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shewillreadyou · 3 years

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Me before you: Chapter 3: Excuse me miss

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

Disclaimers: Most characters are property of Pixelberry

Warnings: Language, adult content, mild sexual innuendo.

Word Count: 3468

Catch up: Haven’t met you Yet For Real

Prompts: None

Pairings: Drake & Riley

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Sounds like fate.”

“What are you saying?”

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

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

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

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

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

Just then Liam plowed through his door without warning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Hey Drake, you smell delicious.”

“Hey. Thanks. These are for you.”

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

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

“You look greeeeat,” she squealed.

“Thanks. So do you.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Um, Ri? You good?”

“Yeah, why?”

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

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

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

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah, never better. Why?”

“You keep looking at me.”

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

“What?”

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

“Do you care what others think?”

“No, I suppose not.”

“Good because we’re here.”

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

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

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

“What’s in the basket?”

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

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

“I hope you’re hungry.”

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

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

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

Knowing love the way I do

I can say for certain that it's true

There's a chance for me and you.

I surely feel like the time is near

The picture in my mind is very clear

I think love has brought us here

I remember not too long ago

I was just a lonely person

With a lonely heart, yeah

And I was hoping there could one day be,

Be a chance

For me to get the love

That I'd been missing

Sometimes love takes a long time

Wait for love

And you're gonna get the chance to love

Wait for love, wait for love oh, my

When you take the chance on love you'll see

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

The impossible can be..

So hold on tight if you think you're right

Cause nothing hurts as bad as when you see

You gave up too easily

Now I remember spending all my time

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

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

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

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

Sometimes love takes a long time

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

Chance to love

Wait for love, wait for love

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

Sometimes love takes a long time

But wait for love

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

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

“Ms. Riley sings too?”

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

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

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

“What’s that?”

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

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

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

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

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

“This entertains you, does it?”

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

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

“Mom? What’s up?”

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

Riley smiled.

“Mom, what’s wrong?”

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

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

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

“Mom! She can hear you.”

“Hi, Mrs.Walker.” Riley chimed in.

“Hi, sweetheart. Did he kiss you?”

Riley laughed again.

“Bye Mom!”

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

“I’m sorry.”

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

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

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

‘Geez, Ri that was below the belt.”

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

“Are you blushing?”

“Maybe.”

“Why?”

“Oh, it’s too embarrassing to share.”

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

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

“Good thing I have candles.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Drake Arrington Walker!” she warned.

“Too much?” He smiled.

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

“Drake!”

“Riley, it’s me, Liam.”

Riley screamed as she scrambled to cover herself.

“Get out!”

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

“Get. Out.”

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

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

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

“Get the fuck out Li!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Riley stood when Bianca entered the room.

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

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

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

“Mom!”

Riley laughed.

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

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

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

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

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

#choices fanfiction #the royal romance #drake walker #drake x riley #me before you #fanfic #fandom #fanfiction #trr #trr au fanfic #naughty liam #follow shewillreadyou #jazz drizzy #kim reads #kim writes #kim reblogs

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lonelyroadrps · 3 years

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Height meme: faceplant, heels, using the tall one as a ladder during house renos (Carly/Jake)

Tidbits in the life of Tol and Smol

1. “You somehow forget that I’m tiny and just face-planted into the floor because you tried to lean on me. I know it probably hurts but this is too funny.”

Carleigha grinned as she tucked the handle of Pam’s leash around her wrist skimming along the sidewalk in her skates. She loved walking Pam even if it was a struggle to keep up at times. At all of 5ft, the pitbull was about half her size. It made for quite a few amusing looks, though if anyone spoke out against the adorable, fun loving pupper they met a wrath Carly didn’t even realize she had. The downside however is she worried the pupper wouldn’t get enough exercise on her walks. Light Bulb moment popped into her head, or rather Declan’s, and she decided to break out her skates. Even Pam seemed to enjoy her moves, jogging lightly alongside her.

Skidding to a light stop her eyes shifted around before catching the dog’s eye “Uh oh Pam, I think we lost someone.” She chuckles turning back spotting Jake a few feet behind them shuffling along the sidewalk behind them. “Cariño, you are doing great, just bend your knee and push off. you’ll glide right over.” She demonstrated with a light glide forward. Grinning as she watched him follow the movement, skates carrying him along the pathway. Maybe a little too fast

.Her eyes widened as he closed the space quickly and she held her arms out to catch him. They hadn’t exactly worked on how to put on the brakes yet. Granted she didn’t think either of them took the size difference into account and at that momentum they collided. One little tumble and they were both on the ground Pam hopping beside him concerned but clearly amused.

Recovering, she covered her mouth to hide a laugh before reaching to help him sit up. “I’m sorry..I’m sorry..I probably should have started with how to stop first.”

2. “I went out and bought super tall high heels so I could finally be your height only I don’t know how to walk in these.”

Carleigha hugged the wall as she gingerly made her up the steps, whiteknuckling the handrail. She loved going on shopping trips with Sav, her friend always managed to talk her into getting the most fun things. Usually it was a few risque lingerie sets she had tucked away for fun. This little fashion adventure however may be the death of her. One little comment about how much taller Jake was than her and Savannah had her trying on the highest heels in the store. She couldn’t deny that when she looked in the mirror her legs seemed to go on for days and walking a few steps in the store she’d felt graceful. It was an easy sell.

Reality had clicked in as soon as she’d tried them on and nearly took a tumble crossing her own apartment. Savannah wore these kinds of shoes all the time and looked as graceful as a gazelle, granted the woman also spent her workdays on pointe. Being graceful came naturally to her. Meanwhile Carly was clumsy in flats. Despite the tumble she was resolved to wear them on her date tonight, hoping that a little practice would help her walk a little steadier.

“Carls? I buzzed you in ten minutes ok? You alright?”

Her head lifted from where she was watching her feet ensuring to spot Jake standing at his doorway looking entirely bemused. She was just thankful she’d actually made it to the top step.

“I got new shoes! Sav said they are eight inch heels but I swear its like I’m walking on stilts”

One hand gliding along the wall she took a wobbly step towards his apartment causing her to stumble forward a bit catching his arm.

Giving him a light glare, as her face lifted up to his, albeit far closer than she was used to. “Be careful bucko, if you laugh I’m not going to show you the other thing Sav prompted me to buy”

3. “We don’t own a ladder but we really need to fix stuff around the house so now I’m using you as a ladder.”

Carleigha was good at thinking of clever though slightly dangerous ways to compensate for her height. Cleaning her kitchen was often accompanied with a daydream that she was a super spy scaling a building to break into a penthouse apartment, otherwise known as her top cupboard. Christian had spotted her once humming the mission impossible theme and promptly got her a tall step stool and while she was safer, reaching tall things wasn’t as fun.

Living with Jake she’d thought her step stool days were over. At 6’0” he was her giant knight in crop top tees and black jeans, grabbing anything she needed that was just out of her reach. Or atleast out of a safe reach. That was atleast until the light in the livingroom went out. Sure tall ceilings were a design feature until you had to reach the damn things. Here she was standing in livingroom, wondering how many things she’d have to stake atop one another just to change the lightbulb.

Enter the knight with raven hair and glorious tattoos. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Carly grinned up to Jake, “Oh great you’re here, I need you to give me a boost.”

Instinctively he knelt and she stepped up onto the couch to climb onto his shoulders, holding his shoulder to steady herself as he stood. It was perfect, all she had to do was stretch a little to reach the bulb. Just a few minutes of work, for the good half hour she’d spent contemplating some dangerous version of livingroom furniture jenga. Grinning, she leaned forward to give him a kiss. “My hero”

#jake and carly #beechwrites

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shiveringpinkala · 4 years

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voyage to the heart’s land

so, i wrote a fic for @renelemaires because i’m not good at headcanons as was initially requested, but i can do this apparently. sending happiness and good vibes your way!

voyage to the heart’s land; renee lemaire after the war w/ vague hints of baberoe, renee/gene and possible future renee/gene/babe. 2969 words.

Renee left Belgium two years after the war ended.

She loved her home, but the magic of the forests and memories of running around the city square in the blush of youth no longer held the easy charm that she associated with those times. And so, one day, in the height of July’s peaking summer, she pulled out an old atlas of her father’s – yellowed at the edges, curls crinkling on the front of most pages, one corner missing and taking a chuck of the Soviet Union, Egypt and Newfoundland with it – and looked for something new.

She bookmarked Morocco for the language and Portugal for the ocean, but stopped completely when she reached the United States. Jagged borderlines between oddly shaped provinces and big – so much bigger than Belgium, bigger than Europe – and thought of Eugene. She traced her fingers down the neatly labeled Appalachian Montagnes, bypassing the likes of Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia and sweeping over until she landed on Louisiana; little dots pointing out the towns of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. She tapped idly on the image and thought of the Eugene’s low voice and rough accent, the weary determination in his eyes. Her hands stilled.

Louisiana is was then.

Her mother kissed her cheeks at the train station. Her father tucked a riot of bills in her pocket and when she tried to protest, only said to write when she reached America. The subsequent journey took her out to England and then to an ocean liner setting sail for New York. She spent every waking moment she could on deck, drinking in the spray of ocean air and watching contentedly as an Irish mother of four tired to corral her children unsuccessfully.

Once she landed in New York, she asked the nearest shop owner – a plump, friendly woman with a thick Polish accent – where she could find a telegraph office and was given an escort in the form of the woman’s ten year old son who delivered her to her destination with a gap toothed smile. She sent her message; carefully relaying the address that was postmarked on the envelope of the single letter Eugene had written her a year earlier, hoping he hadn’t gotten the urge to pick up roots as well in the time that had lapsed. From there, it was off to the currency exchange station, and then to a hotel. She spent two days in New York, enjoying the rush of bodies and movement despite herself, listening to the array of languages and marveling at the lights that never seemed to dim. On the third morning, she ventured to Grand Central Station and caught a train headed to Philadelphia.

The ride was surprisingly short, but it was also dark and her next train wasn’t due to leave until the morning, but – to her surprise – when she stepped onto the platform there was a giant hand-written sign with her name on it in blocky letters. She blinked, caught out and cautiously approached the strangers huddled around it. One of the men, short and solidly built, braced on a pair of crutches, beamed when he spotted her approach and waved her over.

“Hello?” She asked, still confused. The pretty – and lone – woman standing beside the man in question rolled her eyes at the man’s enthusiasm and held out a hand of Renee when she got close enough.

“Ignore him,” she said, waving a hand at the man’s indignant bark, “I told him that no woman in their right mind would want to walk over to a group of strange rabble without reason, but he insisted,” she smiled, “I’m Frannie.”

“Renee,” she answered bemused, “as you know, apparently. How did –”

“Babe sent us,” the man said, accent broad and unfamiliar, but not unappealing, “Doc told him you were coming and he told us.”

“Babe?” Renee asked, looking at Frannie to see if he was being serious.

“You’ll meet him when you get down there,” he said, “My name’s Bill. Guarnere. I served with the Doc. And this here –” he looked over at the person holding the sign and then whacked at the legs peeking out underneath it with one crutch, “— put that down, ya idiot. There’s a lady present. This is Ralph Spina, one ‘a Doc’s fellow medics.”

Ralph lowered the sign with her name and sent Bill a caustic glare, then looked back at her and nodded. “Nice ta meet you, ma’am.”

“Renee is fine,” she smiled at the trio, unduly charmed, “it’s nice to meet you as well.”

Frannie stepped forward and looped an arm through Renee’s and pointed at her bags, “Ralph get those, will you? Right this way, honey. No friend of Doc Roe is spending the night in some roachy motel. You like Italian? I was thinking ravioli or gnocchi, maybe.”

Renee dropped the protest that she could carry her own luggage when Ralph picked it up immediately and followed in Frannie’s footsteps without complaint. She thought about Eugene and this Babe person arranging for her to have a welcoming party and let the bickering chatter between the three American’s envelope her in gentle waves.

The dinner was amazing (“Now that rationing’s lifting, makes getting the right ingredients easier.” Bill laughed, wiggling his eyebrows at Ralph, and their other friend Joe Toye, who only rolled his eyes at Bill’s bombastic tone, “No more Army noodles here.”) and the company even better as they told her endless stories about what seemed to be every single man they’d served with. At some point, she realized she was laughing so hard that tears were actually welling in her eyes and the salt in them felt like a cleansing of some kind. Like a layer of heavy silt had been washed from her soul. She fell asleep on her borrowed bed that night with a smile on her face.

To repay their generosity, she woke up early – not difficult as her internal clock was a mess from slipping between time zones so quickly – and made a somewhat augmented version of her mother’s waffles and homemade hot chocolate for everyone.

Frannie took a sip while the boys ate seconds – or in Joe’s case, thirds – and said: “That was really good. If everything you make is this good, you should sell it. No point in giving heaven away for free.”

