#tatum x mc

[ao719]

Vancross

Vancross - They Never Showed You Love (Chapter 12)

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: Matilda - Harry Styles

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

“Mom …” 

Inside her room, Liam’s eyes snapped open when he heard Croía’s voice. He slowly lifted his head from the pillow. Did I just hear her right? Surely not, he thought. Croía’s mother couldn’t even bother returning a phone call to her daughter. Why the hell would she just show up on campus?

“Stop being rude and invite your mother in. I know I raised you better than that.” 

Holy fuck. Liam scrambled up in the bed, looking around for his shirt; he got up and grabbed it from the floor, quickly pulling it on over his head before creeping towards the doorway. He discreetly peered around the door just as Croía stepped aside to allow someone in. 

Standing as straight as a statue with her nose in the air — literally and figuratively — Viktoria Thorne came striding into Liam’s line of vision. She was tall and slightly aged with long brown hair and was dressed impeccably in an all-black ensemble. She looked … frigid. Her heels clicked on the wooden floor as she slowly walked further inside, glancing around the room with what seemed to be a very critical eye. 

Liam’s gaze shifted to Croía when she shut the door; when she turned to face her mother, the look on her face could only be described as panic-stricken. She stood slightly slouched yet she was tense at the same time. He then noticed her hands; she gripped her thumb with one hand, pressing her other thumb over the knuckle, brushing it back and forth, back and forth, over and over. It was a telltale sign of her anxiety. 

“Wh-What … what are you doing here?” Croía asked.

“Pit stop,” Viktoria replied coldly. 

Croía’s brows furrowed. “For what?”

Viktoria turned to look at her; the uneasiness and trepidation were rolling off Croía in waves. It brought her some gratification knowing she still had that effect on her; that was the entire purpose of this godforsaken visit after all. “I was on my way back from a trip and decided to drop in.”

“Oh …” Croía slowly nodded. She felt sick to her stomach with nerves. Her mother didn’t make pit stops, especially not on her behalf. “Where … where were you coming from?” she asked.

“Nowhere that concerns you,” Viktoria spat. “Where is your suitemate?”

“She’s, uh … Alia isn’t here. She went home for the weekend for her sister’s—”

“Birthday, yes,” Viktoria hummed as she looked her over; Croía was dressed in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and her long hair was tousled. “Were you just getting out of bed?”

“Uh, I … yes,” Croia answered. Liam watched her run her fingers through her hair, swaying self-consciously. “Classes this week were … they were kind of busy, and I had papers and … I just … I slept in …” 

“Hm.” Viktoria eyed her coolly. “And you expect me to believe that you didn’t have some late night with this apparent boyfriend of yours and that’s why you slept in?”

Croía stiffened at her words, and Liam noticed from his spot behind the door. They didn’t have a late night … at least not for the exact reason Viktoria was assuming. And it wasn’t that late in the morning anyway. It’s barely 9 am, he scoffed to himself. He took a step back, thinking for a moment, wondering if he should just go out there. What was the worst that could happen? They were both adults and it wasn’t as though they were doing anything wrong; anything they were doing was none of her business anyway. And he hated the thought of leaving Croía out there while he skulked in her room; she had only told him bits and pieces about her family, but one thing he knew for certain was that her relationship with her mother was rocky at best. 

Taking in a breath, Liam slowly let it out before pulling open the door and stepping out of Croía’s room; both women glanced over at the same time. Croía’s eyes were a mixture of surprise, worry, and relief. Viktoria’s expression was inscrutable as she stared at him. 

Croía’s eyes darted between Liam and her mother, feeling her heart start to race faster than it already was; when he came to stand beside her, she swallowed thickly as she looked up at her mother. “Uh, this … Mom, this is Liam. Liam, this is my mother … Queen Viktoria …”

Without hesitation, Liam bowed before meeting her gaze with a polite smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.” No, he technically didn’t have to bow or use her title there on neutral stomping ground, but his parents always told him to respect other monarchs no matter where he was. 

“Charmed, I’m sure …” Viktoria eyed him up and down with a steely glare.

“Liam was, uh, he was just — he was — he was here — I mean, he stayed here last night, but he … he’s getting ready to leave,” Croía said, and her voice slightly cracked. 

Viktoria snapped her eyes back to Croía. “Stop stuttering,” she admonished. “How many times have I told you how utterly obnoxious and unbecoming that is?”

Liam fought the urge not to react to her insult as he slid his eyes from her to Croía, watching her cast her gaze downward as her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. “Sorry,” she said just above a whisper. He then watched her hand grip her thumb again, doing the same pattern as before, just slightly harder this time.

Viktoria looked back at Liam at the same moment he looked at her and the two locked eyes. The fact that there was a Rys standing in front of her was irritating. The fact that one of her children was having a dalliance with one made her blood boil. She needed to keep her cool, however, remembering the task at hand. “So you’re the one who’s been splashed across the tabloids with my daughter for the last couple of months?”

“I don’t usually have stunt doubles, so I guess so,” Liam joked with a quiet chuckle. When Viktoria didn’t so much as crack a smile, his expression fell; he puffed out his lips with a small breath. Tough crowd. “Uh … yes, ma’am,” he nodded. “That’s me.” 

Viktoria continued to stare at him as her lip slightly curled; she was unimpressed. “Don’t let me keep you from running along on your way.” 

Croía let out a quiet breath at her mother’s words; why she felt the need to be so rude was beyond her, but at the same time, she wasn’t surprised. Not at all. When Liam nodded and turned, walking back toward Croía’s room to grab his bag, she glanced up at her. “I … I’m going to shower once he leaves …” 

“I’ll wait.” Viktoria walked to the living area of the suite and lowered herself down on the edge of the sofa, scrunching her nose as she looked around.

Croía turned and hurried toward her room; when she stepped inside, Liam looked up from his bag, raising his brows as she met his gaze. “I take it you didn’t know she was coming …” he whispered. She shook her head in silent response. He stood upright, studying her for a moment; she was gripping her thumb again as her eyes darted around, clearly on edge. He walked up to her and reached out, gently grabbing her hands to stop them from fidgeting. “Hey …” She looked up at him and he could see the consternation in her eyes. “Are you ok?” 

Croía shook her head. “I don’t know why she’s here,” she whispered, but he could still hear a hint of worry in her voice. Liam pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her; she closed her eyes, relishing in the comfort his embrace gave her, even if it was fleeting. 

“Do you want me to stay?” Liam asked. 

“No.” Croía stepped back. 

Liam nodded. “If you’re sure …” He turned back to the bed, zipped up his bag, and slung it over his shoulder before turning back to her, cupping her face in his hands. “It’s gonna be ok …” He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a lingering kiss before drawing back. “If you need me, just shoot me a text.” 

At his words, a thought came to her. “Wait …” Croía rushed over to her purse, digging through it for a moment before pulling out her phone that was for Trystan. “Can you take this? She can’t see it …” 

“Yeah,” Liam nodded, taking it from her and slipping it into his bag. He looked at her once more. “You sure you don’t want me to stay?”

Croia nodded, “I’m sure.” She wasn’t going to subject him to her mother. 

Liam kissed her once more before slipping out of her room. When he stepped back into the living area, Viktoria was eyeing him from her place on the sofa. “It was nice meeting you,” he nodded. When she didn’t respond, Liam pursed his lips with a small wave before heading for the door. 

****

After taking a shower, Croía stepped out of her room, dressed in a pair of jeans and a cream-colored sweater; her mother was still seated on the sofa when she entered the living area. “Took you long enough.”

“Sorry …” Croía finished the braid in her hair, securing it with a small elastic as she stared at her. “How, uh … how long are you staying?”

“In a hurry to get rid of me?” Viktoria asked derisively. 

Yes. “No,” Croía shook her head. “I was only curious. Dad didn’t go on this trip with you?”

“No,” Viktoria scoffed. “He and Lydea stayed behind … handling some things for me.” An uncomfortable silence settled between them — uncomfortable for Croía, anyway. Knowing her mother, she was probably relishing in it. Viktoria stood from the sofa. “I hope you have something to drink in this place …” 

“Uh, yeah …” Croía turned and hurried to the kitchen as her mother followed; she opened the refrigerator, pulling out two bottles of water. When she turned and handed her one, she noticed her mother eyeing the sink and the dishes from last night. “I … didn’t get a chance to clean up from dinner last night.” 

“You cooked?” Viktoria asked before taking a sip of her water.

“No … Liam … he cooked me dinner …” 

Viktoria slowly lowered the bottle from her lips. “What you could possibly see in him is beyond me.” 

Croía looked at her. “He’s kind and sweet. And he makes me laugh. And he … he cares about me …” 

“Please, Croía,” Viktoria scoffed with a dry laugh. “You sound like a puppy, clinging to the first person that shows you any sort of attention. It’s rather pathetic.” Croía dropped her gaze, chewing the inside of her cheek. “And the attention this is drawing from the press is not something I wanted to deal with.”

Croía sighed. “I called … to ask you how to handle the press because I-I’m not … I wasn’t sure … but you never answered or returned those calls.” 

“I’ve got more important things to do than to tell you which side of your face looks better for the cameras,” Viktoria snapped. “And the last thing you should be focused on right now is finding someone to hold your damn hand. You should be focused on your lessons.”

“I am focused,” Croía said. “I have high remarks in all my classes.” 

“Well, hopefully, they’ll be of some kind of use to you when you leave this place.” 

The tone of her voice caused Croía’s brows to furrow. “What do you mean?”

Viktoria shook her head, clearly vexed over what she was about to say. “Out of your siblings, you’re the only one left who hasn’t destroyed their own reputation. At least not yet.” 

“Lydea didn’t …” 

“Lydea is weak,” Viktoria spat. “She gave up her entitlement to the throne to play dress-up as a guard, which was only agreed to so she didn’t turn out to be a complete embarrassment. Had I known all of what was to come, I never would have allowed it. Your other siblings are nothing but sorry excuses, especially your older brother.” Croía imperceptibly tensed her jaw at her dig at Trystan. “And then there’s you.” She looked at Croía disapprovingly. “While still a sorry excuse and bordering on being a complete lost cause … there’s room for potential … very little room, but it’s there.” 

Croía dropped her gaze, not wanting her to see the flash of hurt in her eyes that would be sure to bring her joy. The words were nothing new, but it didn’t make them sting any less. It felt like reopening a wound that had only just begun to heal. She’d gone the last few months without having to hear her mother disparage her daily, and then she showed up out of the blue and had done nothing but degrade her since she opened the door.

“Who would have thought that out of all of you, the mistake would end up being one of my last hopes for keeping my bloodline on the throne? But you have a long way to go and much to prove to me first …” 

Croía lifted her gaze to her again, unable to hide both the surprise and uneasiness in her eyes at what she was hinting.

****

After a hot shower, Liam stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. His mind was still on Croía; it had only been an hour since he left her suite, but he wondered how she was faring with her mother. 

As he made his way to his dresser, the phone Croía had given him started to ring on his desk. There was only one person who would be calling. Liam glanced at it, hesitating, unsure if he should answer; from what he knew, if it went unanswered, he would just call again. 

Not knowing how long he’d have the phone in his possession, Liam turned, grabbing it from his desk to answer it. “Uh … hey, Trystan.”

“Liam?” Trystan questioned on the other end. 

“Yeah …”

“Why are you answering Croía’s phone?”

Liam cleared his throat. “She, um … asked me to hold onto it.”

“Why?”

“Your mom showed up at her suite this morning …” 

“Wait, what?”

“Yeah,” Liam sighed, running his hand through his damp hair. “She was banging on the door bright and early.”

“Shit,” Trystan grumbled, trying to ignore the fact that he was pretty certain Liam had just inadvertently admitted to sleeping at Croía’s place considering he was with her ‘bright and early.’ There were more pressing matters at hand and he really didn’t want to think about that at the moment. “Did she say why she was there?”

“No,” Liam answered. “And she didn’t look … pleasant.” 

“She never does,” Trystan scoffed.

“Croía gave me the phone before I left and asked me to keep it so your mom didn’t see it.” 

He definitely stayed the night. Trystan shook his head, forcing himself to focus. “That was a smart move on her end.” He sighed. “How did Croía seem when you left?”

“Honestly? She looked … terrified.” Liam rubbed his hand over his mouth. “I don’t mean any disrespect, but is, uh … is your mom as mean as she looks?”

“No disrespect taken. And no, she’s not as mean as she looks,” Trystan answered, falling quiet for a moment. “She’s worse.” 

Liam’s brows knitted at his answer. “What?” 

“You think I’m kidding …” 

“No,” Liam said. “Not based on Croía’s reaction to seeing her. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere else.” 

“Look …” Trystan sighed. “I can tell since being there at Vancross that probably for the first time in her life, Croía is genuinely happy. But if our mom senses that, she’s going to do anything she can to strip it away from her.”

“Why? Why would she do that?”

“Because she takes joy in making others just as miserable as she is,” Trystan scoffed. “Myself and my other siblings, while we certainly took our fair share from her, knew how to stand our ground. Croía doesn’t. And because of that, our mom has the ability to very easily get inside her head.” 

“Inside her head, how?”

“By making her feel as unworthy and useless as possible.” 

Liam sighed as he thought back to when he first met Croía; she was extremely shy and quiet, she didn’t speak unless spoken to, and she was unsure of herself even when it came to making the most basic of decisions. And while she was still a little shy and quiet, she had started to come out of that shell she hid inside when she first arrived. She smiled and laughed more, she was a little more outgoing, and every day Liam felt like he was seeing more and more of the person she really was. He didn’t want to see that disappear. 

“What … what can I do?”

“Unfortunately … nothing.”

“What do you mean?” Liam scoffed. 

“I mean that it would probably be best for both your sakes if you just kept your distance until she leaves,” Trystan answered. “Trust me when I tell you that my mother’s bad side is not one you want to get on, Liam. You have no idea what she’s capable of …” 

****

In the living area of her suite, Croía stared in a daze as she sat across from her mother on the sofa. This is how it had been all day; bouts of uncomfortable silence in between harsh and critical words. 

Pulled from her thoughts by a ring, Croía’s eyes subtly shifted up to watch her mother glance at her phone. “I need to take this,” she said before standing; she walked to the door, stepping out of the suite into the hallway for privacy.

Croía took the welcomed moment alone to head to her room; she shut the door and leaned against it, looking up at the ceiling as her eyes began to blur with tears. Her anxiety had spiked. She attempted to take in a deep breath, but it hitched in her throat instead; she squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head as the tears began to fall. 

Having a break from the barrage of criticism and insults, while good at the time, had somehow made this time feel even worse for Croía than it ever had before. She was still unsure why her mother was even there but was informed that she planned to stay the remainder of the weekend. If the sole purpose of her visit was to drag Croía down, she’d already succeeded, and there was no need for the extra two-day stay. She didn’t know if she would be able to take two more days of it. 

Croía lifted her trembling hand to her cheek, wiping the tears only for them to be replaced by more. She knew she needed to calm down, however. Her mother took joy in seeing her that way and she didn’t want to give her that satisfaction. She took in a few shuddered breaths, letting each one out slowly as she attempted to compose herself. 

