#trr drake

[angelasscribbles]

Summer Vacation

Series: None, this is a one-shot and you can find those here.

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Drake x F!OC

Rating: NSFW 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋

Warnings for this chapter: Lemons

Word Count: 2,245

A/N: Screaming at the top of my lungs Happy Birthday @nestledonthaveone!!!! Sorry it's a little late but it's not midnight, so it's still your birthday!!!

My other stuff: Master List.

The mood board was made by @harleybeaumont specifically for this fic!

Jen’s summer vacation was going great. Europe was fun and the group of friends she was traveling with made it even better. They were supposed to be in Italy, but a train schedule mix-up had them stranded overnight in a country she’d never heard of. Cordonia or something.

But there was no use wasting a perfectly good night sitting at the hotel, so she found herself in a nightclub with her friends, waiting for the popular band they’d come to see play. The warmup band was one she’d never heard of before, but they were good. They had a weird name though.

“What the hell does Squid Whiskey mean?” Jen laughed as her eyes scanned the men on stage.

The drummer was hot.

Hell, they were all hot, but that drummer took the cake. She’d gotten a good look at him during the last break when he’d left the stage to get a drink at the bar. Tall, broad-shouldered, and muscular with chestnut brown hair falling almost to his shoulders.

He threw the drink back and then slammed the glass on the bar in front of him, his eyes meeting hers as he turned to go. He paused when he realized she was staring at him. A seductive smirk crawled across his face; he gave her a flirty wink before turning and striding back to the stage.

“I don’t know,” her best friend laughed back, “but I wouldn’t kick any of those guitarists out of my bed!”

“The guitarists, mm-hmm,” Jen agreed absently as her eyes stayed locked on the drummer.

Sweat flew from the tips of his hair as he tossed his head to get it out of his eyes, the drumsticks never pausing in their dance across the percussion instruments. Toward the end of the last song, he stood up, his arms moving impossibly fast as he played. She could see the muscles in his arms and chest rippling through his skin-tight, soaking-wet grey t-shirt. When the song ended, he twirled the sticks in his fingers before tossing one into the air and catching it again as his eyes lifted to take in the audience.

Her heart skipped a beat as his eyes landed on her. She was sure it wasn’t on purpose; his eyes must have just randomly fallen on her, yet she found herself unable to tear her gaze away. It became apparent that it wasn’t a coincidence as his eyes stayed locked on her while the band took their final bows. Before leaving the stage, his mouth curved up into a smile as he pointed at her and then at the bar.

Her mouth went dry as she nodded.

She became aware of her best friend pulling on her as she squealed, “Did that just happen?”

“You saw it too? I wasn’t imagining that?”

“No, that was real! Are you going to do it? Are you going to meet him at the bar?”

“Hell yes, I am! Don’t wait up!”

She was waiting at the bar when a deep, rumbly voice spoke into her ear from behind, “Hey.”

Adrenaline, anxiety, and desire surged through her veins as she turned to find him standing extremely close. She tried for nonchalance as she replied, “Hey yourself.”

That sexy ass grin broke out across his face again as he took the seat next to her, “Can I buy you a drink? What are you having?”

“I wouldn’t turn down tequila.”

She studied his profile as he flagged down the bartender. His hair was still damp with sweat and matted to his forehead. The front of his shirt was similarly wet. He turned back and caught her staring. His fingers pulled at his shirt, fanning himself with it, “Sorry, I’m a mess right now.”

“No, it’s fine,” she assured him, “Somehow you make sweaty look attractive.”

Shit. Did she say that out loud?

The grin was back as he extended his hand, “Drake, by the way. And you are….?”

“Jen,” she took his hand, and bolts of electricity jolted up her arm and cascaded through her body.

Well, shit. She was in trouble. But it was the best kind of trouble.

“You’re American? Texan specifically, right?”

Her mouth fell open, “How’d you know that?”

“The accent,” he took the drinks from the bartender and slid hers over to her, “My mom is from Texas.”

“No shit?”

“No shit! Cheers!” He held his shot glass up to her and then downed it in one fluid motion.

He scooted his bar stool closer to her and leaned in so she could hear him over the next act that had just started playing, “So what brings you to Cordonia?”

“A train schedule mix-up,” she told him, “We were supposed to be in Italy tonight.”

“Remind me to thank whoever was in charge of the train schedule.”

Jen blushed as she stared down into her empty glass, “What exactly would you be thanking them for?”

“The chance to meet you, of course! Would you like another drink?”

“I really don’t think I should, I’m already a little tipsy,” she admitted. What she didn’t add was how much his very nearness was throwing her off balance. The strong jawline, the five o’clock shadow, the broad shoulders, the still damp hair, and the musky scent wafting around her all conspired to spike her heart rate and send her desire for him into overdrive.

As if he could read all of that in her body language, he gave her that sexy smirk again, and leaned even closer, his breath brushing across her ear as he asked, “We could do something else. I’m open to suggestions.”

“We could go back to your place,” she responded, surprised at her own boldness. She wasn’t usually so forward. Maybe it was the tequila, maybe it was the knowledge that she would never see him again and this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, or maybe it was the irresistible force that she felt pulling them together, the way her body heated under his gaze, the longing for his touch.

His grin broadened then faltered, “I would like nothing more, but I live three hours away. What about your hotel room?”

Jen shook her head, “I’m sharing a room with three other people.”

His brows furrowed as he scanned the club. His features brightened when his gaze fell on a hallway toward the back. He wrapped an arm around her and brushed soft kisses along her neck before whispering in her ear, “I have an idea if you’re up for it.”

She shivered as chills cascaded down her spine. She licked her lips as her eyes met his. The intensity in his gaze set off a series of electric shocks throughout her body. She nodded. She was going to say yes to whatever he suggested.

Taking her by the hand, he led her through the throngs of people to the hallway in the back. They slipped hand in hand down the corridor to a small door near the emergency exit. Drake glanced back down the hallway ensuring no one was watching then pushed the door open and pulled her through it.

The moment the door was shut, they were all over each other. Her hands ran across his chest and shoulders, traced up his back, and skimmed along the back of his neck to run through his hair. She wasn’t sure which she’d wanted to do most, touch his hair or taste his lips. She did both as his tongue pushed into her mouth and his hands explored her body.

His touch trailed fire along her skin as his fingers slipped under the hem of her blouse and glided upwards to wrap around her ample breasts.

Her body arched up into his touch and her head fell back against the wall as his lips moved from her mouth to the hollow of her throat. He quickly divested her of the blouse and bra. She tugged at his shirt, but her fingers were trembling. He stepped away from her long enough to jerk the shirt over his head and toss it somewhere behind them.

She ran her fingers through his hair again then released it so she could give proper attention to the rest of him. Her hands ran appreciatively across the hard planes of his body, every muscle taut as he struggled to hold himself in check.

His lips moved from her throat down her chest to the valley between her breasts, pausing long enough to lavish each one with attention. His fingers joined his tongue to twirl and tease at her erect nipples before moving lower to slip into the waistband of her skirt and panties, easing them down her body as his lips continued their downward trek.

“Oh, my God….” She moaned, threading her fingers back in his hair as he settled on his knees in front of her.

His eyes lifted to lock on her face as his tongue made contact with her center.

“Fuuuuuck!” Her body pitched forward as tendrils of pleasure snaked through her being, coiling and pooling in her core.

His tongue worked her expertly as her body twisted and writhed against the smooth coolness of the storeroom wall. His mouth continued its relentless assault, licking, sucking, and flicking between her legs, humming as he pulled her clit into his mouth again and again until darkness blurred the edges of her vision and she jolted forward, screaming out his name, her hands pulling his hair as waves of pleasure surged and crested over her.

He retook his feet with a cocky grin on his face, licking his lips as he told her, “You taste amazing!”

Jen was too busy gasping for air to answer him. The aftershocks from the orgasm still pulsing through her. She lifted her gaze to watch as he slowly unbuttoned and pushed his pants and underwear down. Her eyes widened in appreciation when she saw what he’d been hiding in there.

His cock sprang free, rock hard, the tip glistening with precum. He lowered his lips to her ear, “I’m going to fuck you now unless you have any objections to that.”

She couldn’t help the smile that flooded her features, “I have no objections to that, sir!”

“Good girl,” he crooned as he slid his hardened length slowly into her.

“Oh!” She gasped at the delicious fullness as he penetrated her. Her arms clutched him tightly as her fingers pressed into his shoulders. She gave herself over to the sensations that immersed her. The intoxicating smell of him, the way his muscles coiled and rolled under her touch as he moved in and out of her, his fingers digging into her ass as he held her up, the smoothness of the wall as her body collided into it with each thrust, the low, primal sounds rumbling through him, the slickness of his sweat as it mingled with her own, the salty taste that danced across her tongue when she licked that sweat from his chest, the rough scrape of stubble against her cheek; every scent, every sound, every touch flaming her desire higher and higher until she once again careened over the edge, coming apart under his touch, his passion, his desperate, frenzied thrusting.

She tried to swear as the second orgasm ripped through her body, but the words all came out garbled as ecstasy stole all her composure.

His movements became more frenzied, more frantic, and less rhythmic as the sounds and sensations of her pleasure sent his own release crashing over him. Feral sounds issued from his throat as he exploded, his cock pulsing over and over as he emptied himself into her. He leaned against her, pinning her to the wall as they both worked to regain their breath. He finally lowered her gently to the floor before running his hands through her hair and placing a soft kiss on her forehead, “Damn, that was amazing!”

“We should…find our clothes,” she panted, suddenly worried about someone catching them, a concern that had flown right out of her head earlier.

“Yeah…okay…in a minute…” he pulled her back in for another kiss.

She melted into it, once again forgetting to be concerned about the fact that the storeroom door did not have a lock on it.

When he released her, he bent and scooped some clothes from the ground, “Here,” he held her shirt out to her.

“Thanks,” she took it as she scanned the ground for the rest of her clothing. She quickly gathered everything she could find. When she was wearing everything but the one item she couldn’t find, she turned to him and asked, “Have you seen my panties?”

“These?” he held them up with a grin, “You’re not getting these back!”

“What?”

“Tell you what,” he fastened up his pants and then stuck the panties in his pocket, “If you want them back, you have to let me come visit you in Texas.”

Surprise and elation pulled through her, “You want to come visit me back home?”

“Yes,” he affirmed as he pulled his shirt on, “Can I?”

“I think I’d like that,” she agreed.

“Fantastic! Come on, I’ll give you a ride to your hotel and you can give me your number in the car.”

He offered her his hand and she threaded her fingers through his, letting him lead her outside as a sense of contentment settled over her.

This had turned out to be the best summer vacation ever.

#trr au #trr fanfic #trr drake #drake walker #the royal romance #Happy Birthday Jen #the royal romance fanfic #choices #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #trr #trr fanfiction #choices trr #trr fandom #summer vacation

[cadybear420]

I'm thinking of edit of Drake baby cg with a background of trans and/or gay flag but I can't edit 😭😭

I gotchu fam

#choices stories you play #choices #choices game #choices stories we play fandom #choices stories we play #trr drake #choices trr #trr #drake walker #the royal romance drake #trh #choices trh #the royal heir #choices the royal heir #trr edits #trr edit #my edit #my edits #cadybear's edits #choices edits #choices edit

[bebepac]

The Moments In Between

I am participating in @choicesflashfics prompt : “I don’t have a date, so would you ... maybe want to be my plus one?” will appear in bold 

I am also participating in @choiceschallenge-may2023 for falling in love.

Letting you know now, this story is probably the most canon I have written. This is not my OG Riley and Liam  and in this universe Liam and Riley did not spend the night together as all my other headcanon stories have them.  Liam has kept his emotional distance like canon.....which has invited the opportunity for Drake to make an appearance.  

This could be seen as a prequel to  If Only for the Night

The Book:  TRR Pairings:  Riley x Drake? Warnings and Ratings:  None! Word Count: 1121 Summary:  Riley meets Drake in the Lythikos wine cellar for a drink Song Inspiration:  That Don’t Impress Me Much by Shania Twain

A/N: I’m sure this title has been used in fics before, so hopefully no one is offended by it, but I’m taking it from the Canon diamond scene. 

AN2:  This story actually came to my mind because of a conversation I had with @angelasscribbles as we were talking about Drake. I had thought then, that conversation would not give me any writing ideas, but SURPRISE!

Original post:  05.27.23 at 9:31PM  EST. 

To be honest, I wasn’t even surprised about how the trip was going being in Lythikos for Olivia’s tribute to Prince Liam.  The room she put me in was basically a refurbished broom closet, dinner was served to my table cold with portions of the entree missing.  

But what struck me and what did surprise me is that Liam didn’t notice, and never checked up on us, supposedly his true blue friends were all sitting at the neglected table and he didn’t even glance in our direction the whole evening.  

And not to mention….the kiss. He let her kiss him in front of the whole court. He genuinely appeared surprised when it happened, but everyone at the table, all their eyes were trained on me for a response.  I mean honestly, what could I say?  

Prince Liam is not my boyfriend, I’m a suitor in this game we’re all playing.  I am competing for a man that at this point has no true allegiance to me.

Nonchalantly I shrugged my shoulders.  “She went for it.  You know, she doesn’t usually get this much individual time with the Prince, so I can’t fault her for shooting her shot.”  

“You’re a lot calmer than I thought you would be, Brooks.”  

“I mean, these so-called 'noble' royals have been showing me who they are this whole time, I’d be a fool not to believe them.”  

“You deserve a drink Brooks,  meet up with me later, and we’ll find where the good stuff you like is stored in this keep.”  

“I really might have to take you up on that.”  

Liam finally cornered me for a brief moment, as I stood on the balcony letting the cool wind in a way revitalize me.  

“Are you angry with me for what happened?”

“No.”  

“I thought you might be.”  

“How can I Liam? you haven’t so much as stated any intentions you have for me, or of any feelings for me because you say, you can’t.  You have a duty to your people and I get that.  But don’t forget, all of us are “your people, and we are getting mistreated by some of these people that are supposed to be the “Nobility.”

“I heard about what happened to you all with your meals by the waitstaff, it’s very unfortunate.”

“You mean what they were told to do to us  by the Duchess of the Keep?”

Liam took his hands in mine.

“Let me make it up to you. Come meet me tonight.  My room has the most beautiful view of the Lythikos landscape and a wonderful hot tub that I have yet to want to use, but would love to enjoy it with you.”

Seriously Liam? That don’t impress me much. 

 I thought in my head.

“It’s been a really long day Liam.”  

Liam frowned for a moment.  His smile returned as he kissed my hand.  

“I promise you it will be relaxing, and I’ll keep my hands to myself, that is unless you want a massage.”

I felt my resolve wavering for a moment but then it recharged when I remembered all the bad treatment I had experienced while visiting in Lythikos thanks to the Scarlett Duchess herself.

“I’ll wait for you just the same.”  

“If I’m not too tired by the end of these festivities, I’ll definitely meet you.”

My mind  was already made up as I walked away from him.

That evening when I made it back to the cupboard under the stairs that was my room,  I freshened up a bit, and changed my clothes.  I had more than one choice and I had decided how I wanted to spend my evening.

And I feel like I made the right decision as when he turned around he genuinely looked surprised to see me.  

“Hey! I don’t have a date, so would you maybe want to be my plus one?”

“Brooks!  I didn’t think you would show.  I had heard Liam had invited you…”

“I could use that drink more, it’s been a helluva day.  This is how the working class unwinds, not in hot tubs and seeing glorious views of the Lythikos backcountry. If we’re being totally honest, the Lythikos backcountry can kiss my rounded backside.”  

Drake laughed.

“I hear that.  Sounds like you’re ready to start popping some bottles?”  

“Hell yeah I am!”  

I started going through the bottles of Wine in the cellar, when I noticed Drake wasn’t doing the same.  

“Aren’t you going to pick some too?”

“Naw, I brought my stash. This was more about you, I know today was a rough day for you.”  

Drake produced a silver and black flask with the Cordonian Crest on it.  

“I mean not really, people have been showing me their true colors since I got here.  And Liam, can’t be who he was when he was in New York here, at least not in public. So is that Whiskey? The third Level of your food group pyramid?”

“Hey if that’s the third level, what are the first two?”

“Isn’t it obvious?  Meat  is level one, Potatoes are level two.”

“You get me Brooks, and yes it’s Whiskey.”  

“So are you sharing that?”

“I can.  You know you’re really a lot different than I thought you were when we all first met in New York.”

“You should know not to judge a book by its cover Drake, as much as the Nobility of Cordonia are constantly judging you here.”  

“You’re different.”  

“No, I’m the same, you just didn’t see me for who I truly was before, and now you’re finally getting a glimpse.”  

Was Drake Walker blushing, and why was he staring at me that way?

“This is me relaxed, just being myself.  Not behaving like a trained dolphin for the cameras.  The moments in between where I get to be just Riley. You know, this is the most we’ve talked Walker, you’re not half bad.”  

Drake was staring at me as if he was in  some sort of trance, after a few moments he snapped out of it.  

“We should toast.  To the moments in between where we can relax and be ourselves, with no added pressure.”

He took a sip from the flask and held it out to me, right when I was about to grab it, he snatched it back.

“Pass it here, I don’t have mouth herpes or anything. Besides, the alcohol would kill the germs anyway.”

He looked to be weighing the validity of the idea in his head for a few moments and then came up to the resolution, nodding to me in agreement.

“Seems legit.”  

I held up the flask and before I drank, I smiled at Drake.

“To the moments in between.” 

#bebepac writes #trr fanfic #trr fandom #choices fanfic #trr riley #trr drake #riley x drake #choices fic writers creations #choicesflashfics #choices monthly challenge #if only for the night

[drake-walker-appreciation]

Drake's Birthday Celebration!

We have set Drake's birthday celebration for August and hope you'll join us with fics, drabbles, artwork and more! Special thanks to @aussiegurl1234 for the graphic!

The event will take place from August 1st through August 12th of 2023.

RULES:

All mediums accepted! Fanfiction, fan art, mood boards, HC's, whatever you've got!

