#Deb Lavender

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Jeremy Kohler at ProPublica:

One month after Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion, Republican lawmakers in the deeply red state are already working to overturn it — or at least undermine it. One measure would ask voters to amend the state constitution to define life as beginning at conception, declaring that embryos are people with rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The result would be to classify abortion as an unlawful killing.

Another proposal, aimed at repealing the abortion rights amendment, would ask voters to ban gender transition procedures for minors, tying the two issues together, despite the fact that the amendment did not address gender surgery and gender-affirming care for transgender children is already illegal in Missouri.

Other proposed amendments include stricter abortion limits, such as restricting access to cases of rape, incest, medical emergencies and fetal anomalies. These measures would impose additional requirements, such as mandating that rape survivors file police reports to obtain an abortion. GOP lawmakers have also introduced a measure to raise the threshold for amending the state constitution through voter initiatives, which could make it harder to pass similar measures in the future.

The legislative moves follow the Nov. 5 election, in which the amendment to put abortion rights in the state constitution won by a 51.6%-48.4% margin. Starting Thursday, the right to abortion will be constitutionally guaranteed up to the point of fetal viability, while restrictions on post-viability abortions will remain in place. In other states where voters approved abortion rights measures last month, there were no signs yet that lawmakers would also try to counter those measures. Even before votes in Missouri had been counted, proponents of Amendment 3, as the measure was called, had anticipated that a victory would be met with efforts to somehow undercut abortion rights. “These people will continue to rail against abortion,” said state Rep. Deb Lavender, a Democrat from the St. Louis suburbs.

Although Missouri already has a law recognizing life as beginning at conception, stating that unborn children have “protectable interests in life, health, and well-being,” the proposed constitutional amendment would go further. It would effectively elevate this principle to the state constitution and potentially complicate not only abortion rights but the legality of in vitro fertilization and the handling of embryos.

Several states have laws recognizing fetal personhood, but Missouri would be the second — after Alabama — to enshrine it in its constitution. That could create legal and ideological confusion or even conflicts, experts say. [...] The author of one of the personhood measures, Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from the St. Louis suburbs, said he was emboldened by the narrow margin of the abortion rights vote.

“A clear mandate has not been achieved,” he said. While the amendment had strong support in metro St. Louis and Kansas City and in the county that’s home to the University of Missouri, “the vast majority of the rest of the state voted in a different direction,” he added. “So I think it’s fair to again bring the question up.” But state Sen. Tracy McCreery, a Democrat also from the St. Louis suburbs, noted that Sparks was going against the will of voters in the St. Louis area. “I find that even more disrespectful of the voters,” she said. “It wasn’t just voters that tend to vote Democratic that voted yes on Amendment 3. It was also Republican voters and independent voters, and I think that’s getting lost in this discussion.” The measure to link abortion and transgender rights reflects the campaign before the election, when abortion opponents conflated these topics. Critics said this strategy seeks to distract from abortion rights, which had strong voter support, by capitalizing on voter discomfort with transgender issues.

While GOP lawmakers push these measures, the legal landscape around abortion in Missouri is already shifting. On Wednesday, a Jackson County Circuit Court heard arguments in a lawsuit brought by Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri that seeks to strike down Missouri’s near-total abortion ban and other laws that regulate abortion. The lawsuit followed the passage of Amendment 3. Planned Parenthood said if it wins in court it plans to resume abortion services in St. Louis, Kansas City and Columbia on Friday. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has acknowledged that the amendment will legalize most abortions when it goes into effect, but he has said he intends to enforce remaining restrictions, such as a ban on abortions after fetal viability, a 72-hour waiting period and parental consent for minors.

A small majority of Missouri voters to enshrine abortion rights into the state's constitution with Amendment 3, but Republican lawmakers are already seeking to either overturn the amendment or significantly neuter it, in a sign of disrespect to the will of the people.

[akajustmerry]

I feel like Hugh jackman's memoir is either gonna be absolute madness OR like...it's okay we know :))

[possum-quesadilla]

Chapter 9 of Time’s Arrow, “I am selfish, I am broken, I am cruel, I am all the things they might have said to you” is here! Woof. Sorry everyone. Happy Beetlejuice 2 premiere! :,)

THIS CHAPTER IS PARTICULARLY ROUGH. PLEASE READ THE WARNINGS CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING.

Extras below!

- The lyrics for this chapter’s title is from “Never Love An Anchor” by The Crane Wives.

