Tumgik
#liam rose (oc)
Text
Tumblr media
Liam homophobia moment
26 notes · View notes
jennrypan · 1 month
Text
Liam, Scourges son, calling him on the phone: Dad?
Scourge: Whassup?
Liam: Hey, I'm in front of a bunch of people right now, uh, listen-
Liam: I know you were probably sleeping but, I said nigga a bunch, can you just say it's okay?
Scourge, on speaker: You a nigga ain't you?
Everyone in the crowd, laughing:
Liam: This is the greatest thing you've ever done for me, as a father
Scourge, laughing: It's a good thing I ain't pull out then.
7 notes · View notes
Note
🎃 - what is [or would be] their go to halloween costume?
Thanks for the ask!! (From this random OC ask game)
🎃 - what is [or would be] their go to halloween costume?
Oh you're glad I have a Halloween chapter.
Lexi and Maddie always go as famous (usually fictional) siblings.
Wade and his boyfriend Teo always go as a popular "non-canon" gay ship (so those who Know, well, Know, and those who don't think they're just good friends!!).
Jazlyn and Ewan usually go as a famous couple (yes, even before they dated)
Gabriel never tries and goes sarcastically as "a teenager" or "a high schooler in a sheet" etc
Liam always goes as something clever, but easy to put together (e.g., a stick figure)
Kelsey and Tyler both do something classic like a zombie, vampire, etc.
Rose always creates her costume, usually something less traditional that she'd have to be creative about (e.g., Van Gogh's Starry Night)
Akash, Robbie, and Sam will always go as a trio together, or at least go under the same theme (e.g., Superman, Batman, and Robin)
Everyone else, it just depends.
Thanks again!
TSP intro
TSP tag list (ask to be +/-): @thepeculiarbird @illarian-rambling @televisionjester @finchwrites
3 notes · View notes
strawberry-metal · 11 months
Text
I made two of each of my friends and I's JoJo OCs from the JoJo AU using the Toon Me picrew! I only chose two ocs from each of us because we have too many to make lol. @kazekothestrange @caffeinated-chaos-bean and Naomi, hope you like these <3
Left to right: Shanna, Rose, Kazuno, Kazeko, Liam, Kikumi, Naomi, Miki
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Picrew if you wanna play it: https://picrew.me/ja/image_maker/1469769
6 notes · View notes
axelbbyart · 6 months
Text
Caught
(Akumu doesnt do blackmail)
Rose sat bolted down and chained onto a steel chair, powered by old alchemy. She watched the figure pace back and forth.
"I'm telling you right now that you're wasting your time."
"Quiet."
Darkeethus paces more, tossing things around and muttering to himself. Rose was a bit concerned for the mental state of this man.
"Getting his attention this way never works. Trust me. We will be sitting here for weeks, months even. He doesn't do blackmail."
He grabbed her by the hair and pushed her head down, cranning her neck, and pulling the chains taunt by the pressure and force.
"I said SILENCE!
I know he'll come. You're his best soldier. His right hand. Killing you will lose him millions that he can not afford, but i won't have to do any of that if he just listens."
Rose frowned, unimpressed, and looked up through her bangs. Her neck was a little tight after being shoved down so roughly.
"You think so highly of me. I'm kinda flattered. But if you knew him like I do, you can stop wasting both of our time and shoot me already. He's not going to bother-"
"-saving his daughter?"
Rose's voice gets caught in her throat, almost making her gag.
Rose looked back at Darkeethus.
"W-what?"
His lips stretched into a disconcerting smile.
"Oh it took a lot of digging and lots of righteous sacrifices, but I know who you are now. I know how you came to be.
Scarrlette."
Rose started sweating. Things usually get complicated when they know who she really was.
He turns so his back is facing her.
"Or should I say a clone of Scarrlette. A faulty product, a failure."
There were questionable tools on the table that made the bottom of her stomach tighten. She knew what they could be used for.
Darkeethus messed with a few of the objects on the table, inspecting each one closely before giggling manically to himself. He turned around, holding a weird scoop like tool very surgical with sharp edges. He showed it off to her, causing her face to pale when she realized what it was.
Darkeethus leans over the bounded redhead.
"Now let's see, what can we remove to show him we are serious?," He makes a show of pondering as he tapped his chin, "Oh yes! That beautiful eye of yours."
Rose feels the panic start to bubble up in her chest as the scientist holds a different tool, which is supposed to keep the eye socket open.
"Wait, wait! You wanted him to listen to you, right, I can relay that information to him! I can bring him here guaranteed, with no eyeball removal."
Darkeethus thinks for a second making Rose assume he's actually taking the offer. Her hopes shattered when he shook his head.
"No, this way will do, my sweet."
The tool started to move close to her eye, hovering a few inches away.
"Shit fuck shit shit."
Sweat starts to bead down her forehead.
She shuts her eyes, teeth clenching in anticipation. A small, "Agghhh!" Escaping her lips.
When suddenly shadows start to form behind the mad scientist. It clumps up like millions of bats until a physical body is created.
A clawed hand gripped Darkeethus' shoulder tightly.
Then, he flings him back with ease. Darkeethus hits the wall, and pieces of wood shattered. His body slides down as blood poured out of the gash across the back of his head.
The new figure stared at the scientist that they flung, making it difficult for Rose to see who it was. Her eyes caught sight of the black hair, and the way it flowed flawlessly in the wind. She was shocked, and maybe she could even say relieved. Was it really him?
"A.. Akumu..?" She tried.
Red eyes looked over their shoulder to the bound redhead.
The figure turns around, and the second time that day, her hope shattered. It was Akumu's pet vampire, Liam Von Goethe.
Rose tried not to feel too disappointed, her smile wavering.
"L-Liam! What are you doing here.."
"My leige does not have time to deal with whatever this is, so he sent me."
He crossed his arms, looking at her.
Liam doesn't say anything else after that and stares. Rose starts to get uncomfortable with how awkward the stare is.
"Are you gonna untie me? Or just stare..." Rose asked, feeling quite flustered under that gaze.
Liam stands there with a hand on his chin as he studies Rose.
Another voice chimes in. "Beautiful.."
Liam turns his head to the scientist. They were sitting upright, leaning heavily on the wall, face covered in blood, a large contrast against their pale white hair.
Darkeethus stared at Liam in complete awe, one eye swollen shut.
"You're absolutely beautiful."
Liam became flustered a deep frown stretching his lips.
"Are you an angel?"
Liam scoffs, a look of disgust on his face.
"Che, you're delusional from blood loss."
"And you." He turns to face Rose his clawed hand reaching out.
"How much more will he tolerate before he sees you as a liability, I wonder.." Rose looked up at him with a frown as he caresses her cheek. It made her stomach twist from how gentle he was being.
He stared a little while longer before suddenly getting up. He dusted his cloak off from imaginary dust and started to leave.
Rose watched him go for a few minutes. The door slammed shut behind him, shaking the walls with force.
She looked down at the steeel chains and bolts, powered by alchemy, keeping her in place.
"Fucking asshole didn't untie me."
She tapped her temple with her shoulder, hitting her intercom and waited for the call to go through.
"Yo?"
"I'm calling in that favor you owe me."
3 notes · View notes
birchisnotokay · 1 year
Text
HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE !!
TAKE THIS PIECE OF MY OCS FOR A SPECIAL
Tumblr media
with names ;;
Tumblr media
12 notes · View notes
voidendron · 1 year
Text
Modern AU Rambling
as I slowly start figuring everyone out for the AU, I'll add them to this/update their info! idk I just think it's a fun little AU <3
The gist: my SWTOR OCs in a modern/coffee shop AU-type setting. No war (though a few of them are discharged/retired vets), just something casual and domestic. not set in any particular city, but will be set in America so I don't have to research things and just keep this as a chill AU I can dabble in whenever in the mood
Xaerez: Alexander Zimman. Fine with Xander, doesn't like to be called Alex. Former sniper in the military, he has an unrecorded number of enemy officer kills. He was discharged due to injuries sustained on the field - injuries resulted in severe scarring to right side of face, loss of three fingers, hearing damage, and nerve damage in one leg that has him using a cane a lot of the time. Caused by the building he was perched in collapsing after it was bombed.
He comes from a rich and snobby military family; he moved out of country and cut contact with them. Without their support, he struggles for a while to keep a stable residence and job. Eventually finds a coffee shop that accepts him and he mostly works in the back. It's here that he meets the others.
-------------
Terrin: Tera Cadera. Married to Torian Cadera, with two young kids - Axel and Anya. She's lived in the area most of her life and frequents a number of the places that the others work. She's the one who connects them all, knocking some sense into a few of them and getting others to join in with her dumbassery, depending on what's needed.
She's a bouncer at the bar near the coffee shop. And yes, she's both teased and jokes about her rhyming name. Likes to go to the coffee shop in her off-time, and it's normally her place where they all get together for backyard barbecues and parties. She's terrible at cooking, however, so either Torian does it, or they do a potluck-style thing and everyone brings a little something.
Tera's the first one to befriend Xander. She just kind of... drags him along behind her while he scowls like an angry cat, and eventually introduces him to Theron.
-----------
Synnda: Sylas Vespa. Always had an interest in art, and by chance had the opportunity of an apprenticeship with a tattooist. On his mentor's passing, he found the shop passed to him in the will, and continues the practice. Keeps fresh flowers displayed in his shop.
He's tattooed head to toe with mostly flowers and somewhat religious imagery (angels and whatnot). Gentle giant, but has scars across his hand, face, and chest from armed thieves attempting to rob his shop to show that he's no pushover. He defended it and himself, sending them both to the hospital; his injuries were minor in comparison to theirs.
He lost an arm and leg in a crash as a teenager. Specializes in tattoos depicting nature, with a particularly strong point in flowers, but can do most anything.
--------
Tumblr media
Qizulth: Kai Verona. Spent most of his life moving place-to-place; didn't have many connections growing up because of it, so did a lot of reading. Picked up an interest in history at an early age, and for years wanted to be a history teacher.
Instead, he ended up an archeologist, and is extremely fond of the job. He makes sure the people working with him on-site don't damage anything, that everything gets properly recorded, and gets excited with new discoveries. Especially loves uncovering ancient tombs. Has a really odd vendetta against the city's museum that no one can explain.
Most of his tattoos are from Sylas' shop. Has really pretty creeping vines across his top surgery scars that Sylas was more than happy to do for him. The two are close friends, and when Kai is in town the two are together often when Sylas doesn't have clients.
------------
Varrich: Vince Toft. Former Navy SEAL; was discharged due to severe injury from a bombing on the job that cost the lives of his squad. Injuries include: lost right arm (didn't want prosthetic), left eye (uses glass eye), scarring to face, chest and back, and spinal damage that's resulted in chronic pain once he healed from the injury itself.
Now, works in a greenhouse. Mostly tends to the plants, but can sometimes be found working the till if he's the only one around. Social recluse, but his sister drags him places when they both have time off so he at least has some interaction with other people who aren't customers and coworkers.
-----------
Lina: Lina Toft. Trauma nurse. She gardens as a hobby, growing her own fruits and veggies, and was the one who helped Vince find his current job since that's a place she frequents when she needs new plants or fertilizers.
Likes to work out when not gardening or with her brother. Has yet to lose an arm wrestling competition at the local bar.
-----------
Jen: Jensen Sept. Prefers Jen, don't even think about calling him Jensen. Delivery man, he ends up all over the state for his work but is always happy to get back home to his husband and kids. Everyone calls the man he's married to "Kitty," Jen and Kitty included - most don't know what his actual name is because the nickname has been used so much for so long. Has five kids, three of which are adopted, and loves them all dearly.
Can often be seen in the coffee shop or park with Kitty and the kids, or the bar with just Kitty. Very cheerful person; it's hard not to loosen up at least a little around him.
---------
Tumblr media
Leo: Calliope Viteri. Prefers Leo most of the time. Pretty cheerful and gentle, also great with kids despite not wanting her own. The Cadera kids, Axel and Anya, consider Leo and her girlfriend the "cool aunts."
She's a baker at a small family-owned place just down the street, and for parties she often brings cupcakes and such.
-----------
Azan: Azaria Tanzer. Role undecided, though may be a security guard someplace?
