#gonna go lie on the floor and not talk to anyone for approximately 3-5 business days until life is worth living again

[shearah]

bruh

[myselfinserts]

“Stop talking. I will win.”

L sat quietly on couch, flipping through all the evidence with a calm mind. Today was the final day of the trial. She knew who the true culprit was. And their key witness was on her way over in the safety of her partner’s embrace. She knew she’d win this case. She just had to remain calm, composed, and confident. 

Her client, however, was far less calm. Pacing back and forth. Tugging at his sleeves. Shaking. She expected as much. L had seen first hand how the court reacted to seeing the defendant. 

Needless to say, looks could be deceiving. 

“Ceri, relax,” she soothed. “It’ll be okay.”

“I know,” Ceri said, voice tight with worry. “I know you will. I trust you. I just...” 

She motioned for him to sit down, giving him a gentle pat on the shoulder as she closed the files. “We have this. Your alibi is airtight now. And the other witness will have their testimony torn apart.”

Ceri clenched his fists tightly, trying to stop from crying. “I believe in you. I just...I just can’t stop worrying. If I end up with a guilty verdict I...I know I probably won’t be the one hurt most by it.”

L knew all too well what he meant. Ceri wasn’t a murderer. But if anyone else were put on the case, it would be almost certain that Ceri Aylward would be found guilty. But being behind bars wasn’t what he was afraid of. No, what Ceri was terrified of was how this would affect his husband. No doubt he was worried how this would affect his husband’s reputation. How that’d tie into the reputation of the Atelier. More importantly though, Ceri was absolutely panicking over how Étienne would feel having a convicted criminal as a husband. She could practically hear the voices in the pub owner’s head. 

He’s probably thinking something a little cheesy like, ‘This case is going to ruin him. It’s all my fault. He’ll never forgive me for this. I’m innocent, but...if in the end...dammit....Please don’t let this hurt his work. Please. Please, don’t let this hurt his heart. His beautiful, beautiful heart.‘ Something like that.

But L knew better. If Ceri’s fears were in any way possibly true, Étienne wouldn’t have asked her to take this case to begin with. If there was anything certain in this world, it was that he cared very deeply for Ceri and would do whatever it took to help him. 

“H-hey, L,” Ceri stammered. “If...if something happens. Promise me that-”

“Stop talking,” L interrupting. “I will win. We will win your freedom. So stop talking like we already lost.” She noticed the way he tensed at that, and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. “Listen. I know you have a bad habit of preparing for the worst. And understandably so. But I wouldn’t have taken you on if I wasn’t certain I could prove your innocence. And if I couldn’t do it, I’d have fought until I found someone who could.” She smiled as he started to relax again. “But...if it will make you feel a little better, I’ll hear out what you want me to promise you.”

Ceri nodded, taking a deep breath. “If...if something happens. Even when we win the case...if something happens to me, please...look after Étienne for me. I can’t...” his hands began to shake. “I can’t see this through without knowing for sure that he won’t be left alone should worst come to worst.”

L nodded, pulling him into a tight hug. “Always, Ceri. You know I would never abandon him.”

“I know,” Ceri said, managing a smile. “I just...I needed to hear it.”

“Sometimes hearing it said is the best medicine.” L looked up as the door opened, a bright and cheerful Phoenix walking in with a basket covered with a soft, teal blanket on one arm, and a giant case on the other. “Got the witness?”

“Yes I do!” Phoenix declared, holding up the basked. 

“Great. Trial reconvenes in two minutes.”

“Then let’s get to it!”

The entire court was filled with whispers. As Phoenix finished laying out all the buttons on the floor, L carried the basked to the witness stand and set it down right in front of it. Prosecutor McMiller was gobsmacked. Staring like a drowning trout as a little golden cat let out a soft yawn before crawling out of her bed. 

“And done,” Phoenix said, heading back to the defense’s side. 

“Perfect.” L looked up at the judge. “The witness is ready, your honor.”