Must be themed/centered around Drake's birthday and present him positively.

You must tag @drake-walker-appreciation

The deadline is 11:59 p.m. CST on August 12th, 2023.

A couple of important points:

The event is in August, but you may place his birthday in whatever month you HC it is!

Throwbacks featuring Drake's birthday are more than welcome!

Please reach out to this blog, @angelasscribbles or @karahalloway with any questions or suggestions!

We know his birthday, much like most of the PB timeline is nebulous so for anyone interested, here's the thought process about its placement, under the cut:

I think it’s common knowledge that PB’s timeline is total crap.

MC is told that the social season is a “few months” long, but if you follow the actual time stops given in the stoy…. “the next day…”, “a few days later…” etc, then the timeline is two and half weeks-ish. It’s like day 11 by time stops when MC is told that the season is “more than half over” despite the season being several months long. The Apple Blossom Festival is immediately after this, and Drake’s birthday happens during it.

We obviously can’t depend on anything about this timeline to tell us when his birthday falls.

Instead, we can look at the timeline that the actual social season in England follows. There is ample proof that plenty of the details of how royalty and the social season work in TRR are based on England, so this feels like a good option.

Besides, they left us no choice but to figure it out on our own, so any method you chose to use is valid since this is fiction. I personally did a deep dive into the social season in England both historically and in modern times.

The social season is four months long, starting in early April and ending on the Twelfth of August aka the start of the shooting season.

Applewood and the Apple Blossom Festival happen just before the Beaumont Bash, which is canonically the last official event of the social season. Therefore, I place the bash in the first half of August. MC drives from the festival events at Applewood directly to Ramsford so we can assume those activities take place at the end of July or beginning of August.

The next clue comes with the very title of this festival: Apple Blossom Festival. It’s not a harvest festival, so it doesn’t take place in the fall. (Apples are typically harvested in the last week of August and September, some even later, which is after the social season concludes at any rate.)

Apples blossom from early spring to late summer depending on the variety of apple. Most blossom in April or May but since the festival takes place at the end of the season, we have to assume that the Cordonian Ruby is a late-blooming variety. A very late blooming variety. (This is possible because when they bloom has more to do with the temperature of the region than the time of year. Since there was skiing and ice skating in April, we can assume it stays cold there well into spring.)

In conclusion, based on all of the above, I feel confident that Drake’s birthday falls somewhere at the end of July or in the first half of August.

That said, I’m not here to gatekeep anyone's HC’s so with that in mind, even though the event is in August, you may place Drake’s birthday whenever you like in your story. Put it in February, put it in October. The important part is that you have fun with it. That’s it.

Happy writing!

#drake walker appreciation #drake walker #drake's birthday #the royal romance #trr drake

[justcallmefox89]

Cinderfella's Adventures in Cordonia - Chapter Twenty

An AU of The Royal Romance with a male MC and a bisexual prince.

Masterlist

Drake and Liam learn more about Callum's past.

“What’s going on, Pops?” Callum asks again.

“You’re back earlier than I expected,” Niall answers, shooting a dirty look at Donny.

The blonde man shrugs nonchalantly, taking a pack of cigarettes from his jack pocket and tapping it against the palm of his hand.

“Yeah… turns out there wasn’t a problem at the club after all.”  Callum narrows his eyes at his father.

Niall innocently widens his eyes.  “I must have misunderstood.”

“Then you just mistakenly let yourself into my apartment while I was out?”

“I do own the building, Callum,” Niall sniffs.  “Technically I can go into any apartment I want to, with or without your permission.”

Donny lets out a slightly breathy and panicked, “Oh shit.”

Drake’s eyes bounce back and forth between the men like ping-pong balls and Liam sits rigidly next to him, tension evident in every line of his body.

“That’s how we’re going to do this?  Seriously, Pops?  You didn’t try that line on me when I was sixteen but you’re doing it now?”

“You had better sense at sixteen,” Niall snaps.  “Back then you weren’t jumping at the chance to ruin your life every time a hot piece of ass smiled at you.”

“I need a smoke,” Donny suddenly announces loudly.  He points at Liam and Drake.  “You two.  Come with me.”

Confused, Liam blurts out, “We don’t smoke.”

“You can hold my lighter,” Donny replies, tugging the pair to their feet.

Ioan rises from his chair.  “I think I’ll join you -”

“You better keep your ass in that chair, old man,” Callum grinds out between clenched teeth.

Stunned at his grandson’s tone, Ioan plops back into his seat, and Donny seizes the opportunity to hustle Drake and Liam out onto the balcony.  He manages to slam the sliding glass door closed just as the shouting starts.

“What the actual FUCK were you two thinking?” Callum yells.

Donny lights a cigarette and inhales deeply, letting the pale grey smoke slowly curl out of his nostrils.  “I hope the two of you are pleased with yourselves.”

“Us?”  Liam gapes, pointing between himself and Drake.  “You think this is our fault?”

“Isn’t it?”  He takes another drag.  “Callum was fine, happy again.  You two are back in his life less than three days and him and his father are at each other’s throats with Ioan snapping at their heels.”

Liam’s cheeks flush and he scowls.  “The MacKenzie family’s dysfunction has nothing to do with us.”

“It has everything to do with you, cupcake.”

Drake braces his forearms on the railing that runs around the perimeter of the balcony.  “I didn’t mean for anything like this to happen.  I never wanted to cause Callum any problems.”

He sounds so miserable that Donny takes pity on him.  “I know you didn’t mean to, kid.  But goddamn… why couldn’t you just stay away?”

The voices from the living room get louder and the three men wince in unison.

“He’s going back with you,” Donny says, flicking his cigarette butt onto the ground and crushing it with the toe of his boot.

Liam sighs.  “He hasn’t made a decision one way or the other yet.”

“I know my son.  He’ll go.”

Drake and Liam exchange startled looks.

Donny chuckles at their shocked expressions.  “I’ve been raising that boy for nearly thirty years, and I’ve been with Niall for almost as long.  Callum’s my son.”

“We didn’t realize…” Drake trails off, embarrassed.

“Did Callum ever tell you about his mother?”

“From the way he phrased it I assumed she died when he was very young,” Liam says slowly.

Donny barks out a harsh laugh.  “Fuck.  That woman will still be alive when there’s only cockroaches roaming the earth.”

Drake’s mouth drops open and Liam frowns uncomfortably.

Taking in their shocked expressions Donny sighs and lights another cigarette.  “That was probably unfair to Cassie.  We’ve always had a… complicated relationship.”

“So his mom is alive?” Drake asks.

Donny shrugs.  “He’s never met her.  She showed up once when he graduated high school.  Niall almost had an aneurysm.  She futzed around a bit, said she wanted to finally meet her son.  But in the end she did what she always does and disappeared before anything could happen.  Thank god we didn’t tell the kid anything and get his hopes up.”

“How did… How long… um…” Liam flounders, unable to articulate the potentially offensive question.

“You wanna know how I fit in to all this?”  Donny grins around the cigarette in his mouth.

Drake and Liam nod in unison.

“I met Niall when I started working for Ioan, back when the old man was still running everything.  I was young, stupid, pissed at the world.  Dishonorably discharged from the military.  At the beginning I was just supposed to be muscle at a few of the different strip joints, but for whatever reason Ioan took me under his wing.  Brought me into his home, started teaching me about the business.”

“Is that when you started dating?” Liam asks.

Donny laughs and rolls his eyes.  “Fuck no.  Back then there was no telling me I was anything but straight.  But we got to be friends and if I had the occasional thought about how good his ass looked then I would just ignore it.  I knew Niall batted for both teams and it never bothered me… but back then I just wasn’t ready to accept certain things about myself, you know?”

“Oh, I know.”  Drake gives Liam a slightly dirty look from the corner of his eye and the king’s cheek flush a soft pink.

“Anyway, one night we’re out with some of our other friends doing a bar crawl and we wind up at this dive that has live music.”  Donny stubs out his cigarette on the balcony railing.  “Cassie’s band was playing that night.  I hate to say anything nice about the woman but she’s a fuckin’ stunner and goddamn talented to boot.  Long story short Niall starts chattin’ her up after her band has finished for the night and they start seein’ each other.  This goes one for a few months, and Niall and I started drifting apart a little.  I didn’t really understand it then, but looking back I was jealous of Cassie and seeing them together… hurt.”

“I get that,” Drake murmurs softly, looking down at his feet.  With a sad smile, Liam silently reaches out and takes his hand.

“So after they’ve been together a few months Niall gets picked up on some charges related to uh… a few substances that were being sold out of a few of the clubs.  Gets sentenced to five to ten.  Cassie disappears.”  Donny rolls his eyes. “Me and Ioan weren’t all that surprised, she was never all that serious about Niall and it’s hard enough being in a relationship with somebody on the inside when you’re committed.  We moved on thinkin’ she was gone for good.  Niall being locked up was hell on the old man, and I wasn’t taking it much better, but we were doing the best we could.  Then about eight months into Niall’s sentence, I get a phone call from Cassie.”

Drake and Liam lean forward, drawn in by the older man’s story.

“So it’s two in the morning, and I’ve got this chick I can’t stand calling me at the club I was working at that night.  I was ready to tell her to piss off, but she starts crying, telling me she’s at the hospital and I’m the only one she can call for help.  And me being a total fucking sucker I went to the hospital because I knew that’s what Niall would’ve wanted.  I show up and she’s in a hospital room, lying in bed, holding a fucking baby of all things.”

“Callum,” Liam says quietly.

“Bingo.”  Donny shoots a pair of finger guns towards him.  “At first I didn’t know what the hell to think.  Honestly I just wanted to leave her there and pretend I never saw a thing.  She breaks down crying again, saying she doesn’t know what to do, didn’t know who to call since Niall’s in prison, she’s scared of Ioan, she needs help, and on and on.”

“Wait, why was she scared of Ioan?” Drake asks.

“You’ve met the old man, yeah?  Are you scared of him now?”

Without hesitation Drake and Liam both nod.

“Now imagine him thirty years ago and pretend you’ve been hiding the fact that you were pregnant with his only son’s child.”

The pair shudder.    

Donny nods.  “Exactly.  I didn’t know what the fuck to do anymore than she did, and I told her so.  She begged me to stay with her just a little while, asks me to hold the kid so she could take a shower and get some things situated with the hospital.  I didn’t have the heart to say no.  I mean, the poor girl had been alone in the hospital with a brand new baby for three days at that point, I figured that was the least I could do for her.  So she gives me the kid, just this squishy little thing, and I settle down with him while she goes to clean up.  He was the cutest fucking thing, all fuckin’ chubby baby rolls and this thick, curly black hair.  I didn’t mean to but as some point I fell asleep holding him.  Next thing I know, Callum is screaming his lungs out and I got a pissed off nurse shaking me awake asking me where Cassie was.”

“And where was Cassie?” Liam asked.

“Fuck if I know.  As soon as I fell asleep she grabbed her shit and got the hell out of dodge.”

“She just left her baby with you?  Without telling you where she was going?  She didn’t even really know you!” Drake exclaims.

“I feel like we’ve already established she’s not a good mom, kid.”  Donny gives him an exasperated look.  “So I’ve got Callum, fresh out of the oven, Niall’s locked up, and I don’t have the first fucking clue how to find Cassie.  I’m only 28, living in a shitty apartment, spending nearly all my free time drunk, high, or both.”

Drake starts to speak, hesitates, then powers on.  “Why didn’t you just call Ioan and let him take care of it?”

“Siobhan, Callum’s grandma, was fighting a losing battle with breast cancer.  Ioan wasn’t handling it well… didn’t seem fair to add something else to the bullshit he was dealing with.  He wasn’t in the best headspace then anyway.  Siobhan was the only thing he cared about, only thing he could focus on.  Even if I wanted to let him have Callum I don’t think he would’ve been able to take care of him.  So I told the hospital I was Callum’s father, signed the birth certificate and everything.  Cassie hadn’t even named the kid yet, so I had to do that too.”

“You named Callum?”  Liam arches an eyebrow in question.

Donny’s cheeks turn pink and he squirms in place, an oddly endearing gesture for a man in his fifties.  “I knew Niall would want to honor his dad in some way, so the middle name was easy.  Then I just thought about what name I’d want to use if Niall and I would ever… you know,” he mumbles.

Liam and Drake share a conspiratorial smirk.  “That’s adorable,” Liam says.

Donny coughs, looking slightly uncomfortable.  “Anyways.  The nurses gave me a crash course in fatherhood then shoved me out the door.  I waited a few days before I told Ioan and Siobhan… I wanted some time to think on what I was going to do.  I brought Callum to their house, told them everything that happened, and said I wanted to take care of Callum until Niall got out.  Siobhan wasn’t on board at first, and I don’t blame her.  I was young and stupid, never taken care of a baby before, didn’t know a damn thing about kids.  But for whatever reason, I knew I was meant to protect that baby.  Ioan was relieved, in a way, I think.  God only knows why but he trusted me with his grandson, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to repay him for that.”

“What did Niall have to say about everything when he found out?” Drake asks.

“Oh he was pissed,” Donny laughs.  “He would’ve taken care of Cassie if she’d told him she was pregnant, made sure she had everything she needed.  But the fact that she just abandoned Callum without a word was the thing that really rustled his jimmies.  He would’ve forgiven anything else but that I think.”

“How did that work though?” Liam asks delicately.  “With Niall being… indisposed?”

“You can say he was in prison, Your Majesty.”  Donny smirks.  “Niall didn’t want Callum to see him in that place, so they didn’t actually properly meet until Callum was six.  Niall wrote letters every week, and I read them to him.  Things got a little more complicated when Callum started to talk and then he had a whole lot of questions.  I always made sure he knew that Niall was his dad, but I never let him forget just how much I loved him too.  The adjustment period after Niall got out was rough on all of us.  Callum didn’t want to leave me, and Niall didn’t want to be away from his son.  Understandably.  So Niall got a bigger apartment and Callum and I moved in with him.”

“So is that when you and Niall got together?”

Donny grins at Drake question.  “Not quite.  By that time I had pulled my head out of my ass enough to realize that I wasn’t quite as straight as I wanted to believe.  It was a couple more years before Niall and I got into a proper relationship.  But that is a story for another time.”

Donny sighs and runs his hands through his hair.  “Look, at the end of the day Callum is going to do whatever he wants to do… no matter what me, Niall, or Ioan have to say about it.  Just… just take care of my boy, ok?  Try not to hurt him any more than you absolutely have to.”

“I don’t… I never want to hurt Callum,” Liam protests.

“Are you still going to marry that girl you’re engaged to?”

Liam stay silent, anxiously gnawing on his lower lip.

“Then he’s going to be hurt,” Donny replies with a sad smile.  He looks through the sliding glass door into the living room, frowning.  “Shit.”

Drake and Liam whip around just in time to see Niall glare up at his son one last time before stalking out the front door, Ioan following closely behind him.  Callum tips his head back and his shoulders slump, but he quickly collects himself and moves into the kitchen.

“That went about as well as I thought it would,” Donny sighs.  “Give me a few minutes.”

Drake and Liam wait out on the balcony while Donny says goodbye to Callum.

“We’re being selfish,” Drake says eventually.

Liam glances over at him.  “Excuse me?”

“We have royally fucked up Callum’s life.”

“I see what you did there.”  The Cordonia king smirks over at his friend.

Drake shoves him away half-heartedly.  “Stop.  I’m being serious.  I wasn’t thinking about Callum when I dragged him back into this.  Not the way I should have.”

“I don’t understand.”

“When we got to New York all I was focused on was finding Callum again because I missed him.  Because I wanted to remind you that you could actually be with someone you loved instead of Madeline.  I didn’t think about what would happen to his life, how all of us being back together would affect him.”

“Considering how close the two of you have gotten I wouldn’t say our returning presence has been all bad.”

Drake blushes furiously.  “I...  That’s not…  Liam!”

“Just saying.”  Liam shrugs innocently. 

“What I meant was that I only considered how having Callum back would make our lives better, make us happier.  I didn’t even stop to think about what that would mean for his life here… with his family, and his job, and his other friends.  How can we ask him to leave all that for us again?  Especially when you’re still going through with the wedding to Madeline.”

Liam groans.  “Why do we keep having to go over this?  I have a duty, an obligation to Cordonia.  That doesn’t mean we can’t be together.  All three of us.”

“This!”  Drake smacks Liam’s chest.  “This right here is the problem!  Callum won’t be happy just being your affair on the side.”

“And you will be?” Liam challenges.

“Of course I won’t!  But if that’s the price I have to pay to be with you again I will.  Callum can’t do that though.”

Liam scowls.  “Can’t or won’t?”

“That’s not fair,” Drake sighs.

“What Callum’s asking isn’t fair either.”

“Callum actually isn’t asking you to do anything,” Drake points out.  “He only told you what he was willing and not willing to do given the circumstances.”

Liam falls silent, unable to come up with a reasonable counter argument.  The pair stare out at the bustling city streets for a while, each lost in their own thoughts.

Drake is the first one to break the silence.  “Liam, what are we going to do?”

@superharriet

@angelasscribbles

@kingliam2019

#pixelberry #choices #pb choices #choices fanfic #trr drake #choices stories you play #the royal romance #choices trr #trr fanfic #trr #drake walker #liam rys #the royal romance drake #trr liam x male mc #trr mc x liam #trr liam #the royal romance liam #king liam #trr drake x male mc #trr drake walker #callum mackenzie #cinderfellas adventures in cordonia #cinderfella in cordonia #choices the royal romance #the royal romance maxwell #the royal romance olivia #trr male oc #trr male mc #trr male #choices game

[deb-1106]

MC Madness

Okay, so I know that I’ve missed every deadline. 🙈  But the thing is...I started all of them!!!  LOL  I just have terrible follow-through.