- “The next ten months moved at the speed of a dream.” - A call back to a line from Time is a Flat Circle, which itself is a reference to “Asteroid City”! Gotcha again!

- “They read ‘Flowers for Algernon’, ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’, and… some sort of Jane Austen novels.” - I wonder if those stories are thematically relevant to this chapter?

- “He had no idea what to do about his fur anyhow. It had never grown in that long and thick before, how was he supposed to know it would do that?” - It was growing properly because he was finally happy and healthy enough for it to do so!

- “She was tall. Well, at least taller than him. Damnit.” - Bela is 5’9”! She is on the shorter side for demons. Beej is just especially small, since he was malnourished.

- “Her roots were black, the rest of her hair cascaded down to her shoulders in similar curls to his own, colored with a gentle lavender hue.” - Bela’s resting hair color is purple instead of green like Beej!

- “She had an orange-jeweled nose ring.” - Bela and Deb have matching nose rings, since exchanging jewelry is how demons court each other!

- “Shades of a gentle maroon red flickered through Bela’s hair.” - Bela has different colors for her emotions than Beej does!

- “Most were “whales”, stolen away in malevolent Deals to forever be a supply for the demon they were tied to. Slowly withering away to nothing.” - this is inspired by “Doctor Sleep”, because I’m a huge Mike Flanagan fiend.

- “They were all strange, all lacked the innate ability to socially adapt that the other demons thrived off of.” - Autism can run in a family, and it sure does run in the Shoggoth family!

- “He didn’t know why she was upset, but he knew it was up to him to make it better. (Why else was he here?)” - Still partially believes his only purpose is to make others happy, or they wouldn’t want him around.

- “… she hesitated, still firmly grasping the bright green fleece blanket he’d summoned from his room around her shoulders.” - The same blanket Charles got Beej for his room!

- “ “I watched this movie last night, since I couldn’t fall asleep. It was..” their voice caught in their throat, and their breath hitched. Beetlejuice slowly rose from his chair, setting the ice pack on the counter. “… lotta.. big feelings about it, huh?” They rapidly nodded, wrapping their arms around themself. “I don’t… I can’t keep living the way I do.” ” - Ash watched “I Saw The TV Glow”, which is a horror movie about being trans. It gutted me the first time I saw it. Ash had a similar visceral reaction, and it made her rethink how she is living. It also informs a lot of this chapter’s theming, but it is not required viewing for this fic. It is very, very difficult to watch for neurodivergent queers.

- “The living need attention too, Ash. It’s okay.” - This line is partially taken from “Dead Girls” by Penelope Scott, which is a very important song on Ash’s playlist.

- “You feel like you’ll die if you stay there. Or… worse.” - An “I Saw The TV Glow” reference. There’s quite a few in here.

- “Thank you, Beetlejuice.” - the first time they’ve called him by his actual name!

- Anyone spot more Time is a Flat Circle parallels?

- “It was then that Beetlejuice got hit by his first car.” - This is mostly a joke about how I, the author, have been hit by 4 cars. I feel like Beej would be similarly unlucky.

- “… it’s like being a wolf dog.” - This is based on how I’ve explained what it was like to grow up in my household.

- “Memories washed away like chalk on the sidewalk.” - Another “I Saw The TV Glow” reference.

- “Adam and Barbara celebrated their birthdays, which landed a couple days apart from each other, by smelling wine and watching ‘Lord of the Rings’ together. Beetlejuice was invited to join them.” - Based on something Adam made Beej he would promise to do in an earlier chapter!

- “June was full of beautiful sunsets he watched with his family.” - This was, like the previous thing, also listed among the reasons Beej should keep “living” in a previous chapter.

- “At the end of the month, walking to school and the store with Lydia, Beetlejuice realized with horror that Lydia was taller than him. Like, at least half a foot taller.” - Lydia is 5’7” now, he’s just being dramatic.

- “(How could no one see it? He felt so happy, but still he felt pieces of him slowly dying and rotting away. How could no one see that he was rotten? That he was dying?)” - This is partially another “I Saw The TV Glow” reference, and a reference to the ending of the song “you smell of dead flowers” by vslush and cliesel

- “August came like a thief in the night.” - A callback to Time is a Flat Circle! Which is itself an Edgar Allen Poe reference.

- “… they say old man Hirsch signed up for it right before he went missing.” - Yes he is named after Alex Hirsch, creator of “Gravity Falls”. Love ya Alex!

