#It's so hard to say no when you're dancing with the devil ; Avery

[musical-avery]

Coming back from lunch was never supposed to be easy in this place. Or so Avery thought as she came back in with her coffee and took in the packed locale and one of the girls gesturing for her to re-check her schedule. Of course she had gotten bookings while out.. No peace or rest for the wicked. Stepping over to the computer, she took in the names on the list. Naturally, the one with her own last name on it made the girl frown. "Tilly, did you put in the wrong info? Says I have an appointment with myself in five minutes." she prompted her co worker, who chuckled in response. "No silly. Your sister specifically asked for you." she said, making Avery's already non too colorful face ashen further. "You... oh shit." she bit back the urge to yell at the other. She had no desire what so ever to see her sister, much less at work where she couldn't possibly loose her temper and had to make sure no one else was listening in. What the fuck did Aubrey want anyway?

Muttering profanities under her breath, Avery went to double check that her station was clean and set up right before taking a seat in her chair, closing her eyes for a minute and trying to take some deep breaths. Her attempt at serenity was quickly squandered when the bell over the door rang and the redhead in question walked in. Getting back up and walking over, Avery decided to try and nip this in the bud. "You don't need your nails fixed Aubrey. Do me a favor and walk back out. Now."

@aubreymillerx

[etlunainmorte]

"I have,... something for you." He said as he grabbed something from his bag. You eagerly waited as he searched, and when he finally handed you a pack of popcorn, you couldn't help but smile.

"You bought this, V?" You asked him as the smell of butter reached your nostrils.

"Yes. We haven't finished Endgame, have we?"

"Come to think of it, no, we haven't." You admitted.

V smiled as he reached for his bag once more, producing a stuffed tiger from it and giving it to you, reminding you of,...

"Is this,... did you win this at the carnival?"

V proudly hummed. "I have,... quite a skill with,... should we say,... sniping?"

Oh, God, he remembered! You happily thought. He remembered I have a really bad aim and couldn't win the stuffed tiger at the carnival.

"And that's not all." V said.

"Hmm?"

"I went fishing."

"Oh, you did?! What happened?"

"I caught a boot."

"YOU DIDN'T!"

V laughed, the sound of his low voice sending warmth all throughout your whole body. In fact, you have never felt so warm in your entire life. And when he handed you a single boot from his bag just for laughs, you fell in love with him all over again.

"I - I never thought this is possible, oh my!" You confessed through fits of laughter, however, at this point, the smile on V's face vanished. You noticed this and went silent as he took the boot from your hands and upended it, making a small velvet box the color of your eyes fall from it. Then, he went down on one knee and opened the box, revealing the most beautiful ring with an emerald attached to it.

"(Y/N) (L/N)," V declared. " ... will you marry me?"

***

I See My Future Before Me - The ENDing

***

***

There really was a wedding, yes. And a most memorable one, at that.

All of your friends and loved ones came to the small, and yet special, event. Together, you celebrated the most important day of your life.

The wedding took place in a small, charming garden where V's favorite flowers bloomed. Kyrie, Lady, Trish, and Patty all helped you to choose the perfect wedding gown. Unfortunately, the ones they chose for you didn't feel comfortable on your skin ( Kyrie's being too covered, Lady's being too flashy, Trish's showed too much skin, and Patty's looked a bit too modern for your own taste ). Nico, Alicia, and Cagliostro all helped with the decorations. Petya supervised the buffet, even helped you and V choose the perfect menu ( from the sumptuous appetizer down to the luscious dessert ), and Natasha volunteered to be the wedding singer ( she made it sound like you don’t have any choice and she even refused to say she's hyped up about being a first - time wedding singer ). Dante, by the way, was thoughtfully shoved to the side by Nero, who knew full well that his uncle would only mess things up and destroy everything should he decide to help with anything, at all. The younger Devil Hunter, on the other hand, was tasked to usher the guests to the venue. Morrison graciously volunteered to call for one of the Ministers from Swan Lane, the neighboring city of Red Grave, where most of the state's churches were. Griffon ( who still swore too much ) and Shadow ( who looked far too old carrying around an Elmo plush ) were forced to take literacy, manners, and etiquette one - oh - one crash courses, courtesy of the haughty Miss Natasha, herself, for the social event. Little Eva was chosen to be the flower girl, and Sister Christina was chosen to be the Matron Of Honor.