“Hold it!” Mary looked up at the judge, seething in anger. “Your Honor, this cannot possibly be allowed!”

“On the contrary,” L argued, returning to Phoenix’s side. “This is a key witness in confirming the defendant’s claim of being home at the time of the murder. We do have evidence to support her testimony, but it would be best to hear it from her first, don’t you agree?”

The judge raised an eyebrow, but nodded in agreement. "Very well. Witness, please state your name for the record."

Honey gave a soft mew before running between the buttons on the floor, pressing every single one as fast as she could. The buttons gave out a gravelly, monotone sound.

"A-M-B-E-R-A-L-L-A-R-D. I-A-M-S-M-A-L-L-A-N-D-C-U-T-E."

"Amazing," the judge gasped. "Such an incredibly smart cat."

"Her caretakers are very proud of her intelligence, your honor," L agreed.

Honey ran over to one of the full response buttons and pressed it. "I am good kitty."

“Yes you are,” the judge agreed. “Now, Miss Allard. Please give us your testimony. Be as precise as you can with those little buttons of yours.”

Honey continued on with a nod, pressing the buttons diligently at breakneck speed. 

“Ceri. Welcome home. 5 I-N-E-V-E-N-I-N-G. Food. Food. Ceri. M-A-K-E. Food. Shrimpies. 6, 2, 0. Shrimpies. A-M-B-E-R-L-O-V-E Shrimpies. Food P-H-O-T-O-T-O Papa. I am good kitty. Food. Bath. Bath. 7, 3, 0. N-E-E-D-E-D Bath. R-E-A-D-F-O-R-A-M-B-E-R-A-T 8. Bed. Bed. Bed A-T 9, 1, 5. I am good kitty. Ceri. I love you.”

With a nod and a gentle ‘aw’ from the audience, L watched as Honey curled back into her basked, looking very pleased with herself. “As you can see, Miss Allard’s testimony lines up with the defendant’s claims.”

“Hold it!” Mary slammed her hands on the prosecutor’s bench. “You mean to tell me that incoherent mess is a testimony.”

The judge gave her a hard look. “Miss McMiller. You were the one who convinced me to give the defense a chance to find evidence and a witness. And her testimony made perfect sense. Please wait for your chance to cross-examine the witness.”

“I-i suppose I did, but. But still. Your Honor that was a jumbled mess-”

“As you can see,” L continued. “On the day of the murder, which took place around 7:30 in the evening, Ceri Aylward had been home having dinner and tending to his husband’s beloved Amber.” She proceeded to the evidence table, laying out photos to be shown to the court. “As you can see from these photos taken of the victim’s home for this trial, leftover shrimp scampi had been found in the defendant’s fridge on day one of investigation. The book in question, ‘Feline Theater: Locked Heart’s Lament’, can be found in the living room on the coffee table near the cat’s down-stair’s bed.”

Phoenix let out a chuckle. “There you have it, everyone. Ceri couldn’t possibly have been the killer.”

“Objection, Your Honor,” Mary interjected. “How do we know that the defense didn’t train this cat before hand to commit perjury? Or that the defendant's spouse didn’t train her to lie about the case?”

L held a steady gaze on her, making sure to catch Mary’s reflection in her mask. “Monseuir Allard has been out of the country for the last month for business. We have a copy of his phone logs and airline tickets showing he’s away which he willingly handed over when investigators contacted him. Also, as the defendant has been in custody and my partner and I haven’t been able to tend to the cat post-arrest, she’s been staying a one of the local cat hotels during the case, and her buttons were at home during that time, both only just recovered within the past hour.” She laid out photographs of text messages between Ceri and Étienne, with pictures of the witness and defendant included. “Just look. There’s photographic evidence of the witness being in the same place as Mr. Aylward, all timestamped around the same time as Miss Amber Allard stated. Only off by approximately one minute or so. The 7:30 timestamp clearly shows the witness covered in what appears to be spices and sauce, beside the bathtub, in this selfie with the defendant.”