- “ “I managed to talk him down from another viewing of ‘Pride and Prejudice’!” (Another? What was that? They’d seen it before?)” - This is meant to alert the reader that something is very wrong, as “Pride and Prejudice” was brought up before by Beetlejuice himself.

- “Beetlejuice scratched at their left arm. The scars had started to fade.” - He was resorting to self-regulating self harm less enough that his arm was healing before this point.

- “I… I couldn’t.. I didn’t have enough energy to resist the Seal w-.. without a cult.” - Beetlejuice was tricking people to sign up for his cult under the guise of a “Loyalty Program”.

- “Why have they been going missing, then?” … “They swore they were choking on the taste of blood, bile rising in their throat as they felt their flesh between their teeth.” - Beetlejuice ate a few members of his cult. That’s why there’s missing persons in the town.

- “Someone’s hand gripped the back of their shirt, trying to pull them out of the kitchen. Panic spiked within them. Beetlejuice felt the blow to the back of their head, the horrible stabbing agony in their chest. That familiar, terrifying sensation they’d felt over and over and over and- ”- Beetlejuice had flashbacks to being killed during the loop over and over because Charles touched his old wound and it scared him, hence why he lashed out.

- “There’s still time. There has to be.” - Yet another “I Saw The TV Glow” reference.

- “ “Hello, pet.” Time’s up.” - Meant to envoke a terrifying line in “Yo, Girl” from Heathers the musical.

- “I’ll make you wish you could die!” - This line was originally going to be a more blatant reference to a line that Circus Baby from the FNAF series says often, “You won’t die, but you’ll wish you could.”

- “You always bounce ba- ” - Meant to be a reference to this scene from “Adventure Time” which I’ve… never seen…

- “Beetlejuice was distantly aware that Cyrus brought his claws up to his mouth to lick some of the blood off of them. “Choke on it,” they sputtered, although they weren’t sure if Cyrus could understand them through all of the blood that bubbled out of their mouth.” - Meant to be a reference to the horrific death of Captain Rhodes from “Day of the Dead”!

- “Beetlejuice wheezed out a last croak as Cyrus once again gripped their hoof and continued dragging them towards the portal.” - This is meant to evoke the gut-wrenching opening scene of “Scream”. Specifically, the part where Ghostface is dragging Casey away, and she is wheezing out her last breaths, which her parents can hear over the phone. The music in that scene never fails to make me cry. (I cried my eyes out rewatching that scene and imagining it playing when the Maitlands see the basement, but that’s not how things will happen…)

- “I’m sorry I was the one you loved.” - From “I’m Your Man” by Mitski.

[artisticmenace]

days 6-9 cause im a busy bee

day six, past

some scotts over the many years.

scott is from a small town called nebula. he was mostly a good kid until 1981 when he got with a girl named vicky. she was pretty terrible.

day seven, likes (written)

Scott enjoys most popular 70s/80s music along with some newer stuff thrown in. He likes flowers, mostly lavender, zinnias, and azaleas. This is because it reminds him of his dad(alive until he's 30). His favorite food is pork chops. He likes to garden and spend time with his friends and family.

day eight, dislikes (written)

Scott doesn't like school. He's not good at any of that stuff, even when he puts in 110%. He also doesn't like mean people. He's very much a kind of vigilante. He hates potato and egg salad. He doesn't like tulips either. They're ugly.

day nine, relationships

Of course Scott and Rodney, high school sweethearts. Lucy and Vicky are actually two of Scott's less terrible ex gfs(until vicky gets back into addiction, but thats a story for another day) who are lesbians and in love. Russ and Calvin are from a different story, but they don't get together. Calvin can't take care of himself and so Russ takes care of him. Russ doesn't really have time for a relationship nor does he feel he needs one. Calvin is aroace. At one point Calvin thought maybe they should be a couple but they both felt weird about that and dropped it. And then Scott and Deb my favorite set of siblings ever. Deb is six years older than Scott and they are almost polar opposites. Their personalities are similar in a few ways, especially when they're together.