So I combined weeks 2 and 3 (party prep and party time) into one mood board to try and get back on track.  I apologize profusely to @choicesmcmadness for completely flouting the rules, but here we are. 😋

I’m tagging my current tag list. ❤

@ao719 @burnsoslow @sincerelyella @charlotteg234 @thirsty-flygirl​ @mskaneko​ @choiceswreckedme @walkerismychoice @txemrn @twinkleallnight @imashybish @blackcatkita @katedrakeohd @boneandfur @sfb123 @queenrileyrose @foreverethereal123 @kingliam2019 @nestledonthaveone @bebepac @petiteboheme @princess-geek @indiana-jr @nikkis1983 @yukinagato2012 @tessa-liam @marshmallowsandfire @twinkleallnight @tinkie1973 @mom2000aggie @walkerdrakewalker @alyshak92 @emkay512 @karahalloway

 RSVP

Who will be coming? 

Duchess Ava Matheson Walker

Where are they coming from? 

Ava is my MC from The Royal Romance series (and the Royal Heir, although I’d rather forget that travesty.🤮)

Are they going to be bringing a date to the party? 

Ava will be accompanied by her husband Drake Walker, The Duke of Valtoria.

MC Mixer - Week 2

PARTY PREP

What will your MC / OC and their date(s) be wearing?

Ava is generally a very down-to-earth girl who spends most days in yoga gear with her hair up in a messy bun as she chases around after her two small children.  However, she does LOVE to get fully glammed up for a special night out and even has a closet devoted entirely to her extensive collection of cocktail dresses and formal designer ball gowns.  For this occasion, Ava has chosen a strapless, feathered gown by Armani paired with Cartier chandelier earrings.

Drake will also be wearing Armani, simply because it’s what Ava laid out for him.  He doesn’t even grumble about it anymore, as he has placed this issue firmly into the “pick your battles” portion of their marriage.  But, much as he hates to admit it, he doesn’t mind dressing up as much as he once did.  With a woman like Ava on his arm, he had to up his fashion game, and there’s no denying he looks pretty damn good in a well-tailored suit.  

On important nights such as this, Drake will wear his father’s black Rolex, a gift from King Constantine for 10 years of loyal service to the crown.

Do they have any rituals or other things they must do or wear? 

If she has time, (and the kids are occupied) Ava likes to take a relaxing bubble bath to unwind and recharge before spending a long evening socializing. Because although she always seems like she’s having the time of her life at these events, she’s secretly counting the minutes until she and Drake can escape back to the peace and sanctity of their own home.  

If possible, (again, if the kids are otherwise occupied) Drake will join her in the bathtub, which is a date night “ritual” they both very much look forward to.  However, it inevitably prolongs the “getting ready” process quite a bit, so if they’re pressed for time, Drake will let Ava enjoy her bath in solitude while he takes his shower and shaves.

 Will they need a babysitter? 

Ava and Drake have two children, Emelia (4) and Jax (2), and are actively working on baby number three.  Their house manager/nanny, Agnes will be watching the children tonight.

How will they get there? Drake would always prefer to take his beloved Jeep, but some occasions call for something a little more elegant, so Drake will drive Ava’s Jaguar this evening.

MC Mixer - Week 3

When will they arrive? 

While they always strive for punctuality, more often than not they end up running a bit behind schedule.  Sometimes Ava’s hair and makeup will take longer than expected and occasionally their pre-party “bath time” will run long, but what usually holds them up is the process of extracting themselves from their children who have developed a nasty habit of clinging to their parents and screaming bloody murder when they try to leave the house without them.  (Surviving the toddler years is not for the faint of heart.) 

What are they drinking? 

Drake will drink whiskey, neat.  The better the bottle, the happier he’ll be.  

Ava loves a good espresso martini.  Coffee and Vodka ... is there anything better?  However, she’s learned that she can only have two before switching to water for a while because they kick her ass. 

What kind of party-goer are they? 

Ava used to love nothing more than a good party.  Very social and bubbly by nature, people have always been drawn to her and Ava thrived in the spotlight.  She could dance and drink and socialize with anyone and everyone until the sun came up and be ready to do it all again the next night. But now that she’s a wife and mother, her priorities have shifted and she finds that after a few hours partying, she’s more than ready to flee the commotion and head back home to spend some quiet time alone with Drake.  

On the other hand, Drake has gotten slightly more social in the last few years since marrying Ava and becoming Duke of Valtoria.   Yes, having his gorgeous wife on his arm soothes the sting of these social events, no question.  But he also found that the more time he spent among the aristocracy, the better he understood them.  

He’d misjudged them.  

The nobility weren’t simply the spoiled, vapid, and idle misanthropes who’d openly tormented him for most of his life, simply on the basis of his common birth.  No, they were so much more than that.  They were also insecure,  emotionally unstable, and deeply, DEEPLY unhappy.  Most lacked any kind of meaningful connection with another human being, so they used their money, social status, and worthless titles to shield themselves against the crushing loneliness that their privileged lives afforded them.

So no, he didn’t hate the nobles anymore.  He pitied them.

#choices trr #choices mc madness #trr drake #choices mc #drake x ava #Deb-1106 writes

[katedrakeohd]

Happy Birthday to my Drake Walker.

Daniel di Tomasso 🎁💝 🎉

#daniel di tomasso #drake walker #choices #the royal romance #trr drake #choices fandom #witches of east end

[sfb123]

I Know Places (Happy Birthday Burns!)

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Liam x Riley, Drake x Alyssa

All characters belong to Pixelberry, except for Alyssa Devereaux, who belongs to the birthday girl @burnsoslow

Summary: In a prequel to last year's birthday fic, Riley notices some odd behavior from Drake and is determined to find out what he is hiding.

Song: I Know Places - Taylor Swift

You are the only person on the planet who could get me to drop a Taylor Swift song anywhere. That's how much I love you.

Rating: PG (a couple of swear words)

Word Count: 2,703

A/N: Happy birthday to my wonderful friend @burnsoslow. You are so sweet, and funny, and thoughtful. When I came to Tumblr however long ago, and started obsessively reading your stories, I never, in a million years, thought that I would actually be lucky enough to call you my friend. I'm sitting here trying to put together words about how much having you in my life means to me, but I'm not sure they even exist. I just love you so so much, and hope that you spent today partying like it's 1999! 😘

A/N 2: No pre-reader, so you get what you get. If it sucks, and the grammar is terrible, that's all on me. Godspeed.

Tags: This is my first run with the new tag list, so if you're not on here but would like to be added, just let me know!

Liam and Riley sat on the couch in his office, reviewing their opening remarks for the Five Kingdoms Festival that would be happening the following day. A knock on the door pulled their attention away, Liam called for the visitor to come in.

“Well, well, well,” Riley said as Drake entered the room. “Look what the cat dragged in.” 

Drake rolled his eyes and approached the pair. “Hello Brooks.” He walked over to Liam, who was now standing. “Hey, Li.”

“Drake,” Liam shook his friend’s hand. “It has been a while.”

“Yeah,” Drake rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ve been pretty busy lately.” 

“Why don’t you stay for dinner?” Riley suggested, noticing that something was off with him. “Eleanor has been asking for you, she misses her Uncle Drake.” 

Drake’s expression softened. He hadn’t been spending as much time with Eleanor as he usually would. She had just become a big sister, and he knew how hard it could be going from being an only child to having to share attention with a younger sibling. 

“I really wish I could…” He trailed off, his eyes darting between his friends. “I promised Savannah I’d go up to Ramsford tonight. But I’ll be at the festival tomorrow. I’ll take Eleanor for some cotton candy or something.” 

“Sure, she’d love that.” Riley agreed. 

Drake said his goodbyes and exited the office. Once he was gone, Liam and Riley settled themselves back on the couch, Liam lifted his wife’s legs to rest across his lap. 

“That was weird, right?” Riley asked. 

“Not really,” Liam shrugged as he slipped off her shoes and began rubbing her feet. “Drake and his sister are close, of course he would want to have dinner with her.” 

Riley sighed at her husband’s response. “You know, for someone who was trained to read people, you can be awfully thick sometimes.” 

Liam’s movements stopped as his head snapped in her direction. “Excuse me?”  

“Come on Liam, he was being so dodgy! He couldn’t give us a straight answer about where he’s been.” 

“To be fair,” Liam began. “We never asked him for one. Besides, Drake has always been a pretty private person, if he wanted us to know, he would have told us.” 

She returned her feet to the ground, retrieving her shoes and putting them on. “Ugh! You’re so bad at being nosy!” She groaned. “Let’s go, I miss our babies.” 

Regina had offered to watch Eleanor, and the newest edition to the royal family, Prince David, while Liam and Riley worked on the final preparations for the festival. They left Liam’s office and met up with Regina to pick up the kids before returning to their quarters for the evening. 

***

After dinner, and a few rounds of Candy Land, it was time for Eleanor to go to bed. In an effort to help her with the transition from only child to big sister, her parents decided to take turns putting her to bed each night ensuring she had some quality one-on-one time with each of them. It was Liam’s turn to tuck her in, so Eleanor said goodnight to her mother and brother and walked hand in hand with her father to her room. 

Liam sat on Eleanor’s bed, his arm wrapped around her, holding a book in front of them. Eleanor was learning how to read, so as they made their way through the story, Liam would pause, pressing his finger against the words, encouraging his daughter to read along, and helping her as she went. 

“... and they,” he pointed to the next word and nodded encouragingly at her. 

“Lived happ… happy…” 

“Almost, princess. Happil…”

“Happily!” She exclaimed, Liam chuckled at her excitement and kissed the side of her head. “Happily ever after!” 

“That’s right! Good work, Eleanor!” Liam pulled her close, kissing the top of her head before closing the book and carrying it to the bookshelf. “Now, I believe we have one more item of business,” he made his way to the collection of stuffed animals that were gathered in the corner of her room. “Who would you like to keep you company tonight?” 

Eleanor’s eyes traveled through the crowd, her index finger tapping against her lips as she contemplated her selection. Her movements halted, and her smile grew upon making her decision, “Hunny Bunny please.” 

“Excellent choice.” Liam turned to the pile searching for the golden rabbit. He moved the other animals around, trying to locate it. “Hmm… she doesn’t seem to be here.” 

“But where is she, Daddy?” Eleanor looked at her father with tired, sad eyes. 

“I’m… well, I’m not sure, princess. Where do you last remember having her?” He made his way around the room, looking anywhere Hunny Bunny could possibly be hiding.

“I… I don’t know.” Eleanor replied through her sniffles. “Daddy, please find her.” 

Liam looked up at his daughter, her eyes were beginning to water, and her chin was trembling. He knew between Eleanor being tired, and wanting her toy, a meltdown would be inevitable if they didn’t find this rabbit. 

“Oh Eleanor, don’t cry.” He rushed to his daughter’s side. “Why don’t we ask Mommy if she has seen Hunny Bunny?” Eleanor rubbed her eyes as she nodded at her father. He kissed her on the forehead before going to the door. “Riley, love, could you come here for a moment?” He called down the hallway. 

Riley entered the room to find Liam consoling a crying Eleanor. “What happened here?” She said as she approached the pair, placing a comforting hand on Eleanor’s back. “What’s wrong, sweetie?” 

“We can’t find Hunny Bunny.” Eleanor cried before falling into her mother’s arms. 

Riley looked up at Liam and she could see the worry in his face. “Okay, it’s all okay. Let’s just calm down here. She has to be somewhere, she didn’t get up and hop away.”

“When do you remember seeing her with it last?” Liam asked Riley as she continued to console her daughter. 

She racked her brain, thinking back over the past couple of days, trying to picture everywhere they went, when it suddenly hit her. “Ramsford! She wanted to show Bartie, so she brought it when we were there for lunch the other day.” Riley put her hands on Eleanor’s shoulders and pulled her back gently. “Eleanor, I’m going to go call Uncle Max to see if Hunny is there, okay?” 

Eleanor nodded as she rubbed her eyes. Riley stood from the bed and pulled her phone out of her back pocket as she stepped into the hallway.

“Hey Riley!” Maxwell greeted her on the second ring.

“Max, thank god! We have a bit of an emergency.” 

“What’s wrong? Who’s coming for the throne now?” 

Riley chuckled at his response, which helped ease her concern about the issue. After everything they had been through, if the worst thing to happen to them is a lost stuffed animal, then everything was going to be just fine. “It’s nothing like that. Eleanor can’t find her Hunny Bunny. I think we may have left it there.” 

“Oh yeah, she’s here. I’ll bring it tomorrow when we come for the festival.” 

“Actually, could you just give it to Drake? I’m sure he won’t mind dropping it off on his way home.” There was silence on the other end of the line. “Max? Are you still there?” 

“I’m here, but Drake’s not.”

“But he said he was having dinner with Savannah tonight.” 

“Nope, he hasn’t been by in a couple of weeks actually.” 

“Man, I knew he was being shady!” 

“Wait, what do you mean? What’s going on?” 

“I’ll fill you in tomorrow. For now, please please bring Hunny Bunny with you tomorrow.” 

“You bet, see you then!” 

Riley hung up the phone and took a deep breath before returning to her daughter’s room. Without Eleanor’s stuffed animal of choice, it was going to be a long night.

***

The next day, the royal family walked through the crowd greeting people, and exploring everything the festival had to offer. 

“I get what you’re saying,” Riley said to Liam. “But he’s not just not telling us stuff, he’s straight up lying to us. That’s not a Drake thing.” 

Liam looked at his wife thoughtfully. “That’s true. As much as he’s kept to himself, I’ve never known him to lie to me.” 

“So, we can confront him and ask him what’s going on?” 

“Uncle Drake!” Eleanor’s excited shout pulled Liam and Riley’s attention. They looked ahead and saw Drake approaching them. 

“Hey, kiddo.” Drake smiled as he lifted Eleanor into a hug. 

As Eleanor and Drake greeted each other, Liam and Riley had a conversation with their eyes. Liam pleaded with Riley not to confront him, to which she agreed. 

“So Eleanor, how would you like some cotton candy?” Drake asked. 

The princess’s eyes went wide as she turned to her parents for permission. Liam and Riley chuckled at her hopeful expression. “Mommy, Daddy, please?” Eleanor begged. “I’ll bring some back for baby David.” 

“That’s very sweet of you, princess,” Liam leaned in, kissing his daughter on the cheek. “But babies can’t eat cotton candy.” 

“That’s right, baby girl,” Riley added. “So why don’t you just go ahead and eat extra for your brother?” 

Eleanor cheered and jumped up and down in excitement. “Come on, Uncle Drake!” She grabbed his hand and rushed him toward the food vendors. 

A while later, Riley was mercifully pulled away from a conversation with Hakim and Joelle Theron when David started crying from his stroller. She excused herself, and once she was out of their earshot, she thanked her son profusely for his timing. 

“Riley! Riley, wait up!” Maxwell called as he rushed to catch up with his friend. 

“Diaper emergency Max, no time.” She replied, just as he fell into step with her. 

The pair stepped into the palace and into a small sitting area. As Riley set up a makeshift diaper station on a nearby table, Maxwell bounced on his heels behind her. 

“Riley, you’re never going to guess what I saw?”

Riley recoiled back as she opened David’s soiled diaper. “Ugh, it can’t be any worse than this.” 

“I think I know what’s going on with Drake.” 

Riley turned to face Maxwell. “Spill right now, Beaumont.” 

***

The next day, as the Royal Council meeting let out, Liam caught Drake before he could slip out, and invited him back to his office for a drink. As soon as they walked in the office, Liam’s desk chair slowly turned, revealing Riley, her arms crossed over her chest. 

“Welcome, Drake.” She said as she rested her elbows on the desk, steepling her fingers in front of her.

Liam pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. When he and Riley talked about confronting Drake, they agreed that they would speak to him rationally. His wife appeared to have other plans. 

“What’s up with you, weirdo?” Drake asked at Riley’s dramatic display. 

Liam invited Drake to sit before stepping to the bar cart and making two drinks. He handed one to Drake before stepping around the desk and standing beside his wife. “Drake, we wanted to talk to you. To make sure you were alright.”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He responded. “Why would you ask?” 

“Because you’re a big fat liar!” Riley blurted out. Liam placed a hand on her shoulder at the outburst as Drake’s brow furrowed in confusion. 

“Drake,” Liam interjected. “The other night, when you told us that you were going to Ramsford, Riley spoke with Maxwell, and he told her you hadn’t been there.” 

“Hold on,” Drake stood from his chair. “You guys are checking up on me?” 

“Not intentionally. We lost one of Eleanor’s toys, and I called Maxwell to find it.” Riley crossed her arms over her chest. “And don’t try to turn this around on us.” 

“Love, stand down.” Liam leaned down, kissing her on the cheek before turning back to Drake. “Drake, we’re just worried about you. You know we don’t mind that you keep to yourself, but it’s not like you to lie.”

Drake let out a deep breath as he fell back into his chair, finishing off the rest of his drink. “I’m sorry you guys. I didn’t mean to worry you, I just needed some time to myself for a while.” 

“Well that’s another lie.” Riley scoffed, Drake arched a brow at her. “You have a girlfriend!” 

Drake’s eyes went wide, and his jaw dropped. “How did you…” 

“Maxwell saw you canoodling at the festival yesterday.” She responded. “What’s wrong with her? Why don’t you want to show her off? Does she have an eyepatch? Pegleg? Hook hand?” 

Liam and Drake both froze and stared at Riley curiously. 

“What the fuck, Brooks?” Drake finally broke the silence. 

“Love, I don’t think Drake is seeing a pirate.” 

“Sorry, Eleanor’s been on a real Peter Pan kick. I’ve got pirates on the brain.” She shrugged. 

“Riley, can you give Drake and I a moment alone?” Liam asked. 

Riley stood from the chair, and moved to leave the office, pausing before she opened the door and turning back to her husband and her friend. “I just want the chance to be there for you the way you always have for me.” Before Drake could respond, she was gone. 

“I’m sorry, Drake.” Liam apologized as he sat in his chair. “I didn’t mean for this to be an attack on you.”

“It’s alright,” Drake shrugged. “And for the record, I’m sorry I lied to you guys.”

The pair sat in comfortable silence for a moment. Liam finished off his drink and stood, tilting his chin toward Drake’s glass. He nodded, affirming that he wanted a refill. Liam took the glasses and took them to the bar cart. 

