just a short series …well not really a series…but still a series! , that ive been working on! there are a few series i’’ve had to put on hold as im just not feeling them right now, and i only want to put my best out for you to read! hope you enjoy this series as much as i have enjoyed writing it!
Pairing: Liam x Riley, Liam x MC
Summary: Liam dives into riley most inner thoughts and dreams…
I always notice every single spelling mistake or issue after I’ve posted…so apologies in advance!
Tags aren’t working so I will be tagging in the comments. Ive tried to tag everyone, please don’t hesitate to msg and let me know if i forgot to tag you!
CARRIES ON DIRECTLY FROM PART 2!
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“Today was the day Liam found out his father would be stepping down as king at the end of the social season, meaning, he would be choosing a wife and becoming king all at the one time. I really felt for him, his profession can’t be easy, being rushed into finding a wife, then being told he only had a few weeks before he would have the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders, it’s an extremely stressful situation and I hope I have shown him, that if he ever needs someone to just sit and listen or just distract him for a little bit, I will be there, no matter what.
Liam held Riley just that little bit tighter as he nuzzled his face into her shoulder, placing the sweetest kiss on her neck. “you showed me every day, that no matter what, you would always be there for me, if I needed you…I always needed you”
“I always needed you too” Riley’s whispered as she turned her head to place a soft kiss on his lips. Liam smirked as he carried on reading.
A/N: Do not read if you do not want spoilers. This is a mini fic (a little over 1000 words) set after the end of CKP. It follows Maxwell’s story. Because I don’t write chronologically I have all sorts of CKP content all over the place. It might be a while before the next chapter is posted due to personal and professional challenges I’m facing at the moment. Hopefully this tides people over.
Maxwell knocks on the open door but he is already inside as he speaks.
At first I was so pissed at Madeleine for even suggesting the second key party! But then she redeemed herself, as did Maxwell. Damnit @ritachacha you know I’m not a Maxwell stan but the way you write him makes me question that! Now I don’t know whether to thank you or be mad! I loved this!
Good news! We just started on this adventure! Catch up here!
Word Count: ~4200
Summary: With her family facing deportation back to Auvernal, fun-spirited Reid Ambrose quits college to support her family. But as fate would have it, she accepts a temporary job as a caregiver for the royal family, an experience that will challenge her, break her, and devastate her world in the most exciting of ways.
Chapter Series: Three years after the tragedy at Leo’s birthday party, King Constantine addresses the citizens of Cordonia; but his speech will not be well-received by all.
Series Warning: ⛔ Please Be Advised: 18+ Only ⛔This series will contain mature material, including foul language, NSFW , discussion/depictions of war, violence, gun violence, assassination attempts; medical situations, including major character injuries; ethical dilemmas including euthanasia & bodily autonomy; mental health, including depression, PTSD, suicide
AN: Majority of these characters and some plots belong to our friends at Pixelberry. Special thanks to my sweet friend @kat-tia801 for prereading. Also, you will recognize some items from canon; other items may be completely contradictory to canon. Just got with it, and enjoy the story.
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Three Years Later…
3:13 PM. The doors to Saul’s Cafe and Bistro were supposed to be locked several minutes ago. But thanks to their regular pain-in-the-neck customer Lucille Fontenot, no one could start their closing duties until her old, annoying ass was out the door. With it being the day before the weekend–an insanely hectic day at that, with crowded lines, large orders and several deliveries around the city–the modest staff is beyond exhausted. They are tired of providing their usual exceptional services.They’re simply done being nice to patrons, especially to women like Lucille Fontenot, who are long-winded and never pleased, who always find something to complain about, and somehow always find a way to speak with the manager.
When the old woman shuffled in ten minutes before closing, the servers and bakers alike rolled their eyes, grumbling under their breath. No one had the patience for this lady and her antics–not this late in the day. Not on a Friday. Not at any point of any day.
Except for her.