[madsworld15]

Chapter 4, Part 3 of Heal Me, Hold Me, Make Me, Know Me

QAF AU, Brian x Justin, Asexual Spectrum Representation, Series Retelling

As always, my biggest cheerleaders deserve a shout-out: @winderlylandchime @maryp50 and @lostcol

Once they’d settled into their new agreement, Justin seemed much happier, and their conversations returned. Brian felt bad that he had let his ego get in the way of being true to his heart. He really did love having Justin around; it made him feel like he wasn’t going to disappear one day. Brian didn’t ever talk about it with his Liberty Avenue family, but ever since he was a kid, he worried that if someone didn’t appreciate him as he was, he would just stop existing someday. Before Justin, he drank and did drugs as often as he did because it helped him forget his constant worry of not actually being alive.

Brian would never say it out loud to Deb or Michael, or hell, even Ted, but he was actually grateful that Justin insisted they set ground rules for their relationship. He’d always been willing to respect what Justin did or didn’t want from him. So having set in stone boundaries would help him to keep his head on straight without messing up the one good thing going for him. Being a partner at Vanguard was nice and all, but it didn’t spark joy, as Emmett liked to say, in his life. Justin did, no matter how deeply he kept that knowledge hidden under the surface.

Speaking of Emmett, Brian looked up from his computer to find Cynthia approaching his office with Emmett trailing behind her. Brian shook his head at how out of place Emmett looked. His close friend was wearing a pretty tame outfit today, compared to what he normally wore, but his lavender button-down open revealing a dark purple tank underneath was far from what anyone Brian worked with would wear. Even Emmett’s pants made it no secret he was homosexual. After all, no hetero schmuck would be caught dead wearing brown pants that flared at the bottom.

“Hello, Honeycutt,” Brian smirked at the younger man, his eyes alight with mischief.

“Thank you for escorting him, Cyn. Please close the door.”

“Why? Everyone already saw him. You know the rumors are already flying. I’d place big money that most of the art department probably thinks you pay him for sex.”

“I resent that!” Emmett placed a hand on his chest in shock. “I would never.”

“Trust me, Cyn. He means he would never have sex with me, not even for money. He already flaunts his stuff for money on Theodore’s website.” Brian waggled his eyebrows, and Cynthia shook her head with a smile before closing the office door behind her.

Brian waited a beat before he turned to Emmett, who had now sprawled himself into one of Brian’s office chairs.

“So, Em, what brings you here during office hours.” Brian pushed his tongue into his cheek.

“Do you always insist on shocking the straights?” Emmett looked toward the closed door where Brian’s coworkers couldn’t hear what was being said, but the Brunette was acting as though they could.

“I consider it my biggest joy in life.” 

“I would’ve thought that moniker was reserved for Justin.” Emmett gave Brian a knowing look. “Don’t worry. I’m not still mad at you, though I do think you were an asshole for doing it.”

“Yes, I’m aware.” Brian sighed, “Again, I ask, what brings you here.” He didn’t really have time to mess around playing Emmett’s game of being coy. Remson Pharmaceuticals would be arriving this afternoon expecting the perfect ad copy, which was still being finalized, causing Brian a headache.

“So, I met someone.” Emmett smiled and clapped his hands excitedly.

“How is this different from every other day that ends in Y?” Brian looked Emmett up and down, only to discover there was something different about this new guy in Emmett’s life.

“We met because he saw me online and reached out.” Emmett started, and Brian cut him off with a sigh.

“Em! Don’t be stupid. That’s a recipe for disaster or something far worse.”

“Hush. If you’d let me finish, you would know that the man is none other than George Schickle from Schickle’s Pickles. He’s looking for companionship.” Emmett’s voice turned soft and serious. It was like Brian had never heard from Emmett when talking about guys he had sex with. “Which I am more than happy to provide. He’s so kind and funny. I just adore him.”

“How long have you known him?” Brian was wary, especially considering Emmett’s track record for dropping men he “adored” like flies. Emmett wasn’t one to commit, much like Brian. Maybe they were both growing away from all that.

“We’ve been seeing each other for almost two weeks now. I met him not long after Pride weekend. You’re the first to know.” Emmett gave Brian a look and leaned forward, “If Teddy finds out, he will probably prevent me from seeing him. Protecting his business and all that.”

“Yeah, Theodore has been a bit possessive of you lately. I hope he’s paying you what you’re worth.” Brian muttered.

Then he leaned back with a sigh, “So, why are you telling me first? Why not Justin? Wouldn’t it be more conducive to chat with the other housewife of the group?”

“I resent that remark. But, honestly, Justin would never be able to understand how huge this is. Plus, you’re less likely to judge me for shacking up with a man more than twice my age.” Emmett shrugged and then leaned back in his chair as well.