-----------
Atten & Araa: Axel & Anya Cadera. Tera and Torian's kids, with Atten being just under a year older than Anya. They're closeness in age means they do pretty much everything together and they're best friends. Both pretty young, so still get into a lot of trouble. Axel tends to be the brains of their little operations, while Araa is the one who actually climbs the cupboards or breaks the child locks so they can get into things.
-------
Jessi, Jeva, Liakige, Riza, and Luci: Jessie, Joel, Liam, Rose, and Lucy Sept. Jen and Kitty's children, with Jessie, Joel, and Liam being adopted. They're a big family, but they're close - especially Joel and Rose, who do everything together. Jessie is a fair bit older than the rest of her siblings and has started college, but she visits home from the dorms across the city most weekends and holidays.
2 notes · View notes
Text
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Gettin ready for my first artfight!! Here are some refs I made for the kids ever (part 1/???)
Cries in I have at least 28 refs to get done til july
1 note · View note
lizzaneia-elizalde · 5 months
Note
Please do yandere!delinquent with deaf!reader who's not so bothered by her condition and actually enjoys her alone time. She's also always up to something extrovert-activity like volunteering in orphanages and old age homes. Helping at exhibitions, something that always includes social interaction. She's people's person but not people pleaser (lmao). Yan delinquent works in 7/11 as well so add a cute interaction b/w them please
-🌼
Yandere! Male! Delinquent x Volunteer! Classmate! Fem! Reader
Welcome to the 2nd set of Lizzaneia's 16 yandere OCs! Your support has been so gracious, and I'm utterly surprised by how far we've come. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Let's start this off with 🌼 anons' request, one of my consistent supporters throughout the months (´;ω;`)
I kind of struggled how to show the yan side, so forgive me.
Yan! Delinquent name: Liam
Tumblr media
Liam has been sent to the guidance office again.
He sighed, leaning back to his chair and started to blow raspberries on his lips. Boredom soothing his brain as he tried to think of anything other than the fact that he'll be late to his job again. His manager will probably scold him again, and he has no choice but to swallow back insults he wishes to throw.
After all, it was his fault in the first place.
Who in their right mind brings cigarettes to Uni? He seriously just wants a stress reliever from being sandwiched between midterms and his job. But once he got to a quiet and remote place to smoke, who knew a professor would also be smoking there?
"Bitch." Liam whispered under his breath, remembering how the professor started pointing fingers that he shouldn't smoke, that it's bad for your health, that it violates school rules, bla bla bla he speaks so much for a person who also smokes.
Although, he's not gonna land in this office if he just shut up. But Liam's temper got to him, and he blurted:
"stop talking, tar bags for lungs. Why are you still alive, smoking a pack and looking like a skeleton about to steal my skin?"
Let's just say that the professor blew his top and dragged his ass here, by the ear and all.
Liam buried his face on the desk, contemplating about his life.
He's always been the troublemaker. His mouth, nonstop, started fights more than stop them. That meant that there's a high percent chance that he'll be in a physical altercation with a person he's talking with.
This made Liam quite the delinquent also. Since he can't really connect with people that well, he decided to double down and be a public enemy.
He also didn't grow up with parents. He's only living by himself in a small apartment with the money that his parents left him, and works part time in a 7/11 with an understandably pissed manager.
Liam sighed.
"I'm just gonna go to sleep..."
But, when Liam was about to go to sleep, the classroom door opened and his head snapped up.
And his eyebrow quirked up.
There you are. In the school uniform, bringing a stack of papers (probably midterm exams) to the professor who was facilitating detention.
But what caught his eyes were a small, almost a Bluetooth earphone looking mechanic attached to your left ear.
"ah, y/n. Thank you for delivering the papers." The professor signed while talking to you.
Filled with curiosity, Liam looked up to you and saw you smile. Your dainty fingers started signing back, but you were also mouthing the sentence you wish to say. Subtle muted syllables of the words sometimes coming out of your mouth.
"no problem, sir. I'm glad to be of help." You ended the conversation with a polite smile before you straightened up. Your eyes looked to him, and blinked in surprise.
In an almost shy gesture, you gave a small wave to him with a cute tilt on your head. Your smile, small yet comforting, refried Liam's brain.
A slow blink, and a sharp inhale of breath made Liam wave back.
He swore he saw pink roses around you.
"what the fuck, why are you so beautiful?"
The professor coughed loudly, choking on his own saliva.
Meanwhile, you only tilted your head. You're still not that good with lipreading, and Liam's expression didn't help either.
So, you thought he just said hi or something.
Getting awkward, you bowed before shuffling outside.
Liam felt frozen in his seat, but also heated up.
You're so fucking cute in his eyes.
He wants to see you more now.
Which class are you in?
God, he hopes you were on the same class. He does not remember the faces of his classmates anyways so there's a high chance you were with him.
And as Liam daydreamed about you, the professor only looked at Liam with the outmost dumbfounded face.
Tumblr media
"So you're here."
"?"
You looked up and saw a familiar, frowning face.
With a wave, you smiled at him.
"Hi Liam." You signed out, your voice also sounding out his name.
Liam almost doubled over from the adorableness.
He can't believe he heard his name come out of your lips. Your lips!
On the outside, Liam frowned deeply and scratched his head.
"Hi." He replied back flatly. Absolutely not betraying his own mind.
You knew he just said hi, so you chuckled and took out your phone. With a quick type, you showed him the message you wish to convey.
"Why are you here in the orphanage?"
Liam flinched, not knowing what to reply.
What? Should he freak you out by saying he followed you here?
You were his classmate after all. So why is Liam here also?
It's just that, Liam wants to spend time with you more. Get to know you more.
Liam gulped, and grabbed his phone to type his reply and showed it to you.
"ah... Decided to volunteer too."
You smiled brightly, and Liam swore once more he was blinded momentarily.
Is this what heaven looks like?
You guided him inside the orphanage. And immediately, children looked up to Liam and he jumped from the sudden attention being placed to him.
One child hid behind the other, one looked away, one tilted their head. But one bravely went up to Liam and you, clumsily signing while saying the word.
"friend?" The child asked, a hopeful face sat on his visage. Liam nodded with a small, twitchy smile. It's been a while since he did.
As if on cue, the children grinned, ran up to Liam, and started pulling him to play with them.
A small giggle came out of your lips as you watched Liam getting dragged by the children, watching them with a warm-hearted chest.
All throughout the day, Liam got to know you better.
Despite being deaf, you didn't let it hinder your spirit. You love to volunteer left and right in different organizations, wanting to help the community.
Are you making Liam fall harder for you? He's almost like a melted puddle just watching you from afar.
Although, jealousy burns within him as he tried to ignore the way you gave attention to other people. Especially men.
You appreciated how the school delinquent is apparently just a big softie (it's because of you). He's actually nice and friendly, also generous and playful (once again, it's because of you). You didn't understand why people don't like him.
He's misunderstood.
You also misunderstood his intentions because of it.
Whenever Liam had the chance, he would get close to you. Asking you to teach him sign language, what's not to do when talking with a deaf person, etc.
He wishes to know more about his future wife, after all.
He, as wrong as it sounds, thank the gods sometimes for your deafness.
You won't be offended by the shit he spew out from his mouth by how loose it is.
You won't be hurt.
You won't accidentally take what he said the wrong way.
And because of it, Liam has a strong, strong desire to protect you.
He can't let the others' voices reach your vision.
He just can't.
Tumblr media
The bell rang from having the doors open.
"Welcome to 7/11... Y/N." Liam paused, seeing you in the wild. And inside the store he's doing his part time in.
His lips twitched. What luck.
You jumped in surprise when you finally saw Liam.
"Liam!" You said as much as your voice could. And it was enough to make Liam shiver once more.
"Can I help you, Y/N?" Liam signed out while mouthing, a relaxed look on his face.
Liam's a fast learner, immediately learning how to sign. You were thoroughly amazed, showering him with praises. Liam was also sure it was his deathbed at that time, his heart pounding through his chest as warmness and desire course through him while you praised him.
All you need to do is call him good boy really.
"oh nothing." You shook your head. Your hands gently signing out words, a sign of fatigue. "I just want a pick me up."
Liam grinned, going out from his counter as he got to you and held your hand gently. He gave a head tilt and a boyish smile.
And that made your heart flutter.
This didn't go unnoticed by Liam.
"Come on, I have recommendations." Liam guided you to the corner isle, where refreshments and microwavable foods are.
With your choice of meal done, he microwaved it, payed for the food (much to your dismay, you want to pay it for yourself but Liam insisted on paying), and let you eat on the tables area on another corner.
When Liam is about to return to the counter, his manager appeared with a smirk on his face.
Here we go again.
"hah. Didn't know a troublemaker like you would get a girlfriend." The manager said, looking at you eat.
Liam didn't refute his allegation.
"So what? I love her, and she loves me." Liam huffed, suddenly getting protective. He doesn't like how his manager leered at you.
"hey! Little lady! Your boyfriend here is a fucking lazy bum!" The manager yelled, but you didn't react, only continued to look down and eat, lost in your own world. "Huh? Excuse me!"
Didn't help also that you were far from them.
"what the fuck?"
"she's deaf, you sackbag of useless meat."
The manager's eye twitched, hearing another insult pouring out of Liam's mouth.
"deaf you say? Well, at least she can't hear the colorful shit coming out of your mouth." The manager taunted, before his eyes glinted in cruelty. "Don't deaf people have weird voices? Like nasally sounding or something?"
Liam's smirking face slowly twitched to a frown, and a face filled with anger.
"so, if the both of you fuck, won't you get disgusted by how... Fucking weird she will sound?" The manager laughed loudly. "Agh~ Ahn!"
The manager moaned out, exaggeratedly mimicking a stereotyped and insulting voice.
Liam felt like boiling hot water courses through his veins as he grabbed the manager and pushed him violently to the staff room.
He was seeing red.
His eyes wide with anger as he started to beat the shit out of the manager.
Anger rose through him like a bursted pipe, spewing out thick, unbridled rage.
Blood pumping through his fast beating heart, his mind numbed out what he's doing.
The manager can't just insult you like that.
He's a piece of shit.
You're a lovely person.
You don't deserve to be insulted like that.
He deserves to...
Liam dazedly backed away, blood dripping from his fist as he watched the manager twitch and lay on the floor.
Crimson blood pooled from his mouth, gargling just one step away from death. His eyes, shot wide with fear, looked at him with a shaky consciousness.
Liam numbly went to the comfort room to wash away the blood, change uniform, and apply perfume to remove the ironic smell after dragging the manager to the furthest corner of the staff room.
He went outside the room, and saw you just scroll your phone with a smile.
He approached you gently, his rage subsiding.
"Liam!" You said.
The manager was lying, your voice is as sweet as the morning dewdrop dropping down to the ground.
"Hey, you finished?"
You nodded with a gentle smile once more.
"Yes. Then, I'll get going! I just waited for you to come back. It's kind of rude to suddenly just... Disappear." You signed out, now enthusiastically as you already replenished your energy.
Liam's face contorted to a sheepish smile. He wants to spend time with you more.
Maybe...
Liam huffed and grabbed your hand softly.
Gently mimicking the sign to the word date, before releasing.
"I've always liked you, Y/N. Your spirit, your kindness, goodness, and just... You." Liam slowly signed out, confessing to you. Your eyes were wide, a blush settling on your cheeks. "I've always admired you, and... I want to ask you out on a date. My treat, don't worry."
You gasped, tears settling your eyes before nodding with a big grin.
Liam's sheepish smile turned to a grin as he grabbed your waist and spun you around, both of your laughters filling the air.
Liam settled you down, helping you fix your clothes.
"Wednesday?" He asked once more, and you agreed before waving goodbye to Liam.
With you gone, Liam screamed.
"YES!" He jumped around, danced, and wriggled from the butterflies going haywire in his stomach.
When he settled down, he went back to the staffroom and saw that the manager finally died. Even if he was Liam's first kill, he didn't feel bad, just a coldhearted 'good riddance.'
Now, how to get rid of this fucker?
Meh. Liam somehow knew he would be alright.
Nobody insults you.
And if somebody does again,
He would gladly put them down.