Pushing herself off the door, Croía walked into her bathroom; she splashed some cool water on her face and patted it dry before covering up the redness with some powder. She glanced at her watch; it was almost 4 pm, and she supposed she should find out exactly what her mother wanted to do for dinner so they had time to make arrangements. 

When Croía opened her bedroom door, she paused in the doorway when she saw her mother standing in the living area. “Who was on the phone?” she asked.

“None of your business,” Viktoria chided. 

Croía let out a quiet breath. “It seemed urgent,” she said, earning a look from her. “Sorry, I … I was just making sure everything was ok. I thought perhaps you were needed back at home.”

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Viktoria smirked.

You have no idea. “No, I … I was just …” Croía trailed off with a sigh. “Actually, I was wondering what you wanted to do for dinner …” 

“If lunch was any indication, I doubt they have anything halfway decent around here, but I should eat …” 

“Whatever you’re in the mood for is fine with me,” Croía said. “If you want fine dining … there’s a place I’ve heard others say great things about, but I haven’t personally been there myself.”

“Oh? I guess that means Liam doesn’t think he can take you anywhere nice,” Viktoria scoffed. “Not that I can say that I blame him.” 

Croía bit down on the inside of her cheek hard to keep her expression neutral and not show the sting her words caused as she gripped her thumb with her hand. “I’ll call … and make a reservation.” She turned and walked toward the kitchen to grab her phone from the counter. 

“Speaking of Liam,” Viktoria smiled sinisterly as Croía looked back at her. “Why don’t you give him a call and invite him to join us …” 

****

Sitting in the back of the SUV, Liam drummed his fingers against his thigh as his guard drove him to Blue Chandelier, a swanky restaurant just off campus where he was meeting Croía and her mother for dinner. 

When Croía called him a couple of hours ago, Liam was surprised by the invitation to join them, but he wasn’t going to turn it down. Despite Trystan’s earlier warning to keep his distance, when he spoke to her, Croía didn’t seem like herself; he both needed and wanted to see her to make sure she was ok. 

The SUV pulled up along the curb outside of the restaurant; Liam shot Croía a quick text to see if they were there yet, and she responded, saying they were about to pull up. He slipped out of the vehicle onto the sidewalk, standing away from the doors, waiting. 

When another SUV pulled up behind his, Liam watched Croía’s guard get out of the driver’s side and open the back door. Viktoria slipped out first; she traded her earlier black ensemble for a black knee-length dress. Croía followed behind her, and he smiled when she looked up and met his gaze, but that smile slightly fell when he realized hers wasn’t as genuine as she was trying to make it appear. 

When they approached, Liam nodded in acknowledgment to Viktoria. “Ma’am …” 

“Hm,” Viktoria hummed before brushing by him and walking inside. 

Liam watched her for a moment; her response made him question why she even invited him along. He then looked at Croía, who still had her gaze down. “Hey,” he said before leaning down to kiss her cheek. 

“Hi …” 

“Are you alright?” Liam asked.

Croía finally looked at him; her eyes were heavy, and he didn’t need to guess why. “Yeah …” 

“You don’t have to save face for me,” Liam said quietly, reaching out and taking her hand in his. 

“Croía!” Viktoria barked from the entrance. 

Liam watched her stiffen. “I’m ok,” Croía nodded. “Let’s go …” She went to walk by him, but Liam’s hand remained wrapped around hers; she glanced over her shoulder at him, feeling him give it a squeeze before they walked inside together. 

****

Liam’s jaw imperceptibly ticked as he stared across the table at Viktoria, watching as she casually sipped her glass of wine while waiting for her dessert. His exasperation was at an all-time high, simmering just below the surface as he struggled to keep himself from saying something he might regret … though he doubted he would truly regret it. 

The entire dinner Liam had listened to Viktoria do nothing but condemn Croía, making one snide remark after the next. When Viktoria wasn’t nitpicking everything Croía did from the way she was sitting to how she was holding her fork, she made personal attacks about how inept she thought she was. Everything Croía had told him about her mother and their relationship was clearly dumbed down; she was far worse than he could have imagined. 

What shocked Liam even more is how Croía just sat there and took it. She didn’t speak up about any of what Viktoria was saying to her. In fact, she hadn’t spoken at all unless asked a question.

“So, Liam … how are your parents?” Viktoria questioned. 

Liam stared at her, keeping his expression inscrutable. “They’re fine … why do you ask?”

“Just curious,” Viktoria shrugged. “It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen them.”

“I didn’t realize you knew them …” 

Viktoria offered a smile, one that made him feel wary. “We have a bit of history. Nothing you need to concern yourself with, however.” She took another sip of her wine, holding his gaze over the rim of the glass. “And what do they think of … whatever this is between you and her?” she asked, gesturing between him and Croía. 

“Of our relationship?” Liam asked, emphasizing the last word with a small bite in his tone before his eyes shifted to Croía next to him. He noticed her hands fidgeting in her lap as she gripped her thumb, rubbing her knuckle like she had been earlier. He reached out, resting his hand on top of hers to get her to stop, offering reassurance and a genuine smile when she met his gaze. “They think she’s wonderful.” 

“They clearly don’t know her very well then,” Viktoria scoffed. “But then again, they did always strike me as a bit charitable.” Liam snapped his gaze back to her, biting his tongue as he narrowed his eyes. “You know, I’d have thought someone like you, especially considering you’re now the future King, would have gone for someone a little more … polished,” Viktoria added. Liam furrowed his brows at her words before his gaze shifted to Croía; she remained silent, staring down at her plate with a dejected look in her eyes. “Someone a little more poised, smarter, perhaps more experienced in life and capable of standing on their own. None of those things describe Croía.” 

“Enough is enough,” Liam said calmly yet with a thundering command in his tone as he looked back at Viktoria. He couldn’t take it anymore, unable to bite his tongue any longer. Croía’s eyes widened when she looked at him, and his expression was full of indignation. “I listened to you belittle her this morning, and now, the entire dinner you’ve done the same. You’ve done nothing since you’ve been here but tear her down and go out of your way to purposely demoralize her. What the hell is wrong with you?” 

Croía’s heart was racing as she stared at him, stunned. “Liam, please—”

“Let’s not interrupt his little rant, Croía,” Viktoria admonished. Now she’d be able to truly see exactly how far gone from under her control Croía was, so she wanted him to keep going. She needed to ensure Croía was in thrall to her still, knowing that any future plans she had depended on it. 

“It’s not a rant,” Liam spit back. “It’s the truth. You’ve treated her like garbage, and I’m sick of listening to it.” 

“I allowed you out to dinner with us only as a courtesy—” 

“A courtesy for who, exactly?” Liam bit back.

“You will not sit here and tell me how to speak to my daughter. If you don’t like it, then leave,” Victoria chided. “And may I remind you of our difference in rank—”

“Someone needs to tell you how to speak to her,” Liam interrupted, “because everything that has come out of your mouth has been one malicious comment after the next, each one solely intended to cut her down and humiliate her! And as far as your rank versus mine, we’re not in Drakovia, Viktoria. We’re here on neutral ground. And me treating you with respect to your title earlier? That was a courtesy.”

“Liam,” Croía ground out, finally pulling his attention to her. “Stop, please.” Her words earned an unseen smirk from her mother.

“No, I’m not going to sit here and listen to her lambasting you anymore, Croía. And you shouldn’t either.” She let out a breath as she stared at him, her expression pleading, and his brows knitted in confusion. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” He watched her glance in her mother’s direction, almost as if she were seeking permission. 

Croía looked back at him when she heard the sound of his chair against the floor as he pushed himself away from the table. He stood, looking down as he waited, and she could feel her mother’s eyes boring into her from her other side; they were both staring at her expectantly. She turned to her mother, but wouldn’t meet her stone-cold gaze. “I-I’ll be … I’ll be right back.” 

Liam walked away from the table, and Croía followed him. They stepped outside and he moved away from the door before he turned to look at her. 

“What was that?” Croía asked.

Liam shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know how you can sit there and listen to that!”

“Liam, you—”

“And then you tell me to stop when I’m trying to defend you?”

“Because you’re only making it worse!” Croía retorted. 

“I’m making it worse? Me? Not her and the constant barrage of insults she’s been slinging at you all damn evening? You don’t deserve to be treated that way, Croía! By anyone! Least of all, your own mother!” 

“Liam, please … just let me handle my mom.”

“But you’re not handling her! You’re just sitting there taking it when you don’t need to!” When he saw her wince at the raise in his voice, Liam stepped forward, cupping her face in his hands. “I’m sorry, but you’re a human being, Croía. No one deserves to be treated the way she has treated you.” 

Liam didn’t get it; he never would, but Croía understood that. He didn’t grow up the way she did, so he couldn’t possibly understand why she would just sit there and take it. She bore the brunt of her mother’s vitriol for as long as she could remember. Unfortunately, this was nothing new, and she was very much used to it. And simply taking it is what Croía did; she sat quietly and let her mother say whatever it was she needed or wanted while trying — and usually failing — to not let her words get to her. It was easier that way; if she rebuked anything, the onslaught would only worsen until Croía was reduced to tears in front of her because that was the only thing that brought her mother enough gratification to stop. There was no sense in trying to reason with the woman about anything. 

“I know you were trying to help me, but it … it’s not helping. I just … need to get through the rest of her visit, and then she’ll be gone.”

Liam’s brows furrowed as his hands fell away from her face. “You’re really just going to take more of her … abuse?”

“Liam, you don’t get it. And that’s ok. I just … please, let me handle this on my own … by myself …” 

“Croía—”

“I have to go back in.”

“No, you don’t!” Liam threw his hands up in frustration. “Why are you so afraid of standing up to her?”

Croía took a step back, casting her gaze downward, and Liam’s brows raised in surprise. He couldn’t help but notice that her mother’s arrival had done nothing but pull her back into that shell she’d spent the last few months breaking out of. She was despondent, her confidence shaken, standing before him like some scolded child. 

“I’ll talk to you later,” Croía said just above a whisper, not looking at him. Without another word, she turned and headed back inside.

****

Liam was still seething as he stepped through the gates and back on campus; he opted to walk back, needing to clear his head. He still couldn’t wrap his mind around the way Viktoria spoke to Croía. No, perhaps he should have just kept his mouth shut, but he couldn’t sit there and listen to Viktoria anymore, and it was clear Croía wasn’t going to say anything. 

Thinking back on his talk with Croía caused a flood of even more irritation to course through Liam as he walked down the pathway back toward his building; he never expected them to end up in a tiff over him speaking up, on her behalf nonetheless. 

As his temper flared, Liam let out a loud growl and flung his leg out, kicking a metal garbage can that sat underneath the lamppost before continuing down the path. When he glanced over his shoulder upon hearing the clunk it made when it hit the ground, he watched wads of garbage roll out of it onto the grass. He looked straight ahead again, but slowed his pace with a heavy sigh; he looked up at the night sky when he came to a stop and shook his head, mumbling obscenities under his breath before turning back. 

Liam bent down, picking up the garbage and tossing it into the can before pulling it upright and shifting it back into its position under the lamppost. As he started back down the path, his phone rang; he quickly pulled it from his pocket, hoping to see Croía’s name on the screen … but it wasn’t her. He wasn’t in the mood to talk at the moment, but he hadn’t spoken to them all week and knew they’d just try again. He slid his thumb across the screen before lifting it to his ear.

“Yeah,” Liam answered, not pleasantly.

“Hello to you too,” Eleanor replied, glancing at Constantine beside her, who furrowed his brows at his son’s more than unusual greeting. 

Liam let out a breath. “Hi, Mom …” 

“That’s better,” Eleanor quipped. “What are you up to?”

“Walking.”

“To?”

“Back to my building.”

“From?” 

“Dinner.”  

Eleanor took note of the way Liam not only sounded upset but how short he was being with her as well; that wasn’t like him. “What’s the matter?” 

“Nothing.”

“Liam …” 

With a sigh, Liam closed his eyes; his mother always knew when something was bothering him, no matter how big or small or how hard he tried to hide it, not that he was trying to hide it now. “I just … had a little disagreement with Croía … it’s nothing.” 

Eleanor hesitated for a moment, not wanting him to feel like she was trying to pry, but her curiosity got the better of her. “What about?” 

“Her mom is here …”

Eleanor stiffened, meeting Constanine’s gaze as he sat forward with a tense look in his eyes. “Oh?”

“Yeah …” 

“And … why would her mother being there cause you and Croía to have a disagreement?” Eleanor asked, trying to keep her voice as casual as possible.

“I know I shouldn’t be speaking ill of anyone, but, Mom, she is … she’s awful,” Liam said. “I have never met someone so cold-hearted in my entire damn life.” 

“What happened?” 

“She showed up at Croía’s suite this morning, completely out of the blue, and as soon as she arrived, she started in on Croía, making these snide comments,” Liam explained. “She didn’t seem to like me at all, though I was nothing but polite to her. I asked Croía if she wanted me to stay because she seemed really on edge by her being there, but she said no, so I left. She called later on, though, and said her mom invited me to join them for dinner …” Eleanor and Constantine shared a look. “So I met up with them at the restaurant. And the whole damn time, she did nothing but berate and belittle Croía, saying the most awful things to her … and I just … Mom, I snapped …” 

Eleanor let out a quiet breath. “What do you mean? What did you do?”

Liam sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “She made a comment, basically saying that she figured someone like me would want someone better than Croía, and she says it like Croía isn’t sitting right there!” He started to get worked up again just thinking about it. “And I just said enough was enough, that I was sick of listening to her humiliate Croía. She said that I didn’t get to tell her how to talk to her daughter and that if I didn’t like it then I could leave, and then reminded me of our difference in rank, to which I politely reminded her that her rank didn’t matter here. Croía finally jumped in, but she told me to stop … so I asked if I could talk to her. We went outside and she said that I wasn’t helping by sticking up for her, but that I was making it worse. Which makes no sense! How is my trying to defend her against her mom’s barrage of damn insults making it worse?” He tensed his jaw, shaking his head. “She told me that I didn’t ‘get it’ and I just needed to let her handle her mom … by herself … and then she walked away and went back inside …” 

“Liam …” Eleanor sighed, sharing another look with Constantine. “You need to be careful. You can’t just lose your temper with people … especially people like Viktoria Thorne …” 

“She doesn’t scare me,” Liam scoffed. “She’s a piss poor excuse for a human being. The things she said were completely out of line and—”

“Liam,” Eleanor admonished. “I’m just saying that …” She trailed off, trying to make sure she worded what she wanted to say properly without saying too much. “I’m saying that you will someday be sitting upon the throne, and if you let your emotions get the better of you the way you did tonight, that’s something others are going to remember. You’re the future King and you need to act as such. And as far as Croía … I understand, as I’m sure she does, that your heart was in the right place … but she’s right. You don’t get it. You were lucky enough to not grow up being treated the way she obviously has, so you don’t know what it’s like. You don’t know how to handle something like that because you’ve never been through it.”

“But she’s not handling it, Mom! And that’s exactly what I told her! She just sits there and lets her talk to her that way, and I can see how much it was hurting her, but she didn’t say anything to stop it!”

