#riam

"Maybe that's for the best," Riam said. Devi turned her head slightly towards him. He continued. "It means you're still you. Don't you think it takes a special kind of fucked up and twisted soul to truly take enjoyment in others' sufferings?"

Devi paused for a bit then shrugged as she turned to leave. "Maybe you're right."

As the door closed behind her, it was quiet for a bit. Then Riam sighed and got up. He didn't say it, but his heart was bleeding too. Not only seeing his love hurt and be unable to help in any meaningful way was killing him, but knowing that he himself was the source of her pain... And no matter how many times she says that it wasn't his fault and he couldn't do anything, she said it right - it will never go away. But he couldn't say anything. It would be insensitive and would only hurt her more. Her pain was worse. She was what mattered. Him? He can take it. He is a man. The Man. As he opened the door to follow her, he understood that she would be most unhappy with the way his thoughts flew. But thankfully she was busy enough to read them, thus he could safely continue ignoring the voice of reason in his head.

She was standing by the window. Riam couldn't quite see her face clearly, but he did see the way her tears glistened under the starlight. He came up to her quietly.

"I'm okay," she said, trying to suppress the quivering in her voice.

"Liar." Riam put his arm over her shoulder.

A tear rolled down Devi's chin and splattered over her chest. "Damn right I am." She sniffed and held herself in her arms. "They just won't stop," she said. "No matter what, they keep streaming down, but..."

"But..?" Riam pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her.

"I don't feel... You know how when you cry, your eyes are burning, and you don't feel relieved at all, you just feel empty, and you end up feeling even worse... You know? Well, I don't feel that. I feel... good? Even though I can't stop crying, I feel... So light, actually." She looked up at him. "Maybe it's 'cause you're with me." She smiled, making more tears stream down her face.

Riam hugged her tightly and put his chin on top of her head. They stood quietly like that, gazing at distant stars. Riam tried to remember the last time he let himself cry.

Right, when was the last time he even cried..?

Looking into his childhood, the earliest memory Riam had was of his mother. He definitely cried a lot in her arms. He remembered how she'd always pat his head ever so gently saying that he must be strong.

When she died, he didn't cry. He remembered that clearly. All he felt was burning rage. And helplessness. And that rage burnt him all out, leaving nothing but complete emptiness in its way. He was way too young for this.

He didn't cry for a very long while after that. He matured way too early for a child, so when he met the man who would declare him his son, he was only too happy to let go of his presumed "strength" and get back the childhood that was taken away from him.

Until he got senpai killed. He cried for days back then. Of course he did - he was still 8. But he had to mature a lot after that again - the crew needed him to. Father needed him. And so he did, once again.

Then, when he was only 13, he had to watch his father getting executed. He cried. Yes, he cried, just barely able to stop himself from screaming. He just kept losing people dear to him.

Then... life went on. Riam thought, as hard as he could, but he could no longer pinpoint a single time he would cry. Not when his heart would break in pieces, not when it was ready to burst from happiness. Not stressing for his brother's life, not happy for his friend's dream coming true. Not watching the love of his life's heart being torn to shreds, not being finally able to touch her lips. Nothing could make him cry. For so long...

He looked up at the starry sky. After the crunches behind him, Devi's voice was gradually getting closer. "Okay, okay, I'm done now, did I make you wait long? Sorry, sorry, couldn't decide on the dress. Speaking of, does this blue suit me? I think it gives a weird tint in this lighting. I-"

"Devi."

"-think- huh?" Though Riam's voice sounded rather quiet compared to Devi's loud happy one, she immediately dropped the train of her babbling as she heard her name. She lightly got close to Riam, looking into his eyes. "What's up?"

"I think I forgot how to cry."

"Yeah, sure! I- whuh?!" She took a bit to actually process his words, but when she did, her eyes opened wide, looking at him from below. "Wait, what did you just say?" Her voice suddenly got softer, almost a whisper.

Riam kept looking up. "I can't remember crying since father died. I think... I can no longer cry if I tried."

Devi's expression changed. She looked concerned now. "That's... That's not good... All emotions are important! If you can't cry..." She stopped herself from continuing. She leaned closer to him. "Sweetheart..."

He finally looked down on her. "Yeah. I might be... actually doing worse than I thought."

"We need to talk," Devi said, her voice almost inaudible behind the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

Riam sighed. "I guess... Can I pick a spot for the date, then?" Devi nodded. Riam huffed with a smile. "Your dress looks beautiful on you under this lighting by the way."

https://youtu.be/DUzzNXaAg442

Please forgive any typos:

If you enjoy my storytelling please feel free to like and reblog. :) 

Any Dessert References you see between Liam and Riley started with this story: 

https://bebepac.tumblr.com/post/610889537339752448/all-characters-belong-to-pixelberry-paring-my

Tagging: @emceesynonymroll​ @dcbbw​ @kacie-0156​ @queenjilian​ @kingliam2019​ @loveellamae​ @queencordonia​ @lodberg​ @kimmiedoo5​ @kaitycole​ @glaimtruelovealways​ @burnsoslow​ @custaroonie​ @annekebbphotography​ @camersworld​  @my0123456789universe​ @the-soot-sprite @breastfeeding-gothmomma​ @iaminlovewithtrr​ @queenwalton​ 

“It’s a beautiful day. We should be outside enjoying it. Let’s go to the beach.  Pack a picnic basket have good music playing, and dance.”