“Alright then, Mrs. Fontenot, your roasted apple custards are underneath the apple-pear tartlets.“ The slender brunette carefully grabs the beautifully packaged treats, placing them in a sturdy handled paper bag with a rustic embossing of the restaurant’s name. "And, I hope you don’t mind, but I threw an extra tartlet in there for Mr. Fontenot to enjoy while you ladies enjoy your bridge game in the morning–”
“Oh, Reid, you spoil me,” Lucille giggles with a soft, feminine frailty in her voice. "I can’t thank you enough for all of your help today with these pastries. Clarence won’t let me near the oven anymore. Say, did I ever tell you about the time I tried baking my own pie crust? Well, I was using my great-great-grandmother’s recipe…”
Offering her signature prismatic cherry-painted smile, Reid Ambrose completely zones out from the conversation. God, this woman could talk. The young waitress has already endured the retelling of Mrs. Fontenot’s Maltese’s psoriasis flare-up last year, not to mention she also listened to the painful discussion of the old woman’s bunion removal last month. Again. But another story? After closing?
Reid swallows thickly as she hears the second-hand on the clock tick thunderously next to her ear. She feels the glares from her coworkers, begging for her to get rid of the inconvenient headache of a customer.
Think, Reid, think.
She continues to endure Mrs. Fontenot’s stories, nodding her head as if she is following along. But secretly, Reid feels stuck, glancing around anywhere, everywhere, looking for an excuse to end this conversation. Letting out a silent exhale, she casually pushes back a dark espresso wisp of hair that had fallen out of her thick, high ponytail. Tucking it behind her ear, she glances to her right–and spots the answer to her problem.
A hot water spigot.Perfect.
“… and I completely forgot to turn the oven on! How preposterous is that?”
"Oh! That is!” Reid forces out a laugh, humoring her customer before she abruptly steals her opportunity. “Oh my God! Where are my manners?” Reid dramatically exclaims, scurrying over to their drink-making station. She quickly pours two cups of tea to steep before walking around the counter to face the old lady. “It’s almost time for tea with Mr. Fontenot, and I am just taking up all of your time.”
"But–”
“Now, now,” Reid happily interjects, grabbing the paper bag of sweets, “we can’t keep that lovely man waiting for you." With both drinks in tow, she gracefully heads towards the glass door to exit the bistro, propping it open with her kelly green Chuck Taylors. Reid’s eyes glisten with hope as she bats her long, raven lashes endearingly towards Lucille. She eagerly nods her head, coaxing her out the door. “Let me help you out to your car so we can get you home!”
The hush of silence in the restaurant startles the small staff waiting in the kitchen. Hector, the head cook, looks through a window in the swinging door, scanning the dining area for any more patrons. “Is that old biddy gone?”
“Bompoúnas! I can’t see with your big head in the way!” A larger, older waitress, lovingly referred to as ’Mama’,shoves Hector out of the way as she looks for her coworker. “Is Reid still out there? Oh God, did Fontenot talk to that precious child about her bunions again?”
Another waitress and the dishwasher, Sophie and Geo, sadly shake their heads ‘yes’.
“Theé mou!” Mama religiously crosses herself, pointing to her head, then her chest, followed by touching both shoulders as she rolls her eyes towards the ceiling in irritation. “That sweet baby…”
Suddenly, they all freeze. A loud chime of the doorbell rings out over the entire cafe, signifying a new person has entered the building. It catches them off-guard as they all painfully look through the tiny kitchen window again, hoping it’s not another customer to be served.
“Alright, you chickens!“ The familiar cheery voice, coupled with the hypnotic chuckle makes them all breathe a sigh of relief. "You can all come out from hiding now!”
With resounding shouts of joy and rolling laughter, the bistro workers bound from the backroom. As they surround a blushing Reid with cheerful applause and pats on the back for a job well done, she playfully grabs the sides of her floral skater dress and begins to curtsy before stumbling into her own snickers.
"Girl, I don’t know how you did it,” Sophie jokes. “I’m pretty sure I would’ve strangled her–”
“We all were going to strangle her,” Hector adds, causing everyone to join in with more cutting up and laughter.
“Oh, you guys,” Reid pleasantly interrupts their tirade, dismissing their comments by waving her hand in the air. “She really isn’t that bad–”
“That bad?” Mama scoffs.