And so, on the eleventh of May that one, bountiful and beautiful year, you and V were married.

V, who had his waist - length snowy white hair cut for the special event, waited for you at the arc of azaleas and white roses, his Best Man, Nero, who was wearing his grandfather's coat and tie ( which he honestly detested ) for the event, standing just next to him.

A few moments later, the bride, on the arms of the Best Man, Dante, who was forced to wear his father's coat and tie ( which he honestly detested ), finally came, making heads turn around in awe and wonder.

Dressed in a sheer, form - fitting immaculate, white gown with floral patterns made of silk and lace, and with a long chiffon train that brushed the carpet of flowers that led towards the arc, you walked towards your one, true love, who was waiting for you.

His eyes wide with love and adoration, and his heart pounding with excitement, V watched as you walked, your serene movements and perfect poise catching the eyes of him, and everybody else.

His breath was,... simply taken away. And no one could blame him.

For, now, standing next to him and lovingly looking up at him was the most beautiful bride he has ever seen.

And she will be together with him, at last!

Dante reluctantly, and with a visible pout, gave your hand to V's waiting one, and the ceremony finally began.

Vows of eternal love and devotion were exchanged, rings were exchanged, heavily rogued cheeks were stained with running mascara, manly sobs were heard all over the place, teary eyes were wiped with handkerchiefs of all forms and colors, noses were sniffed unto handkerchiefs of all forms and colors, even the Minister tried so hard to conceal his emotions.

And with that much awaited kiss, the crowd went all wild and emotional with celebration.

There was dancing ( Trish and Lady took the center stage and wowed the audience ), partying ( Nero isolated the pouty Dante and drank whiskey with him, instead ), games ( Patty and Nico managed to beat Griffon and Shadow in almost every game, except for the paper dance, where the familiars cheated and used their powers to win ), photo ops ( strangely enough, people were all drawn to Nightmare because they thought it was a very realistic - looking sculpture, and chose to have selfies with it instead of the newly wed couple, making its multiple photos viral on social media ), and, of course, the much awaited feast ( Petya fed the guests until they were satisfied and beyond, making sure that they would leave the event with bulging stomachs ), and the amazing five - foot ( not five – tier ) wedding cake decorated with fondants of azalea and white roses ( which V, who was secretly a huge cake and sweets fanatic, was gladly able to fully take home with you, the guests being so full because of Petya that they weren't able to partake of the dessert, at all ).

Ahh, truly, it was the most amazing day ever.

And that amazing day was followed by weeks of blessedness, months of fruitfulness, and years and years of prosperity.

All beside your dear, darling, and faithful husband.

However, those years, despite being happy and full, took a toll on your body.

"Happy anniversary, my love." V greeted you that one, sunny morning, kissing you on the forehead and offering you your breakfast in bed.

"What a surprise! Thank you, V." You answered as you allowed him to hold your wrinkled hand.

"Anything for my one, true love." The man whispered to your ear.

However, no matter how happy you looked, no matter how many times you showed him your smile, he knew you were anything but.

And he knew why.

Standing in front of a mirror after that hearty breakfast, the two of you looked at each other's reflection, just like what you've always done every morning since the beginning of your married life.

"You,... look so handsome." You said as you gazed at your husbands features.

"And you, my dear," V exclaimed as he lovingly took your hands in his and placed a tender kiss on them. " ... you are the most gorgeous person I have ever seen."

To this, you chuckled and simply shook your head. "You're lying."

"I'm not!" V chuckled as he tried to kiss your cheek. However, his face fell when you took your hands from him and turned away. "(Y/N)?"

"Yes?" You asked monotonously as you took away the dishes and placed them on the sink.

"Tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong - "

"(Y/N), I know something has been bothering you." V urged. "Tell me, please."

You chuckled and turned to him.

But, your eyes,...

... they didn't look cheerful, at all.

"There is nothing wrong, V."

