#brief adorney

[artificialqueens]

🎁 Part of Your World, Ch. 2 (Raja x Adore) for Dartmouth420 - Grinder

AN: Hi! Yes, it is I, Grinder wooooo! More fluffy stuff in this chapter!

-_-_-_-

Fuck Katya for being the bitch that she was. All week, all fucking week, all Raja heard were mermaid-related jokes. She’d just remind them that she was going to be Mother Witch someday. But, of course, Katya had already told them it wasn’t something she really liked the sound of. Whore.

As far as everyone knew, Raja had kissed a half-fish woman. But there was one thing they did not know, something the dark witch hadn’t even the chance to tell Sasha.

And that one small fact left her curious. 

She had to know.

Therefore she went venturing in the forest. And as much as she thought she’d struggle to find the cave again, she didn’t have to look far.

Just as she was starting to smell it again, the sea salt, Raja spotted the strange figure laying on the ground — a human with long blonde hair, the only thing covering their nude form.

“Fuck.” Raja murmured, rushing to the seemingly asleep person. Bending down, she turned their face, and, yes, this was her mermaid. But…how? Her tail was gone, replaced by two long and smooth legs. 

“Hello…Hey…Wake up.” Raja shook her but to no avail. And running her hand along the woman’s arm, the skin was dry…So so dry.

“Okay, Raja,” the dark witch said to herself, “You got this.” She scooped the passed-out mermaid into her arms and carried her right back to camp.

Of course, her witchy sisters all stared, wide-eyed and jaws hanging.

Courtney stepped out from her and Bianca’s home, “Raja, what are you - -”

“Who has a bath running?! Who has a fucking bath running?!” Raja shouted, eyes darting all around.

“Jinkx! Jinkx has one running!” Willam, the daylight witch, was the one to answer.

Raja didn’t even hesitate, storming towards Jinkx’s home.

Inside, Jinkx was sprinkling rose petals into the now-filled tub when she heard Raja’s hurried steps. Whirling around, her brows joined in confusion. “Raja, what the fuck?!”

“Out of my way!” Raja exclaimed, rushing towards the tub and lowering the mermaid into the water.

In an instant, the fish woman woke up, gasping as she only found the ability to breathe again.

“Raja, what the fuck is going on?! Who is she?!” Jinkx ranted, the bell-shaped sleeves swinging as she held her arms at her sides.

The dark witch paid her no heed. She was on her knees beside the tub, holding the mermaid's hand. “Hey - Hey. It’s okay. You’re better now.”

The mermaid was panicking, however, reaching a hand out to Jinkx, pathetic whines escaping her mouth.

Raja’s gaze followed. “Is she talking to you?”

Jinkx shook her head, unable to tear her gaze away from the mermaid for a second. “No. She’s looking behind me.” The red head witch turned her head, seeing the shelf of ingredients behind her.

“The salt. Jinkx, she wants the salt!” Raja pleaded.

Jinkx quickly grabbed the jar of salt from her shelf and moved back to the tub. “Gosh, this is just crazy. I - -”

Just as she began to unscrew the cap, the mermaid shot up in the tub, snatching the jar from Jinkx’s hand, opened it and poured the salt all over her body and into the tub.

The mermaid’s panic ceased, sighing with satisfaction as her body sank back into the water. She closed her eyes, letting the water envelope her.

“Raja…explain,” Jinkx stood with her arms folded.

“I…” Raja closed her mouth however. Opened it again. And closed.

Before she could even have the chance to give her sister an explanation, Jinkx went wide-eyed, staring at the tub again. Therefore so did Raja.

The now relaxed woman’s legs were joining in the tub, almost as if they were stitching together. And her feet elongated until they were completely flat, and translucent.

“Is that…Is that a tail?” Jinkx practically whispered, watching as the mermaids now joined legs stretched out of the tub, hanging over the edge.

When the transformation was complete, Raja looked back around to Jinkx, only now noting the other witches who stood in the doorway, two of those being Bianca and Courtney.

Raja smiled sheepishly at them. “She’s a mermaid.” And she looked at those witches at the door, “I wasn’t lying.”

“I…I need to go outside,” Jinkx waved a dismissive hand, grabbing for a cigarette and making her way outside. “Move!” She yelled at the others.

Raja let her eyes linger on her sisters a moment longer. “We’ll talk later,” she said, more to Bianca.

“Alright.” Bianca nodded. “We need to.”

When they all left, Raja turned her full attention back to the tub. The mermaid was resting her elbows on the edge of the tub, her head on her arms, eyes shut.

“You sleeping?” Raja bent down again, speaking quietly.

The mermaid didn’t respond, sleeping peacefully in her makeshift bed.

“Alright.” Raja sighed. God, even in sleep, the girl was beautiful. She let her hand move up, holding the sleeping mermaid’s. Even through this, the dark witch could feel the electric spark coursing between them. 

Yes, she was sure of it now.

-_-_-_-

Raja usually liked the smell of Bianca and Courtney’s home — vanilla and a wide variety of berries. Courtney was almost always busy making up jams for everyone to have on their bread, and, fuck, it was the best damn jam in the Kingdom.

But, right now, under the current circumstances, the smell only turned Raja’s stomach.

Courtney made mint leaf tea, and she sat by Bianca before the fireplace, rubbing the small bump of her stomach as she waited for Raja to speak.

The dark witch was staring down at her hot brew for a moment before swallowing. “So…the mermaid does exist.”

“I know.” Bianca nodded, her hand in Courtney’s. “But what is she doing here?”

“I found her in the forest. She was passed out, and, fuck, she somehow had legs. I…I didn’t know what else to do.” Raja shrugged her shoulders.

“You should have taken her back to the sea,” Bianca suggested.

“I wasn’t thinking!” Raja raised her voice. “I was panicking! I thought she was going to die!”

“I suppose there’s no harm in letting the poor thing stay for a few hours,” Courtney suggested, “Then we can return her to the sea. Right?”

“Fair enough,” Bianca added.

Raja licked her now dry lips, already hating herself for what she was about to say. “See. There’s one more thing.”

Bianca was intrigued now. “And that is?”

“I think…No. I know,” Raja paused, eyes shifting between the two witches, “I’m tethered to her.”

Of course, Courtney just blinked, and Bianca smirked. And this smirk turned into a laugh.

“Can you not make fun of me?” Raja challenged, tapping a finger on her warm cup.

“Raja. She’s a mermaid.” Bianca explained, her voice dire. “She’s a half-fish woman from the ocean with people of her own. ‘Opposites attract’ doesn’t apply to us, does it?”

“W-Well, you and Courtney are tethered,” Raja held out a hand at the witch in question, as if Bianca forgot the bitches name. “You’re a nature witch and Courtney is light.”

“Yeah. But, we’re witches,” Courtney countered.

“Not the same kind,” Raja added.

“Doesn’t matter.” Bianca said. “Look, I don’t know if mermaids are even capable of tethering. Fuck, what did it feel like? Did it feel like - -”

“Energies mixing?” Raja raised a challenging brow. “Magic intertwining? Bodies becoming one?”

And Bianca was silent.

“Oh, gosh. You are tethered,” Courtney practically whispered.

“Yeah.” Raja nodded. God, her stomach was in such a tight knot. She glanced at the door, able to see Jinkx’s home from here. If only she could see through the walls. For as much as this situation made her uneasy, she loved the sight of the mermaid.

“Okay. Look,” Bianca held up a hand, bringing the spotlight back to her. “Raja, if you’re tethered to her, then that’s fine. I mean, I’m fine with it. I’d say Courtney is too.”

“Right.” Courtney nodded. “I think it’s sweet, actually.”

“Exactly. But, I can’t speak on behalf of those other witches out there. Species don’t get mixed up with each other, especially witches. So, don’t be surprised if they think you’re nuts for wanting to pursue this.”

“Who said I want to pursue it?” Raja countered, finally sipping her tea.

“Why else would you tell us you’re tethered to her?” Bianca gawped. “You’re planning on keeping her here, aren’t you?”

Raja shrugged, avoiding eye contact with her sister now. “And what if I was?”

Before anything else was said, Gia appeared in the doorway.

“Get out. Smart people talk,” Bianca snapped.

“I just thought I’d let you know,” Gia glared at Raja, “Jinkx said the mermaid is awake.”

Raja never ran so fast in her life. Entering Jinkx’s home, the red head witch was in full panic mode.

“Raja, she’s doing something! I don’t know what to do!” Jinkx was as far from the tub as she could get.

Indeed, the mermaid was doing something. She was hoisting her soaking-wet body out of the tub, struggling sounds leaving her mouth.

“Wait. Stop, you’re going to - -” Raja was cut off when the mermaid pulled herself up and out of the tub, landing on the group in a sopping wet heap, “hurt yourself.”

“Ow,” the mermaid whined.

Raja went to help her while Courtney and Bianca joined the scene.

“This is incredible,” Courtney, being the more intrigued one, stood behind Raja and just watched. “A real-life mermaid. I didn’t think they existed.”

The fish woman looked up at the light witch, a cute smile appearing on her lips. She spoke then, talking in that unknown language that Raja wasn’t able to understand.

“What’s she saying?” Bianca moved closer, Jinkx hesitantly doing the same.

“I don’t know,” Raja was drying the mermaid off with a cloth.

“Can’t you use a…a translating spell or something?” Jinkx suggested, glancing at her door, knowing she could make a run for it if need be.

“That only works if I at least know the language.” Raja pulled the cloth gently through her tethered one’s hair.

“Oh, fuck. Look!” Courtney exclaimed, pointing at the tail.

It was like before, when those legs melted together, only in reverse this time. The tail split into two, at first leaving two long scaly stems that shrunk down to human size.

“How is she doing that?” Bianca whispered, a hint of fright in her voice.

“I don’t know. Must be…a mermaid thing, I guess,” Raja suggested, watching as the fins turned to feet.