“Seriously, Mama,” Reid lovingly places her hands on the older woman’s shoulder, massaging them gingerly. “I think she’s just… lonely. She just needs someone to talk to. All anybody really wants is to be seen and heard–”
“Ha,” Mama laughs sardonically. "I once greeted her with a good morning at 9 AM. She lectured me about how three-fourths of the morning was already gone, and if I really cared for people, I should be wishing them a ‘good day’.”
“That’s nothing,” Sophie sasses, hopping up onto the counter to sit. "She fired me from serving her because I brought her too many napkins. She said that I was being ageist, assuming an old woman would make a mess and would need that many napkins. That woman is a–”
“Hey!” A haunting stillness descends amongst the bistro workers as Saul, the restaurant’s owner and namesake, steps out from his office. “Enough about Fontenot. Let’s get back to work!”
Without a single word being spoken, everyone instantly hops back into the groove of closing up the shop. Reid grabs a broom handle and dustpan, but before she can start sweeping, she feels a tap on her shoulder.
“Hey, Mr. Saul,” she nervously grins, nearly dropping her supplies.
The tall, dignified man kindly nods. “Miss Ambrose, I am proud of the way you handled yourself today… and everyday.”
“Sir,” a humbled expression crawls across her face. “I–”
He holds up his hands to kindly silence her. “You have a real gift with people, not to mention your work ethic… it’s impeccable.” A tenderness infiltrates his voice as he continues. “You’ve made a real difference in this place over the past few years.”
“Mr. Saul,” Reid’s eyes begin to well with tears of joy. “Thank you so much,” she titters, wiping away a tear. “And don’t you worry, sir. As long as you’ll have me, I have no plans on leaving.” With a wink, she twirls on the ball of her foot and starts with her cleaning.
Reid and Sophie quickly sweep and mop the dining area while collecting bags of trash. Because of her bad knees, Mama takes her time, wiping down each table, reloading the napkins and condiments. A flash of light on the muted television hanging in the corner of the restaurant catches her eye along with the words ’special newsbreak’.
“Reid?“ She grabs the young waitress’s attention. "Turn the TV up, would you, paidi mou?”
With a sweet nod to Mama, the spirited brunette balances carefully on a chair to reach the mounted television hanging from the ceiling.
As she tinkers with the knobs on the old set, Reid is captivated by the moving graphics of a breaking news report from the Cordonian Capital. The picture finally changes to a live feed, focusing on a pristine dais with multiple microphones set up outside the palace doors. Hushed whispers and the incessant flickering of cameras plague the otherwise silent moment of anticipation.
"Hey,” Reid hollers out to her other coworkers. “Hey, you guys? I think the king is about to speak–"
Before she can even finish her statement, Reid is met with sarcastic giggles and groans, coming from the kitchen. Hector and Geo slowly mosey out into the dining area, gathering around to hear the special news brief.
”Moraki mou,“ Hector lovingly addresses Reid, offering his hand as she climbs down from the chair. "You’re probably the only one that cares when that malakahumbles himself from the glory of his throne to grace the working-class–”
“Shhh, aye, Papí,” Mama jovially slaps Hector up the back of his balding head, “you talk too much.“ The older woman takes Reid’s hand, squeezing it endearingly. "I think it’s wonderful you stay so vigilant, but then again–” Mama’s expression changes to sympathy as her voice lowers, “–you don’t have much of a choice now, do you, paidi mou?” She gently pinches Reid’s cheek.
Reid’s toothy grin never falters as she sweetly strokes Mama’s face with her thumb. "Now you don’t need to worry about any of that, Mama,” she casually turns her attention back to the TV, but a subtle rigidness deepens her voice. “We’re fine,” she nods to herself, almost as if she is trying to convince herself. “We are going to be just fine.”
Three years ago, nineteen-year-old Reid received the tragic phone call that would change her life forever. The Auvernal native was away from her family’s farm for school at the Capital when the Sons of Earth executed a surprise assassination attack on the monarchy of the northern-border country of Cordonia. War-hungry Bradshaw Achilles, the King of Auvernal, who openly craved an alliance with the neighboring country, took advantage of their temporary moment of weakness and declared war on the rogue military coup.