Ceri stifled a chuckle. “She had landed on my plate trying to get more food. This pretty kitty sure does loves shrimp.”

“Objection overruled, McMiller” the judge ruled. “Though I do admire your attempt to accuse a cat of...purr-jury. Do you wish to cross-examine the witness?”

Mary stammered looking between the judge, the defense, and the cat frantically before sighing in defeat. “There...doesn’t seem to be any issues with her testimony. Prosecution rests, your Honor.”

L smiled sweetly, going over and collecting the basket, handing it over to Ceri as Phoenix retrieved the buttons. “Your Honor, the defense asserts that given the evidence, and an accurate eye witness account, our client Ceri Aylward could not have possibly murdered Smokey Carts. We wish to have Ross Carts come back for further questioning.”

The judge nodded understandingly. “Court will adjourn for thirty minutes while Mr. Carts is brought back in. I suggest both parties prepare for this properly.”

Ceri was holding Honey close, giving her loving pets and kisses while cooing softly. “Such a good kitty. Such a beautiful, wonderful lady. Papa’s gonna be so proud of you. So brave.”

“Don’t relax yet,” Phoenix chided. “We still need to crack the Carts.”

“Though it shouldn’t be too much of a problem,” L assured. “We have everything needed to convict him.” She shook her head. “Seriously. Brothers up in arms over a property war for a jewelry store and just happened to both be regulars at the SF. What are the odds?” 

“With my luck?” Ceri laughed. “About as high as skyscraper. Though less likely than Étienne running through that door-”

SLAM!

Everyone jumped. Honey immediately went to defensive mode, only to relax a moment later and begin purring loudly. Standing in the doorway in a long black coat, dark teal scarf haphazardly hung on his shoulders, and panting heavily, was the one and only Étienne Allard. 

Ceri set Honey in the basket, slowly getting to his feet. “Love? Is...is it really-”

“Finally managed to wrap up work,” Étienne gasped, trying to regain some air. “Got on the first flight out and just landed not long ago. Half the damn elevators in this fucking building are down for repair. Why the hell is this room on the top floor? Never mind. Did I miss the-”

Before he could finish, Ceri ran over to him and wrapped his arms tightly around his husband’s shoulders, nearly knocking him to the floor. The guards were almost ready to chase him, had Phoenix not motioned for them to stop. Étienne returned the embrace, lightly rocking and stepping a little more into the room so the doors could close. 

“I’m so sorry, love,” Ceri cried, tears falling freely now. “I didn’t do it, I swear. I didn’t. I tried to play it safe. I swear I never meant for-”

“Sshh. Ça ira, mon Ceri.” Étienne pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I know you’re innocent. It’s going to be fine. Okay?”

Ceri nodded. “I know.”

Honey hopped out of the basked and ran over, quickly crawling up to  Étienne ‘s shoulders and lightly nuzzling into the hug. Étienne looked at her in shock. “Honey,” he said. “What are you doing here?”

L giggled fondly. “Her testimony just saved your husband’s ass. We’re getting the actual culprit back in to crack him.” She looked over at Phoenix, taking her hand and snuggling up close to her. “You want the honor?”

Phoenix giggled, wrapping her arms around L’s shoulders. “Don’t mind if I do.”

“Hey, it wouldn’t be fair if I only got to rip Mary a new one.”

Étienne looked at them, trying to suppress the scowl working its way onto his face. “McMiller...I wasn’t aware she was prosecuting this case.” He looked to Ceri, his expression softening. “She didn’t try anything, did she?”

“Usual tricks,” Ceri muttered, exhausted from stress and tears. “But damn, Team Ashes sure have been on top of things.”  He pressed their foreheads together, letting out a sigh. “Once this is over, can we finally take that vacation? I need at least a week of not leaving your side.”

“I think that can be arranged.”

Phoenix and L looked at each other, nodding in silent agreement. 

After this case, they were taking a vacation too.

“And that’s where we’re stopping for the night.” Phoenix bit back a laugh at the whines coming from the children. Had it not been for the case they had in the morning, she’d have gladly continued on with the tale. It was one of her finer moments after all. But it was already eleven, and the kids had school as well. 