280 notes · View notes
ao719 · 2 months
Text
Vancross
Vancross - Rescue You (Chapter 23)
Most of the characters belong to Pixelberry.
Summary: A group of friends embark on their final year at Vancross Institute with the hopes of making it their best year yet. When a new face with a complicated family plagued by secrets and rumors arrives on campus, new friendships are formed, a new relationship blossoms, and threatening challenges arise.  
Title inspiration: Rescue - Lauren Daigle
Main Pairing: Liam x F!OC
A/N: Multiple crossover series. There will be random sprinkles of canon throughout this story, but for the most part, it’s pretty much out the window. Not beta’d. Please excuse any errors.
Rating: M • Warnings: This series will contain nsfw material, language, some alcohol and drug use, and is not suitable for minors. If you read, you acknowledge you are 18+
Catch up here
Tumblr media Tumblr media
“Are we there yet?” Trystan cut his eyes up to the rearview mirror and stared at Blaine. “I’m just kidding. Everyone is just so fucking quiet and it’s starting to make me a little uneasy.” 
“Nerves are good. Gets the adrenaline going,” Leo quipped. 
They’d been driving nearly an hour with Amalas checking in every 15 minutes since they crossed over the Drakovian border to ensure their earpieces were still working. Thankfully, they hadn’t had any issues so far. 
“We’ve got to be close,” Simon said. 
Trystan had been quiet the entire ride, trying to get himself into the zone; he’d have to become a slightly different person once he entered the lion’s den and he needed to get himself into that mindset. But as the marker Everett placed to signal his upcoming turn came into view, he figured it was time. “We’re close …” 
Trystan slowed the SUV, turned onto a dirt road, and shut off the lights, leaving the path ahead visible only by the silver moonlight from above as they moved at what felt like a snail’s pace. The path was lined by a thick forest of trees on both sides, giving nothing away as to what lay beyond them. 
“I’m just gonna say it … this feels very fucking ominous,” Blaine whispered.
After several long moments, lights flickered from a vehicle parked up ahead, and the SUV rolled to a stop just as Amalas’ voice crackled in their ears. 
“I see that you’ve arrived. Everything clear?”
“Good here,” Trystan confirmed, and the other three repeated his words.
Trystan and Leo exited the vehicle first, and Blaine and Simon gave one another a look before they followed suit. As they approached the other vehicle, they watched as a familiar face came into view.
Jonas, Croía’s former guard, bowed to Trystan. “It’s good to see you, sir. If only it was under better circumstances.” 
“Agreed,” Trystan said. “Thank you for your willingness to help.”
“Of course.” 
“Is everything set on your end?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good.” Trystan turned to look at the other three. “Don’t forget to stay alert and don’t draw attention to yourselves. Wait it out until the time comes, and once each of you has your spin as we’ve planned, you slip out through the side exit of the ballroom. Everett will be waiting to lead you to the tunnel … and I’ll meet you back here. Try not to get caught or, worse, die.” Blaine’s and Simon’s brows rose and Leo snorted. “Kidding … mostly.” He looked at each of them, not needing to say what he was thinking; the gratitude in his eyes at what they were risking for his sister said more than enough. “See you soon.” 
They all shook his hand before the three of them slid into the other vehicle with Jonas, who was getting them through the gates with the help of Everett. 
As they drove off back down the path, Trystan turned and walked in the opposite direction before veering off onto a smaller path in the woods. He hadn’t been down there since he was a teenager when he would hide from his lessons or escape the constant watchful eyes of his parents. It was clear no one else had been down that way in quite some time, evident by the brush covering the path.
After walking roughly a mile, Trystan came to the end of the trail where the entrance to the tunnel was located. It had been closed off over a decade ago, but he knew there was a way to open it, and instructed Everett on how to do so. He spotted the thick piece of wood that was keeping the heavy door wedged open just enough, and he smiled triumphantly when he slipped through. 
“You made it.”
“Did you doubt me?” Trystan asked as he shook Everett’s hand. 
“Not at all,” Everett smiled as they started walking down the dark passageway with his flashlight guiding them. “Guests started to arrive roughly 15 minutes ago.”
“And you’re going to the gate?”
“Yes. Jonas just sent me a message, so I’m headed there now.”
“Perfect.” Trystan glanced over at him. “How’s Croía?”
“I don’t know,” Everett shook his head. “I haven’t seen her today. She’s been with your mother since this morning.”  
Trystan’s jaw tensed, but he nodded. When they rounded the first corner, Trystan stopped Everett. “Once you get back inside, there’s something I need you to do …” 
****
Jonas waited in the car line going through the front gates of the palace where a guard was doing clarification checks of the guest list. 
“A guard is circling the vehicles while the other does the clarification checks,” Jonas said quietly. “If they tap on your window, roll it down and act bored and annoyed by their presence.”
Blaine, Leo, and Simon nodded their agreement from the backseat as they fixed their masks into place; each mask was designed to conceal most of their face, giving off phantom of the opera vibes. 
When the first of the three vehicles ahead of them finally pulled through the gate, Jonas drummed his fingers anxiously against the steering wheel; Everett had yet to come and replace the one guard checking the guest list. After a few moments, the next car pulled through the gate, leaving one more ahead of them.
“Come on,” Jonas mumbled under his breath. He watched as the other guard slowly circled the vehicle in front of them and felt the sweat beading his brow as they got closer to finishing. The guard circling the vehicle tapped the back of it, signaling them to go ahead. “Shit.”
Just as the car ahead started to roll through the gate, Everett appeared, and Jonas released a breath of relief as he slowly began pulling forward. He watched Everett say something to the guard, who then handed him the tablet with the lists before hurrying toward the palace as he rolled to a stop in front of him.
“IDs,” Everett said curtly, falling into character. 
As Jonas spoke with Everett, Leo, Blaine, and Simon watched as the other guard slowly circled their vehicle; their eyes tracked his every movement until he stopped in front of Leo’s door and tapped a knuckle against the window. 
Leo’s jaw tensed as he rolled it down. “What?” he snapped. 
The guard peered inside. “Just checking the vehicle, sir.”
“Make it quick,” Leo spat in feigned annoyance. “I don’t intend on spending my evening sitting in the back of my damn car.” The man met his gaze, but unlike the guards he was used to dealing with back home, this one arched a brow almost in a challenge. It didn’t deter him, however. “Well, are your eyes fucking working? Or do I need to tell Queen Viktoria that we were late due to being held up at the gate by her incompetent guard?” 
The man stared at him for another heartbeat before offering a curt nod. “Enjoy your evening, sirs.” 
Leo rolled his eyes before rolling up his window. When Jonas pulled through the gate, Simon let out a snort. “Dude …” 
“I just know that guy has a list of nobles he wants to kill and Lord Sterling DuPont was just added to it,” Blaine chuckled. 
Leo grinned. “Gotta give ol’ Sterling a reputation.”
“Everyone still connected?” Amalas’ voice crackled in their ears.
“Good here,” Blaine answered. “We just got through the gate.”
“Good on my end,” Trystan’s voice came through. “But I’m probably going to lose you here in a second. I’ll let you know when I’m back on.”
“What do you mean?” Blaine questioned. “What if you need—”
“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Just get inside.” 
“That’s fucking great,” Leo grumbled. “We’re not even inside and he’s already going rogue.”
“I can still hear you, asshole,” Trystan said.
“I’ve got eyes on him for now,” Amalas interjected, reminding them she was watching the security feed. “If he needs assistance, I’ll let you know. You three just worry about what you need to do.”
Leo sighed just as the SUV came to a stop outside the front entrance. “I’ll see you back where we met up,” Jonas said quietly. “Good luck.” Blaine patted his shoulder right before a staff member opened the door.
Leo slid out followed by Blaine and Simon, and each offered a curt nod as they buttoned their suit jackets before making their way up the stairs. As they stepped through the front entrance, while some guests were led straight into the ballroom, they were instructed to take their place in a line. 
They glanced around the foyer, dimly lit by the two gothic-style chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. In front and behind them in the line stood other masked guests … the men who would be vying for Croia’s hand that evening. 
And suddenly, the full impact of what that evening was about hit Blaine like a ton of bricks. Croía was, in a nutshell, supposed to be auctioned off to one of these men … like some prized fucking animal. 
It made his throat burn with bile. 
“Remember, it’s not the Princess you need to impress this evening,” one man in front of him said quietly to another beside him, but not quietly enough for Blaine not to overhear. “It’s Queen Viktoria who will be choosing. And considering the Crown Matrimonial is in play—”
“I’m aware, Father,” the other man interrupted. “I’ll have no problem showing the Princess exactly where her place is and will be if I’m the one chosen.” 
Blaine’s hands balled into fists at his sides as his jaw tensed. Confirmation of these men being aware of the power being offered to them had just been given. They had no intention of showing Croía any sort of respect that evening. Why? Because they weren’t trying to gain her favor but Viktoria’s. 
Tonight, they needed and were expected to show Viktoria that they’d be both willing and able to keep Croía in line. 
Anger flared in Blaine’s chest at the thought of any of these assholes crossing any sort of line with his friend. And more bile rose in his throat at the idea of Liam having to hear about it. 
“Blaine?” Simon whispered.
Blaine snapped from his daze and looked at Simon and Leo; both their eyes flickered down to his balled-up fists. He cleared his throat and flexed his hands open. “I’m fine.” 
After several long moments, they finally stepped over the threshold into the ballroom, and they all immediately searched for Croía as the line slowly moved. They finally saw her standing at the front of the dais, dressed in a black and gold gown and a matching gold mask. 
Behind her were six figures seated on the dais. 
The two in the center were the unmasked King and Queen, dressed in black regalia; two chairs sat on either side of them, each one occupied by a figure dressed in a hooded black garb, and their identities were concealed entirely by full-face masks, each of a different design. 
“That’s not unsettling at all,” Simon quipped. 
As Simon, Blaine, and Leo grew closer to the dais, they adjusted their masks, ensuring they stayed in place. Leo’s eyes were locked in a side-long stare on the King and Queen while Blaine’s remained on Croía. Some suitors simply bowed without a word and walked away. Others, however, like the asshole in front of them that Blaine overheard in the foyer, seemed to deem it necessary to assert their dominance.
“Your Highness,” the man bowed when he made it in front of her. 
Blaine watched intently. Croía didn’t move, even as the man took her hand in his without her permission. He brushed his lips against her knuckles before lifting his head, and Blaine saw the corner of his mouth quirk up in a smirk as his grip on her hand tightened. “After tonight, you’ll be the one bowing, and hopefully to me.” 
A low growl left Blaine’s throat, and Leo inconspicuously nudged him at hearing it. “Chill.”
“He just—”
“I know.” Leo’s jaw tensed. He’d heard it, too. And he’d give anything at that moment to beat the living audacity out of the guy, but they had to stay focused. 
It was finally their turn.
Simon stepped up to Croía first, silently bowing at the waist before stepping away; he had been worried his voice might give him away should he say anything. 
Leo followed behind him. “Your Highness,” he bowed and quickly stepped away. 
When Blaine stepped up in front of Croía, his eyes found hers, but she didn’t meet his gaze; she was looking through him, staring straight ahead instead as if in a trance. He quickly scanned over her for any sign of injury or distress, but nothing stood out other than her thin, statuesque posture. When his eyes fell on her face again, his jaw ticked when he saw a lone tear trickle down her cheek from beneath her gilded mask. We’re here, Croía. “Your Highness,” he said quietly to mask his voice as he bowed before stepping away. 
****
Lydea closed an open stateroom door as she made her way down the hall; she was doing one last cursory check of the upper levels. When she rounded the corner, she stopped short and furrowed her brow. “What are you doing?” she called out. 
Everett turned and met her gaze, offering a bow as she approached him. “Just doing a cursory check of the corridors, ma’am.” 
“I’m doing the cursory checks. Your post is downstairs in the ballroom.”
“I just thought — with all the guests this evening, I mean—”
“I’ve got it handled. Now get your ass downstairs.” 
“Of course, ma’am.” Everett gave another stiff bow before hurrying for the stairs. He waited a moment before glancing over his shoulder, seeing her still watching him; he quickly looked away. Once at the stairs, he inconspicuously slid his eyes in her direction once more, watching her disappear down the corridor he’d come from when she spotted him … and he smirked. 
