#jaida my darling !!!

[fuckyeah-dragrace]

also !! 4 for halldoll from the prompt list maybe?

omg my first halldoll!! idk how it’s taken me this long to write them but honestly this was super cute <3333

4. “And who is that?”

It felt good to finally get out, the warm weather not lasting much longer gave Jaida the perfect excuse to have all her friends over for a night out in her backyard. She sipped from her plastic cup and smiled seeing everyone chatting and laughing together.

Jan was talking with Jackie and Heidi about some production she’s in, Crystal was trying to do a cartwheel in the lawn with Rock cheering her on and Gigi watching for safety reasons since her girlfriend was a hazard. She frowned though, not seeing Nicky anywhere.

She was about to turn to look inside before someone jumped close to her, laughing and holding onto her tight. “Surprise!”

“Jesus!” She shouted, holding onto the blonde carefully, only getting more giggles from the girl.

“I got you.” Nicky said in a singsong voice, giggling and pecking her cheek. “You’re so easy to scare, baby.”

“I was not scared.” Jaida gave her look. “I was… taken by surprise. That’s all.”

“Sureee.” The French woman drawled, a drunken blush on her cheeks and her accent more prominent. Jaida always loved that when they’d go out, it made her so cute. “Good idea for planning this party, baby.”

“Well thank you for helping set it all up, Miss hostess.” She kissed her cheek, smiling and holding onto the shorter woman’s waist. They swayed together there for a few moments of silence, listening to the small breeze blow through the trees and their friends laughing together.

“I have to tell you something.” Nicky giggled, resting her head on Jaidas shoulder. The brunette looked down at her with a small smile. “What baby?”

“I love someone.”

“Oh really? And who is that?”

“You.” She whispered, wrapping her arms around Jaidas neck and connecting their foreheads. “I love you, ma belle.”

She smiled and held her hips, not caring that she heard someone (probably Rock) yell at them to get a room. “I love you too, Frenchie.” She gave her a small kiss, tasting the liquor on her lips and smiling to herself. “Love you so much.”

Nicky giggled again before resting her head on Jaidas shoulder, looking up at her with such adoration that it made Jaidas heart swell.

Who knew you could actually get drunk on love?

[eggcatsreads]

May Reading Wrap-Up

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Favorite Read of the Month:

Master of One by Jaida Jones and Dani Bennett (GR review)

Rags is a thief until he's caught by the Queensguard and forced to find an ancient fae relic for a sadistic royal sorcerer. And now he's forced on a journey to find the rest of these relics so they can save the world before it's destroyed.

Y'ALL. THIS BOOK DOES NOT GET ENOUGH LOVE AND THAT IS A CRIME. THIS CAME OUT IN 2020 AND THERE'S NOT EVEN A WHISPER OF A SEQUEL IN THE WORKS??? HELLO??? MORE PEOPLE NEED TO READ THIS SO THERE'S ENOUGH HYPE FOR THE AUTHORS TO CONTINUE THIS SERIES.

This is the queer fantasy adventure we've all wanted and it's been slept on. (Personally, I think it's the cover and the name keeping people from picking this book up.) Trust me, this book is PHENOMENAL. If you have ever read a fantasy adventure with some romantic tension in it, and thought "okay but what if it was gay?" then THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.

The best way I can describe it is if Crier's War and Realm Breaker had a baby. If you haven't read both of those books (what are you doing?) I'll try to describe the vibes. It's Crier's War in that it's a queer fantasy story where the protagonists are practically fighting against society itself to correct the corruption throughout the realm, where solving this won't be an easy fix - as well as it standing in the way of the romance, where two people from different worlds try to come together anyway and overcome the obstacles. It's Realm Breaker in that it's a found family adventure story where you collect more and more characters along the way as they have to fight to save the realm before it's destroyed. It's the love of my life in that I stayed up until like 6am to finish it in one sitting.

READ THIS BOOK. PLEASE.

-----------------------

Other Five Star Reads:

Painted Devils by Margaret Owen (GR review) (series)

Let’s get one thing straight—Vanja Schmidt wasn’t trying to start a cult.