“Oh, do you want me to jump up and down in my chair with excitement?” Brian half-bounced and pretended to clap his hands. The sarcasm was coming in hot, and surprisingly, Emmett wasn’t put off by it.

“If I wanted that, I most definitely would’ve gone to Justin,” Emmett smirked with an eye roll for good measure.

Brian shrugged, leaned his arm on his lap, and turned back to work on his computer. He was actually looking into a computer device that he’d seen in his art department last week. His brain had already forgotten that Emmett was in his office until he looked up and saw the younger man sitting there examining his cuticles. 

“Do you think George would prefer I wear tight shorts instead of pants?” Emmett mumbled, staring at his thighs instead of at Brian.

“Uh…” Brian took a moment to reboot his mind. “I think George is probably happy he can get any at all.” Brian chuckled as Emmett looked up with a glare.

“Can I get your opinion on something?” Brian attempted to turn the conversation to the computer, which he was thinking about presenting to Justin.

“Yes, I do believe your medical ad there needs more men and muscles.” Emmett winked at Brian, motioning to the corkboard propped up to the side of his desk.

Brian dropped his head into his hands and sighed. “No, not about that, but thank you. I was wondering if you thought Justin would get mad if I bought him this computer that he could do art on?”

Brian turned his computer screen around just a bit to give Emmett an opportunity to look at the device he was already set on ordering. Emmett leaned over his desk and gave the image his full attention.

“Will it make him feel like you are trying to change him? That he needs fixing?” Emmett raised his eyebrow.

Brian leaned back. “Fuck. Probably.” With a bite to his lip, he got closer to Emmett once more, “One of our guys in the art department was using one the other day, and I thought it looked like a nice alternative, considering Justin still has hand seizures.” 

“My experience with Justin is that he will be open to a discussion if you present it as an idea, not as a solution. Just talk to him before you make the decision about buying it.” Emmett kissed Brian on his cheek before he skipped out of the office.

That night, Brian decided to forgo Woody’s or Babylon in favor of leaving the office at 6:30 pm and going back to the loft instead. He called ahead and let Justin know he would be coming home soon. Part of Brian did this because it made him feel warm inside, knowing that someone cared whether or not he came home at night, let alone took care of himself. Another part did it because he wanted to be sure Justin wouldn’t be terrified of him the moment he returned, considering the young man was still startled at unexpected people in his space.

When he arrived home with his briefcase in hand, Brian smelled food cooking even before opening his door. Once he had entered the space, the sound of Justin fumbling around in the kitchen made him smile to himself. He put his briefcase down on his desk and entered the kitchen to find Justin surrounded by pots and pans and the makings of a salad. Brian smiled and leaned over to plant a kiss on Justin’s temple.

“What’s this?” He reached into the pot for a taste, and Justin slapped his hand away.

“I’m making some garlic parmesan orzo with chicken. But it’s not quite done yet.” Justin replied with an answering grin and a kiss to the side of Brian’s mouth.

The blonde was about to stir the orzo when he suddenly dropped the spoon and grabbed at his right hand. Brian watched as the young man massaged his right palm as it spasmed. He even attempted to shake it out in an attempt to allow his fingers to uncurl. Brian silently reached over and massaged Justin’s hand while the young man whimpered from what was probably a painful incident.

After a few minutes, his hand relaxed, and Justin was able to focus on his cooking once more. The orzo was somewhat sticking to the pan, but Brian didn’t care. What mattered was that Justin’s hand was alright.

“That was a really bad one.” Brian rubbed his chin in thought, “How bad have they been lately.”

Justin just shrugged, but he wouldn’t look at Brian, which told him all he needed to know about the matter. Alarm bells were going off in Brian’s head. He needed Justin to be honest with him, but he didn’t exactly know how to push him without pushing him away entirely. He loved the man before him and yet he couldn’t bring himself to pressure Justin to reveal just how bad his hand spasms were. What’s even worse, Justin was clearly hiding them from everyone because Jennifer and Emmett would’ve told him if they’d known.

“Justin,” Brian placed his hands on Justin’s shoulders in an attempt to get the blonde to look him in the eye, “When did these spasms become painful? We should tell your neurologist.”

“It’s nothing, Brian. I can handle it.” Justin tried to dismiss his concern, but Brian wasn’t having it.

“That’s not nothing. You were whimpering as I massaged your hand. It's hurting you!” Brian tried not to yell, but his tone did go up an octave in concern.