She’d done exactly what Trystan said she would. 
Lydea let her gaze flicker around as she walked the length of the corridor; the guards were all stationed downstairs, either in the ballroom or on the grounds around the palace. Not in the third-floor corridor. And certainly not the one that led to the private suites of the Thorne progeny. 
Once at the end of the hall, Lydea turned and started checking the doors to the rooms. 
Vasili’s and Sebastyan’s doors were locked as they usually were. Marguerite’s door was locked, the same as it had been since her last visit more than a year ago. 
In the next hall, Emika’s and Kaspar’s doors were locked. Astrid’s door was locked. Her own door was locked. She bypassed what was once Trystan’s room without a second thought and peered around the corner at the lone door at the end of the small hallway. 
Croía’s room. 
By itself. 
Away from the others. 
Lydea approached it and jiggled the knob. It, too, was locked. She sighed as she turned back and started to make her way back to the ballroom, but she halted a step after passing what was once her eldest brother’s room. Her brow furrowed as she turned back around, confirming what she thought she saw. 
The door was cracked open. 
With one hand on the hilt of her dagger, Lydea pushed open the door with her free hand and stepped inside; she glanced around, taking it in for the first time in eight years. She froze again and tilted her head to the side when her eyes fell on the oil painting on the far back wall; the portion of the wall it was hanging on was ajar and she could feel the draft coming from the stone passageway … the passageway that only she and her siblings had access to through each of their suites. 
Lydea slowly moved toward the opening; Kaspar and Emika were the only ones she knew who still used the passageway from time to time, and it was entirely possible they entered Trystan’s old room for whatever reason their twisted minds felt necessary. Hell, they could be having weekly slumber parties in there and she wouldn’t know or even care for that matter. Being that Kaspar was told not to be near the palace that night and Emika was charged with keeping him away, however, she was curious if her two younger siblings had managed to sneak in. 
Stepping through the opening in the wall, Lydea made her way into the passageway; she stopped once inside the darkened stone hallway, listening for the echo of voices or footsteps, but heard nothing. She stopped again at the end of the stone hall, staring at the wooden door that led to the massive chamber beyond it. 
It was open. 
“What the hell are those two up to now?” Lydea whispered to herself as she started for the door. She stepped inside, expecting to find her two younger siblings lounging in the secret sanctuary they used as children, but her brows rose at who was there instead.
Leaning against a column at the edge of the room, Trystan nonchalantly — and expertly — twirled a dagger in his hands. “Hello, Lyddles,” he smirked. “Long time no see.”
“Well, this is certainly a surprise.” Lydea feigned indifference while her mind raced with how the hell he’d managed to make it inside completely undetected. “I can say that you’re the last person I expected to find here.”
“You know how much I love surprises,” Trystan grinned. “You’re looking rather official in your uniform.” He tilted his head in thought. “It suits you.” 
“Cut the small talk,” Lydea said as she stopped a few feet away from him. “How did you get in here? And considering you’re not supposed to step foot inside the palace, let alone the country unless summoned by the King or Queen — which you weren’t — what are you doing here?”
“To answer your first question, I have my ways. As for your second question … I think you already know the answer to that.” 
Lydea stared at him. “Croía …” 
“Still sharp as a whip, aren’t you?” Trystan grinned.  
“Well, I hate to break it to you, but you’re not going to get very far in your task, I’m afraid.”
“You almost sound convincing.” Trystan offered a menacing smile as he skillfully flipped the dagger in his hand. “Almost.”
“The guards will be up here in a moment,” Lydea said, “and unfortunately, I’ll have to take you into custody.”
A low, sardonic chuckle escaped Trystan. “Lyddles, give your big brother a little more credit than that. You haven’t alerted your guards. And even if you tried with that silent trigger on your fancy little radio — yes, I know about it — this chamber, if I recall correctly, doesn’t emit signals for shit because we’re too deep inside the palace and these concrete walls are too damn thick. That’s why Astrid stopped coming in here because she couldn’t get a signal on her phone.” He saw the flicker of irritation in her eyes from him remembering those details, and he grinned triumphantly. “Now … we can do this the easy way or the hard way. The choice is yours.”
“No, dear brother, the choice is yours. I’m either taking you with me freely or against your will.” 
Lydea kept her voice steady and expression indifferent despite knowing this was a battle she would more than likely lose. This was Trystan. She’d never admit it out loud, but her big brother could outsmart her both intellectually and physically. 
“Your confidence is inspiring. Truly,” Trystan teased with a smirk. “But I’m going to call your bluff.” 
“Trystan, you don’t want to do that.” 
All facetiousness left Trystan’s face and his glare on his sister turned sinister as he took a threatening step forward. “Let me put it to you this way … I’m not leaving here without Croía. I’ll burn this palace to the fucking ground if that’s what it takes. And you know I’m crazy enough and feeling pissed off enough to do just that. So we have a couple of options here. I’m either going to take you out and continue on my way … or I’ll give you a chance to do the right thing and you can help me.” 
“The right thing is for Croía to—”
“Don’t,” Trystan spat. “You know nothing about her and what the right thing for her is. This … she is not built for this. And I don’t mean the crown, I mean this place. You and I both know that.” The brief flicker of guilt in her eyes told him everything he needed to know. “She’s not me or you. She is good, Lydea. Let her stay that way.”
“Trystan, my duty is—”
“I don’t give a fuck about your duty,” Trystan took another step forward. “You know this isn’t right. She’ll never be the person they’re trying to mold her into no matter how hard they try. This is going to do nothing but break her. But you’d rather stand there and watch her crumble than give her a fucking chance at a life away from here because of your high and mighty duty?” He paused, tilting his head. “Or is it because you’re afraid?”
“I am not afraid,” Lydea ground out through gritted teeth.
“Huh,” Trystan hummed. “Could have fooled me. Because the way I see it, you’re acting like a fucking coward because you’re afraid of what mommy dearest will say. You never could stand to be a disappointment, even if it was in the devil’s eyes.” A breath escaped Lydea as she held her brother’s gaze. “I’ve never asked you for anything. Even when my entire reputation was on the line, even when the lies started to spread like wildfire and I knew you were probably the one person who could prove my innocence if I begged you to really look into it … I never asked you for a damn thing. I’m asking you now. Not for me but for her.” His voice dropped to a dangerously threatening tone. “And I’m only going to ask once.” 
Lydea’s jaw tensed, and Trystan braced himself for a fight that would be grueling but that he knew he would win. She held his gaze for a few more heartbeats before closing her eyes and releasing a sharp breath. “What do you need?” 
Trystan straightened. “You better not be toying with me, Lydea. I’m in no fucking mood for games.”
“I’m not toying with you,” Lydea chided. “Croía asked me to help her … to get her out … and I wanted to, but …” 
“Well, here’s your chance to make it up to her,” Trystan interrupted. 
“Again … what do you need?”
“I’m not telling you what I’m doing,” Trystan said pointedly. “Because one, I don’t know if I can truly trust you. No offense.”
Lydea crossed her arms but shrugged. “None taken.” She couldn’t blame him there. 
“And two, the less you know, the better. I’m not asking you to directly insert yourself,” Trystan explained. “I only need you to help create a diversion …”
****
Long after the guests had made their way through the receiving line, Croía remained standing at the front of the dais. She wasn’t allowed to sit. She was the spectacle of the evening, the trophy for those not vying for her hand but for the crown her mother had dangled in front of them. 
The “suitors” would come and stand in front of her; they’d ogle her and talk about her and make comments as though she wasn’t right there and could hear their every word. She felt like a prize up for grabs. 
She felt used. 
She felt disgusting. 
In the last few days leading up to that night, Croía had given up; that sliver of hope she’d held onto to somehow find a way out had completely vanished after Lydea declined to help her. She hadn’t necessarily accepted the fate being forced on her that evening, but she had come to accept that there was nothing short of death itself that was going to get her out of it. And up until that night, she’d been in a daze of sorts. The days had been a blur. She’d been numb. 
Now, she was scared. 
Croía felt her throat burn and her eyes sting when two of the “suitors” finally turned away from her and headed back into the crowd after sharing would-be plans they had for her with one another. She felt sick. She fought the instinct to glance over her shoulder to where her mother was on the dais. Why she’d want to look to her for comfort, she didn’t know. She wouldn’t get it. 
She had no one. 
She was alone.
Croía’s breath hitched in her throat as she fought back the emotions threatening to spill out; she closed her eyes and thought of the one thing that could calm her … yet simultaneously wreck her. 
Liam. 
An ache rippled through Croía’s chest as she envisioned his smile, his kind blue eyes, and the sound of his laugh. Her mother’s words about him forgetting and giving up on her had infiltrated the deepest parts of her the past few days; as she slowly lost what little hope she had left, those words burrowed themselves into her soul. 
He’s forgotten you. 
He’s given up on you. 
What she wouldn’t give to tell him how sorry she was. She didn’t mean to let him down. She should have listened when he warned her not to come back here. She had no one to blame but herself for where she was at that very moment, and she couldn’t and wouldn’t blame him or anyone else for feeling the same. She’d made the stupid decision to come, all to seek some form of approval and affection from her parents that she knew deep down she’d never get. 
I was a fool. A naive fool. 
A voice pulled her from her daze and her eyes snapped open as her body went rigid under the scrutinizing gaze of another “suitor” now standing in front of her.  
****
Blaine, Leo, and Simon stood in the back corner of the ballroom, casually sipping drinks as they scanned the crowd. 
They’d kept to themselves save for a few curt nods of acknowledgment that they returned to other guests. They all found themselves on edge, however. Each time one of the guests approached Croía — who had yet to move from her place at the front of the dais — they watched them intently. When the King, Queen, and their creepy hooded cronies stepped off the dais and made their way around the room, they managed to dodge them entirely, making sure to stay huddled in an area they already bypassed. When the King and Queen returned to their seats on the dais, the others remained mingling with the rest of the crowd before they slipped out; Amalas confirmed they had left, having seen them on the security feed.   
“It’s almost time.”
Leo released a breath of relief at the sound of Trystan’s voice crackling in his ear. “Where the fuck have you been?”
“Handling something.”
“Handling what?” Simon asked.
“Lydea. I’m moving into my spot now. They should be starting any moment. Everett is in position waiting for you.” 
As if on cue, a bell chimed, signaling that it was time for the Drakovian waltz. They had worked this part out so that no matter where they were positioned, they knew where they needed to end up. They watched as Croía finally moved from her place at the front of the dais to the center of the dance floor while the other guests took up positions around her.
As they made their way to the dance floor, out of the corner of his eye, Leo saw Lydea stride into the ballroom with another guard following closely behind her, making her way toward the dais. “Are you sure you handled your sister?” he whispered. “Because she just walked in and is headed right for your parents.”  
“Just do what we planned. Don’t worry about her.” 
As the music started and slowly began to swell, Lydea stepped onto the dais with the other guard and they stood in front of her parents, blocking most of their view. She leaned forward, appearing to start some deep discussion as the dance started. 
Other guests besides those vying for the Drakovian crown were now on the dance floor, but the idea was to give each “suitor” a dance with the Princess. 
The asshole that had been in front of them in the line earlier had somehow managed to end up as Croía’s first partner. 
As they went through the steps, Simon, Blaine, and Leo kept their eyes on Croía, and during each switch, they moved closer, throwing some off as they cut them off and took their respective partners, but it was easy for them to rectify and not enough to draw attention. 
Croía was being spun around from one guest to the next. When she switched partners again, the man she had been supposed to go to was cut off as another swept her away into a twirl. She glanced over at her mother on the dais, knowing the slip-up would infuriate her, but she hadn’t seen it; she was busy speaking to Lydea. 
When she looked back at her dance partner, he smiled. “Nice moves, darl.” 
Croía’s eyes slightly widened, recognizing both the voice and the silly term of endearment. “Si—” 
Before she could finish, Croía was twirled away into another pair of arms. She glanced around for who she could have sworn she’d just been with, but she couldn’t spot him in the crowd of tuxes and masks. Her chest burned where the brief spark of hope had started to ignite but was abruptly put out. She knew it wasn’t possible and her mind had just been playing tricks on her. 