If you haven't read Little Thieves yet, what are you doing? Read that, read this (the sequel), cry at the ending, and then wait with me with baited breath for Holy Terrors. While you're at it, read Margaret Owen's other book series, The Merciful Crow. She's a fantastic author.

-----------------------

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang (GR review)

Authors June Hayward and Athena Liu were supposed to be twin rising stars: same year at Yale, same debut year in publishing. But Athena's a cross-genre literary darling, and June didn't even get a paperback release. Nobody wants stories about basic white girls, June thinks. So when June witnesses Athena's death in a freak accident, she acts on impulse: she steals Athena's just-finished masterpiece, an experimental novel about the unsung contributions of Chinese laborers to the British and French war efforts during World War I.

R. F. Kuang is a PHENEMONAL writer, and in this darkly humorous memoir from the white women who stole the manuscript for her famous Asian-American author "friend" when she died, you won't be able to stop to take a breath before you realize you've finished the book in one sitting. In an impressive twist of expectations, R.F Kuang's self-insert character ISN'T the main character - she's the one who dies.

Instead, we're stuck inside June's ("Juniper Song's") head as she complains about the unfairness of political correctness and how only minority authors are getting the big breaks now, and no one supports her work because she's white. So when her friend dies unexpectedly in front of her one night, she takes the opportunity to steal her book and pass it off as her own - and it's a cultural phenomenon of a book - until her fraud comes to light. Her response to all of this will keep you on your toes until the last page.

Also R.F. Kuang has a trilogy called The Poppy War which I HIGHLY recommend reading. She's also written Babel, which while I liked, academia focused books aren't my forte. However, reading all four of these books can kind of lend some insight into Yellowface, as R.F. Kuang takes the criticisms she's faced and turns it around to mock them in this book, and there were a few moments I laughed out loud because I knew EXACTLY what book and where a certain criticism came from. It's not required, but if you were interested at all in these books, I recommend them before Yellowface, if you can.

-----------------------

The Witness for the Dead by Katherine Addison (series)

When the young half-goblin emperor Maia sought to learn who had killed his father and half-brothers, he turned to an obscure resident of his Court, a Prelate of Ulis and a Witness for the Dead. Thara Celehar found the truth, though it did him no good to discover it. He lost his place as a retainer of his cousin the former Empress, and made far too many enemies among the many factions vying for power in the new Court. The favor of the Emperor is a dangerous coin. Now Celehar lives in the city of Amalo, far from the Court though not exactly in exile. 

Thara Celehar my beloved. I would die for you, you sad gay wet cat of a man.

-----------------------

Rest of Books Read Under the Cut:

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Grief of Stones by Katherine Addison (series)

Thara Celehar continues to be a sad gay wet cat of a man, as we watch him go on his little adventures and solve crimes.

Babel by R.F. Kuang

1828. Robin Swift, orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell. There, he trains for years for the day he’ll enroll in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation—also known as Babel. The tower and its students are the world's center for translation and, more importantly, magic. Silver-working—the art of manifesting the meaning lost in translation using enchanted silver bars—has made the British unparalleled in power, as the arcane craft serves the Empire's quest for colonization.

Dragonfall by L.R. Lam

Long ago, humans betrayed dragons, stealing their magic and banishing them to a dying world. Centuries later, their descendants worship dragons as gods. But the gods remember, and they do not forgive.

Tbh this might have been 5 stars if the main character wasn't so vanilla that he'd see a half dragon/half man hybrid saving his life and didn't immediately want him, and instead went to hide and think about it. SIR. WHAT.

Also it's the classic enemies to lovers, one has to kill the other and the other doesn't know it, betrayal love stories we all love. Except gay. And with dragons. So better.

-----------------------

Seven Faceless Saints by M.K. Lobb

In the city of Ombrazia, saints and their disciples rule with terrifying and unjust power, playing favorites while the unfavored struggle to survive. After her father’s murder at the hands of the Ombrazian military, Rossana Lacertosa is willing to do whatever it takes to dismantle the corrupt system—tapping into her powers as a disciple of Patience, joining the rebellion, and facing the boy who broke her heart. 

Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medina

Anna Horn is always looking over her shoulder. For the bullies who torment her, for the entitled visitors at the reservation's casino...and for the nameless, disembodied entity that stalks her every step--an ancient tribal myth come-to-life, one that's intent on devouring her whole. With strange and sinister happenings occurring around the casino, Anna starts to suspect that not all the horrors on the reservation are old.

Our Hideous Progeny by C.E. McGill

It's 1853 London. Frankenstein's great niece Mary Saville and her husband, Henry, are trying to follow in his scientific footsteps and become renowned paleontologists. But after finding clues to her great uncle's disappearance, Mary's luck may just change. She constructs a plan that will force the scientific community to take her and her husband seriously; no one will be able to ignore them after they learn to create life.

-----------------------

Books read so far this year: 59

How I rate books.

[jjaelly]

X-Change Project

Watch now?

Content Warning: Panic attack, Mention of no appetite

🦋🦋🦋🦋

Sat in hair and makeup, letting your makeup artist poke and pull at your face, blending the makeup into an intricate design for your performance, waiting for your hair stylist to finish with your bandmate's hair to start yours, you glance at the maknae of your group, Gabbie—stage name Fawn.

Her grey eyes are glued to her phone screen as she waits in the corner of the room for all of her members to be finished with their hair and makeup, nervous about the meeting with the other groups. Anxious for what the show is about, and what will come from it.

jjaellyNet has decided to create a new reality show for idols, and your band had been invited to be a part of it. You were skeptical at first, as were all of your members; Gabbie hated survival shows and none of you had any idea what this show would be. But your manager had decided it was a good idea for the promotion of your next comeback.

A buzz in your pocket pulls you from your nerves, as you check the notification that had come to your phone from your mother.

“Good luck tonight, darling! Your father and I are so proud of you and the girls! I love you!” the message read.

You smile at your mother's message before replying with the same enthusiasm; a sincere thank you and a promise to pass her message to your members.

“My mum says good luck to all of us tonight and that she’s proud of us,” you say, following through with your promise to your mother.

“That’s so sweet! Let her know we say thank you!” your member, Jaida—stage name Jelly— says, her smile reaching her sage green eyes.

“Close your eyes, please,” the makeup artist says, her eyeshadow brushes appearing in your line of sight. You follow her instructions and you feel your hair stylist start pulling your hair out of its ponytail. Those two make working in a team seem easy which is exactly what you need right now.

“Ahh, I’m so nervous!” Jaida, now finished with her hair and makeup, starts jumping up and down on the spot trying to fight her nerves. The hair-stylist shoots her a stern look, concerned for the neatness of the braids sat in Jaida’s hair as she bounces around.

“You’re nervous? How do you think I feel? I spent all day today looking for your belt because it was missing and the spares weren’t where I left them!” Our stylist rushes through the door with clothes bags draped over her arm, scolding Jaida.

“Wait, it was missing? I put it in the same place as usual,” Jaida’s eyebrows furrow in confusion.

“I believe you. It fell. It was in one of the million bags below the hangers,” our stylist sighs as she finally puts the bags onto the table.

“I’m sorry, Unnie. I’ll make sure I hang it properly next time,” Jaida apologizes.

“It’s okay, love,” she pats Jaida’s arm then begins looking through the hangers of the clothes bags. Once satisfied with what she is looking for, she pulls two of the bags and passes one to Jaida and holds the other out to Gabbie, “Take your outfits and get changed, it’s almost 6, you have to leave in about half an hour.”

Jaida is quick to leave with her outfit, bowing at the stylist as she passes her, and Gabbie gets up from her position on the ground in the corner, placing her phone on a table and taking her outfit to the changing room.

“I’m almost done with Sky’s makeup if you want her to get changed now as well,” the makeup artist says, pausing in her movements to talk as she applies the group leader’s eyeliner with a steady hand.

“Oh, no, if you’re almost done, it’s okay,” Our stylist smiles towards the makeup artist.

You feel a hair clip push against your head and soon your hair and makeup are also finished. Taking your hanger, you head towards the dressing room.

As you step into the dressing room, you hear uneven breathing, and crying coming from the dressing room next to the one you entered, and you immediately recognise the noise.