There was a moment of silence after those questionable words you just uttered, and after those tense seconds, he walked closer to you, tried to hold your hands, and touch your face.

But, still, you wouldn't let him.

With your back still turned away from him, you finally let out those thoughts, those,... fears,... that have been crushing you all those years ago.

"Leave me, V." You simply said.

And this alarmed the poet. "What?! I'm not going to leave you, (Y/N)! I promised you! I will NOT,... LEAVE YOU!"

With tear - stained eyes, you finally looked at him. And this only confirmed V's worst fears.

"Look at me!" You said to him in such a broken voice that wrecked the poet's heart. "I'm old! And wrinkled! And,... not me!"

"But, I love you, (Y/N),..."

"And look at you! Still,... s - still so young and strong and,... "

"(Y/N),..."

"We don't look,... okay together! You can't go on loving,... a grandma like me!"

"Listen to me, please,..."

"V, I love you too, I really do. But, I have to let you go. You still have a wonderful and long life ahead of you."

In a futile attempt to make you listen to him, V tried, once more, to hold your hands.

And you still refused. And this made him beyond depressed.

So, just like that, he left.

And you haven't seen him in three days.

Of course, you were sad upon this separation but, you have to accept that you can't be together with V now. He has a life ahead of him. He could even move on and be with another person should he decide it.

V,... deserved so much more.

But, being all alone,...

... it made you so, so sad,...

And as you woke up that morning without him by your side, you couldn't help but let out the tears of sadness and heartbreak.

Wiping your tears away with your fragile hands, you cried, "I miss you so much, V,..."

"Mom!" The door suddenly opened and in came your daughter, Avery ( now a very proud mother of twins who looked exactly like Dante and Vergil when they were little ), who looked so, so happy despite this dreary situation. She noticed your pitiful state and came forward, giving you a tender hug and a pat on the back. "Oh, mom. Don't cry. We're here for you."

"Oh, dear,..." You went on, letting your emotions out on your sweet daughter. "It's just that,... I missed your father so, so much."

"Oh, mommy,..." Avery sighed. "Alright. You should get dressed. We're going somewhere."

"What? Why? Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise!" She said, taking your hand and making you get out of bed. "Come on!"

And so, you let yourself be led by Avery and her husband, Roman, towards that old garden where you and V got married many, many years ago.

Thinking it was a really bad joke, you said, "You two are gonna give me a heart attack. Please, tell me what's going on."

"We have a surprise for you, mom." Avery said excitedly.

"This way." Roman said, gesturing towards the gazebo where you and V danced on your wedding day.

"What is this, really?" You, being an old and cranky person, asked one more time.

Avery simply rolled her eyes. "I told you! It's a surprise!"

"It's our gift to you." Roman, who was the softer of the couple, answered. Then, with tender hands, he gently led you towards the gazebo.

"Dear, I'm too old for these surprises." You told Roman along the way. "Won't you have any mercy to me?"

"Haha! Well, I'm pretty sure you'll love this." The man made you turn towards the gazebo, and what you saw there made you feel really strange. "Happy anniversary, mom."

The moment you heard the simple greeting from the young man, another man, who looked the same age as you ( or even older ) turned towards you, smiling at you as if you were his long lost lover, or something. It seemed as though he has been sitting there inside the gazebo, waiting for you for a while.

In fact, his gorgeous green eyes never left yours.

"Ahh, can I,... ahh,... help you with something?" You asked the old man as you entered the gazebo.

However, he didn't answer you. Instead, he stood up from his chair, leaning against a metal cane, and took out a very familiar – looking, worn out book. He opened it, and smirked,...

"I,... have no name." His voice, despite it cracking a bit, sounded clear and beautiful. And oh so heartbreaking. "I' am,... but two days old,...

“Just kidding. You can call me, V.”

You giggled at the poem, finally realizing who this man was.

Of course! How were you able to not notice?!

"Y - you're anything but two days old!" You laughed, feeling your tears leave your tired, burning eyes.

The old man chuckled, his beautiful green eyes gleaming with so much mirth and gladness. Then, he went on reading.