“So,” Liam began as he refilled their drinks, “What’s her name?” 

“Alyssa, Alyssa Devereaux.” He said. Even with his back to his friend, Liam could hear the smile in his voice. 

“You’re happy?” Liam asked as he handed Drake his drink.

“I am Li, she’s amazing. I never expected to fall as hard as I did.” 

Liam nodded as he returned to his seat, placing his drink down in front of him. “Why wouldn’t you want to share that happiness with your friends?”

Drake shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s not that I didn’t want to tell you, it’s just,” he trailed off, trying to find the best way to explain what he was feeling. “This whole world, the court, nobles, all that, it’s a lot. I know what it can do to an outsider, I wanted to protect her from it.” 

“That’s reasonable, I understand wanting to protect someone you care about, you know that.” Drake nodded in response. “But Drake, if this is something that you see as long term, it’s an inevitability that you will need to start introducing her into this whole world. As much as I know it pains you to admit it, you are a part of the court.” 

“Yeah, you’re right. There are just so many things that could go wrong. I don’t want to lose her, Liam.”

Liam smiled, he had known Drake his whole life, and he had never talked about a girl like this. He had it bad, and it was painfully obvious. “Why don’t you ease her into it. She doesn’t have to dive into it all at once.” 

“What do you mean?” Drake asked. 

“Introduce her to people that will be at court functions ahead of time. That way, she will have allies to turn to if she gets uneasy.”

Drake arched a brow. “Allies like the king and queen?” 

“If you’re going to have allies, it doesn’t hurt for them to be at the top.” Liam grinned sheepishly. 

Drake let out a deep breath. “I guess I can’t keep her hidden forever.”

“Wonderful!” Liam exclaimed. “You should bring her by for dinner this weekend. Just a small, unofficial get together. We’ll do it in our quarters, Riley will cook. Completely informal, just your friends meeting your… girlfriend?” Drake nodded, confirming Alyssa’s title. 

“I guess that sounds alright. I mean, if it’s just you guys, I can’t imagine what could go wrong.” 

Permatag:

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#choices #pixelberry #play choices #the royal romance #choices the royal romance #trr #choices trr #trr fanfic #trr fandom #trr fan fic #trr fan fiction #trr fanfiction #drake walker #trr drake #liam rys #trr liam #drake x oc #liam x mc #liam x riley #happy birthday burns

[alj4890]

L-O-V-E Part 2 (Liam x Riley)

A/N The writer's block is killing me. I know how I want this to go but every time I sit to work on it, the words just don't come. So let's try once more with this storyline.

Rating: G for fluff

@gkittylove99 @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg  @amandablink @neotericthemis  @mm2305 @sfb123 @tessa-liam @thesvnsins @krsnlove @choicesficwriterscreations

Masterlist

L-O-V-E Part 2

Charlotte's chambers...

"Your highness?"

Charlotte blinked a few times only to realize she had become distracted.

A servant waited on her to finish discussing the plans for dinner this evening.

"Forgive me." Charlotte's nose wrinkled over her thoughts drifting to the young man her sister had brought along. "I believe there will be at least eleven of us this evening. Perhaps we should plan for twelve in case the Duchess of Lythikos decides to make an appearance."

"Very good, your highness." The servant bowed as he backed out of her sitting room.

Charlotte waited until the door was shut before flopping back onto her couch. She stared up at the ceiling, eyes tracing the intricate crown molding, while wondering why she couldn't get Sean off her mind.

Perhaps it is because he is my sister's best friend. That must be why I'm so interested in him. Shouldn't I want to know more about him to make certain he isn't the type to take advantage of her new status and fortune?

Charlotte could only deceive herself for so long. She knew her reasons for fixating upon the young man were simple: she found him very physically attractive.

His dark, nearly black eyes shined with a great deal of intelligence. His smile was warm with a touch of humor. His thick head of ink black hair made her long to run her fingers through it to see if it was as soft it appeared. He wasn't too terribly tall, which made her grateful.

She'd never liked being dwarfed by many of the noblemen and diplomats who regularly visited her father's court. They almost seemed to use their immense size to push whatever agenda they were after upon her petite figure.

They soon realized that though she was soft spoken and genuinely pleasant, she had a backbone of steel that no amount of posturing or arguing could cause her to bend in ways she was opposed to.

Charlotte released a sigh as her imagination drifted once more to what she found appealing in Sean.

She jumped when her phone rang.

"Yes?"

"Hey. It's Sean."

She rolled off the couch at the sound of his voice.

"What was that?" He asked when he heard her hit the floor.

"Nothing!" She winced as she stumbled to her feet. "How may I help you?"

He cleared his throat. "I was wondering, if um, I could go for a walk. Outside."

"Of course!" She replied. "We have many lovely trails throughout the palace grounds."

"Which one is your favorite?" He asked.

"Hmm." Charlotte contemplated that for a few moments. "I think I tend to take the trail that takes me to the apple orchard more often than the others."

"Would you like to go with me?" He asked a touch nervously. "Or if you're too busy, could you at least point it out."

"I'd love to." She replied. "Nothing would make me happier than showing you one of my favorite places."

"Great! I was hoping you would go with me!"

His enthusiastic outburst brought a smile to her face.

Sean cleared his throat. "I will wait here for you since I'm not sure where your room is."

"I'm on my way."

She set her phone down then ran into her bathroom. She stopped in front of the large floor to ceiling mirror to critically take in her face and figure. A slight groan escaped as she tried to decide whether or not to change clothes once again.

Knowing it would take too long to decide on a new outfit to wear, Charlotte swiped up her powder to touch up her makeup. She brushed her hair until it fell in soft golden waves upon her shoulders. While tucking a stray strand behind her ear, she wondered if Sean found her pretty.

Twirling around to make certain that all was as it should be, she practically skipped out of her room.

Perhaps this walk would allow her to find out if this attraction she felt was mutual.

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

Liam's study, second floor of palace...

Liam glanced up when he heard voices coming down the hall. With a smile forming he got to his feet to greet the group of people who had remained by his side all these years.

Hana entered before Drake and Maxwell. Very little had changed her appearance over the past twenty years. She was still strikingly beautiful, graced with a warm smile that revealed how kind she still was. Her figure made one think it was impossible that she was the mother of three.

Drake's dark hair was sprinkled with gray strands which he swore was from dealing with Maxwell's antics along with now having a teenager of his own.

Maxwell's few wrinkles came from years of laughter and smiling. He still was the same, inside and out, that he'd always been.

"Are they here?" Maxwell asked.

"Yes. They're upstairs resting." Liam asked a servant to bring in refreshments. "And Riley can't wait to see you again."

"I can't believe she's here" Drake remarked. "The night Brooks left, I was sure we'd never see her again."

Hana wiped at the few happy tears that spilled out. "I didn't think we would either."

"And to think that our Blossom went and had a little blossom all on her own." Maxwell shook his head. "That had to be tough on her."

"Did you bring your families with you?" Liam asked.

He was worried that too many people might make Riley and Hope uncomfortable for their first night back.

"No." Hana's smile dimmed some at the mention of family "I told Neville that he should remain at Comery Isle with the children until the night of the ball."

"Candace has to work the night shift at the hospital these next few days." Drake explained about his own spouse. "She'll be off the night of the ball and will come then. Jackson has a big project to work on plus he's got a new girlfriend."

Drake rolled his eyes over Maxwell's catcall.

"He's so wrapped up in her that I doubt he heard me explain the plans we have for this week."

Maxwell grinned when they all turned towards him.

"Sherry's out of town again for a photoshoot." He told them with a hint of pride over his famous photographer of a wife. "She took Annabelle with her to practice with her new camera. They should be back by the ball."

"Good." Liam relaxed some. "I invited Olivia to join us. She said she might come."

He hesitated as he thought of their unusual past. He never understood why Olivia left early the night of the coronation. She'd been in tears and yet she seemed only willing to speak to Riley.

He never found out what had bothered her nor why she remained for the most part in Lythikos. Olivia only came to the capital when it was a direct invitation from Liam. She'd accepted an arranged marriage offer from the late Duke of Domvallier to marry his heir, Rashad.

They had two children, an heir for each of their duchy's, and for the most part lived apart. Rashad's work schedule kept him out of the country for the majority of the year, yet he made certain to spend as much time as he could with his children. He and Olivia got on well together, both having a loyal, determined work ethic, and had been strong supporters of Liam as king and now of Charlotte as future queen.

Liam couldn't help but think how many of them had settled for arranged marriages. He originally thought there was nothing wrong with them. But then, a certain American came along and opened his eyes to possibilities he'd once thought were impossible.

Perhaps they had been. After all, he ended up married to Madeleine. Hana agreed to her parents' decision to match her to Neville Vancouer. Olivia accepted Rashad shortly after Liam married.

It took years for Drake to find someone he could love. One night, shortly after Charlotte was born, he confessed to Liam that he'd fallen in love with Riley. Drake told him how she didn't return his feelings, having fallen for Liam, but that he didn't know if he would ever find someone who could make him feel that strongly again.

When Charlotte was three, she came down with tonsillitis. Candace was the nurse brought in to help care for her during her recovery from surgery. Drake was still living at the palace at the time and the two began to hang out while the little princess slept.

Two years after that, Candace became pregnant. The couple eloped and had settled down on a plot of land Liam had gifted them with. Drake began to raise and train race horses, becoming the most sought-after trainer in Europe.

Maxwell went nearly a decade before meeting someone he could fall head over heels for. He'd become a romance author. His first book was a fictionalized version of Liam and Riley's relationship. He'd made sure to give them the happy ending he'd wished his friends could have had.

After his first novel was turned into a movie, he'd gone on to create an entire Royal Romance series with the cast of characters who eerily resembled those he knew so well. His stories bordered on the line of absurdity with threats from foreign powers if the princess was not put into an arranged marriage along with the fictional king having an unknown sister who was in a secret society that controlled all the powerful people of the world.

Cordonians devoured the books and films that followed.

When HBO offered him a chance to create a series to rival Netflix's The Crown, he not only said yes, but also met his future wife.

Sherry was the one to shoot the photographs from his interview and then those on the set. Her fun loving nature matched his and the two began a love affair that led to marriage and the birth of their own daughter.

Liam wondered though what would have happened to them if Riley had been here. How different would their lives have been if they'd had her friendship and support?

Would they each have different lives or would things have basically worked out the way they had?

As his friends talked about the past, he decided to forget the what ifs in his life and focus on the present and possible future.

"So?" Maxwell nudged him. "You and Riley still have sparks?"

Liam's eyes widened. "I certainly feel them. I'm not certain she does though."

"Ask her out." Drake argued. "You're single. She's single. What have you got to lose?"

"I have a great deal to lose." Liam pointed out. "I want a relationship with Hope like I have with Charlotte. If I ruin things by pushing Riley into a relationship, then chances are that I will ruin them with Hope."

"You can't miss out on love again." Maxwell told him.

Hana nodded, reaching for his hand. "You know what it's like to be in a marriage without love. We both do. Don't lose out on this rare chance."

Liam gently squeezed her hand in understanding. He got to his feet and paced over to the window to look out over the palace grounds. His attention was captured by the sight of Charlotte walking with Sean towards the apple orchard.

His lips curved when the young man stumbled. His daughter stopped him from falling then kept her arm linked with his as they continued on. They both were laughing and gazing at one another as if no one else existed.

He then noticed movement to his right.

Hope and Bartie we're rushing over to the hedge maze. They were holding hands while Bartie pulled her into the entrance. Even from this distance, Liam could see the excited smile upon her face.

He wanted that. He wanted his daughters to find love with two young men he approved of. He wanted to find love again. He wanted Riley to find it too.

But he wanted her to find it with him.

Liam turned back towards the three people he trusted the most.

"I already asked Riley to be my date for the ball."

The hopefulness in their faces made him grimace with what needed to be said.

"She didn't necessarily say no, but she did state that she was a scandalous woman and that she doubted anyone would approve of us being seen together."

The three remained silent.

"Then we'll have a talk with her." Hana decided.

"Playing Cupid is what I'm best at." Maxwell added. "Time to put my skills to work once again."

"If ever there were two people made for one another, it was you and Brooks." Drake said when Hana and Maxwell pointedly looked at him. "We'll convince her to give you a chance."

"Thank you." Liam glanced out the window again. "Hopefully, all will work out like it should."

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

The hedge maze...

"So you're a lord?" Hope asked.

"I am Lord Barthelemy Beaumont, heir to the Ramsford duchy." He replied. "Though I prefer to be just Bartie to those I am close to, which drives my father crazy."

She laughed over the face he made.

"I've never met a real life lord before."

"Am I everything you imagined?" He teased.

"Not at all." She squeezed his hand. "You are way more fun than I expected."

"I wish I could say that all of my rank are like this, but sadly I'm the only one." Bartie tugged her down a pathway.

"What about my sister?" Hope asked. "Charlotte is able to be fun while still maintaining her princess decorum."

"That's what I've always loved about Lottie." Bartie replied. "She is exactly what you see." He winked at Hope. "But she's not a lord."

She rolled her eyes with a giggle. "I know that. I meant she's part of your world yet still fun."

"That's why she's been my best friend since childhood." He turned a corner to a spot he thought Hope would find symbolically beautiful.

"I know that's why Sean has been my--"

Hope gasped at the sight of dozens of rose bushes waiting for the chance to bloom.

"Like it?" He asked with a grin.

"It must be beautiful in the spring!"

"Your grandmother planted these." He told her.

"She did?"

"This is the spot where King Constantine proposed to Queen Eleanor. To keep it special, she personally planted every single rose bush. He had that bench and trellis built for them to sneak off too during balls and such."

Hope walked over to it and read the engraved gold plaque.

For my Eleanor and the endless joy she has given me.

"He must have been a romantic." Hope replied.

"I think so too." Bartie joined her on the bench. "Though their time together was short, I believe they were very happy."

"That's all I want out of life." Hope sighed at the thought. "Someone to simply be happy with, share things with, laugh with..."

"Sneak around palaces with?" Bartie added while draping his arm along the back of the bench.

Hope laughed then turned towards him.

"Who wouldn't want someone to sneak around palaces with?" She teased. "That's the foundation to any romantic relationship."

He chuckled, fingers gently brushing her shoulder.

"So that's what makes a relationship romantic?"

Hope's cheeks flared with color. Her eyes though held his.

"Well yeah. Didn't you know that?"

His eyes dropped to her lips. "I mean, I always assumed it was."

"First comes sneaking around," she explained, "then comes the knowledge of what this means."

"And then?" He lowered his head towards hers.

"And then," she licked her lips, head tilting in anticipation, "there's a kiss."

Her eyes closed over the first touch of his lips. The soft kiss made her melt against him. Bartie moved his lips against hers in an achingly slow fashion as if he was savoring every single second.

Hope tangled her fingers in his hair when he deepened the kiss.

It was, she decided before all ability to think fled her, the most romantic kiss she'd ever received.

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

Riley's room...

After waking from a much needed nap, Riley took a shower. As she went through the typical motions of drying her hair and such, it hit her that not only was she in the same spot she was twenty years ago but that the man she'd fallen head over heels for was once again asking her out.

And just like that young woman she once was, she was highly tempted to say yes to his escort to the ball.

"I guess I've never really grown up." She said to her reflection.

It didn't matter that she'd gone on to raise a child of her own or that she was a successful woman who had managed to have a career and family all by herself.

There was simply something about Liam that made all her common sense disappear.

Logically, she knew she should not encourage anything with him. Her past would be held against her. She'd been photographed in her underwear with another man. That alone would be a source of contempt regardless of whether or not she'd had the reigning monarch's child.

She could only imagine the media blitz that would strike the moment she entered the ballroom with Liam.

Riley couldn't do that to Hope. She wanted her to have a peaceful existence here. She knew there would be whispers and whatnot about her previous visit to Cordonia, but she believed that the people would focus on getting to know their new princess more so than on her mother's past.

As long as nothing scandalous occurred, Hope would be welcomed with open arms.

The only way to ensure that Riley was not caught in anything questionable, was to not do anything to draw attention to herself.

Like going on a date with the king.

With a loud groan, she slipped her shoes on and left the comfort of her room.

If she could manage to get through dinner without any more temptation, then her first night back in Cordonia would be a success.

I can do this, she thought to herself. "No matter what, I'll just steer clear of Liam.

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

"Your grace," a servant bowed as he held the door open.

Olivia gave a short nod as she walked through the front door of the palace. Her attention was immediately drawn to the woman hurrying down the stairs.

Riley looked up and came to a halt at the sight of the duchess she'd once competed with.

Smiles dawned on both their faces as they walked over to greet the other.

"It's good to see you again." Olivia suffered through Riley's impulsive hug.

"And you." Riley stepped back, shaking her head in disbelief. "How did you manage to not age like the rest of us?"

Olivia smirked, linking her arm with Riley's, as they followed a footman toward the dining room.

"The air in Lythikos freezes more than water."

Riley laughed, feeling her earlier tension lessen. "I need to visit. Time is trying to march across my face every night."

"You should. You and your daughter will always be welcome." Olivia replied.

Riley gently squeezed her arm. "Thank you."

Olivia truly meant her invitation. Though she was cold and distant to most of the people from her past, she couldn't be with Riley. For over twenty years, Riley had kept her family's secret. She could have sold it to the press for money, especially when she discovered she was pregnant. Yet, Riley had proven that she was truly a friend, one that the duchess could let her guard down somewhat.

And for that, Olivia would remain loyal to her and her daughter.

The two stepped into the dining room, causing the conversations to abruptly stop.

Before Riley could say a word of greeting, she was snatched up in multiple hugs from Maxwell and Hana. Even Drake gave her a brief hug.

While the four talked over one another, Liam edged around them to be able to speak to Olivia.

"I'm glad you decided to come." He pressed a kiss to her hand. "It's been a long time since your last visit to the palace."

Olivia lowered her eyes. "I know. How is Charlotte?"

"She is in alt over having Hope here. I can't wait for you to see them together."

"Are they not joining us for dinner?" She asked.

