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xxrainbow-princessxx · 4 years

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Unspoken Truths - Royal Romance/TRR AU

As things come to a head, can Isabella or Leo find some mutual agreement? Does Liam, Drake and Leo’s hunt for Barthemely gain momentum?

Chapter list:

Chapter 1: Enough

Chapter 2: Homeward Bound

Chapter 3: Band of Brothers

Chapter 4 Dearest Sympathies

Chapter 5: No Expectations

Chapter 6: Line of Succession

Tag list: @lorirwritesfanfic @drakewalkerfantasy @desireepow-1986 @rainbowsinthestorm @lorircreates @itslaniquelove @liam-rhys @hopefulmoonobject @speedyoperarascalparty @kimmiedoo5 @rafasgirl23415 @kingliam2019 @mom2000aggie @texaskitten30 @the-everlasting-dream

Trigger warning: Violence, death, premonition of death, sexual innuendo, swearing

“We’re getting nowhere!” Liam barked slamming his fist onto the table, “If Barthelemy has been under our noses this whole time, where the hell could he be hiding?!” Drake began to slowly shake his head, “...we’ve checked every corner of each of the provinces over the past two weeks... you don’t think...” Drake ran his fingers through his hair, his dark features smouldering in the dimly lit room, “Maxwell’s and Bertrand’s disappearance will have spooked him?” Liam took a deep breath, his shoulders were tense as he stared at the map of the Cordonian Kingdom, “No...” Liam’s tongue clicked “...we’re obviously missing something...” tracing his finger across the North River. “We’ve had the Kings guard check each of these points...” Drake agreed, “Yes, and they are currently in the Valtoria forests... should we send in another party to scour the Fydelia to Portavira intersection?” Leo stood on the veranda with one hand in his jean pocket whilst taking a drag of a cigarette staring out into the Cordonian landscape. He was glad that Liam was now focusing on what was important; he was fighting for what he believed in but he missed Isabella, he missed his own family. As Leo’s sea green eyes gazed towards the flickering stars that glistened in the dark midnight sky, he wondered if they missed him too? Once Camille was safe, it would allow Liam to return to rule the Kingdom in his own way and if anything; this would establish a message to neighbouring Kingdom’s that Cordonia is not for sale.

Once everything was signed and sealed. Leo would finally be able to let go. He would finally feel like the burden he placed upon his brother’s shoulders when he abdicated would become less painful or at least, in his heart, the guilt he held to gain his own personal freedoms would no longer keep him up at night. It had been over a decade since Leo abdicated but Leo felt duty bound to repay that debt, no matter his own cost. Drake looked over his shoulder, sighing as he watched Leo standing quietly in the archway; the cigarette smoke lingering in the Cordonian air. “Liam...” Drake began to shake his head, “He needs to talk to her...” whispering under his breath so Leo didn’t hear. Liam nodded in agreement as he sadly looked out towards his brother, “He’s more like Father than he cares to admit...” Drake snorted at the comparison as Liam up the map that had been sprawled across the desk, “Leo is crazy if he thinks that Sánchez will be sitting waiting for him when he gets back?” handing Drake the map, Liam shrugged his shoulders, “My brother and his wife’s circumstances are none of our concern...” Drake’s dark brow lifted as he angrily the map from Liam, “Talk to him...” Drake snapped, “He’s throwing his marriage away to help you and that’s all you can say?! If you don’t say something...”

Liam took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose, “This is not the time, go rally the Guards before we lose the cover of darkness...” Drake had heard enough, gritting his teeth, he stared down his friend and King, “Make it the goddamn time!” before pushing passed Liam. It was hard for Drake knowing the truth, even after all these years - he adored her. Isabella was the only one that Drake felt was there for him with no agenda. Anything Drake ever needed, she did without him having to ask. Many a night he crashed in her townhouse when he needed to get away from the suffocating pageantry of the Cordonian Palace or needed to vent about life in general she supplied the alcohol and listened but deep down Drake knew if he interfered, he would say something he’d immediately regret. Running his fingers through his dark mane, he refocused proceeded to the Guards armour to plan for the next search. “Bas...” Drake quietly murmured, “Tonight’s checkpoints are the Valtorian Pass and the Fydelia to Portavira intersection...” Drake picked up rounds of ammunition and a rifle, throwing it’s strap over his shoulder, “I’ll head out with the second team to the Valtorian Pass... you head out to Fydelia...” Bastien nodded before signalling to the guards to fall out, “You heard the man... let’s go!”