You are thankful that you didn’t leave your phone in the other room as you press Sky’s contact and put the phone to your ear.

She picks up quickly and questions your reason for calling.

“Jaida is panicking,” you rush out before ending the call and knocking on the stall next to yours. You call her name a few times before the door finally unlocks and you hear running coming from the hallway.

“Hey, hey, love, you’re okay. It’s okay. What’s happened? Would you like to talk about it?” Sky embraces Jaida, comforting her quietly, patting her dyed purple hair. She nods at you as if to say that it’s okay to go, and you take that as your sign to finish getting ready for the performance.

You dress in plain black high-waisted pants, with a white strappy blouse tucked into the pants, with the butterfly belt that each of your members wear.

Once you finish changing, you fold your clothes and take the hanger and bag back to the other room.

Upon your arrival to the other room, you notice Jaida dressed in a similar outfit to yours, but with a skirt, sitting back in a chair with the makeup artist hovering over her, fixing her makeup, while she apologises.

“Hey, you okay? What happened?” you ask, becoming curious about the previous situation.

“I thought I lost my necklace,” her hand instinctively reached for the blue pendant on her necklace she never took off. “It got caught on my button as I was getting changed, and the chain broke, Unnie had another chain though, so it’s okay. I’m sorry for worrying you,” she looks down, disappointed in herself.

“Hey, it’s okay. I would’ve reacted the same had I lost something as important to me as that necklace is to you,” you pat her shoulder and smile at her in the mirror.

Hearing the door open, you look towards your manager who stood beside Gabbie, “Okay, where is Sky?”

“Right here,” Sky says, walking into the room behind the manager and Gabbie.

“Right. We need to get going. You still need to have microphones put on when we get there and do introductions and performances start at 9. You should be lucky you did rehearsal earlier, cause you guys will be the last ones there. Everyone else is getting ready at the venue. We can pick something up to eat on the way because you are not performing on an empty stomach,” he says. “Make sure you have all of your stuff.”

Each of you bow at the stylist, makeup artist, and hair stylist before grabbing all of your belongings and making your way toward the elevator.

“What would you like to eat?” Your manager asks all of you. Your nerves throw away all appetite you have and you think it is the same for all of your members.

“I don’t want to ruin my outfit by getting food on it, why don’t we get something to eat afterward?” Jaida suggests. All of the members agree but your manager is skeptical.

“Are you sure?” you all make noises of affirmation as you exit the elevator and get into the waiting vehicle.

The drive is quiet and as relaxing as it can be with the four of you curious as to what is going on and nervous about performing for idols.

“Are you really not going to tell us anything?” you speak up, for the first time in the half an hour drive.

“I can’t. We’re pretty much here anyways, so you won’t have to wait too long,” Your manager smiles as you sink back into your seat.

He turns into a parking lot that is basically empty and drives straight to the entrance, putting the car in park and taking the keys out of the ignition. Each of you leave the vehicle and walk slowly behind your manager towards the entrance of the venue.

Walking up the stairs, you realize that the lights in the foyer are on, but the glass door is closed. As you reach the door, your manager reaches for the keys in his pocket and unlocks the door, holding it open for you to all go in before he does. You enter the foyer and immediately realize how cold it is. The air conditioning must be set to about 18°C.

Your manager goes to the front desk and grabs the sheet of paper sitting on it, starting to fill it out. Your members bow at the lady behind the desk, who smiles in turn.

“Okay! Go through that door,” your manager says, pointing at a door on your left, after finishing the paperwork, “and there will be someone waiting for you. Follow them.”

“Wait, what? Where are you going?” Jaida has panic written in her eyes as she says the words. Gabbie grabs her hand to try to calm her down before she gets herself worked up.

“I’m just the chauffeur today. You’ll understand later, trust me,” he pats her shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. “Oh! Before I forget, come,” he waves Jaida to follow him back towards the car. Jaida glances at each of us before letting go of Gabbie’s hand and following our manager.

She returns minutes later with her beloved stuffed owl wrapped in her arms.

She takes a deep breath before walking to the door the manager earlier pointed to, where each of us were waiting for her, before opening the door.