Like many other Auvernese, the Ambrose family disagreed with Bradshaw. They felt like he was more of a threat to his own people rather than their protector. So, they prepared to seek refuge across the border in Cordonia, who was kindly offering shelter and amnesty grants. These grants included temporary working visas and healthcare.
But before they could escape, the Sons of Earth retreated through the northern border of Auvernal, setting fire to the farmlands. Crops were destroyed, the land completely scorched. Many animals perished.
In his attempts to save his land, the land that had been in the Ambrose family for four generations, Nik Ambrose, Reid’s father, was badly injured when the barn collapsed on him.
When Reid’s younger sister Tana called her from their father’s hospital room to tell her the news, Reid immediately withdrew from school. Without one complaint, she packed up what little was salvageable from their farm, and moved herself, her injured father, and younger siblings to Cordonia in hopes of fresh new opportunities.
The experience has been terrifying–not that anyone could tell from Reid’s positive attitude. Though in fear, she knew deep in her heart that this life, this barely scraping by to make ends meet: it wouldn’t last forever. Someday, they wouldn’t know the pain of hunger or the brutal chill of the cold. This life was going to get better. It had to.
"So he calls a press conference, and he doesn’t even show up?” Hector blows a raspberry. “Where you at, Connie?”
“Wait–wait … I see movement!” Sophie exclaims.
With a special guardsman opening the large opulent doors, a handsome, fit man in full royal regala with brilliant sapphire eyes confidently struts out to the marked platform. Offering a perfectly white, perfectly charming smile, he waves to the cameras, nodding affectionately to the people.
“Now that’s… Prince Louis?” Reid quietly questions, instantly causing snickers from the others.
“Oh, our little Auvernese axolotl,” Hector shakes his head while clicking his tongue. He throws a friendly arm around Reid, pointing to the screen, “Aye, no, that’s the crown prince himself. That’s Liam–”
“Are you blind?” Mama jests. “That’s Leo;he’s the crown prince.” She lowers her voice respectfully, looking conspiratorially around the empty restaurant. “Liam was the son that…well, y’know–”
“Ohhhhh,” Hector’s voice grows grim, taking off his hat in mournful respect. “Right.”
“Butmmmm, that Leo…” Mama’s voice grows dreamily silent, her eyes fixed on the television as she licks her lips.
“Mama!” Hector shudders, “he’s old enough to be your grandson–”
“Bompoúnas!”She playfully swats Hector over the head with a paper menu as they begin to argue in their Cordonian dialect of Greek.
“Hey–hey, you two! It’s on!” Reid motions towards the TV as the royal band announces the arrival of his majesty with the Cordonian traditional hymn, ‘Hail to the King’. King Constantine strides out to the podium, acknowledging the flashes and shout-outs from nearby reporters from newspapers and television stations.
“Good afternoon, my fellow Cordonians. It is a true honor to stand before you this afternoon, not just as your king, but as the commander of a country that has proven to the rest of the world that though we are small in size, we are mighty in power, mighty in spirit, and above all, mighty in heart…”
As the news report continues, Reid feels a towering presence step up behind her. Giving a slight tilt of her head, she is relieved to see Saul with his arms crossed, a yellow envelope under his arm. She gives him a sweet smile, turning back to the program, yet Reid notices something is amiss.
“… Three years ago, the Sons of Earth successfully planned an ambush assassination on the Crown with the plans to overtake our nation…” The king pauses, his knuckles blanching to white as he grips the dais; his face burns red with wrath at the remembrance of that fateful night, the night his family would change forever. He respectfully clears his throat, offering a hopeful curl to his lips. “They planned to create fear, but they weren’t planning on our hope.” Several whoops and hollers resound amongst the crowd along with handclaps. “But, thanks to our brothers and sisters from the south, Auvernal did not waste time in offering their brute strength. The Sons of Earth may have won that battle years ago, but I am here to proudly announce that Cordonia has won the war.”
As the crowd roars with praises, the workers in the bistro happily give each other hugs, shouting cheers of joy. For Reid, she is beyond relieved to hear those beautiful words, her eyes watering with pride, knowing exactly what the price is for freedom and glory.