“You don’t get to judge how she chooses to handle it, Liam,” Eleanor chided. She let out a breath, softening her tone. “That is not your place. And you certainly don’t get to tell her how she should handle it or that she’s doing it wrong because it’s not the way you would do it because, again, you don’t know what it’s like. The last thing she needs is you criticizing her on top of what she’s already getting from her mother. What she needs from you is for you to just be understanding … and to be there when she needs that shoulder to lean on.” 

Liam’s irritation slowly ebbed away as his mother’s words sunk in. She was right, of course, like always. He let his emotions get the better of him and didn’t think about how he could be adding to what Croía was already feeling and going through. “Well, great,” he dropped his head back. “Now I just feel like an asshole …”

“I doubt she thinks that way about you,” Eleanor replied. “As I said, I’m sure she knows you meant well and she’s not going to hold it against you. Maybe you can reach out to her in a little bit …”

“She said she would talk to me later before she went back inside the restaurant …”

“And when she does, you need to apologize,” Eleanor said.

Liam sighed. “I know … I just … I hated seeing her sitting there looking so dejected. She just … she’s come so far out of her shell only to be sucked right back into it by Viktoria.” 

“Again, I’m sure she knows your heart was in the right place. And just … remember what I said about being careful, Liam. We don’t know much about Drakovia or the Thornes … only that they’re not exactly the friendliest bunch …”

Liam’s brows furrowed, remembering what Croía’s mom had mentioned at dinner. “Well, Viktoria made it sound like you guys have some kind of history …” 

Eleanor and Constantine looked at one another. “Not so much history, just … correlating affairs, so to speak …” Liam found the answer odd, but he didn’t question it further. “So … are you calmer now?”

“For the most part … I guess,” Liam replied. “I still think her mom is a fuc—”

“Liam,” Constantine warned before he could finish. 

Liam’s eyes slightly widened. “Oh, uh … hey, Dad …” 

Eleanor tittered as Constantine shook his head. “Well … tell us how your week went …”

****

That night, after her mother had gone to her hotel, Croía lay in bed inside her suite, staring out the window. Her breath hitched as a tear rolled from the corner of her eye, down over the bridge of her nose. 

Just last night, Croía had been on cloud nine, but one day with her mother had made that cloud dissipate. 

When she had gone back inside after speaking to Liam, her mother had laid into her about what she called his “disrespect” to her. Croía didn’t see it that way, but she couldn’t tell her that; she wouldn’t take lightly to disagreement. 

Croía knew Liam’s intentions were good, and despite asking him to stop so she could avoid any further revilement from her mother, she did appreciate what he was trying to do, more than he knew. Standing up for her was something no one had ever done before. 

After their conversation, however, and seeing how worked up and angry with her Liam had gotten over her inability to defend not only herself but him as well, Croía wasn’t sure he’d even want to talk to her. It’s why she didn’t reach out when she returned to her suite. She wouldn’t blame him. Seeing how her mother was, she fully expected Liam to run in the other direction, as far away from her as possible. 

*******

Late the following morning, Liam’s feet thudded against the pavement as he ran along the pathways across campus grounds, still trying to clear his head. He had waited up the night before to see if Croía was going to call or send a message, but he hadn’t heard from her. He figured she was still upset with him and decided not to reach out himself in order to give her some space. 

As he rounded the corner on the pathway that bordered the entrance gates of the university, Liam spotted Croía; she was coming up the path from the opposite direction. 

“Croía!” Liam called out.

Glancing over when she heard her name, Croía slowed to a stop in front of the gates as Liam jogged towards her. He stopped in front of her, catching his breath as the two stared at one another. “Hi,” she finally said.

“Hi …” As they continued to stare, Liam couldn’t help but notice how downhearted she appeared. He glanced down at her hands, seeing them start to fidget the same way they were yesterday as she gripped her thumb with her hand. His brows furrowed when he noticed the red mark on the knuckle of her one thumb; she had been so anxious, she had rubbed the spot raw. He sighed, glancing up to meet her gaze again as he reached out and took her hands in his. “Croía, I’m sorry about last night.” 

“You don’t have—”

“I do have to apologize,” Liam interrupted, knowing what she was going to say. “You were right … I don’t get it. I never meant to pile on to what you were already going through and I didn’t mean to make things worse.” He watched her eyes begin to glisten as she stared up at him. “I just … I hated seeing you hurt …” Her lip began to tremble and her breath hitched before she dropped his gaze. “Hey …” Liam sighed, pulling her to him and wrapping his arms around her as she cried. 

“I’m sorry,” Croía choked out. 

Liam drew back enough to cup her face in his hands; he tilted her head so her eyes met his, brushing his thumbs gently across her cheeks to wipe her tears away. “You don’t have to be sorry … and you also don’t have to allow someone to make you feel this way. I’m not trying to tell you how to handle it,” he shook his head. “All I’m saying is that you’re here now. You’ve been away from that … and you’ve been better for it. Everything she is saying to you and filling your head with is wrong. And I just want you to see how amazing you are, Croía. Because you are.”

Croía’s brows furrowed as more tears began to fall, and he pulled her back to him as she allowed his words to sink in. And then, Trystan’s words started to mingle with his. “You got away, Croía. And you can stay away … if you choose.” And Liam was right … she had been better since being there, away from her mother and her constant degradation. She’d been more relaxed and carefree. She’d made friends. She’d been happier than she had ever been before. 

“Croía!” At the sound of her mother’s voice, Croía stiffened; she was supposed to be heading to breakfast with her. “Let’s go!” she barked. 

Croía slowly drew back away from Liam’s embrace and looked up at him; he looked at her with understanding and encouragement in his eyes. And suddenly, both his and Trystan’s words became louder in her mind. 

They were right. 

Perhaps it was being away from it and surrounded by people who treated her with kindness and empathy for the first time in her life. Maybe it was the strength that Liam gave her and the solace she found with him. Whatever the reason, something finally clicked inside. Croía realized at that moment that the way she had been treated wasn’t something she deserved or had to put up with, regardless of who it was coming from. 

Turning to see her mother standing near the SUV on the other side of the gates with her usual scowl, Croía shook her head. “No …” 

Viktoria’s brow arched as she approached the gates. “Excuse me?”

“Why did you even come here?” Croía’s voice trembled as she wiped her cheeks. “Because it wasn’t for me …”

“Croía, get out here and in the car.” Viktoria’s gaze flickered up to Liam behind her. “We can talk about whatever this is alone.” 

“No,” Croía said, standing her ground. “I-I’m not … I’m not going with you. I don’t want to be your verbal punching bag anymore. I won’t be,” her breath hitched. “I just want you to leave.” 

Viktoria’s jaw visibly tensed as her eyes narrowed. “Croía—”

“Go home, Mom.” 

Croía stared at her mother for a tense moment before, for the first time, she turned her back to her. Without hesitation, Liam slipped his hand into hers, and the two walked down the pathway, away from the gates. He couldn’t help but throw one last glance over his shoulder, seeing Viktoria rooted in place with her arms crossed, clearly seething as she watched them. He turned back, shifting his eyes to Croía; a small smile played on his lips as a swell of pride filled his chest. 

When they rounded a bend in the pathway, finally out of view from the gates, what just happened hit Croía. “Oh my god …” She slowed her steps as her hands palmed her temples. “What did I just do?” 

Liam looked at her, seeing the panic in her eyes. “Hey,” he said, gently pulling her hands away from her head. “You did what you needed to do for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with that.” 

“She’s going to be furious, Liam. And she-she’s—”

“Croía,” Liam said, and she looked up at him. “It’s going to be ok. She’s going to go home and you’re going to be here, and you’re not going to have to deal with it.” 

Croía dropped his gaze as she took in a few breaths, slowly nodding. He was right. “Ok …” 

“And, hey …” Liam said, and she looked back up at him. “I’m proud of you,” he smiled. “I know that wasn’t easy for you … but you did it.” His words earned a small smile from her, and he leaned down pressing his lips to hers in a lingering kiss. “Come on,” he said as he drew back and slung his arm over her shoulders. “I’ll make you breakfast, and then we can spend the rest of the day doing whatever you want.”

****

Viktoria slammed the door of the SUV shut when she slipped out, stepping onto the tarmac of the airport where her jet was waiting. She pulled up a name in the contact list of her phone and tapped her finger to the screen before lifting it to her ear as she made her way toward the aircraft. 

“How’s the visit?” a voice answered a moment later.

“I’m getting on the jet. Does that tell you anything?”

“I take it that it didn’t produce the results you were hoping …”

“No,” Viktoria spat. “I told you her being around him was going to be a problem, but you didn’t listen.”

“Around him, yes, perhaps, but how was she when she was alone with you?”

“The same piddling girl she’s always been,” Viktoria grumbled. “But we’re never going to be able to use her for our bidding. Any hope that you had that the two of them being together would be a way in for us, you can forget it.”

“Well,” the person scoffed. “I guess we don’t have a choice but to go the other route then …” 

Viktoria smirked triumphantly. “I was hoping you’d say that.” 

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

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 @ladyangel70 @esmckenzie @dcbbw @burnsoslow @bbrandy2002 @txemrn @charlotteg234 @kat-tia801 @neotericthemis @foreverethereal123 @choiceskatie @sirbeepsalot @gnatbrain @ofpixelsandscribbles @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

#choices crossover series #trr #choices trr #the royal romance #choices the royal romance #liam rys #king liam rys #trr liam #liam x oc #trr liam x oc #choices liam x oc #choices foreign affairs #blaine hayes #blaine hayes x oc #tatum mendoza #tatum x mc #choices crimes of passion #choices trystan #trystan thorne #trr fan fic #trr fanfic #trr fanfiction #choices trr fanfic #trr au #trr au fanfic #choices trr au #choices fan fic #choices fanfiction #cfwc fics of the week

[zoeywades-spouse]

Me after watching a bodyguard romance on Netflix: *sighs* time to replay Foreign Affairs again

#Tatum baby I’m coming #choices #playchoices #choices stories you play #foreign affairs #tatum mendoza #Tatum x mc

[obsessedwithstabi]

🍁🍂

#playchoices #choices stories we play #choices #choices stories you play #choices foreign affairs #foreign affairs #tatum x mc

[nmvord]

After all this time, they're still together.

#playchoices #choices stories you play #foreign affairs #open heart #bryce lahela #tatum mendoza #bryce lahela x mc #tatum mendoza x mc #open heart mc #foreign affairs oc #bryce x mc #tatum x mc #open heart fanart #foreign affairs fanart #digital illustration #digital fanart #sketch #favourite couples!

[shreyamistry]

they’re so gay and in love i will cry 😭

#tatum mendoza #tatum x mc #choices #ff #foreign affairs #nate plays choices #nate plays foreign affairs #screenshots

[rainesenator]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAM @elfilibusterismo MY BELOVED! 🥳🎁💞

huli and tatum + ph 1945 atonement au

#screencap redraw of the sexiest period drama couple in existence with another set of bad bitches #hbd jam pasok pa rin before midnight 😁 i hope i did ur vision justice ✊🏾 #tatum mendoza #tatum x mc #foreign affairs #fa #playchoices #ysa.art

[robotchooses]

#fa #fa mc #tatum #tatum x mc #do it again now

[txemrn]

Until You Love Me

Chapter 1: We Are the Crowd...

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Casey Valentine); f!MC (Casey Valentine) x f!OC (Tatum Erikson)

Series Summary: Constantly worried about Ethan's faithfulness, Casey Valentine's paranoia reaches an all-time high when she meets a blast from his past.

Chapter Summary: A celebratory night at Donahue's takes a turn when Casey meets a girl that has caught Ethan's eye

Music Inspo: "Paparazzi" - Kim Dracula

Word Count: ~2500

Rating/Warnings: 🔞 Mature Audiences Only🔞 This miniseries will contain NSFW material (🍋), infidelity, language, discussion and/or depiction of medical situations, gaslighting, mental abuse & illness, suicide, violence, criminal activity; alcohol use

A/N: I am SUPER pumped to be participating in week 1 of @choicesflashfics prompt challenge! I chose prompt #1: “You getting so flustered is one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen.” The prompt will be in bold.

A/N2: This is very much an AU; our main characters will be written OOC; most of these characters and some plot points belong to our friends at Pixelberry. Special thanks to my sweet friends that helped me brainstorm and pre-read various parts of this. This is not beta'd, so please forgive my errors.

~🖤~

Donahue's. The vibrant, neon sign to the well-known dive bar illuminates the otherwise quiet street. The establishment itself rests comfortably in a residential neighborhood a few blocks north of the medical district. A small parking lot was added years ago--not that anyone abides by the yellow fluorescent lines. But even with Donahue's attempting to appear more official, more business-like, everyone reveres it like a second home. A place to relax. A place where people know your name.

He lowkey loves it here; that's the only reason he dared to venture out tonight. If Ethan Ramsey had it his way, he would much rather stay in on a Sunday evening, enjoying a finger of scotch with the Patriots on mute and his nose in a historical prose.

But lucky for me, not tonight. 

Tonight is Midnight Madness, a rite of passage among med school graduates and residents where we celebrate a turning of the page, so-to-speak, as we all take the next big step in our medical careers. For my Edenbrook friends and I, gone are the days of being the scut of the hospital, the runts, the bottom of the healthcare food chain. Residency is over, and Monday morning brings private practice, fellowships, and new research. It’s one last time for celebration.

So, of course, I naturally want Ethan here with me. 

As I step out of the car, he walks ahead of me. He's due for a haircut, but I secretly love watching his dark waves gently bounce on the collar of his shirt. He's wearing one of my favorites: a pinstripe Hilfiger button-down with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, the musculature of his defined forearms on display. His pressed khaki chinos accentuate his well-rounded, well-toned backside, and I must admit: my eyes fail to look away from the beautiful spectacle.

Well, that is until I nearly collided with the front door to the sports bar. 

He didn't hold it open for me. 

And my heart sinks.

As I slip inside, Reggie, the bar owner, nods my direction, giving me a kind, sympathetic smile. 

Did he see that, too? 

He fixes my favorite drink – a cherry vodka sour – and slides the glass tumbler in front of my usual stool at the bar. I slink into my seat. Sipping through a straw, I casually glance around the large, open-concept room, looking for my Ethan. 

Where did he go?

The room is dark with warm ambient lighting from stage lights, disco balls and multicolored lamps. There's a subtle haze of smoke as bar patrons sway to the heavy pulse of the music.

The bass is hypnotic, and I feel the energy thrumming in my veins as I sip on my cocktail, surveying the room.

There he is; there's my handsome man. 

But I feel the joy drain out of my face instantly. 

He's talking to a tall, curvy blonde at a bar-top table near the jukebox. Who is she? She's wearing a silk, black camisole that lays perfectly across her full assets along with a snug pair of perfectly-tailored skinny jeans that show off her long legs and obviously plump rear.

She's beautiful. Actually… she's stunning. 

Does Ethan even know her? 

Oh God. He just made her laugh. She tosses back her head, her platinum tresses bouncing over her shoulders as she coyly covers her nose and mouth. 

It couldn't have been that funny.