When the transformation was complete, the mermaid smiled with delight. And with all this excitement, she hugged Raja, peppering her cheek with kisses. In between kisses, she spoke unknown words. Only by the tone could the dark witch tell that the mermaid was more than happy.

“Yeah. It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Raja couldn’t tell if the mermaid understood, but all she could do was hope. “Here,” she went to stand, helping the woman up.

“I feel like this a dream or something,” Courtney said, eyes looking the mermaid up and down, “how is this real? We have a real-life mermaid standing here in - -”

The light witch was cut off when the mermaid stepped up to her, leaning in and kissing her.

“Oh, wow!” Jinkx said through bated breath.

“What’s she doing?” Bianca stepped forward, as if ready to push the mermaid away from her partner. “She’s not deadly, is she?”

“I don’t think so,” Raja grabbed the mermaid by the arm, gently pulling her away from Courtney.

Once their lips parted, Courtney’s smile couldn’t have been wider. “Wow. That was…”

“I know, right?” Raja brought her tethered closer to her, hiding the mermaid behind her.

“Alright, forgetting that happened, I think we need to get her some clothes.” Bianca suggested.

“Of course, could you - -” she stopped talking when the mermaid jumped up onto her back, surprising her with a piggy back. Raja laughed nervously, holding the mermaid up, “could you go grab her something from my place?”

Five minutes later, the mermaid was fully dressed. There was a struggle to get the gown over her head, the poor creature growling at the unknown feeling of fabric being put over her.

Thankfully, the witch was now left alone with the mermaid. They both sat in Raja’s home, beside the now-filled tub in case the half-fish needed refreshing again.

“So, do you have a name?” Raja sipped some water.

The mermaid cocked her head.

Fuck, this was going to be something. “Okay.” Raja pointed to her own chest. “Raja Gemini…Raja Gemini.” She pat the spot, just to make sure the message registered, and then she pointed at the mermaid, and awaited an answer.

The mermaid lifted her hand, pointing at the witch’s chest. “Raja…Gemini.” And then to her own. “Riamouradoreydelamajiana.”

Raja just…stared. “Oh. Okay. Um…Okay, look.” Again, she pointed to her own chest. And lifting her other free hand, as if holding something up, she said, “Raja Gemini…or…” and she held the other hand out, “Raja.” And then pointed to Ria…Riamana…Ria - - FUCK!

“Raja,” the mermaid pointed at the witch, and then back to herself. “Adore.”

Finally. A pronounceable name. Raja smiled. “Adore…I love it.”

Adore giggled, hiding her face bashfully.

But that was it. Raja didn’t know where to go from here. Adore didn’t understand the witch tongue.

The mermaid turned her green eyes to Raja’s hands, and reaching out her own, she took them into her own.

Just that warmth, the softness of Adore’s hold, it gave her an idea. “Watch this.” And Raja freed her one hand, holding it up in front of the mermaid’s face.

At first, Adore just stared in confusion. What was she supposed to be seeing here? But Raja closed her fist, squeezing her eyes shut tight. What was she doing?

Raja opened her eyes again, and she released her fist. And sitting there in the palm of her hand; a colourful butterfly.

Adore gasped in amazement. She leaned closer, speaking her own language, clearly fascinated by this foreign thing before her.

“Butterfly.” Raja pointed at the rainbow-coloured thing.

“Butterfly,” Adore pointed. And then at Raja, “Raja,” then to herself, “Adore.”

“Good!” Raja exclaimed.

And as the butterfly took off in flight, now it was Adore’s turn. She glanced at the tub, and lifting her hands, she worked her own magic.

Raja watched with bated breath as a large blob of salty water emerged from the bathtub. “Wow. Nice.”

Adore was beyond excited, moving her hands so that the watery blob floated right above Raja’s head.

“So mermaids got magic too, huh?” Raja quickly glanced at Adore before looking back at the floating orb. “We have a few water witches ar- -”

The watery blob fell abruptly, landing all over the witch. Raja just sat there for a moment, shock taking over her.

Adore just cackled. 

As much as Raja didn’t want to get her clothes soaked, this was music to her ears. She reached up, dunking her hand in the tub and splashed Adore with it. 

The mermaid's laughs intensified.

“Now we’re even, honey.” Raja quipped.

When Adore’s laughs died down, she leaned up, sliding into Raja’s lap, a perfect fit. And she pulled the witch in for a kiss.

Fuck, it was heaven, being able to kiss her back with no fishy tail to take her by surprise. Raja combed her fingers through Adore’s long blonde hair, her nails tickling the back of the mermaid’s neck.

Adore pulled away, eyes staying on Raja for another moment.

“Adore…I know we’ve only just met,” the witch let her hands trail Adore’s side, “and you probably don’t even know what I’m saying, but…I love you.”

Indeed Adore probably didn’t know those words, but she seemed to understand. Her smile warmed, hand caressing Raja’s cheek. She spoke again, something Raja couldn’t translate. But it was so sweet to hear. So so sweet.

Adore moved her lips to Raja’s cheek, her earlobe, and to her neck. Oh, this was happening.

Raja let her hands wander up and down the mermaid’s back, just itching to get her out of her clothes. “Wait. Adore…Do you even know how to…”

And the mermaid murmured something against Raja’s skin.

“Huh?” The witch said.

When Adore said it again, she sounded…well, done.

Raja took the mermaid by the shoulders, pushing her away and getting a better look.

Fuck, Adore was weary, skin slowly turning dry again.

“Oh, God.” Raja stood, picking Adore up in the process. She didn’t care about getting the dress wet. All she wanted was for her love to be okay. “Don’t worry. You’ll be okay in here.” Raja lowered her into the tub.

As soon as Adore’s body made contact with the water, the transformation process started all over again. Her legs glued together underneath the long skirt of the dress, the tail sprouting at the end and hanging over the tub.

“All better?” Raja asked, knowing full well she wouldn’t get an answer anyway.

Adore made sounds of protest as she tugged the skirt up her legs.

“Can I help you?” Raja grabbed the skirt, giving Adore a questioning look.

The mermaid didn’t answer of course, but nodded her head at the dress in approval.

Raja pulled the dress up along Adore’s tail, past her torso and over her head. The mermaid sighed with relief as soon as the garment was off her body.

“It will probably take a while getting used to clothes.” Raja turned, ready to head out the door and let the gown dry in the now warm night.

But Adore snatched her wrist.

“What’s wrong?” Raja’s brows joined.

Adore tugged, nodding her head again at the water.

“You want me to come in there?” Raja pointed at herself and then the tub.

Adore smiled, nodding.

“Oh, God. Okay,” Raja dropped the soaking dress and quickly stripped out of her own.

Adore was already shifting to the side, allowing the witch some space.

As soon as Raja’s foot entered the water, she hissed. God, it was cold.

Adore spoke in her own tongue, something sounded like a question.

“No, it doesn’t hurt. Just kind of cold,” Raja could only guess that's what the mermaid inquired about. She settled down into the tub, body shivering. “Here let me just,” and she held her palm above the surface. In a matter of seconds, the water warmed up, not too hot.

Adore snuggled up to Raja, murmuring something.

“I don’t know what you’re saying,” Raja wrapped her arms around Adore, kissing the mermaid on the head, “but…I love you. I really do.”

Adore’s lashes tickled Raja’s chest as she blinked. She pressed her soft lips against the witch's skin before whispering, “I love you, Raja.”

Fuck. Now that…that was the most beautiful thing Raja ever heard.

Adore’s chest was rising and falling gently, and Raja knew the mermaid was asleep now. Fuck, she never imagined this would ever happen to her — laying in a full bathtub, cuddling with a mermaid who just so happened to be her destined love for life.

But that’s when the sinking feeling crept in. Bianca’s words crept into her brain. Species couldn’t mix. Raja didn’t care what kind of person Adore was. She did not care one bit. But, keeping a mermaid away, making her stay on dry land…

How were they ever going to make it work?

[artificialqueens]

Tree House Kisses, Chapter 44 (Adorney) - Scorpio and Veronica

A/N: We’re getting close to the end, guys. Only 2 more chapters after this. (Allegedly.) Click here for previous chapters here on AQ or here if you’d rather read on AO3. xoxo!

And thank you SO MUCH to wonderful betas: @saiphl, @sillylittlecandycane, and @tumble4rpdr

Chapter Summary: After a heartbreaking prom night, Courtney takes drastic action.

Chapter 44: I Can’t Love You

It was oddly comforting to be miserable with Violet. A reminder of their misspent youth, both of them pining after unattainable best friends, with all the guilt and angst that went along with that, but there for each other. They didn’t even have to explain why they were so upset--both of them just knew.

They’d been sitting in the vinyl booth at the diner for almost twenty minutes, in silence, before Adore ventured to ask what had happened.

“Same shit, different day,” Violet said, sipping her coffee and staring out the window. “She doesn’t like me that way. She never will. But she loves me.”

Adore had never heard that word--love--said so bitterly. Violet closed her eyes, letting out an exhausted sigh.

“If my self esteem was lower, I might start taking it personally.”

A small smile pulled at Adore’s mouth. “Good thing it’s not then, eh?”

“Yeah. It helps that I can reframe the whole mess as like, her character flaw for not seeing how amazing I am.”

Adore laughed. “Good for you.”

“What’s that Einstein quote? About insanity?”

“Bitch, do I look like I know Einstein quotes?” Adore asked, eyes rolling so hard her head hurt.

“No, come on, you’ve heard it. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. I guess I’m certifiable.” Violet stretched her neck and sighed again.

“Guess so. Me too.”

“What happened with you?”

“Just...you know, we danced together. And…” Adore shrugged.

Violet nodded. “Got it.”

“This year’s been so good,” Adore said, wistfully shredding a napkin. “I guess I thought it could last forever.”

“Can I ask you a really dumb question?” Violet asked.