“Come on, Autie Phoenix!” Ena begged. “Just a few more minutes.”

“Yeah!” Kasumi agreed. “We wanna hear how you chewed out that Carts guy!”

“How about this,” Phoenix offered, kissing them both on the head. “You sleep, and I’ll tell you all about it after dinner tomorrow. Then you can also hear about this case we’re currently doing.”

The twins looked at each other before turning back to her, speaking in unison. “You promise?”

“I promise.”

“Okay. Good night, Auntie.”

The girls curled up in their beds and closed their eyes. Phoenix made sure they were secure, tucking them in and turning out the light. Once the door was closed, she quietly made her way to the main office. Unsurprisingly, L was still at the desk looking over the case files, while Aizawa and Nemuri had passed out on the couch. Aizawa had a noticeable bruise on his cheek. 

“Something happen during my kids day?” she asked, taking a seat beside her partner. 

“Mhm,” L replied. “Shouta got hurt dealing with a potential witness. Nemuri was running all over trying to get papers. Yamada’s still out gathering intel off the streets.”

“I see.” Phoenix wrapped an arm around her, burying her face in L’s long, soft hair. “Want me to make you some tea? Looks like we’ll be at this a while.”

L shook her head slightly. “No thank you. But...could you stay right there? It’s pretty chilly in here.”

Phoenix smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Of course.”

[brokenbones-tellstories]

I’m bored.

1. What have you eaten today?

Brown sugar cinnamon pop tarts, a fruit roll up, Fritos, shrimp fettuccine Alfredo, a lavender latte , stuffed bell peppers, chocolate milk, water.

2. Who was your last kiss with? Was it pleasant?

Andrew. I guess. I honestly don’t prefer kisses.

3. What color shoes did you last wear?

Maroon and white!

4. Who has made you laugh the hardest in the last week? Twin. We were crying in the car after Peter Pan because we were laughing so hard.

5. What is your favorite scent? It’s between the flannel candle or the original scent candle from White Barn. I also really like Irish springs soap. It smells like my dad ☺️

6. What is your favorite season? Why?

Maybe winter will be more my season... 

7. Can you do a handstand or cartwheel?

I can do both!

8. What color are your nails?

I’m not allowed to paint them anymore because I live that Barista life.

9. If you had to get a tattoo on your face to save your life, what would it be? A freckle.

10. What is something you find romantic?

Oh, there’s so many things. I can’t even begin to describe… little things. Small moments. Surprising me with things you know I’ll fall in love with or have wanted for a very long time but don’t often speak of.

11. Are you happy? Happiness is fleeting.

12. Is there anything in particular making you happy or sad? I’m incredibly happy and very loved and a very busy woman. But, I’m also super tired and worn out and something has to give soon...

13. Dogs or Cats? I adore both, but I want a puppy.

15. Which do you prefer: a museum, a night club, the forest or a library? Depends on my mood. I have no desire to go to a club.

15. What is your style?

Slightly disheveled, can’t remember the last time I washed my jeans. Hair is in a pony tail 98% of the time. Makeup is a rare treat as I don’t have much time for it, always covered in mocha or frappuccino roast andI always smell faintly of espresso. But! Should I be blessed with a day off, my makeup is gorgeous and I’m usually always in a pair of skinny jeans with the ankles rolled up, wearing some form of sweater or jean jacket, or button down shirt, and I’m either wearing boots, converse, or adidas tennis shoes. My hair is shoulder length and mostly straight. Sometimes wavy. Just depends. I like dressing in layers. Lots of layers.

16. If you could be doing anything you like right now, what would it be? I’m doing exactly what I wanna be. I’m in bed and I’m warm.

17. Are you in a relationship or single? Engaged 🤷🏻‍♀️

18. What makes you attracted to the person you like right now? So very many things.

19. If you could replace your partner/best friend with a celebrity of your choice, would you? Who with? He looks SO MUCH LIKE HOOK FROM ONCE UPON A TIME.