Blaine had Croía now, but he couldn’t bring himself to say anything to her, not knowing how she or himself would react. He just wanted to get her the hell out of there and away from this place and these people as soon as possible. 
A few moments later, Croía was spun away again, landing in another set of strong arms. She knew something wasn’t right; she should still be at the center of the dance floor, but she had somehow shifted and was now near the back edge instead. She glanced at the dais again to gauge her mother’s reaction to her having somehow messed this up, but she was still distracted in conversation with Lydea. 
“Looking fancy, Cocoa Bean.”
Croía’s gaze snapped to the man in front of her at the instant recognition of the nickname; when she met his piercing blue gaze through his mask, her eyes welled with tears as her heart pounded. “L-Leo?” 
“Shhh.” Leo looked around, feeling her start to shake in his grasp as he continued to shuffle through the waltz steps. “Breathe, Croía,” he whispered. “Focus and don’t draw attention to yourself right now. I’m going to pass you off here in a minute and you need to go. Do you hear me?” She gave a quick nod, holding his gaze through the mask as if she were afraid this moment wasn’t real. “Good. I’ll see you soon,” he winked.
With that, Leo spun her away from him with a bit of force, sending her stumbling backward toward an alcove at the back wall. Before she could register what was happening, an arm wrapped around her waist and yanked her through a secret door. She went to scream, but a large hand clamped over her mouth to silence her. Her eyes snapped up when she was spun around and they widened when she saw his face. 
“Trystan,” Croía choked out as he pulled her to him. 
“I’m here, kid,” Trystan replied. “I’m right here.” He closed his eyes when she clung to him, fisting his suit jacket in her hands; he could feel her trembling and hear her breath hitch but forced himself to refocus, stepping back from her and gripping her shoulders as he looked into her tear-filled eyes. “Listen to me. We don’t have a lot of time. I’ll explain everything, but we need to go. Now.”
Croía’s mind and heart were racing but she had enough sense to nod in reply. 
Trystan gripped her hand like a vice as he pulled her down a dark and musty passageway, moving through it as if it were second nature. The sound of her heels clicking against the concrete floor echoed against the old stone walls; he was moving so fast that she had to practically jog to keep up with his long strides. She had no idea where they were or where they were going. 
After turning a few more corners, they rushed toward a door at the end of the passageway, and when Trystan pulled Croía through its opening, she was outside. She watched him turn and pull out the thick piece of wood that had been there. The heavy door slammed shut with a resounding thud. 
“Let’s go,” Trystan said as he turned back, grabbing Croía’s hand again and pulling her into a pathway in the woods. 
Between the still lingering panic and moving so quickly, Croía was gasping for breath as they rushed through the dark woods. Her gown had snagged on branches and brambles, tearing the fabric in places and sweat beaded the hairline of her no longer elegant updo. 
Soon, they burst through the end of the pathway onto an abandoned dirt road, and Croía skidded to a halt when she saw two SUVs and the silhouette of a man standing in front of one … a man she didn’t recognize.
“Trystan,” Croía’s voice cracked as she stumbled back.
“It’s ok,” Trystan said. “Everett has been helping me … feeding me information to help get you out. He’s good. He’s coming with us.” He looked at the guard as he gave a quick bow. “Everyone ready?”
“Yes, sir,” Everett nodded.
“Good. Let’s go.” 
“Where are Leo and Simon?” Croía asked.
Trystan ushered Croía to the first SUV, opened the back door, and helped her in while Everett slipped into the driver’s seat. “They’re in the other SUV with Jonas and Blaine.” 
Jonas and Blaine, Croía thought as she was hit with another wave of emotion.
As he yanked the seatbelt across her chest and buckled it, Trystan could sense her gaze on him, and he looked up; he lifted his hands and pulled the mask off her face. “Are you ok? Are you hurt anywhere?” 
“I …” Croía trailed off as a lump swelled in her throat. She was overwhelmed and confused. Too much was happening all at once and she couldn’t think straight.
Trystan. Leo. Blaine. Simon. 
How they managed to get in or what exactly they had done, Croía didn’t know. But for a brief moment, she couldn’t help but think … if they were there, did that mean someone else was there? 
Those words that had made a home in her soul filled her head once again. 
He’s forgotten you. 
He’s given up on you. 
“I’m ok,” Croía finally choked out just above a whisper. 
Trystan nodded. “Let’s get the hell out of here.” He stepped back and shut her door. “Amalas … we’re on our way,” he said as he walked around to the other side. He chucked Croía’s mask on the ground of the dirt road before he slid inside. 
****
Amalas and Olivia looked at one another with grins. “Do you want to tell them or should I?” Olivia asked as she gestured in Liam’s and Alia’s direction; they were both pacing on the deck outside. 
“You can do the honors,” Amalas replied as she looked back at the screen and began typing. “I need to get this footage onto a USB before I wipe their security feed.”
Olivia nodded as she pushed back her chair and stood, making her way toward the sliding door. When she opened it and stepped outside, both Liam’s and Alia’s gazes snapped in her direction. “They’re on their way back.” 
“They … they got her?” Liam’s voice cracked.
Olivia felt an unmistakable sting in her eyes at the look on her friend’s face. She nodded, “They got her.”
Alia squealed through tears and ran inside, throwing her arms around her sister. 
A sharp breath, one he felt like he’d been holding all night, escaped Liam. And suddenly, he was trembling. “They got her …” He needed to hear her say it again.
“They did.” 
In the next moment, Liam sank to his knees and covered his face with his hands. Weeks worth of suppressed worry mixed with more gratitude than he’d ever felt in his life and it all poured out at once. 
Olivia placed her hand on his back as she crouched down next to him. “She’s on her way, Li.”
****
Thirty minutes into their drive back to Rivala, Trystan glanced over at Croía beside him, watching her as she stared out the window. His hand was clutched in hers; she hadn’t let it go since he got into the SUV. 
But she’d been silent. 
And that worry Trystan had about how far inside her shell she would be gnawed at him because he hadn’t been able to gauge her.  
Trystan hadn’t expected her to ask him questions about any of what took place that evening, not right now, not with Everett in the vehicle, someone she didn’t know. But it was her emotions — or lack thereof — that had him worried. 
While Croía had shed some tears, it wasn’t anything like what he’d braced himself for. She’d always been an emotional person, and considering what she’d been through, to be honest, he expected her to break down now that she was out. But she hadn’t. He knew she probably had a lot on her mind and that she had to be feeling beyond overwhelmed after everything that happened just that night alone, but he wasn’t sure if he could chalk her lack of emotions up to that or not.
As she stared out the window, Croía’s mind and heart felt heavy. She wasn’t sure where they were headed, but as long as it was far away from the place she once called home, she didn’t care. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, but she continued blinking them away and pushing those emotions threatening to unleash back into their bottle; she feared if she allowed them just a little bit of freedom, she wouldn’t be able to get them back under control. So she coated herself in a blanket of numbness … but it didn’t stop those words from breaking through. 
He’s forgotten you. 
He’s given up on you.
Croía wished she could drown them out, but they played in an echo on repeat in her mind. And each time she heard them, that thread holding her together would fray. 
Those words wouldn’t allow her to make sense of Leo, Blaine, and Simon being there. They offered excuses as to why else they chose to be a part of it, reasons that didn’t involve Liam … 
Because he’d forgotten … he’d given up.
****
Sitting inside the living area of the cabin, Alia and Liam stared out the window, waiting for the slightest glimpse of headlights to shine into the darkness outside and signal that the others had returned. Amalas and Olivia had made them stop watching long enough to force both of them to eat something, but as soon as they finished, they both returned to the sofa facing the window. 
Liam’s eyes flickered between his watch and the window; he’d been counting down the minutes since Olivia stepped onto the deck to tell them the news. It’d been just over an hour … they should be there.
Just as his eyes slid down to check his watch again, Alia sprung up, and his gaze snapped back to the window; the trees outside were illuminated by a light that grew brighter with each second. 
Then two SUVs rolled to a stop. 
Liam slowly rose to his feet as his eyes shifted between the two vehicles.
Alia was already rushing for the door. She flung it open, ran out onto the porch, and paused, watching as the back door of each SUV opened. Trystan emerged from one, and Leo from the other. When Trystan reached into the vehicle, she saw a hand take his, and a moment later, he helped Croía out. 
Alia flew down the stairs, making a beeline toward her. “Croía!” She threw her arms around her. 
Croía returned her embrace as her vision blurred. “Hi,” she choked out. Her eyes snapped to the front porch when two figures appeared from inside. 
Olivia and Amalas. 
Something inside Croía’s chest twisted, both with gratitude and heartache. 
Alia drew back to look at her. “You’re ok?” 
“Yeah,” Croía nodded before she was pulled into another hug. She closed her eyes, trying to compose herself. 
Alia stepped back again, tearfully smiling as she tucked a loose strand of Croía’s hair behind her ear. Hearing the soft crunch of gravel behind her, she glanced over her shoulder, and when she looked back at Croía, her smile was broad. 
When Alia stepped aside … there stood Liam. 
Croía felt that dam inside her start to crumble at the mere sight of him. 
He didn’t forget.
He didn’t give up. 
He’s here. 
Suddenly, that thread that was barely holding her together snapped and the last several weeks crashed over her all at once. Her heart felt as though it was folding in on itself, making it hard to breathe. Croía pressed her palm to her chest and bowed her head as a sob ripped from her throat and her knees buckled beneath her, and she began to sink to the ground.
Before she could hit the gravel, Liam was there, wrapping his strong arms around her and pulling her up to him as she fell apart, trembling through broken sobs in his embrace. He bit his lip, rapidly blinking his eyes to rid them of the sting in an attempt to hold himself together for her because, at that moment, she needed him to. 
Trystan chewed the inside of his cheek, watching her finally drop that veil and break down. 
With an arm wrapped securely around her and holding her against him, Liam cradled the back of her head with his hand and tilted his head, pressing his lips to her ear. “I’m here, love,” he whispered as she continued to cry into his chest. “I’ve got you.”
When he glanced up, Liam saw the misty eyes of the others as they stared at her … at the two of them. And in the next moment, he scooped her into his arms.
Croía tucked her head into the crook of his neck, clinging to him as he turned and carried her into the cabin. 
Tumblr media
***************************************
Perma Tags (if you’d like to be added or removed for this story, please let me know): @zaffrenotes @cocomaxley @emichelle @sweetest-marbear @indiacater @gibbles82 @the-soot-sprite @esmckenzie @dcbbw @burnsoslow @deb-1106 @bbrandy2002 @charlotteg234 @neotericthemis @foreverethereal123 @choiceskatie @sirbeepsalot @gnatbrain @openheart12 @sincerelyella @superharriet @queenrileyrose @aestheticartsx @kingliam2019 @indiana-jr @bascmve01 @rainbowsinthestorm @emkay512 @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @forallthatitsworth @walker7519 @iaminlovewithtrr @amandablink @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @princessleac1 @21-wishes @appleone @tessa-liam @pixelatedpassion @malblk21 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @forthebrokenheartedthings @nomadics-stuff @differenttyphoonwerewolf
87 notes · View notes
Text
Tumblr media
i haven't worked on any more spiritfarer designs but i did clean up these two :p
June's spirit flower is an orange rose, Liam's is a forget-me-not c:
8 notes · View notes
tessa-liam · 4 months
Text
Turning the Page  
Tumblr media
Now and Then
 - Chapter 9-
Choices, The Royal Romance, AU 
Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son. 
Turning the Page Series Masterlist 
Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks 
All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who belongs to this series. 
Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match. 
Rating: M🔞Warnings - Series will contain crude language, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors. 
Words: 2498
Tumblr media
Now and Then – 9 
Chapter Summary: Riley and William arrive in Cordonia 
Title & Music Inspiration: 
Now and Then, The Beatles                                       
When You Love Someone, Gretchen Peters, Bryan Adams 
Wherever You Will Go, The Calling 
A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.  
A/N2: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Week#67, prompt #1 - “Nothing could ever change how I feel about you.” 
