Liam sighed in relief, pulling Louis into a hug.

“Whoop whoop!” Niall added, joining in. They squeezed tight around him, rocking Louis back and forth like they used to when he’d scored a goal for Eton at a championship game and Louis smiled, knowing that no matter what the world threw at him, at least he had these two.

Then, Liam pulled away, slapping his shoulder twice. “I’ll tell Harry to pack his things.”

Like a record playing with a faulty needle, Louis brain skipped.

“Wait,” he said, holding his hand up. “Who?”

Liam blinked.

“Harry Styles,” he answered easily, like he had mentioned him all along. “Head of Royal Household Security, Alpha Cavalry. My bodyguard. Well,” he paused, his eyes happy. “I guess your bodyguard, now.”

[eoleolhan-a]

I am STILL on my MonProm bullshit bc I’m grinding through Monster Camp so let’s do some more headcanons! This time it’s gonna be Jin’s opinions on the some of the more prominent characters from the two games, and what I think their relationships (platonic or otherwise) could be like. Obviously these are just my opinions, anyone who has any of these muses is free to disagree, ofc. I won’t include player characters (yet, maybe once Reverse comes out I will update) since the PC personality is kind of fluid to interpretation and change based on the player. There are spoilers for both Monster Prom and Monster Camp regarding main and side characters.

This is in alphabetical order just to make it easy to navigate.

Aaravi

He doesn’t trust her, straight up. She’s a monster slayer with a history of targeting demons and even with her therapy and growth in Monster Camp he’s wary. He’s worried she would turn on him and try to slay him too. He steers clear when possible but could learn to trust her if he could see her progress with monsterkind more directly.

Batniss

He really doesn’t know what she’s talking about most of the time. The main character thing is weird to him, but at least she’s interesting. He respects her combat skills and her archery prowess.

Calculester

He thinks Cal is cute, in the way someone thinks a puppy is cute. He’s just so clueless sometimes it’s endearing, like watching a baby giraffe take its first steps. On the other hand, though, something about this sentient computer robot is a bit uncanny. Since Cal is generally so nice, though, he tries not to let the whole “potential robot uprising/singularity” thing bother him.

Dahlia

He has absolutely no interest in being anywhere near Dahlia because of her reputation as a warmonger. He thinks she’s dangerous and doesn’t want to risk being the one who gives her the idea to try and invade the 2nd Circle. He absolutely doesn’t trust her, and is honestly a bit afraid of her. If he were able to give her a chance (ie probably forced to do school or camp things with her, or if they had mutual friends for some reason) he could grow to appreciate her determination and at times enjoy her exuberant personality. She has the capability to grow on him if given the chance.

Damien

Similar to Dahlia, he distrusts Damien. He knows of the LaVeys, and as mentioned in my big ol 2nd Circle/Cubi lore post sees their whole “we made love popular” reputation as a bit unearned (because I’m sorta canon divergent, but see that post for the details of that). He also doesn’t want anyone from the 8th Circle’s royal family to get anywhere near the 2nd Circle lest they try to take that over, too. He would also probably resent having to go to school or camp with a prince from Hell juuuust a bit, especially since Damien is considered one of the coolest/most well known students/campers. He would be envious of Damien’s wealth and status since that’s something he lacks, which colours Jin’s perception of him. He doesn’t know about Damien’s softer side, so he sees him as abrasive, dangerous, and annoying. Like Dahlia, if he were to give him a chance though he’d grow to like him, especially his fondness for hairstyling and makeup since Jin enjoys the latter (and being fashionable in general). He does, however, reluctantly admit that Damien is indeed hot even if he is an annoying LaVey baby.

Dmitri

Jin doesn’t really know Dmitri but he knows of him. He doesn’t really care about whatever the Coven is doing, but hey at least Dmitri is a hot vampire who never seems to wear a shirt. He doesn’t mind seeing him hanging around because he’s easy on the eyes. Jin would probably find his dramatic villain monologuing and cape swishing a bit funny.

Faith

Out of the Coven members he would probably like Faith the most. She seems pretty relaxed and chill, and he would respect her intelligence and skill as a witch. In general he appreciates the Coven’s colour scheme and fashion sense, though.

Hex

He thinks Hex is straight up irritating but if he was high then he’d probably like their company more.