Drake’s words however played on Liam’s conscious. He wasn’t Isabella’s biggest fan by any means but he knew deep down that she made his brother happy and that’s all that mattered. Pouring himself and Leo a drink, Liam walked out onto the veranda where his brother had stood silently for what felt like hours, “Here...” Liam handed him the crystal tumbler as he sighed, “I appreciate the sentiment brother... but putting your marriage on the line...” The Cordonian King’s sparkling river blue eyes met his brother’s, placing a hand gently onto his shoulder, “You don’t have to do this...” Leo bit down on his bottom lip as he held the bourbon in his hand, “I must do something...” he murmured before taking a drink, “I won’t allow Cordonia to fall...” Liam remained quiet as he allowed his brother to speak, “Felipe mentioned before that he knew the Cordonian Royal Council were dirty rats but even I could never have believed him...” shaking his head, Leo sighed heavily, as his grip onto the tumbler tightened, “These people were our family, our friends....” turning his head, he glared at Liam, Leo’s sea green eyes burned with hatred, “... how can I trust the woman I married when I can’t even trust my own fucking shadow right now?!” Liam tilted his head slightly, his heart heavy as he empathised with Leo, “Brother... you need to speak with Isabella... I’m sure she would understand... You still love her don’t you?”

Leo’s sea green eyes rolled to the left towards his brother sadly, “With all my heart... Of course I do...” a lump was forming in his throat as Liam placed his hand on Leo’s shoulder, a passive smile barely graced his face, “Tell her before it’s too late...” Leo nodded pensively and without a word returned to his suite twisting his wedding ring as he walked. The pure Laurentian gold band was plain but it stood for much more than just their marriage; it was everything he and Isabella ever fought for. It wasn’t new that Leo lay in an empty bed without Isabella beside him; the last six months affirmed that but with a deep breath, Leo removed his phone staring at the lock screen. Isabella’s bright, warm dazzling smile drew him in and made him fall in love with her all over again every single day. He could almost hear her giggling happily in the quiet room as he took the simple photograph of her smiling back at him. Closing his eyes, Leo sighed heavily. What he wouldn’t give for Isabella to look at him like that again. “You have no idea...” he quietly spoke, running his finger down the screen, “...how much I miss you...” Biting down onto his lip, Leo began to type, holding his breath as he sent Isabella a message, the first time they had spoken in weeks.

‘Can we talk?’

‘Please...’

Isabella’s dark chocolate brown eyes rolled to the left as she saw her phone lighting up. Her heart was in her throat as Sasha and Lia pouted, “Is that papa?” Turning her phone over, Isabella raised her brow, “You two need to focus on getting ready for school, than what’s on my phone...” as she nursed Nico, brushing his little cheeks gently. “But Mama...” the pair begged, “Can we FaceTime him later?” Isabella began to sigh, “Mi queridas... he is busy, I can’t promise anything...” Leo’s texts infuriated her but she couldn’t allow her children to see the pain she felt, “Now go get dressed you two... Jimena will need to take you to school today...” Unimpressed, the pouting Princesses slid off of their chairs sulking off towards their room knowing it was best not to argue with their mother. Isabella rested her elbow onto the table, cradling her head as she looked at the empty chair to her right where Leo would have sat each morning. She was so confused, on one hand, he made her blood boil - the other; she still loved him which made things so much harder. Isabella reluctantly opened the messages, her cheeks sucked in as her eyes gazed upon the text. “You want to talk huh?” she sarcastically mumbled, “Look Nico...” as she cradled the little one “...Your papa actually has something to say...” before rolling her eyes and coldly replying,

‘Fine... but you can video call me in Conference Room 2...”