"Little Lamb,... who made thee,... dost thou know,... who made thee? Gave thee life,... and bid thee feed. By the stream,... and o'er the mead. Gave thee clothing of delight,... softest clothing,... wooly bright. Gave thee,... such a tender voice,... making all the vales rejoice! Little Lamb,... who made thee,... dost thou know,... who made thee?"

The old man, still relying on his old metal cane for support, walked towards you and softly laid his hand on your face.

To him, you were still,... the most beautiful woman on earth,...

You were crying so much but, still, he went on reading despite his blurry eyes. "I went to the Garden of Love,... and saw what I never had seen: a Chapel was built in the midst,... where I used to play on the green. And the gates of this Chapel were shut,... and thou shalt not writ over the door. So, I turned to the Garden of Love,... that so many sweet flowers bore."

"Azaleas." You said as you laid your hand on his. "And white roses."

"Yes, azaleas and white roses." The man answered as he wrapped you in his arms. "You remembered my favorite flowers, my love."

"Why would I forget about that, V?"

"Ahh,... I'm such a fool,..."

You shook your head as you let the old and wrinkled poet wipe away your tears. Just like how he did it whenever you cried from watching your favorite sad movies. "You're not a fool, V! Never. But,... why? How did you - ?"

"I gave the Sisters to the twins." V answered your obvious question.

"Dante and Vergil?"

"Yes. It's about time I pass them on, after all."

"But, what about you? You'll - !"

"Ssh. It's alright." V hugged you as he rubbed your back. "Power,... means nothing me,... without you by my side. I'd rather wilt away like an old rose in the Garden Of Love than live without you, (Y/N). I love you,... so much,..." Gently touching your cheeks, he, then, said, "May I have the honor of this dance,... my lady?"

And dance, you did. Just like the first time you met in that Grecian balcony.

Now, could you honestly deny this feeling of happiness with him by your side?

You and your beloved poet lived a few more years after that sweet and heartfelt reunion. And during those sweet, and yet short, years, you did everything you could think of to fill your days with happiness and adventure. And love, of course.

The two of you went to the carnival and ate junk food ( meaning popcorn, caramel apples, cotton candies, and such ). V tried so hard to win that stuffed tiger for you again by sniping ( he didn't win the plush, he won the Complete Elvis Presley Album Collection, instead ). You traveled as much as you can to many places ( with Griffon and Shadow as your two personal assistants, always there to remind you should the two of you forget where you last placed your dentures ). You went out fishing ( the boot myth was real ). And you binge watched all of your favorite movies, from LaLaLand, to Titanic, to Dracula ( you purchased digital copies of these and V kept them in his trusty one terabyte USB where he kept all of his poetry audio and eBooks ).

Those few years were simply,...the best years of your life.

But those few years,... were sadly too short,...

For there came a time when V started to forget some things. Little things, yes but, really noticeable ones, nonetheless. Not to mention his already deteriorating body. And this worried you.

Especially during that one particularly cloudy day when, out of the blue, V asked you to watch a movie with him.

"What movie would you like to see, my love?" You asked.

He opened his mouth to answer but, no words came out. You knew he has forgotten. He has forgotten his favorite movie and he was aware of this, as well but, he tried not to show it. And you couldn't blame him. He,... just aged faster than you after giving up the Sisters Of Fate's powers. 

He simply took your hand and said, "Anything you wish,... my love."

As much as it worried you, you did nothing but to lead him straight to your humble living room in your small Swan Lane house where you and your family spent a lot of time watching all of your favorite shows and movies. But, not before calling Avery, Roman, Nero, Kyrie, and Nico ( Dante, Trish, and Lady were not able to come that day due to an emergency in Red Grave that they must attend to ). Even Griffon and Shadow were present.

Taking Griffon's hand, you told the loyal familiar, "Come with us, please."

Without a word, the demon nodded and followed you and V towards the living room. Griffon closed the door, but not before seeing the worried faces of your friends and loved ones.

"Come on, Dante and Vergil." The familiar heard Eva, Nero and Kyrie's daughter, say to the little twins as she took their chubby hands, leading them to their play rooms along with Shadow. Griffon turned away and finally closed the door. It was then that he saw you and V already huddled together on the sofa as the poet's favorite movie started playing on the old television.