Ethan takes a sip of his own amber drink, no doubt a top shelf. But his eyes remain trained on her.

What the hell is going on right now?

"Would you like another?" Reggie pulls me from the scene unfolding in front of me–and it's a good thing, too. I feel my jealousy building in the pit of my stomach. 

I always worried about other women making moves on my man. But… I never thought I'd have to worry about him reciprocating flirtation.

He wouldn't. I know he wouldn't do that to me. To us.

No. I'm sure there is a logical explanation to Ethan's exchange with this woman. More than likely, this is purely innocent, and I'm just perceiving this all completely wrong.

Although reality is perception…

Shit.

I cordially smile at the bartender, nodding my head. "Better make it a double."

—---

It's been over an hour, and Ethan has barely spoken to me. I already sense the odd looks in my direction as if everyone can sense the awkwardness between us. Damnit, I hate people giving me that look, as if they pity me. What they don’t know is that Ethan and I have a mutual understanding; he’s not into public displays of affection.

Does he have to act like such a prick?

Okay, that’s not fair. I know that’s how I’m perceiving him. He’s not a prick, but I would think he’d at least talk with me. If I had known he was going to be this cold, I would've stayed home.

Being with this man is maddening.

I finish another drink, raising up my finger in Reggie’s direction to order another one. I nonchalantly glance around the room. I can see Ethan lounging outside on a brick patio next to a firepit, sharing cigars with Tobias and Victor, two of his longtime friends and colleagues. He’s smiling, which always makes for a good night for us.

Suddenly I remember the blonde, and my eyes naturally shift to where she was sitting. But, she’s gone.

Did she leave already?

I shrug, turning back to my freshly served beverage.  Keeping my hands in my lap, I lean over the polished bar, capturing the wayward straw first with my tongue, then my mouth.

“So that’s the kind of night you’re aiming for.”

I abruptly twirl around on my stool, following the seductive giggle, and I am met face-to-face with the blonde bombshell Ethan was talking to earlier.

Only now, I am up close and personal, and I swear I am staring at a goddess.  Her skin is like a blanket of sun-kissed velvet. Her golden hair sits like a crown on her head, and her rosy, heart-shaped lips frame her pearly white teeth.

Damnit, she's gorgeous. No wonder Ethan was staring at her…

“Is this seat taken, doll?” She gracefully gestures to the stool next to me, the simple movement seductively mesmerizing. I lock my attention on her, swimming deep in the ocean of her blue eyes. 

I pretend to sip my drink as I motion for her to sit. As she makes herself comfortable, I look around the bar, noticing at least eight other open seats she could've taken.

But she chose to sit next to me…

I bite my lip as she continues talking. "God," she sets her clutch on the bar, crossing her legs. "Espadrilles are supposed to be comfortable, right?" She chuckles. "My toes keep going numb, and I swear my arches are bleeding." As she bends over to adjust her shoe, I'm given the perfect view straight down her slinky shirt.

No bra… Damnit! She saw me looking…

She snickers deviously, a mischievous Cheshire grin stretching across her face as if to pretend she didn't just catch me staring at her tits. "I'm Tatum," she holds out her hand to shake mine. "What's your name, doll?"

"Casey," I say softly.

"Wait," she grabs my arm as a look of surprise etches across her face. "Casey? As in Ethan Ramsey's Casey?"

I curiously look at Tatum, taken aback by her words, and I can feel a smile curling on my lips. "Yeah… yeah, that's me. How… how did you–?"

"I met him earlier! Girl…" she grows conspiratorially quiet, "he's quite the looker." She titters, "you need to keep him on a tighter leash!"

I let out a cordial laugh. Reggie passes by us, raising his eyebrows at me. I grin, nodding that everything is fine.

"But listen," Tatum grabs my hand endearingly. "Before I could even try hitting on him, he told me he was here with the most beautiful woman in the world–"

"Pssh," I hiss. I look down at our hands, lowering my voice. "He did not."

"Did too!" She begins to trace circles across my skin with her thumb. "He said you were waiting up here at the bar for him, and your name was Casey." 

I can feel my cheeks warm. He might be cold towards me tonight, but Ethan Ramsey truly does love me.

"Oh, Tatum," I throw my arms around her shoulders, "I know we just met, but you have managed to make my night a million times better."

She pats my back. "Were you having a bad night?"

I pull back and give her a guilty-look. "No?" I sigh heavily. "Yes? I don't know" I lay my head in my hands.

"What's wrong, doll?" She combs my strawberry-blonde hair behind my ears as her voice turns into a whisper. "Is this about Ethan?"

I timidly nod my head.

"Oh gosh, Casey!" She puts a finger under my chin, lifting my gaze back to hers. "I don't know what has happened with you two in the past, but that gorgeous man loves you." She pauses, watching me. "Is he having trouble showing that to you?"

Is it that obvious?  I nod.

She exhales dramatically as her long eyelashes flutter across her high cheekbones. "Men," she mumbles, shaking her head which causes me to giggle. She catches my gaze… and it feels like–I don't know… she continues. "How's the sex?"

I begin to choke on my drink, covering my shocked expression with my fingers. "Wh–what?"

"The sex?" She wiggles her eyebrows. "Oh c'mon," she snickers, "I bet he's hot in the sack."

I feel a swirl of heat invade my neck and face as I take a long pull from my vodka drink. 

Why would she ask that?

“I see,” she exhales. “Well,” she tilts her head to meet my gaze before taking my hand and settling it into her lap. "Maybe you need to… spice things up." 

She begins to gently caress my hand in hers.  I feel goosebumps ignite across my body, a sudden ache forming deep in my belly as I stare at her full lips.

Wait… no. 

I shake my head as I stand up.

What's happening here?

"I–I'm sorry, Tatum, but I think I gave you the wrong impression. I'm not like that," I grab my purse.

“Casey,” Tatum slips out of her chair, “don’t go. I’ll leave.”  She leans over her barstool, collecting her clutch. As she stands up straight, she brushes her body against mine, her lips a breath away from the shell of my ear. “But if you do want to spice things up,” she whispers, “come find me.”

The rush of my own air escapes my lungs. My toes contort as electricity ignites through my nerves. 

God, she’s so sexy…

This is insane; I just met her! And yet, she... and my body...

What the fuck? 

If I wanted to 'spice things up'… What does that even mean? Does she mean my sex life with Ethan? Or specifically my own personal life?

What has me more curious: how would she spice things up?

I pay my tab, wishing Reggie a good evening.  Ethan is still outside, and I see a table with my old friends, deep in jubilant celebration of Midnight Madness.  I don’t want to interrupt, so sneak past the crowd, quickly retreating to the bathroom.

There she is. 

She’s casually bent over the sink, finger-combing her hair.  As the door shuts behind me, she turns to look at me before raising an eyebrow.

I can feel beads of sweat collecting on my back  My pulse turns into a gallop as I watch Tatum take a step towards me.

And then another.

She slinks past me, reaching for the door to lock the deadbolt.

The silence is driving me crazy; the unspoken anticipation feeds into my arousal. Should it be?  I mean, that’s what this is, right?  Something sexual? I clear my throat.

“So, um… about spicing things up?”  With the clacking of her heels, Tatum slowly approaches me, towering over my petite frame.

God, she–she's just so…

I swallow thickly when she doesn’t respond. “How does this… I mean, how will, um–?”

Tatum begins to laugh, gently cupping my cheek in her hand. “You getting so flustered is one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen.” With her other hand, she rakes her nails through my hair.  

My eyes flutter close, relishing her intimate touch. 

God, it’s been so long.

“Just relax, doll,” she purrs.  

And without warning, she captures my hungry lips, but in a way my body isn’t used to.  It feels soft, sweet… even somewhat innocent, caring, as if she doesn’t want to hurt me.  But the pull of her mouth teases me, coaxing my lips apart as the flick of her tongue sweeps inside to tickle my own.

Oh, this. This is so…

A quiet moan escapes from me as Tatum grabs my hips.  She giggles against my supple pout, continuing to kiss me with fervor. Harder. Faster.

She walks me backwards, pushing my body against the cool brick.  Pulling out of our kiss, she stares into my eyes. There’s an intensity there I’ve never seen, never experienced before in my life. And I’m terrified. And thrilled. And…

Just touch me again…

She gently strokes my flushed cheek with the back of her fingers before caressing my neck.

Then my breasts.

“Are you sure you want to spice things up, doll?” She pants.

I feel my chest rising and falling in pace with her breathing. I’ve never felt so intune with someone in all my life–let alone, a woman. 

My eyes flicker to her beautiful, feral mouth. God, I need it on me…

And with the nod of my head, she unbuttons my jeans before dropping to her knees.

—-----

It's just past 9AM Monday morning, and I'm already on my third cup of coffee. No doubt I'll have jitters later, but after being exhausted in the most heavenly way possible, it's so worth it.

Ethan didn't say anything last night. Or this morning. 

Oh God, was that cheating? 

Shit. I didn't think this through…

But it was with a woman. And I'm not… well, at least I don't think I am…

It doesn't count, right?

But, damn, it was good.

I round through the department, checking on my fresh batch of interns, mulling around, glued to their pocket diagnostics guides.

Oh, to be young again…

As I turn the corner to enter the charting station, I suddenly freeze, recognizing a familiar tall blonde. 

In a white coat.

What the…? Tatum? 

Even under the fluorescent lights, her platinum highlights perfectly shine, her waves bouncing effortless on her shoulders. Her scarlet wrap dress hugs her curves beautifully, and her patent-leather nude pumps show off her toned calves, those thick thighs, and–

Tatum clears her throat.

Shit.

As Tatum goes back to looking at her charts, I slowly saunter up bedside her.

What do I even say? Just be cool…

“Morning, Tatum,” I smile.

She squints her eyes, giving me a cordial smile.

“Uh, hi,” she stutters, her face contorting. “Do I know you?”

~🖤~

Tags (new list as of 9/26; let me know if you wish to be added/removed):

PERMA

@21-wishes @alj4890 @angelasscribbles @ao719 @charlotteg234 @harleybeaumont @issabees @kingliam2019 @mainstreetreader @mom2000aggie @neotericthemis @nikirennie87 @peonierose @tessa-liam

ALL OPH

@alyshak92 @annfg8 @bisexualdisasteracd @cariantha @lsvdw-blog @mvalentine @ofmischiefandmedicine @rookiemartin @starrystarrytrouble @youlookappropriate

#until you love me #open heart #open heart fanfiction #open heart fanfic #choices open heart #choices oph #choices oph fanfic #choices oph fanfiction #ethan ramsey #dr. ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey fanfic #choices ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #ethan x casey #tatum erikson #dr. tatum erikson #casey valentine #dr. casey valentine #tatum x casey #casey valentine x tatum erikson

[lilyoffandoms]

My January Challenge Masterlist

I’m challenging myself to draw a little something for each prompt for @choicesjanuary2024. I started back in December and have fallen behind a bit but I’m gonna keep at it as best I can. So this is for me to keep track of all the ones I’ve completely finished.

Day One: Mal x Daenarya Silhouette (Blades for @storyofmychoices)

Day Two: Detective Lilah Rose (CoP for @storyofmychoices)

Day Three: Winter Princess (Nightbound for @ladylamrian

Day Four: Leaf, King of Birds (TCH)

Day Five: Lancelot x Guinevere Silhouette (Guinevere)

Day Six: Tatum x Aubrey Silhouette (FA)

Day Seven: Ethan (OPH for @peonyblossom)

Day Eight: Kieran (TCH)

Day Nine: Aerin x Raine (Blades for @oh-so-youre-a-nerd, abandoned sketch)

Day Ten: Nora Rose (CoP for @inlocusmads)

Day 11: Tyril Starfury (Blades)

Day 12: Saini Rusanen (ID for @aallotarenunelma)

Day 13: Sebastyan Thorne Case File (CoP)

Day 14: Trystan x Nora (CoP based on this by @inlocusmads)

Day 15: Mal Volari (Blades)

Day 16: Nia Ellarious (Blades)

Day 17: Kajsiab (Alpha)

Day 18: Imtura Tal Kaelen (Blades)

Day 19: Luca O'Rinn (ID for aria-ashryver)

Day 20: Aerin x Raine (Blades based on this by lovehugsandcandy)

Day 21: Together We Win (Blades MC)

Day 22: Eva Archer (WTD MC for @dutifullynuttywitch)

Day 23: Lilah Rose (CoP MC for @storyofmychoices)

Day 24: Wallace (Blades)

Day 25: Letter from Dad (CoP based on this by @inlocusmads)

Day 26: Marianna Howard (DaD OC for noesapphic)

Day 27: Ash Clark (ID OC for @aallotarenunelma)

Day 28: Trystan (CoP for @stars-are-within-me)

Day 29: Gabriel Rose (CoP based on this headcanon)

Day 30: Casey MacTavish (OPH MC for @jerzwriter)

Day 31: Trystan x Gabriel (CoP)

#straight up stealing jerzwriters idea of this masterlist lol #choicesjanuary #choicesjanuary2024 #my art ish thing #i polish nothing #i don’t accept criticism or feedback #from anyone that ain’t a friend #or mutual #i’ll ask if i want it form any of the rest of y’all #definitely don’t want it if you come at me on anon

[choicesjanuary2024]

MASTERLIST || WELCOME || PROMPTS || RULES || HOST

Listed in alphabetical order by artist name. If I missed adding one on this list, or missed reblogging, please let me know.