Isabella knew she’d have to wait; Leo was never on time on a good day let alone when he was on Cordonian time. Fixing her nightdress, she lifted her baby boy upwards giggling before she rested him against her chest rubbing his little back. She cooed happily as Nico snuggled into her shoulder, “Who loves you?? Mama loves you!” as she carefully carried him back to her suite. Since Leo had left, Isabella had the crib moved to her room - he wasn’t there to complain that the kids were in the room or the baby’s crying would keep either of them awake. Sitting up on her bed, Isabella propped the infant against her legs, tickling him and making funny faces as he smiled back at her trying to giggle, “Sí mi amor... puedes hacerlo...” she cooed, “Eso es....” as Nico stared up at her with his father’s green eyes, Isabella could only beam with delight, her and Leo’s children were getting her through this mess. It was hard shielding them from the rows and pain she felt but she tried her hardest. “Who’s my handsome little Prince... huh?” Isabella carefully brushed Nicolás’ soft sandy blonde hair back as he was drifting off to sleep. Isabella gently manoeuvred herself to place Nico into his crib. As his little body was placed onto the mattress, Isabella bit down onto her lower lip. He was his father’s double, same hair, same eyes, same nose and like his father, he was the most beautiful boy his mother set eyes on. Swallowing hard, Isabella brushed his cheek, “Please when you are old enough, don’t you break someone’s heart like your father’s broke mine...”

Stirring the spoon in her afternoon tea, Isabella tapped the silverware against the delicate china crockery. She was becoming anxious that Leo hadn’t called yet and it was near time that the girls arrived back from school. Isabella was famously known for being patiently impatient as her long manicured nails tapped the table waiting for Leo to call. Isabella felt her chest tightening as the screen updated, the waiting video call was just a push of a button away. Would she get the answers she wanted? Would Leo tell her he was coming home? Did he even still love her? Nervously she accepted the call, her heart racing with trepidation as the screen flickered to see her husband looking at her. “Hey...” Leo spoke softly, “You look...Sorry I’m only...” Isabella sat still, her stony expression only added to the icy atmosphere between them. Leo began to run his fingers through his sandy blonde hair nervously as he cleared his throat, “Yeah...” she mumbled, “So... how are the kids?” Isabella raised her left brow slowly as her lips finally parted speaking quite matter of fact, “They miss you... they want to know when their father is coming back or if he is coming back...” Leo began to shake his head sadly as he shrugged his muscular frame, “Bella I...”

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” The Laurentian Queen screamed, “It’s a simple answer!” as she gesticulated her arms widely, eyes darkening with anger, “Why the fuck are you playing games? There’s only two options here Leo, either you want to be here or you fucking don’t!” He was not in the mood to be chastised, taking a deep breath Leo clicked his tongue, “Isabella... we’re not all as fucking perfect as you... Things are complicated right now, I need more time...” Isabella’s lips began to pout, taking a moment to process what Leo had just said to her. “Time?” Isabella questioned, “You’ve had nearly six weeks of time!” slamming her hands into the table caused her china cup and saucer to shake, “I am trying to understand right now Leo I really... really am...” Isabella’s nostrils began to flare, “But you are making this exceptionally difficult!” Gritting his teeth, Leo tried to hold in his anger, “You’re not fucking listening!” he growled, “I’ve already told you, I can’t go into details! It’s not safe...” Lowering her head, Isabella pressed her fingers against her temples taking a deep breath before looking up at Leo. Her lips were pursed, eyes narrowed slightly as she finally spoke, “I can’t live in a marriage that’s based on secrets or lies... if you can’t talk to me, then...” she began to laugh shrugging her shoulders, “what is the point of anything?” Leo began to beg, “Bella... don’t... no...” but Isabella simply shook her head, tears began to roll whilst her mascara stained her cheeks, “I’m done... I can’t live my life waiting on a promise...” Leo closed his eyes, it felt like a knife was stabbed through his heart, “Kitten... don’t do this...” he began to panic, “I’ll tell you everything!!” Leo held his hands up as a knock came at the door, “... just...just wait!” but Isabella moved, her finger hovering over the end call button, “No...” she sniffed as she pressed the button. The Queen stood from the table wiping her tears as best she could with the sides of her index fingers, blinking away the excess, “Yes... come in...” she cleared her throat until her eyes widened, “Your Majesty...” Jimena rolled her eyes, “Duke Ramsford to see you in the throne room... he insisted you made yourself available...”