“Sure.”

“We’re about to graduate. What...what do you have to lose at this point, by telling her? What’s the downside?”

“Tati asked me the same thing. And...I guess I just...I already know what she’ll say. Same thing as Fame. She loves me. She loves me so much. I’m her favorite person. But she still wants him,” Adore’s voice broke, head dropping, tears burning in her eyes. “And I just don’t think I can bear to hear her say it out loud. You know?”

Violet nodded. She knew. Of course she knew. Because she’d spent nearly four years reliving the exact same rejection that Adore was afraid of, over and over. But Adore wasn’t brave or fearless like Violet. She wouldn’t be able to take it. She knew herself well enough to know that.

“Have you ever...considered...that maybe it wouldn’t be like Fame? Maybe she feels the same way as you? I mean, I know I give her shit, and I still main that she deserves it and I don’t intend to stop-”

Adore couldn’t help but smile at that, watching Violet rile herself up.

“But…” Violet paused, taking a breath. “But...she does seem to think the sun shines out of your ass. So maybe...maybe she’d be like...open to something?”

Adore’s brow furrowed. She hadn’t considered it, actually. And for a brief, shining moment, she did. Imagined that maybe their story was different, before her fantasy was demolished by that awful memory of last year, when Courtney had been faced with that exact choice, and chose Roy. She shook her head.

“She wouldn’t.”

“Well…” Violet sighed. “That sucks.”

“Yep.”

“You know...I’m moving to New York.”

“Good for you,” Adore replied.

“No, I mean I’m not gonna be in a new place. I won’t have to see Fame, or smell her--I won’t even have to think about her anymore if I don’t want.”

“And?”

“And you’re doing the exact opposite,” she pointed out. “You’re planning to spend weeks in a car with her. And move in together, for fuck’s sake. You’re just asking for trouble.”

Adore sighed, nodding again. “I know.”

-

After the last dance, everyone gathered again to head out to the afterparty, and Courtney realized that Adore had never come back inside. Her stomach turned, realizing that maybe something really was wrong, wishing she’d followed her.

“Does anyone know where Adore is?” she asked, and Tati turned to her, biting her lip.

“Uhhhh…” Tati shifted uncomfortably, tucking her hair behind her ear and admitting. “She left.”

“She left? She just...left?”

“Yeah, I guess she wasn’t feeling that well.”

“Daaamn, bitches be dropping like flies tonight,” Willam commented, receiving a smack in the head from Trinity and turning around to retaliate, only to be faced with Pearl, who stepped forward to challenge him, chest to chest.

But Courtney couldn’t even laugh. All she could think about was Adore. She placed a hand on Tatianna’s arm, asking, “Did she say where she was going?”

Tati shook her head, brown eyes sad and apologetic. “No. I’m sorry.”

Courtney backed away, swallowing hard. When she looked at Roy, it was as if he already knew what she was going to say.

“I should find her.”

“Okay,” he nodded, giving her hand a squeeze.

“You won't be mad?”

“Uh...no. It’s your prom, right?” he asked, laughing uncomfortably. “Come to the limo with us, and the driver can take you wherever.”

“Thank you. And look, when I find her, I’ll bring her right back to the party.”

“Sure.”

As they made their way towards the exits, Trinity leaned over to Pearl and whispered, “Neither of them will be coming back, will they?”

Pearl shook her head. “Very doubtful.”

-

It was the first place she looked. Of course. Where else would she be?

Courtney climbed the ladder to the tree house, the awkwardness of doing it in a long skirt and heels not making her laugh like it normally would. Adore was lying in one of the bean bags, just staring up into space. She seemed completely unsurprised by Courtney’s presence.

“Are you okay? Why did you leave?”

There was a long pause, Adore unmoving, and Courtney wondered if she’d even heard the question. She swallowed, weighing whether she should ask again when Adore finally spoke up.

“I don’t think we should live together.”

“What?” The terrible, sick feeling that had crept into Courtney’s stomach earlier was back, worse than ever. “Why? Did I...did I do something wrong?”

Adore finally turned to face her, eyes red and swollen. She looked so defeated, so tired, and the sight made a golf ball-sized lump rise in Courtney’s throat.

“I just can’t-” Adore’s voice cracked, and she closed her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks. “I can’t pretend with you anymore.”

“Pretend what? What do you mean?” Courtney’s own eyes stung, vision going blurry. What could Adore possibly be saying? Nothing about them was pretend for Courtney, their friendship was the realest thing in her life. It always had been.

“I can’t pretend that every day won’t be...fucking torture.”

“W-why?” Courtney’s skin was hot and scratchy, unfamiliar, like she’d suddenly found herself in the wrong body. This was a mistake, a dream...it had to be.

“You fucking know why!” Adore exploded, vibrating with rage, slamming her fists against the wooden floor of the tree house so hard, Courtney felt it in her bones.

The tears fell faster as Courtney shook her head, trying to breathe, chest heaving as she gasped for air. “I don’t-”

“You know, you have to know!” Adore shouted, looking angrier than Courtney had ever seen her.

“Please, Dory-” Courtney sobbed, reaching for her, but Adore slapped her hand away.

“Don’t touch me!”

“Adore-”

“You should get out of here,” Adore said, shrinking away, “Or I’m gonna say something that I can’t take back.”

“Then maybe you should say it,” Courtney cried. “Because I don’t...I don’t know what’s happening.”

“God fucking help me,” Adore muttered, more to herself than to Courtney, eyes trained towards the sky. She took a deep breath and then threw open the trap door.

“Please, Dory, d-don’t make me go. Please just tell me, whatever I d-did, I’ll fix. Anything I can do to make you...to make you not feel this way. I…”

“Fine. If you don’t want to go, then I’ll go.”

Adore’s voice was eerily calm as she reached for the ladder, ignoring Courtney’s continued wrenching sobs, begging her to stay.

-

Adore tried, but she couldn’t really sleep after that. Finally, she gave up and moved to her window, opening it so that she could smoke, the foggy early morning giving the air an unseasonal chill.

As terrible as she felt, she knew she’d done the right thing. Living together would be insanity; Adore already knew that, even if it had taken her months to admit it. It would be 1000 times worse than it was now, every day a total mindfuck.

It was past dawn when Courtney finally emerged, face forlorn and exhausted, hair a wreck. She probably hadn’t slept either. She looked up at Adore’s window, their eyes meeting for a brief second, just long enough to make Adore’s stomach twist with guilt before looking away. Even so, she could still see the way Courtney walked towards her house, heels in her hands, shoulders slumped in defeat.

-

ROY: Let me know when you find her.

ROY: If you need a ride anywhere.

ROY: Are you alright?

ROY: Good morning...is everything okay?

ROY: Did you find her?

ROY: I’m driving back this afternoon, do you wanna meet up for a little bit?

Roy wasn’t sure what to think at this point. He’d backed off last night, but now it was almost 11 am and she hadn’t answered any of his texts. He knew she was probably fine, maybe still sleeping, but it was slightly annoying that he had to even wonder about it. Finally, as he was tossing his duffel bag and backpack into the car, he got an answer.

COURTNEY: God, I’m so sorry. My phone died and then I fell asleep, just woke up. I’m sorry if I made you worry.

COURTNEY: Are you still here? Please come over if you can.

COURTNEY: I’m sorry

ROY: Omw

He found her still in bed, makeup and hair a bit of a mess, eyes tired and swollen. She’d clearly had a rough night. Seeing her looking so small and sad, he sighed internally, knowing that he would forgive her for making him worry.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Courtney nodded, reaching her arms out for him, tears shimmering in her eyes. She was very clearly not okay.

He walked to the bed, kicking off his shoes and sliding in beside her, taking her in his arms like he’d done so many times before.

“I’m sorry for leaving,” she whispered, eyes closed. “I shouldn’t have. Did you at least have an okay time?”

“It was alright. Willam adopted me as his date...so I’m gay now.” When even that didn’t get a laugh, he pulled her closer, sighing. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

“No.” Her fingers clung to him, tears from her eyes wetting the front of his shirt.

“I don’t think I really understand what happened. I mean, did you guys have a fight?”

“No,” Courtney sniffled. “I don’t think so. I don’t actually know…She doesn’t want to live with me.”

Roy’s brow furrowed, trying to follow the confusing, tearful recounting of their conversation. He didn’t really understand what she was saying, and the more she tried to explain, the less coherent she got, tears falling faster, sobs wracking her chest. Finally, he gave up trying to understand and just held her, rocking her while she cried.

The tears were still wet on her cheeks when she began to kiss him, a hand moving to his fly.

“Court...are you sure this is what you want right now?”

“I’m sure,” she insisted. “Please…”

Roy felt a bit ashamed of himself for caving so easily, but it had been a long time, and he reasoned with himself that maybe it would make them both feel better. Maybe it would even repair some of the distance he’d been feeling with her lately.

He was wrong, of course--fucking her like this only made him sadder, and even a little gross, like he was taking advantage of her in a compromised state. Afterwards, he began to pull away and she clung to him, begging him not to go. It compounded his guilt, but also made him a bit resentful--she’d never acted this way any of the times they’d said goodbye all year, and now suddenly just because of a fight with Adore, she was a basket case?

“Listen,” he murmured, arms tight around her. “I’m gonna be back before you know it. My last final is next Tuesday, and I’ll drive back here the second it’s over.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.” He kissed her forehead, taking his time before finally untangling his arms from around her. He got dressed slowly, kissing her long and hard before leaving, promising once again to call her when he got back to his dorm.

-

On Monday, Adore still hadn’t spoken to Courtney. She knew it was harsh, but she didn’t know what to say. And besides, a clean break was probably needed in order for her to stand her ground. On the way to lunch, Violet grabbed her sleeve, making the welcome suggestion to go get lunch off campus. Adore jumped at the chance to avoid their group entirely, and even convinced Trinity to come with them too.