@aallotarenunelma

Chronicles of a Crimson Summer 11 (ID Fic & Edit, Cas x MC)

Songs that describe my pairings (ID & It Lives Songs)

@dutifullynuttywitch

Starlit night (WtD Fic, Troy x MC)

@inlocusmads

chosen family (CoP Fic, Trystan)

hello, goodbye ~ jimmy rose (CoP Fic, Jimmy)

laplace’s angel (CoP Fic, Trystan x MC)

meeting at a crosswalk (CoP Fic, Trystan x MC)

slam poetry (MAH Fic, Stevie x MC)

@jerzwriter

A Different Fate - Final Chapter (OPH Fic, Ethan x MC)

A Little Mess (OPH Edit, Tobias x MC)

A New Perspective (OPH Fic, Tobias x MC)

A Tipsy Winter Tale (CoP Fic, Trystan x MC)

Clucking Amazing (OPH Edit, Ethan x MC)

Different Destinations (OPH Fic, Tobias x MC)

If the hat fits… (CoP Fic & Art Commission, Trystan x MC)

It Always Starts Somewhere…. (CoP Fic, Trystan x MC)

Pen-sive (OPH Fic, Ethan x MC)

Pietro & Azul (OPH Fic, Tobias x MC)

Stress Reduction (OPH Fic, Tobias x MC)

The Morning (WtD Fic, Eli x MC)

Trystan’s 2023 Holiday Recap (CoP Edit, Trystan x MC)

Twenty-Five (WTD Fic, Troy & MC)

@ladylamrian

A Prince for the Holidays (Blades Fic, Aerin x MC)

His Barbie, Her Ken (Nightbound Fic, Nik x MC)

Loyal to be Royal (Nightbound Fic, Nik x MC, Garrus x MC)

@liaromancewriter

Daddy’s Girl (OPH Fic, Ethan x MC)

Making It Work (OPH Edit, Ethan x MC)

Miami Nights: Before and After (OPH Edit, Ethan x MC)

New Year Wishes (OPH Fic, Ethan x MC)

Whatever It Takes (OPH Edit, Ethan x MC)

@lilyoffandoms

Alex as the Winter Princess (Nightbound Art, MC)

Aerin x Raine (Blades Art, Aerin x MC)

Aerin x Raine (Blades Art, Aerin x MC)

Ash Clark (ILITW Art, OC)

Captain Pandrosion Elara (AtV Art, Sol, Meridian, Kepler, MC)

Casey MacTavish (OPH Art, MC)

Coffee Date(s) (CoP Art, Trystan x MC)

Detective Lilah Rose (CoP Art, MC)

Ethan (OPH Art)

Gabriel Rose (CoP Art)

Imtura Tal Kaelen (Blades)

Inspired by Mal x Daenarya (Blades Art, Mal x OC)

Kajsiab (Alpha Art, MC)

Kieran (TCH Art)

Lancelot x Guinevere Silhouette (Guinevere Art, Lancelot x MC)

Leaf, King of Birds (TCH Art)

Lilah Rose (CoP Art, MC)

Luca O'Rinn (ID MC)

Mal Volari (Blades Art)

Marianna Howard (Desire and Decorum Fanart, OC)

Nia Ellarious (Blades Art)

Nora Rose (CoP Art, MC)

Sabastyan Thorne Case File (CoP Art)

Saini Rusanen (ID Art, MC)

Tatum x Aubrey (FA Art, Tatum x MC)

Together We Win (Blades Art, MC)

Trystan (CoP Art)

Tyril Starfury (Blades Art)

Wallace (Blades Art)

@lovealexhunt

Happy New Year (RCD Fic & Art Commission, Thomas x MC)

Helios - Emma’s Arylu (TE Art, Familiar)

#plantlove (OPH Fic, Bryce x OC)

Post Christmas Bliss (RCD Art Commission, Thomas x MC)

Spread Joy #841 (Blades Edit, Mal)

Tuneless Wonders (TE, Fic & Art Commission)

Valax (Blades Art)

@peonyblossom

Hades of House Nightbloom (Blades Art Commission, MC)

I Wasn’t Built For Iceland (AME Fic, Carson x MC)

We’ll Figure It Out (Untamable Fic, Kit x MC)

@stars-are-within-me

In Her Arms (CoP Fic, Vasili, Juliana)

The Skies (Blades Fic, Imtura, Ventra)

@tess-liam

Turning the Page (TRR Fic, Liam x OC)

@thosehallowedhalls

A 2AM Christmas Tree Farm [1/2] (CoP Fic, Trystan x MC)

Babysitting the Demonic Duo (CoP Fic, Trystan x MC)

Home without - Part One (CoP Fic, Trystan x MC)

Progression (CoP Fic, Trystan x MC)

Tabloids, or a story in 5 headlines (CoP Fic, Trystan x Emma)

#playchoices #choicesjanuary #choicesjanuary2024 #choices monthly challenge #masterlist

[ao719]

Vancross

Vancross - We’ll Get There Together (Chapter 10)

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: Ready For Anything - Landon Austin

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. Thank you to @burnsoslow for prereading! 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

After pulling a t-shirt over his head to pair with his black swim shorts, Liam ran his fingers through his hair before turning toward his bathroom; he grabbed a couple of towels before coming back to his bed and stuffing them into a drawstring bag.

That Saturday morning, their group of friends were headed to the lake for an all-day outing on the water. It would be Croía’s first time going.

Liam smiled as he thought of Croía. It had been a few weeks since the parents’ weekend fiasco and their talk, and in that time they had practically become inseparable. They’d gone out on several dates, and on the nights they opted not to go anywhere, they were together at one of their suites, watching a movie or just hanging out with Blaine and Alia. Things between them seemed to be going really well.

But Liam and Croía weren’t … official.

The more time Liam spent with Croía, the closer they became and the harder he fell. And being with him seemed to bring out this different side of her, one that he couldn’t get enough of. She was always smiling, always laughing. She was playful and flirty, but in a coy way, still with that same air of innocence she always had that he found completely endearing. The pair hadn’t talked about the road their budding relationship was headed down and where exactly it was leading, however.

For his part, Liam wanted them to have that label, but he’d been following her lead, unsure and not wanting to push her into something she may not be quite ready for.

As he zipped up his bag, Liam’s phone rang with an incoming video call; he reached down and grabbed it off his bed, sliding his thumb across the screen to answer it. “Hey, Mom,” he smiled.

Eleanor smiled in return. “Hello.”

“What are you up to?”

“Oh, nothing,” Eleanor sighed as she leaned back in her chair. “Just finished breakfast with your father, brother, and sister, and now I’m biding my time before the garden party later. I thought I’d call to say hello. What are you doing?”

“Getting ready to head out to the lake for the day,” Liam answered.

“For your cliff jumping and water … blooping?”

“Blobbing, Mom,” Liam laughed. “Water blobbing. And yes.”

“Potato, potahto,” Eleanor waved him off. “Is everyone going?”

“Yeah,” Liam nodded. “Blaine and I are leaving soon to go get Croía and Alia before we head over to meet up with the others at the lake.”

Eleanor subtly smiled. “And how is Croía?”

Liam couldn’t contain his grin at the mention of her name. “She’s good.” When he heard his mother chuckle, he arched his brow. “What?”

“You are smitten,” Eleanor smiled.

“Mom.” Liam rolled his eyes, still grinning.

“Well, how are things going between you two?”

“They’re going,” Liam shrugged. “We’re just hanging out … spending time together.” He stared at the screen for a moment. “How’s the press been there?”

“Not terrible, actually,” Eleanor replied. “Don’t get me wrong, they’re certainly interested in the two of you, and take any opportunity to ask your father and I questions, but they’ve been respectful when we’ve declined to answer on your behalf about the status of your … relationship.”

Liam nodded. “Well, that’s good, I guess.” Just then, Blaine called out to Liam from the common room of the suite, telling him he was ready. “Hey, Mom, I gotta go.”

“Ok,” Eleanor smiled. “Have fun. And be careful.”

“I will.”

“And tell Croía I said hello.”

Liam smiled at his mother through the screen. “Will do.”

****

After slipping on her bathing suit, Croia began putting some items into the bag she was taking to the lake. She was excited to be spending the day on the water with everyone, especially Liam.

Croía grinned as she thought about him, feeling the familiar flutter of those butterflies that had seemed to take up residence inside her belly ever since she and Liam started … dating. She supposed that’s what she should call it.

They hadn’t talked about it.

Everything she was experiencing with Liam was brand new. Croía was a novice when it came to anything to do with relationships, which left her unsure of exactly how to navigate through not only everything she was feeling for him but what exactly they were … or weren’t.

And because of her lack of experience, she wasn’t sure how to handle the press either.

Despite who she was, Croía had been kept out of the spotlight for most of her life. She was seldom seen in public back in Drakovia, even when she was younger; she was the least seen member of the Drakovian royal family. When the media frenzy surrounding her and Liam first began, it left her feeling a bit shell-shocked; she hadn’t seen that much furor since everything that happened with Trystan eight years ago, but even then, she wasn’t a part of it.

Now she was front and center.

Croía also found herself worrying about what her parents were going to say about the sudden attention she was receiving. They hadn’t said a word. In fact, she hadn’t spoken to them at all since her mother called to tell her they weren’t coming for parents’ weekend. She had tried calling, hoping to ask for some advice on how exactly she should handle the press — and to perhaps gauge their opinions on what they thought of the idea of her and Liam together — but, unsurprisingly, they hadn’t returned any of her calls.

As Croía pulled on a pair of jean shorts over her bikini bottoms, her one phone rang — the one for her brother. She grabbed it from her bag, tapping the screen before raising it to her ear. “Hello,” she chirped.

“Hey, kid,” Trystan replied. “Whatcha doing?”

“We’re spending the day at the lake, so I’m getting ready. What about you?”

“Not much. Just got back from dinner with Cameron. So, the lake, huh? You going with Liam?”

“Yes,” Croía chuckled at the way he said his name. “And be nice.”

Croía had only just told Trystan and Marguerite about her and Liam last week — thankfully, the dating life of young foreign royals wasn’t as interesting a topic in the States, therefore, the press surrounding her and Liam hadn’t yet reached her siblings.

Ever the protective big brother, Trystan protested at first. “Do I need to remind you what he did?” Croía explained, however, how Liam came to talk to her and told her what really happened. After some grumbling on his end, Trystan relented. “Fine. I will give him the benefit of the doubt only for your sake, and because of Leo and Queen Eleanor, but he better treat you right, Croía, or I swear to all that is holy—” Marguerite had cut him off mid-threat, telling him to knock it off.

Luckily, Croía was able to ask for their input on how to handle the press, however. They both told her that she didn’t have to say anything if she didn’t want to. Trystan reminded her how anything she said could easily — and purposely — get twisted and misconstrued, and that sometimes it’s better to just not say anything at all, especially right now since there was nothing concrete to give them while they figured things out.

“I’m always nice,” Trystan scoffed. “How’s that going anyway?”

“It’s good.”

Trystan could practically hear her smiling on the other end of the phone. “And he’s treating you right?”

There was a bit of a snarl in his voice, causing Croía to laugh. “Yes. I promise. He’s been a perfect gentleman.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Trystan huffed, earning another giggle from his sister. “So, what are you doing at the lake?”

“I’m not entirely sure. It’s my first time going. But Liam told me a while back that they do stuff like cliff jumping and water … blobbing, I think it’s called.”

“Just be careful.”

“I will,” Croía chuckled. “Don’t be such a worry wart.”

“And bring sunscreen … and a full-piece bathing suit.”

“Trystan.”

“What?” Trystan feigned innocence. “Sunscreen is important.”

“And the full-piece bathing suit?”

“Also important.”

Before Croía could respond, she heard a knock on the door of their suite; she could hear when Alia opened it, greeting Blaine and Liam. “Hey, I’m sorry to cut this short, but we’re getting ready to leave.”

“No worries, kid. Have fun. I’ll talk to you soon. Love ya.”

“Love you, too, Tryst.”

Croía ended the call, tossing her phone on her bed before turning toward her dresser just as a knock came on her door.

“Cocoa?” Liam’s voice sounded from the other side.

Croia chuckled at the nickname. “You can come in!” she called out.

Liam opened the door, smiling as he stepped inside; he paused when he saw her standing at her dresser in jean shorts and her bikini top. He shook away the thoughts that arose, clearing his throat. “Hey.”

Croía glanced over and smiled. “Hey. Sorry, I’m just grabbing a shirt.”

“Don’t rush on my account. Take your time, take your time,” Liam chuckled, earning a grin from her as her cheeks blushed. He walked over and sat on the edge of her bed as she rifled through her drawer, pulling out a shirt a moment later. As she turned and raised her arms, slipping it over her head, he noticed a small marking on her upper rib cage, and his brows slightly raised in surprise. “Whoa, wait,” he reached out, gently grabbing her wrist to stop her from pulling the hem of the shirt down. “What is that?”

Croía glanced down, sweeping her long hair to the other side before she peeked at the tiny inked rose. “A, um … a tattoo …?” A smile slowly curled on Liam’s lips as his eyes flickered up to hers before dropping back down; he leaned forward to get a better look at it. He would never have expected her to have a tattoo, even just a small one such as this; it could be hidden behind his finger. “Marguerite came home to visit for my 18th birthday, and she snuck me out to get it; we got matching ones. We decided on something small and discreet that could be easily concealed.”

“Did it hurt?” Liam questioned.

“No, not really. It’s small,” Croía chuckled. “It didn’t take them all but 10 minutes to finish it, so I didn’t really have time to feel anything.”

Liam continued to stare at it, biting his lip through a smile. “Hm.”

“What?”

When Liam looked at her again, he saw the question in her eyes as she searched his, trying to gauge his response. “I like it,” he grinned.

“You look … surprised,” Croía said hesitantly.

“Well, I am,” Liam chuckled. “Not in a bad way, though. I just … I never would have thought you would have a tattoo.” He reached up, gently brushing his thumb across it. “I think it’s sexy.” Croía slightly shuddered at his touch and visibly blushed at his words with a coy smile. “So …” He glanced at her bag, clearing his throat, trying to think of anything else at that moment. “You ready?”

“Uh, yeah,” Croía nodded as she pulled her shirt down. “I think I have everything.”

“Ok. Just one more thing.” Liam stood and cupped her face in his hands and leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss to her lips. He smiled as he drew back. “I didn’t get to greet you properly.” Croía grinned as she stared up at him before he leaned down and kissed her again. “Ok, now we can go.”

****

When they arrived at the lake, Croía and Alia trailed behind Liam and Blaine as they walked from their vehicle, where their guards all lingered behind. Croía glanced up as they neared the shore, and she smiled at the scene before her.

The large lake boasted tall, rocky cliffs along one side; others that had come to enjoy the water that day were jumping and flipping off of them.

A high, man-made platform was nestled just beyond the shallows of the lake, and below it floated a giant, anchored inflatable; she watched as one person cannon-balled off the platform, landing on the inflatable, and launching another person into the air before they landed in the water with a splash.

Further out, other lake-goers were on jet skis, some pulling others in tubes behind them. Others were swimming or lounging together in the sun along the shore, laughing and talking.

Liam slowed his pace, falling into step beside her. “What do ya think?” he asked through a chuckle when he saw her expression.

“I think today is going to be a good day,” Croía grinned.

“We were beginning to think you guys weren’t coming!” a familiar voice pulled their attention.

They looked over to see Simon, Rashad, Zaira, Olivia, Evelyn, Alexei, Henri, Dionne, Peter, and Kennedy, who was talking to Tatum from where he stood nearby.

“Of course we were coming. Your day would be boring without us,” Blaine quipped. He and Liam dropped the large cooler they were both carrying into the grass. “Brought some beers for later too.”

Liam glanced around at the other groups of people down the shore, spotting some familiar faces from campus. “I see everyone had the same idea for today,” he chuckled.

“Yeah,” Rashad nodded. “It’s been pretty crowded since we got here.”

Blaine pulled off his t-shirt and tossed it on top of his bag, leaving himself in just his swim shorts. “What are we doing first?” he asked, rubbing his hands together as Alia laughed at his eagerness.

“I say we head to the cliffs,” Simon said.

“I’m good with the cliffs,” Blaine replied, and everyone else nodded in agreement.

As the others started to make their way toward the path that led to the top of the cliffs, Liam stood by Croía as she slipped off the clothes covering her bikini. “You’ve never been, right?”

“No,” Croía shook her head with a smile.

Despite her smile, Liam could see a hint of trepidation in her expression. “Well, you don’t have to jump if you don’t want to.”

“I do,” Croía said eagerly.

“You say that now,” Liam grinned. “Wait until you’re on top of that cliff.” Her eyes slightly widened. “I’m just kidding,” he chuckled. “I promise, you have nothing to worry about.”