"They are supposed to." He checked the time. "It isn't like Charlotte to be late."

Riley overheard him as she talked to Bertrand and Savannah. "Sadly it is for Hope."

At that moment the two girls rushed in with shy smiles for everyone.

The two young men following at their heels also had apologies at the ready for their tardiness.

Liam waived those away with assurances that it didn't matter. He then stood between his two daughters and proudly introduced Hope to his friends and Regina.

Exclamations followed on how much she looked like Riley had all those years ago. Then everyone began to ask her questions about her studies, her hobbies, and anything else that came to mind.

Hope's nerves lessened with having Charlotte and her father practically beaming with delight in having her there. Their kindness and acceptance was still such a shock to her. She didn't know how she'd ended up so lucky to have such people as family.

Her mother sat not too far away and smiled encouragingly at her while helping her answer some of the questions. She didn't know what she would have done without her mother always there as her biggest champion.

Sean too explained their years growing up and what kind of child Hope had been. He made everyone laugh with many of the stories of their adventures around New York. Hope also noticed that he made certain to make Charlotte laugh as much as he could. His eyes always drifted back to the crown princess. Hope couldn't be more pleased with this new development.

Hope also had a new, unexpected champion sitting beside her. Bartie slipped his hand discreetly into hers under the table each time a question was asked. His fingers twined with hers, letting her know she wasn't alone.

As the dinner went on, Hope relaxed and thought she might be able to hold up well talking to more people in her father and sister's world. At least she hoped that would be the case.

She honestly was terrified of the upcoming ball.

#choices trr #the royal romance #trr #choices #liam x riley #trr maxwell #trr drake #trr hanna #trr olivia #choices the royal romance #choices the stories we play #choices fic writers creations

[mariemarieohcontrary]

Tagpuan (Rendezvous) - Chapter One

Book: The Royal Romance, Book 1

Pairing: Liam Rys/Evangeline Lakandula (MC)

Taglist: @ao719 @tessa-liam @nestledonthaveone @malblk21 @twinkleallnight

Chapter Rating: T

Chapter Warnings:

Sexual Harassment (Starts at "Evangeline ignored their leering smiles...", Ends in “Just let me work, sir!”)

Verbal Abuse/Workplace Abuse (Starts at "What the hell, Lakandula!", Ends in "What do you have to say for yourself?")

Chapter: I - The Trinket Bar

Word Count: 5500+ (im so sorry omg)

Summary: A normal night in The Trinket. (As normal as can be, at least.) A first meeting. Concern. An invitation.

Author's Notes: So while the dialogue is in English save for some words, just understand that dialogues with Filipino characters like the staff and patrons are in Tagalog while the ones with Drake, Maxwell, Tariq and James are in English.

Also uhhhh you'll get to completely enjoy Liam and the others in Chapter 2. For now, it's still setting the scene! I really hope you guys like how this turned out.

Feel free to listen to and loop the songs I set up while reading! I could even provide fully translated lyrics if asked!

If you want to be in the taglist, just tell me! ❤️

(Previous Chapter) | (Next Chapter)

Nalulunod sa pangangamba Puno na ang baga, pasuko ka na Sa'n ka kakapit kung malalim na? Ang sabi ay "Arte lang 'yan" -Lunod, Ben&Ben

TRANSLATION

Drowning in anxiety Lungs are full, you’re giving up Where do you hold onto when you’re falling in deep They say you’re just acting out

"What can I get for you, gentlemen?"

Three pairs of eyes turned to her and Evangeline had to stamp down the desire to balk and run away.

The table she agreed to serve was just as Daniel described. A disgruntled rugged man with hair that was kind of long, a hyperactive man with short brown hair who was fiddling with the karaoke machine (god, please don't break it, Stanley will blame her and it'll come out of her pay—) and one who was wearing an overly expensive suit trying to lounge on a very un-loungable and rickety bench.

And they're all staring at her.

Despite the ill feeling she felt at the pit of her stomach, she just plastered on her Customer Service Smile, and looked at them expectantly.

It was the hyper one who broke the awkward silence,

"Oh, hi!" He greeted, bounding up to her and away from the karaoke machine. "Are you our waiter? I thought our server was the other one."

Evangeline hadn't met a foreign motormouth before.

"Daniel and I swapped," Evangeline said honestly as she reached over to the bench, nudging a tupperware cover she'd been using to balance out the bench to straighten it, "his mother's coming back overseas so he needs an easy shift tonight."

"Ah, from where?" The man in the expensive suit asked, his interest piqued.

Evangeline shook her head.

"It's not for me to say, po," she replied, "only that she'd been away for a year and he's been missing her."

"I'm sure it was a good vacation." the man replied.

Evangeline stilled.

They don't know.

Of course they don't.

What was a fact of life here was barely consequential in other countries.

He looked earnest enough in a carefree way. He definitely meant it as something positive. The hyper man seemed to not have noticed. But the rugged man was frowning.

"Tariq—"" the rugged man started with what was clearly a reprimand.

But it was Evangeline who finished it.

"Daniel's mother is an Overseas Filipino Worker," she explained, her tone quiet as she said it, "she wasn't away on vacation."

The man in the expensive suit, Tariq, looked surprised. Then he looked like he didn't know what to say.

Evangeline figured as much so she took a deep breath and nodded at the three men.

"I'm–" Tariq faltered before he looked down, "I'm sorry, I thought—"

"We got derailed," she cut him off and smiled, it no longer stretched wide enough and didn't even reach her eyes no matter how fake it was, "what can I get for you?"

Tariq was quiet for a moment before clearing his throat.

"Yes, ah, I would like a Macallan Red with filet mignon and bearnaise sauce."

"Steak for me, thanks!" The hyper man added before he ran back to the karaoke machine.

The way they spoke made Evangeline remember the posh students in her high school and college. Speaking a language Evangeline never did and eventually wrinkling their noses when they realise Evangeline wasn't on the same standing as them.

It made the feeling of unease return in her but she only shook her head and gave what she hoped was an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, sirs," she gestured to the front of the establishment where a giant chalkboard filled with their menu items was placed, "we only have beer, some wine and a few other selections."

"In that case, I think I'm fine with whatever!" The hyper man shouted while pressing in numbers for a song.

Surprise was the first to cross Tariq's face. Then disappointment.

"And the filet mignon?"

Evangeline shook her head. "We have different foodstuffs available that pair well with alcohol, but no steak."

The rugged man sighed.

"Just get us normal whiskey or beer and uh, what would be your suggestion for food?"

Evangeline looked at the menu and tried to remember the usual dishes her grandfather had for pulutan.

A conspiratorial smile.

A mischievous twinkle in eyes that had beheld the world far longer than her father had.

"Sisig," she finally said, her gaze landing on the item in the menu, "and lechon kawali."

Aged hands pulled her forward to give her a small plate of lechon kawali and sisig.

Don't tell your mother I let you have some this late at night.

"They both pair well with beer," she paused, trying to remember the brand her grandfather drank, "Particularly, Red Horse."

The rugged man nodded.

"Sounds good," he said, "get us four bottles of beer and four plates of each of those dishes."

Four?

"Four, sir?" Evangeline asked. "Are you one man short?"

"Yeah," the rugged man replied, "he's just handling some things then he'll come here."

Odd to do at a bachelor party.

Then again, The Trinket wasn't even meant to be bachelor party material. She barely even considered it a bar and more like a carinderia. Who brings their family to a bar of all places?

Shaking her head, Evangeline went to the kitchen to hand the cook the order.

By the time she returned with the bachelor party's beers, their mystery companion had yet to arrive.

No matter, that wasn't her concern. It's their bachelor party and Evangeline is just the server.

"Your drinks," she announced, setting each bottle near each of the men present, "your meals are almost done and I'll be back shortly with them."

"Thanks." Was the reply she got from the rugged man.

Turning away, Evangeline pretended not to hear the hyper man begin singing My Way.

Her grandfather would be rolling in his grave if he were here.

Her grandmother would simply be laughing as she tended to do with offkey singing.

Her mother—

Evangeline pushed the curtain to the kitchen aside.

"Ate Alice, are the dishes for my table done?" she asked the moment she entered the kitchen.

Alice, a wiry thirty-something woman with bleached hair kept in a high bun turned to look at her, holding up her spatula and waving it towards the table at the corner as an answer.

"Want me to call Niel over here?" Alice asked, eyeing Evangeline.

Evangeline shook her head as she began trying to fit all the dishes Alice cooked onto one tray.

"I've managed to do this a couple times,” Evangeline replied, “I think I could handle walking to my table without breaking any of them.”

Alice shook her head.

“Just watch out,” Alice warned her, “you know the later the night gets the livelier the customers could be.”

The local drunks.

They'd be coming around this time.

“I will.”

The bar was indeed lively by the time she emerged from the kitchen.

Already, a queue had formed for the karaoke and rowdy patrons had come streaming in. They seemed to be playing nice with the hyper man from the bachelor party but aside from that, they were keeping to themselves and their groups.

Already someone had ordered twelve bottles of beer and was starting to get unbearably loud.

It was normal.

But Evangeline didn’t have to like this type of normal.

Drunk men with their breaths filled with alcohol.

Inhibitions loosed and their demons unleashed.

Fury and folly all gathered under one roof.

It wasn’t comfortable.

From a distance, she could hear some drunk locals talking about the foreigners.

“Shit, are those Americans?”

“They really decided to come here in an expensive suit, huh.”

“Maybe they’re looking for an easy lay!”

Evangeline ignored some of the men's leering smiles. Whenever she ran across them while they were sober, she wasn’t something they’d pay attention to or look twice at. But this happened always anytime they’ve consumed too much alcohol.

She kept her gaze forward and her expression as blank as possible.

“Vangie,” one of the drunks called out, his hands reaching out to pull at her apron, “look, a bunch of foreigners are there!”

His drinking buddy snickered. “You might finally land your shot since you mostly speak English!” He taunted.

Evangeline felt her face burn in embarrassment while she tried to pull herself away.

“S-sir, please don’t call me that,” Evangeline stuttered as she tried to keep a steady hold of her tray while pulling herself away from the drunk patron, “and I really have to get to work—”

“Don’t be such a prude!” The patron retorted. "You're barely even beautiful and you have the nerve to be this picky!"

The uproarious laughter from nearby tables made Evangeline feel ill as her attempts to move away from the man grew in desperation.

"Come on, Vangie!" Another man from two tables near the back shouted. "We're bored! Give us a show! You could dance, right?"

"Please just let me work," Evangeline begged, her voice breaking, "I don't want to be fired!"

"I'll let you go," the man acquiesced, a sharp smile gracing his lips, "for a kiss!"

The man then tried to start pulling Evangeline closer to him and Evangeline could feel her heart beating faster.

She hated working here.

She hated these people.

Her throat grew tight, a burning feeling making itself known in her eyes.

“Just leave me alone!” Evangeline shouted, her voice rising slightly as she managed to jerk herself away from the man’s grasp.

Evangeline felt her feet trip over each other the moment she stumbled away from the drunk.

Her heart stuttered in fear when she realised she was falling.

The tray slipped from her hold.

The plates fell to the ground in a crash that made her ears ring.

"Watch out!"

Warm hands touched her back as she was steadied.

Before Evangeline could process everything, she came face to face with a man of East Asian descent. His eyes were wide with concern.

"Miss," his voice was quiet, gentle, "are you alright?"

Evangeline wanted to cry.

Are you alright?

A customer asked a question just for her.

Asking about her.

A customer who saw her.

Her throat tightened.

She took a deep breath and pressed her lips together before nodding.

"I'm so sorry for the disturbance," she met the customer's eyes and mustered up a smile, "I'll just go fetch replacements for those gentlemen's meals and then I'll have someone tend to you." She promised.

He seemed like an easy enough customer. Daniel should handle him.

The man shook his head. "My friends could wait a bit longer," he said firmly, "they waited this long for me without food, they could wait a bit more."

Friends?

Ah.

Evangeline blinked and then looked down, taking in one deep breath after another.

Letting out a slow exhale, Evangeline looked at the man carefully.

He was dressed like no local, his clothes were of fine quality and looked out of place in the province and though she knew a fair amount of fellow Filipinos who spoke English flawlessly, there was a hint of an accent in his but not in the way that Filipino accents tended to drip into their voices revealing their province.

"You're the fourth member?" She asked instead.

"I am," he confirmed. "I'm James."

Just as the fourth member came, she really ended up ruining their evening.

Wonderful.

"Alright, Sir James, let me get you replacements for your meals."

James only stopped her again, his brows knitting together.

"Are you alright, Miss?" He repeated.

Evangeline's smile returned.

Placating and as true as she could make it.

"I'm fine," she promised, "it's just a normal night here in The Trinket."

James still looked worried.

She would worry about that later. She has a job to do and broken dishes to sweep up.

Turning away from James, she swallowed past the tightness in her throat and entered the kitchen.

"Was that you?" Alice asked from over the stove the moment she came in.

"Just the drunks," Evangeline replied, her voice quiet, "they got too rowdy."

"Is that all?"

"Yeah. You know how it is."

Alice was silent as she plated whatever it was she was cooking.

Evangeline didn't have to ask if Alice believed her or not.

"Take these to your table," Alice finally told her, "your plates were the only ones likely to fall."

Evangeline looked at what was plated and she felt her throat close up again.

Four new servings each of sisig and lechon kawali.

"I called Niel in to get the broken plates swept," Alice added, "he can handle sweeping duty."

Evangeline took a step forward.

Halted.

Then threw herself against the older woman, her arms wrapping tightly around the cook who dropped her spatula in shock.

"Angeline, what—" Despite her surprise, Alice hugged her back just as tightly.

"Thank you, Ate Alice," Evangeline whispered.

"I do what I can," Alice replied, "even if it's just from this shitty kitchen, I'll keep trying."

"And it's more than enough," Evangeline assured, pulling away.

With hands she pretended were steady, Evangeline began putting the plates on her tray again.

"Be careful, Angeline," Alice called out to her as Evangeline hefted the tray on her shoulder again.

"I promise, Ate." She smiled at Alice before stepping back out of the kitchen.

She ran into Daniel who looked at her worriedly. His neatly combed hair was now ruffled, his round face had gone a bit red from running back and forth and sweat was beading his brow.

Evangeline felt guilt claw its way to her throat.

"Niel, I'm so sorry—"

Daniel shook his head.

"Ma will be more disappointed in me if I let one of my friends suffer just because I want to look nice," Daniel explained. "I want her to come home tonight and know I did good. That I could make her proud she raised me good."

Evangeline hadn't spoken with Daniel's mother much save for a few times.

She was a sweet-faced, plump woman who had a tendency to comment on Evangeline's thin frame and eating pattern with excessive concern.

Of course, what followed was her being given food and told to stay for dinner during those three meetings she had with Daniel's mother.

His mother gave tight hugs and beso-besos that are filled with affection for someone she had only met.

Evangeline smiled and bumped her hip lightly against Daniel's.

"Your mother should always be proud of you, Niel," she told the young man, "she raised you well. Far better than most would have."

A home brimming with love.

Kisses every meeting.

Surprise tickle fights—

A lullaby goodnight—

"I want to keep my mom proud of me no matter what." Daniel said decisively.

She had no doubt that he will.

This time, she kept her gaze solely on the drunks who were likely to grab at her. She could feel her body tensing and her breath stopping whenever one of them got too close to her.

The walk to the bachelor party's table felt like an eternity.

The sound of the hyper man's singing sounded like cacophonous noise to her ears.

Still, she made it and she placed the plates carefully on the table, smiling to herself when she managed to do it without making too much of her panic known.

"Thank you," James said, beaming at her.

Evangeline can't help but hesitantly smile back. "I'm sorry for ruining your food the first go, though."

He shook his head. "It wasn't your fault."

"James told us what happened," The rugged man said, his brows furrowing, "are you okay?"

Evangeline nodded.

"Yes sir."

"Drake." He corrected.

"Sir Drake." She amended.

Drake grimaced and he shook his head. "Just-just Drake or even Walker is fine," He insisted. "I'm not some fussy noble or anything."

Impolite.

Have you been taught to be disrespectful?

Evangeline shook her head, her brows knitting together minutely. "I'm sorry, I'd rather call you with the proper respect for customers."

Drake looked like he wanted to protest still but James shook his head.

"She said she'd prefer it that way, Drake," James explained, "let's let her go with what's comfortable for her."

Despite looking like he'd rather not, Drake just sighed.

"Sorry we didn't step in," Drake said in a tone she cant read, "we didn't really know what was going on and we didn't really know if it was something normal or not."

Evangeline remained quiet, uncertain how to respond to his words.

"Thank you for the concern," she said at last, "but it's nothing I can't handle."

Lies.

James smiled at her with that same warm smile. "Of course," he agreed, "but please know you could ask us for assistance if you really need it."

Considerate.

Too considerate. To a server.

She stayed in their presence long enough.

"Excuse me, sirs, I need to handle the other tables."

The rest of her shift went by without further incident, thank the stars.

Aside from disgruntled drunks that were being handled by Daniel who got hauled out of the bar for trying to start a fight with Drake, it went by as Evangeline had been used to.

By the end of her shift, Evangeline just wanted to lie down on the floor of her bedroom and forget the world for a few hours.

Maybe watch something nostalgic (not Cinderella) to unwind.

Call Kuya Ethan even.

Something to quiet her mind.

"Lakandula!" Stanley's voice made itself known in the bar.

There, at the front of the room, with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face was her boss.

"Kitchen. Now." Stanley grit out.

And it took all Evangeline's willpower not to want to run.

With a practised ease, she piled all of the plates and cups onto her tray, her head bowing automatically.

She ignored the bachelor party's table. She could feel four pairs of eyes on her and she didn't need them to know that this is her life when they were clearly just here for leisure. This isn't their issue to handle.

When she entered the kitchen, she noted neither Alice nor Daniel were there resting like they usually did.

Instead, Stanley was the only one there. His tall, sturdy frame was in a threatening stance, his face twisted in unbridled fury, his body was practically vibrating in rage.