Renee thought about lazy mornings making bread with her mother in the kitchen of their old house. Kneading the dough, watching it rise and the whole house filling up with the smell as it baked. Regular cooking had never been something she’d had much patience for, but baking was something else entirely. She’d always found a peace in the careful measurements and methodical movements; her mind could wander away and rest from its troubles. The look on someone’s face when they took a bite was only a bonus.

She stared down at her hands and thought, for the first time in a long time, that maybe there was something special about them.

“Maybe,” she murmured and enjoyed the contentment of a job well done.

Frannie and the boys saw her off hours later. “Write, you hear,” Frannie said, hugging her tightly, “I need more women in my life that’ll understand my pain.”

“I am a goddamned joy and you know it,” Bill argued, but also pulled Renee into a one-armed embrace. “Tell those idiots to write too, ain’t like they don’t have pens and paper in the swamp.”

“I will. And thank you,” she directed the last at the whole group, who waved away the gratitude with mumbled protests and continued waving as she stepped onto the train.

This one took her to Charleston, down through rolling green hills and farmlands that gave the country some space, opening up into long tracks of fields that both reminded her of home and was nothing at all like it. It was only a stop over this time, but the hour of rest came with polite men and women, an ocean view and accents that were similar to Eugene’s. The leg after took her down to Georgia where she drank an ice-cold Coca-Cola from a Soda Fountain in the rail yard and watched a group of kids played a game right in the middle of the street with a ball and stick; jeers and cheers filtering into the open door of the Fountain. From Savannah, the train took her all the way to New Orleans.

New Orleans was like stepping into a different world. Music seemed to be infused in the air around her from the minute she got off the train; slow saxophone’s and staccato snares, trumpets whisking a melody away into the melting summer breeze. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, taking in the atmosphere. She walked around some of the city; wandering into the French Quarter and marveling at the architecture and listening to accented French coming in fits and stops from the residents who tipped their hats at her as she passed. Eventually, she found herself in a kind of civic center and asked for directions to the town that Eugene had written to her from. The kindly older man working there, showed her where it was on a map and arranged for her to get a cab down.

The bayou, as she learned the whole area was referred to, was almost like something out of a fairy tale. Swamps, running into jungle forests and moss covering everything from the trees to the roofs of the houses half-hidden from the road. The cab dropped her off at a little general store/café that the driver in question assured her would be helpful if she was looking for someone in particular.

A few curious eyes lit on her when she walked into the open aired restaurant, but the stares were without hostility and her purpose was quickly deduced correctly because a kind looking woman with wild grey-touched curls in a faded red dress came up to her with a smile.

“You look like a woman who could use a hand,” she said, eyeing the suitcase and bag at Renee’s feet, “I’m Bea, what can I help you with, sugar?”

“I was told that you could help me find someone?” Renee asked.

Bea’s eyes widened and she whistled lowly. “Honey, that is some pretty voice you got there. As for help, I know just about every person in this neck of the woods; and if I don’t, then they ain’t here. Who you looking for?”

“Eugene Roe.”

A fond smile settled on Bea’s lined face. “That boy got popular in Europe,” she commented and then led Renee over to one of the wrought iron tables in the café. “You sit tight and I’ll give ‘im a call, alright?”

Renee thanked her and sat there, nerves suddenly erupting her stomach as she waited. It had been so long and she had basically invited herself. Maybe he’d be cross? But no, why send a welcoming committee in Philadelphia otherwise? She drummed her knuckles on the table and was only interrupted when Bea set some iced, amber colored liquid in front of her; condensation beading at the tall glass.

“Sweet tea,” Bea explained, “It’s a staple down here. Best get used to it, if you’re staying.”

Renee took a drink, flavor bursting across her tongue. The coolness of it hit her and relaxed some of the tension that had sprung up. “It’s good,” she said, a little surprised.

“Glad to hear it,” Bea replied, grinning. She patted Renee on the shoulder and then twirled away to serve another customer.

When Eugene finally arrived, it took Renee a moment to recognize him. Gone were the worn green army fatigues, and in its place was a pair of denim jeans and a button up checked shirt, sleeves rolled up to the elbows. His black hair was a bit longer and his skin had lost the deathly pale hue that she got used to seeing in Bastogne, warming to a pale caramel under his home’s beating sun. She couldn’t stop the smile from lighting up her face at the sight and stood up, so that he could see her better.

Sure enough, he spotted her and froze in the middle of the café before a more subdued, but no less genuine version of his own, smile crossed his features. He resumed his walk and when he was standing in front of her and – after a moment’s hesitation – gently pulled her into his arms. The breath she’d been painfully holding in her lungs gave way, and she breathed in the woodsy citrus kick of his aftershave as she held on.

“It’s good to see you,” he said into her hair, before pulling away to look at her.

“Vous aussi,” she said which softened his smile into loveliness.

“These your bags?”

“Oui. They are.”

“Well, okay then,” he reached down and picked them up, “I got the guest room made up,” he stopped for a moment and then shrugged, expression sheepish, “unless you’d rather stay at an inn? Your choice, o’ course.”

“Your guest room is fine,” she said, following him out of the café, where they waved goodbyes to Bea, who hassled them into agreeing to lunch the next day, “as long as your friend doesn’t mind?”

A series of emotions flickered over his face before settling into rueful. “Edward don’t mind; he’s the one been fretting about pillows or some such since your wire.”

The last knot of anxiety loosened in her gut at that. “Then lead on.”

Eugene’s – “Gene, I insist.” – house was a medium sized bungalow set back a little way from the dirt road and surrounded by a sparse, moss ridden wood with the nearest neighbors half-a-mile down the road. It was sweet and Renee found an instant kinship to the large dormer windows and wide porch that extended out from the house.

“It’s not much,” he said, almost sounding apologetic.

Renee refrained from saying that any standing building was stunning to her now, no matter the size or color or shape. “It’s beautiful,” she told him honestly.

They were greeted at the dog by a floppy eared beagle whose whole hindquarters wriggled when Renee leaned down to pet him. “That’s Rex,” Gene said, rolling his eyes good naturedly at the pup, “wandered into the yard one day and never left. Ain’t much of a guard dog, as you can see.”

“He doesn’t need to be. He’s lovely exactly the way he is,” she said, laughing when he took a chance to lick at her cheek.

Gene led them into the house. Renee took in the cozy decorating, lacking a bit in the way that most male driven houses did, and was examining a series of photos on an end table when the last resident of the house came bounding around the corner, stopping abruptly when he saw her. He was as Bill had described him – skinny, redhaired, eyes too big for his ugly mug – though she would argue the ‘ugly’ descriptor; he had a sweet, open face that put her at ease immediately.

“Hey,” he said, practically vibrating in anticipation, giving her a half-wave from his place in the doorway and biting his lip, “you must be Renee. It’s nice to meet you, finally.”

“Enchante, Edward. I’ve heard much about you.”

“You have? From – wait, Edward?” He looked over at Gene who was deliberately turned away, though Renee could see the hint of a pleased grin on his face. “Really, Gene; Edward?” He turned back to Renee in a mild huff. “Call me Babe, everyone does.”

“Babe,” she agreed, noticing that some of the stiffness in his frame had disappeared in the wake of the mix-up. Probably, that was Gene’s intention all along.

“Right. Are you hungry? Gene was making some kind of stew thing –”

“It’s jambalaya, Babe, you know this.”

“— before Bea called. It’ll make your senses wish they’d died, but it tastes amazing.”

Renee nodded. “I’d love to try some.”

She sat at the dining table as Gene and Babe worked seamlessly around each other in the small kitchen, and rather than feeling awkward or forgotten, both men managed to include her in their ritual, making her feel as at home for the first time since the bombs began to fall. Babe, in a similar vein to Bill, gave her all the gossip about town, while Gene corrected the most outlandish claims the redhead made (“It did not try to eat you, Babe.” “It wanted too – I could tell, stared at my leg like it was a rack of ribs.” “It was an alligator snapping turtle not an actual gator.” “Well, what he hell’s it got alligator in its name for then, huh? Huh Gene? Answer me that!”) with a well-rehearsed fondness.

The jambalaya was as Babe advertised it – amazing, but eye wateringly spicy – and was finished off with powered French pastries Gene called beignets. Gene asked about her journey and she indulged them with the story, making sure to thank them for setting Frannie and the others in her path.

“Bill says that you two must write him sometime. He was quite insistent,” she said teasingly.

Babe snorted. “Sure. Tomorrow I’ll send him a telegram: Dear Bill, screw you, Love Babe.”

She laughed and Babe grinned all the brighter for it. Gene shook his head, but his eyes kept bouncing between them with a contentedness that Renee was glad to see he was capable of. It made the restless, inadequate feelings in her heart go into hibernation. A tranquil hush came to a rest in her blood. Whatever may come, she thought she could be herself here. Perhaps even be truly happy.

It was a something to look forward too. A gift.

And she intended to enjoy it.

#it's longer than i intended #(was supposed to be a ficlet)#hopefully you like it!#*fingers crossed*#band of brothers #gift fic #renee lemaire #eugene roe #babe heffron

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savannahadelinemaddock · 3 years

Text

Little Chapel

Andy & Savannah get married!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Savannah stared at herself in the mirror as she shopped with her mother and Anna for a white dress to wear for her and Andy’s small little wedding at a local chapel. The only problem was she hated the way everything fit because she was five months pregnant. They’d moved to Newton with little fanfare after their graduation when both she and Andy had accepted jobs near the small town. Well, Savannah’s was nearby while Andy’s was in the county at the district attorney’s office.

“Sav, let us see it please!” Anna begged waiting with her mother. “I know it’s hard but Andy is going to love you in whatever you choose to wear!”

“Anna is right, Addie. Andy won’t care.” Beatrice commented as she moved to go to the dressing room door.

“But I will.” Savannah answered as she stepped out and looked at the two of them. “Nothing fits. I’m five months pregnant and nothing fits.”

Beatrice shook her head, gently turning her daughter towards the mirror.

“It can easily be taken in with a few tucks in strategic places.” She started explaining to her daughter. “Or you can get something that doesn’t fit you like a glove. It’s spring, Addie. And you know that you’re going to overheat because of the pregnancy.”

“But I want something like this.” Savannah had been moody for weeks. She’d finally decided that she was ready for them to get married, but she hadn’t been expecting it to be an actual to-do. She’d figured they’d just go to the courthouse and get it over with.

“Sav, your mom is right. We can easily make some adjustments. Or why not try something that only fits above the bump?” Anna recommended looking at her. “We can find something.”

She nodded, taking a breath as Beatrice wrapped her arm around her shoulders.

“It’s okay, Addie. It’ll be okay.” She softly spoke, squeezing her gently. “Go put your clothes back on. We’ll go look some more.”

They finally found something and dropped her off at the small house they’d bought in Newton. It had been hard, but her parents had offered them a personal loan - nothing too crazy but her father had told her not to worry about paying it back. It was a present for the baby as he said and he had no expectation of them paying them back.

She’d left the wedding dress with her mother as she came in, sitting down on the couch to take her shoes off. She was about to bend off when she heard Andy’s footsteps on the stairs.

“Hey, you should have called out.” He came over quickly, kneeling in front of her to remove her shoes. “You know Anna wants you taking it easy.”

“No, you want me taking it easy. She thinks I’m perfectly fine.” Savannah smiled as he took her shoes off and set them aside. “How was your day?”

“It was good. Lonely without you here.” He’d been unpacking their stuff while she’d been gone. “Why don’t I order us takeout? And then we can go take a nice hot bath in that soaker tub you’ve been eyeing?”

“You’re selling me a dream… And I want it. But I don’t think I could stomach takeout.” She answered with a sigh. Her food sensitivities while pregnant had only increased since her first couple of months. Andy had had to resort to sneaking his favorite ramen while at work because of it. “How about you make me that amazing chicken noodle soup you make for me when I’m sick?”

“I actually already have some stewing right now.” Andy leaned up to kiss her, closing the gap between them without hesitation. “You go get into comfy clothes.”

That was when he noticed she didn’t have a shopping bag with her.

“Did you not find a dress?” He asked worried.

“I found one. It’s with mom.” She answered looking at him as she tried to relax.

“Okay. As long as you’re happy.” Andy answered, still a little worried as he moved to help her up. “Go on up and get comfy in the bath. I’ll make you a bowl once you feel relaxed, okay?”

Savannah nodded before going towards the stairs. They were pretty well settled for the most part. The baby’s room was at least done and she was slightly giddy that in the next few months they’d be welcoming their sweet little one home. Stepping into their bedroom, she headed straight for the tub in their master bath, turning the hot water on full force as she moved to get her favorite bath bomb out from under the sink. Anna and a few of her friends had stocked her up so that she could relax whenever she wanted to.