Hope

His feelings towards Hope are similar to Faith. He isn’t all that bothered with their Coven shenanigans but does respect them. He would be confused by all of the Hope reincarnations but he doesn’t have much of a problem with her. She seems nice enough.

Interdimensional Prince

Although he can be kind of weird at times (maybe even a bit creepy) Jin has to admit the idea of being whisked off to another dimension by some handsome anime-alien-looking prince is kind of appealing. He would like the attention and ego-boost it would cause if the Prince ever flirted with him.

Joy

Jin would enjoy her company. They’d probably get along, but he does find her “main character saving the world” thing to be a bit Intense at times. Despite that he think’s she’s smart and cool and likes being around her, especially given how wild some of their classmates/campmates can be.

Kale

They smoke weed together and vibe. That’s all. 10/10.

Leonard

Jin wants to kick him in the face so hard that he flies into the sun. -10/10.

Liam

Usually he likes Liam and likes being around him. He appreciates his creativity and sense of taste, but sometimes Liam can be a bit pretentious and annoying. That’s fairly manageable though, and sometimes he’s quite the breath of fresh air compared to some of the more exuberant characters he encounters. Jin would especially enjoy indulging in fancy, rare artsy gourmet food so Liam could take pictures of it and he could eat it.

Milo

Out of everyone, Jin is fondest of Milo. Their sense of style, taste (wine and cheese platters? yes please), flirtatious streak (and not to mention good looks) would have Jin swooning. He would also find their personality a lot more calm in comparison to some of the other monsters at camp. The only annoyance would be Milo’s constant attachment to their phone and their somewhat self-centred nature. It takes attention away from Jin, after all. Competing egos.

Miranda

Jin likes Miranda most of the time. Sometimes he thinks her royal merfolk ways are a bit confusing, and he is a bit distrustful of foreign royalty in general but less so of Miranda; he doesn’t see any reason why the Merkingdom would attack the Cubi or really have much to do with them at all, but he knows that royal life can be vicious. He does find it interesting to hear about the culture and society of the Merkingdom, though. He also appreciates her manners and poise. Plus, they’re both pink so he’s a bit biased in that regard. Sometimes he does find the more murderous aspects of the Merkingdom a bit unsightly, and it can be a little frustrating at times trying to explain commoner things to her. He doesn’t like that he would sometimes feel a bit condescended or spoken down to by her, but sometimes this has more to do with his perception than anything she would be saying or doing.

Morty

He likes looking at Morty but his personality is a bit too self absorbed and intense even for Jin. Still, he appreciates the confidence and the sex positive energy. Sexual tension always makes rivalries better so Morty is a perfect candidate for Camp Rival Camp in Jin’s opinion and his presence is at least entertaining and engaging. Also he quite likes the heart-hole shorts, a bold fashion statement.

Polly

Polly is fun to be around. She can be boisterous, but at least she knows how to have a good time. Jin also likes that she isn’t bloodthirsty or a war criminal or something, so in theory they could just hang out like normal monsters/people. It doesn’t hurt that she can get good drugs, too. 

Scott

Scott is a himbo, Jin likes himbos. Case closed. In all seriousness, he would find Scott endearing because of his good nature and cheerful personality. Sometimes his airheaded antics can be a bit annoying, but he knows Scott means well. Jin thinks Scott would be a good friend because he seems honest, loyal, and kind. Those are also qualities that would make him a good date, plus he’s a big cute wolfman who Jin wants to pet in more ways than one.

Valerie

He respects the hustle and the on campus hook-up for all sorts of oddities. Plus she’s Vera’s sister, and he has mostly positive feelings about her so by relation he thinks Valerie is pretty alright. Also soft because cat.

Vera

Vera is intimidating but he respects her, in a sense. As someone who isn’t affluent he’s more wary of her scams and often disapproves if he thinks it’s taking advantage of vulnerable people, but so long as she’s scamming rich people he’s down for it. He definitely thinks she’s smart and an interest conversationalist.

Wolfpack

Bad, stinky, 0/10. Only tolerable because of their connection to Scott but otherwise obnoxious.

Zoe

Last but not least, Jin would like Zoe. He’d appreciate her creativity and particularly her ship fics. They would have a good time talking about crushes, who should date who, and the latest books in their respective favourite series (or perhaps shared shows or books). She also tells Leonard to shove it and since he wants to punt the kappa into the sun he likes that a lot.