20. Are you holding on to something you need to let go of? If so then what? Hahahaha hahah haha ha

21. How did you celebrate last Halloween? I came Home from work around 7:00 pm and layers in my bed and cried because I would only sleep in my room for another 5 nights before I said goodbye to that house forever.

22. Have you recently made any big decisions?

I’m buying a new car soon.

23. Were you ever in a school play?

Quite a few!

24. What movie would you use to describe your life? The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the closet thing I can think of

25. Is there something you have dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it? Yeah meeting a friend. We’ve tried and something always goes wrong.

26. Complete this sentence, “I wish I had someone with whom I could share…” I have everyone I wish I could share anything with.

27. What are two things that irritate you about the same sex? Women are paranoid and overdramatic.

28. What are two things that irritate you about the opposite sex? I’ve found with most that they don’t know when to stop or take no for an answer.

29. What is the best thing that has happened to you this week? I got to do my homework outside in the pretty weather.

30. What is something that makes you sad when you think about it? There’s a whole list of things. Right now I’m coping with a lot that I can’t actually talk about here.

31. How long was your longest relationship?

It’s still going. 2 (unbroken/straight) years

32. Have you ever been in love? I still am.

33. Are you currently in love? Yes.

34. Why did your last relationship end? Incompatibility. Trust issues. Anger issues. Emotional abuse. Physical abuse. Lack of respect. Habits I couldn’t live with. Etc.

35. What jewelry are you wearing right now, and where did you get it? Uh well. An engagement ring. A Lokai bracelet. A bracelet that says “Tetelestai” (it is finished), flower crystal earrings, a cartilage earring, and a gold necklace that says “dance in the rain” from my mom.

36. When was the last time you cried and why? I cried yesterday out of hurt, and guilt.

37. Name someone pretty. Twin.

38. What did you receive last Valentines Day? Chicken nuggets and chocolate.

39. Do you get jealous easily? Usually, no.

40. Have you ever been cheated on? I don’t think I have. I hope to God I’m not wrong.

41. Do you trust your partner/best friend? With my life.

42. Ever had detention? Once or twice.

43. Would you rather live in the countryside or the city? City.

44. What do people call you?  Sierrah, Dr. Watson, Twin, Scooter, Dear, Watson, Sarah, Savannah, Sissy, Daughter, Girl Child, Fresca, Sierra Mist, Sierra Nevada… you name it. I will respond to just about anything.

45. What was the last book you read? Everybody Always

46. How big of a nerd/dork are you? As far as books and Harry Potter goes….I’m a pretty big nerd.

47. What kind of music do you listen to? I have a very eclectic taste. So long as it’s not the rap crap that’s on the radio today and screamo/death metal.

48. How tall are you? 5′ 4″

49. Do you like kids? Absolutely adore them

50. Favorite fruits? Watermelon, cantaloupe, Kiwi, grapes

51. Do you wear jeans or sweats more? Jeans

52. What’s your earliest memory? I don’t know if it’s technically my earliest, but I remember laying in one of those pack and play cribs in the foyer/hall  of my granny Watson’s house when I was very small. I distinctly remember the hollow hum of the air conditioning coming through the vents of the house….

53. Ever had a poem or song written about you or to you? quite a few… “Begin Again”

54. Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it? Both

55. Do you have a collection of anything?  Books! I also have started collecting the Harry Potter Funko Pop characters (they’re adorable) and I have quite a few miniature figurines of grand pianos.

56. Do you save money or spend it? I save money and blow it all on traveling.

57. What would your dream house be like? I know for a fact I want dark hardwood floors and windows everywhere. I love light. Aside from that, there’s so many possibilities and so many different ways I want to decorate. It just depends on the space.

58. What top 5 things make you the angriest? People who lie, people who question my intentions and integrity, people who treat those of us in retail like we’re the scum of the earth, people who don’t know when to stop, and people with narcissistic attitudes or superiority complexes. Oh and people who don’t stand up for themselves.