A/N3: My submission for @choicesjanuary2024, prompt Day 25 - ‘Remembrance’ #choices monthly challenge @lilyoffandoms #choicesjanuary2024 
A/N4: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard. 
Tumblr media
In Flight, Cordonian Royal Jet, above the Mediterranean Sea 
Looking out over the vast expanse of water below her, and under the clear blue skies above the Mediterranean Sea, no clouds were in sight ... not a white cloud, nor a black cloud. 
Riley gazed out the large passenger window of the private jet, in solace, with her memories. Everything felt calm; almost too calm. The flight from New York to Cordonia was eight hours in duration, and even though they left early in the morning, they would not arrive at the palace until late in the evening with the change in time zones. 
Trying to and not getting any rest, her thoughts returned to the events over the holidays.
...Remembering when Liam arrived at her door, in New York on Christmas Eve, a short week ago. The expression of elation on his face as she opened the door for him... 
[‘Hello, my love,’ he tenderly smiled; He was standing there with an exquisite bouquet of long-stemmed red roses, as uniformed delivery drivers from the toy store waited patiently at a distance behind him, as the Royal guard performed a security check. 
Liam stepped over the threshold, leaning down to draw her in for a kiss on the cheek, as she accepted his gift. ‘Oh Li, these are gorgeous; thank you so much.’ 
At Bastien’s prompt, the delivery people entered the brownstone with prewrapped gifts and placed them under the Christmas tree, also filling the extra space in the living room very quickly. 
Chuckling, Riley watched as Liam thanked them with a generous tip, as he closed the door after them. 
“Our son will be so thrilled at what Santa brought him; wait till he wakes up tomorrow.”  
Liam laughed, moving quickly to put his arm around her, pulling her to his side. “Who says all these gifts are just for him? Hmmm?” Riley turned her head towards him, as Liam bent to capture her lips in a passion-fueled kiss. 
“Ah yes, your gift is right here.” Liam slipped his hand inside his coat to reveal a small box, wrapped in gold with a red ribbon. “This is for you.”} 
Riley breathed out, shaking her head. 
...Remembering wanting him so badly that evening ...as he kissed her forehead to say ‘good night’ before turning to the guest room; Leaving her feeling so confused, once again. 
...Remembering how excited LiLi was when he saw his father again Christmas morning ... and the look of pure joy in Liam’s expression as he watched his son blissfully playing with his new toys. 
...Remembering the look of adoration between Liam and his son; a private and sacred bond established between the two ... a bond only meant for them. 
Riley looked down at her phone and smiled fondly at the picture of William. He was proudly standing beside his gingerbread house gift for Liam, alongside Daniel and Matteo, to smile at the camera. Riley marveled at how unequivocally her son loved his father, so quickly. As if two loose puzzle pieces finally clicked into place. There was never a doubt in her mind that William needed to be wherever his father was. The connection between father and son was undeniable. 
...and with those thoughts, she agreed to return to Cordonia.  
And now, she found herself on the Royal jet headed back, leaving behind her New York world for the place that shattered her ‘happily ever after,’ again. 
Liam, being the new, ever-doting father was pointing out to his son the shores of Cordonia through the window. She saw the look of marvel in Liam’s eyes, as he watched his son’s reaction to seeing Cordonia for the very first time. They were sitting in seats across the aisle from her as she glanced over. 
Catching Riley’s eye, Liam responded with a wink and a smile. 
"Welcome home, love." 
Riley smiled in return, as her heart skipped a beat. 
Home... 
It had been a while since she had felt this way about Cordonia. Another lifetime; so much has changed, and yet remained the same. 
***
Damien Nazario, the Interpol agent who was now permanently assigned to be William Rys's personal bodyguard, was reviewing the Crown prince's dossier, and his duties to the Cordonian crown, his new employer. Bastien took a seat beside the young agent to answer any questions he may have, as head of the Royal guard, at the rear of the plane's cabin. 
"So, Damien, any questions for me?" 
"No, sir. I believe I have a handle on the situation.” 
"Good, because you are now the official head of the security detail for Prince William, the future king of Cordonia." 
"Understood, sir.” Damien was well aware of the complexity of a constitutional monarchy. 
"Now, there's one more thing I need to discuss with you,” Bastien eyed the young agent. 
"Yes, sir?" 
"Madeleine Amaranth, the former queen of Cordonia. I have forwarded her updated dossier to you." 
"Yes, I've read it through.” Damien paused, waiting for more information. 
"Good, because she has expressed malicious intent towards Prince William and Lady Riley, should they return to Cordonia." 
"Understood. I'll ensure her movements are tracked and reported inside and out of the country, sir." 
"Thank you, Damien.” 
"My pleasure, sir.” 
Bastien, looking pleased, leaned back in his chair, checking the time on his watch, as he felt the plane begin its descent. 
Cordonia, Capital 
The jet touched down smoothly on the tarmac, as the engines powered down. The cabin door opened, and the stairs were lowered. 
Riley could feel the warm breeze blow past her as she stepped off the plane. 
Taking a deep breath, Riley looked around. The air was different here. It was fresh and clean. She closed her eyes and let the wind brush her cheeks. 
Liam followed, with William sleeping in his arms.  
"Is everything alright, love?" Liam’s brows were raised in concern, noticing her hesitation. 
"Yes, I'm just taking it all in." Riley, looked down, unable to keep eye contact. 
"Are you sure, Riley? You've been very quiet throughout the entire flight home." 
"I'm fine, Liam. It is just a lot to process. I'm just a little overwhelmed." 
"All right, I understand. Let us get to the palace, so you and William can get settled and rest ... okay?" 
"Yes, thank you, Liam." 
Liam glanced over at Riley with concern as he personally buckled his son into the car seat. It was quite easy for him to see and feel the apprehension in her mood. She could not hide her emotions from him as well as she always thought she could.
Riley had remained noticeably quiet during the ride to the palace as well, looking out at the passing countryside. Liam could not help but wonder if she was having second thoughts about returning to Cordonia, and/or to him. 
As they pulled up to the palace gates, Liam looked over at Riley, noticing a small smile on her face. 
"What is it, love?" Liam spoke softly, reaching for her hand. 
Riley returned his touch with a squeeze. "This place...it's beautiful." 
"Thank you, that, it is. Welcome home." 
“William will be so excited when he wakes up.” Riley glanced at a still sleeping William as the SUV slowed to a stop. 
"I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me.... to have you both here." Liam confessed. 
"You're welcome, Liam. It's the least I can do."  
Liam's heart sank at her words. He hated the distance between them. He wanted to take her in his arms and make everything right, but, for right now, he knew that was not the best strategy. 
He had to accept that things had changed, and their relationship was different now. He had to be patient and give Riley the space she needed. 
But he also had to make her see how important she was to him. He had to show her how much he had missed her ... that he wanted a future with her and William in Cordonia. 
As the SUV door opened for her, Riley felt a sense of Deja vu. This was where she had started her journey with Liam in Cordonia all those years ago. And now, here she was, back again. 
"Do you want me to take you and William to the guest wing, or do you want to stay in my chambers?" 
"I would like to stay with you, if that's okay." 
"Of course, Riley. I would love that." 
It was surreal for Riley as she walked the pristine palace halls towards the Royal Chambers. Liam carried William, who was fast asleep in his arms beside her. 
 The memories of the past times she was here flooded her mind and her heart ached as she pushed the painful memories aside. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. 
As they reached the large double doors of the entrance to the Royal east wing, the guards opened the doors for Liam and Riley to enter. 
Riley stepped inside; the same chambers where she had spent so much time before. The familiar scent of Liam's cologne filled the air, sending a wave of longing for a past time through her mind. 
Walking into her room ... it was exactly as she remembered it. Everything was in its place, from the elegant chandelier hanging above the bed, to the intricate paintings adorning the walls. 
Riley took a deep breath and sat down on the edge of the bed. She looked around the room, taking in every detail. 
 She felt a pang of sadness as she remembered those past times. 
After tucking William into his bed in the adjacent room, Liam came in and sat down next to her. He gently placed his hand on hers, and she looked up at him, their eyes meeting. 
"What are you thinking about Riley?"  
"I'm okay, Liam. I was just thinking about how much things have changed since I was here last." 
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and held her close. "I know it's a lot, but I'm here for you, and I'll help you in any way I can," Liam whispered. 
"Thank you, Liam." 
He pulled away and cupped her face in his hands, staring into her eyes intently. "You're welcome, Riley. Always. Nothing could ever change how I feel about you.” 
He moved in to press his lips to hers, and she melted into his kiss. 
It was soft and gentle, and full of longing. 
He broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers, breathing heavily. "God, Riley, I've missed you." 
"I've missed you, Li." 
He leaned down and kissed her again, deeper this time. 
His tongue swept across her bottom lip, and she opened her mouth to him. 
Their tongues tangled together in a dance that was familiar and yet new. 
They were no longer the same people they were when they had last been together. They were both older and wiser, and the passion between them burned even brighter. 
Riley pulled away and put her hand on his chest, feeling his heart beating beneath her palm. 
"Liam, I..." 
"Shhh." 
He placed a finger over her lips. "Don't say anything, Riley. Just feel." 
His lips found hers again, and the world disappeared. There was nothing but the two of them, lost in each other. 
She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck. 
She moaned into his mouth as he slid his hands down her back and pulled her closer. 
He broke the kiss and buried his face in her neck, inhaling her scent. 
"Riley," he breathed. "God, I want you so much."
“Liam, I ...” 
Liam pulled back and looked into her eyes, “stay with me tonight.” 
Tumblr media
📌All fics & edits: @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @charlotteg234
📌Liam x Riley, OC: @emersyn-in-cordonia @mainstreetreader @belencha77 @walkerdrakewalker @iluaaa @mysticalfangirl @queenwalton @bascmve01 @umccall71 @choicesfrog @amandablink @ownworldresident
📌Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesflashfics @choicesjanuary2024
76 notes · View notes
bebepac · 28 days
Text
Six Sentence Sunday 03.31.24
Tumblr media
Is it me you're looking for? Yes, I know I've been M.I.A. for a bit, but you guys I'm really trying to upper level adult here. I have decided I'm going to buy a house. So I have hired a realtor and have started the process. When my lease is up again, I WILL be moving into my home.
Let's see if I remember how to set one of these up!
Original post 03/31/24 at 8:02PM EST
Tumblr media
Chapter 9: Riley Brooks's Day Off
The Series: Life of Riley Book 2
The Book: TRR
Pairings: Liam x Riley (Liam x F!MC)
Status: Still in the writing process
Since the challenges Constantine had been coming up with weekly for the suitors were getting a lot of publicity for the crown, the suitors met weekly for a meeting with a PR specialist to make sure they had the crown’s best interests in everything they did. They also passed out weekly itineraries of what the Suitors would be doing. Did it ever reveal any events they would be participating in? No, but that their sponsor would be revealing the new task and prize for that week."
Tumblr media
Riley thumbed through the itinerary, once than again looking confused.
“Is something wrong Lady Riley?”
“Jenna, my booklet seems to be missing a page. I have nothing for Friday’s itinerary .”
“Actually no you’re not. None of you are. Since I've just been brought into this role, I know you ladies are going through a lot being thrust into the public eye in this magnitude. Lady Riley, you for example, you are coming to us from America and have no experience with dealing with the nobility on a daily basis, and are completely learning how to navigate court successfully from scratch. I recognize this to be quite the experience. The potential reward of all of this is indescribable, but you all need breathing moments for mental and physical wellbeing. We are building in “off days” to your schedule to do what you want with it, a recharge day of sorts, or a mental health day if you will.”
“Well if you’re weak you need days off. I will spend my time training.” Olivia chimed in.
“If that is how you want to spend your day Olivia, there are no wrong answers, it’s free to do whatever you want, as long as you enjoy it.”
That evening:
“Of course, you would have an off day when I’m out of the country.” Liam sounded genuinely disappointed.
“I know I thought about that too.”
“Take it as an opportunity Riley, do some exploring, sleep in a little bit, we both know you like your sleep. Relax. You know, life moves really fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Tumblr media
“You’re completely right Liam. Thanks.”
“Sounds like you have a plan.”
“I do.”
When she hung up with him, she called Maxwell.
“What’s up Little Blossom?”