She knew that Courtney had been calling and texting, sending her AIM messages, but she couldn’t bring herself to read any of them. She simply retreated, ditching many of their shared classes and avoiding eye contact whenever they found themselves in the same room.

After a few days, Courtney seemed to finally get the hint, and she stopped pushing. Their lunch group was fractured, she and Violet going off on their own most of the time, taking Trinity and sometimes Tati along with them, and Adore felt responsible for it, but she didn’t know what else to do.

“Hey, where the fuck have you been all week?” Willam finally asked on Thursday, and Adore could only respond with a sad shake of the head, a defeated shrug.

“This is a real shitty way to end the year,” he continued.

“Yeah, well...high school is shitty, what can I say?”

Willam sighed.

“Yeah, maybe, but at least for most of it, we had each other,” he told her. “Now, what? You’re just never gonna talk to us again?”

“You know it’s not you who I’m not talking to,” Adore said.

“Yeah, and she’s fucking miserable. Is that what you want?”

“Of course not!” Adore exclaimed, turning on him angrily.

“Then just like...suck it up, man.” Willam’s puppy eyes betrayed his cynical tone. “‘Cause I miss your stupid face.”

“I’m sorry,” was all Adore had to offer, too tired for anything else.

“I know.”

-

It could be worse, Courtney kept telling herself. It could be like last year, the silence lasting over six months. She could handle a few days.

But then, a few days turned into a week, and bled into a second week, and Courtney could feel herself fraying at the seams, desperately trying to hold it together.

She was sitting in the backyard when Roy arrived, finally done with his first year of college, back in time for her graduation in a few days, and a summer job at his uncle’s hardware store. As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t muster any enthusiasm as he asked about the plans for that week’s graduation celebrations or when her family would be arriving.

“Our moms were planning a joint party thing, but...I don’t know how that’s even gonna work,” she said, eyes drifting towards Adore’s house, lower lip pulled between her teeth.

“Would it help if I gave you your graduation present now?” he asked.

“You didn’t have to get me a present,” Courtney said, stomach twisting with guilt.

“Ha! Since when?” he retorted, and all Courtney could do was sigh as he pulled it out, a small box carefully wrapped in silver paper.

She took her time opening it, doing it the adult way without ripping into the paper like she normally did, slowly opening the box to reveal an antique brass locket. She ran her finger over the engraved roses, looking up at him to say, “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

Roy accepted her kiss on the cheek, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “I figure our kids’ pictures can go in there some day,” he said.

“Roy…”

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding!” he said, giving her a charming, dimpled grin. “And anyway, who even knows if we can have kids? I mean we’ve had enough condom accidents that maybe there should be one already.”

Courtney rolled her eyes, unamused by this whole bit, but he kept at it, clearly trying to make her laugh.

“You haven’t had any secret abortions, have you? Cause I know, women’s rights and all that, but I’d like to have at least been consulted.”

Courtney shook her head, finally resigned to play along, and said, “I’ve had five.”

“Five?! You’re telling me we could have had a whole basketball team by now?”

“You really think our combined genes could produce a basketball player?” Courtney asked drily.

“I didn’t say they’d be a winning team,” Roy responded, holding up his hands.

Courtney finally laughed, shaking her head at the utter silliness of it all. The truth was, even though she knew that Roy was joking, she also knew there was a grain of truth in what he was saying--he did see that in their future. Babies, marriage, all of the things she was supposed to want. And the realization, now more than ever, only served to exacerbate the chasm between them. Her chuckles died down faster than they’d begun, tears pricking her eyes, wishing that things were different. He deserved so much better than her, so much more than what she could offer him. As much as she loved him, part of her knew that she’d never be able to give him her whole heart.

He could see her mood shifting again, and moved closer, kissing her temple and taking her hand, only making everything harder.

“You know...if you wanna talk about it, we can.”

“I don’t think I do,” Courtney whispered.

“Okay.”

“I mean, I do...but you’re not gonna like what I have to say.” She brushed some tears away with the back of her hand, dreading the long overdue conversation that she was about to begin, unsure where she should even start.

He sat back, listening, and she swallowed hard.

“I feel like I’m losing her. Again. And it makes me…” Courtney gulped. Was she really going to say this out loud? “It makes me realize how much I love her. That I can’t...I can’t do any of this without her. I need her. I want...I want her.”

“Alright...and?”

“What do you mean ‘and’?”

“Well…” Roy shrugged, looking slightly defensive, before saying, “You really think I don’t already know all this? I have always accepted you. I have always loved you anyway. She doesn’t. She is willing to toss you aside because you’re not giving her exactly what she wants. She’s done it before. And she’ll do it again.”

He wasn’t wrong. Adore hadn’t made her any promises. If anything, she’d shown over and over that she didn’t want the same thing that Courtney did. There’d been so many times over the years when Courtney had felt like they were on the verge of something, and every time, it ended with Adore pushing her away, rejecting even the thought of something more between them. But that didn’t matter anymore. Courtney could no longer live with the unspoken truths. She had to be honest--with Roy, with Adore, but most importantly with herself.

“That all might be true, but-”

“It is true! She’s gonna make you miserable. But you don’t care, do you? You’d rather be miserable with her than happy with me, right?”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Yes it is,” Roy insisted, and Courtney’s breath hitched, wishing with all her heart that he was right.

How much easier would her life be if she didn’t have this constant inner turmoil, these conflicting desires that never let her have any peace? But she’d tried for so long to fight it and there was no use anymore.

“I still love you. I just...I can’t be what you want me to be.”

“That’s fucking bullshit. I’ve never asked you to be something other than what you are,” Roy said. His voice was low and emotional, but Courtney could see the anger bubbling up below the surface.

“You’re right.”

“I know I’m fucking right! But you don’t care, do you? You just want her.”

Courtney’s lip trembled, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks, admitting, “Yeah.”

At this, Roy pulled away, glaring at her with the most contempt she’d ever seen on his face, making her heart break. He got up, anger radiating off him, and she couldn’t say anything, because ultimately, she knew that she deserved it: all the anger, all the disgust. She’d brought it upon herself.

As he walked away, she felt like she was collapsing from the inside, fingers gripping the arms of the chair, unmoored in a way that she hadn’t been for years. Part of her wanted desperately to call out to him, to take it all back, but she knew she couldn’t do that. She didn’t have any right to his love, his friendship, the comfort and security he’d so generously given her.

For the first time in years, she was really and truly alone, and it was fucking terrifying.

[artificialqueens]

Tree House Kisses, Chapter 41 (Adorney) - Scorpio and Veronica

A/N: Hi everyone! Okay so, in this chapter, they begin working on a new musical, and I URGE you to check it out if you haven’t: The Scarlet Pimpernel. Also! I made a playlist with every song we’ve used as chapter titles, including the upcoming ones pretty much through the end of the story. Click here for previous chapters or here if you’d rather read on AO3. And thank you SO MUCH to wonderful betas: @saiphl, @sillylittlecandycane!!! XOXOXO

Chapter Summary: New semester, new school musical: and Courtney’s star is finally on the rise.

Chapter 41: You Are My Home

It was weird having Roy back home for the holidays, Adore thought, watching him tell a story to Bob, Jamin, and Thorgy, commanding all the attention as usual, sipping from a solo cup and gesturing wildly. It was even weirder to see him getting sloppy-drunk as the night wore on--Adore supposed that college was a bigger challenge than he’d planned for, and maybe he needed to blow off some steam. Still, seeing him grope Courtney as he bent her over Thorgy’s pool table was certainly...something different.

It was over a month since the night of her break-up with Tati, that near miss where she’d come so scarily close to a confession. Once in a while, late at night, she’d have a brief twinge of regret for not being honest. Most of the time though, she felt like she’d absolutely made the right call--their friendship was stronger than it had ever been. So Roy’s dumbass horndog behavior tonight was actually making her laugh.

Maybe it was Courtney’s eye rolls as he rubbed against her, but Adore didn’t find Roy nearly as annoying as she used to. He was no longer a looming, oppressive reminder of her hopeless crush. He was just a guy who came back from college to awkwardly hang out with his high school friends over winter break. A guy who was currently grinding pathetically against his girlfriend, trying (and failing) to get some affection.

“I thought you were gonna teach me Vanessa’s tricks,” Courtney said, pushing him away gently as she lined up her cue.

“I’m trying, but I need to get close,” Roy said, pulling her ass back against him. He leaned forward and murmured something into her hair, something which made her burst out laughing.

“Ummm...no offense, babe, but I don’t really feel like you’d be on your A game tonight,” Courtney said, still giggling.

“Rude,” he pouted.

Courtney looked up, catching Adore’s eye and sending her another exaggerated eye roll. Adore smiled back at her, shaking her head.

“Do you want to sleep over tonight?” Courtney asked.

“Yes,” Roy said, moving her hair aside to kiss her neck.

“Not you!” Courtney said, swatting him on the shoulder before giving Adore an exasperated look. “I meant Dory.”

Adore knew that it was petty, but she couldn’t help the slight thrill that Courtney was choosing her over Roy. It didn’t mean anything--they’d gotten back into their old habit of Adore staying with her every time Bonnie worked a night shift, and she knew that’s all it was. And anyway, it probably wasn’t going to happen, given the way Roy was now pouting and whining.

“Why her? She gets to see you all the time!” Roy argued, indignant. When Courtney didn’t immediately cave, he tried a softer tactic. “Please, baby, I miss you so much…”

“Fine. You can have the floor,” Courtney said, taking Adore by such surprise that she didn’t have time to cover her mouth before a loud cackle of laughter escaped.

“You are the meanest girlfriend in the entire world,” Roy said.

“I know.” Courtney leaned forward and kissed him gently on the cheek.

-

PEARL: How was your sleepover?

ADORE: So weird

PEARL: Did all three of you pile into Courtney’s bed?