As you enter the door, your eyes land on a young woman dressed in mostly black with platinum blond hair, who was just standing in the hall.

“Are you who is waiting for us?” You speak up quietly enough not to startle her.

“Ah, yes! You must be Nymph! My name is Aera, and I’ll be working with you throughout your time on this show!” She smiles gracefully at each of you. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll be taking you to your waiting room where I will help you get your microphones on. Have you eaten tonight?”

“No, we didn’t want to spoil our outfits, and we have been a bit too nervous to have much appetite,” you laugh awkwardly as you try to follow the conversation.

You arrive at a room that has your band name written on the door, entering quietly.

The room isn’t big, but it isn’t small. It has a white leather couch against one wall, a small glass coffee table in front of it, and along the other wall are suitcases that look familiar to you.

“Don’t question it, you’ll understand soon, I promise,” Aera says.

You each take a seat on the couch except Sky, who is the first to have her microphone put on, followed by you, then Gabbie, then Jaida.

Soon, you are instructed to leave your belongings in the waiting room and prepare for introduction. You are finally about to see what idols you are going to perform for.

Jaida sets her stuffed own on the couch, facing the suitcases, and each of your phones are left on the coffee table.

You are instructed to follow Aera in single file, so you take the front of the line, the two maknaes between yourself and Sky. You walk for a few minutes until Aera turns to you.

“Okay, on my cue, you walk through that doorway, it leads to the stage. You are the 7th band doing introductions, so there are still 2 after you. Stand in the middle of the stage area and introduce yourselves, until your band logo appears above one of the seating areas, then just go sit down and you’ll be good,” you nod at her instruction, your members mimicking your action.

You take a deep breath, trying to calm your nerves, and before you know it, Aera gives you the cue to go.

🦋🦋🦋🦋

Next Episode: Episode 01 / Series Masterlist

[missjanjie]

Like a Million Dollar Bill | Jessence

Title: Like a Million Dollar Bill Summary:  Jaida has recently come to terms with being a widow after her husband suddenly passed under totally normal and not at all suspicious circumstances. As the sole heir, she also suddenly finds herself richer than she could ever imagine. But she doesn't stay a lonely widow for long, as one night at her friend's lounge brings a woman into her life that might even be more valuable than her fortune. Word Count: ~3.2k Relationship(s): Jessence (Jan Sport/Jaida Essence Hall) Rating: E Notes: this is my submission for the black girl magic fic challenge so a note for that is the title is from the song 'million dollar bill' by whitney houston. also big thanks to @janssports for beta-ing

Read on AO3

-

“That finalizes everything, Mrs. Whitham, and again, I am so sorry for your loss.” The man from the probate court shook Jaida’s hand before she got up to leave.

Jaida did her best to maintain the miserable expression she had on through the funeral. She thought about the disdain she felt when the man used her married name, how desperate she was to regain her sense of individual identity. She was free, only if she played her cards right. But this was a long time coming, to say the least. “Thank you so much, sir.” She dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief before leaving the room.

Sitting on a bench in the hallway was her younger sister, Heidi. She got up and took her hand. “You good?” she asked gently, coming off as nothing more than the concerned sibling of a grieving widow. But the look in her eyes reminded Jaida that she knew. She knew it all. Someone had to, lest the burden of keeping a secret became overwhelming and came out to the wrong person.

And Jaida continued to play her role, standing upright and swallowing thickly, because she was just struggling to stay strong. “I will be,” she said with a tremor in her voice.

“Who did he appoint as the…” Heidi furrowed her brows as she wracked her brain. “What’s the word again? For the person that’s gonna transfer his funds to you?”

“Executor,” she answered. “And it’s his sister, lord help me.” She sighed. Her deceased husband’s family had never been fond of her - due both to the twenty-year gap that existed in their relationship and outright racism. The only upside to that was no one outside the family took their complaints very seriously, but that didn’t mean she was at all happy to have to deal with her. “Anyway, I’m gonna go to Shea’s lounge tonight. She’s got a new singer, should be cute. You wanna come?”