As carefully as he could, the thoughtful familiar placed the wool blanket, which he has been carrying around since morning for his master, over V's body to protect his body from the cold.

“Thank you, Griffon.” The familiar barely heard V say. “For,… everything.”

Just from the other side of the room, Griffon could hear the weather forecast being broadcasted on the radio. Apparently, a storm really was coming, according to the reporter. And according to the same reporter, the storm came from Red Grave, of all places, where Dante, Trish, and Lady were taking care of something.

But, he's not involved in it this time.

For he,... was needed by the two most important people in his life, one of them needing him the most,...

And so, the movie ensued, despite the bad weather outside.

"There was a boy,... a very strange, enchanted boy. They said he wandered very far,... very far,... over land and see,..."

"Don't be fooled! Evil!"

"A little shy,..."

"Turn away from this village of sin!"

"And sad of eye,... but, very wise,... was he,... And then, one day,... A magic day he passed,... my way,... And while we spoke of many things, Fools and Kings,... this he said to me:

"The greatest thing,...

You'll ever learn,...

Is just to love,...

And be loved in,...

... return,..."

"I - it's Moulin Rouge!" V wheezed as he grabbed your hand in his excitement. Just like the sixth or twenty - third time he's seen it. "My favorite movie. (Y/N), dear, you remembered!"

"Of course, I do, my love." You answered.

For a few more minutes, V's green eyes watched, in awe and wonder, the wonderful colors jumping before him on the screen. He tried to say along the lines he could still remember, and sing along to the familiar tunes of the musical.

However, there was one song you knew V truly wanted to hear.

His most favorite song,...

"On Opening Night, I have to sleep with the Duke. And the jealousy will drive you mad."

"Then, I'll write a song - "

"Christian - "

" ... and whenever you hear it, or sing it, or whistle it, or hum it, then you'll know it'll mean we love one another. I won't get jealous."

"Things don't work that way, Christian. We have to end it."

"I,... want to sing it." V muttered. "Could you,... please,... sing it with me?"

"Yes, of course." You answered without hesitation.

"Never knew I could feel like this. Like I've never seen the sky before. Want to vanish inside your kiss. Seasons may change, winter to spring, but I love you until the end of time.

Come what may,...

Come what may,...

I will love you until my dying day.

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place. Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace. Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste. It all revolves around you. And there's no mountain too high, no river too wide. Sing out this song, and I'll be there by your side. Storm clouds may gather, and stars may collide.

But I love you,...

I love you,...

Until the end of time,...

Come what may,...

Come what may,...

I will love you,..."

"The greatest thing,..."

"Oh, God, V!" You held your beloved's hand in yours as your tears flowed out of your eyes. "I love you,... so much,..."

" ... you'll ever learn,..."

"I,... love you,..." V weakly sang, his voice getting softer and softer, his eyes never leaving yours for even a second. "Until the end,… of,… time,..."

" ... is just to love,... "

Griffon's eyes widened at that exact moment. He, then, looked down and took one of his master's hands in his as he heard your heartbreaking sobs.

" ... and be loved in,... "

It was,... cold.

" ... return."

It was then that his own tears fell,... for the very first time.

Griffon, a Demon, cried,... for the very first time.

"Rest well," He whispered as he wrapped an arm around his master's body. " ... Shakespeare."

And there's no mountain too high, no river too wide. Sing out this song, and I'll be there by your side. Storm clouds may gather, and stars may collide.

But I love you,...

I love you,...

Until the end of time,...

"He,... wasn't able to see his favorite scene." You whispered to Griffon, who, like you, refused to leave V's side after the movie has long ended.

"It doesn't matter, sweet pea." Griffon answered, his voice raw with emotion. "He was able to tell you how he felt, and that's what's truly important."

And it truly was the most important thing. V was able to tell you how he felt. You cherished those words from that day onward, always remembering how V lived as a man of honor and dignity, as a loving father, a very supportive grandparent, and as a truly devoted husband.

The mysterious man called V, who was so fond of poetry, of flowers freshly blooming in the morning, of artful grace, and of the simplest things in life,...