ADORE: Ew, not that weird. No, Roy slept on the floor in a sleeping bag and Courtney and I slept in her bed. So like...just awkward as fuck.

PEARL: What’s wrong, you don’t like spooning her while her boyfriend is 2 feet away?

ADORE: Ugh

PEARL: Wanna come over today? Trin’s gonna be here in like an hour

ADORE: I can’t. I told Court I’d go ice skating with her and Roy.

PEARL: Well well well, how cosy

ADORE: Shut up

PEARL: The three musketeers

ADORE: SHUT UP

Adore sighed. She supposed it was probably strange that she’d been spending her whole break hanging out with Courtney and Roy, but it wasn’t her fault. Courtney invited her everywhere and Roy was just...always there. Besides, when it really came down to it, she liked Roy. And she liked how happy Courtney was when all three of them were together. And to her relief, they’d chilled out a lot on the PDA, now more like an old married couple who teased each other constantly and bickered playfully, using Adore to settle every disagreement.

So, if they had to be the Three Musketeers for another week, Adore was actually fine with that.

-

The musical for their senior year was The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Courtney was absolutely beside herself with glee when she landed the lead. All weekend, she listened to the soundtrack on repeat, falling in love with the music and story and her character, a French actress named Marguerite who was embroiled in a complicated love triangle with her British aristocrat husband and her French revolutionary ex-lover. She sang the songs over and over until she knew them by heart, and drove everyone in the household bonkers with her attempt at a French accent.

They had their first cast reading on a Monday evening in mid-January, and as usual, Mrs. Maguire had them sing through their songs as best they could. Courtney was especially excited when it came time to sing her duet with Adore, who was cast as her brother. It was a gorgeous, sappy ballad and one of her favorites in the show, always making her tear up.

Adore began a bit tentatively, since she hadn’t spent nearly as much time listening to the soundtrack as Courtney, but after a few bars, she got into it too, the drama of clinging to her “sister” as they waited in jail, facing the guillotine together.

“You are my home You make me strong And in this world of strangers, I belong to someone You are all I have You’re all I have; I need you so…”

Courtney, of course, had already memorized every word, and she sang directly into Adore’s eyes, arms wrapped around her neck.

Later, in her office, Mrs. Maguire was sitting pensively, brow furrowed in concern when Thorgy came in to let her know that the crew was finished cleaning up.

“Thor...let me ask you a question. I need a...second opinion.”

“Sure.”

“Do you think it was a mistake casting Courtney and Adore as siblings?”

“How so?” he asked carefully.

She cleared her throat. “Well...do you think they have too much of a...how should I put this...romantic vibe?”

Thorgy burst out laughing.

“Mrs. Maguire...girl…you don’t know the half of it.”

“So, I didn’t imagine that?”

“No. They’ve always been like that,” he told her.

“I mean, I knew they were close friends, but...isn’t Courtney still dating Roy?”

“Yeah...yeah. But…well, you saw it.” Thorgy chuckled again.

“Oy.” Mrs. Maguire picked up a cast list. “I may need to change some things around.”

The next day, a solution fell into her lap when Willam came to see her during the fourth period, looking more distraught than she’d ever seen him. Apparently, he was committed to the show choir for the Spring, and there were a bunch of scheduling conflicts with rehearsals, making it damn near impossible for him to play the title role he’d gotten. It was unsettling to see a kid who was normally as cool as a cucumber so upset.

“I don’t want to quit, I love doing the plays so much,” he said tearfully, and she jumped up to give him a hug.

“Of course you don’t want to quit. Listen, honey, it’s your senior year. We can definitely figure out a way for you to do both, okay? I might have to shuffle some casting, but it’ll all work out. I promise.” She hugged him again, patting him on the back.

“If you tell anyone I cried, I’ll key your car,” came his muffled voice, and she laughed, promising to keep his shameful secret.

Once he left, she sat back down, a relieved sigh leaving her. This could work out perfectly.

She spoke to all the kids individually about their new casting. Bob was over the moon when he found out he’d be taking over Willam’s title role: the wealthy aristocratic Percy, Courtney’s new husband, who uses his foppish clothing obsession as a cover in order to go into France and rescue his friends from the guillotine. And Willam was thrilled that not only did he still have a part, but a good one--taking over Adore’s role as Courtney’s brother, Armand. Adore was also delighted--she now had Bob’s role, a radical and sexy French revolutionary and compelling villain. After reading the script closely a few times, she asked Mrs. Maguire if it was necessary to play her new character, Chauvelin, as a man.

“Can’t I be a radical leftist woman instead?” she asked, during that first week of rehearsals.

“I don’t see why not,” Mrs. Maguire answered, tossing out a casual, “Courtney, Chauvelin is now your ex-girlfriend, not your ex-boyfriend.”

Courtney looked up with wide eyes before smiling and nodding, giving Adore a sassy wink. This show was certainly going to be interesting.

-

As a gentle knock sounded, Courtney rolled over slightly, whimpering. She was achy and feverish and felt absolutely awful. And to make matters worse, she’d missed two whole days of rehearsal with no telling when she’d feel better. At this rate, Mrs. Maguire would probably be giving her part away to her understudy, a freshman who’d never even been in a play before.

“Come in,” she said weakly, tears collecting in her eyes as she thought about how unfair it all was. She’d worked so hard, taken ensemble roles and been an understudy herself and helped with ticket sales and sold ads for every program and never complained, and now she was probably going to lose her one chance to be the lead in a musical.

Adore pushed the door open, offering a sympathetic, “Hey, babe, how ya doin’?”

Courtney tried to lift her head, even that small movement making her wince in pain, hot tears trickling down her cheeks.

“Don’t get up!” Adore rushed to her side, placing a few books on her nightstand. “I just came by to bring your homework.”

“Thanks,” Courtney said, sniffling.

“What’s the matter?” Adore pressed a cool hand to her cheek, lips turned down in a frown as a tear slipped down Courtney’s face.

“I’m just worried that Mrs. Maguire’s gonna give my part away,” Courtney admitted.

“Don’t worry about that. It took all of today’s rehearsal to get through half of ‘The Creation of Man.’ We have plenty of shit to work on without you. Besides, no one but you could do that part justice, anyway.”

Courtney blinked back her tears, gazing up at Adore with a grateful expression.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I promise!” Adore laughed, climbing into her bed to sit beside her. “Stop worrying, okay?”

“Aren’t you afraid you’ll get sick too?” Courtney said, pulling her blankets tighter around her shoulders.

“Nahh. You know Bonnie makes me do that dumb FluMist vaccine every year. I’m invincible.”

“I don’t think that’s actually true,” Courtney said, covering her mouth with her elbow to cough.

“Well, whatever. It’s worth it to hang out with my best friend.” Adore smiled down at her, and Courtney felt like she might cry all over again.

“Thanks, baby,” she murmured softly.

“Omigod, also...the craziest shit happened today at lunch, I have to tell you about it.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, okay so first of all...did you know that Violet applied to Columbia early-decision and got in?”

“Wow.”

“Wow is right!” Adore exclaimed. “I mean, I know she’s smart, but she doesn’t give a shit about school. But apparently she got like, practically a perfect score on her SATs. And then everyone else started talking about what school they want to go to and they have all these plans and backup plans and I just...I had no idea our friends were like...so school motivated. It’s fucking weird.”

It surprised Courtney too...maybe not as much as Adore, because she’d figured that Trinity would have ambitious school plans, and Fame as well. And Pearl, well Pearl wasn’t very scholarly, but she assumed that she’d want to go to an art school or something.

“And I guess you’re probably planning to go to UCLA and move in with Roy or something,” Adore mumbled.

Courtney let out a rueful laugh, shaking her head. “I don’t have the grades for that.”

“What?” Adore looked confused. “Your grades are fine.”

“They’re okay. I could probably get into a Cal State. But Ms. Patterson told me in the fall that any UC is a pipe dream. So I’m probably gonna just do two years at a community college and then transfer.”

“Wait, seriously?”

“Yeah,” Courtney said, a deep sigh leaving her. “It’s for the best. We’ll save a bunch of money. My dad said he’d pay for my room and board, so I can still move out, thank god.”

“Move out where? Are you staying in the area?”

“No...but I dunno exactly. People say that Santa Barbara City College is good. Or Santa Monica college. It would be so great to be by the beach.”

“Ugh, I’d love to live near the beach. What I really want is to just move to LA, get some shitty retail job or whatever, and work on my music. I’m like, so close to convincing Bonnie what a good idea it is.”

“Adore! Omigod!” Suddenly, the aching in Courtney’s exhausted body didn’t matter, as she hoisted herself into a seated position to look directly into Adore’s hazel eyes. “We should be roommates!”

“Really?”

“Yeah! It would be perfect! Don’t you think?!” A smile lit up Courtney’s eyes, so big she thought it might split her face in two.

“Well...yeah, maybe...that could be cool.”

“I know, right?! Omigod, we’d have so much fun, and we could totally save money!” Courtney exclaimed, reaching forward to pull Adore in for a hug, her ecstatic joy pushing aside any thoughts of giving the flu to her friend.

Adore hugged her back, a light giggle slipping from her lips as she said, “I guess now we have a plan, too.”

-

Courtney was bone-tired. By the time she got over the flu, she’d missed a full week. Between catching up on her classes, the extra rehearsals, and struggling to memorize her lines, not to mention playing referee to Karen and Muriel’s latest argument over whether it was appropriate for Karen to have overnight guests, she felt like she could sleep for a week.

But she’d already agreed to this Saturday rehearsal, and she knew she needed it anyway, so she dragged herself out of bed and showed up at the theatre with an extra-large frappuccino that didn’t seem to help her exhaustion, but did make her jittery and off-balance.

That’s probably why she missed her cue, while working on her scene with Adore. At least, that’s what she would claim if anyone asked.