“So I have a bit of pain now. I can’t afford to have another surgery or procedure done. My mom definitely can’t afford it.” Justin bit his lip.

“Why not let me worry about that part? What’s the real reason you don’t want to go to the doctor?” Brian knew Justin was just using finances as a ruse to get out of a deeper conversation.

“Brian. Just drop it.” Justin turned off the burners. “It’s fine. I’ve just been stretching my abilities to the max in an attempt to finish even one painting.”

“I’ll call your neurologist tomorrow. Until we talk to him, no more painting or drawing.” Brian gave Justin a stern look, and the blonde nodded in agreement.

After a beat, Brian added, “I would rather you do art in a different way, a new way, than risk losing the ability completely because you pushed yourself to do it the old way.” Brian leaned forward with one hand cupping Justin’s cheek and placed a kiss on his lips.

“Drawing and painting help me feel less anxious.” Justin tried to argue, but he gave in to Brian’s kiss and let the emotions carry him. Justin wrapped his arms around Brian’s neck and dived in deeper.

After a bit, Brian pulled away to add more to their conversation. “I know, but they aren’t the only way you can produce art.” 

“If I’m not painting or drawing, then what else do I have?”

“I might have an idea for you.” Brian pulled Justin into a hug against his chest. He wished with all his might he could take away any of these residual issues Justin was dealing with daily.

“The other day, one of the guys from our art department showed me an ad he was working on in real-time. Only instead of drawing it by hand he was doing it on a computer. He said the smaller pen gave his hand more control and didn’t make his muscles hurt as much as painting does.” Brain pulled back to look Justin in the eye in an attempt to gauge his reaction. “It’s just an idea.”

Justin pulled out of Brian’s arms completely. His face turned sour. 

“So, you want everyone to see that poor little Justin can’t do art like a normal person anymore.” Justin’s temper was flaring, but Brian had anticipated he might react this way.

“That’s not what I’m saying at all. I’m saying that sometimes you have to adjust expectations. Art on the computer is still art.” Brian joined his hands together to crack his knuckles while he watched Justin move about the loft, sorting through his emotions on the matter.

“Let me guess. You went ahead and already bought the computer. This is just your attempt to make me like the idea before you give it to me.” Justin turned to Brian with a scoff on his lips and a scornful look in his eyes.

“No, I am telling you about this alternative so that you know it's an option. If you are willing to try it, then I will buy it.” Brian didn’t give in to the frustration or anger Justin was gunning to pull out of him. 

“Right, because you think if you buy things for me, I’ll just forget that I have a fucking gimp hand?! Or that my attackers might get off at the trial tomorrow?” Justin’s deep-seated anger at the whole hand situation started to make sense.

Brian was floored. Did Justin really believe that his attackers might get the charges dismissed? Was the young man really that terrified of a negative outcome that he was willing to allow his injury recovery to possibly backtrack? 

Brian stepped back into Justin’s personal space and wrapped the young man in his arms once more. “Do you really believe that the judge will think they didn’t do this?”

“Be real, Brian. We are faggots. The judge will most likely think we deserve any violence against us because we’ve flaunted ourselves in front of unassuming heteros!” Justin pushed Brian away, which hurt Brian more than he cared to admit.

“You don’t know that. The evidence is damning. You were just standing outside a club and got attacked for no other reason than you were outside a gay club.” Brian didn’t even believe the words he was saying, but he wanted desperately for Justin to believe them.

“Right.” Justin scoffed, “I believe that almost as much as you do. Which isn’t a whole lot.”

“Let’s not think about it.” Brian tried to steer the conversation away from anything resembling the trial tomorrow. “The food is getting cold. Let’s eat.”

Justin reluctantly nodded his head and went back to the kitchen to plate up their food. Brian put out silverware on the table and silently watched the warring emotions still dancing across Justin’s features. He wanted to do nothing more than give Justin the absolution he deserved. The younger man had every reason to be afraid, but Brian just wanted him to feel safe no matter where he was or who he was with.

Yeah. I know that’s a fool's dream. I can’t even say that for myself.

When Justin finally brought their plates over to the table, Brian met him with a smile and a kiss to the side of his mouth. 

“This smells amazing.”

“I hope it’s okay. The orzo burned a little bit.” Justin bit his lip and sat down across from Brian.

“It’s fine. It’ll give the dish character.” Brian cracked a mischievous smile.