... was never forgotten, his name forever etched into his loved ones' hearts.

His smile,... forever in your memory,...

... until the next storm of the following year that finally brought you into his loving arms,...

At last.

***

🖤 @la-vita and @clevermentalitybeliever . 🖤

***

Many years back, in an Alternate Universe,...

"Miss Edwards,..." V called the woman's attention, slightly running to catch up to her before she could drive away.

Avery fortunately ( and finally ) noticed him and removed her helmet, turning her gaze towards him and appraising him from head to foot. In fact, she looked so surprised that a man such as V was trying to have a conversation with her.

Was it his unusual appearance?

"And you are - ?"

"V." The poet answered, taking a deep breath and leaning on his metal cane for support. He, then, straightened his back and tilted his head to the side. "You can call me V."

"Oh. What can I do for you, V?"

"About the commission - "

"Stop. Right. There." Avery pointed at V, cutting him halfway through his sentence. "If you're planning to take on the Poltergeist at my home, then you're making a HUGE mistake."

Huh? "And may I ask,... why?"

"Furniture floating and smashing about. Disembodied voices in the middle of the night. And your skinny, princess ass begging to be fed and given vitamins. Are you goddamn sure?!"

"I would like,... to see myself try." V simply told her.

The woman raised a scornful eyebrow. She knew that Dante was her one and only hope and choice. No other person in Red Grave could do it but him.

But, this man?

"So, will you take on the job, or not?"

"I would like to,... if you would allow me."

Avery furrowed her eyebrows and regarded him like he was some suicidal maniac begging to be fed to the lion. "Alright. I'll expect you tomorrow, then. Move into the house for a week. Bring whatever or whoever you need. You know my address."

"Would a cat and a bird do?" V innocently asked as he playfully twirled his metal cane in a display of confidence. This woman,... must be taught a lesson.

Avery pursed her lips and wore her helmet once more. "Sure. Whatever. I don't care. Just,... get rid of the ghost for me. I'll pay you. That I can assure you."

And with those words, she finally drove away.

Despite the question strangely bugging him, he was, in fact, feeling excited of this new mission. Yes, Dante might consider it as "small fry" but, facing Poltergeists was definitely a welcome change compared to his boring Devil Hunting routine. And he wanted so much to prove that woman wrong about him.

He was about to go back to the shop to pack what little belongings he have when he noticed Nico staring at him with wide eyes and open mouth. Apparently, she has been standing near the door for quite a while and must have heard the conversation between him and Avery. She almost dropped her groceries as she attempted to close her mouth and control her drooling.

Wait, did she look,... excited?

"Whoa, a paranormal investigation!" The Artisan gasped. "Can I tag along?"

"I don't - "

"Come on, man! Ya gotta let me!" Nico strode closer to him, flailing her arms about and almost sending her groceries flying everywhere. "This is like,... a dream come true for me! Okay, how about this: we'll split the pay 70 - 30. But, I'll be happy with nothing, though, if you don't want 70 - 30! But, come on, that's good deal, yeah?"

"Nico, I - "

"Please? I'll drive you on the way there. I will not be a bother."

V felt cornered. The woman looked really excited that he would surely feel guilty if he refused her.

Him, Griffon, Shadow, probably Nightmare, as well, and finally, Nico.

What could go wrong with this simple task of driving away a single evil spirit from someone's home with some comrades? After all, Avery did say he could bring just about anyone.

And what does her house look like, anyway? And what was the reason behind this Poltergeist's ceaseless haunting?

***

THE END

***

🖤🖤🖤

***

[musical-avery]

About Avery

Full name: Avery Marie Miller Nicknames: Aves, Miller Age: 27 years old Place of Birth: East Haven  Occupation: Escort, Barista and Nail technician Education: High School Diploma, training as a Nail tech. Languages: English Basics

[ Sophie Turner | 27 | female | she/her ] Hey, look! It’s [Avery Miller ] at [The Pink Ladies&The Quick Stop Motel&The Human Bean]. Did you know they [work] there as a [Nail technician&Escort&Barista]? I guess they’re from [East Haven] and have been in town for [all her life], living in [Happy trails in Southerland park]. I also heard they’re a little [Resentful], but also very [Persistent] which definitely makes sense.