It was the scene in Act One where Adore’s character, Chauvelin, was trying to convince her to leave England and come back with her to Paris. She’d been zoning out a bit while Mrs. Maguire talked to Adore about the scene, explaining that her character needed to be angrier. Courtney really wasn’t paying attention like she should, but it was something about how Adore was supposed to be extra angry because not only did Marguerite abandon the French Revolution to marry a British aristocrat, but she’d also abandoned her.

Anyway, she wasn’t prepared when they started up the scene again, for the intensity with which Adore spoke her next line: “You do not belong in this cold land, with no one to understand you...to touch you.”

Adore let her fingers graze Courtney’s cheek before grabbing her waist and pulling her in roughly. A small gasp left Courtney’s lips, staring into Adore’s burning hazel eyes.

“The girl I knew could not bear this another moment,” Adore said, in a hoarse stage whisper.

As Adore inched closer, mouth softly parted, Courtney’s heart raced, fingers digging into Adore’s shoulders, eyes wide...

“Uh, Courtney?”

Courtney’s head snapped up, towards Mrs. Maguire’s voice. “Yes?”

“You’re supposed to push her away.”

“I know,” Courtney said, cheeks burning. “I was just trying to, um...act conflicted about it.”

“Wow, good work. We really believed you,” Mrs. Maguire said, and Courtney shoved Adore backwards, making her stumble slightly, nearly tripping over her feet.

“Oh god, are you okay?” Courtney reached for her hand to steady her.

“Yeah, sorry, I, uh…”

“Why don’t we take this section again, from Marguerite’s line ‘What do you know of it?’” Mrs. Maguire said, disguising her amused chuckle as a cough.

“Yeah, sure, okay.” Courtney brushed off her hands, hoping that the burning in her cheeks wasn’t obvious to everyone watching.

-

“So, Karen’s into Palm Reading now, huh?”

“Uh huh,” Courtney laughed. They were sitting around the tree in their usual lunch spot, Courtney sharing her mother’s latest passion by attempting to read Adore’s palm.

“So is that shitty broken one my lifeline?”

“No, this one is your lifeline…” Courtney said, finger trailing across Adore’s palm, making her giggle.

“And? What do you think?”

“You’re gonna live a long time.” Courtney grinned at her, eyes shining.

“Fuck,” Adore pouted. “You sure? Can I change that?”

Willam let out a braying laugh.

“Yeah, I know what you mean, lesbian. Personally I want to die young and beautiful.”

“One out of two isn’t bad,” Violet shrugged, earning a punch on the shoulder. “Ow!”

“Good one,” Trinity giggled.

“Watch it, cuz. I could punch you, too,” warned Willam.

“You just fucking try it. I dare you.”

“Guys, please calm down,” Fame interjected. As always, the voice of reason.

Still holding Adore’s hand, Courtney touched her palm again, shivers traveling up her arm.

“Stop it,” Adore said, biting her lip, but making no move to pull her hand away.

“A long, long life…” Courtney continued, flashing her winning smile.

Adore smiled back, but then off Violet’s intentionally loud scoff, she cleared her throat and finally snatched her hand back, just as Bob approached the group.

“Hey, uh...I need to speak to my wife,” Bob said, and Courtney laughed, getting up and following him a little ways away from the group.

“Is everything okay? Do you need-”

“What’s going on with you and Adore?” he asked quickly, head tilted down at her, brow slightly furrowed.

“What do you mean?” Courtney’s thoughts started racing, her heart beating quickly.

“Don’t play dumb with me, I’ve known you since we were 4.”

“I’m not playing!” Courtney said. “Maybe I’m just dumb?”

Bob put his hands on his hips, glaring at her. After a moment, he narrowed his eyes and said, “He really loves you--”

Courtney sighed. “I know, Bob. Okay? You don’t think I know that? And I love him-”

“--More than you deserve.”

Courtney looked at him for a long moment, a sarcastic comeback on the tip of her tongue, which she swallowed down, defeated, shifting her gaze to the ground.

“I know.” Her voice broke on the last word, a lump rising in her throat.

Bob’s voice seemed to soften a little, saying, “Look...I’m just trying to-”

“I know, you’re looking out for your friend,” Courtney said tiredly, still avoiding his knowing brown eyes. Tears stung in her own eyes. “I get it.”

“No. I’m looking out for my friends.”

At that, Courtney looked up at him, surprised.

“You’re my friend too,” he continued. “And Adore’s my friend. And I just don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

Courtney bit her lip, nodding. “Me neither,” she managed to whisper, before a single tear began to burn its way down her cheek. Bob pulled her in for a hug.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“I know.” Courtney sniffled against his shoulder. “You’re a good husband.”

“Oh yeah? Then why aren’t you in the kitchen making me some pie?”

Courtney laughed, parting from him with a good-natured shove.

“You okay?”

She nodded. “I really do love him, you know.”

“Yeah. Okay.” He smiled ruefully. “Things can’t ever be easy, huh?”

“No, I guess not.”

He pressed one last fatherly kiss to her forehead before leaving to join his own lunch group. Courtney took a moment more to collect herself, then walked back to the tree.

“What was that all about?” Pearl asked. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just some stuff about the play.”

“I’m so excited to see this play, it’s all you guys talk about,” Tati said.

“Yeah, better live up to the hype,” Trinity warned.

“Oh, it will,” Adore promised her with a charming grin. “We’re fucking amazing.”

“Damn right it will. Although, let’s be honest, I would have been a much better Percy than Bob,” said Willam.

“Ehhh…” Courtney grimaced.

“Fuck you, cheerleader!” Willam exclaimed, chucking an orange slice at her face.

“No I mean, you’d have been great in the campy parts, but the sincere romantic stuff? Not so much.”

“Yeah, remember last year? You two were the least believable teen romance ever,” Adore laughed, and Courtney joined in, nodding.

“Exactly.”

“Are you saying I can’t play it straight?” Willam looked deeply offended.

“Yeah, that’s exactly what we’re saying,” Adore told him.

“Oh yeah? Well, watch this…Come here, Virginia.” He grabbed Tati, who immediately squirmed away.

“Don’t touch me,” she said, pushing him onto the grass.

“Sorry.”

“See? A straight guy wouldn’t have listened,” Violet commented drily, making all of them crack up.

[artificialqueens]

Tree House Kisses, Chapter 24 (Adorney) - Scorpio and Veronica

A/N: Click here for previous chapters. xoxo!

Chapter Summary: Adore faces some unexpected challenges on the opening night of Grease, and it causes her to think hard about who she can trust.

TW: homophobia

Chapter 24: Freddy My Love

On the day of the agonizingly slow tech rehearsal, by the time they got to the prom scene, everyone was a little exhausted, but they kept pushing through.

Courtney kept one eye on Adore and Raja as she and Willam marked their swing dance choreography. She rolled her eyes as Adore tucked a stray curl back into Raja’s hair, giggling as the senior slung an arm around her shoulders.

Courtney sighed and looked over at Roy dancing with Shangela, who was playing Cha Cha. She grinned, remembering his recent confession to her. When Mrs. Maguire paused the actors to work on a lighting cue, she sidled over to them, whispering, “Shangie, those were some killer moves!”

“Thanks! I try…” Shangela laughed, feigning modesty.

“And you look so cute in that dress. I love the way you look in red. Roy, doesn’t Shangie look soooo cute?” She smiled at them, fluttering her lashes.

“Uh, yeah, you look cute,” Roy echoed.

“Thanks guys…” Shangie gave them a slightly puzzled look and walked a few steps away to grab a drink from her water bottle.

Roy grabbed Courtney’s arm, hissing, “Stop that right now!”

Courtney widened her eyes, a mischievous grin on her face. “Stop what?” she asked innocently.

Glaring down at her, Roy insisted, “You know what. Seriously, knock it off.”

Courtney pressed her body against his, giggling. “You’re so uptight, babe…” She wrapped her arms around him, glancing over his shoulder at Adore and Raja again.

“Courtney…” he said warningly.

“Alright, alright, I’ll be good,” she promised, kissing him gently.

-

It was finally opening night of Grease and everyone was bursting with excitement and nerves. Thorgy ran around making sure everything was going smoothly as the cast members got into costume.

It hadn’t taken any time at all for Courtney to pull her hair into a curled ponytail, a pretty pink ribbon wrapped around it. She loved how cute she looked in the 50s get-up, and pranced around backstage swishing her hips, humming the songs and joking with the others.

Courtney propped herself on top of the vanity Roy was using, legs swinging as she watched Adore and Raja on the other side, helping each other get ready. Adore was finishing up her makeup, while Raja pinned Adore’s hair up for her wig.

“Ow,” Adore hissed, jerking away from the bobby pin Raja poked her with.

“Sorry, babe,” Raja kissed Adore’s shoulder.

“It’s fine,” Adore said, a sunny smile gracing her face as she stole a kiss from Raja.

“You guys are so fucking cute, it’s almost gross,” Jinkx said, leaning against the vanity to line her lips.

Courtney tore her eyes away, slightly annoyed. She watched Roy try to get his hair in a perfect Danny pompadour for a second before hopping down.

“Let me help, babe,” Courtney said, giving Roy a kiss, taking the comb from him and climbing into his lap. She combed Roy’s hair back on the sides, the gel in his hair a bit sticky under her fingers.

Courtney’s eyes kept wandering over Roy’s shoulder to Adore and Raja. Raja stood between Adore’s legs, Adore’s arms wrapped around the girl’s waist as Raja tucked stray hairs under Adore’s wig cap, making sure nothing would peek out. Courtney found herself trying to read Adore’s lips as she whispered something to Raja, the older girl only biting her lip and shaking her head in response.

“Oh, okay. That was my ear. Twice!” Roy grabbed at his ear, taking the comb from Courtney, a deep wrinkle between his brows.  