Her sister shook her head. “Naw, I gotta get my ass up early to finish packing. Gonna take some time to move into that fancy-ass mansion.” She chuckled. It might not have been the best time to be visibly excited, but she was so thrilled to get herself and her dogs out of her one bedroom, seven hundred square-foot apartment.

“Suit yourself.” Jaida shrugged as she pulled her coat on. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

------

The lounge Shea owned was chic, calm, a place Jaida would probably still frequent if it wasn’t her best friend’s pride and joy. It was the type of place where she could dress up to go to, without feeling like she had to be on her best, most reserved behavior. And after all of the day’s events, she just wanted to relax, entering the club and making a beeline to her friend.

“Hey, I’m so glad you made it!” Shea beamed, hugging her tightly. “Just wait until you see our new act. She’s fresh out of university with a fancy musical theatre degree, and the bitch can sing. It’s fucking angelic, Jaida.” She didn’t mention Jaida’s husband’s death at that moment. While she didn’t know exactly what happened, she knew how miserable Jaida had been, how there hadn’t been any love between them in god knows how long. She knew how poorly he treated her and that his death probably wasn’t the worst thing in the world.

Jaida chuckled, walking with her to the bar while Shea ordered them a couple of drinks. “Damn, you really hyped her up, I’m gonna just take your word on it,” she assured, taking a sip of her drink when the bartender placed it beside her.

“Just come on, her set’s about to start,” Shea threw some money down on the counter and pulled Jaida along to one of the velvet couches so they could sit and watch.

Jan walked onto the stage, the spotlight framing her perfectly. She wore a strapless wine-red dress that just hit the ground and was tailored perfectly to her body, accentuating her curves while giving her an air of elegance one would expect from an upscale lounge singer. And her voice was as enchanting as Shea had talked it up to be and then some. There was no doubt that every patron of that lounge had their attention fixed solely on the stage.

“So, what do you think?” Shea asked once the first song had ended.

Jaida grinned, her gaze never breaking away from the singer. “I think I’m in love,” she retorted.

Her friend looked at her and let out a soft laugh. “What, are you following in your husband’s–may he rest in peace–footsteps? She’s twenty-two.”

“Bitch, I’m forty, not eighty. This is a new chapter in my life, who’s to say I can’t include a hot twenty-something in it?” Jaida scoffed.

Shea finished off her drink. “You know what? I respect that. I’ll introduce you two once she’s done,” she decided.

And true to her word, Shea took Jaida backstage once Jan’s set was over. “Wonderful job, darling,” she said as she walked in. “Jan, I’d like you to meet my dear friend, Jaida. We met when we were both in college, so, back when we were about your age.”

Jan looked at Jaida, tilting her head. “Well, how’s that possible when you’re clearly not a day over twenty-five?”

Shea rolled her eyes. “Oh lord, I’ll leave you guys to it,” she said and left the two of them alone.

Jaida chuckled. “Don’t you worry about her,” she said to Jan. “But anyway, you really were fantastic out there. That fancy college degree I keep hearing about did you well.”

Jan smiled, absentmindedly twirling her hair around her finger. “Why thank you. With all the debt it plunged me into, it better.”

The older woman clicked her tongue sympathetically. “Shit, how far in the hole are you?”

“About thirty grand.”

Jaida glanced around, then sat down beside Jan. “Listen, don’t go telling nobody, but I got you. I’m a couple days away from coming into a lot of money, like, well into seven figures.” She didn’t give a specific number because she wasn’t entirely sure how it all worked, but she could hire someone to explain it to her.

Jan’s eyes went wide and her jaw hung open. “A-Are you sure? I mean, thank you, that’s so kind. But if you don’t mind me asking… How’d you come into that kind of money?”

“Inheritance,” she replied, biting back a smirk.

“That’s just… incredible. If there’s anything I can do to thank you…”

Jaida waved her hand, brushing the suggestion off. “You don’t have to do anything. But I wouldn’t say no if you wanted to let me buy you a drink when you’re done for the night.”

Jan fluttered her eyelashes and shifted closer to her. “Of course, I was hoping this might be a little more than a random philanthropic act.”