When Liam pulled off his shirt, Croía momentarily forgot about the cliffs and jumping. She felt her cheeks warm as her eyes traveled up the length of his muscled physique, the sun bathing him in a golden glow.

Liam let out a quiet laugh when he caught her. “See something you like?” he quipped with a grin.

Croía’s cheeks blushed furiously when her slightly wide eyes snapped up to meet his, but before she could respond, Alia was grabbing her hand. “Come on,” she squealed, pulling her toward the path with the others as Liam and Blaine followed behind them.

****

Standing atop the cliff with her group of friends and some other lake-goers, Croía carefully inched her way to the edge and peered over; a breath escaped her when she saw the distance down to the water below. She took an abrupt step back from the edge, running into Liam behind her.

Liam laughed, placing his hands on her shoulders to steady her. “Nervous?”

“A little,” Croía smiled sheepishly. “I didn’t realize down there how high up it is.”

“Don’t think about that. You just gotta take that leap … figuratively and literally,” Liam chuckled. She glanced back over her shoulder at him, meeting his gaze with a smile. “How about I jump with you?” Croía’s smile broadened and she gave him a nod.

“You jump, he jumps,” Blaine snorted beside them.

“What?” Liam laughed as he looked at him.

“You know, ‘you jump, I jump.’”

Liam’s brows furrowed. “I got nothing …”

“Dude, really? It’s from Titanic, you uncultured swine.” Blaine shook his head as Alia laughed next to him. “Anyway, you’re up,” he grinned, gesturing his head toward the edge.

Liam looked back at Croía when he heard her let out a breath. “Ready?”

“Yes and no,” Croía chuckled nervously, feeling the adrenaline coursing through her.

Liam took her hand, guiding her back to give them a little head start. “Don’t think about it. Just run and go,” he grinned. Croía nodded, feeling her heart race. “One … two … three!”

On Liam’s count, the pair took off toward the edge, hand-in-hand. Croía’s eyes widened when they hurtled themselves over the edge, and for a weightless moment, everything felt like it was in slow motion until she came to and registered them falling through the air toward the lake below. They hit the water with a splash and their hands parted as they swam to the surface.

Liam emerged first, shaking the water from his hair before wiping his face; when Croía’s head popped up, she gasped and her eyes snapped open, meeting his gaze with a broad grin. “Holy shit!” she laughed.

“Fun?” Liam smiled.

“Yeah,” Croía giggled.

Liam laughed. “Wanna do it again?”

Croía nodded eagerly. “Definitely!”

****

Blaine and Liam laughed as they walked back up the pathway to the cliff after backflipping off. They’d spent the last hour jumping with their group of friends and another group of Vancross students that had made their way up there.

When they neared the top, Liam glanced around for Croía; he spotted her sitting on a rock away from the edge, taking a bit of a breather after jumping with Alia just before he and Blaine. Then his eyes flickered over to the guy who was talking to her.

Prince Clarke of Ismar.

Clarke was there with the other group of Vancross students that had also ventured to the lake that day. Cordonia had some trade deals with Ismar, so Liam knew Clarke before they had attended Vancross, but he wouldn’t say they were friends, more like acquaintances. He hung out with a different group of people than Liam, but they would see each other at campus parties as well as royal diplomatic events.

The Prince of Ismar had a reputation for being a bit of a skirt-chaser, and he seemed to have set his sights on Croía since he and his group of friends arrived on top of the cliff; this was despite Clarke more than likely seeing the tabloid stories about them spending time together.

From what Liam overheard, the pair had a couple of classes together, which is what Clarke used to lead his conversation with Croía. The nonchalant conversation had taken a turn, however. The flirting was subtle enough to where she could think he was merely being friendly — and perhaps he was — but the charming smiles he kept flashing her and the way he seemed to inch himself closer to her with each new conversation said otherwise.

Liam and Croía didn’t have a label, so he couldn’t exactly go over there to stake his claim on something that wasn’t his. Besides that, Croía was free to talk to whomever she pleased, even if they did have a label. He wasn’t her keeper.

That didn’t mean Liam had to like it, however. And he didn’t.

“My dude, you gotta teach your facial expressions to use their inside voice,” Blaine chuckled.

Liam peeled his eyes away from Croía and Clarke to look at him. “What?”

“The way you’re watching him talk to her,” Blaine snorted. “Calm down.”

“I am calm,” Liam retorted.

“Yeah, ok,” Blaine teased. “Just go over there and sling your arm around her. Let him know she’s taken.”

Liam sighed. “I can’t do that. I’m not going to tell her who she can and can’t talk to. And besides, we haven’t said exactly what this is between us.”

“So you’re in a situationship,” Blaine nodded.

“A what?”

“A situationship,” Blaine explained. “You chill. You have sex. And you’re confused by the fact that you’re not officially together but have feelings for each other.”

“We haven’t — I mean, nothing has … never mind.”

Blaine snapped his wide-eyed gaze over to him. “You haven’t done anything yet?” Liam closed his eyes, not answering, but he didn’t have to. “It’s been weeks since you guys started hanging out. No wonder you’re so on edge,” he chuckled.

“I’m not on edge, at least not because of that. I just … don’t like the way he’s ogling her …”

“You’re too pretty to be insecure.”

Liam laughed despite himself. “I’m not insecure … I just …” He trailed off with a sigh. He couldn’t explain it.

It wasn’t that Liam was insecure. It wasn’t that he doubted the way Croía said she felt about him or how and where things between them seemed to be going. And it was more than just wanting to have that label and to be something official with her. Even in their … situationship, he felt this fierce need to protect her; not that she needed or even wanted his protection. It was just how he felt.

“I’m guessing that she’s only engaging in conversation to be nice. I would just talk to her, see where her head is at, and about making things … official between you two.”

Liam nodded, chewing the inside of his cheek in thought. He watched as Croía turned, looking around the gathered group at the top of the cliff; when her eyes landed on him, she smiled, and he returned his own as she started to approach him.

“Having fun?” Liam asked.

Croía nodded with a grin. “Yeah.”

When Croía turned toward the cliff’s edge to watch the others, Liam’s arms wrapped around her shoulders from behind as he rested his chin on the top of her head. She felt her stomach flip as she leaned back against him, lifting her hands to his forearms crossed on her chest.

****

Once done at the cliffs, the group returned to the beach to get something to eat, ransacking through the coolers of food and drinks that they had all brought along with them.

After eating, some chose to lounge on chairs in the sun or hang out in the water. Blaine and Liam whipped around the lake on the jet skis, laughing as they sprayed one another; Alia rode with Blaine, and Croía with Liam.

Croía held on tightly to the straps of Liam’s life jacket as he rocketed across the water, now racing Blaine; she was grinning from ear to ear as she shielded her face behind him from the spray. She couldn’t remember the last time she had this much fun. In fact, she wasn’t sure she ever had.

Liam slowed the jet ski to a stop, glancing over his shoulder at her as they bobbed in the water. “Wanna give it a spin?”

“I … I’ve never driven one.” Hearing laughter, Croía glanced over to see Blaine and Alia switching places; Alia took off with a squeal, shooting across the water with Blaine holding onto her.

“It’s easy. Promise,” Liam smiled. “And I’ll be right here.”

“Ok,” Croía grinned.

Once she maneuvered herself to sit in front of him, Liam’s arms came around her as she placed her hands on the bars. “Ok, here’s your throttle,” he said, shifting her hand over the lever for the gas before moving her other hand to the other lever. “And this is your brake and reverse. To turn—” he moved the handlebar right and left in demonstration. “And that’s really all you gotta know,” he chuckled. “Ready?”

“Are you?” Croía giggled.

Liam wrapped his arms around the waist of her life jacket and clasped his hands together. He smiled, brushing his lips against her ear. “Do your worst.”

A moment later, Croía squeezed the lever, shooting them forward. Liam grinned at the sound of her laughter as she navigated her way across the lake, trying to catch up to Alia; he tilted his head, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

****

After getting back to shore to give Simon and Rashad a go on the jet skis, Blaine and Alia sat in the lounge chairs to take a break. Liam had taken Croía down the shoreline to a nearby secluded cove of the lake.

Liam stood, submerged from his chest down in the water as Croía dipped her head beneath it. He watched her break the surface, wiping her face before opening her eyes. He smiled when she met his gaze, extending his hand to her; when she took it, he pulled her to him, and her arms and legs instinctively wrapped around him. He searched her icy blue eyes for a moment before leaning in and capturing her lips in his.

As his tongue languidly curled against hers, Liam’s mind returned to the thoughts regarding them and exactly what this was. When they drew back to take a breath, she rested her forehead against his. “I’ve been thinking …” he whispered.

“About what?”

Liam drew back enough to look at her. “About you … and me …”

“Oh?” Croía questioned, feeling her heart stutter from uncertainty of what he meant.

“Yeah,” Liam softly smiled before kissing her again. It caused him to momentarily lose his train of thought.

Lately, Liam found himself able to get so easily lost in Croía and moments like this, more so than before. Moments that began weeks ago as coy and reserved now felt more intense and passionate. This particular moment, however, felt even more so; it was the first time he felt her bare skin beneath his hands, her almost bare body pressed up against his.

When they parted again, Liam let out a soft breath as he looked at her. “What about you and me?” Croía asked, trying to mask the self-consciousness in her voice.

Liam subtly smiled. “Well, I … I’ve just been thinking, and was wondering—”

“Liam! Croía!” Rashad called out, just out of their view. “Come on! We’re going blobbing!”

They stared at each other for a moment before Liam turned his head so he didn’t shout in her ear. “Coming!”

When he glanced back at her, Croía searched his eyes. “What were you wondering?”

Muddled from the interruption, Liam shook his head with a rueful smile. “It can wait. We can talk … later.”

Croía hesitated for a moment before she nodded. Liam slightly deflated at the loss of contact when she fell away from his body back into the water before they walked out to join the others.

****

Croía glanced up at the tall platform from the side of it as others started to climb up to the top; it wasn’t any higher than the cliffs that she had jumped from earlier, but something about it made her stomach flip. Perhaps it was because the cliffs seemed … sturdier.

“You ready?” Liam asked beside her.

“Uhh …” Croía trailed off with a chuckle. “What do you do again?”

Liam placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her to face the giant inflatable in the water below the platform. She watched as the last person from the previous group that had been up there got into position at one end of the inflatable. Up on the platform, Alia walked to the edge, peering down before shouting to ask the person if they were ready; they raised their hand, giving a thumbs up. Alia then jumped, falling through the air and landing on the other end of the inflatable, launching the other person into the air to land in the water.

“And that’s all there is to it,” Liam laughed. “You don’t have to do it if you don’t want to,” he said.

“No, I do,” Croía assured him.

“Good,” Liam grinned, taking her hand and leading her toward the ladder.

After climbing to the top, they maneuvered their way to the front; the group had already chosen the order they were going in and who was launching who. Alia was now in position at the end of the inflatable, and Blaine was at the edge of the platform, ready to jump.

“Ready, baby?” Blaine shouted, and Alia gave a thumbs up in response. “Bombs away!”

Croía and Liam both peered over the edge when Blaine jumped; Liam kept an eye on him to make sure he landed right while Croía’s eyes were on Alia. When Blaine hit the inflatable, Liam’s gaze snapped up; Alia flew into the air with a scream, landing a moment later a good few feet away from where she started.

“Damn,” Liam chuckled, amused at how far she had gone.

Liam took his place at the edge, ready to launch Blaine; initially, Croía was going to launch him, but with it being her first jump, he wanted to be in the water when she went, just in case, so Olivia was going next. While waiting for Blaine to get into position at the end of the inflatable, another small group joined theirs at the top of the platform. Clarke, part of the group that came up, and another guy started messing around, playfully shoving each other as they waited their turn.

When Clarke stumbled into Simon after losing his footing, it caused Simon to bump into Croía, who was standing in front of him. He whipped around, looking at the two men. “How about you two blokes wait to do that until you get back on solid ground, yeah?” he grumbled. Then, he turned to look at Croía. “Sorry about that, darl. You ok?”

Croía smiled with a nod. “Yeah.” She glanced around at the now crowded platform. “Are there supposed to be this many people up here?”

“Probably not,” Simon chuckled. “But it’s ok as long as people aren’t pratting around,” he said, gesturing to Clarke and the other guy, both of whom ignored Simon altogether.

“Ready?” Liam hollered down to Blaine once he was in position. Blaine gave a thumbs up, and Liam glanced over his shoulder at Croía. “See ya down there,” he winked before flipping himself over the edge.

“What a showoff,” Olivia snorted as she and Croía peered down to watch. When Blaine flew off the end, he too did a flip before landing in the water. “Both of them.”

A moment later, Olivia stepped up to the edge, waiting for Liam to get situated on the inflatable. “Are you going to be able to launch him far?” Croía asked; while Olivia was tall — taller than her — she still had a slim build, especially compared to Liam.

“Oh, definitely,” Olivia chuckled as she looked at her. “Gravity and the inflatable do most of the work, and I’ve perfected launching his royal ass over the years.” When she turned back, Liam had just gotten settled. “Ready?” she shouted. When he gave a thumbs up in response, Olivia jumped, tucking and crossing her legs into a cannonball position. Croía watched her land, then her eyes flickered up, watching Liam flip into the air before landing with a splash.

Croía stepped up to the edge, peering down at the spot on the inflatable where she was supposed to land as Olivia maneuvered her way across it to the other end.

Down in the water, Liam, Blaine, and Alia were treading nearby, watching the others take their turns. When Olivia got into position, Liam’s eyes moved up to the platform to watch Croía; he heard her call down, asking if she was ready, and Olivia gave a thumbs up. In the next moment, Croía jumped, tucking her legs before landing and sending Olivia into the air.

Liam grinned as he swam towards the inflatable. “How was that?” he asked as he made it up to her.

“Good,” Croía giggled as she worked to sit up.

“Ok, just make your way down to the other end, and there’s a mark for you to stop on.” As she did, Liam swam down to meet her once she got there; when she neared the marker, she met his gaze with a grin. “Ok, now just relax back, and bend your knees a little … perfect. You good?”

“Yeah,” Croía chuckled, feeling both nerves and excitement from the anticipation.

“See ya when you come back down,” Liam teased before swimming back to Blaine and Alia.

The three watched as Simon stepped up to the edge of the platform; he didn’t call out to see if she was ready right away, however. Liam noticed how he kept looking over his shoulder as if he were distracted by something. Finally, he turned back and called down to Croía; she raised her hand, giving a thumbs up.

Just as Simon was about to jump, Liam, Blaine, and Alia saw another figure near the edge; still messing around on the platform, Clarke had slipped after a shove from his friend. “What the …” Blaine trailed off as his eyes widened. “Oh fuck!”

At the same moment Simon jumped, Clarke tumbled over the edge; both fell side-by-side and hit the inflatable at the same time. Liam’s wide-eyed gaze went to an unsuspecting Croía, and she screamed when the extra weight and force from the second person rocketed her into the air much higher than she was supposed to go. Her arms and legs flailed as she tried to gain control of her body’s position as she fell, but it was of no use; she plunged towards the water, landing awkwardly on her side with a splash, double the distance and height that anyone else had gone.