Constantine continues. “Today marks the 100th day since our victory, which means today, we can safely celebrate 100 days of peace!” At the sound of his voice, a giant banner rolled open behind his majesty, with a giant ‘100’ painted along with dozens of handprints, created by the primary school. “We will always remember the war; but let us not forget the peace that came in its wake.”
The small staff in the bistro started giving each other nods as they started making their way back to their jobs to finish up for the day when Sophie grabs everyone’s attention.
“Wait, guys,” an eerie concern falls over her voice as she instantly looks at Reid.
“What is it?” Reid raises an eyebrow before looking back to the television screen, suddenly seeing that the news headline had changed.
King Constantine: 100 Days of Peace; Dissolution of Amnesty Grants
Reid grabs onto a chair to hold herself steady as the sudden thunderous plodding of her own heartbeat roars in her ears. She can feel her face pale as her palms begin to sweat. This can’t be happening. They can’t be kicking us out. We–we just got on our feet. Reid’s eyes flutter away the tears threatening to come forward as she zones in on the king’s voice.
“The Amnesty grant program was created to protect the innocent in search of shelter from the war. It has served it’s purpose, and the war is now over. We must all work together now to get life back to normal …”
“Wait,” Hector crosses his arms, his eyebrows furrowing at the screen. “So what the hell does that mean? Pack up and get the hell out?”
“They’ve rebuilt their lives here,” hisses Geo.
“Shhh,”Mama hushes, her eyes watering as she watches the television screen.
“Please know our heart: the royal council welcomes you to our great country. But effectively at midnight tonight, the new immigration law will be enforced which includes the following: a homestead tax as well as a welfare tax will be due by the fifteenth of each month–”
“See! I knew it was going to be about taxes.” Hector grumbles, throwing his hands in the air. “Malaka.”
“…check with your immigration headquarters. Also, Cordonians need to take back the jobs that are rightfully theirs. This means effectively immediately, immigrants may only hold a job that has been approved ahead of time by the Crown….”
“Ha!”Geo cackles, “and what jobs would you have aliens do, your majesty?”
“And if their job isn’t approved?” Sophie scoffs. “What? They’re going to be terminated?”
“Can they do that?” Hector looks to Saul who is staring at the ground, rocking on his heels. “Saul? Can they dictate jobs like that?”
“Thee mou,” Mama gasps, turning to Saul. “What does that mean, boss?”
A deafening silence falls on the staff as they all look to their leader. His jaw twitches in anger, but he holds his tongue. His lips quake, trying to form words, but nothing sounds right. He pulls out the yellow envelope from under his arm, an envelope with an embossed seal from the Crown. He stares painfully at it before his bloodshot eyes focus on his best employee.
And her breath hitches. “That’s for me, isn’t it? You’re letting me go?”
“I… I’m sorry, Reid.”
_____
Reid decides to bike the long way home that afternoon. She crosses through the back alley behind the busy shopping district, quickly making her way to the old main highway until she reaches the quiet dirt road that courses to the scenic route to her villa. She needs a moment to herself, a moment to react–not to mention, she wants to avoid the angry crowds with picketing signs in the square.
As she comes to the quiet old stone bridge, she steps off of her bicycle, leaning it against the moss-covered structure. Grabbing her worn satchel, she carefully climbs up onto the thick barrier walls, walking until she reaches the middle of the crossover. Maintaining her balance she sits down, crossing her legs underneath her body, allowing herself to simply be still.
What are we going to do?
Letting her head fall into her hands, she can feel the storm, brewing deep within her chest. She wants to scream; she wants to run until her lungs bleed.
It’s not fair. It’s just not…
She lets out a deep exhale as the symphony of nature suddenly takes over her senses. A simple breeze dances across her olive complexion, drying her heated tears.The brook below her babbles gleefully, splashing playfully the purest of clean water as it hosts and feeds the local wildlife. The hypnotic scent of ivy and fresh dew lulls Reid into a brief moment of comfort.