She got undressed after tossing the bath bomb into the water she turned on the cold water to join the hot. She was only allowed it to be a specific temperature just to be safe, but it was okay. She climbed into the tub, sinking down into the warmth of the water. It was as if all her muscles relaxed at once, settling herself into the water. When she finally came downstairs, she found Andy had her bowl of soup sitting on a tray with a small glass of red wine.

“Babe… You’re spoiling me.” She whined as he noticed her standing in the doorway.

“You deserve to be spoiled, Sav. You’re doing more for me than I could ever do for you.” He smiled, going over to kiss her softly. “Go get comfortable on the couch. I’ll bring your food and drink over to you.”

The evening was relaxing as they laid there together, watching a movie and having dinner together. It was later that week that they had set the wedding date and Savannah was slightly nervous as she stood with her mother in the church. They were having the wedding outside, but they were trying to keep Andy from seeing her too soon.

“You look beautiful, Addie,” her father smiled, kissing her cheek as he joined her in the church. “Sweetheart, go on and get seated. I’ll make sure she’s okay.”

Savannah smiled happily as she leaned into her father, enjoying his doting for the moment. She was so happy that this day was finally here, even if her dress definitely showed off her perfectly growing bump.

“Andy won’t be able to breath when he sees you,” he continued as they waited for a few more moments before they headed out of the church.

Savannah had wanted simple, which was why she had only a handful of lilies in her hand as she made her way to Andy down the aisle with her father. When she saw Andy, there were tears slowly trailing from his eyes. It was hard for her to control herself as she reached him, handing Anna her flowers as he took her hand.

“You look absolutely beautiful,” Andy smiled, leaning to press his forehead to hers.

“You don’t look so bad yourself, tiger,” Savannah replied as she took the handkerchief she had and wiped his eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he took a breath as the priest started his normal spiel.

It was a nice and small wedding, the reception at their house with just their family and friends surrounding them. Their vows had been simple and Anna had surprised the two of them with large canvases with their vows written out in calligraphy. She’d gotten them both to give them over before the wedding. Savannah was still loving them as they sat there together after the party. Her mother had cleaned up the house before her and her father had left, giving them peace and quiet.

“I promise to love you forever. I promise to always be your champion and have your back, to never question your feelings. To honor you and your opinions. To respect you always. To provide a safe home for you and our family.” She could still hear Andy saying those words in her head… And she had no doubt he would continue to repeat them when she was having rough days. Just as she would hers to him.

“Where is my lovely bride?” He asked, wrapping his arms around her. “Because that beautiful brain of yours is elsewhere.”

“Just lingering on the ceremony.” She answered, leaning back into him as he held her. “I love you, Andrew Barber.”

“I love you too, Savannah Barber.” He enjoyed putting her name with his. “Though I’m going to be sad you’re going to be using your maiden name at work.”

“It’s either that or people will think I’m taking it easy on you.” She answered smiling. “Take me to bed.”

Andy nodded, gently sweeping her up and carrying her to their bedroom. She’d long changed out of her wedding dress when they’d come home to a more comfortable cotton gown she’d been favoring to sleep in - not that anyone would know because it was one of her normal summer dresses. The two settled into bed that night, wrapped in one another’s arms. And Savannah was grateful for every moment that had led to this one.

#little chapel #Defending Jacob #defending jacob oc #defendingjacob #defendingjacoboc #courtroom | drabble #what should have happened | verse four

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msjr0119 · 4 years

Text

Cordonian Wags

Part 19

In a world full of Professional footballers and their demanding wives- can their football team nicknamed the ‘Cordonian Apples’ succeed? An American female physiotherapist joins the club. Will this cause issues with the footballers wives?

Warnings: Swearing, Driley smut, Death

*This series is based on The Royal Romance characters who belong to Pixelberry - AU Plot switch*

Tags: @annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @drakesensworld @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bbrandy2002 @butindeed @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @pedudley @captain-kingliamsqueen @duchessemersynwalker @insideamirage @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @kozabaji @texaskitten30 @ibldw-main @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @dangerouseggseagleartisan @gnatbrain @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @hopefulmoonobject @addictedtodrakefanfic @angi15h @liamxs-world @rafasgirl23415 @notoriouscs @whenyourheartskipsabeat @jovialyouthmusic @nz1091 @yukinagato2012 @indiacater @seriouslybadchoices @rainbowsinthestorm @cordonianroyalty @desiree-0816

******

Riley and Drake had spent the night wrapped up in each other- after hours of unprotected sex, they had a quick power nap before starting their day. This baby making was tiring.

Meeting up with Lindsey, Riley was nervous to inform her sister of her future plans with Drake. I’m an adult, I can make my own choices- I deserve happiness. Surely she will be happy that I’m happy with Drake and our future family?

Arriving at the restaurant, Lindsey had pre ordered a champagne brunch- she was smiling like the Cheshire Cat when she greeted her younger sister. Riley had decided to avoid alcohol and certain foods to help her have a chance at conceiving quickly.

“Why do you look so happy? Surely you should be upset about leaving Leo tomorrow?”

“Oh Riley. I’m not returning to New York. Leo has bought us a house and has asked me to move in....”

“What about Mom and Dads house? Have you even considered that?” Riley knew she sounded selfish, she should be happy for her sister- but for some reason she couldn’t figure out why she wasn’t.

“Yes, it’s up for sale.” Lindsey retrieved her phone out of her bag, showing Riley the advert. Tears ran down her face, before she forced the phone out of her view.

“Like hell it is! You are not selling our family home because you fancy getting your fanny wet!”

“Ri, Mom and Dad won’t mind. We will have all those special memories. It’s time to move on.”

“No. I won’t let you sell it.” Sounding like a spoilt brat, the waiters looked at the two women concerned.

“What other option do I have? Pay for it when it’s empty? You were the one who ran away to begin with.” Feeling guilty Lindsey was correct with what she had said. However, Riley did that to better herself, gain a career. Not forseeing what her bleak future in the UK would look like.

“I’ll have it. Sign it over to me.”

“What?” Lindsey knew Riley loved that house, but believed that Riley would want to stay in Cordonia for a lifetime- especially now she had met someone who loved her.

“You heard me Linz. I’ll move back to New York, I’ll keep it. Myself and Drake are trying for a baby. It’ll be good to bring the baby up in the home that I was brought up in.”

“No you are not trying for baby! Are you insane?”

“You know what Linz. Fuck you. Get the house off the market and put it in my name. You don’t have to control my life anymore. You sound like Xavier, I am a grown up.” Standing up from her chair, she abruptly left the building- not looking back.

*****

Drake headed over to Savannah and Bertrand’s. The couple were shocked when Drake had offered to take his nephew out for the day without any prompt required.

“So what’s with the doting uncle all of a sudden? I’m not complaining though.” Drake picked up Bartie, and slung the toddlers bag over his shoulder.

“Myself and Riley had a heart to heart yesterday. We are going to try to start a family.” He told his sister, unable to wipe the smile off his face. Savannah’s jaw was agape, deep down she was happy for her brother. She hadn’t seen him act like he did around a woman before, but she believed that he would have considered all options before jumping straight into something that was such an important life decision.

“I like Riley, I do. But my god are you both crazy? A baby isn’t just for Christmas.”

“That phrase is used for dogs Sav.” Drake responded sarcastically, not in the mood for a debate regarding his life.

“You know what I mean Drake. You have both had poor relationships, aren’t you rushing into it?”

“Like you can talk? This is my life. She isn’t Kiara. I can see a future with her, I can see me marrying her- having children. Teaching them what dad taught us.”

“Drake that’s really sweet. But I do think you need to think about it. Xavier is still around, and Kiara could turn up at any given point.”

“Whatever Sav. I’ll bring him back for tea time.” Leaving his sisters home, he couldn’t believe the hypocrisy of his sister. He was a grown man, and if Riley made him happy he had believed out of everyone that his sister would support him the most.

******

Meeting Drake at the cabin, her breath caught as she saw him playing with Bartie, watching the view in front of her- she was going to ignore Lindsey’s advise. Yes she had become a home wrecker when she had first arrived- he was still in a relationship with Kiara- but she didn’t deserve him. They both deserved happiness. Noticing her presence, he smiled at his girl.

“Hey! Come and join us.”

“Hey Bartie.” Bartie immediately ditched his uncle for Riley, jumping into her arms he snuggled into her embrace.

“I think he prefers his auntie to his uncle. Don’t worry I’m not offended.” Auntie. Shit. I will be his auntie.

“Or maybe he’s just had enough fun with you. He looks tired. What have you done to him?”

“Yeah, I’ll put him down in a bit. Nothing much, just been trying to teach him to become a great footballer like his sexy uncle. How was lunch?”

“Horrendous.” Sighing, she had hoped that Lindsey would have contacted her to apologise. Riley believed that she should have made the first move in fixing her relationship with her sister- but her stubborn mind refused to do it .

“Why?”

“Linz said we shouldn’t try for a baby. Then informed me that she’s put our childhood family home on the market. I asked her to sign it over to me.”

“Savannah said the same to me regarding the baby. But it’s our life not theirs. I’m with you every step of the way. I’ve got enough savings to retire early and live a happy life with you and our children.” Sitting behind her, he held her and Bartie protectively.

“Children?” She questioned, leaning her head on him.

“Well yeah, if everything goes to plan I’d like two - you’re part of two and so am I.”

“Excuse me Constantine is ringing me. I’ll be right back.” Drake stood up and carried Bartie to the bedroom, making him comfy- he wondered why the chairman would be ringing her. Answering the phone, she was hoping for good news for her- bad news for Drake.

Good afternoon, I’ve spoken to Bastien. If you want to commute from New York to Cordonia you’re more than welcome to as long as you come back for every match. Bastien will cover you for training, and will Skype you with any injury updates. Are you sure you want to do this Riley?

Yes Sir. I can’t let my parents house go. They worked so hard for it.

Couldn’t you just rent it out?

I wouldn’t trust anyone in it apart from myself or Lindsey. I’d like to thank you for giving me this opportunity this season but I will not be renewing my contract once it’s up.

I’ll be sad to see you, but that’s fine Riley. It’ll be held open if you change your mind. Have a good day. Keep in touch.

Hanging up, she was in a daze, not knowing how to break the news to Drake. Wondering how he would react. Would he end their relationship? Would he offer to go with her? “Hey, what did he want?”

“Drake, sit down. There’s something I need to tell you.”

*****

Constantine called Xavier and immediately ordered him to arrive at his office as soon as possible. Xavier has kept himself to himself after his ‘stunt’ with Drake.

“Come in.” Constantine bellowed.

“What’s the issue? I’m not due in today?” Sitting down, he wondered what the urgency was. Xavier was aware of the upcoming match being postponed, but his father could have called him regarding this matter.

“Have you got your passport on you?” Looking at his father confused, he wasn’t sure how much medication he was on due to his attack- wondering if this was affecting his random comments.

“Why?”

“Your ex wife, will be staying in New York Monday to Friday, and will be coming to Cordonia for match days. This is a way to win her back. But you have to promise that you will never hurt her again. Because it will be my neck on the line by all the team, knowing that I’m going behind all of their backs.”

“Why is she doing that? Has she split up with Walker?” A slight bit of hope had crossed his mind, hope that she had realised that Drake wasn’t her true love after all.

“Something about their family home? No she hasn’t split up with him as far as I’m aware, but you could win her back. This is a great opportunity for you both to rekindle. Bertrand can stand in whilst you are there with her. She is leaving tomorrow, but if you go the day after it won’t look suspicious. The match this weekend has been postponed as you know, so she will have nine days in New York on her own.” Both smirking at each other, Xavier was grateful for his father’s cunning plan. Appreciating him thinking about him, he gave him a hug- before walking out of the office.

Riley baby. I’m sorry for what I’ve done, but I’m getting you back. I’ll propose to you again, we can have a small ceremony on a beach somewhere- try again for another child. I promise I’ll be a better man, a better husband. I’ll change my ways. Please give me another chance! Xavier said to himself, getting in his car- he needed to get home quickly, book flights, pack and prove he could be the man that she once fell in love with.

*****

The day after Drake drove Riley to the airport, he was going to miss her immensely. Reality still hadn’t sunk in that she would be in New York during the week- neither wanted to split up, so until the end of the season they were going to give a long distance relationship a shot. She had promised that she would come back for more than the weekend sometimes or that Drake could join her. It was time. The time they both knew would come sooner or later but dreaded. Saying goodbye at the airport to the only person that both of them cared for, to the only person that they had both truly loved. How could they do that if they both feel like they have lost a part of them? In this short time, those times where they would just talk and make each other laugh. When they had both forgotten how to live, both lost faith in future relationships - they were drawn together by fate. In their past relationships they felt as if the world was falling apart around them and had accepted that that was now their life.