Liam, Blaine, and Alia immediately started swimming toward where she had landed as they all shouted her name. Liam surged past the other two when his adrenaline kicked in, coming up to her just as she surfaced above the water with a gasp, and he saw her wince in pain. “Croía! Are you alright?”

“My arm,” Croía hissed, treading to stay above the water only kicking her feet as she held her elbow with her other hand.

“Let’s get her back to shore,” Blaine said.

Liam looped an arm around her waist. “Hold onto me.” She wrapped her good arm around his shoulders, and Liam helped her back toward the shore. Once she was able to stand, she dropped her good arm from around Liam and grabbed ahold of her other to support it, but his arm remained around her as they walked out of the water.

The others, who had all jumped off the platform after watching the incident, rushed toward them. “Croía, I’m so sorry,” Simon apologized. “Clarke fell and we both hit the inflatable … I didn’t see him until it was too late.”

“It’s not your fault. And I’m ok,” Croía smiled weakly, fighting back a grimace as they stepped onto the grass.

“Is she alright?” Tatum asked as he and Kennedy made it up to the pair.

They all glanced down at Croía’s arm when she removed her hand. It was bright red along with half of her body from the way she hit the water. “Can you move it?” Liam asked.

Croía winced after just a subtle attempt. “A little.”

Blaine looked at her. “You might want to get it checked out, Croía.”

“I can give you a lift back to campus to the Student Health Service office if you want,” Tatum offered.

“That’s probably not a bad idea,” Alia said.

“I’ll go with you,” Liam nodded.

“Well, why don’t you and I grab the stuff,” Blaine suggested to Liam. “Tatum can take her and Alia over, and we can take the SUV with the guards back and meet them there.”

Liam hesitated for a moment before he nodded, still watching Croía; she glanced up at him, and he offered a halfhearted smile. “Go with them, and I’ll grab your bag.”

“Ok,” Croía nodded.

Alia wrapped a towel around herself then Croía, careful not to jostle her arm. “Come on,” she said, guiding her away with Tatum toward his car.

Liam and Blaine hurried over to where their stuff was on the ground, quickly gathering up theirs and the girls’ things. “Li, I’m sorry,” Simon apologized again. “I told them to stop dicking around up there.”

Liam looked over at Simon just as Clarke and a couple of others from his group approached them. “It’s not your fault,” he said before shooting Clarke a glare. “It’s his.”

“Sorry ‘bout that,” Clarke said. “It was an accident.”

“An accident that could have been avoided if you weren’t fucking around up on the platform!” Liam’s voice raised as he took a step toward him.

Blaine grabbed his arm, pulling him back. “Li …”

“We’re sorry,” Clarke reiterated, holding his hands up defensively.

Liam shook his head as he turned, resuming packing up their things.

****

When Croía and Alia arrived back at campus, Tatum walked them to the Student Health Services building; they thanked him before walking inside with Croía’s guard flanking the two. “Ma’am, should I phone your parents?” Jonas asked.

“No,” Croía shook her head. “I’m sure it’s nothing.” Not that they would care anyway.

“Trystan?”

“Definitely not,” Croía said. “He’d just worry. I’ll call if I need to. Thank you, though.”

Luckily, the clinic wasn’t busy; there were only a couple of other students waiting to be seen. Croía and Alia approached the desk, explaining to the woman sitting behind it what had happened; she smiled sympathetically and after getting some information from Croía, she stood, leading them back into a room.

A short time later, Liam and Blaine stepped inside the clinic, glancing around for the girls, not seeing them. The door leading to the exam rooms opened a moment later, and a woman stepped out, carrying a clipboard. “Excuse me,” Liam said as he rushed up to her before she could even make it out of the doorway. “I’m looking for Croía Thorne.”

The woman glanced down at the clipboard in her hand; it contained Croía’s information. She glanced up at him with a smile. “Are you a friend?”

Without even thinking, Liam spit out his next words. “Boyfriend. I’m her boyfriend.” Blaine snapped his head over to him with a grin.

Just beyond where Liam stood talking to the woman, Croía sat in a room with the door open, allowing both her and Alia to hear the conversation.

Croía’s eyes widened as she glanced at Alia, who was wearing a broad smile. “Did he just …”

“Yup,” Alia chuckled. “He sure did!”

Hearing Liam asking the woman to let him see her, and her explaining that they only allow one person back with the patients at a time and that there was already someone with her, Alia stood from her seat. “I’m going to step out so he can come in before he bum-rushes that poor woman out there to get to you,” she giggled. “You ok?”

“Uh, yeah,” Croía said, snapping from her daze. “I’m good. Like I said, it’s probably nothing. Thank you for coming with me, though.”

“Ok. I’ll meet you back at the suite.”

Alia exited the room, and after a moment of hearing hushed voices, Liam appeared in the doorway with her bag in hand. “Hi,” he said, looking her over as he stepped inside.

“Hey,” Croía smiled.

Liam approached the exam table and leaned down, pressing a kiss to her lips. “How’s the arm?”

“Little sore, but ok. They just did an X-ray.”

“I’m so sorry,” Liam shook his head.

“Why are you apologizing? You didn’t do anything.”

“I know … but I feel bad that it was your first time out there and this happened …”

“Again, not your fault. And I’m fine. A little embarrassed … but fine,” Croía chuckled. Liam offered a halfhearted smile as he ran his hand across the top of her head. Unable to stop thinking of what she heard him say, she glanced up at him. “You told that woman you were my boyfriend …” she subtly smiled.

Liam let out a breathy laugh as he rubbed the back of his neck, and for the first time since knowing him, Croía swore she saw a hint of blush on the usually confident Prince’s cheeks. “You, uh … you heard that, huh?”

“Yeah,” Croía chuckled.

“I didn’t … I didn’t know if they’d let me in …” Liam trailed off, watching Croía nod as she dropped his gaze; she looked almost disappointed, and Liam took the opening. “But, Croía … that’s not the only reason I said it.” She looked back up at him. “That’s actually what I wanted to talk about earlier when I said that I was wondering about you and me …” He took her hand in his, brushing his thumbs across her knuckles. “I wanted to see what you thought about making things … official between us. I didn’t intend for it to come out this way,” he smiled sheepishly, “or to make you feel put on the spot …”

“You didn’t … make me feel like that, I mean,” Croía shook her head as she continued to stare at him. “And I … I like the sound of that,” she smiled coyly.

“Sound of what?” Liam teased as he leaned down, brushing his lips against hers, unable to contain his smile.

“Calling you my boyfriend,” Croía whispered through a laugh.

“Good, because I really like hearing you say it,” Liam grinned before pressing a lingering kiss to her lips.

The sound of a throat clearing a moment later startled them apart; Liam stood up straight and they saw the doctor standing in the doorway, both offering him a rueful smile. He gave a courteous bow to them before stepping inside. “Well, good news: nothing is broken. You likely have a mild elbow sprain from the way you landed in the water.”

“Who gets a sprain from water?” Croía jested.

“You’d be surprised by the amount of water-related injuries I’ve seen, especially from those cliff jumping or leaping off that platform,” the doctor smiled. Liam and Croía listened to the man’s instructions for her as he placed her arm in a sling to help keep it supported. “It’ll be, at minimum, a couple of weeks before it heals. But you’ll be just fine so long as you don’t do anything to put any strain on it. Ice it every couple of hours for the first few days, then switch between that and a heating pad with some light movement to keep it from stiffening up.”

“Thank you,” Croía nodded.

“You’re all set,” the man smiled as he patted her shoulder. “If the swelling doesn’t go down within a few days or the pain gets worse, come back.”

“Will do.”

When he left the room, Liam looked at her. “Well … I guess it could have been worse.”

“Yeah,” Croía chuckled.

“Did you want your clothes?”

Croía looked down at the sling around her arm. “I’m not going to get my shirt on over this. But my shorts, yeah, please.”

Grabbing the jean shorts from her bag, Liam shook them loose before handing them to her. With one hand she managed to step into each leg, but pulling them up was a different story. He quietly laughed as he bent down and slid them up around her hips over her bikini bottoms; he met and held her gaze as his fingers brushed against her lower belly as he buttoned them.

Liam offered an amused grin as he slid the zipper up. “Ya know, when I imagined doing that for the first time, it was in reverse,” he chuckled. A blush bloomed on Croía’s cheeks, but she couldn’t help but laugh. He took the towel she had wrapped around her when she came in and draped it over her shoulders. “Come on, I’ll take you back to your suite.”

****

After arriving back to the suite and updating Blaine and Alia on what the doctor said, Liam helped Croía take the sling off so she could get in the shower.

Taking much longer than usual due to using mostly only one hand, and struggling to get dressed for the same reason, Croía eventually managed. She let out a breath as she sat on the edge of her bed once she had finished just as a knock came on her door.

“Croía?”

“You can come in.”

Liam stepped inside a moment later, smiling when he saw her. “You ok?”

“Yeah,” Croía chuckled. “It was a bit of a hassle, but I managed.”

“You need help putting the sling back on?”

“No,” Croía shook her head. “He said I could prop it on some pillows, so I think I’ll do that for now … once I figure out how I’m going to put my hair back,” she laughed wryly. Liam looked at her long wet hair that she had already brushed out before he extended his hand with a smile, gesturing for the hair tie around her wrist. “You’re going to put my hair back?” she giggled.

“Yeah,” Liam grinned.

Croía stared up at him for a moment with a curious smile before slipping the tie off her wrist and handing it to him. Liam sat on her bed near the headboard and she scooted back to sit in front of him before he positioned a couple of pillows across her lap for her arm. She felt him gently gather her hair into his hands; at first she thought he was just going to put it into a simple ponytail, but then her brows knitted with a smile when it felt as though he was doing something else.

“Are you braiding my hair?” Croía chuckled.

A low laugh escaped him. “Yeah … er, trying anyway.”

Croía smiled, fighting back the urge to turn and look at him. “Where did you learn to do that?”

“I wasn’t really taught. I watched my mom do my sister’s hair plenty of times growing up. I figured it couldn’t be that hard …” Liam chuckled. “I’ll be honest, though, I don’t think I have a future in hairstyling.” He smiled when he saw her shoulders shake with silent laughter. “You might want to call Alia in here to rectify this,” he snorted.

“It’ll be fine,” Croía laughed. “It’s not like I’m going anywhere.”

Once he reached the end of her hair, he twisted the tie into place before surveying his work. “I mean … it’s not terrible … but it could definitely be better.”

Croía reached back with her good arm, running her fingers down the length of the braid before pulling it over her shoulder to get a look; she giggled at the lopsided twists. “It’s perfect.” She glanced over her shoulder at him with a smile. “Thank you.”

“What are boyfriends for?” Liam smirked. Croía dropped his gaze as her smile widened at his words. He leaned forward, nuzzling her neck. “Still getting used to it?”

“Yeah,” Croía chuckled. She turned her head to look at him, so close that her nose brushed against his. She searched his eyes for a moment before closing the small space between them, pressing her lips to his.

*******

Liam, Croía, Alia, and Blaine sat in the living area of the guys’ suite on a Friday night after a grueling week of classes. Two bowls of popcorn sat on the table with some empty bottles of beer as the television played season two of The Loft.

It had been a few weeks since the outing on the lake; Croía was out of her sling after the first week, and now, her arm was healed and back to normal. And in the time since Liam and Croía had become an official couple, the Cordonian press had been tailspinning. They had journalists stationed outside of the university; whenever Liam and Croía left campus, they were waiting to get the newest photo of the couple. They had also dug up anything they could on the Princess of Drakovia’s family; her parents and country’s mysteriousness seemed to be both a blessing and a curse. Because there wasn’t much known about the Drakovian royal family, especially Croía as she had been kept out of the limelight, they didn’t have much to say about her.

That meant anything else they could find was fair game, however. Most of her other siblings were pretty much off the radar, leaving them to question where exactly they had disappeared to and why.

But there was one very well-known Thorne.

The story of Trystan’s possible involvement in the death of his fiancée and his banishment from Drakovia had resurfaced in the Cordonian media. It left Croía feeling a little irritated, but more than anything, she felt guilty. Liam couldn’t stop apologizing no matter how many times Croía told him he had nothing to be sorry about; it wasn’t his fault.

Trystan told her not to worry about it. In fact, it didn’t seem to bother him at all. He told her it wasn’t anyone’s fault, that he was used to it, and that it would eventually die down just as it had any time it got brought back up. Heeding his words, Croía forced herself not to think about it, hoping he was right.

Croía half-expected her mother to call, certain she must be furious with the attention her relationship with Liam was suddenly bringing to both her family and her country, but Croía still had yet to hear from either of her parents. They hadn’t called nor returned any of her phone calls.

But for the first time ever, Croía found herself not really caring.

Little by little, everything in Croía’s life was changing. She had things that she never did before. She was kept busy with school during the week and plans with friends on the weekends. She had Liam, her boyfriend. She found herself not having the time nor the energy to dwell on gaining her parents’ acceptance — something she knew deep down she’d never achieve — or the fear of never reaching their unattainable expectations. She had people around who cared about her without her having to endlessly vie for their approval.

For the first time ever, Croía was focused on herself and her own life.

A yawn escaped Croía from where she was nestled up against Liam’s side with his arm around her. He turned his head when he heard her, kissing her forehead. “Tired?”

“A little,” Croía chuckled.

“It’s gonna feel so good … to sleep in tomorrow,” Alia said through a yawn of her own.

Blaine pulled her tighter against him. “Well, we can go to bed whenever you want. My room is right there.”

At the invitation, Alia glanced over at Croía with a questioning look. “I’ll be fine walking back,” she chuckled. “You don’t have to leave for me.”

Alia smiled sleepily as she looked at Blaine. “Ok, take me to bed.”

Liam chewed the inside of his cheek in thought before he looked at Croía. “You know you can stay too, right?” She tilted her head back to look at him. “You don’t have to go back to your suite.”

Croía studied his expression for a moment. That was something they hadn’t done, among many; they had never spent the night together. She felt her heart rate slightly pick up at the thought. Things between her and Liam had been heating up; every kiss and every touch between them seemed more fervent and curious than the one before it, but they had yet to cross any lines into unfamiliar territory — very unfamiliar for her. Would her agreeing to stay the night come with expectations on his end? Not that she didn’t want to take things further. She did. But there were things she needed to talk to him about first and she hadn’t found the right moment to do so.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” Liam said. “I just thought … instead of going back to your suite alone.”

Croía smiled, feeling that familiar flutter in her chest as she stared up at him. “Ok,” she replied.

****

After saying goodnight to Blaine and Alia, Liam and Croía headed to his room. He offered her a pair of his sweatpants and a T-shirt to sleep in; when she stepped out of his bathroom after changing, Liam glanced over from the bed and chuckled at the sight of her in his clothes that were much too large on her.

When she looked up at the sound of his laugh, Croía saw Liam laying in the bed, shirtless and clad in a pair of gym shorts. She swallowed thickly as she set her folded clothes on his desk chair before walking around the bed. Liam raised his arm in invitation as she slipped beneath the blankets, and she smiled; she scooted over, nestling into the crook of his arm as it came around her, and he reached back with his other, tapping the light on the nightstand to turn it off.