#choices #the royal romance #leo x isabella #prince leo #king liam #drake walker #playchoices #choices fanfiction #choices the royal romance #queen isabella #royal romance au #playchoices fanfiction

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pjoracle · 7 years

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Burnt Popcorn

The world needs more pieces about friendships, so here’s some Reyna and Nico

Reyna wrung her clammy hands outside of Nico’s apartment in New Rome, why was she so nervous? Nico had a right to know! A right to know, Reyna thought trying to use that to steel her nerves. With a shaky breath she knocked on the door. For a moment Reyna though about turning away, about just running right then and there, her body was halfway turned away ready to bolt when the door swung open.

Nico stood there, a child of Hades, somehow radiating light. His smile could power New Rome a million times over as he beamed out at her.

“Trying to run away from movie night? Afraid I’m going to force another Italian movie on you?” He teased, stepping into the hallway. “I’m making popcorn.”

“Yeah that’s it; one more played out scene of a couple driving away on a Vespa might do me in. I just want a nice Disney movie with a badass female character that fights in a war and totally kicks every guy’s ass.” Reyna answered easily with a smile to rival his.

“You’re just talking about Mulan, the movie you know I don’t own.”

“A fact that should shame you enough to buy the DVD.” She teased as she stepped under his outreached arm, looping her own around him as they stepped inside the apartment. She looked around the cozy abode and took it all in, comfortable here as her own home. “Hey you said you were making popcorn right?”

“That would be correct…”

“Because it smells more like your burning popcorn.” Reyna answered with a nod at the kitchen, happy for a distraction from her anxiety. Nico’s head snapped back so hard Reyna was afraid he’d get whip lash.

“THE POPCORN!” Nico screamed as he ran to the kitchen, followed by a series of bangs. Reyna chuckled and made her way to the wall of movies they’ve collectively amassed over a few years of movie nights. She was skimming through the third shelf when Nico came in shame faced with a pot in his hand. “Okay, I’m not sure how it happened, but this is not the color of popcorn.”

He tilted the pot to show the completely charred remains of what should have been the popcorn. Reyna’s eyes went wide as she looked from the pot to his hair and back a few times. After a moment with Nico standing with the pot, looking like a confused child and Reyna kneeling on the floor quietly talking it all in she burst out laughing.

“How did you mess up popcorn? You just put it on the stove and wait for the pops!” Reyna cried, in sheer disbelief that the same person whoop shadow traveled across half the planet with her, a very angry satyr, and a huge statue of Athena in tow couldn’t make a pot of popcorn. “Oh my gods, were you trying to add another layer to the pot because that’s a strong burn.”

Nico started to giggle with her making Reyna only laugh harder. “I can’t even make popcorn, Italians weep worldwide at my uselessness in the kitchen.”

“Savior of the world, child of one of the Big Three and you can’t make a pot of popcorn.” She shook her head as she unwound herself from the ground and took the pot from him. Nico followed her into the kitchen as she set herself up at the sink. They were silent as Reyna let the water flow over her hands, testing the temperature, waiting for it to get hot before putting in the soap. “Let this soak for a bit, and then we’ll try and scrape off that disaster.”

“And forget all about it?” Nico asked hopefully while Reyna turned away to scrounge through his fridge.

“Not a chance, Will has to learn of your incompetence in the kitchen or else he might break up with you after you accidently set fire to your hands and burn the house down.” She snorted.

“Hey, our love is stronger than any batch of popcorn I burn.” He shot back with a short tap on the side of the pot. He looked back to Reyna at the uncharacteristic lack of any response and saw how tense she was. “Reyna, are you ok? Do you need to talk about something?”

“How do you know that you love someone?” She asked, her voice was small and tentative. Nico stared at her still turned away form as though he could see through to her face and read every emotion laid out on it.

“You just…it’s like a feeling. Not like you like someone, but that you feel safe with them.” His face scrunched up as he thought of how to put it. “It’s trusting someone entirely with yourself, even if you know you’re not ready to reveal every part of you because you know that if you put your everything into their hands they would never break it, not intentionally at least. Then when what you get them slips a bit, they get nervous holding up so much, a little too weak from holding it too long, you’re there to put your hands under theirs and lift them up. You make them stronger and in your hands is their secrets and life and it may get heavy or start to slip, but then their hands are there to hold yours up. But that’s not even really love early, not entirely. It’s trusting someone and it’s letting them support you and it’s supporting them, but it’s also knowing when to pull your hands back and letting them pull away too if they need it. Love is an ebb and flow, but it’s also solid.”