'Anger is the punishment we give ourselves… for someone else’s mistake.“ Hearing her father’s words of wisdom echo in her mind, Reid pulls out a worn, leather-bound sketching journal and a broken piece of charcoal. As she opens the old portfolio, her fingertips catch on a once-gold embossing: the initials HRA. Her mother’s.
A sudden titter of carefree laughter from a young child steals Reid from her quiet moment alone. She curiously glances down the banks of the waterfront, but no one is there.
Flipping her long ponytail back over her shoulder, she secures a new sheet of paper for sketching. She gently presses the small fragment of coal against her notebook, creating large geometric shapes of potential.
And she hears the giggle again. But this time, as Reid looks up, she notices a single reed sprouting from the delicate current. And she smiles.
"Mamá! Mamá! Look!” Six-year-old Reid crawls onto her hands and knees, drawing closer to the edges of the rushing brook. Missing her top two middle teeth, Reid sticks out the tip of her tongue as she reaches for a tall, green plant that appears to be wading in the water.
“Reid?” A tall woman with vibrant chocolate eyes holds the hem of her long floral skirt as she rushes through the overgrowth of grass. “Where are you, agapoula mou?”
“Boo!” Reid squeals, jumping out from behind the greenery.
Her mom playfully shrieks, quickly snagging her daughter in a tight embrace. “What’ve you got there?”
Reid proudly holds up the long, willowing stalk with a curious brown, cigar-shaped flower. “I picked it for baby Nicholas!” She gently places her chubby fingers on her mother’s blossoming abdomen, her belly immediately coming to life with movement.
“I think he likes it,” Reid’s mother smiles brightly. “Don’t you think we should get something for Tana, too?”
Reid wrinkles up her nose at the mention of her almost-three-year-old sister.
“C'mon, agapoula mou,” her mom holds out her hand for Reid to take. “Let’s pick some wildflowers for her and YiaYia.”
Suddenly a strong gust of wind blew through the riverbend, making the mother and daughter stop in their tracks to shield themselves from flying debris. But, when Reid finally opened her eyes, she screamed.
“It’s gone!” She sniffles, “the flower is gone!" Caught in the wind, the fluffy, cotton-like spores from the special plant dance down the brook until they lay to rest in the water. Reid throws down the green plant as large tears drip down her cherub cheeks. "It’s broken, Mamá.”
Reid’s mother carefully sits down along the bank before pulling her oldest into her lap. She sweetly kisses her temple, pressing her head to her chest. “Oh, agapoula mou,” she smiles, “it’s not broken. Not in the least bit.”
Reid sits up, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. “It… it’s not?”
“No,” her mom chuckles, tightening her arms around her daughter. “I’m gonna let you in on a little secret.” Reid’s eyes grow wide as she listens more intently. “That plant you picked is called a reed.”
“What?” The corners of Reid’s mouth curl, the gaps in her teeth showing proudly. “But I’m Reid! I… I’ve never met another Reid before!”
Her mom lovingly massages circles on her back. “Well, this reed is spelled a little different, but you’re right: it’s another Reid. And those little things that flew from that brown, sausage-looking flower?"
"Yeah?” Reid nods her head eagerly.
“Those are called 'spores’. They are carried by the wind, and wherever they land, they grow into more reeds.”
“More reeds?” Reid repeats excitedly.
“That’s right, agapoula mou,” her mother tenderly cups the velveteen skin of her face. “As you get older, life will present itself with hard times, challenges that seem like they want to break your spirit. But remember the flower and how you thought it was broken?”
“It wasn’t broken at all!”
“Not in the least bit,” Reid’s mom grins, “that’s when we grow. Never be afraid to grow where the wind takes you.”
Reid stands up, throwing her arms around her mom’s neck. “Efcharistó, Mamá,” she thanks her, “I won’t.”
An abrupt breeze surprises Reid, startling her from the memory as her art tools threaten to blow away. Clutching onto her mildly wrinkled paper canvas, she looks down and recognizes her simple sketch: a water reed.
With her coal-stained fingers, she effortlessly smudges the rough, dark edges, bringing the two-dimensional creation to life with the use of shadows and light.