“I’m going to miss you so much. I hate Leo, and I hate Lindsey. But I understand why you couldn’t let your family home go.” Holding her tightly, he didn’t want to let go.

“Our family home now. I love you Drake Walker. I’ll FaceTime you when I land.”

“I love you too Riley Brooks. Safe flight. I’ve packed you an extra gift.” Opening her bag, she wished he had warned her before pulling the gift out. Smirking, he couldn’t help but laugh at her expression.

“Not as good as the real thing. But when I come back it’ll be worth the wait having you inside me...”

“Go before you miss your flight. I love you so much.”

*****

Riley arrived in New York, making her way over to her childhood home- she felt content, the sentimental feeling had taken over immediately even if she was missing her friends and Drake. FaceTiming Drake immediately, her heart sunk seeing his face.

“Hey baby. You look beautiful even if jet lagged.” Raising her eyebrows up, she knew he was lying to make her feel better. She knew she looked like shit as she felt it.

“You look so handsome! I miss you already. What are you doing?”

“Thinking about you.” Guiding his phone towards the bulge in his pants, he returned the phone to face. “What do you think? You make me this hard, even when you’re not with me.”

“I think you should get him out and show me. Tell me what you think about when you stroke yourself.” Following her instructions, he began to stroke his length- imagining it was her hands there instead. “You’re so big baby, are you thinking about me?”

“I always think about you when I masturbate. You’re my baby girl. I wouldn’t think about anything but you.”

“You’re making me so wet, I always think about your fingers and tongue pleasuring me.”

“Get the dildo out, I want to see you use it. ”

“What do you want to do to me Drake?” She questioned in a seductive manner, whilst stripping off her clothes- leaving her lacy underwear on show for him.

“I’d lay you down on the bed, If there are any obstacles such as clothes I’d remove them in a heartbeat. I’d remove your lacy bra and panties. I’d give you a slight back massage whilst kissing your gorgeous body- I’d grab that sexy ass before flipping you over. My hands would rub your inner thighs, whilst kissing your neck. Hopefully you’ll be wet for me, ready to scream my name. I’ll slowly move my lips from your neck to downstairs, eating you out- licking your folds. Then I’d insert my fingers, pumping them in and out fast- hoping to satisfy my baby girl. Then I’d let you choose what position we would do so I can fuck your brains out.”

“Oh Drake. I want you now. I’m so wet. Do you want to know what I’d do to you?”

“Yes baby. I’ve got my hands around my hard cock, imagining that they are yours.”

“I’m going to slowly trace my lips over yours. Then I’m going to kiss you from your lips, to your neck, then down to your muscled chest, finally coming down to your cock. I’ll lick my lips- but I’m not going to take it straight into my mouth. I’m going to keep kissing it until you beg me for more. Once I take it in my mouth, your cock will pulsate with pleasure- taking every inch in my mouth. I’d drain every bit of cum out of your cock, and swallow- before kissing you.”

“It’s a pity my hands aren’t as good as the real thing. I’m about to cum for you baby.” Riley could see him increase his speed, biting her lip- she couldn’t contain her own moans due to the gift he bought her. Closing her eyes, she imagined Drake on top of her.

“Good baby. I’m so horny right now, I’m missing you so much. I can’t wait to be in your arms again.”

Drake was slowly finishing himself off, his hand wrapped around his hard cock- before he could respond to Riley, his door swung open - nearly taken off its hinges.

“Jesus Max! Knock!”

“Oh hey little Walker.” Maxwell stared at Drakes erection, slightly jealous at his size and girth, before waving to Riley. “Hey, Ri. Nice dildo. Where did you get it from? I keep telling Hana to get one. But she won’t, she says all she needs is me. I must invest in one- you both look slightly flustered. It must work this long distant relationship shit. I should have sent Hana with ya Ri.” Riley remained frozen, not quite believing what had happened. It was as if they were making a live porno video for Maxwell. Realising that their friend was still gawking at the pair of them, she covered her body with her clothes that she threw on the floor.

“Jesus Christ Maxwell! Drake turn me off whilst I cover myself up.”

“Do you not know how to knock? How have you got into my house?”

“We all have each other’s keys- or did you forget? Bertrand is taking over Xavier for the mean time. Apparently the arsehole has to visit his sick mother in Spain. We have an emergency meeting at B’s. Clean yourself up and get ready. Quick quick! You’ve got nice tits by the way Riley!” Maxwell winked at Drake- who just scowled at his friend.

“Ri, I’ll ring you back I’ve got to go to Bertrands.” Feeling disappointed and embarrassed, he would much prefer to stay on FaceTime with Riley.

“Why?”

“Something about Xavier having to visit his sick mother. So Bertrand is stepping in and has organised a team meeting.”

“Drake?” Looking at her eyes, he noticed them widen- providing a concerned expression.

“Yeah?”

“His mother is dead. He has no family. I was his only family until the Rhys’s.”

“What the fuck? Where the fuck is he going? Shit! Riley.... I love you. I need to go. Stay safe!”

“I love you too.” Hanging up, he didn’t want to but something was suspicious. Storming into his open kitchen, he would kill Maxwell for raiding his fridge if this wasn’t an emergency. Maxwell was scoffing his face, until he noticed the sheer panic written across Drake’s face.

“Who’s at Bertrands?”

“Well there will be us; Liam, Leo, Bertrand, Bastien- Zeke can’t make it, something to do with the girls. But he said to text him anything important. Liv is tagging along as usual- you’d think she was a player rather than a wag. Why?”

“Max, Xavier’s going to New York. Get me to Bertrand’s now. We all have to stop him.”

*****

BREAKING NEWS!

Apples manager Xavier Lopez has been pronounced dead. After a car chase, his car collided with another car, a Ferrari. Mr Lopez’s body was found with stab wounds that were the possible reasoning for his premature death. Witnesses have stated that Mr Lopez was dragged out of his car after the crash and escorted to the side of the road before the group of people from the other car ran away.

#theroyalromance #choices trr #drakewalker #riley brooks #maxwell beaumont #olivia nevrakis #hanalee #liam rhys #drake x riley #bertrand beaumont #leo rhys #trr au cordonian wags #drake x mc #trr fan fic

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lizzybeth1986 · 5 years

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Quick Thoughts on The Royal Retcon Book 1 Chapter 11

• You've gotta admit, guys. This series spends more time retconning various aspects of their original story than they do on the actual premise.

• The food fight was wild and chaotic, the background history is always welcome, seeing Jess and Blake was nice and the moonlit hot springs scene was a nice change from everything...but my head is spinning from the constant shifts, okay?

• To avoid seeing my QTs in your dash, blacklist the following tags: #trh quick thoughts, #trh qts, #trh qt reblogs, #long post.

• Screenshots:

Hana: The Abhirio YouTube channel

Maxwell: @thethots-plicken and @itsbrindleybinch

Drake: The HIMEME YouTube channel

• Title: The Prodigal Father

Alternative: Most Parents in TRR Shouldn't Have Even Been Parents To Begin With

• The last chapter ended with a surprise twist: the return of Barthelemy Beaumont, father of Bertrand and Maxwell Beaumont. We had a lot of questions. Did Bertrand know he wasn't dead? Did Maxwell not know he wasn't dead? What the hell was he doing all these years and why had he left his sons in such a horrible position?

• Turns out the writers may have taken a leaf out from a Hindi serial or something coz - drumrolls - he was in a coma!

• Why do we never hear much about this so-called illness or even have a name put to it. What mysterious illness caused Barthelemy to deteriorate so much that he was trying out miracle cures from quacks and that he ended up in a coma for years? Why were his next of kin not informed when he came out of it or while he was rehabilitating? Why the heck wasn't Maxwell telling his wife this, or Bertrand his girlfriend? There is so much about this plot that doesn't even make sense.

• How does Barthelemy remember Drake from the court days but not Savannah ("Liam and Drake, you're so grown up now! Miss Savannah, you're lovelier than your reputation..."). Somehow he knows what's been said about Savannah and about Hana's accomplishments - wait if he'd been mostly getting his body back in order, how would he know this stuff? Who is telling him this? (Godfrey?? Is that why he's so faux-patriotic around us now??? Is that his real reason for visiting Cordonia only once a year or something?)

•

In Liam and Drake's cases, Barthelemy says the same thing about how Maxwell outdid himself by bringing the MC to the House, and that she has brought prestige to the Beaumonts. It's in Hana's and Maxwell's cases that the dialogue is different. In Maxwell's it's obviously as his daughter-in-law that he greets you, and in Hana's he speaks of now having two "daughters" in his house.

• Barthelemy then gets to the more serious part of his departure - the fact that Bertrand had to shoulder the responsibilities of being Duke earlier because of Barthelemy's condition, and that now Bertrand can relax while his father takes care of things at the estate. Is that care for his son talking...or his desire for control? I'm leaning towards the second.

• I'm pretty sure Bertrand is leaning towards the second because he's looking pretty resistant about this sudden change. His bride-to-be, Savannah, in the meantime, is super happy to meet her father-in-law and son's namesake. Hah. That'll change.

• Maxwell is nervous. Because he wants his father to see how different he is now, and how responsible he has become, but doesn't know what his old man will think. Don't worry, Esther says, plan this smartly and you'll get a new Pictagram follower!

• In any case, Maxwell's friends promise to help him get through this and support him, except for Drake who thinks he can impose limits (like "no singing"), because, yknow. The universe has to revolve around his comfort zone. Must be a Walker trait.

• More Jess and Blake nuggets! You get an option to ask them how they met, and they tell you about the cruise they first worked in (and presumably where Jess' sister met Liam's brother and (optionally) married him) and how they used to butt heads often. Nice RoE nugget, too bad the writers have so far barely even remembered Liam's brother who is from that series!

•

Yeah yeah I know that Kiara is probably back in Castelserraillian like the other courtly ladies (or chilling in a hotel somewhere in Texas), but if they're all supposed to be there for the wedding Savannah might as well have included her. Not only is Savannah a stinky fiancée and a stinky person in general (not a surprise considering her family), she is also a stinky friend.

• I repeat: my MC Esther has done practically nothing for Savannah. Nor has Hana. Why are we such a huge part of her ceremony again when she already had a long-time friend from court who had actually helped her and actually cared?? Only because we're the ones on an extended holiday in her ranch? Then say that - why do you need to make such a long speech about friendship while snubbing the one woman who made a damned effort to help you? (oh...right. I keep forgetting. Kiara is only remembered when people want to use her 😒).

• At the start of the rehearsals, Savannah tells Jess about the horse-riding-to-the-altar tradition, complete with a saddle that's been a family heirloom. Bianca and Leona, apologetically, inform Savannah that they had to sell it. Savannah tries to mask her disappointment, but fails. Barthelemy in the meantime, jumps in, in what he assumes would be "saving the day" (it's not, Bartie Sr. It really isn't)

Bartie...dude...you just got here. You can't already know what'll make your daughter-in-law happy when you've only spoken to her for all of five seconds. Plant your ass at the back of the congregation where it belongs!

• The girl really really wanted that saddle, okay Bartie Sr? Allow her to grieve that lost dream ffs.

• This scene I guess is helpful because while it still places Bartie Sr rather awkwardly in the "father trying to make amends and be caring" category, it gives you an inkling of why that persona doesn't sit so well on him. Bartie Sr may assume that this is something a caring parent does, except that what he's really doing is taking over, making all the attention revolve around him, believing he knows best and not listening to anyone. Even when he's being "nice".

• That saddle is going to come back some way or other, and it's probably going to be a diamond option, for which the free option is Savannah walking down the aisle with Bartie Sr. Eh. She threw a tantrum at my reception so her boyfriend could marry her, I'm not about to get her her dilapidated saddle. She can make do with her crusty father-in-law.

(The other possibility is that [at the end of the chapter] Bertrand left the house to get it or something idk, and it might be free after all. Is it too late to ask for the entire WEDDING to be a diamond option?)

• So this exchange leads us all to the Beaumont brothers remembering their childhood. Maxwell views it all through rose-coloured spectacles, Bertrand has very different memories of that time. Which is such a change from the previous series! I mean, wasn't Bertrand the one who kept going "my father's legacy, my father's legacy", while Maxwell was the one who didn't have very good memories of that time?

I can always imagine that Bertrand's views on his father must have changed when he started taking on the responsibilities of a father himself (thus making him view his childhood as 'not normal'). And Maxwell may well have come to appreciate Bartie Sr once he began taking House responsibilities. But guess who is breaking their heads to make these "connections". Us. Not the writers. Not the team in charge of this story.

• There are two PoVs to this scene: Maxwell's and Bertrand's. Maxwell's is the one that is lighter, funnier, showing us a wilder side of his brother, Bertrand is given the meatier one, with intrigue and a hint of plot.