59. What top 5 things always brings a smile to your face? Puppies, traveling, music, a good cup of coffee, my best friends,

60. You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. What do you do? Save the dog, I have so much experience I can just go work at another coffee shop.

61. 72: You are at the doctor’s office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. a) Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? b) What do you do with your remaining days? c) Would you be afraid? It all depends on where I’m at in life. I imagine at 72 I’d have done mostly everything, if not all of the things I currently want to do before I die. I also like to think that I’d tell someone, but I may not for a little while. I’m not afraid of dying, I’m just afraid of what comes after.

62. Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word; heart. The organ that’s keeping me alive.

63. You just got a free plane ticket to anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go? There’s a place in Sweden I REALLY want to visit.

64. Do you like the beach? Yes

65. Ever sleep on the couch or a bed with someone special? Many times.

66. Do you have a middle name? If so what is it! Marie.

67. Do you talk to yourself? All the time. Alllllll the time.

68. Describe your hair. Medium length, super soft, a deep copper red color with light copper/blonde highlights (It’s a faded version of the dark red with bright red highlights I had a few months ago) it’s also really straight, a few layers to frame my face, bangs that fall just below my eyebrows…

69. What is the meaning of life. If we all knew the meaning of life it would take the wonder out of living. As much as I’d like to know what it’s all for, I think that half the fun is in not knowing. Ask me this again when I’m 80 or something.

70. What is your ideal partner like? My best friend.

71. Do you want to get married? Yes

72. Do you want to have kids? I want two. Boy and a girl. Anastasia and Alexander 💙

73. Like or dislike your family? Depends on which part of the family. I like some, hate some, tolerate others…

74. Are you Chunky or Slim? I’m pretty tiny.

75. Would you consider yourself smart?  Yes.

76. What would you change about your life? Not a damn thing.

77. Religious or Not? I hate religion, but I am a follower of Jesus

78. You’re drunk and yelling at hot guys/girls out of your car window, you’re with? Most likely Twin.

79. You’re locked in a room with the last person you kissed, is that a problem? Nope

80. Does anyone regularly (other than family) tell you they love you? quite a few people. I am very loved.

81. If the person you wish to be with were with you, what would you be doing right now? Honestly we’d probably both be asleep.

82. So, the last person you kissed just happens to arrive at your door at 3AM; do you let them in? I mean. It’s his house.

83. Do you like when people play with your hair?  Yesssss. It’s one of the best things.

84. Do you like bubble baths? I take one nearly every day.

85. Have you ever been pulled over by a cop? just once.

86. Have you ever danced in the rain? multiple times

87. Do you trust anyone with your life? Just a couple of people

88. What was your first thought when you woke up this morning? READ THAT BOOK.

89. If money wasn’t an issue, what top 10 places would you travel to? (You get to stay at each place for a week)  1. Australia 2. Ireland 3. Sweden. 4. Germany 5. Seattle, Washington 6. California 7. Japan 8. Alaska to see the northern lights 9. Somewhere that I could see the entire milky way galaxy at night 10. the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

90. How was your day today? It was good!

91. Play an instrument? I can play a little piano.

92. Describe the what you think of the ocean. I think it’s beautiful. It brings peace. Helps me reset.

93. Do you believe in aliens or ghosts? I definitely believe in ghosts. I’m undecided about aliens

94. Honestly, are things how you wanted them to be?  No, but that’s how life goes.

95. Do you have a mean bitchy scary side? Who doesn’t?

96. When are you vulnerable? In many different situations. I think I allow myself to be most vulnerable and unguarded around twin and my mom than anyone.

97. How much free time do you have? Right now, more than I could ask for. Next week….none.

98. Do you like to go hiking? I do it quite a lot in the warmer months of the year.

99. Odd or Even Numbers? they’re all numbers to me.

100. Would you ever go sky diving, bungee jumping , cliff diving, wing suit gliding, parasailing, snorkeling, or other extreme activities? I would do every single one of those and more.