"What the hell, Lakandula!" Were the first words that left Stanley's mouth the moment Evangeline entered the kitchen.

She felt suffocated the moment Stanley marched up to her face, his face growing blotchy and reddish in his anger.

Taking a few stumbling steps back, Evangeline scrambled for a thought to stick. For her to figure out how to appease her angry boss.

But static was the only thing that came to her thoughts and her hearing.

"W-What did I do wrong, Sir?" She asked, trying to keep her tone as quiet as she can.

"What did you do wrong," Stanley echoed mockingly. "How about pissing off one of our loyal patrons just to suck up to those foreigners!"

"I wasn't—"

"Do you know who's more important to the business, Lakandula?" Stanley asked, his voice rising. "Our local patrons! But you chose to ignore that just to flirt with some foreigners like youre some pokpok on the streets!"

She wanted to say something. To stand up for herself and point out that those drunks were horrible and groped around where they weren't wanted. She wanted to slap Stanley for each time he shamed her or shouted at her or forced Daniel to stay late hours or make Alice stay trapped in the kitchen. She wanted to shout and scream and rant at him over how shitty of a boss he was.

She wanted—

"What do you have to say for yourself?" Stanley asked, his voice dropping low.

"I'm sorry, Sir," she mumbled, her throat closing up, "I will make amends with the customer tomorrow."

"Your pay will cover the damages to my plates and the ruined meals you let fall." Stanley added, his tone harsh.

What else could she do?

What options did she have?

"Yes sir."

Her answer must have satisfied Stanley because he made a satisfied grunt before making to leave the kitchen.

"Lakandula."

"Yes, sir?"

"Make sure to wash the dishes."

"Yes, sir."

She only knew Stanley was gone by the rustling of the curtain.

But even when she was alone, Evangeline still didn't move from her spot. She didn't know how long she stayed rooted there like a statue but the confrontation with Stanley had left her struggling to breathe.

Her throat felt like it was closing in on her.

Her nose and eyes were burning with tears that have yet to spill.

Her chest felt tight but she hoped it was only in panic and not her asthma acting up.

She just wanted to go home.

Time stopped meaning anything to her mind when she finally made a move to do as Stanley instructed her to do. With steps that were unsteady and unsure, Evangeline made her way to the sink. There was a muffled feeling in her mind and a numbness to her movements as she turned on the tap and reached for the sponge.

She lost further track of time as she kept washing the dishes.

No one came to the kitchen in the time she spent finishing three tables' worth.

She was sure she was the only one left among the staff this night which would mean she'll be the one to lock the bar.

Somehow the thought of it terrified her.

Biting her bottom lip, Evangeline kept a death grip on the sponge and continued scrubbing the plate she was holding.

Distantly, she was aware of the curtain parting again.

She didn't want to know who came in. If it was Stanley, she didn't want to see his face if he was just gonna shout at her over something she did. She was tired. She's had enough.

"Angeline?"

It was Alice.

"Why are you doing the dishes?" Alice asked.

Evangeline didn't reply, the tightness in her throat closing in further.

Calloused hands covered hers, firmly stopping her from washing.

Her vision blurred as hot tears ran finally slipped down her cheeks.

She choked on a whimper, trying to breathe psst the growing tightness that now reached her chest.

"Angeline?" Alice pressed. "What are you doing here? Your shift is over."

"Sir Stanley said I needed to wash the dishes."

"Don't."

It was Alice's firm tone that brought Evangeline out of the muffled world she had fallen into.

"W-what?" She asked, her voice small.

There was resolution in Alice's eyes as she repeated her earlier words.

"Don't." Alice spoke with such a firmness that lacked the heat and anger others tended to have. "Stanley enjoys his power trips, don't let him have that."

Carefully, Alice pried the sponge and plate out of Evangeline's hold and nudged her away.

"You've had a long shift," Alice told her, "you deserve to just have a night to yourself, don't you think?"

"But what about you?" For all her desire to just go home and rest, Evangeline never liked that Alice would often stay in the bar later than others just cause Stanley said so.

Alice snorted.

"I'm going home too," the older woman assured her, "Stanley could wash the dishes himself if he wants them cleaned so badly. Power tripping asshole."

Taking hold of her hands, Alice began manoeuvring Evangeline to the small shelf where the staff keeps their bags.

A part of Evangeline wanted to protest and to struggle.

Another part wanted to give in.

To go home and pretend this night didn't happen.

"Come on, let's get home! "

There was an earnestness in Alice's eyes and Evangeline missed being held onto that tightly like she mattered.

The older woman smiled coaxingly at her and Evangeline felt some of the tightness she was feeling melt away a bit.

After all, who was she to deny a friend?

Snatching her backpack from its shelf, Evangeline pulled out her casual wear and hurriedly changed back into her leggings and her short, white dress. Turning to look at Alice, Evangeline offered her a smile.

"Let's go?" She asked, offering her arm to Alice.

Without hesitation, Alice looped her arm with Evangeline's and the two made their way out of the bar.

After locking the bar, Evangeline saw Alice off at the tricycle terminal near The Trinket, waving goodbye to her as she drove away. When she was certain that Alice was well on her way home, Evangeline jogged over to the parking area where she'd chained her bike at the rack in front of the establishment.

Mounting the bike, Evangeline turned on her bike light and let out a slow breath. She'd gotten used to biking in the past four years but even then, she'd feel this thundering panic in her chest everytime she had to go to busy streets.

Pushing off, she began cycling towards her lodging.

The first twenty minutes was quiet for her. Taking a turn here and there, stopping by a sari-sari store to buy a small bottle of iced tea and then continuing the ride home.

It was in the twenty-fourth minute when she came across a car that she ignored easily enough. It was just another black car with tinting, a bit too nice for this neighbourhood but she gave up figuring things like cars out.

She cycled past it.

"Miss?" A familiar voice reached her ears and Evangeline frowned as she tried to recall who had that voice.

"Miss, wait!" The voice grew louder as the sound of a car door opening and closing followed.

That's when it hit her.

Warm hands.

Kind eyes.

Miss, are you alright?

Hurriedly braking the bike, Evangeline almost toppled over if her feet hadn't gotten off the pedals to anchor themselves to the ground.

She could hear footsteps fast approaching.

Dismounting, Evangeline turned around and sure enough, it was James who had called out to her and was now running towards her.

Deciding to meet him halfway, Evangeline jogged towards him. The moment the two came face to face, James smiled at her.

"Hey."

"Hello, sir." Evangeline greeted him.

"I didn't think I'd see you after dinner," James said, after a short silence.

Evangeline didn't know what to tell him.

"Why would that matter?" She asked, her brows furrowing lightly.

"I just wanted to thank you for handling our table despite everything that happened," James told her "I wouldn't have blamed you if you didn't want to keep working that night."

Evangeline shrugged and looked down. "It's not really like I could stop working even if I wanted to." She told him.

There was a silence and Evangeline tried not to panic. Did she say the wrong thing? Did she upset him?

"I'm sorry this night wasn't a good one for you," James said at last, his voice was still gentle with no hint of anger, "my friends and I— we, we heard yelling before we left."

Evangeline stilled.

They should have left around that time.

"That was just my boss" She mumbled. "He gets angry quickly."

"That's not right."

Don't waste their time.

Evangeline took in a steadying breath, counted to three and looked at James. She was surprised she saw concern there in his eyes and she tried not to be overtaken by emotion again.

"Even if it's not right," she said carefully trying to sound unbothered, "it's just a part of my life."

James frowned. "Even...the drunks?"

Evangeline looked away. "Even those."

"I'm sorry."

To hear someone apologise for her life. For something they didn't do was....jarring for her.

Returning her attention to James, she hesitantly reached up and placed her hand on his shoulder and mustered up a smile.

"It's not your fault," she assured him, "your table at least was easier to handle than the others'."

James looked surprised by the contact she made with him and she was about to pull her hand away when he rested his own on hers.

"I—" he faltered for a moment as a look of uncertainty flickered on his face, "I hope it won't be presumptuous of me but, will you let me make up for your night?"

The way he said it was rushed and eager, his eyes shining under the streetlamp's light. And like Alice, there was earnestness.

Earnestness.

Twice in one night.

Kindness, more than that.

"You don't have to do that," she assured him, "you should enjoy the night with your friends."

And she should go home and assure herself that her day ended well at least. That some people didn't leave her behind or wanted to make her night better. Whether it was leaving work earlier than usual or whatever James planned, they were kindnesses she had missed.

And she didn't want to intrude on them anymore.

"What if I told you my friends and I don't know our way around here?" James asked.

Evangeline smiled at the thought.

"Then I'll wonder why you would go here of all places," she told him, "why not go to Makati or Taguig or BGC? Why the province?"

James shrugged.

"I heard the Philippine countryside was quieter and my friends didn't want any fuss." He explained.

There was something more hanging from his tone. The way he drifted off at the end made Evangeline tilt her head in curiosity.

"But also?" She pried as gently as she could.

James looked surprised that she sounded like she knew that there was more and he took in a breath.

"I also heard some provinces had interesting histories, I just thought we'd be able to learn them even without a tour guide," He said sheepishly. "Ask local people and whatnot, learn different perspectives."

History.

He wanted to hear about history and learn it.

Her country's history.

"Is that what you'd want to do tonight?" She asked carefully.

James was silent, his expression was one Evangeline would call awe but it can't be because she didn't do anything big. Still, he looked like she'd offered him gold and she didn't know what to do with that knowledge.

"I—" James faltered, "my friends wanted to keep drinking."

He wanted to learn. His friends wanted to party.

Evangeline sympathised with him but she decided against telling him. Instead she smiled and took out her phone and began tapping out different bars and nightclubs that would be more high-end and open at this time.

Showing him her phone, she nodded for him to read it.

"Your friends might like these options," she told him, "they have more choices, air-conditioned, dancing, usually the upper class goes there so it's more enjoyable for you gentlemen, I'm sure."

Watching James' expression as he read over the names, his lips slowly sounding out the words as if he wanted to say the name right. Evangeline knew which one he found.

"Tagpuan is good," She assured him. "I haven't been in personally but I know some people who did and they rave about it a lot."

How could she not know when her family always tagged her in their photos.

Whether as a way to include her or to insult her she wasn't sure anymore.

"What does it mean, Tagpuan?" James asked, his enunciation was good but he said it so slowly like he wanted every syllable to be correct.

"Rendezvous point," Evangeline smiled when she saw him nod determinedly like he wanted to ingrain it in his memory. "It's much more poetic in Tagalog though."

James repeated the word silently and he smiled as if discovering something. He nodded.

"I have to agree," he sounded genuinely happy to learn this one word and it made Evangeline feel lighter to see someone hungry for knowledge the way he was, "there's something about the word that makes it feel more than just a rendezvous point."

"The wonders of my mother tongue," She remarked, her smile growing. "I hope you enjoy the night there, and have a safe trip."

Turning away, she made to return to her bike when she felt James reach out for her, his hold on her wrist wasn't tight and she could easily shake him off and she didn't feel like it would tighten.

Still, she stopped.

"Wait," James sounded...desperate? No desperate was stronger. But he still sounded like he really wanted her to wait.

Turning around to face him, her breath got caught in her throat when she saw how close the two of them were.

"What?" She asked, her voice coming out quiet as she can't help but look in his eyes.

Earnest. Too earnest.

How had he survived this world as long as he had with eyes so open?

"I," for once, James looked like he was lost for words, his eyes met hers and it looked like he was trying to find the right words to tell her, to read her like she's read him, "my friends, we-we don't know the way to Tagpuan."

Evangeline knew what he was getting at.

"And I...please let me make up for the night you had," He wasn't pleading and Evangeline heard an option to deny his request but there was no malice in his voice, "you'd be helping us out and if you want to go home, you could."

She shouldn't be contemplating this. She shouldn't be entertaining the thought of letting him make her night better on the condition she gets to tell him of history even in the walls of the nightclub that held little to none. She shouldn't—

"I don't think I could leave my bike here," she tried one last protest.

James smiled. "We'll drop by your house so you could leave it there." He offered.

What the hell.

"Okay." She told him, a small, hesitant smile gracing her lips.

The delight in James' eyes was worth it.

TRANSLATIONS

Po - a form that indicates respect or politeness, could be used sarcastically as well.

Pulutan - Pulutan is the general term used to refer to small plates or snacks served over drinks. These range from those that sizzle over the classic metal plates, like sisig or pusit, to grilled meats like barbecue and isaw, to even bite-sized food like kropek.

Sisig - Sisig is a Filipino dish made from pork jowl and ears, pork belly, and chicken liver which is usually seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chilli peppers.

Lechon Kawali - also known as lechon de carajay or litsong kawali in Tagalog, is a Filipino recipe consisting of pork belly slabs deep-fried in a pan or wok.

Carinderia - a food stall with a small seating area, typically in a market or at a roadside.

Beso-Beso - cheek-to-cheek kiss.

Kuya - Tagalog for Big Brother.

Pokpok - a term for prostitute.

Sari-Sari Store - a convenience store found in the Philippines. The word sari-sari is Tagalog meaning "variety" or "sundry". Such stores occupy an important economic and social location in a Filipino community and are ubiquitous in neighborhoods and along streets.

#choices the royal romance #choices trr #choices game #play choices #choices fandom #trr fandom #the royal romance #liam rys #trr riley #trr: evangeline lakandula #trr fanfic #choices fanfic #the royal romance fanfic #trr drake #trr maxwell #trr tariq #drake walker #king liam #trr liam #fic: tagpuan

[angelasscribbles]

Victim of Love Chapter 12: Looking Forward

Series: Victim of Love

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Drake x Riley

Word Count: 1,852

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: None, really. Some mild language.

Song Inspiration for series: Victim of Love by The Eagles

Victim of love I see a broken heart I could be wrong but I'm not no I'm not

My other stuff: Master List.

“That’s it! The last one!” Riley declared as she removed the needle from the rump of the heifer in the chute in front of her. Turning her head to the cowboy manning the chute door she said, “Let her out!”

“I really can’t thank you for everything you’ve done for us, Riley.”

Riley turned to smile at Drake’s mother. Dressed in trousers, a flannel shirt, and boots, with her hair tied back and pushed under a wide-brimmed hat, Bianca Throckmorton Walker looked every bit the matriarch of a family of ranchers.

Riley shook her head with a laugh, “What? Administering annual vaccinations to the herd? Any of your cowboys could have done that!”

“I’m not talking about that, and you know it! I’m not sure the herd would have survived without your intervention. Walk with me for a minute?”

Liam did not follow Riley after she left Hana’s room. She hadn’t expected him to, she meant it when she said he needed to stay and focus on his wife and unborn child.

It still hurt.

She clung to Drake and poured that hurt out as she sobbed in his arms.

“Is Hana okay?” Drake asked in alarm.

Riley nodded as she lifted her head to take in the concern in his eyes and it somehow made her feel better. She wiped her face as she staunched her tears and came to a decision, “I’m going to Texas with you.”

“What?”

“You said something was wrong with the herd, but no one knows what?”

“Yes, but-“

“Do you have a large animal veterinarian on staff?”

“No, because-“

“Because there’s an alarming shortage of large animal veterinarians in the U.S.”

“Right. We have one that we use but he covers a very large area and is currently at a ranch about two hundred miles away investigating a similar issue there.”

Riley nodded as she stepped out of his arms, “Vets who work with farm and ranch animals have to work outside in the elements, no matter how hot, how cold, or how rainy, they stay on their feet all day and they work long hours.”

“Yeah, that sounds like the job description,” Drake agreed.

“They’re also on call several nights a week. Most new graduations are choosing small animal care, dogs, cats, even exotics because they have regular hours in an air-conditioned office.”

“And the fewer people that choose to go into it, the worse the workload gets for everyone else,” Drake surmised.

“Yep! And the less anyone new wants to sign up for fourteen-hour days and being on call five days a week.”

“Yeah, okay….so?”

“So, there’s a good chance that no one is coming to help you in time.”

“Yeah, but….Riley, this isn’t your problem, you don’t have to-“ he rubbed the back of his neck as he fought an internal battle. As much as he would love to take her home with him and have a chance to get to know her better, he wasn’t sure she was thinking clearly. She was obviously upset.

“Drake!” Her tone was sharp, “I don’t have to tell you that losing an entire herd could be financially catastrophic for a cattle ranch.”

The fidgeting stopped as his eyes searched her face, finding nothing but an earnest seriousness there. She was right. Losing the herd might be a blow the ranch couldn’t recover from. “Riley, are you sure?”

“I’m sure! Now come on, I need to go pack! And I’m going to need the contact information for that other vet so we can compare notes and hopefully nip whatever this thing is in the bud!”

“I can’t take all the credit for that,” Riley followed Bianca up a small hill overlooking the northern part of the ranch, “Wow, this is a great view!”

“Isn’t it? My grandfather used to bring me up here when I was a kid. He’d tell me stories about the ranch’s history, point out all the places we could see from here, and explain what each was used for.”

“That sounds like a good memory.”

“It is. Later, after he died, I started coming up here by myself. At first, it was just to feel close to him, but the more time I spent looking at and thinking about this place, the more determined I was to save it.”

Riley nodded in understanding. Drake had told her how Bianca’s father had abandoned the ranch. Preferring the cushy life of a politician to the harsh life of a rancher, he had let the ranch fall into a state of disrepair. “I get it. You love this place. It’s obvious.”

“I do. The only thing I love more is my children; you’re good for both.”

“What?” Riley blinked against the afternoon sun as she studied the other woman’s face.

“You’re good for this ranch, Riley, and you’re good for my son.”

“Oh…I…”

“I’m not reading that situation wrong, am I?”

A flush spread across Riley’s face, “No, ma’am, you’re not.”

Riley had been prepared to stay in a hotel room, but neither Drake nor his mother would hear of it. She had been given a room in the main house, right down the hall from Drake.

The first few weeks she had tried to maintain some kind of boundary between them. She was there for the cattle, she was there to give Liam and Hana space, and she was there to heal a little and figure out her next steps.