“Did someone say dance?” Maxwell apparently just checked into the conversation.

“Yes, a beach day with good food, and  good music would be awesome.  Mad respect.”

“Just a little bit…..“ Riley sang twitching her hips.

“What?” Leo looked confused.

“R - E - S - P - E - C - T ?”

“You can spell?”  Hana asked.

“Nobody knows this song?”

Everyone shook their heads no.  

“Well looks like i’m taking you royals to school because… 

I think it’s time I teach you about RESPECT.”

“Mmmm… please tell me this involves you in a white crop top and a short pleated skirt , your hair in pigtails with a ruler.”

“LEO I already told you about this more than once. She’s off limits. I put a ring on it.”

“And smack it,” Leo making whipping sounds.

“Put it terms he understands, like, you licked it, therefore it’s yours.”

“She gets me Liam. Understood.”

Drake rolls his eyes,  "TMI Brooks!“  Riley smirks at him

"Liam would you get me your guitar.  I’m gonna need it.”  

“You play the guitar Brooks?”

“Yep, it’s one of my muscle memory super hero powers I’ve unearthed since I’ve been here.  Just like being able to use the bo staff, but I already knew I could fight and throw a decent punch.”

Liam brought his guitar to the room.

Riley shook out her hands.  “Come on freaky muscle memory super powers.”  

She struck the first cord and it sounded horrible.  Everyone winced.  King Liam walked up to her, and whispered in her ear.  “You played for me for an hour and it was beautiful. You’re tense, I can see it in your shoulders. Relax.” He gently rubbed her shoulders for a few moments.  “You can do this.”

She struck a few cords and hummed for a second.  Then perfect music and song and soulful riffs rang true.

Just before she closed her eyes as she was really getting into the song,  she glanced at Liam.  He was bobbing his head to the music smiling at her, and mouthed the words “My Queen.”

When she was done they all screamed.  

“Damn Brooks,” any place we go from now on, your playlist is riding shotgun.”

“Hell yeah!”

But her eyes were on Liam and his on hers.  “You know you’re freaking amazing right?”

“Yes, but you can say it again.”  

“You’re freaking amazing Duchess Riley.” King Liam leaned in to kiss her lips.  As soon as he had connected.  Someone cleared their throat.  

Liam opened his eyes, seeing his father standing there.

He pulled away from Duchess Riley.  Riley noticed, he had a slight smear of lipstick on his cheek.

She tried to get his attention.

Liam quirked his eyebrow at her.

“Father.”

“Duchess Riley, you were definitely born in the wrong era, singing a powerhouse song from the Queen of Soul.”

Everyone’s mouths dropped.

“I mean no disrespect, King Father, you know that song?”

Constantine laughs, nodding his head.

“So I take it then, you’re the little songbird I’ve been hearing around the palace.”

She nodded to  him.  “I hope I haven’t been too troublesome for you.”

“On the contrary, Duchess Riley, you have a beautiful voice. It’s been a while since these halls have been graced with a talented musician living behind these walls, to be part of the royal family. You know that was Liam’s mother’s guitar. She could play and sing beautifully like you.”

“Yes, King Liam did mention that to me.“

“I can really see now why he’s so fond of you.  You remind me so much of her too.”  

“That’s so kind of you to say, Sir.”

“What are you kids up to today?”

“We were thinking about a picnic at the beach.  Play some music.

“Duchess Riley has the best playlist.” Maxwell chimed in.

“Of course, a talented musician would, and I bet it’s very eclectic. You kids have fun.”

"Duchess Riley.”

She gave him a low curtsy, “King Father.”

“And Liam?“

“Yes Father?”

"Duchess Riley was trying to tell you, you had a little lipstick smear right about here,” gesturing to his face.

“Oh!”  Liam rubbed his face, his cheeks reddening.

They requested a picnic basket lunch from the kitchen, and went to get into their swimsuits.

Liam and Drake, the captains set up the volleyball net, and teams were selected.

Liam selected Riley and Maxwell, Drake,Hana and Leo on the other.

Drake and Riley were almost as competitive as Drake and Liam were. Drake spiked the ball hard, hitting  Riley in the right breast hard.

She went down grabbing her breast. “Mother Fucker!” Riley screamed.

“What the hell Drake?!?”  Liam rushed over to her.

“Is it bad that I am sympathetic and turned on right now?” Leo asked.

“Right?” Maxwell and Hana said in unison.

“Are you hurt? Let me see.” Liam remarked.

“ No one is seeing my boob right now. But, be a good boy,  and we’ll have dessert later.”

“God Damn, i love dessert.”

They looked up seeing everyone staring at them, Liam was  still groping Riley’s breast, licking his lips at her. 

"They’re not talking about cake. Nope, not at all awkward,  not one bit.”

Liam pulled Riley up.

“It’s definitely on now, you come after mine, I come after you Drake .” Liam popped his knuckles and cracked his neck.

“Bring it!”

So the game basically turned into a battle Royale between Drake and Liam. Liam was the victor.

As evening set in, they built a small bonfire.

Riley played songs they all would know.

She put the guitar down, finally taking a break.

“What?” She inquired looking at Liam, him staring at her with a sweet smile on his lips.

He kissed her. “It’s just so nice to be able to kiss you and hold your hand in public and not hide our love.”

They spent  the rest of the evening laughing, singing, and making s'mores by the fire.

It had indeed been the perfect day.