“I’m sooo sorry,” Courtney cooed loudly, wrapping her arms around Roy’s neck. “I didn’t mean to-- I wasn’t paying attention.”

Roy sighed, putting the comb down and leaning forward to kiss her cheek.

“What’s on your mind? You’ve been distracted all day,” Roy noted.

“Nothing.” Courtney shook her head, forcing a smile across her face.

“Really?”

Courtney nodded. “I’m just excited for the show. Excited for you to get on stage and kill it,” she said, giving him peck on the lips.

When she pulled back, she saw Adore gazing lovingly at Raja, laughing at the playful tiff going on between her girlfriend and Jinkx. She looked back to Roy trying to not let Adore’s infatuation with Raja annoy her.

“You look so good as a greaser,” Courtney giggled, completely oblivious to the fact that Roy had just admitted to being a bit nervous, hands rubbing up and down Roy’s chest. “Where’s your jacket?” Courtney started to move to get up.  

“It’s over there. Were you listening at all?” Roy frowned at Courtney who’d hopped off his lap to grab the jacket.

Courtney paused, jacket gripped in hand. “You said... That I look amazing in this outfit and you still wish I could have been Sandy.” Courtney batted her lashes playfully. She glanced over to Adore and Raja, their laughter a distraction.

Roy sighed to himself, deciding to let Courtney slide tonight, but made a mental note to try to get her to talk later, “You’re right, you in this poodle skirt is driving me a bit crazy,” Roy tugged her closer and Courtney might have squealed a little louder than necessary.

-

After Mrs. Maguire agreed to Adore’s unconventional character choices, it took shockingly few changes to the script to bring the “Marty is gay” subplot come to light. In fact, the changes were so subtle that it was probably possible for people to miss them in the early scenes. Her big solo in the sleepover scene was the first time she openly expressed attraction to girls, starting out signing to her fellow Pink Ladies (maybe focusing on Raja in particular).

As the music began and the lights dimmed, the spotlight came up on Adore. A “Woo!” sounded from the audience, that Adore knew to be her uncle. She took a deep breath and began to croon the song that by now was second nature to her.

“Freddy my love, I miss you more than words can say Freddy my love, please keep in touch while you're away Hearing from you can make the day so much better Getting a souvenir or maybe a letter I really flipped over the grey cashmere sweater, Freddy my love…”

After one last eyelash flutter in Raja’s direction, Adore made her way down into the audience, winking and shimming in front of cute girls. She spotted Fame, Trinity and Violet in the audience and blew them a kiss. Fame, of course, goofily caught it while Violet rolled her eyes.

“Freddy my love, Freddy my love, Freddy my lo-ove Freddy you know, your absence makes me feel so blue That's okay though, your presents make me think of you”

In their seats, mothers and grandparents scrunched their noses and pursed their lips in confusion and distaste as Adore went around flirting with girls. A few audience members shared glances and whispers as Adore continued to sing.

“My ma will have a heart attack when she catches-”

Adore sung to a cute strawberry blonde who giggled shyly.

“Those pedal pushers with the black leather patches…”

She leaned forward, hands on the girl’s shoulders, one knee on the arm of the seat, batting her eyes in what she and Mrs. Maguire had decided would be their chaste version of a lap dance.

“Oh how I wish I had a jacket that matches, Freddy my love”

The girl laughed as Adore winked and took her leg down.

“What kind of establishment is this-- allowing this homosexual filth in a high school play,” a middle-aged woman sneered loudly, grabbing her purse and moving to leave.

“Fr-freddy my love, Freddy my love, Freddy my love…”

When Adore heard the woman, she stuttered, but she didn’t stop singing. Until two more women got out of their seats, mumbles of sin and disgust on their lips. A bearded man followed, taking a small child with him.

Adore’s singing faded off; she stopped in her tracks, a confused look on her face as she watched several other men and women leave. People turned in their seats watching them and whispers waved through the crowd. Adore’s heart thumped against her chest, blood rushed through her ears as she watched those people leave with their families in tow.

Mrs. Maguire grew anxious when she saw that Adore had completely stopped.

“It’s okay, honey, keep going. Keep going. Don’t stop!” she hissed, hands motioning for Adore to continue singing. Adore’s wide eyes connected with Mrs. Maguire’s.

She tried to swallow past the lump in her throat, but when her mouth opened, no words came out. The crowd grew antsy, shifting in their seats. The air filled with tension and the pounding of her heart was all she could hear. Her stomach turned as she watched the last mother flee with her child.

Bonnie shifted to the edge of her seat, fingers tense around the armrest, ready to get up if Adore needed her to. Adalia, Bonnie’s mother, put a hand on her shoulder.

Trinity grabbed Violet’s thigh, looking at Violet with confused and terrified eyes, only receiving a shrug of annoyance because how the hell was Violet supposed to know what was going on. Trinity’s other hand squeezed Fame’s, the blonde's face scrunched up in embarrassment for her friend.

The other cast members scurried backstage trying to peek from behind the curtains. Courtney gripped Roy’s arm, her other hand over her heart, scared it would stop.

Finally, Adore came back to the moment. Hyper-aware that she was standing in costume in the aisles, her cue repeating-- waiting for her to pick up. She nodded to herself knowing she needed to finish. The play must go on.

“Don't keep your letters from me, I thrill to every line Your spelling's kinda crummy, but honey so is mine I treasure every gifty, the ring is really nifty You say it cost you fifty, so you're thrifty, I don't mind…”

As Adore hopped up to sit at the edge of the stage for the last verse, she made brief eye contact with Raja, then quickly looked away, knowing that right now she just needed to get through the song. She didn’t have any time for sympathy, or she’d fall apart, and she was so close.

“Freddy you see, you'll hold me in your arms someday And I will be wearing your lacy lingerie Thinking about it, my heart's pounding already Knowing when you come home, we're bound to go steady And throw your service pay around like confetti, Freddy my love Freddy my love, Freddy my love, Freddy my lo-ove Freddy my love, Freddy my love, Freddy my lo-ove…”

As Adore made her way back to the stage, a breath of relief had Bonnie falling back into her chair, blinking watery eyes, relieved that her baby was okay, angry at those disrespectful parents, and a sadness sitting in her chest.

Her mother and brother tried to assure her that Adore would be fine, but she wasn’t so sure.

-

As the lights and music faded, all Adore wanted to do was get the hell offstage and find Raja, but unfortunately, her girlfriend had exited off stage left, so she stumbled blindly into the wings, breathing hard, heading for the dressing rooms. Her heart was still pounding and her knees felt wobbly. Worst of all, she knew she still had the whole rest of the show to get through.

Courtney was the first one to run up to her, throwing her arms around her friend from behind, holding her close. Adore took a shaky breath, leaning back against her, tears burning in her eyes.

“I’m so proud of you, Dory,” Courtney murmured against her neck. “You were so good, even after all of that bullshit. I mean, you sounded amazing from backstage-”

Adore whirled around, cutting Courtney off.

“This is not about my fucking singing, Courtney!”

“No, I know, that’s not what I-” the blonde shook her head, taken aback, reaching for Adore’s hand.

“You just don’t get it!” she continued, tears now streaming down her cheeks. “Do you know what it’s like for someone to look at you and think that who you are is so offensive that they can’t even be in the same room? That they can’t even have their kids look you? No, of course you don’t!” Adore’s voice broke. Courtney would never understand. How could she? She was perfect. No mother would ever pull their daughter away from looking at her. Any mother on the planet would kill for a daughter like Courtney. A beautiful little blonde angel, with a perfect face and a perfect body and a perfect boyfriend.

Courtney looked back at her, that dumbstruck, wide-eyed expression, compounding Adore’s rage with guilt. “Adore, I-”

“Forget it! Cause you’ll never know what that’s like. So...it’s fine. You know, I just…”

“Hey…” Raja stepped over to them, putting an arm around Adore’s shoulders. Adore turned around and buried her face against the older girl’s chest.

Courtney swallowed. She wanted to protest, to tell Adore that she did understand, that she misunderstood, that nobody cared more than her, that her heart was breaking, that her words had come out all wrong, but she couldn’t say any of that. None of this was about her. So she took a step back, whispering, “I’m sorry…”

Raja continued to rub Adore’s back. Courtney backed off even more, watching as Pearl and Jinkx approached, were granted access to the circle, offering words of encouragement, making Adore laugh.

Mrs. Maguire came rushing up to the group. “Adore,” she began, clearly ready to give one of her famous inspirational speeches.

But Adore sighed tiredly, wiping her eyes. “Mrs. Maguire, with all due respect, let’s just move on. I can’t really handle a pep talk right now.”

The teacher put a hand on her shoulder. “Okay, honey. But are you okay to finish the show? Because if not-”

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

“Attagirl,” Mrs Maguire said, giving her a hug. “Let’s show these bastards some musical fucking theatre.”

-

Having Raja on her side saved Adore from losing it completely. Without explaining why, she immediately understood that her girlfriend wouldn’t want to talk to anyone during intermission, even her well-meaning friends and castmates. She guarded Adore’s privacy fiercely from anyone who approached, giving her the space to retreat into herself and process what had happened.

The anger and disgust had been awful—awful to see, awful to experience. But what kept Adore going was the auditorium full of people who had stayed. Knowing that her mother, her grandmother, her aunts and uncles, her cousins and friends, were all sitting out there, made her feel calm. When she felt like breaking down, like running away, she thought about them all out there. She could get through this performance, this terrible night. She could do it.

She was onstage for a lot of the second act, which helped keep her mind occupied. By the time the show ended, she was so emotionally exhausted that she didn’t even register the applause. Raja walked her outside to where her mother waited outside of the dressing rooms, holding a big bouquet of pink roses, pulling her into the tightest and most protective embrace she’d felt in a long time.  

“I’m alright ma. I’m fine,” Adore tried to assure her mother, trying to keep her tears at bay.