What she wasn’t there to do was jump straight into another relationship, one with Liam’s best friend, one that was likely a rebound. Especially when she was there to work.

But it had proven impossible to keep her distance from him for any appreciable amount of time. Not only did he run the ranch, which threw them into close proximity with each other as they worked to find the cause of the illness spreading through the herd, but since she had agreed to stay at the ranch rather than a hotel, they were eating meals together and spending their downtime together.

“Why have you been avoiding me?”

“What?” Riley spun toward the voice. She hadn’t heard anyone enter the stables, “What makes you think I’ve been avoiding you?”

“Because you’ve been avoiding me.”

She sighed as she tightened the girth on the horse she was tacking up, “I’m sorry, I just wasn’t sure how to handle the whole situation.”

“What situation?” He opened another stall and lead a beautiful chestnut gelding out. He wasn’t going to cancel his plans to ride just because she was there first. In fact, he was prepared to follow her if that’s what he had to do to get answers.

“You know what situation, Drake.”

“No, I really don’t. I thought we really hit it off in Cordonia. We got along well; the sex was amazing, and you spilled your guts to me on the plane ride home about everything with Hana and Liam. What changed? Did I do something wrong?”

Riley took the horse by the reins ready to lead her out of the stables, but she paused in astonishment, “What? No! You’ve been nothing short of amazing, Drake! You’ve been there for me in a way very few people ever have!”

He dropped the saddle he was about to put on the horse on the ground and moved closer to her, “Then why are you avoiding me?”

“I just…” tears welled up in her eyes, “I’m sorry. After everything that happened, what you witnessed with me and Liam and Hana….and after everything I told you….I just assumed you would want to extricate yourself from that whole mess. I didn’t want you to feel obligated-“

With almost no warning, she found herself in his arms, “Riley, look at me! Extricating myself from this situation, as you call it, is the last thing I want! And obligation is the last thing I feel when I think of you! Goddamn it, girl! How do you not know what you do to me?”

“I just thought, maybe I should get myself sorted before I get more entangled with you. I still have feelings for Liam and-“

“I’m well aware of your feelings for Liam,” his fingers traced up the side of her face and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His eyes locked on hers, full of pleading, longing, and determination, “I’m not asking you to stop having feelings for Liam. I’m not asking you to end your relationship with him. But I am asking…no, I’m begging you, Riley, to give this, to give us the same chance! And I have never begged anyone for anything in my life! Don’t you want to know if this could be something?”

The world stood still as she stared back into his eyes for an eternity. Then she nodded.  

“Yes? That’s a yes? You’ll give us a chance? Stop avoiding me?”

“Yes.”

He surged forward and claimed her lips.

“I’ve never seen my son this happy,” Bianca told her, “And you saved this ranch.”

“I had help,” Riley demurred.

“I know you collaborated with other ranches and vets in the area, but-“

“And Texas A&M University-“

“Yes, I’m aware, but still, it was you here on our land, up before the sun came up and up after it went down, working right alongside all of us. You kept up with seasoned ranch hands, Riley, that’s impressive.”

Riley laughed, “Don’t let the title fool you, I’m no stranger to hard work. I was waiting tables in my parent’s restaurant at twelve and I could run the kitchen by fifteen.”

“And you were top of your class in Veterinarian school.”

“Bianca! Did you run a background check on me?” Riley’s mouth fell open in astonishment.

Bianca shrugged, “When my son told me he was bringing some woman I’d never heard of home to mess with my cattle? You’re damn straight I did!”

Riley burst into laughter, “Fair enough!”

“I know you’re planning to return to Cordonia soon, but I wanted to make sure you knew that you had other options.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean you could stay. I’m offering you a job here at the ranch as well as a home. If you don’t want to stay in the main house, there’s a small guest house closer to the stables that you could take. And I’m also giving my stamp of approval to your relationship with my son.”

Riley sighed as she turned away from Bianca and looked out across the miles of pasture. The job offer wasn’t a total surprise. Large animal vets were scarce, and Bianca liked her.

But she wasn’t at all sure she wanted to move away from Cordonia permanently. “What if I say no to the job offer? Will you still give your blessing to my relationship with Drake?”

Bianca scoffed, “Of course, I will. I mean it, Riley, you’re good for him. Just think about the job for a day or two before you make up your mind, okay?”

“Okay,” she agreed, a multitude of emotions swirling and mixing inside her, “I’ll think about it.”

#victim of love #trr #trr au #drake walker #drake x mc #angelasscribbles #the royal romance #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #the royal romance fanfic #choices #choices stories you play #trr au fanfic #trr fandom #trr fanfic #choices trr #trr drake #trr fanfiction #trr mc

[cadybear420]

PLEASE MAKE DRAKE OUTFIT RANKING

Well it's not gonna be as in-depth as the male sexy underwear ranking since I haven't played past TRR 1, but I can do this.

NGL this was actually kind of fun. Might do it for other characters as well as certain MCs.

1st place, AKA Mannnn that shit is VACCUUM SEALED AROUND HIS TITS and for WHAT

2nd place, AKA One of the few actually flattering male/masc swimsuits, granted it looked better in the CG but still (also he should kill me with his thighs)

3rd place, AKA Stylish AFFFFFFF, I dig it

4th place, AKA ICONIC

5th place, AKA Decent, I like it but it doesn't really stand out to me or grab me

6th place, AKA *shrugs* Eh... not bad, but I'm not really feeling it with these ones

7th place, AKA I guess it's okay on a technical level, but PB should be ashamed of themselves for calling this lazy thing a "sexy underwear upgrade" so yeah

Credit for transparents goes to @korgbelmont

#choices stories you play #choices #choices game #choices stories we play fandom #choices stories we play #trr drake #the royal romance drake #drake walker #choices the royal heir #choices the royal romance #the royal heir #the royal romance #choices the royal finale #choices the royal holiday #the royal finale #the royal holiday #choices trr #trr #choices trh #trh #trf #choices trf #cadybear's rankings

[harleybeaumont]

The Other Nevrakis - Christmas Party

Book - The Other Nevakis - TRR AU

Pairings - Drake x Lilith (OC), Liam x Riley

Word Count - 1,330

Warnings - language, drinking

I was inspired to write this fic from the @choicesholidays​ prompt: I’ve never been stabbed by an icicle before, and the edit that goes along with it is from the prompt: I’m so glad we found each other.

___________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

It’s the night of Liam and Riley’s annual Christmas party. Not the formal one attended by every noble and dignitary in Cordonia, but a cozy gathering of their closest friends and family members.

Jingle Bell Rock plays quietly over the speakers, and Lilith and Riley are seated at the bar, both about 5 shots of tequila in.

“We need to take a picture!” Riley hiccups and giggles as she leans against her friend. “Max brought all these props and no one’s using them.. besides him, I mean.”

Lilith chuckles as her eyes land on Maxwell who is wearing an elf hat with a bell on the end, attempting to put a Santa hat on a protesting Bertrand.

“No thanks!” Lilith smirks. “I put on a pair of those stupid elf ears and I’ve just provided you with blackmail material.”

Riley places her hand over her heart and gasps. “Me?! You think I would blackmail my BFF?! “ Lilith raises an eyebrow skeptically and Riley laughs. “Ok maybe that one time when I wanted to borrow your Jimmy Choo’s and you wouldn’t let me, but never anything serious!”

“You were going to tell everyone that I can burp the alphabet! I don’t want anyone to know that! It’s humiliating!”

Riley cackles, leaning against the bar to steady herself. “It’s impressive! And it’s not like I was really gonna tell anyone!”

“Ya, ya..” Lilith rolls her eyes with a smile. 

“I have an idea.” Riley nods across the room to where Liam and Drake are standing together, talking. “I bet I can convince Liam to dress up as Santa quicker than you can get Drake to. Winner gets to pick what we dress up as from Max’s prop box. ”

“Well duh, you’re gonna win!” Lilith shakes her head. “Liam literally does whatever you want, whenever you want!”

Riley bites her lip, watching her husband with a smirk. “He does, doesn’t he?”

“So you see, this isn’t a fair bet.”

“Then what would be fair?”

Lilith glances out the window, watching a light snowfall drift across the night sky. “Snowball fight.”

“Ha!” Riley laughs. “Against the woman who grew up in Lythikos surrounded by snow 24/7? How is that fair? You’ll annihilate me!”

“Sounds like you’re scared, Ri.”

Riley bites her cheek while she thinks. “Fine. Take two more shots of tequila, and then it’ll be fair.”

“Two more!? But we’ve both had the same amount!” 

“Exactly. Everyone knows you have a higher tolerance than me.” Riley holds her hand out expectantly. “Soooo? Deal?”

Lilith knocks back two more shots and shakes Riley’s hand with a smirk. “Deal.”

______________________________________________________ 

The girls stagger slightly as they make their way outside into the snowy courtyard, grabbing their coats on the way. Lilith blinks her eyes slowly, her mind hazy from the tequila. 

“So, howwe gonna do this?” Lilith slurs, shaking her head in an attempt to clear her thoughts.

Riley pulls out her phone and sets a timer for five minutes. “Whoever has been hit the most when time runs out, loses.” Riley smirks but wobbles, catching herself on a statue. “Whoa. Ok, ready…go!”

Lilith dashes across the courtyard, slides behind a tree, and begins balling up snow as quickly as possible to create a nice stash of ammo. She peers out from behind the brush, listening for any sound of Riley. With no sign of her, Lilith picks up a few snowballs and creeps through the snow, making her way from tree to tree for cover. She sees no footprints, noting that Riley must have gone along the concrete path. “Where is this bitch?” Lilith whispers and is immediately pelted in the back of the head with a freezing projectile. “Hey!”

Riley laughs maniacally and rushes away. “First blood! First blood!”

“You’re gonna pay for that!” Lilith bolts after Riley, hurling a snowball that quickly whiffs past Riley’s head, barely missing her, and exploding against the tree beside her.

“Oh my god, are you trying to take my head off?!” Riley squeals as she weaves between the trees with Lilith hot on her tail. After a minute, Riley pauses to lean against the tree, completely winded. When she turns around, Lilith is nowhere in sight.

Riley’s eyes dart around the courtyard, but thanks to the excess amount of tequila, everything feels as if it’s moving in slow motion. She pulls out her phone and checks the time with a grin. “You only have 15 seconds left! I win!!”

“That’s what you think.” Lilith appears from behind a tree holding a snowball in each hand. “Nowhere left to hide.”

Riley holds her hands up in surrender, a look of terror flashing across her face. “Why do you look like you want to murder me?!”

Lilith utters a sinister chuckle. “I win.”

Placing two snowballs in one hand, Lilith brings her arm back ready to deliver the winning blow, when a flash of something dives from her peripheral vision. 

“Noooooo!” The snowballs smack square against the chest of the interloper as he screams.

“Liam!” Riley yells as he lands in the snow with a grunt. She kneels down over him and giggles. “You saved my life!”

Liam sits up and rubs his sore chest. “Oww, maybe literally! That snowball had an icicle in it!”

“Jesus Lil!” Drake appears next to her with a smirk. “Trying to assassinate the King and Queen with an icicle?”

“I didn’t know, I swear!” Lilith throws her hands over her mouth in shock. 

Liam stands and dusts the snow off of himself with a chuckle. “I’ve never been stabbed by an icicle before. You’ve got quite an arm, Lilith!”

“I’m so sorry!” Lilith shakes her head. “I don’t know how that happened, for real!”

“Well.” Riley grins cockily. “I believe I win the snowball fight!”

Lilith scoffs. “You wouldn’t have if Liam hadn’t jumped in front of you like a damn superhero! How did you guys even know we were out here?”

Drake steps closer to Lilith, wrapping his arms around her to help her get warm. “A couple of Riley’s guards told us that there was a drunken snowball fight going on outside, and we might want to check on you.”

“What was going on out here was my glorious victory!” Riley boasts with a cheeky grin. “I beat a Nevrakis in a snowball fight! This is the best day ever!”

Lilith rolls her eyes. “I’m pretty sure Liam intercepting the snowball is technically cheating.”

“Look, I’m too cold to argue. We’ll forgive you for the icicle and just call it even,” Riley says through her chattering teeth as she pulls Liam close. “Now let's get inside because I’m fricking freezing!”

Liam and Drake help their shivering, inebriated partners back inside the palace and help them get cleaned up, returning to the party just in time for karaoke.

As Leo saunters on stage and begins singing Santa Baby, Riley takes Lilith’s hand and leads her to the prop box. “Now, what am I gonna pick for you to wear in the photo?”

“Uh, no way! Outside, you said we would call it even.” Lilith crosses her arms.

“Did I?” Riley taps her cheek with a smirk. “Ok, fine. We’ll just go up and do some karaoke. Actually Lilith, why don’t you get up there and share your amazing talent of singing the ABC’s by burpi-.”

Lilith throws her hand over Riley’s mouth, narrowing her eyes. “You are the worst!”

Riley grins widely, passing Lilith a pair of reindeer antlers, which she snatches  and puts on begrudgingly. “I hate you.”

“No you don’t! You love me.” Riley pokes Lilith in the side wiggling her finger, and Lilith swats her hand away with a chuckle. 

“Fine. But if I take this pic you have to promise not to hold that over my head ever again! Because you know damn well I have plenty of dirt on you.”

“Deal.” Riley bumps Lilith’s shoulder with a smile. “Now, put those paws up little reindeer, and say cheese!”

#the other nevrakis #trr fanfic #the royal romance #bff's #christmas party #choices trr #choicesholidays #drake x oc #lilith nevrakis #liam x riley #the royal romance fanfic #trr #trr drake

[drake-walker-appreciation]

Drake Walker Appreciation Week 2023

Announcing... Drake Walker Appreciation Week 2023… at least our version of it!

We know there are lots of Drake stans out there, so we hope you will spread the word and participate in our little event!

We welcome any kind of content for any day of this event — standalone fics, series masterlists, edits, moodboards, art… whatever floats your boat! The only requirement is that it should be Drake-focused and depict him positively.

Day 1: Monday, February 27th: Appreciation and Headcanons! Tell us what you love about Drake, and/or tell us your headcanons. This can take the form of a fic that highlights it, artwork that depicts it, or even a simple list!

Day 2: Tuesday, February 28th: Throwbacks! Please tag us in any Drake content you already have. Fics, artwork, mood boards, whatever you got!

Day 3: Wednesday, March 1st: The early years! We want to know about Drake's past! Write/draw something from his childhood, teen years, or young adult days! Anything prior to the beginning of TRR1 really.

Day 4 Thursday, March 2nd: Friends and Family! Focus on non-romantic friendships or family relationships (can be found family, in fact, that is encouraged).

Day 5 Friday, March 3rd: Romance! Tell/Show us your favorite Drake ships! Drawings, stories, mood boards!

Day 6 Saturday, March 4th: Marriage and Parenthood! We want to celebrate Drake as a husband and a father. Again, this can be a story, a drawing, a mood board, a list of headcanons about it, anything goes!

Day 7 Sunday, March 5th: Visuals! Please share your favorite face claims for Drake with us! This could be a single photo or a mood board. Artwork is also appreciated. We want to see what you see what you picture him.

Thank you to everyone who participated! The masterlist is available here.

#drake walker #drake walker appreciation week #the royal romance #trr drake

[justcallmefox89]

Cinderfella's Adventures in Cordonia - Chapter Seventeen

An AU of The Royal Romance with a male MC and a bisexual prince.

Masterlist

Callum speaks to his former competition and receives an offer from Madeline.

“What just happened?” Drake asks, stunned.  

Liam slowly shakes his head.  “I honestly have no idea.”

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

I lean my head against elevator doors, the cool steel soothing the sharp pain stabbing at my frontal lobe. 

Hi, God.  It’s me, Callum.  I say this with full disrespect… you have a sick sense of humor.  Believe me when I say I am not one of your strongest warriors; I definitely don’t need to be tested any further.  And another thing –

The doors spring open, interrupting my impromptu heart to heart with God.  I unobtrusively straighten my jacket as I step out of the elevator and back into the ballroom, and quickly work my way to the bar, keeping an eye out for Maxwell and Hana as I do. 

I slide onto a barstool, coming face to face with the bartender from earlier.

“Back so soon?” he asks coyly, leaning his elbows onto the bar top, bringing his face close to mine.

“Couldn’t stay away.”  I manage to give him a half-hearted smile.  “Could I get a bottle of the Baird Dark Sky and two shots of the seventeen year old Hibiki whiskey, neat?  Please?”

“Anything for you, sir.” he says playfully, smirking as he turns away to get my order.

Hi, God.  It’s me again… am I a joke to you, old man?

“Here you are, sir.”  The bartender slides my order to me, peeking up at me from beneath his lashes.  “I was wondering if you had any plans – ”

“Seducing the help already, Callum?”

I’d know that shrill voice anywhere.  I still hear it in my nightmares.

“Excuse me, darlin’.  I need to speak to Satan’s mistress for a moment.”  I twist on my barstool to come face-to-face to with her. How’ve you been, Smokeshow?”

 She takes a sip of her drink, gazing at me over the rim of her glass, and shrugs one delicate shoulder.  “Busy. Traveling with the court as we partake in this,” she grimaces.  “Engagement tour.”

I toss back my first shot, chasing it with a sip of beer before I say anything.  “Yeah, about that.”  I lean forward and lower my voice.  “What the hell happened?  Madeline?  Madeline, of all people?!”

“She was the best choice out of all the remaining suitors,” Olivia says sourly.  “Liam had very few choices by the end of the social season.”

“Where the hell were you when he was making his choice?”

“I was forced to leave the competition shortly after you dropped out.”  She gives me a tight smile.

“Why?”  I squint at her suspiciously.

“Someone had information about my parents.  Something that could hurt them, damage their memory.  I couldn’t let that happen.  Not even for Liam.”

“Somebody was rigging the competition,” I realize.  “They wanted Madeline to win.”

“Exactly,” Olivia says grimly.

“Did you ever figure out who it was?” I ask, sipping my beer.

She looks away, draining the last of her drink before answering me.  “Constantine.”