More Information TW: abuse, rape, drugs 

Avery grew up with her older sister Aubrey and her mom. Her father left before she was born, or so her mother told her, leaving her without a father figure. Since her mom had an all day and night kind of job as an escort her older sister mainly raised Avery until she was 12 years old. 

When Audrey fully left their home, got married and pregnant, Avery was left behind, and its something she has always resented her sister heavily for. Left in East Haven, taking care of their alcoholic, serial dating mother fell to twelve year old Avery. It was a heavy burden to bear and most days Avery felt like she was drowning. 

At 14 Avery tried to run away, to find her sister and get away from the increasingly bad home life she had, but when she was found sleeping on a park bench a few towns over she was driven back to her mothers trailer. 

She tried again to run away when she was 18 years old, but once again the police caught her and brought her back home. This time, what prompted it was that her mothers boyfriend had raped her for the first time, and he continued to do so for two years until their relationship imploded. That was a very hard time for Avery and laid the foundation for the hopelessness and negative world view she has to this day. Believing that she’s worth nothing to others and that there is no escape for her from her home town. 

Her grades were in the toilet, though knowing that she needed to graduate to be able to support herself, and her struggling mother, Avery pushed trough high school. She was known as a trouble kid. The kind that started fights, smoked on school property, had sex in bathroom stalls, with foul language and inappropriate relations to teachers and students. 

All trough her life the only solace Avery has truly had is her music. She is a singer and self taught guitarist who joined band simply so she could sing in a choir but quit in high school because her older friends thought it was lame. 

While both her mother and sister has struggled with alcohol and drug addiction, Avery has somehow managed not to fall of the wagon. She’s had periods in her life where she has self medicated with alcohol or partied too hard with coke, but she has never fallen completely into the depths of addiction. These days she prefers to smoke weed and indulges with alcohol when she has the time off. 

To keep her mother and herself afloat after high school Avery interned at The Pink Ladies where she became a nail technician. Unfortunately the money she was making was not enough, and so her mother pushed her into escorting. These days she is also working as a barista in the mid afternoons until early evening, hoping to eventually be able to afford a small place of her own. 

Her biggest dream, apart from becoming a singer songwriter or get a record deal with her band is to have a place of her own. To be able to move out of her mothers house and be as free of her as she can be. 

Avery holds a lot of grudges and resentment towards Audrey for leaving her, for not helping out and falling off the wagon when she needed her the most. In her mind Audrey is selfish and got the picture perfect life out of East Haven, with a man who loved her and a family of her own. All the things Avery never got. And she blames Audrey for what she did not have and to a degree believes she will never have. 

[musical-avery]

Avery would have easily spent some good money here if she'd had some. She might not be dedicated to a ton of fandoms, but there were a few that she held close to her heart. Regardless though, she was not in here for herself today, not even to look. She had a friend who's birthday was coming up and they had made it quite clear that they would be stoked with anything Stranger Things related. Which was why she was in to see if there was something she could afford for them. She'd been slowly browsing the shelves when she noticed a familiar backhead of hair. "Shouldn't you be engrossed in the comic section?" she asked with an arched brow. When he hadn't heard her and was asking about closing time, she rolled her eyes a little. "Nah believe its open until six Mitch." A smart girl would stay away from him.. far away.

location: critical roll status: open

It felt like forever since he'd visited Critical Roll. Even though Mitch had spent the whole summer in town he often found himself working, moping around, or playing Baldur's Gate in his apartment. Though he wasn't buying anything other then one pack of magic cards, Mitch had decided to stay a little longer. Feeling the need to get away from Pizzagedon when he could, now that he was renting the tiny apartment above the pizzeria. Looking over his shoulder to the person who'd spoken, he arched his dark brows and peaked over the thick dark rim of his glasses. "Are they closing down already?"