- We're taken back to when Bertrand's motorbike was just purchased, and the boys choose to take it for a test ride. The Bertrand shown here is kinda similar to the one in the 6-years-ago flashback in Book 1, just...younger and cuter. Apparently in the time that Bertrand was living alone in a house with Maxwell, he aged like an avocado.

- What's with using this team and using the Waverley kids' faces for the Beaumont brothers??

- Young Bertrand and Maxwell don't mind living on the wild side - taking the Cavilieri Novanta 9S on a test drive through different areas in the estate, planning how they'll debut this beauty at the Beaumont Bash and generally making a racket. Bartie Sr scolds them from the window of his office, then asks them to come up and see him there. Bertrand opts to protect little Maxwell from his father's ire by going there alone, and then telling his brother that their father is "very proud" of them. Maxwell doesn't question this (the writers have forgotten that Young Maxwell was perceptive even as a little boy, so I'm not quite buying that he simply accepted what Bertrand said at face value), and jumps instead into planning a logo for their biker jackets (he suggests a kraken and a tiger). They can also opt to have a special kraken-related handshake.

- Bertrand, however, fills in the blanks, speaking to us about what he witnessed at the office, and what actually transpired.

This conversation is the point of the whole scene, and is connected to the Young! Drake scene in the sense that Bartie Sr and Godfrey are from the Great Houses that Constantine mentions are opposing the alliance with Auvernal. While they don't tell us what has disappointed these two so much, we do get the idea that they are displeased esp with the Queen because she has somehow convinced Constantine to not agree with what the two are planning so quickly. It's very possible that their frustration with Eleanor might have gotten them involved in some way with her death, but it's also possible that there are other players involved.

- Bertrand does not focus much on this bit because Bertrand is young and his priorities are different. The interesting thing about using these childhood flashbacks for the characters is that we will always get an incomplete picture, if only because the kids' priorities are different, and for them these side discussions will always count as "adult stuff". Big, scary, too complicated to understand.

- We do get a mention of Maxwell's weight (finally!). The writers frame it as Maxwell losing his weight after his mother's death and getting his regular exercise with his brother. This we get to know by Bartie Sr's fat-shaming comment about not wanted to see Maxwell get back to his "wide suits" (Seriously. Fuck this guy).

• Hypocrite alert! Godfrey who treats his perfectionist daughter as a failure just for existing and being a girl, now thinks he can yap about "being too hard" on one's children. Go fuck yourself Godfrey Not Gao (this nickname was brought to you by @callmetippytumbles).

• The bit that's most important to Bertrand is that he tries to pass an overdue bill to his dad, and his father ignores it to concentrate on "bigger" things. Which kinda leads you to believe that the problem existed waaaaay before Bartie Sr started believing in miracle cures for his mysterious illness. In fact I'm pretty sure both those things might be fabricated.

• So that's what Bertrand is trying to tell us. That Bartie Sr expected his sons to understand responsibility when he was not exactly ready to live up to that example himself. It still doesn't make sense though, considering every time Bertrand spoke about Bartie Sr it was as if he had to uphold the same legacy, and everytime Maxwell spoke about him it was to highlight what a disappointment he was to his father...and funny enough they've now switched roles.

• Anyway, Maxwell is now more inclined to believe Bartie Sr has turned a new leaf, while Bertrand is wary. He is not wrong about the controlling aspect though, even when his dad is trying to be nice he's being a controlling ass.

• Hana comes in and comforts Bertrand, in a scene I found pretty touching. She knows plenty about controlling, overbearing parents who expect plenty from her but fail to measure up to the little that she asks of them. I love how she makes the point that, having support or company of any form, works to lessen the pain of that kind of upbringing...and she knows this because she never had it.

• The bonding that takes place between Hana and Bertrand is lovely, although it's marred by the fact that were we going by the original idea of the Beaumont brothers' lives, Maxwell would be the one she'd be comforting.

• Two bits that stood out to me were where Bertrand offered to make up for all those years of disappointment and pain that Hana suffered, by being a sort of stand-in older brother now - and Hana's response to the whole idea of mending bridges:

I love the fact that she says this even as she still maintains her complicated relationship with her mother. It's small but a lot more than she was allowed to say earlier. In Book 3, a lot of what they had Hana say to Lorelai was more for Lorelai's benefit than her own (constantly educating her and telling the family that the most important thing was that they be happy together). Her responses were centered around Lorelai's comfort, not Hana's conflict. At least here, she gets to state (while safely away from her parents) how complicated her relationship with her parents is. I just hope this is not the last time we hear about it.

• It's now time for the rehearsal dinner! Everyone's seated at a pop-up restaurant Blake and Jess have made for the wedding, and includes the courses for the special day. It's bruschetta, a quiche and the wedding cake for dessert.

•

Auntie Bitch I hope you realize that the biggest freeloaders in this house are your own nephew and niece! Drake doesn't have a job until his wedding is over (unless one counts moaning and griping while enjoying shit that his BFF has paid for, his job (oh...wait...maybe that's why "Constantly Complaining Freeloader" was listed as a job description in his Italian Restaurant scene lmao)). The other biggest freeloader is your niece, who didn't mind accepting money from Maxwell and then turned around and acted towards Bertrand like she didn't need his damn money that she was already using.

• Also for the amount of complaining Leona has been doing for her own niece's wedding she might as well have not hosted them at all. You took the responsibility, you made all the guests you were hosting do work for you and spent all your time mocking them for not having the kind of specific skillsets you grew up with. If you wanted to stay alone with your sister in this crusty dilapidated ranch where you probably don't even pay people fairly, you could have told Savannah to go somewhere else. Like Applewood. Or Ramsford idk. You couldn't even save the saddle your niece would have wanted for the wedding, and if that's not a pointer to what a failure you are, Leona, IDK what is. So maybe stop acting like you're better than the nobles and keep quiet.

• Bianca states that she has never depended on the Crown yet somehow left behind both her children whose well-being was largely being maintained from the Crown coffers???

• But also given the response to Liam I have a feeling we might have a flashback from her next chapter. While she doesn't appear as angry as her sister, there is definitely an underlying bitterness there that I think the narrative might explore before we leave Texas. Idk.

• Bartie Sr focuses his attention on us again, insisting that he is like a father figure to us. You can either firmly refuse (my favourite option), express pride in House Beaumont (which pleases Bartie Sr no end) or be polite (in which case Liam lets out a cryptic "how generous of you" aimed at Bartie Sr it one point, showing us that he's not very impressed. Hmm. Hmm.)

• Bartie Sr is being controlling again, complaining that the quiche is not an elegant main course and insisting to Savannah that she try whatever he is demanding for the wedding. He keeps saying "trust me Savannah, you'll love it!" as if he knows her tastes better than she herself does.

• Chuck tries to offer cake, and Bartie Sr in his eagerness to refuse accidentally tosses it over on Leona's clothes.

• That's kiiind of a breaking point with Leona, and to sum it all up, THIS happens:

Jess has seen and participated in utter chaos, okay. So for her to appear all flummoxed and say "it was...a lot", it really, really has to be a lot.

• My favourite parts have to be Hana and Liam thoroughly enjoying the food fight and finding it cathartic, because they're the two who most need to channel their repressed energies into that kind of catharsis. Drake and Maxwell don't feel this need as much as they do because they already have ways and opportunities to channel it.

• The fight allows both the nobles and the Walkers to meet on common ground - common enough ground that Bertrand can (if we choose) finally tell his father that he and Savannah can manage their own wedding, thank you very much.

• Funny how Bertrand is expected to stand up to his father and ensure that what Savannah wants is not ignored, yet Savannah herself never makes even a quarter of the effort that he does, in making Bertrand comfortable in her home. Why does Bertrand have to do all the work in this relationship? Why do I only see Savannah complaining when Bertrand is not doing things exactly as she wants them to be done, yet not even lifting a finger when he's the one who needs the help and reassurance? Perhaps the best option is if he becomes runaway groom.

• We get to give one (1) solitary fuck about the country we're leading when we're back in the bedroom after this whole skirmish has gone down.

• LI diamond scene! At a moonlit hot spring nearby. The scenes mostly include the mandatory admiration for the lingerie, awe at the scenery and once the sex is done, an exploration into family and children from the would-be parents.

Liam: Calls the MC a "twilight goddess fit for worship" as soon as he sees her with her lacy lingerie in the moonlight. If you've done those scenes, there's a mention of the Forgotten Falls and the Blue Grotto and how Liam has a penchant for whisking the MC away to secluded watery places. (Liam also mentions finding a matching pearl to the first one they got at the Blue Grotto, even though the writers have practically forgotten what has happened to that first one 🙄).

The MC can choose to either go fast or slow in the love scene, and afterwards, Liam wonders aloud whether all families are complicated. The MC can counter this, by telling Liam they can ensure their child never gets to the point that Bertrand or Hana have by ensuring the child has their space to be open about how they feel.

Caption: Spring Fling

Hana: The two women mostly admire each other in silence (Hana tells the MC she would simply like to look at her as the MC gives a twirl) and the MC suggests expanding the "sample size" of Hana's lingerie because Hana in the moonlight is a vision. Hana offers to massage the MC's shoulders, and speaks about wanting to get away from the chaos and check in on her. Hana wants to take as much of their alone time as possible to check if the MC is doing okay, which IMO is her way of maintaining a relationship - by giving her partner space to talk about how they feel, something she rarely had the opportunity to do. She also admits to how exhilarating the food fight was. Hana is playful and teasing in her love scene, and brings the MC to the point where she will beg for more.

Once they are done, the two speak about how being in this place is like being in a fairytale, and there's a particularly lovely line nestled in this bit:

I wished for storybooks with scenes just like this as a kid. Not ones where the princess got rescued by the prince or the knight...but where she found love and happiness on her own...and the freedom to embrace them.

It's...it's so beautiful 😭

Caption: Woodland Nymphs

Maxwell: Now obviously Maxwell has the most personal experience among the four this time, since it's his father that returned home, and it's his family that is now dealing with some tough, complicated questions. Some of that shows in this scene. It begins with Maxwell seeing the MC in her lingerie and confession he almost forgot she had them...which is a good thing otherwise he would never be able to concentrate on anything else. He speaks to her about all the things he loves about her and about their relationship - especially how much they make each other laugh. Underwater, the two let go of their restraint and make love with abandon.

The conversation that follows is the most important, exploring Maxwell's feelings about his father's return. He doesn't have a lot of memories of his father - most of it was from when he was very young, or from Bertrand's eyes. Maxwell is very happy that Bartie Sr has returned, and wants him to see how happy he is with the MC. He speaks of wanting to tell him about the social season, about marrying the MC, about his bestseller book. There is a cute bit where the MC asks whether he would tell Bartie Sr about the hippo tattoo and Maxwell seems almost terrified by that option. But overall, there is nervousness in his scene, and also hope. He definitely is invested in making his old man proud. Proving himself has always been a theme with Maxwell, and that need possibly will increase with the arrival of his father.

Caption: Blue Lagoon

Drake: Calls the MC in her lingerie in the moonlight, "art that should be in a museum". The two admire each other in their new lingerie, and then admire the scenery. Drake has brought the MC to the hot spring mostly because it was rumoured to be called "Makeout Point", and he's always been curious to see what the big deal was. The MC can point out the beauty and romantic potential of the area, mentioning that she can imagine a sixteen year old swooning if her high school sweetheart brought her there, "or a duchess, if her marshmallow brought her here". During the love scene, Drake likens her to a siren, the sex can either be rough or gentle and the MC can either take control or allow him to.

Towards the end, the two talk wonder how their child might be, who they would resemble. There's a bit of banter back and forth about how the world is not ready for their collective sass 😄 I think because Drake is the most comfortable with his own family now, that his conversations with the MC about family focus largely on his memories of good times, and on what their child will be like.

Caption: Spring Fever

• Why the hell are you guys ruining all that nice lingerie in water!!!

• After a few days, and presumably on the day of the wedding, Savannah comes to us, shocked and worried, telling us that Bertrand is gone. This could be either a fakeout leading to him trying to get something nice and romantic done for her, or his insecurities cropping up IDK.

• General Thoughts:

- As much as I'd LOVE for the twist to be that Bertrand has realized this marriage will never work and has called it all off, I know for a fact they won't let that happen. Either his insecurities have come to a head with Bartholemy's return and he needs time to clear his head, or he's gone all heroic and tried to get Savannah's saddle for her, which we then have to pay diamonds to retrieve.

- Some way or the other that saddle is going to feature.

- They'll have Bertrand do something heroic I guess so that Leona will FINALLY stop being a whiny asshole. And Savannah as usual? Will not even lift her little finger.