“That’s a lot of nothing.” Reyna concluded. Her voice was hollow, a bit weaker.

“I don’t think it is.” Nico said softly, gently turning Reyna to face him, not so shocked at the tears streaking down her cheeks. “What’s this about?”

He led her to the couch, holding her hand, rubbing small circles in the back of her hand.

“I just, I think I’m in love.” Reyna began. Nico gave her a small of encouragement, she took a shaky breath “it’s with a friend…a close one.”

Reyna dropped his hands and turned away, Nico’s heart stuttered with horrible thoughts. What if she likes me? I’m too gay, I’m also dating Will. Oh gods, I would never cheat also it’s Reyna. She’s like a sister to me…better. I can’t lose her.

“Well first I should probably tell you. Um. I’m well,” Reyna stood up and passed the carpet before turning to him and practically screamed, “GOD’S DAMMIT, I’M GAY!”

Surprised at her outburst Nico sat and took it, for an agonizing second nothing happened. Reyna stood in her spot stupidly unsure of what to do until Nico leaped at her, pulling her into a tight hug.

“I’m so proud of you for telling me, you’re brave for this. I’m glad you feel comfortable enough around me and I hope this brings you some type of peace.” Nico mumbled into her hair. Reyna still stood there, but after a moment wrapped her arms around him tightly. Tears silently fell onto his faded Camp Half Blood t-shirt as this huge burden was lifted off her shoulders after pressing down for far too long. “Gods how long have you been holding it in, I’m so sorry you had to think that you were alone.”

Reyna nodded into the crook of his neck and held on tight. After a minute in their embrace, Nico pulled back with a wicked smile on his face, “what were those questions about love about then?”

“I, um, well I” Reyna pulled back and fidgeted with her hands, “like Rachel?” She met Nico’s eyes and they shined with admiration and love and something almost mischievous.

“You know, she is bi and single.” He led on, finally making progress sin his joint mission with Will, Percy, and Annabeth to get these two together. Their pre-relationship sexual tension and extreme denial of any feeling was only topped by Percy and Annabeth themselves. “Maybe you should just go for it.”

Reyna nodded, but her eyes made it clear she was still processing everything, so Nico helped in the way he knew she needed.

“Stay here.” He instructed before shadow traveling out. She tossed up her hands in exasperation, but accepted this fate and settled onto the couch. Not more than 2 minutes later he came back with a copy of Mulan 1 and 2 tucked under his arm as well as two large hot chocolates from her favorite café in one hand and a couple packs of microwave popcorn in the other.

Reyna didn’t say anything as Nico immediately got to setting up the movie, she didn’t say anything the rest of the night as they watched her favorite movies and sipped on hot chocolate. Slowly she drifted to sleep, the adrenaline from coming out fading away and she crashed hard. Nico glanced over at the end of the movie to find her asleep. He rose from his seat to drape a blanket over her curled up legs. He kneeled beside her and put his hand to her forehead and whispered to her.

“It will be hard sometimes, but most of the time the world will be more vibrant because you’re not hiding anymore. Even through all the hard times, remember that there are people who love you and will always be there to protect you. I love you, Reyna.” He kissed her forehead and came up with eyes shining. This was the relationship with Bianca he never got, but that’s ok because maybe he could still have the person who loves him like she did in Reyna.

He rose from his spot next to her and quickly headed to his bedroom where he IM’d Percy and Annabeth, who were thankfully not in a compromising position, excitedly spilling what he learned that night. They were both relieved that Reyna told him, it was so obvious to anyone close to her that for the past few months there was something off with her. After discussing this for a bit they moved onto to planning how exactly to get Reyna and Rachel to get over themselves and see that they were head over heels for the other. All in all, it was one of the best movie nights he’s ever had.

#Reyna #Nico #reyna arellano #reyna avila ramirez arellano #Nico di Angelo #solangelo #(mention but w/e im trying to boost this)#fluff #why am i like this #writing #pjofluffguard #happy times !#also mentioned reychel #so get ready 4 that #reychel #lgbt #important

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