“I need your help.”
WIP 2
Tumblr media
Part 3: Spice Spice Baby
Series: Not officially one: Previous Parts include: Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice
The Book: TRR
Pairings: Liam x Bebe (Liam x F!OC)
Status: Still in the writing process
I have never required that much sleep. There has always been something so peaceful about the world at night for me. I glanced at her once more before getting out of bed. She was soundly sleeping and didn’t even stir from her slumber as I rose. A good mattress will do that, and honestly I think she needed the rest. I slipped on my pajama pants and walked to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water.
Night time was when I did my best thinking, and the thought crossed my mind that the two of us would be able to pull off this ruse with my coworkers. Bebe really did seem invested to make “us work.” Or maybe she was invested in the paycheck.
“Was my snoring keeping you awake?”
Bebe was standing in the doorway of the kitchen, resting her hip on the frame, her robe loosely tied.
“You don’t snore.”
“And you,” she gently tapped my nose with her pointer finger, “are a liar.”
“I wasn’t lying, I didn’t hear you snoring, or if you were, you weren’t disturbing me.”
“Why are you up, Liam?”
“Why are you up, Bebe?”
She quirked her eyebrow at me, crossing her arms over her chest.
“I rarely sleep through the whole night, I’m always up for a bit.”
“Why?”
Her stare from across the room was almost piercing my soul.
“Therapist was not one of your duties I'm paying you for in our contract.”
She looked surprised, but more importantly, hurt by my remark. In a split second I had turned her into a business arrangement that she was a prostitute, that I was paying for a service.
“Oh, well you’re paying me a handsome sum, therefore I feel like I should be anything you need me to be at the moment. I’ll just….”
I had hurt her feelings, and snapped at her, and I didn’t even know why, and the look in her eyes, I didn’t want to ever see that again.
“Life.” I called out to her before she was out of the room. Bebe immediately stopped and turned to face me.
“I can relate to that. Do you mind if I just sit up with you for a bit then?”
“No, not at all.”
Bebe settled into the couch next to me. She didn’t say a word, but I found her silence and non-judgment strangely comforting.
WIP 3
Tumblr media
Part 4
Series: The Vampires Live On
The Book: TRR
The Pairing: Liam x Riley (in this decade Gabriel x Alice in the past)
Status: Still in the writing process
“We’re here.”
“I really didn’t think it would be this clean here. I know what you said, but looking at the other graves along the way here, I expected the same condition.”
“You know, I can be very persuasive, and keeping in contact as the groundskeeper’s changed over the years, very important in this. “
“I didn’t think they would be buried side by side.”
“Because that didn’t matter here, and since he died, protecting the two of you, his family wanted nothing to do with him.”
“Poor Max. He was such a good sweet guy. What we were, or not completely, never mattered to him.”
I placed the small flower arrangement into the vase at his grave.
“I have missed you dear friend,”
“I’m going to give you some time alone with your sister and friend.”
“You can stay.”
“No, I’ve been with you for an eternity, you have not had any time with her or him since that night. I want you to have some time alone with them. You deserve that.”
“Thank you, Liam.”
Even though the space around her grave was clean, I found myself picking up and pushing the few leaves and debris away to make her area more pristine.
I sat down in the grass in front of her grave and closed my eyes, letting the emotions of finally being here with her again wash over me.
“Hi Clara. I have missed you so much.”
WIP 4
Tumblr media
Chapter 17: Finale Part 4: The Wedding
Series: The Rotten Apple 🍎
The Book: TRH & Beyond
Pairings: Eleanor x Nico (Elle x M!OC) / Liam x Riley
Status: Still in the writing process
Final exams for Liberty had ensured that she wouldn’t be able to come to Greece early to take part in some of the pre-wedding festivities that Elle had planned. Elle felt guilty that Liberty would be missing her graduation from the Crown Academy to come to her wedding; her father had wanted to pull some strings for Liberty, but Elle declined, citing the importance of her education, though she did want her there.
Elle smiled as she panned the camera around the back yard.
"I really wish I was there Ellie."
"I really wish I was there. Libby! Look at you in your cap and gown. Father and I stepped away for a bit to watch the live feed of the baccalaureate."
"Thanks Ellie."
"For what?"
"Just making an effort. I can't wait to see you and everyone."
“Does that include Michail? He looked so sad when I told him you would not be here tonight.”
A slow smile crept over Liberty’s face.
“He looks sad?”
Elle laughed, “You’re clearly not about that.”
“Did he dance with any other girls?”
“Just one.”
“Who?”
Elle’s smile widened.
“Only me, when he could pull me away from Nico, all he talked about was you. He really likes you Libby.”
“You think so?”
“I know so, and he can’t wait to see you tomorrow and neither can I.”
“Neither can I!”
47 notes · View notes
Text
Tumblr media
Thank you to our creators who have submitted their Top 5 fics of 2023! I know this is a terribly difficult task. After all, I did it myself! But I've always felt this list was the more important of the two - it's not about the numbers; it's about the works that nourished their creator's souls and brought them joy. So, thanks to each of you for sharing with us! Links to all stories can be found below the break!
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
@aallotarenunelma ✒️
Moonlit Hearts (IL/ID Crossover/AU) - Original Characters
Childhood Memories (ILW) - Lincoln McQuoid x NB!MC
Close to the Flame (ILW) - Lincoln McQuoid x NB!MC
Another Sun Will Rise (ILITW) - Dan Pierce x MC
Indigo Blood (ID) - Cas Harlow x MC
@angelasscribbles ✒️
The DeFacto Queen (TRR) Ⓜ️ - Drake x MC, Liam x MC
A Fervid Fixation (TRR) Ⓜ️ - Drake Walker x MC
The Dark Kingdom (TRR) Ⓜ️ - Drake x MC, Liam x MC
In Your Room Masterlist (TRR) Ⓜ️ - Drake Walker x Leo Rys
Laws End (TRR) Ⓜ️- Drake Walker x MC, Liam Rys x MC
@baldwinboy5ive 🎨and ✒️
Aerin Prison Visit (BOLAS) 🎨- Aerin Valleros x F!MC
The Right Path (BOLAS) ✒️- Aerin Valleros x F!MC
Name on the Wall (BOLAS) ✒️- Aerin Valleros x F!MC
Bye-Bye Baldur (BOLAS) 🎨- Aerin Valleros
Aerin x Raine Fanart (BOLAS) 🎨- Aerin Valeros x MC
@cariantha ✒️
All He Wanted (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
Hey Stranger (OH) Ⓜ️ - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
For You, I Will (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
War & Peace (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
A Solid Strategy (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
@coffeeheartaddict2 ✒️
Everybody Hurts Sometimes, Ch. 7 Ⓜ️(OH) - Ethan Ramsey, MC
Love in all Forms (OH) - Ethan Ramsey, F!OC, Tobias Carrick
Power to Overcome (OH) - F!MC, Aurora Emery
Everybody Hurts Sometimes, Ch. 15 Ⓜ️(OH) - Ethan Ramsey, etc.
Desire Ⓜ️(OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
@inlocusmads ✒️
Past Lives (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC
Music for the Lost (and Found) (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC
The Feverish Itch (Guinevere) - Guinevere, Queen Artura, F!Lancelot
Cross Your Heart and Set it Ablaze (COP) Trystan Thorne x F~!MC
The Bow That Burned Bright (BOLAS) - F!Elf!MC, Kade
@jerzwriter ✒️
A Mother's Journal Ⓜ️(WTD) - Eli Sipes
What's Forever For Ⓜ️(OH/AU) - Tobias Carrick, F!MC
Breathe Again (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC
A Bit Dark (OH) - F!MC x F!OC
I Do, Me Too (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
@ladylamrian ✒️
Welcome to the World of Night (NB) - NB Side Characters
A Meeting in Wyoming (NB) - Nik Ryder x F!MC
Towards the Future (NB) - Nik Ryder x F!MC
Duty & Pleasure (NB) - Nik Ryder x F!MC
Sweet & Tender Hearts (NB) - Original Characters
@liaromancewriter ✒️
La Vie Avec Toi (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC, Sienna Trinh x M!OC
Late Shift (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
The Reluctant Valentine (OH) - Sienna Trinh x M!OC
When the Clock Strikes Twelve (OH/AU) - Sienna Trinh x M!OC
Breaking News (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
@moominofthevalley ✒️
The Haunting, Part 1 (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC
Turpentine (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC
The Girl With the Glass (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC
I Will (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC
Future Days (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC
@peonierose ✒️
Wildflower (OH) - Keiki Lahela x M!OC
Kintsugi (OH) - Original Characters
Summer's Kiss (OH) - Bryce Lahela x F!OC
I'm a Sucker for You (OH) - Bryce Lahela x F!OC
Rose All Day (OH) - Bryce Lahela, Keiki Lahela, OCs
@stars-are-within-me ✒️
The Rain (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC
Reflections (BOLAS) - Aerin Valleros
A Day Off (COP) - Trystan Thorne x MC
In the Gray (COP) - Eveline Goncharov, Maksim Thorne, etc.
The Lonely Prince (BOLAS) - Aerin Valleros x MC
@storyofmychoices ✒️
Shadows & Deceptions: A Royal Murder Mystery (Crossover/AU)
Can I Have This Dance? (OH) - Bryce Lahela x F!OC
Shadows of Hope (BOLAS) - Mal Volari x F!MC
The Quest for Daenarya (BOLAS) - Mal Volari x F!MC
Dealing with a Narcissist (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC
@tessa-liam ✒️
Smoke & Mirrors, Ch. 11 Ⓜ️(TRR) - Liam Rys x MC
Cappadocia Ⓜ️ (TRR) - Liam Rys x MC
Marabelle, Ch. 2 Ⓜ️ (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC
Turning the Page, Ch. 5 Ⓜ️ (TRR) - Liam Rys x F!OC
Ti Amo Molto Ⓜ️ (TRR) - Liam Rys x MC
@trappedinfanfiction ✒️
Fast Break, Epilogue (OH/AU) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
What's in a Name? (COP) - Trystan Thorne
Crossroads Ⓜ️(OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
By Your Side (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC
A New Neighbor (COP) - Trystan Thorne x F!MC
@zealouscanonindeer ✒️
Dangerous Games Ⓜ️ (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
Naughty & Nice (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
Like Whom? (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
Roots (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
Drunken Nights (OH) - Ethan Ramsey x F!MC
38 notes · View notes
Text
OC questionnaire
Thanks to @drchenquill here, @somethingclevermahogony here and here, @mk-writes-stuff here, @elsie-writes here, and @dyrewrites here!
My last questionnaires:
Robbie, Gwen, Maddie, Noelle, Jedi, and Kelsey here.
Carmen, George, Akash, Sam, Lexi, and Ash here.
Gabriel, Carla, Parker, Rose, Alex, and Ewan here!
Below the cut I'll do: Liam, Hye-Jin, Wendy, Wade, Issa, and CJ!
#1- Liam
Which color do you hate?
“Beige. Oh my God, it's just a boring color. I thought that we were past this. Different shades of beige and brown are being used to be the ~aesthetic~ of so many people on Tiktok. Ma'am, where are you from, Boringsville??? I'm not dissing brown. Brown is a great color. But beige??? Who thought this would look nice on anything, much less everything? Why are all of your walls beige--you look like you live in a sandcastle. Man, I feel bad for Hye-Jin. Her powers appear beige! You poor thing. I have brown. An awesome color, remember. So earthly. Anyway, beige can go die with the sand in the Yukon River Basin for all I care. If I go into your house and see one beige wall, I'm leaving. A rainbow is weeping. You disgraced the rainbow. How dare you.”
If all the sounds in the world would cease to exist, which sound would you miss the most?
“I don't see the point in making me choose a favorite sound. Also, how do you know sound stopped? Ceased to exist? Sound exists as a vibration through matter. Why would that vibration suddenly stop? How do you know we didn't all just go deaf? That's a significantly more logical explanation than sound disappearing. And if you think I don't have an answer and am just avoiding the question, you're very mistaken. I'd miss people's voices. For a variety of reasons. Connection, analyzing tone, nuances of emotion or thought, even my own voice. Sure, I'd be able to learn a gesture-based language--I am not saying voice is the most important thing to hear. But considering I like a good oral debate, I would still miss it, even if it would take me time to adjust to the new mode of speaking. Next!”