Liam shifted to get comfortable, and she rested her head on his chest. “I’m glad you stayed,” he whispered.

Croía couldn’t help but smile. “Me too.” She felt his finger blindly slide beneath her chin, tilting her face up; he pressed a kiss to her lips, then to her forehead before shifting his head on the pillow.

And with that, any thoughts about any expectations Liam might have about her staying the night were squashed. Croía drifted into an easy sleep in his arms, lulled by his soft breathing.

*******

The following morning, Croía began to stir awake, inhaling the lingering scent of Liam’s cologne. Her eyes fluttered open at the same moment his did, meeting his blue-eyed gaze. “Morning, beautiful.”

A sleepy smile spread across Croia’s lips. “Morning,” she whispered.

Liam gently brushed his hand across her cheek before pressing his lips to hers. Croía tilted her head up, and the kiss deepened as his hand slowly outlined the contour of her body, causing her to shudder from his gentle touch. Their limbs entwined beneath the blanket as the kiss turned more amorous; he notched his thigh between her legs, and she unwittingly arched into him as he pulled her closer, feeling her body thrum from the contact as her heart raced.

Suddenly, they halted their movements when they heard a knock on the door. “Li, you awake?” Blaine called out.

Liam let out an exasperated breath as he lifted his head. “No,” he answered, not hiding his frustration.

Blaine laughed on the other side of the door. “Sorry to disrupt, but Coach just called an impromptu meeting. We have to be at the field in 30 minutes.”

Liam closed his eyes as he heaved a sigh. “Alright. I’ll be out in a few.” He looked back at Croía as Blaine shuffled away from the door. “I’m sorry,” he smiled ruefully.

“It’s ok,” Croía said, her heart still pounding.

“Maybe we can pick this back up later?” Liam whispered through a coy smile before capturing her lips again.

Croía could feel the flush creep up her neck as he drew back. She simply nodded, knowing what needed to be said but not exactly how to say it. He smiled, placing another kiss on her lips before he shifted away from her and stood from the bed, heading into his bathroom.

Croía rolled on her back, staring up at the ceiling. She took in a few quick breaths, trying to unmuddle her thoughts.

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

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​ @ladyangel70​ @esmckenzie​ @dcbbw​ @burnsoslow​ @bbrandy2002​ @txemrn​ @charlotteg234​ @kat-tia801​ @neotericthemis​ @foreverethereal123​ @choiceskatie​ @sirbeepsalot​ @debramcg1106​ @gnatbrain​ @ofpixelsandscribbles​ @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​

#choices crossover series #trr #choices trr #the royal romance #choices the royal romance #liam rys #king liam rys #trr king liam #choices king liam #liam x oc #choices liam x oc #trr liam x oc #foreign affairs #choices foreign affairs #blaine hayes #choices blaine #tatum mendoza #choices tatum #blaine hayes x oc #tatum x mc #crimes of passion #choices crimes of passion #trystan thorne #choices trystan #trystan thorne x mc #choices au #choices fan fiction #trr fanfic #trr fanfiction #foreign affairs fanfic

[moodmusicmonday]

What a STRONG start for May! Check out this amazing playlist! Seriously! Pop it on in the car, while you're working or even when you're doing your Spring cleaning! Great list, and even greater fics to come! HUGE thank you to all of our creators that submitted their songs! Make sure to be looking out for these *NEW* stories!

Can't wait? Well, you're in luck! Some fics have already been released--and you NEED to check them out! Look for the 📖, then click on the link! Don't forget to show your support! Like, comment and/or reblog!

As always, thank you so much for supporting this blog! Whether you actively participate or you signal boost us, we see you, and we love you so, so much! We'll see y'all again soon! 💜

~🎵~

@alj4890

“Sparks” - Coldplay; Mixed Signals, *new* series [OPH, Ethan Ramsey x  f!OC (Chris), ft. Bryce Lahela  and Tobias Carrick] 

@aussiegurl1234

📖 “Gone” - NF, Julia Michaels; Black Silk, Chapter 5: Thora;  [TRR AU; Liam x f!OC (Alice), Drake x f!OC (Delilah)]

@cariantha

📖 “Hey Stupid, I Love You” - JP Saxe; Power Play [OPH; Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Sawyer Brooks)]

@peonierose

Wildflower, Part 1/? [OPH; Keiki Lahela (*new* f!MC) x Koa Haulani (m!OC)]

- “Sweethoneylove” - Babe Blakes - “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” - Creedence Clearwater Revival - “Wildflower” - 5 Seconds of Summer - “Blurry Eyes” - Michael Patrick Kelley - “Fallin’ for You” - Colbie Caillat

@tessa-liam

“Ready For Anything” - Landon Austin; Smoke and Mirrors, Chapter 7 [TRR/TRF+; Liam Rys x f!MC (Riley Brooks- Rys)]

“Fall Into Me” - Forest Blakk; Marabelle, Chapter 5 [TRR; Liam Rys x f!OC (Sophie)]

@txemrn

“I Don’t Miss You Anymore” - Loveless; Like Ships in the Night, TBD (OPH; Ethan Ramsey x f!OC [former])

“Take Me with You” - Secondhand Serenade; I Don’t Have Anything to Hide… There’s Just One More Thing… (OPH; Ethan Ramsey x f!OC (Tatum Erikson)]

~🎵~

Tags are in the comments! Please let us know if you'd like to be added/removed!

#mood music monday #moodmusicmonday #choices mmm #spotify #choices fanfiction #choices fanfic #choices mood music monday #choices music inspo #music inspo #Spotify

[obsessedwithstabi]

#playchoices #choices stories we play #choices #choices stories you play #tatum x mc #foreign affairs #choices foreign affairs #tatum mendoza

[springfeverpitch]

From the host... This was such a fun event! I can't thank our talented creators enough for making SFP such a success! I thought I was simply hosting an event, but rather, I got to chat and get to know know several of y'all, and in turn, you blessed me! Thank you for sharing your gifts and creativity! Hugs all around! 🖤

Please go check out these fics! Give them a like, reblog and/or a comment! You will really make someone's day brighter!

Also, don't forget to check out the stories from the Home Team!

⚾- Fic created with the help of the Concession Stand

🔞 These stories are intended for mature audiences only. 🔞

The First Kiss ⚾ - @twinkleallnight

Location: Domestic, Fun

The Royal Romance; Drake Walker x Olivia Nevrakis

Paint the Night (Colourblind) - @socalwriterbee

Location: Water

The Nanny Affair; m!Sam Dalton x MC (Marie Castro)

We're Still Friends - @txemrn

Location: Work/School

Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x f!OC (Tatum Erikson)

Wildflower ⚾ - @peonierose

Location: Domestic

Open Heart; f!MC (Keiki Lahela) x m!OC (Koa Haulani)

Sweet Escape - @socalwriterbee

Location: Work/School

Witness: A Bodyguard Romance; m!Cassian Keane x f!MC/OC (Viviana "Ana" Marin)

Fever - @ofmischiefandmedicine

Location: Water

Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Laura Levchenko)

The Lighthouse ⚾ - @socalwriterbee

Location: Fun, Water

The Royal Romance; Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis

Pearls - @txemrn

Location: Domestic

The Royal Romance; Liam Rys x MC (Riley Brooks-Rys)

Conquest - @the-pale-goddess

Location: Fun

Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Tiffany Addams)

The Long Way Home - @cariantha

Location: Water

Open Heart; Ethan Ramsey x f!MC (Sawyer Brooks)

Sleepless in New York, Chapter 10: Darkfall - @karahalloway

Location: Domestic

The Royal Romance; Drake Walker x f!OC (Harper Gale)

Ti Amo Molto ⚾ - @tessa-liam

Location: Fun, Water

The Royal Romance; Liam Rys x MC (Riley Brooks-Rys)

A Wild Ride - @kristinamae093

Location: Fun

The Royal Romance; Liam Rys x MC (Riley Brooks)

~⚾~

#spring fever pitch #choices spring fever pitch #choices fanfic event #choices sfp #sm*tty challenge

[aprilchallenge]

Fics of the Week

Open Heart

Paring: Ethan Ramsey x (MC) Kaycee

Choosing you 🌺 @jerzwriter

Pairing: Sienna Trinh x Max Valentine (M!OC)

New York Moment 🌺 @liaromancewriter

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Kaycee)

A different fate… 🌺 @jerzwriter

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey)

Worth the wait 🌺 @jerzwriter

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey)

We’re having a baby… 1/2 🌺 @jerzwriter

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey) Feat: Bryce Lahela

Any day… 🌺 @jerzwriter

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley (F!OC)

An early morning 🌺 @storyofmychoices

Pairing: Bryce Lahela x Olivia Hadley (F!OC)

Other character: Malia Lahela (F!OC)

Our Future Doctor 🌺 @storyofmychoices

Paring: Ethan Ramsey x f!OC (Tatum Erikson), with special appearances by Tobias Carrick and Julian Santiago (m!OC)

Heads up 🌺 @txemrn

TRR & TRH

Pairing: MC is widowed, Past Pairings Riley x Nico (Riley x M!OC) , Past Pairing of Liam x Riley

Where do we go from here? 🌺 @bebepac

Series: Part 8 of the Cordonian Arrangement.

Pairing: None - mostly Liam and Hakim bonding, mentions of Hakim and Constantine's friendship

Legacies 🌺 @lizzybeth1986

Chapter 1: The Statues

Pairing: Liam Rys x F!MC Riley Brooks-Rys, OTP ‘LiRi 

Cappadocia 🌺 @tessa-liam

Pairing: Liam x MC (Phoebe Summers)

The Start of Forever 🌺 @liaromancewriter

Wake the dead

Pairing: Eli Sipes; Jim, Florence & David Sipes (his family)

A Mother‘s Journal - Part 4 🌺 @jerzwriter

Red Carpet Diaries

Pairing: Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer (F!OC)

Distraction 🌺 @theartoflovingthomashunt

Edits & Artwork

Olivia Claire Hadley

Yellow 🌺 @storyofmychoices

Characters involved: Cassie Valentine (F!MC), Max Valentine

Reminiscing 🌺 @liaromancewriter

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Victoria Clarke

Chilled Sundays 🌺 @potionsprefect

Characters involved: Sadie Oakley and Sienna Trinh

Sadie‘s Sunday Self-Care #28 🌺 @peonyblossom

Characters involved: A Picta edit of Aru and her college friend (Monica)'s photo taken by another friend (Apoorva)

Purple Pals 🌺 @choicesfanaf

#choices april monthly challenge #fics of the week #open heart #trr #wake the dead #red carpet diaries #the royal heir

[openheartfanfics]

Newly Added Fics

Feb 11 - 17, 2023

🎭 Angst  |  🦚 Angsty Fluff  |  🛸 AU  |  ☁ Fluff  |  ♥ NSFW  |  📚 Series  |  📷 Edit  |  📱 TextFic  |  Ⓜ Mature

BRYCE X F!OC

After Dark: Satisfaction Guaranteed - @storyofmychoices ☁💘

Bryce has a special surprise waiting for Olivia.

I’m a Sucker for You! - @peonierose ☁💘

Bryce and Luna spend some time on Valentine‘s Day (even though they’re not the biggest Valentine’s Day fans).

Love, Rosie - @peonierose 📷💘

It’s February 14th, Maxine‘s Birthday. So all her family & friends share some love on her (not) beloved day. Valentine‘s Day.

Once A Shattered Heart - @a-cloud-for-dreams 🦚

As Chandini and Bryce work on planning their wedding, he helps her deal with a heartbreak that never healed. [Wedding]

ETHAN X F!MC

A Valentine's Surprise - @peonyblossom ☁💘

Ethan is woken up early by his daughter, who needs his help making a Valentine's Day surprise for her mom. [Domestic; Family]

Abundance - @jerzwriter ☁💘

It's their first Valentine's Day together, but they still have to keep things secret... and Ethan isn't helping.

Accidental Valentine - @cariantha ☁💘

It’s Valentine’s Day and Ethan and Sawyer get “stuck” spending the evening together.

Afternoon Delight - @coffeeheartaddict2 ☁💘

It is Valentine’s Day and Ethan sends Casey a cake to help get her through the afternoon.

Caked - @txemrn 🎭Ⓜ

After receiving horrible life-changing news from the hospital's lab report, Tatum is overcome with worry with having to be the bearer of bad news to the couple. TW: Depiction of dysfunctional eating

Death Stare - @headoverheelsforramsey ☁💘

A friendly staring contest turns into a heated competition. Who will emerge as the winner? Ethan or Meera? [Donahue's; Friends Intervene]

Flowers - @jamespotterthefirst 🎭💘

She is stung when he sends flowers to someone else on Valentine’s Day. [Jealous]

Making a Mark - @txemrn ☁💘Ⓜ

Despite med school exams, Ethan and Tatum plan on spending time together for their first Valentine's day; but their plans take a different course... literally. [Jealous]

Not the Right Person - @lucy-268 ☁💘

Various “Celebrations” for Valentine’s Day when you aren’t celebrating with the right person. Feat. Sienna Trinh, Aurora Emery

Okay to treat yourself - @amortentiaopenheart ☁💘

Ethan receives an anonymous gift.

Special Surprise - @potionsprefect ☁💘

Luke and Lily enlist Aunt Sienna for a very special mission. Feat. Sienna Trinh [Domestic; Family]

Staying In - @potionsprefect ☁

Victoria is left disappointed when she is sick on her birthday. [Birthday; Illness/Injury]

Valentine Memories - @liaromancewriter ☁💘

When Alan finds a box of childhood memorabilia, Cassie teases Ethan about his romantic past. Feat. Alan Ramsey

ETHAN X M!MC

The Art of Doing Nothing - @dr-colossal-pita ☁💘

They don't do valentine's cards...until they do.

PLATONIC/ENSEMBLE

Stained Glass and Stuffed Animals - @peonyblossom ☁💘

Sienna continues her own little tradition of Valentine's sleepovers with her friends, even if most of them already live in the same apartment.

The Galentine’s Day Queens: A TRR / Open Heart Crossover - @bebepac ☁💘

Daniel takes Riley and their friends on a special night on the town as Galentines. Feat. F!MC

SIENNA X M!OC

The Reluctant Valentine - @liaromancewriter ☁💘

It’s Valentine’s Day, and Max can’t say no to his favorite girl.

TOBIAS X F!MC

Ground Rules - @jerzwriter 📱Ⓜ

Not long after they finally made it official, Casey just wants to set some things straight. Can Tobias wear her down?

No One Else - @jerzwriter ☁💘

Misunderstandings, changes in plans, a blast from the past, and secret admirers threaten to turn Tobias & Casey's first second Valentine's Day upside down.

Part 1

Simple Pleasures - @jerzwriter ☁💘

Tobias is driving himself crazy trying to create the perfect Valentine's Day for his new wife and momma-to-be. [Pregnancy]

_

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

#open heart #open heart choices #choices open heart #open heart fanfics #open heart fanfiction #choices fanfics #choices fanfiction #playchoices #bryce lahela #bryce lahela x mc #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #tobias carrick #tobias carrick x mc #sienna trinh #newly added fics