[musical-avery]

This day at last was a calmer one than the ones that had come before it. Avery had no clue why everyone went nuts once the second week of October hit, but this week she'd had clients at the nail salon go crazy wanting Halloween and autumn designs and her nightly clients had doubled as fights about kids and Christmas had apparently started two months early. The men wanted comfort, and their female partners wanted to vent over nails. She'd been about to exit the coffee shop when a guy about her age came over rambling about pumpkin spice. Arching an eyebrow in faint amusement, she waited until he was done. "People go nuts over anything orange related this time of year. Can't be avoided." She responded with a shrug. When he offered her the cookie though she smirked a bit. There it was. "I best say yes lest you head over to the next innocent bystander with a new pumpkin spice ramble attack." She said in a teasing tone.

"I have to say, one of the good things this country has, has to be pumpkin spice. I swear you guys throw it on everything as soon as October hits. Almost like tradition." Joshua rambled as he approached the woman with fire red hair. No he didn't approach her to talk about pumpkin spice, though it was somewhat related. It was just a side effect of his nervous jitters. He wished it was otherwise. "Sorry, I mean.. I got free cookies with pumpkin spice icing on them. It was one plus one free. Would you like it?" @musical-avery

[musical-avery]

Anger was simmering in Avery's eyes. Not the fiery, impulsive kind but the hard and cold as steel kind. Why would she listen to anything Aubrey had to say? It all felt too little, too late. For years she had struggled on her own. With their mother. With making ends meet money wise. With staying sane in a world that her sister had personally made cruel and lonely when she left her behind. Why did she even care now? She had left without looking back. They had barely spoken in years and years.. and now it suddenly matter? Now she wanted to apologise? Had to be some AA bullshit.. she could just smell it. "Coffee in the park, 45 minutes on my break. Take it or leave it." She responded with a shrug, exuding the 'I don't give a rats ass'. But no she was not coming to dinner.. what kind of flicked up Brady bunch shit was that?

Aubrey had lots of regrets and since going to AA meetings again, she knew she needed to make a few changes in her life along with some serious amends. On the top of that list, there was her little baby sister who deserved an explanation and a sorry from Aubrey. The redhead was relieved when Avery agreed to listen to her. "I won't force you to do my nails, and I am not going to talk to you surrounded by strangers who simply aren't part of it...can I offer to go to dinner? My treat of course, I just need to explain everything, and even if you decide that you still want me to fuck off or whatever, I'd understand but I want to give you what you truly deserve, Ave..." She said quietly.

@musical-avery

[musical-avery]

There were two people on this planet Avery wanted to be as far away from as she possibly could. One was her train wreck of a mother. The other was her selfish bitch sister.. For the longest time East Haven had been her prison, but also the one place where she knew she was safe from her relatives. She only saw her mother when she had to.. and Aubrey had been living elsewhere since she bailed on Avery years and years ago. When the older redhead did not seem like she knew what to say, her gaze flared with indignation. Why on earth would she come here if she wasn't even capable of speaking her mind? Far back in her head, there was a small voice that insisted Avery be just a touch kinder. This is your only sister, your family, she deserves to be heard. But did she though? It was not as if she could make up for the abandonment and the years of suffering and loneliness that she had caused by leaving. Hell, she probably had no idea just how badly she had screwed up.. "Fine. Let's get it over with.." she relented, though with a poisonous tone. The only reason she was agreeing was so that she could tell her sister to fuck off once she had poured her heart out as she was likely to do.

Everything was kind of falling onto Aubrey's lap lately. She got the most disturbing phone call from her ex-husband whom she absolutely despised, she finally felt like she had a real relationship with her mother just to find out that she simply left out the part where her baby sister was still living with her and basically just avoiding seeing Aubrey, and not even mentioning the shitshow that happened to her about a month ago with the assault. Aubrey was feeling helpless which was the worst thing to feel for a sober person. While trying to become a better person, one of the main things she tried to do was to put her past behind her and make amends for the people she hurt or let down before. And here she was standing, waiting for her sister to take her in as a client because clearly, she couldn't get a hold of her in a different way. As soon as Aubrey sat down in front of her younger sister she didn't see her for over a decade. She could feel the chills all over her body and for a moment she just stared at the younger woman, "Avery...I-" She didn't even know what to say because she felt so much, "Please, can we talk?" Aubrey said as she tried not to get emotional like she seemed to do a lot recently.

@musical-avery