- I'm more worried about what Bartie Sr will be upto once he's back at Ramsford estate! Esp given that his controlling has already begun at an event as innocuous as a wedding. ALSO given that this man will be back in Cordonia!!

- We're obviously going to get more hints about our pregnancy in the coming chapter, that I'm sure we'll ignore coz we don't want to jump into conclusions like the last time.

- Hana's bonding scene with Bertrand reminds me a little of a scene in Book 2, where she speaks of how Bertrand reminds her a little of her father...in, like, a good way.

- If it turns out that Godfrey and Barthelemy were indeed involved in Eleanor's death, it will be the ultimate irony. It would mean that the present occupants of the duchies that were once undermining the Crown...are now their stanchest allies. Lucretia and Olivia's parents vs Olivia, Godfrey vs Madeleine, and Bartie Sr vs Bertrand and Maxwell. It would be a nice contrast.

- Istg if they try and make HAKIM AND JOELLE suspicious too I will literally throw hands 😡

- Jesus, the amount of retconning going on in this book. That scene would have lost nothing by making Bertrand the guy who was desperate to prove himself to his father and Maxwell the one who had mixed feelings. Having both of them overhear that conversation rather than one would have been fine too. But this is one in a looooooong list of things that the team is shifting around, believing no one will notice. Maybe I should just call this series The Royal Retcon from now on because there is more of that happening than actual babymaking!!

- I'm pretty intrigued by Liam's lukewarm reaction to Bartie Sr personally. What does he know. Why doesn't Liam tell me and why doesn't the MC ask!!

- Bartie Sr spends surprisingly little time with his own namesake, but perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised since Junior's own parents are hardly seen with him either.

- Next chapter is the wedding (if we can find the groom, that is), Savannah getting her dream entry (possibly if we pay the diamonds) and hints that we may be pregnant that will culminate in the big reveal at the end. Yay?

- I know I haven't gotten out a QT for Book 1 in two weeks but those past two weeks have been filled with lots of IRL stuff. Hopefully I'll get back to that soon.

- Until next week, folks!

#long post #trh quick thoughts #the royal heir #trh qts #king liam #hana lee #drake walker #maxwell beaumont #bertrand beaumont #savannah walker

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guaranteedsalesavannahusa · 10 months

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lobster-peach · 4 years

Text

The Girls Bathroom

•••

Part 1

Part 2 -

This is a short story I wrote for my 10th grade creative writing class and I thought I'd share:)

*trigger warnings*

Eating disorders

Mental disorders

Drug/alcohol use

Violence

Child predator/abuse mention

Implied suicide

Another night without sleep. It’s growing less uncommon now. I’ve taken so many things to help me sleep, you’d be surprised that something hasn’t worked by now.

My window is open. I’ve always liked it that way. It lets the night time air into my room, and it fills my lungs with the sweetest scent, that if it were bottled, I would keep it on me at all times. I’d be the girl people would ask what perfume I was wearing. I’d be the one they complimented. I’d be the one they talked to, in an admiring way.

The smell reminds me of my childhood home. It reminds me of the smell of a thick and damp forest. It reminds me of the silent happy times. I let the night breeze create ripples in my curtains.

And It’s peaceful.

It’s peaceful to watch a force of nature calmly move something as simple as a sheer white window curtain to the beat of its own rhythm. To make it move like it’s dancing in water.

I’m writing all my thoughts down again, like I do every time my mind won’t sleep. I’ve noticed that everything feels so surreal at these times. Everything is quiet, the moon is the only light source in sight, the wind making the only other movement besides myself, and the world is still. I lay on my back and stare up at the ceiling, just stare and think about the world, and about life. Stress comes and goes at these times but it usually doesn’t stay that long.

I think about my family, about myself, about strangers. I wonder if strangers do this too? Do they wear themselves out in the adventure we call curiosity?

I keep asking questions until I finally fall asleep to the sun peaking over the mountains.

...

I haven’t been to school in weeks. I haven’t actually left my room in weeks either, if you’re not counting the trips to the bathroom. I feel like I've just been a whirlpool of emotions. One second I feel fine, and the next I feel like I’m in someone else’s body, wanting to scream. But today- today is the day I’m changing that.

I get up, take a shower, and apply the minimum amount of makeup I actually have.

No one is awake in the house, so I slip out without a sound.

If I’m honest, I don’t know why I thought it was a good idea to go to school now, because the second I stepped through the glass doors, I was bombarded with shouts, shoves, and the smell of axe body spray. But right as I was about to turn around, get back into my car, and drive far, far away from this hell-hole, the vice principal noticed me. I saw the shock, and excitement light up in her eyes.

She made a b-line for me.

There was no escape.

...

After an hour or so of sitting and listening to her gush about how much the school had missed me, and that if I "Ever needed anything to come talk to her, or any of the school faculty", I was able to leave her office. If I knew that I would get this bombarded with unwanted attention, I would have never left my house in the first place.

I would just dwell in the thought that I would have to make a living becoming a fast food worker, or selling my body to Sin City herself.

But that would still be better than this.

...

The brick walls of the school seemed to piss me off even more than they used to now. They seemed to mock me, to make me feel like even more of a failure, with their posters of encouragement and activities. I headed into the girls bathroom to take a breather. Everything starting to kick in. I dashed into a stall and let my empty stomach empty itself even more. Nothing had actually happened to trigger any sort of panic, and I hated myself for it even more. I hated the fact that I couldn't be around people with no filters. I hated that I couldn't sit still in class. I hated that I couldn't just be normal. And now I'm just sitting on the floor trying not to think. But then I hear a knock, and a voice, gently, and quietly asking if I'm alright. My eyes widen. I don't know why I didn't think I would be the only one in a public highschool's girl's bathroom. Theres a part of me that hopes if I stay silent then whoever it was on the other side of the door would go away. But the voice comes back a second time. Still quiet, still gentle, but more urgent. Sounding like they were actually worried. Coming to the conclusion that I can't hide, I stand up and open the door to see one of the school's cheerleaders, Vanny. Her real name was Savannah, but everyone only ever called her Vanny. She looked as surprised as I was when she saw who was standing in front of her.

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to bother you. I just heard.. gagging, and I wanted to make sure that whoever it was, was alri-”

I quickly cut her off.

“It’s okay! Really!”

Wow, I sound flustered.

“I just needed to let some things…uh… out.”

She let out a small breathy laugh at that.

“Yeah, I can tell.” she said

I can just feel the temperature in my cheeks raise at record breaking speed. My internal panic growing with it.

“I- uh- sorry…”

God, I'm a mess.

She lets out another laugh at that, but this time something that looked somewhat like sympathy showed in her eyes.

“Don’t be sorry. Really. I get it. It happens to me too.”

I gape at her a little.

But not so much that she would notice. Or at least I hope I so.

What on earth is happening.

But before I can even finish that thought, she's speaking again.

“I haven’t seen you around all year. I didn’t think about it that much till now. Do you wanna talk about it?”

She didn't wait for an answer and made her way into the handicap stall and sat against the wall. She just gestures for me to do the same. Part of me wonders if this was some kind of joke. If she had people outside the girls bathroom just waiting to torment me. But against my better judgement, I sit. I can't figure out how I am supposed to act, sit, or even breath. Is there even a right way to handle this?

She begins talking about her history with depression and anxiety. And normally when I hear someone say they have it, it’s not actually the “real deal” if you will. It’s just someone who thinks that it’s the end of the world when something unexpected and bad pops up in their life.

And I know it sounds terrible to judge a person like that, but it's just how things tend to be around here.

But she, she wasn’t like that.

She tells me everything. How she can’t sleep at night, so she goes on drives. And how she finds that puking her guts out, nasty and as toxic as it seems, feels a little like a release. She tells me about her “friends” and how much she wishes that she could talk to them about everything that’s going on. She just tells me everything. Every feeling she gets. Every reason a tear sometimes slips from her brown eyes.

Everything.

I didn’t know that a person could feel the same way I did. I didn’t know that I could understand a stranger more than myself in just 30 minutes.

These talks become a regular thing for us. After our second period classes, while the rest of the school left for lunch, we would go into the girls bathroom on the second floor. Into the handicap stall on the far right. And we would talk about everything.

Vanny was kind. She held the door for me when we were together, she spoke to me like a real person rather than a joke, and she felt like home. There were days however, where she didn’t talk to me. She would send me apologetic glances from across the room so I tried not to think too much about it. I understood. She had a reputation to uphold. And I wasn’t apart of that. If I was, everyone would think of it as a joke. That she was just getting close to me to make fun of me. That was the part I worried about.

I just wanted to mean something more to her than that.

I just wanted a friend.

Everyday that I spent with Vanny lead me into a deeper spiral of what I would call bliss. It was almost like, any trouble I had, any insecurity I had, she could instantly wash away with one look.

...

I was stopped at an intersection driving home from school, when I noticed the people in the car in beside me were fighting. I didn’t want to invade their privacy, but then I noticed who was sat in the passenger seat. Vanny. The guy, was much older. Dark grey hair, and stubble across his chin. He had his hand on her thigh. I couldn’t see what his expression was clearly, but I had a pretty solid guess. Vanny looked very uncomfortable, she slapped his hand away and said something with her brows furrowed. The guy just laughed and put his hand back. She tried to push it away again but the guy wouldn’t budge.

I decided to try calling her to make sure she was alright but the phone went straight to voicemail. I started to panic. I didn’t know what to do. I started to roll down the window and shout but the light finally changed to green and the car sped off. I wanted to change lanes and potentially follow them, but I couldn’t with all of the traffic of eager teeangers wanting to go home after a long day. I tried to try calling a few more times, but failed to get any sort of answer.

My phone was hot from being pressed to my cheek for so long. I got home and the house was empty once again. This time though, my heart sank. I didn’t know who to ask about what I should do.

Me, in my panicked state decided to call the police.

I started blurting out everything that happened but it didn’t help. Without the guys name, plate number, or address, there was nothing they could do besides go to Vanny’s house and see if she was there and OK.

I couldn't sleep. My mind was racing with all of the possible things that could be happening right then to my Vanny.

No.

Not my Vanny.

Just Vanny.

I got a call from the police station just hours later. They told me she was safe at home and that I had no reason to worry.

Everything was fine.

...

I still however rushed to school the next morning, calling and texting her trying to get some sort of insight to if she was really alright. I kept tapping my foot all through my first two periods. My mind couldn’t seem to focus on anything other than the thought of Vanny.

She needed to be okay.

What felt like years of waiting for that wretched bell to signal my release from this prison of unmatched bricks and books, it rang.

I all but ran to the second floor bathroom. And let me tell you, I have never been so happy to hear someone crying. I knocked on the door precisely six times to let her know it was me. I heard her shuffle and stand up. When the door unlocked I rushed in to hug her.

Her face was tear stained, but her eyes were empty.

We sat down and I held her.

Everything just felt... wrong.

I didn't know how to ask her what happened.

I didn't know if I even should.

She felt so fragile in my arms, that I was scared I would break her by saying anything else.

We sat in the bathroom in silence for the rest of the day.

I just let her cry.

At the end of the day I offered to take her home but she fervently said no.

I took her to my house instead, only so I could make sure she was safe.

...

The car ride home was quiet. I was waiting for the right time to ask her about what had happened but I still just didn't know how.

She had stopped crying hours ago but she kept the same empty look in her eyes.

I watched her out of the corner of my eye, just staring at the passing houses.

Her brown hair falling over her shoulders like silk.

I finally spoke up.

"Savannah, what happened?"

She jumped at the sudden sound of my voice.

I couldn't tell if she was going to answer or start crying again.

She was so unreadable.

But her dry lips parted, and her voice rasped out.

"My..."

She breathed out, sounding so wounded.

I had pulled the car into an empty grocery store parking lot and faced her.

"My stepfather... tried t-to...."

She couldn't finish. Her eyes welled up again with tear and she broke.

Her face buried in her hands.

I didn't know what to say.

So many thoughts were racing through my head.

I couldn't speak.

I just stared at her completely horrified.

I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out.

She lifted her face and looked me in the eyes.

"Please don't tell anyone."

"Vanny we have to call the cops we-"

"No!" She yelled, I had never heard her yell.

"Promise me you won't tell anyone. Not your family, not any teachers, not the police."

She was urgently begging me.

"Vanny I can't just let this be. This is serious. He needs to be put in prison for this-"

"Please." She said once more.

"Please."

I looked at her.

Red, wide, eyes staring deep into my soul.

"I-I can't..."

...

I called the police once we got to my house explaining everything.

They got a warrant to search Vanny's stepdad's things and found digital folders of child pornography. They didn't have enough to charge him with the assault, but the files were enough to put him away.

When it happened, Vanny didn't speak to me for weeks.

She was convinced I had betrayed her.

But she eventually came back.