“You sure?” Bonnie pulled back, looking into big hazel eyes, “because I swear-”

“I'm fine. I'm fine, promise,” Adore insisted, moving to hug her grandmother, who exclaimed over how good she was, then accepted high fives and fist bumps from her cousins and uncle. She was grateful that none of them mentioned what had happened, none of them pushed her to talk about it.

At least, not until everyone was piling into the cars a few minutes later, when Bonnie put a hand on Adore’s shoulder and pulled her to the side.

“Dory, I just want to make sure you're okay. Really, baby. Because if not, I can-”

“Ma, it's whatever, it happened. Whatever…” Adore shrugged her shoulders, avoiding her mother's gaze.

“Baby, it's not ‘whatever.’ I know you,” Bonnie grabbed both her shoulders, making Adore look at her. “This world is filled with a bunch of ugly, nasty-”

“I just like really don't feel like talking about this right now. Maybe another time. I want to eat and spend time with my family. Okay?” Adore pulled away from her mother.

“Okay. Just never let people like that make you feel unworthy, because you…are perfect.” Bonnie wrapped Adore into another tight hug, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

-

Roy pulled into Courtney’s driveway, glancing over at her. She’d been uncharacteristically silent the entire drive home. Normally she’d be chattering away, musing about random topics or telling him stories about people they knew, emptying the entire contents of her racing mind, but tonight she was like a statue.

“Are you okay?” he asked gently.

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

He put the car in park and turned to face her. “You don’t seem fine.”

“Well, I have no right to be complaining tonight, so…I guess I’m fine.”

Roy frowned, searching for the right words. “I didn’t ask how you’re supposed to feel.”

Courtney stared straight ahead, blinking back tears. “Why are people so awful?” she finally choked out.

“Umm...I don’t...I don’t know.” He reached over and touched her hand, where her fingers were rubbing the charms of her bracelet.

A tear slipped down her cheek. “We worked so hard. She worked so hard. And they ruined everything. And why?”

“I...I don’t know, babe. But hey, it’s gonna be okay. Because she has us. You know? She has you. So-”

“You should have seen the way she looked at me. Like I was...like I was one of them.” Courtney let out a sob, breath hitching.

Roy swallowed, looking at her. “Court, you know...she’s not actually mad at you.”

Courtney turned her head towards him, nodding slightly. She crawled over the armrest and into his lap, burying her face into his neck. He held her close, stroking her back.

“It feels really shitty to make this about our friendship, with what she went through. But I feel...like something broke...and it hurts so much...and I don’t know how to fix it…” Courtney wept into Roy’s shoulder, tears soaking his t-shirt.

“I think she was just upset, and you were a safe person to take it out on,” Roy said. “Because she knows deep down that you’re gonna love her no matter what. I’m sure it’ll be okay tomorrow.”

Courtney pulled back, tear-stained cheeks shining under the streetlights. “You really think so?”

He cupped her face, gently brushing her tears away. “I really do.”

She leaned forward, kissing him. “You’re the best boyfriend ever.”

“I know,” Roy replied, flashing her a grin.

-

Adore shoved a few books in her locker, cringing when she heard her name. She’d intentionally come late to school, hoping to avoid whispers and stares, wanting everyone to forget about last night, move onto the next drama.

“Delano, I’m talking to you,” Violet repeated.

“Hey Vies,” Adore said tiredly, shutting her locker and sagging against the cold metal doors.

Violet crossed her arms. “What a bunch of bullshit that was last night, huh?”

“I don’t really want to-” Adore began, but she was cut off by Violet continuing, her words bitter.

“Just so you know, this is why I fucking hate straight people.”

“Violet, not all straight people are-”

“ALL OF THEM!” Violet spat.

“Even your parents?” Adore asked, raising her eyebrow.

Violet looked at her like she was an alien who’d just arrived on the planet. “Um, hi, are you new? I fucking hate my parents.”

Adore laughed. “Right. What about Trinity?”

Violet slammed her hand against a locker. “Shut up! Why aren’t you more pissed?! I fucking want to kill those bitches! How dare they?!

“Vies…”

“What?!”

Adore bit her lip, eyes filled with tears. “Of course I’m pissed. And...scared. And confused. But mostly I’m just…”

Violet put her hands on the sides of Adore’s face as the tears spilled down her cheeks. “Adore…”

“I’m sorry, I’m just, I dunno. They don’t even know me. How can they hate me so much?”

“That’s right, they don’t. And you know, we don’t know them too well, but we do know one thing…” Violet held her face gently, looked directly into her eyes. “You are better than they will ever, ever be. Don’t forget that.”

Adore sniffled as Violet gently wiped her tears away.

“Fuck them. They are nothing. Okay? Just...we just have to keep being better. That’s how we win.”

“Okay.” Adore let Violet pull her into a hug, the fierce, rib-crushing kind that only she could give, so tight it nearly took her breath away, both comforting and painful. They stayed like that for a few moments, until Adore was gasping for air and had to break away, giggling slightly. “Alright, alright, I’m good. You don’t have to suffocate me.”

Violet smiled. “Damn it, you’ve foiled my plan.”

There was a pause, “So, I guess this means you're talking to me again?”

Violet snorted. “I think you learned your lesson.”

“Hey Vies?”

“What?”

“I love you.”

Violet rolled her eyes, clearly uncomfortable now that their conversation had taken a sentimental turn. “Yeah, yeah, yeah...get your ass to class, you tardy bitch.”

“Copy that, ma’am.” Adore saluted, walking away.

“Oh, and Adore?”

“Yeah?” Adore asked.

“Me too, man.”

Adore smiled, blowing her a kiss, before taking a deep breath and heading to class.

-

Later that day, Adore sat nervously at Mrs. Maguire’s desk, fingers playing with the edges of her sleeves, trying to swallow down the uneasiness that rose up in her throat. She’d heard rumors that even more parents had come into school today to complain to the principal. Bob told her that one of them was Mrs. Lake, Darienne’s mom. She’d always known that Mrs. Lake was conservative, but she’d also known her since she was in second grade. The thought made her sick.

Mrs. Maguire sat down, soft blue eyes filled with compassion as she asked softly, “How are you doing today, honey?”

“Um...okay. Fine.” Adore bit her lip.

Nodding, Mrs. Maguire leaned forward on the desk, propping a chin up. “Yeah.” She heaved a sigh and then continued. “I know you said you didn’t want a pep talk last night, so I’m going to try giving you one right now. Is that alright with you?”

Adore nodded.

“It might not be one of my better ones, because...well, I’m pretty fucking pissed.”

Adore couldn’t help cracking a smile. It was always funny when a teacher swore.

“For the record, I’ve spoken to Principal Greene and agreed to give a more detailed disclaimer, but NOTHING in the show is changing. So there’s that. Everyone agrees that the show is perfectly acceptable. Your song, your whole arc, is one of the least offensive parts of this play. For god’s sake, Roy tries to date rape Alyssa, and then she gets back together with him, and punches another girl out for simply flirting with him. It’s like, a super problematic show that at no time tries to preach about morality, so this whole thing is incredibly stupid. But next year he wants a ‘family-friendly’ show, so I told him we’ll do something real sweet like The Sound of Music. Those PTA whores probably love singing nazis. Or a show about orphan abuse, that really gets them off.”

Adore laughed. “I’m digging this Riot Grrrl vibe, Mrs. Maguire.”

“You have no idea,” her teacher smiled, then said, “I’m so sorry you went through what you did, Adore. Truly. But I have to tell you, that the way you handled yourself - it was one of the bravest things I have ever seen in my life. You must have been terrified. And...I wish I could tell you that this is the last time you’ll ever face that kind of ignorant, pointless bigotry. But...it’s not. And, sometimes it will get easier to stand up to. Sometimes...not. But what you need to know, is no matter how many people are there looking at you with that dumb fucking hateful look on their faces...there are so, so many more who love and support you. Who have your back.”

A tear rolled down Adore’s cheek. She couldn’t help thinking about Courtney, how she’d pushed her away. That sick feeling in her stomach clawed it’s way back up into her throat.

“What you did on that stage was incredible. Because you told all of those people that they couldn’t break you. But Adore, if you hadn’t been able to keep going with that song, that would have been okay too. Because sometimes, we have limits. And that’s why we have friends, and classmates, and communities, to back us up. You follow me?”

Adore nodded again, not trusting herself to speak.

“Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help, honey. Sometimes the strongest thing to do is to admit when you need a hand. Okay?”

“Okay.” Adore managed to whisper.

-

Mrs. Maguire had called the whole cast and crew in early for Friday’s performance, and as they filed into the auditorium for the meeting, Courtney felt dread gnawing at her insides. She had managed to avoid Adore all day at school, trying to give her some space, and the thought that she was still mad - or even worse, still in pain, weighed heavily on her.

But when Adore’s eyes met hers, they lit up with happiness, and she ran over, throwing her arms around her. Relief flooded through Courtney’s entire body as she hugged her back.

“Um…” Adore cleared her throat. “Sorry for being such a basket case crybaby last night. I didn’t mean-”

“No, you don’t have to...come here…” Courtney blinked back tears of joy, pulling her in for another hug. “It’s okay…”

“Thanks,” Adore said simply, laying a head on her shoulder.

“They’re not making you change it, are they?” Courtney asked. “Because if so, we should protest! We can make signs, and march over to the district office, and-”

“Okay, chillax, dude. No, we’re not changing it. But Mrs. Marguire did say that Greene wants a family-friendly show next year, so we’re probably gonna have to do Sound of Music or some lame shit like that.”

Courtney’s eyes lit up and she clapped her hands, then off Adore’s scowl, covered her face, a little embarrassed. “Sorry...I like The Sound of Music…”

Adore shook her head. “You fucking nerd. Come sit with me…”

Courtney grasped Adore’s hands, skipping after her happily to sit down for the meeting.