But the wind erupts again, teasing to steal Reid’s artwork. Hugging it close to her chest, the air whips around her wildly. With her ponytail dancing in the breeze, she glances back to the water reeds. She notices how the flowers sway and tumble, flip and twirl. But as the wind dies back down into a whisper, the flower remain, staying in place to grow.
Grow where the wind takes you…
Her mother’s smile etches across her lips as her words of wisdom resound purposefully in Reid’s head. A swirl of butterflies tickle in her belly as she looks at their reflection in the stream below the stone bridge. Is this is? Is this what’s best for her family?
You know the answer, agapoula mou…
Instantly, the world doesn’t seem so impossible anymore.
~~
Tags(please let me know if you’d like to be added or removed):
A little birthday sketch of Liam and Ella for my dear friend by the talented @neonravensart P, thank you so much for always being in my corner and sending me videos of freaking cute animals to make me smile. You are the best cheerleader ever! Love you a butt ton!
This is a paid commission, please do not alter or repost.
I know it’s been a long, long time since I’ve been on here and posted anything but I wanted to share this gorgeous fanart done by the amazing @gokushairgel thank you for bringing my babies to life and being my popcorn soulmate!
My taglist isn’t up to date at all so I apologize if you’re there and you don’t want to be. Please let me know and I’ll remove you asap, no hard feelings ☺️
“What do you want for Christmas this year?” Ella tossed a kettle corn up into the air and Liam caught it in his mouth.
“I don’t need or want anything, love,” he tossed one up in the air and cheered when Ella caught it.
“You say that every year,” she protested.
“It’s true though,” Liam caught another kettle corn in his mouth before doing the same for her. “I just want you.”
“Fine, I’ll figure out something,” Ella munched as she shook her head.
“Alright, alright, I do want something,” Liam smiled as his heart thrummed in his chest.
“What?”
“A fiancé.”
Ella froze mid-throw, the kettle corn landing on the floor next to Liam. “A-”
“You heard me, I said fiancé,” he smirked as he looked down at her bag of kettle corn. She followed his gaze and gasped when she saw a diamond ring. “Ella Christianne Brooks, will you-”
“YES!” She tossed her bag into the air and jumped up to tackle him onto the wooden floor. “Yes, Liam!”
“Ouch, love,” he murmured between kisses. “Can you maybe find that bag with the ring?”
“I don’t want anything but you,” she mocked.
“Very funny … but seriously it was really expensive,” Liam pleaded.
“Okay fine,” she stood and began to look around the room. “Put it on my finger and we’re doing it in the living room.”
Liam’s jaw slacked. “Against the window?”
“Yep,” Ella’s smoldering look made his cock jump in his grey sweats. “With all the lights on.”
“Merry Christmas to me,” Liam yelled as he searched for the engagement ring.
Because I was missing our TRT babies @ofpixelsandscribbles thank you for this gift and thank you @neonravensart for capturing our group so well (as usual)
“I hope you don’t mind me being too forward, but I know that this is your first time in Cordonia, I would love for you to experience just some of the finest things that our country has to offer. There is an exquisite dining place that the three of you may enjoy. I can make an arrangement for you, if you like. Consider it as my welcoming gift. ”
“A recommendation from the prince himself? Sounds cool! Besides, I’m always down to trying new things, so I’m in!” Bryce replied exuberantly as he turned to Liam with an eager smile.
“I’m with Bryce!” Aera agreed enthusiastically as her arm unconsciously linked with Bryce’s, much to the latter’s enjoyment.
“Well, if you insist, how can we refuse?” Ella shrugged her shoulders with a grin, making Liam chuckle in response.
Characters belong to Pixelberry; Ella Brooks belongs to me; Alyssa Devereaux belongs to the amazing @burnsoslow and is used with permission.
Summary: The gang goes to Sonoma Valley for a week and shenanigans happen of course. Ellyssa (Ella + Alyssa = besties forever) enjoy time alone with their men … along with Max.
A/N: Set in The Loft AU, my favorite of favorites of all time lol
A/N2: It’s @neotericthemis birthday today and I am soooo sorry this is late! Sri, you are so damn supportive, loving, kind, and HILARIOUS. I love that you squeal and yell at me when I write something ridiculous or when cheating Leo pops into the scene and you message me immediately LOL I can’t do this whole tumblr life without you, thank you for never forgetting about little old me. I love you so so soooooo much! I hope you like this along with the edits!