#wlw advice #wlw aesthetic #wlw blog #wlw mood #wlw post

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cashforhouses-32homeshomies · 3 years

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abdicatedarchive · 3 years

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bachelor party || the boys

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍: summer’s home // summer 2021.

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: charlie, marshall, cody, nathaniel, ross.

𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒: none.

𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒: charlie’s bachelor party! the guys all get together for a fun night out, but not before nathaniel can grill cody about dating his sister.

Charlie went to go and pick up Cody for the big night, "No moping and texting Bella all night. Have fun with me and the boys. Let me see your fake" said Charlie as they left the car to head to Marshall's. Cody handed it over, "No phone moping. But I think I deserve at least one drunk call" he said as he committed to the bit. Honestly, Bella would not want to hear from him intoxicated. Cody should probably warn her that Charlie will insist on saying hello at some point during the party. That was gonna be fun. He could see the disaster now. Charlie looked over the fake and handed it back in approval, "it's not like we're out of town anyways. I'm sure that it will work. People love us" said Charlie confidently. He had never had any problem getting in anywhere as an underaged person. "People love you" Cody corrected, and he knew it was true. Everybody loved Charlie, Cody was just a footnote of the Summers experience. "At least look like you're having fun" said Charlie as he knocked on the door, "you'll be drunk before you know it" he added with an exhale. Being out with his little brother was a new experience, but he didn't want to miss it. Cody would be his friend, like his actual friend, in a few years. It was just going to take a little bit of growing and time. Charlie was sure of it.

Marshall opened the door with two shots in his hand and a big smile on his face. Charlie was the first friend in the group to get married, and honestly, it didn't seem like him or Katie were going to be married anytime soon... So he wanted to make sure everyone had a great night. Charlie had been particularly stressed with all the wedding planning, but now that everything was set, all that needed to be done was to have a fun time. "My boys!" Marshall passed the shot glasses to both Charlie and Cody, "Just to start the night off on a high note. Oh, Katie told me that Daniel and Milly are gonna be hopping around. Not sure when we'll see them, but we don't have to pick them up. So that'll just leave Ross and Nate." He then patted Cody on the shoulder, holding in a laugh. "You tell him about Nate?" he asked Charlie before looking back at Cody. "Dude's probably got a whole ass interview waiting for you."

Charlie laughed, "you know if you told young me I was popular in high school and college, and then you told me how many people were coming to my bachelor party. I don't think I'd believe the first thing". He was very happy keeping things small, in fact he had asked Marshall to. A lot of his friends were girls, but at the end of the day Charlie and Alice shared the majority of their friends. They would be at the wedding, but for now it was nice to be with just the boys. "Oh shit dude, I meant to tell you I invited Nathaniel Langston even though it's small" said Charlie. He had mentioned to Cody that not a lot of people were invited period, but he had forgotten that one of those select few was his girlfriend's brother. "He's a peach. I'm sure he's not going to interview you. You've seen him since he talked to me, Alice, and Katie about you ... right?" Charlie asked innocently as he poured some drinks.

Cody had not heard one of the people who was witnessing him underage drink tonight was Bella's uptight much older brother. Now he couldn't get wasted. This was upsetting. This was the only family bachelor party he was ever going to go to unless he was invited to Claire, Channing, or Courtney's husbands thing. And that was different. Tonight was the night he could get shitty litty no questions asked. Cody already knew he had to be moderately sober at the wedding itself. "Dude, I haven't seen Nathaniel since the dinner. What the hell did the three of you tell him? Tryna get me in the dog house with her family?" said Cody as he took a sip, "I guess I'll be on my best behavior".

"Quality over quantity, my friend. No need for any extras." Marshall said with a smile. They didn't need to be apart of some big group to have a good time, they were the fun. Maybe that's why people loved them so much, they were just a joy to be around. "Nah he'll definitely interview you." He was just trying to mess with Cody a bit. That whole relationship was really out of the blue, but he wasn't judging. Marshall didn't know what was actually said when Charlie, Alice, and Katie were with Nathaniel, but it probably wasn't too bad. No one was actually out to sabotage Cody's relationship, but then again, Nathaniel didn't seem like the type to really get a joke. "I'm sure everything will be fine," he grabbed a glass and took a sip, "and if anything happens, Ross will mediate. It's what he does best."

"My ears are burning" said Ross with a laugh as he walked into the room, hearing people talking about him. "It's been a minute guys" he said as he gave Charlie and then Marshall a hug. Ross had been living his best life, dating Julie, working at the school. Even Bryce had been on his best behavior recently. Life was going really well for him because no one had a hand in making it worse. "Lane and Nor sent pastries" he said as he put the goodies down on the counter. "Cody, Savannah and Sloane wanted me to tell you that they're going to college in the fall and to dump Bella. I do not recommend it" said Ross, laughing as he took a drink from the counter. It was nice to be back with everyone from high school.

Nathaniel wasn't intending on being the last one to arrive, it was so unlike him, but he got caught up in a lot of work. He made sure to not let it ruin his mood though, this night was about Charlie and he wanted to make sure he had a fun time. He had been to quite a few of his pals' bachelor parties, and the more he went, the more self conscious he became. Nate was only 29, there was no age limit on getting married, but sometimes it would get to him. But for the sake of Charlie, he would not sulk around. He walked into the house with a polite smile on his face, "Sorry, I hope I didn't have you all waiting too long." Nathaniel shook everyone's hands and gave Cody any extra nod of the head. He was still a bit suspicious of that one, especially after what Katie said. Katherine Hastings was no liar. "Congrats again." he told Charlie with a smile.

"Girls after my own heart. I'll definitely have to hit the gym tomorrow. Gotta look slim for the dress" Charlie joked, even though he and Alice would definitely be working off the hangover tomorrow at the gym. It was their typical routine. Charlie picked up an eclair and drank more of his drink. Once Nathaniel was there, Charlie could see the anxiety wash over Cody's face. He must be really concerned about saying the right things. Maybe Cody was actually legit about this one. But it was his bachelor party, so Charlie didn't want to meddle too much. The boys were all here, and life was good. It was going to be a great night, "Thanks man. I'm glad you're here. Office wasn't too bad with me taking off early today?" said Charlie, he always felt guilty for taking time off but it was final details with Katie day. She'd shown up to the office to get him, and he'd let them know two weeks in advance. He was just a really hard worker, overworked himself even. It was all about showing Bryce up at the end of the day.

Nathaniel shook his head, "Not at all, I had made sure to put a reminder that you were leaving early. I appreciate the notice in advance, by the way." Nathaniel liked to make sure everything was in order, he had always been like that. Spontaneous decisions were not frequent for him. "You've been doing great, no need to worry about anything." he added with a friendly smile. Playing favorites wasn't exactly something Nathaniel did often, but he did really like Charlie, though there wasn't much to compare. The only source of competition for Charlie was Bryce, and well ... Nate quickly understood why people in town didn't like him very much. "But enough about work, this is your night. We're here to have a good time." He then turned to Cody, keeping the smile on his face, "I'm glad you're here too. I've been meaning to reach out. Get to know each other better, you know?"

Cody was naturally really nervous around Nathaniel, but he didn't show it. This was the time to be confident. "Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. Bella and I have been meaning to do more with you guys" said Cody, lying because why not. He was sure they would do more stuff with the families soon. Now that school was out, it was a necessity. They had their trip next week, "she's coming out to the lake house with us really soon" Cody added, "there'll be plenty of time for her to work on her art. Get to know my parents. Things are getting pretty serious". Cody needed to sell that he wasn't some sort of romantic jackass like his reputation showed. Nathaniel probably didn't listen to gossip, but then again everyone in town did. It made it hard to do anything in Hastings.

"We're on different schedules most of the time, which is pretty unfortunate. Veronica is usually with Eleanor, and Fiona is such a mystery. She'll go off to who knows where from time to time." Nathaniel said, followed by a small chuckle. "But we come together more during the summer, probably because Founders Day is so close. Our parents like us all to be together when they host their events. So I'm sure we'll see each other more." Nathaniel wanted to make sure Cody had good intentions with this relationship. Bella was devastated after her breakup with Landon. She had pretty much shut down and stopped talking to everyone. He didn't want to see her like that again. "Is that what you want?" he asked, referring to Cody's comment about things getting serious. "Casual relationships are always fine, it's just being on the same page with one another is what matters most."

Cody was holding on strong. If he could get out of this he would, but here they were. Committing to the bit. "Yeah, it's what I want with her. She's different. Good for me. I'd like to think I'm good for her too" said Cody kindly with a shrug, "I don't express much, so this is a lot for me". Cody wanted him to back off about everything, the less focus there was on Cody and Bella the better the lie would look. Put a microscope up to it and everything would fall apart, "but she's got me opening up for sure. Slow and steady though" he assured.

Nathaniel listened with a friendly smile on his face, "Well that's very nice. I'm happy for you both." Though everything seemed fine so far, Nate was aware that Cody wouldn't say something dumb in front of him either. He was literally Bella's brother after all. But there was no reason to push any further, if this was someone that his sister was serious about, he wanted to develop some kind of relationship with him. Be optimistic until Cody gave a reason not to be, that was the plan. "I'm sorry if I'm being too pushy, especially right now of all times." he let out a laugh. Sometimes Nathaniel didn't know when to just have a good time. He really needed to loosen up. "I'm sure I'll be seeing a lot more of you anyways, so there's more than enough time to get to know each other. But tonight is about Charlie." he said as he patted Charlie's back.

Cody shook his head when Nathaniel said he was being too pushy. For Cody, he absolutely was. But towards the guy his youngest sister was dating? Absolutely called for. Cody got it. "Not at all" he lied. "We will definitely be around" Cody said, knowing that was the crux of their agreement. "Tonight is all about Charlie" he repeated. It was important to keep the focus off of him, and he was going to be good tonight just to appease Nathaniel. They had a great night, all of them. Eventually meeting up with Alice and her girls. Cody felt almost normal hanging out with his brother and his friends. //END

#chalice wedding #charlie: thread #cody: thread #ross: thread #threads || charlie and cody #threads || cody and charlie #threads || charlie and ross #threads || ross and charlie #threads || cody and ross #threads || ross and cody #threads || marshall and charlie #threads || marshall and cody #threads || marshall and ross #threads || nathaniel and charlie #threads || nathaniel and cody #threads || nathaniel and ross

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anxiousdepressedintrovert · 6 years

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Otome Friday

Antares Route

-Eggplant is a dumbass.

-But you already knew that

-I hope the creature eats the eggplant.

-Damn. Eggplant got away.

-First aid for Antares.

-Yay! The eggplant got arrested.

-Lmao “enjoy your title while you still have it”

-*ahem* GIVE CORVUS FACIAL EXPRESSIONS!!! He deserves more than this!!

-Oh fuck. CG nearly made me spit potatoes. (I was eating hash browns at the time of writing this.)

-Meeting with the higher ups went well.

-Eggplant got demoted and 20 years.

-Final episode

-That went by really quickly

-Why. Why do we have to kiss him in front of the superiors? (Oh ADI no you don’t...No no, I’m going to.)

-I like drama.

-So no drama. Just Antares showering Zella with compliments

-Yay, we can get married.

-Oh dear. Zella wants to invite his family. His brother.

-Now he’s pouting like a child being forced to make up with his brother.

-Oh wait. He is.

-The Promise crew is precious.

-Atlas! “Blink once if he’s holding you against your will”

-Omg. I think that’s the first smile I’ve seen from Atlas in this route.

-Well fuck. The plant for the antidote is gone.

-Say goodbye to the universe kids!!

Antonio Route

-Here’s hoping I actually like his route.

-If it’s a betrayal route I’m out. Fuck that.

-So the premise is that he’s sponsoring Grace on a trip. And that’s he’s actually after Ziva. What?

-Here we go

-....University of Barcelona. I’m not jealous. (I am. Spain is beautiful)

-....Damn. Damn him for looking so hot in a fucking t-shirt

-So we’re trying to sell the house in this one

-Oh fuck no! who is this fucing creep!

-Lol they called him “will sleep when he’s dead”

-What the fuck is going on?!

-He gonna come back and bite you Ziva.

-Interesting interaction with Mac.

-Again. Why is Ziva/MC sleeping on the couch? Does that house only have 2 rooms? I doubt it. Considering her parents had a study in there.

-This is a long ass first chapter

-Antonio out here staking mfers

-Ew. Victor’s still in this one. Can we stake him now. Ya know, get it over with?

-Did we have to go the twilight route with the reveal? Really?

-”Why does he have to be so terrible yet so good looking?” That sums up Antonio’s character right there.

-They pulled a “damn bitch you live like this”

-WTF is that interior?! Omg it’s so gaudy.