What is the first rule you learned as a child?
“You are going to have to rebel and argue your way out of everything. You may or may not be able to tell, but I am a strongly opinionated person. I can make an argument out of everything. Knowing how to back stuff up with logic and facts to get your way. Push and push and push. Know your shit. If you're wondering how this was the first rule I learned, one of my first memories is refusing to eat my carrots because they were bad. I was...three and a half maybe. And I told my mom, 'if I eat these carrots, I will throw up, and then I'd have to eat more food, and you get mad when food is wasted'. I then ate carrots and threw up. Never had to eat them again.”
#2- Hye-Jin
What is one embarassing memory from your childhood that you can't shake?
“Oh, oh no. First day of class, kindergarten. I had to introduce myself in front of the class. I was so excited for my first day of class. I wore this cute little dress, my hair in high pigtails and bows. But when I stood in front of everyone else, I got so sick I threw up. I think I ate something like prune juice in the morning. My dress was ruined. Had to be walked to the nurse to change. Wore that the rest of the day.”
What would you take with you if you were trapped on a desert island for one week?
“Food, water, and shelter. Sunscreen. I'm not pale, but that doesn't mean I'll be protected from UV rays. I would like a change of clothes just so I feel clean. I wouldn't mind bringing one person along with me, but you said what, so that may not be an option. But I really think I could do it.”
What is your favorite animal?
“I actually really like snakes. They're super cool in terms of design. Love reading about them, and I have a snake themed room!”
#3- Wendy
What is your favourite animal?
“Changes depending on the day. Yesterday it was tigersharks. Today it's a water dragon. Tomorrow it may be a capybara.”
Do you have any obscure skills? What are they?
“I can basket weave. Some people think that's obscure.”
If you could change one thing about the world you live in, what would it be?
“More hours in the day so I can do what I want to do.”
#4- Wade
What is your favorite song?
“Rasputin. How can you not love that song? Mr. Brightside is up there, too.”
Do you like consuming happy, positive media, or sadder, more thought-provoking media?
“I like both. You need a balance in life. But thought-provoking in general. I like thinking about things, analyzing them. Not necessarily sadder stories, but thought-provoking.”
What is your favorite type of weather?
“I like it warm and sunny, but enough cloud coverage. The kind of weather where everything is greener, that makes you say out loud, 'it sure is a beautiful day.'”
#5- Issa
When is the last time you were afraid?
“Last week, I was staying up late working on an essay. I was home alone--something I rarely am with six siblings. It was eerily quiet. I already felt uncomfortable. I was on the phone with Alex, multitasking, so I could have someone to talk to to ease my nerves. She got up to pee, which left me alone in my living room for a few minutes. In that time, I heard a banging on our garage door. It was harsh, constant. I thought someone was trying to break in. Then as quickly as it came, it was gone. Alex got back on the line then. I would've felt much better if whatever that was happened any other time.”
Does the fear haunt you still?
“Not really. It was only a minute, maybe two. Took about an hour talking to Alex. But I stopped working on my essay for the rest of the night. Not that I didn't try, but Alex convinced me to stop when I couldn't concentrate due to my heart pounding.”
What do you do when you're afraid?
“What's with all the fear questions? Well, I usually stand my ground. I yelped a bit when that happened. I was frozen for a bit, but I actually was about to get up to check what the banging was when it stopped.”
#6- CJ
What was your favorite toy as a child?
“I had little mini figurines of a bunch of Puppets* characters. I liked them because most of my playtime consisted of me ordering them based on height. After I lined them up, I would play. I also liked burying a bunch of rubber balls in the yard, leaving them there for, like, a week, then digging them up again. My shovels were definitely a favorite. There was also some cool Alii tech thing that simulated growth of a plant. The entire life cycle, in fact. Man, that was awesome.”
What makes you laugh every time you see it?
“Issa and Alex invite us to their improv shows each Friday. Issa is the best at anything they give her. I could watch her all day. She loves putting inside jokes in her skits for me, and is great at linking back previous gags. And then Alex wins Can You Ask a Question? each time. But it's hilarious how she and Issa interact. One time, Wendy laughed harder than I'd ever seen, and she spit out her drink. Then this one asshole Ellie slipped on it during her turn. So yeah, the improv shows.”
Who is the most annoying person you know?
“Issa is annoyingly optimistic sometimes, but that's why I love her. Parker is also a bit annoying at times, but he's funny as shit, so I don't care. Gabriel is quite annoying. Everyone tells me that we're very similar, but I don't see it. Honestly, yeah, it's Ellie. I didn't want to say she was annoying cause she's mainly rude. She's constantly making fun of me for everything I do. Like she doesn't like how organized and specific I am for some reason. She asked for a pencil once, and I told her no, I have my pencils for a very specific reason, and don't let anyone else use them. I think she's hated me ever since. It's probably not as petty as that, unless it is. I don't know. Thankfully, I don't know her well enough to answer that question.”
*this universe's Muppets
TSP intro
I'll tag @gracehosborn @little-peril-stories @willtheweaver @willowiswriting @rickie-the-storyteller @mysticstarlightduck @badluck990 @unrepentantcheeseaddict @winterandwords @oh-no-another-idea @awritingcaitlin @cwritesfiction + anyone else who would like to play!
EDIT: I DID NOT GIVE YOU QUESTIONS OH MY GODDDDDD I'm so sorry
What's something that was horrible in the moment, but in hindsight is hilarious?
Do you often get lost in thought? Where does your mind go? How do you focus?
Who do you worry about the most?
TSP tag list (ask to be +/-): @thepeculiarbird @illarian-rambling @televisionjester @finchwrites
20 notes · View notes
cybxr-nem3sis · 6 months
Text
Tumblr media
[UPDATE]
CALL OF DUTY: MW OC: Azura "Doberman" Lee
Former Navy Seals and also, trained to became CIA Agent by his adoptive parents, Doberman was one of the agents that CIA has ever had, He was highly effective agent with every mastery in every aspects. Until he graduated from Navy Seals and join CIA with his adoptive parents and take a second job as Cybersecurity specialist. For five years, Kate Laswell recruited Doberman to Task Force 141, to join them for another assignments.
Tumblr media
GENERAL
Name | Adriansyah Saputra Nadhirizzky I Gusti Agung Putra Aditya Adhiarja Redjosentono
Alias(es) | Azura(nickname given by his adpotive parents), Ardi or Mas Ardi( by his neighbours and friends)
Callsign | Doberman
Occupation | CIA, Navy Seals(formerly, discharged) Task Force 141, Matrial arts instructor, Cybersecurity Specialist/hacker.
Gender | Male
Birthday | February 14th
Nationality | American
Race | Mixed races, half Indonesian-American, half korean-japanese
Rank | Lieutenant(TF141), Operations Officer(CIA)
Place of Birth | New York, USA
Spoken Languanges | English is his second languange, He is mr. worldwide himself because he's a polyglot.
Sexuality | Bisexual
APPERANCE
Eye color | Ruby red
Hair color | Natural black
Height | 7'0/213cm
Build | kinda-bulky muscular
Blood type | A
Scars | on right eyes, left cheek, and side of his lips
Tattoos | Full on both arms and hands, 4 on the waist, 1 on the chest, and full back tattoo on his back
Fancast | Hiroyuki Sanada
Tumblr media
FAVORITES
Color | Red
Food(s) | Jjangmyeon and katsudon
Drink | Rosemary tea
Song | Doin' time by Lana Del Ray
Flower | Rose
Hairstyle(s) | Manbun for casual days, ponytails for missions, and untied for works.
PERSONALITY
Tumblr media
James bond like Personality, ISTJ | Doberman is highly intelligent, exceedingly cunning and diabolically independent. He also sensiable, calm, mature and sly. Although everyone always saw him as stoic and intimidating indivisual.
Loyal and Strong | Doberman is someone who consistently demonstrates honesty, reliability, and integrity. By keeping promises, maintaining confidentiality and acting ethically.
Intelligent | He is a man who is flexible in his thinking and can adapt to changes, he think before they speak or act, snd able to effectively manage his emotions.
Intimidating | Doberman always described as intimidating figure often overly domineering and cause others to feel threatened, overwhelmef or even scared.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Fighting style | Taekwondo, Karate, Commando Sambo, Capoeira, Brazillian jiu-jutsu, Pencak silat, Krav Maga, Judo
Weapon | Glock and Beretta gun
Distinct weapon | M-9 Bayonet for a fast movement and agility
Special Skills | Flexibility, communication, Espionage, exploiting computer hacker, Translator.
FAMILY
Status in family | Second oldest
Adoptive siblings | Jessica Smith Anderson, Liam Smith Anderson, Lucas Smith Anderson, Oscar Smith Anderson
Father | Evander Smith Anderson, retired CIA Agent, and iscurrently working as bartender
Mother | Ava Smith Anderson, retired CIA Agent, and is currently working as Doctor
Relationship | Being second oldest after Lucas, Doberman truly loves his family so much, he always understanding and protective indivisual to them. as become CIA Agent to grant Evander, his freedom.
Pet | Has a Doberdane (Doberman-Great dane mix dog) named Bolt.
CHARACTERS THAT BASED TO;
Tumblr media
James Bond from James Bond series
Balalaika[Sofiya Pavlovna] from Black Lagoon
Jotaro Kujo fron Jojo Bizarre Adventures
Yor Forger from Spy x Family
Caveira[Taina Pereira] from Rainbow Six Siege/R6S
Black Widow from Avengers
Jessica Rabbit from Who Censored Roger Rabbit
John Mclane from Die Hard
John Rambo from Rambo series
Kiryu Kazuma from Yakuza series/Ryo ga Gotoku
TRIVIA
Doberman is a man, who has big and unbelieveable appetite, he sure eats alot of foods, buy he also aware to keep his body stay healthy
Despite his intimidating and stoic exterior, Doberman is good with kids! They're always see him as father/brother figure
a big an of metal bands and kpops
He likes to cooks! he can LITERALLY cook anything, Doberman wouldn't mind to cook you a meal
Sly as a fox and smart as a snake, that is everyone say to Doberman's personality. He always cunning man, who always clever at planning what he wants
After graduated middle school, Doberman and his adoptive parents decide to moved to Indonesia, Jakarta. Where Doberman continue his Junior ighschool to University.
Join a Paskibraka in Indonesian when he was 15 years old.
While staying in Jakarta, when he was a little boy, Doberman always like to plays in the middle of the rains with his childhood friends, until he get sick.
Spicy foods lover, especially Seblak.
When Doberman accidently hurt or suprised, he always let out a cursed in each languages, mainly Indonesian or Japanese.
Doberman likes to tied his hair than let it rest on his shoulder.
Background Story
Born and abandonned in the Street of New york, Azura had always felt like an orphan, left in the street of New York City since he was a newborn. Growing up on the streets, he was no stranger to a life of hard knocks and never knowing where he would find his next meal or a safe place to rest.
He eventually joined the Navy Seals when he came of such young age. His skills and determination earned him a reputation of excellence, and a discharge with honors. He settled in America and soon enough his dedicated attitude was noticed by an unlikely source - ex-CIA agents.
The agents, impressed with his military background, saw the potential in him and decided to do something extraordinary. They adopted him. This was the start of a new, more secure life for Azura and a chance at a better future.
The missions he undertook were never easy, and his courage and skill saved thousands of lives. Thanks to Azura's converted status and adopted family, his life had come full circle.
Trained in the ways of espionage, Azura quickly rose through the ranks to become a full-fledged CIA agent. His ability to crack codes and negotiate peace was second to none. Yet, he felt something was missing. He decided to take a second job as a cybersecurity specialist. His work brought him into the public eye, and soon enough he caught the attention of Kate Laswell, the leader of Task Force 141.
Laswell begged him to join the elite unit and promised that his skills would be put to good use. Azura agreed and for the first time, he felt a real sense of belonging. Sworn to secrecy and honor, he worked alongside the greatest minds in the world, protecting the freedom of the people of the United States of America.
Tumblr media
--------------------------------------------------
37 notes · View notes