“Why am I not even surprised?” I mutter, throwing back my second shot.  “Does Liam know?”

Olivia nods.

“And he still chose to go through with this?”  I raise my eyebrows.

She shrugs.  “Liam agreed with Constantine that Madeline was the most qualified suitor left.  He wasn’t willing to leave Cordonia without a queen.”

“And he’ll do anything for Cordonia,” I finish her thought.

“What else could he do?  You had already left; all Constantine had to do was eliminate the remaining competitors until the only appropriate choice was Madeline.  He backed Liam into a corner.”  She gracefully slides off her barstool.  “As fun as this little reunion has been, I’m ready to leave now.”

“See you around, Smokeshow.”  I give her a slight finger wave, watching the back of her red dress until she disappears into the crowd.  I swivel in my seat, leaning back against the bar top and gazing out into the ballroom.  I slowly sip my beer as I study the party guests, scanning carefully as I attempt to locate a certain former king.

Gotcha, old man.

Beer in hand, I slide off my barstool and weave my way into the crowd, moving towards a recessed corner of the room where Constantine stands, accompanied by two bodyguards. 

Where’s Bastien?

I leave a few people between myself and the trio, patiently waiting until Constantine becomes distracted by the mayor, who draws him into a lively conversation.  A few seconds later the bodyguards turn their attention away from the king and begin scanning the ballroom for threats, each one looking in a different direction.  Using the surrounding party goers as cover, I slink over towards Constantine, coming to a stop directly behind him.

“Don’t move,” I say quietly as the mayor moves away, drawing my index finger down his back until it rests between his shoulder blades.

“What are you doing?” he hisses, stopping himself mid-turn.

“I didn’t appreciate you leaking all the private details of my life to the Cordonian media,” I say conversationally.

“MacKenzie.”  Constantine clenches his jaw so tightly I can hear his teeth grind together.

“I heard you threatened to do the same thing to Lady Olivia.”

“Liam could not be trusted to make the decision on his own.  I needed to make sure that he would make the correct choice for Cordonia,” he says coldly.

“He deserves to have better than you as a father,” I seethe.

“Think what you want.  Liam’s decision to wed Madeline is final, and there is nothing that can change that.  Did you come over here just to discuss my son’s engagement?”

“No,” I say softly.  “I just wanted to let you know I know exactly what you did.  And to you remind that no matter how many bodyguards you have, someone will always be able to get to you.  Have a lovely evening.”

I melt back into the crowd, quickly putting some distance between me and Constantine’s bodyguards.  I spy Hana and Maxwell on the dancefloor, and move to take up a spot nearby to watch them, hoping to speak to them when the song is over.  After a few moments, someone steps over to stand next to me.  I glance down and see Madeline scowling at me.

“What are you doing here?” she demands.

“I was invited,” I say in a bored voice.

Madeline snorts.  “If you’re back in Liam’s life that’s fine.  Have all the feelings you want for one another.  A tryst here and there can be managed but do not embarrass me.”

“You don’t care that you’re about to marry a man who is in love with someone else?”

“When you’re behind closed doors, you can have his heart and whatever other part of him you want.  As long as I have the crown and an heir and a spare, I really don’t care what he does.  This is practically the best thing that could’ve happened to you.”

I glance at her out of the corner of my eye.  “I think you’re severely overestimating my interest in your future marriage.”

“I’m trying to work with you,” Madeline sighs.

“Once again, not interested.”  I shrug my shoulders.  “But… if I do decide I want Liam again, I won’t be sharing him.  Don’t get too comfortable, Madeline.”

She opens her mouth to snap back, quickly closing it as she sees Maxwell and Hana hurrying towards us.  Madeline sneers at me one last time before stalking off.

“Was that Madeline?” Maxwell asks, peeking around me.  “Where’s Drake?  Have you talked to Liam yet?”

“Drake is with Liam.  I’ve talked to him… we’re just taking some time to think about things.”

“We don’t time to think about things,” Maxwell replies.  “Liam is getting married in a few days!”

Hana gives him an exasperated look.  “Callum is well aware of that, Maxwell.”

“As fun as this has been, I think I’m ready to call it a night,” I quickly interject.  “Hana, I’m going to text you my address.  If you happen to see Liam or Drake…”

“I’ll be sure to pass it on,” she assures me with a smile.

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

One long Uber ride later I’m finally back in my building and unlocking the door to my apartment.  Sashimi meets me at the door, purring and winding herself around my ankles.  I bend down to scratch beneath her chin, and she rumbles with happiness.   “Hey, my beauty.  How was your night?  Did grandda stop by and feed you?”

After living in the same building as my father and his boyfriend for the past nine months, my girl has become accustomed to their visits and the pampering the two of them shower on her.  I shed my suit jacket and dress shirt as I move through my apartment, dropping them on the floor as I make my way to my bedroom.  I fall backwards onto my bed and stare up at my ceiling with a deep sigh.

What a fucking night.

I close my eyes and sink deeper into my mattress.  They shoot right back open a few seconds later as someone loudly knocks on my front door.  Groaning, I roll off of my bed and shuffle towards the door.  I press my eye to the peephole and have to stifle a gasp when I see who is standing outside in the hallway.  I quickly unlock my door and throw it open.

“Now what are you two beauties doing here?” I ask, leaning against the doorjamb and raking my gaze over Drake and Liam.

“We need to talk,” Drake says bluntly.

I arch one eyebrow in interest and step aside, silently inviting the two best friends into my apartment.  I wait until we’re settled in my living room to say anything.  “So… who wants to start?”

#pixelberry #choices #pb choices #choices fanfic #trr drake #choices stories you play #the royal romance #trr male mc #trr mc x liam #choices game #trr male oc #trr liam x male mc #pb trr #trr hana #trr maxwell #trr #trr madeline #trr fanfic #choices trr #trr au #trr fandom #drake walker #liam rys #trr drake and liam #trr drake x male mc #the royal romance liam #trr olivia #the royal romance drake #the royal romance olivia #the royal romance madeline

[deb-1106]

Serendipity - Part 5

Written for @choicesflashfics​ - Week 35

Prompt 1  — “Would you just shut up and kiss me already?”

Book: TRR/OPH

Pairings: Drake Walker x Ava Matheson, Bryce Lahela x Charlie Hawkins

Word count: 2475

Rating: M

TW: Profanity, Suggestive language, sexual situations

A/N: This is a collaboration between myself and @walkerismychoice​ using the weekly prompts provided by @choicesflashfics​ 

As always if you want on or off the tag list, just let me know.

~~~

The car ride home was quieter than usual.  Typically after a night out with friends, they’d spend the drive home chatting and laughing as they rehashed the entire evening from rating their meals to dissecting the dinner conversations, and everything in between.  

But tonight, Ava was quietly gazing out the window, keeping her thoughts to herself.

Drake cleared his throat.  “So...that wasn’t nearly as awful as I thought it was gonna be. Charlie is pretty cool, and I guess McDreamy isn’t too bad once you get to know him.”

“Um hmm.”

He was surprised. The McDreamy comment should have earned him a laugh, or at the very least a well-deserved, I told you so.   

“The food was really good. Solid 8. We should go back again sometime.”

“Sure.”

Jesus. It was easier to get the last bit of toothpaste out of the tube than it was to get a full sentence out of his fiancée tonight. The fuck?

“So, game night at our place next week, huh?” He tried and almost succeeded at keeping the dread out of his tone, “That should be…fun. Can’t wait.”

“Yeah.” Ava murmured, completely missing the sarcasm that laced his words, “It should be a good time.”

Drake glanced over at her. She was so distracted tonight.   But why? 

He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “What’s the matter, babe? Is everything okay? You feel alright?”

She turned her head and gave a weak smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired I guess.”

Then she turned back to the window and stayed that way until they reached his cabin. 

Once inside, Ava headed straight upstairs to get ready for bed.  

Drake sighed and grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge before following her up.

He perched on the edge of their bed, watching as she took off her jewelry, piece by piece, and laid them carefully on the dresser. She pulled the band from her hair and combed her fingers through her locks until they fell in soft waves around her shoulders.

Then she reached behind her back looking for the zipper on her dress, but before she could grasp it, Drake was behind her, sliding it down slowly as their eyes met in the mirror.

“Ava.” He said softly. “What’s going on? Talk to me.”

She averted her eyes, shaking her head slowly, “It’s nothing. It’s silly.”

Drake placed his hands on her shoulders and guided her around until she was facing him.

“I thought we agreed not to keep any secrets.” He reached out to tuck a tendril of hair behind her ear, “We’re a team, remember?”

Ava nodded. “I remember.”

“So spill it. Why are you upset? Did I do something…”

"No!" Ava shook her head, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. “God…no…you’re perfect.” She slid her hand up his arm until she reached his neck. She threaded her fingers through the hair at his nape, drawing him in for a long, deep kiss before pulling away to rest her forehead against his. “I love you so much.”

“I love you more.” He whispered as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. As he went in for another kiss, Ava placed her palms on his chest and leaned away. 

Drake looked confused. 

“Do you think we’re moving too fast?” She blurted.

Surprised, Drake immediately let go of her.

“Moving too fast?” He frowned, “What do you mean?”

“Us.” Ava tilted her head up to look at him, concern etched in her expression. “You and me. Our relationship.” 

“That’s it?” Drake let out a relieved laugh, “Shit, Ava. I thought it was something important. You were starting to freak me out.”

Ava’s eyes went wide. “What do you mean…that’s it? This is important, Drake! If you think about it…we barely know each other!” She started to pace as words tumbled from her lips, “I mean… We never even dated before we got engaged. We just skipped right over all of those…milestones that normal relationships have. And…God, there’s so much we haven’t even talked about. Like…I don’t even know your middle name…or … ” Her brain raced wildly, “...or your favorite color…or if you’re a dog person or a cat person!” 

“Jackson. Blue. And…that's a choice I could never make.” He quirked a brow, “There. Do you feel like you know me better now?” 

“Don’t make light of this, Drake.” Ava’s eyes welled with tears, “It’s serious.”

Drake sighed as he reached out to place his hands on her shoulders. “Sweetheart,” he began, his voice calm and soothing. “Respectfully…it’s really not that serious. We know the important things …the things that really matter.   So to answer your question … No, I don’t think we’re moving too fast. I love you and there isn't a single doubt in my mind that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But if you’re having doubts…”

“No.” Ava reached out for his hand, interlacing their fingers together as she gazed earnestly into his eyes. “It’s not that I have doubts. I love you so much, and I know I want to be with you forever. But …”

When she paused, he nudged her with his shoulder. “But?”

“But …we’ve only known each other for six months.  And for the first two months…we couldn’t stand each other!”

“Not true,” Drake corrected. “You couldn’t stand ME. I only pretended not to like you.”

Ava smiled. “I was only pretending too. You had me at ‘wow.’”

They both laughed, and some of the tension melted away.  

“You looked really hot in that green dress.” Drake smirked, “I couldn’t help myself.”

Ava’s smile faded slightly as the anxiety crept back in. “We’ve been through so much together in such a short time. Sometimes I worry that we’ve just skated over some really important things. Our whole relationship has been spent sneaking around behind everyone’s backs and stealing moments together wherever we could. We never even went on a real date before we got engaged.”

Drake nodded in understanding. “Look Ava… you’re right, our relationship hasn't been exactly…conventional.  But somehow, despite everything, we still managed to find time to fall in love."

Ava smiled. “The moments in between.”

“Exactly.”

He ran his fingers through his hair as he struggled for words to give her the reassurance she needed. “I feel like we wasted so much goddamn time, Ava …time that we could’ve spent together if we’d only been honest about our feelings from the very beginning. So, when I woke up in that hospital bed and found out you were safe …I felt like we’d been given a second chance, and I wasn’t about to waste a single second this time.” He shrugged, “So, yeah, maybe things are moving a little fast. But just because we’re engaged, it doesn’t mean we have to get married right away. We can take all the time we need to learn all the little stuff…because we already know the most important thing…we love each other.” “I do love you so much.” Ava flung herself into his arms and buried her face in his chest, as all of her concerns melted away in the comfort of his embrace.

Drake pressed his lips against her temple for a moment before resting his chin on the top of her head as they swayed gently.

After a few minutes, Ava pulled back and gazed up at him with a mischievous look in her eyes. “So tell me more about how hot I looked in that green dress.”

Drake chuckled. “You looked smoking hot. I could barely keep my eyes off you all night.”

“Keep going…”

The sultry tone in her voice had him instantly aroused.  

“I fantasized about sliding my hands up your leg…just like this…” His hand found her thigh and began trailing upward, “... sliding them under that dress until I was touching you…here…like this.”

Ava moaned as Drake's strong fingers slid under the elastic of her thong and immediately found their mark.

“I imagined you making that exact sound.” His voice grew husky as she arched against his fingers as he stroked her, “Because I was pretty sure you wanted me just as much as I wanted you…”

“Oh…I did.” Ava’s voice was breathy as Drake’s expert touch already had her on the edge. “I definitely did.”

Just as she was about to tumble over, Drake pulled his hand away.  

Ava cried out. “Draaaake!”

“Are you sure, though?” He arched his brow. “You didn’t have any doubts about how you were feeling that night?  Because if you did, we should probably discuss them.”

“Oh my God…you’re such an asshole!”

“You’re right. I am.” Drake nodded solemnly, “We should probably talk about that too.”

Ava mewled in frustration as she reached out to grab his shirt in both hands. “Would you just shut up and kiss me already? No more talking!”

Drake chuckled and picked her up, easily tossing her over his shoulder as he carried her to their huge four-poster bed. “Now you’re speaking my language.”

—

"Can you tell me where we're going yet? Please?" Charlie begged as they drove north out of the city. With every turn they took, she tried to speculate where they could be headed, but to no avail. All Bryce had given her was that it didn't matter what she wore, and that ruled out any sort of dressy affair or anything physically demanding. If he was taking her to another new health and fitness store, so help her… Despite what Bryce has said,  you can absolutely have too many tubs of protein powder hogging counter space in your kitchen.

"Charlie, you've made it this far. I don't think  you'll suddenly keel over from the anticipation - but if you do, I know CPR."

She shook her head. "Those doctor jokes never get old for you, do they? I can't even fathom how corny you'll be once you get to the dad joke stage."

"You might find out sooner than you think."

"What?" Charlie placed a hand on her stomach. "You know something I don’t? You aren't taking part in some secret male pregnancy study in your department, are you?"

Bryce laughed out loud. "No…nevermind. Just running my mouth again." 

"As per usual." It was Charlie’s turn to laugh. It never ceased to amaze her how Bryce could say things that would make anyone else seem like a pompous asshole, yet he appeared funny and charming. But just what did he mean with that dad joke comment? Probably just another nonsensical thing he let slip out without thinking, she decided.

“I won’t ask again where we’re going, but can you at least tell me how much longer?” she pleaded. “If you don’t, I might have to ask you ‘are we there yet?’ every fifteen seconds.”

Bryce rolled his eyes. “Think you can handle waiting ten more minutes?”

His answer appeased Charlie enough to get her to stop asking questions, but she was getting more and more confused as they entered an industrial park area - not her ideal location for any sort of date she could imagine, and there didn't seem to be any storefronts. 

They pulled into the side lot of a large unremarkable brick building. As Bryce drove around to the front and into a parking spot near the main entrance, Charlie read the sign out loud. "Furry Friends Animal Rescue? What are we doing here?"

"What do you think, silly?" Bryce grinned. "You've only been suggesting we get a dog every day since we moved in together."

"Really?!" Charlie squealed with excitement. "But you kept saying we're too busy, which isn't untrue."

"I know, but things are starting to calm down with our last year of residency, and there’s that great doggy daycare next to the hospital. Besides, what better way to ensure you're stuck with me than a joint fifteen-or-so-year commitment?"

She laughed, but it did feel like an important and somewhat binding next step in their relationship. "Wait…" something clicked for Charlie. "Is this what you meant by the dad joke thing in the car? We aren't going to be those dog parents that dress up our dog, call it our fur child, and throw it birthday parties, are we?"

"We already have his daycare picked out." Bryce smirked. "You know we will be."

Charlie sighed. "You're probably right. Now, what are we waiting for? Let's go pick out our baby. 

The facility was holding a big adoption event and was bustling with people searching for their new pets. There were multiple pens of puppies scattered about, with older dogs in kennels along the wall.

"Have you thought about what kind you want?" Charlie asked.

Bryce shook his head. "Not in particular. Just not a little ankle-biter. I want a dog we can take on hikes and can go running with me."

"Agreed." Charlie scanned the room and decided to avoid the crowds surrounding the puppy pens and peruse the kennels first. It was hard not to want to take them all home, especially when each of their eyes seemed to ask if she'd be the one to rescue them.

Bryce stopped in front of a 2-year-old golden doodle who yipped and jumped nearly to the top of the kennel door. "This one might even have a little too much energy, even for me."

They kept walking, waiting for the one to stand out, and then Charlie spotted him - a brindle-colored dog with floppy ears and a smooth, shiny coat. He definitely wasn't fully grown, but wasn't as small as any of the young puppies with their littermates in the center of the room.

Just then, a shelter volunteer walked up beside them. "This one is the last of his litter. He's 6 months old and a little shy, but a great dog. I'm not sure how he hasn't gotten adopted yet, other than people seem to either want younger puppies they can fully train from the start or adult dogs out of the puppy stage."

"Aww!" Charlie knelt down and the dog cautiously approached the front of the kennel. His ears perked up and his tail started wagging as he tried to give her kisses through the crate. "He likes me!" 

"He sure seems to. I don't think I introduced myself. I'm Robin." They held out their hand for Bryce and Charlie to shake. "And this is George. He was part of a Grey's Anatomy-themed litter."

"Well if that's not a sign, I don't know what is." Bryce ducked down to greet George, whose tail began wagging even faster.

"We're both doctors," Charlie explained.

"It was meant to be," Robin agreed. "Do you want to think about it or look around some more, or are you ready to fill out the adoption paperwork?"

Charlie looked to Bryce who nodded in agreement. "I think this is the one. Let's do it!"

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