Thank you @burnsoslow for reading this entire thing and loving me so hard.
Warnings: Adult language; sexual innuendos; compromising situations
Words: 689
The gang was headed to Sonoma Valley for the week and they were all excited. Drake and Alyssa were celebrating their engagement and, to Drake’s dismay, Lyss wanted everyone to join them on the trip. Liam and Ella were looking forward to having a week to unwind after working several days in a row. Leo adamantly refused to go on a “couples trip” while Max shrugged and agreed.
“I’m sorry you’re the fifth wheel, Max,” Lyssa hugged her friend and gave him a cute pout as they wandered towards their rooms.
“I’m fine,” he squeezed her back. “I love spending time with you guys, it doesn’t matter if you’re matched up and I’m not.”
“Don’t even think about walking into our rooms without knocking, Beaumont,” Drake pulled his fiance by her hips against him. “This was supposed to be ourtrip.”
Max rolled his eyes. “Just keep it in your pants and your bedrooms and we’ll be fine.”
“Can’t make any promises,” Liam smirked as he stole a glance at Ella walking in front of the group.
“I heard that, Rys,” Ella turned and returned his smirk. “This kink of yours gets sand in the weirdest places.”
“Guys!” Max yelled as he put his hands over his ears.
“He won’t be able to resist,” Drake whispered to Lyssa as she chuckled beside him.
The next day
The group enjoyed an entire day of horseback riding.
“Oh my God, El,” Maxwell had tears in his eyes from laughing. “Your horse loves you!”
“Summer is the best,” Ella laughed. “Aren’t you girl?” She ran her hand over the soft mane of her horse.
Liam let out a chuckle as he stared at the picture. “Best horse ever!”
Day four
“These wine tours on a boat could potentially be dangerous,” Lyss peered over the edge of the boat as she clutched her wine glass to her chest.
“Dangerous how?” Drake murmured as he nibbled on her earlobe.
Alyssa shuddered. “Drunk people, boats, the swaying … someone could fall overboard!”
“Hey!” Max appeared behind the couple with a full glass of wine. “Where’s Liam and Ella?”
“Honestly, they’re probably doing it in the back of the boat,” Lyssa snorted.
“I don’t doubt it.”
“Let’s play a board game!” Max announced when he brought over Monopoly.
“Devereaux gets waytoo competitive,” Drake shook his head. “I don’t know if you want to see that side of her Beaumont.”
“She can’t be that bad,” Max shrugged.
“I do not get competitive,” Lyssa rolled her eyes. “But I will beat your ass, Max!”
Day six
“I love that we have nothing planned today,” Ella snuggled against Liam’s side as she sipped her coffee.
“We just wanted to relax before we have to leave tomorrow,” Lyssa said as she made a sad face.
Drake leaned over to kiss her temple. “We need to plan something with just us, baby.”
“Guys! We gotta go to brunch!” Max squealed as he ran up to his friends.
“Alright, I’m hungry, let’s go,” Drake grumbled as he stood and pulled Alyssa up with him.
“We’ll meet you guys there,” Liam said and the friends separated.
Ella stuck her bottom lip out. “I’m hungry, babe, where are we going?”
“I wanna show you something,” he flashed her a mischievous look.
An hour later
“Where the hell are they?” Max mumbled as he wandered outside the hotel looking for Liam and Ella. Creaking noises and moans got his attention and he raised his brows. “They wouldn’t …” Max slowly made his way towards the sounds and his eyes almost popped out of their sockets. He pulled out his phone, quickly snapped a picture, and scampered back inside.
“Oh my God, Beaumont, why are you so red?”
“You’ll … see …” Out of breath from laughing and running, Max’s thumbs were flying over the keyboard of his phone.
Lyssa and Drake’s phones went off at the same time showing a notification.
“No, they didn’t!” Alyssa dropped her phone as she began to snort with laughter.
“Told you he couldn’t help it,” Drake shook his head and put his phone face down on the table.