This brought a feeling of relief to Jaida, the last thing she wanted was for Jan to feel obligated to express romantic or sexual interest in her. “I’ll see you on the other side, then,” she hummed as she got up and returned to the lounge, ready to watch Jan on stage for the rest of her shift. The only time her gaze broke was to text her driver to be on his way.

And once it ended, the two of them reconvened at the bar, with Jaida ordering them both a drink. “So, have you always been a singer?” she asked casually.

“Oh yeah, since I was four.” Jan chuckled. “At the end of the day there was just no other choice for me.”

“I like a girl that knows what she wants out of life,” Jaida mused, taking the glass once it was set down in front of her and sipping from it.

Jan smiled, lips just barely pursed around the rim of the glass. She sipped slowly, then set it down as she looked at her. “Then tell me,” she prompted, “what do you want?” She leaned ever so slightly closer, a sultry air lacing around her words.

Jaida smirked, pointedly looking her over. “Something about five-foot-four, brown eyes, voice of an angel…” she listed, voice trailing off as she spoke. “You know, something along those lines.”

Jan set her glass down once it was empty. “You better be taking that something back to your place then,” she replied simply.

“I intend on it,” she hummed. “You ever been in a Rolls Royce?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen one.”

Jaida grinned, leaving cash down for the bartender before getting up. “Come, Ralph is waiting out back for us.”

Jan tilted her head as she followed. “Ralph?”

“My driver. I inherited the staff as well, but they all liked me better anyway.” She chuckled as they went outside and stepped into the car, exchanging casual greetings with the driver.

While Jan did try to keep her attention on Jaida, she was distracted by how luxurious and pristine the car was, and when they pulled up to Jaida’s house, her eyes went wide. “This is where you live?” she gasped softly.

“Not too shabby, huh?” Jaida hummed as they got out of the car. “A lot of the staff lives here, no point in having a bunch of empty rooms. And my sister’s moving in tomorrow,” she explained, leading her inside.

Jan was trying her best to listen, but taking in everything around her meant her focus was being pulled in six different directions. It reminded her of her first time in Manhattan — everything was big and shiny, but she didn’t think she could touch anything yet. The first thing her hand felt was the railing of the spiral staircase she was following Jaida up.

“And this is my room. It could do with an update, I ain’t gonna lie. But she’s comfy and spacious, can’t really complain.” Jaida hummed. She had been the one that had pushed for such a big bed, and although she was quick to adjust to sleeping in it alone, she was more than happy to bring in new company. She turned to see that Jan had taken off her shoes and thrown herself onto the bed, sprawled out on her back and giggling softly to herself. “Feel free to make yourself at home.”

“Sorry, it just looked so inviting. I couldn’t help myself,” Jan replied, sitting back up.

Jaida smiled as she toed out of her heels. “I’m not mad, you look good in my bed.” She hummed, letting her eyes rake over Jan’s body.

“I’d look even better up close,” she cooed, beckoning Jaida closer with a curl of her finger.

“You know, I think you’re right.” Jaida chuckled as she crawled onto the bed, then on top of Jan, straddling her waist as she kissed along her jawline.

Jan tilted her head back, baring her neck as Jaida’s lips traveled down it. A breathy gasp slipped out when Jaida began littering her neck with hickies until she finally moved up to kiss her properly.

Jaida kissed her hard, deeply. It was the first kiss in years that made her feel so alive, that made her keep going back for more because the taste of her lips became instantly addictive. Her fingers tangled in Jan’s hair, pulling her head closer while her free hand unzipped the younger woman’s dress.

Jan wiggled out of her dress, not wanting to have to break away from Jaida to take it off properly. Her hand wandered across Jaida’s back until she felt the metal of the zipper under her thumb, then unzipped the dress in a swift movement.

When they did have to come up for air, Jaida took another look at the girl beneath her. “You always wear lingerie like this under your work clothes?” she teased, her finger tracing along the outline of Jan’s lacy, strapless bra.

“It helps me stay in the zone. You know, the soft, sultry lounge singer.” She hummed, walking her fingers up Jaida’s arm. “And it seems to have worked,” she added, her fingers stopping on Jaida’s bra strap and playfully tugging it down.