Justin shook his head and grinned down at his plate. The two started to eat in companionable silence. 

“Did you know Emmett is seeing someone?” Brian finally broke their silence.

“How is that news?” Justin looked up, confused.

“No, I mean he’s really seeing someone. Like they’ve gone on dates.” Brian shuddered at the word, which made Justin laugh.

“I know you act like dating is the worst thing in the world, but you seem to forget eating dinner with the person you are seeing is considered a date. Even if it’s at your place of residence.” Justin lifted his eyebrows and motioned to the setup between them.

“Well, considering one of the few times I went on a date, I ended up blowing the waiter. I might be favorable to call this that as well.” Brian waggled his eyebrows. 

Justin went silent and began to hunch his shoulders forward and pull his body in on itself. Brian realized the young man felt uncomfortable, so he immediately back tracked his statement.

“I was just kidding.” Brian tried his best to amend his words, but he wasn’t well versed in apologies, so naturally, it didn’t go over well with Justin.

“No you weren’t.” Justin mumbled, “But I understand. You can’t help yourself sometimes. You still aren’t used to people who don’t treat sex as second-nature.” 

Brian opened his mouth to object, but Justin looked up and continued, “Let’s just eat.”

[kingliamappreciationweek]

KLAW MASTERLIST - PART 2

(this poster is by the incredible @sazanes!)

Find Part 1 of the KLAW 2023 Masterlist here!!)

--

DAY 5 - FRIENDSHIPS/RELATIONSHIPS/AU

Friendships

Art

Liam & Blaine On The Rooftop by @/artbyainna, commissioned by @ao719

Fanfic

Friendship by @angelasscribbles

October Weekend Retreat by @tessa-liam

Movie Nights in Valtoria from Hinge by @angelasscribbles

Panty Hawk by @sincerelyella

A Glimpse of Us by @noesapphic

Relationships

Art

A Kiss in the Garden Maze by @sazanes, commissioned by @dragonknightofsummerset

Maze Tag by @sazanes, commissioned by @dragonknightofsummerset

Chibi Liam and Anastasia by @sazanes, commissioned by @dragonknightofsummerset

Liam Proposes to Reyna by @pilitella, commissioned by @ao719

Drake Comforts Liam by @/artbyainna, commissioned by @deb-1106

Liam and Sophie: The Cordonian Waltz by @sazanes

Character Appreciation

Liam's Forehead Touches by @dragonknightofsummerset

Edit

Marquise, Shanelle and their kids by @khoicesbyk (including a commissioned artwork by @pilitella)

Fanfic

Pride: A Lavender and Crimson One-Shot by @angelasscribbles

First Skirmish - Ch 2 of Royal Retribution by @angelasscribbles

Complicated by @angelasscribbles

The Start of Forever by @liaromancewriter

Skipping Across the Pond by @bebepac

Vivid Memories by @lorirwritesfanfic

AU

Art

Liam the History Teacher by @cassiopeiacorvus

"Let's At Least Give Them Something To Talk About" by @/artbyainna, commissioned by @txemrn

Character Appreciation

Liam as a Friend, Lover and in an AU by @cassiaallen

Fanfic

Hands Down - Prologue by @sfb123

Savage Love - Prologue by @angelasscribbles

Ch 1 and 22 of Bad Romance by @angelasscribbles

Moodboard

Liam from Black Silk by @aussiegurl1234

Video

Reel Edit of Prologue: A Shadow in the Dark by @txemrn

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If we have missed out on anyone's entries, please do let us know and we will add it asap! Also here is last year's KLAW Masterlist!!)

[danniswrites]

100 Days On Earth - Deb, Midwife (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/1464257047-100-days-on-earth-deb-midwife?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_reading&wp_uname=DannisWrites 

 Earth got First Contact on January 19, 2022. At least, in my science fiction universe! 1st chapters of a lot of stories. The stories that get the most votes will move up on my never-ending list of pending novels. My next story is Ray, Host. [2024 or 2025] So the slot after this one is up for grabs! You, gentle readers, may be the judge of which story you want to see next! I will begin with the first chapter of Adia, One Of Prophecy [just finished and awaiting a final edit next month] and the first chapter of Ray, Host. I will include the first chapters of all my Battle Of The Cubes stories, then work my way through my catalog, uploading on Tue, Thu and Sat at 1 am. See my DannisWrites reading list for my suggested reading order. 