-”He vants to suck your blood!” LOL I can’t take anything seriously

-Okay. We might be actually getting somewhere with the whole Ziva/MC is not what she seems angle

-You know, for a servant, Victor is awfully mouthy

-It’s cute that Ziva is worried about Mac getting roping into supernatural stuff.

-UGH! What I hate about this route is that Victor’s in it.

-Arguing with Victor about the decor is my new fav thing

-AHHHHHHHH I love this so much.

-Tired Buyer is up to some shit

-NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Ziva don’t be stupid!!

-OMG I can’t believe this is actually happening!

-Ziva you’re a dumb ass.

The Royal Romance

-Aw shit it’s back!!

-Gimme my King!

-I can’t resist the opportunity to throw shade. Especially at Neville

-Murderking is excited for the duel. Cause of course he is.

-And they’re doing this with real swords?

-Okay...

-Yas Drake. Throwing all the shade. “I have respect for my betters. I just don’t consider you one of them”

-WHAT THE FUCK?!!

-Dude just got shot (in the arm) and now he’s getting stabbed!

-We go from sword fighting to WWE. I love it

-Of course when the sword gets pointed at him, Neville shows how much of a coward he truly is. (And then he shaves his head and goes to word for Eros)

-Where’s your baby Savannah?

-Olivia I love you!

-It’s her Aunt. Like we already knew.

-Though I was hoping for it to be like Drake’s mom or something.

-Oh that last option is so tempting. So very tempting.

-But I don’t need anymore enemies. Middle option it is.

-Did we really need the purple goblet? I mean I love it but come on.

-Olivia don’t be sad!

-Stories about little Olivia.

-I hope.

-Jesus. Yeah we get more background on murderking

-That’s right Olivia, Riley is here for you!!!

-Say it with me “Frrriiiieeeennnndddsssss”

-And we’re back to dealing with the baby drama

-At least it was free

-I’m just trying to stretch this chapter as far as it will go

-This back and forth is getting on my nerves

-Dude a 14 year old is better at dealing with their feelings than Bertrand

-OMG!

-Ugh it’s finally over!!

-30 diamonds to spend time with Liam....ugh fine!!!

-Yeah, your favorite spot right after the hedge maze.

-We got new underwear

-No old people staring while we sleep thank you

-Hey it’s Leo!

-Yes. One of the things Leo’s good for. Backstory.

-Liam though Bastian was a vampire. Cute

-Murderking wants to get sentimental.

-I notice how Leo didn’t speak to Regina. Like...at all.

-That is a decked out necklace

-gimme

-someone decided to bomb the place.

-I swear to god.

-Also can PB treat injuries like they’re actual injuries?

Blood Bound

-I’m getting tired of this book. Seriously tired of it.

-I’m gonna try to finish it out but I may drop it after the first one.

-I want to know what Kelsey/MC is.

-Cause we all know she ain’t human

-Here we go

-Yas Kamilah! Burn them!

-Bruh. Your system is worse than the American Legal system. And that’s fucked

-Nicole you shady bitch.

-Is there anything Nicole didn’t have her hand in?

-Lily quoting Missy Elliot is life!

-I’m not touching Nicole unless I have to...

-Nicole. You’re going above and beyond. Calm down.

-Why did you bring Jax into this?! Leave him alone!

-OMG!

-Ugh! I think I’d rather be sitting next to Lester than let the Baron touch me. Puke

-Baron backstory? No thank you...

-I need a full body picture of Kamilah in 1920s garb stat!

-Gaius. Why don’t you change your clothes?

-Omg. It’s just like the movie “Daybreaker” (great movie btw)

-Hold shit. Gaius wants(ed) to release a fucking plague

-One more fragment. (the head)

-I never noticed the pile of bodies in the lower right corner of the tapestry

-Oh I so glad it was part of the plan

-How the hell did you hide those clunky ass goggles under your shirts?

-Why is Adrian half naked?

-I pulled the lever

-WHo’s the little boy?

-I love Kamilah so much!!! “Bashed his head in with a trophy” savage af

-Adrian and Jax sizing each other up. I ship it

-I FUCKING CALLED IT!!!!

-I KNEW SHE WAS A SHADY HOE!! RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING OMG I FUCKING CALLED IT!!!!

-Shit. I’m gonna go play the lottery

-This is why I don’t give side characters chances, They do shit like this!!!

Veil of Secrets

-”And then I ran into the masked man” and decided to have his babies

- -And the masked man is....Flynn

-Called it. So did 90% of the fandom

-”Everything ok?” Yeah I just need to calm my thirst.

-ex-con or not.

-I didn’t ask for a flashback!

-Magelo

-OMG Kate was living out her favorite book!

-Oh ew it’s a nanny cam bear

-lockbox Password is Magelo

-How old are you Flynn!

-Kate suspected Tanner of cheating

-But what if I want to beat Tanner’s face in?

-Going on a yacht with Flynn

-FLYNN!!!

-Ugh Bryce again. (I REALLY hope that the chief of police is his daddy. They look too much alike for it to be otherwise)

-Ulysses is also the ship’s name

-HOLY FUCK!!!! TANNER’S DEAD!!!

-Omg. That was wow!

#lovestruck voltage #Antares Route #Antonio Route #playchoices #The Royal Romance #Blood Bound #Veil of Secrets

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scarlettrhettelizabethrichard · 3 years

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Chapter 5. The Heir to Vayton & Son Ltd, my GWTW fanfiction “The Robillard Boutique”

Charleston, January 1875 Aymeric Vayton, a large landowner and a leading figure in Charleston society, had just died of a heart attack. Duncan's return to his birthplace was brutal. The serenity that had protected the „Soft South“ Plantation was shattered. He rushed to comfort his mother and sister about the painful loss of the patriarch. The funeral had had held the previous month while he was still in the boat, crossing the ocean for coming back to Charleston. When he arrived, he required a memory celebration in which attended the Charleston community, the planters of the Old South, Southern and Yankee businessmen gathered for the occasion, and many strangers. This recognition warmed the hearts of the three mourners. Duncan had always been a good son, and his father had enjoyed praising him. In his honour, the business man had renamed his empire Vayton Ltd to Vayton & Son Ltd, eager to see his heir succeed him. With a touch of remorse, the young man was aware that he had disappointed him in one respect: his reluctance to marry had not allowed Aymeric to be assured of any descendant of the Vayton branch. Now heir to the largest plantation in South Carolina and head of one of the largest fortunes in the United States of America, the young industrialist was also going to have to face the marasms of the economic recession that was coming down like a big black cloud. Fortunately, Aymeric Vayton had been a clever manager. He had secured his fortune in gold bullion and had not made speculative investments in suspiciously booming stock companies. Therefore, he was not affected by the Coinage Act. The planter's son's first concern was the future of his family's cotton plantation which stretched for miles and miles along the Sotono River. The fall in production had been staggering from 1861 to 1866 - when it was fortunate, as at Soft South, that his estate had not been burnt down and the cotton plants ransacked by the Yankees during the war. Aymeric Vayton had held on. By 1868, the number of bales coming out of his warehouses had returned to pre-war levels, as had the other large farms.* The plantation could continue to prosper on the Sotono River. At the end of the war, the money of Aymeric Vayton had partly melted, because, alike may Charlestonians, he had generously given part of his fortune to the Confederate Army. But, very quickly, the Vayton patriarch regained colors and diversified his fortune. Over the years, huge tracts of land in the most dynamic southern states had come into the possession of Charleston's oldest family. Aymeric had set his sights on well-irrigated farmland, some fertile for rice paddies, others for cotton or wheat. Aymeric Vayton had the foresight to plant indigo’s trees as far as the eye could see. He was inspired by the meteoric success of the Coffin family's move to Beauford. The Coffins had become the largest producers of indigo, not only for South Carolina, but for the South as well. The Charlestonian did not aim to match their market’ share, but the gains he got from this additional culture let him say that his gamble paid off.

While reading the notarial records of Vayton & Son Ltd, Duncan hardly believed his eyes finding out that he owned now these wide fields of indigo trees. « Father, you bequeathed me a « war treasor », the indigo ! This is going to be the special touch, the „griffe“ of „La Mode Duncan“…. After 1865, Aymeric Vayton chose to expand into real estate by investing in old buildings, focusing on colonial planters' mansions and antebellum mansions in the historic centres of Charleston, Savannah and New Orleans. All had suffered some damage during the war and had been bought at very low prices. Betting on the demand for a return to authenticity, he had surrounded himself with a solid team of restoring architects, masons, ironworkers, painters, carpenters and decorators who all advocated quality craftsmanship and respect for Southern elegance. Certainly, the added value generated by the embellishment of these well-built mansions would further perpetuate the Vayton heir's capital, even though this was not a good time to be selling property. But Vayton & Son Limited could afford to put its investments on hold until the economy recovered. Discovering the numerous buildings owned by Vayton & Son Ltd, Duncan got an idea : «Oh ! There are at least three antebellum houses which will be useful for «La Mode Duncan“ ! Satisfied with the infrastructure of the business created by his father, Duncan had the wisdom to keep his teams in place, reappointing some key men to bring new blood and energy to Vayton & Son Limited. The choice of safeguarding and restoring the historical and architectural heritage of the Old South ends up certifying the image of respectability and generosity of the Vayton family. In the same spirit, the recession and poverty that were beginning to flare up made Duncan decide that future family action should be in this charitable vein. The day after his father’s tribute, he spoke with Cathleen and Melina about this. "Mother, Melina, I would like to share my concern with you. Our family needs to be there to alleviate the suffering that is starting to show for all those brave Charlestonians who have just lost their jobs. The misery will increase throughout the year, probably for the next two or three years. The financial crash will result in a cascade of bankruptcies of many industries and businesses. What can be done to help the poor employees who will be left "out in the cold? » "I am moved by your initiative, which does not surprise me, my dear son. You have a big heart, like your sister. We should first create a foundation that will structure our good deeds. » "What if we named it "Aymeric Vayton Charity's Foundation » said Melina excitedly.. What do you think? » "Very good! Your father would be proud. I will invite my friends of the Embroidery Circle and the Friends of Literature to share our ideas. It is true that the charitable initiatives of Charleston's good society are disparate. Our foundation will bring them together and coordinate their actions. » "Mother, we should be able to identify as soon as possible the needy who are in emergency, those who no longer have enough to eat. Could you ask the priests and pastors of the neighbouring parishes? I think that these indications will be precious and will allow us to organise a distribution of meals as soon as possible. » Melina applauded. "It's going to be a tough job. But I'm so proud to be part of a family that wants to do good around them. » "That is agreed. Mother and Melina, you will take charge of the foundation. With advisors, of course. We will decide on an annual budget. It is up to you to distribute the funds according to the urgency. For my part, I will unfortunately be too busy with the weaving factory and the creation of my sewing workshop." Before going about his business, Duncan added, "I have another suggestion for you. Now that Father is gone, it would be sad for the two of you to live alone on the Soft South plantation. My fashion shop is going to be based in Charleston, and I have just bought there a fine house with a large garden in Old Town. I shall be very glad if you will come and move in with me. Will you do me the honor? » "This is great news, my son. It is true that I have so many fond memories in our beautiful colonial house. It is haunted by the laughter of the two of you as children. I must admit, though, that continuing to live there without my husband would be too painful. » "Mother, during the hot Charleston summer, we'll be enjoying as a family the paradise that is our beloved Soft South. So don't be too melancholic. How convenient it will be for you to be close to the members of your charitable circles. And having you both near me will enable me to spoil you with invitations to restaurants and the theatre. » "You are right, Duncan. I'm very happy with this decision. I know Melina is already excited about being able to live near her friends. Isn't she? "The delighted look on her daughter's face left no doubt in her mind. "Have you already selected an available property in the old town? » Duncan's cheeky smile broke out: "Well, yes, I've found the gem! At the Battery, a large three-storey house perfectly restored, with all the comforts, wide piazas, magnolias. In short, happiness for the three of us! The neighbourhood is peaceful, and I presume that many of your acquaintances have taken up residence there. » „ Oh ! I’ve almost forgotten : the building is next door to a friend of yours, Mother. I think I remember you telling me about her. A certain Butler. Yes, I remember now, it is Mrs. Eleonor Butler.» **** Endnote : My sources of information on the cotton economy and textile mills in the USA in 1870 are based on Louis Reybaud's thesis published in 1870, "L'Industrie et les Ouvriers du Coton aux États-Unis depuis la guerre de secession", Revue des Deux Mondes, 2nd period, volume 90, 1870. Indigo cultivation in South Carolina in the 19th century: Beauford (source Wikipedia).

#Gonewiththewind, #fanfiction, #GWTW fanfiction, #Rhett Butler, #Scarlett O’Hara, #Charleston, #Old South, #1873 krach

Disclaimers : I do not own the characters and the story of Gone With The Wind which belong to Margaret Mitchell.

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