Deb, Midwife Deb, student midwife, dated Greg for five years without knowing he was an extraterrestrial. Adia, another extraterrestrial, knows why he shouldn't go home.

About The Cover Photo by Clay Elliot: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-and-white-house-near-green-grass-field-under-blue-sky-5524205/ Edited in GIMP to make sky lavender and give the landscaping an unreal look. Figures created in DAZ Studio. David Body 50% Mesmerizing Faces & Bodies For Genesis 8 Male Branden Body 25% Eric Body 25% FaceGen Marty Genesis 8.1 Skin David 8 Eyes 5 Genesis Wildmane Hair GoldBlond Wilmap Genesis Tunic Pants Stockings. Wilmap Peasant Shoes for Genesis. FeralFey Bus Stop Poses Is That Our Ride Male Deb Genesis 8 Female Astrid and Cattie faces from FaceGen, I created these. Chill Outfit by [can't find it!] Yarden Hair for Genesis 8 by April YSH. This is a male hair but looks great on Deb! 8:42 PM 23-Jul-24 Sorry these notes are incomplete, but I don't have any on the Deb figure and can't get into my account on DAZ today to look, says I need to delete cookies, which I did, and it still gives a too many redirects message. So I can't find the Chill Outfit to tell you which artist did it. If you know, please comment! Normally, I'd just go into my Product Library on DAZ and look it up. Since I can't do that right now, doing a search on their website comes up with page after page of products, so I just want to get this chapter up. https://www.wattpad.com/1464257047-100-days-on-earth-deb-midwife Deb, Midwife 1st Chapter Published - Jul 23, 2024

[jessmm7]

I'll say he smells like lavender 😭

Omg how did you know, that’s what I washed his clothes with

Hey Debs x

[diosmaden]

[chthonic-cassandra]

4-10 December

Teas: - Red Velvet Pu-erh - Uplifting Coconut Chai - Full Moon Chai - unimpressive - Lavender Latte Black - definitely the best of these so far and doesn't seem to be being sold, which figures

(+ not new to me: Harney & Son's London Fog; Sugar Cookie Roiboos)

Hot chocolate: - Cinnamon Pecan Danish - undrinkably bad - 70% Dark Chocolate - gorgeous - Nutmilk

Perfume: - Obsidian Widow - Delphi - The Rose

(+ not new to me: Alice; White Rabbit; Dorian; Millarca; Athens; Two, Five, & Seven)

Books: - Rayman and Blau, Rikers: An Oral History - C. J. Cherryh, Precursor

Movies: - Renfield (2023) - The Tale (2018)

Cooking/Baking: - Golden ginger cake (Allison Roman) - Belgian brownies (Deb Perelman) - Tomato focaccia (Claire Saffitz)

[sortrachen]

Lavender Fields and Gorgeous Fur Babies and Friends in One Perfect Imagery View Full Post

[acuriousdoodle]

Lavender Fields and Gorgeous Fur Babies and Friends in One Perfect Imagery View Full Post

[somediyprojects]

Lavender and Lace: Celtic Christmas designed by Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum. Santa Lucia conversion by Deb Draeger.

“Just finished Santa Lucia (St. Lucy), my second Celtic Ladies Christmas stocking on 32 count black linen 2 over 2. In December, girls in Sweden and Italy celebrate Santa Lucia Day by wearing a white baptismal robe dress and a red sash symbolizing the blood of her martyrdom. (I used the shawl of Autumn in reds combined with the dress from Celtic Christmas swapping reds and gold for whites/grays and silver, and used round pearl beads.) They wear a crown of an evergreen wreath with red lingonberries and lighted candles, so I mimicked the candlelit wreath of Celtic Christmas on her head as well as in her hands. I used the hair color from Spring to make her blonde so she looks Swedish. The colors in the border and similar to a mockup I found on Pinterest.”

[stolen-dream-storage-inc]

Azazie for bridesmaid dresses

Things that match burgundy suit

Emerald/gold/peach

NOT lavender - will wash me out, navy?? K doesn't like blue, grey too bland, blush-bleh

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Bm options

Olessia

Yuki moh

Deb

Dan

Mark

Maura

Kim

Sam

[crazybagelbitch]

John and Deb, lavender Lillies

Deb works part time outside of med school at a flower shop to make rent. she’s surprised when the man who always buys his grandma lilies and smells like lavender detergent is with her during her ER rotation