“Guess you got me there,” Jaida murmured, pressing another kiss to her lips as she unhooked her bra and tossed it aside. Her hands glided forward, cupping Jan’s breasts with her thumbs massaging her nipples at a teasingly slow pace, smirking when it elicited a soft moan. She trailed her lips back down Jan’s neck, to her collarbone, then between her breasts.

Jan’s back arched up, body already yearning for more touch, and whimpering softly when she felt Jaida’s tongue swirling around her nipple. Her thighs instinctively parted as soon as Jaida pulled her panties down, but she was past the point of feeling any sort of embarrassment - she knew what she wanted and was ready for it.

And who was Jaida to do anything but give right in? After finally undressing herself, she nudged Jan’s thighs apart with her hand, then gently traced her finger along her folds. She eased one finger in first, curling and pumping it slowly, her eyes trained on Jan’s face, watching her get more and more worked up. “That’s it, good girl,” she murmured as she worked in a second finger and built up her pace. She looked down with amusement when she saw how Jan was thrusting her hips forward, as if she was trying to fuck herself on her fingers. “And so eager,” she teased.

“Just love the way you make me feel, Mommy,” Jan purred in a way that sent chills up Jaida’s spine.

Jaida smirked and leaned over to kiss her. “Cute,” she murmured before moving down between Jan’s legs and, before Jan could offer any response, she replaced her fingers with her tongue, thrusting it and swirling it around.

“F-Fuck!” Jan gasped out sharply, hips pushing up again. Her hands gripped the comforter beneath her, knuckles turning white from the tightness of her hold.

And Jaida was only encouraged by that. Her tongue moved steadily and swiftly while her thumb rubbed at her clit. Her free hand kept her balanced by gripping onto Jan’s thigh, which helped keep Jan in place as well.

Jan was trembling and moaning, her body was red hot and she could feel her pulse racing. Her eyes squeezed shut and her hips bucked up despite Jaida’s grip. “A-Ah, fuck!” she nearly yelled as her orgasm hit.

It was only after Jaida was certain Jan was fully spent that she came up for air. “That good, baby?” she cooed, running her hands up and down Jan’s body.

Jan felt like her soul had left her body, feeling completely numb and utterly spent in the best possible way. “So good,” she breathed out. Once she regained the ability to remember how to move, she sat up. “Let me take care of you,” she whispered, and was already pushing Jaida onto the bed before she could get an answer.

Not that Jaida would’ve ever dreamed of objecting. She laid back with her legs propped apart to give her room, and tried her best to watch her, but the second she felt Jan’s tongue against her pussy and easing its way in, her eyes fluttered shut and her body shuddered in pleasure. She supposed it didn’t surprise her that Jan was talented any way she used her mouth, but god, that girl was an overachiever.

And Jan was nothing if not eager to please. She didn’t let up for a second, not until Jaida came as hard as she had, and even after that, she lingered for a moment, just in case. Then she moved back up Jaida’s body and kissed her sweetly.

Jaida hummed contently and wrapped her arms around Jan. “That was so good, baby,” she praised gently, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before shifting so they could be under the covers. “Think you’re about ready to call it a night?”

Jan nodded, letting out a soft yawn. “God, I’m gonna sleep so well tonight,” she murmured as she nestled herself against Jaida.

“I sure hope so,” she retorted lightly as her eyes closed.

------

The housekeeper let Heidi in that morning, and Heidi didn’t think much of it. She knew her sister had never been a morning person, and they never did set a time for her to come over. Considering she didn’t need to bring any furniture, the transition to moving in was easily handled by herself, with some help from the security guard - she could only go up and down that long staircase so many times with arms full of luggage.

Once she was more or less settled in, Heidi went back downstairs to go into the kitchen with the intent of raiding Jaida’s fridge for some breakfast. What she didn’t expect to see was a white girl in one of her sister’s silk robes leaning against the counter and drinking coffee. “Now who in the fresh hell are you?”

Jan was unphased by this. “I’m Jan,” she answered. “You must be Heidi, Jaida’s told me so much about you.”

“Well she ain’t tell me shit about you, so my question remains unanswered,” she said bluntly.

“Right, that makes sense, since we just met last night,” Jan mused. “Anyway, I know you’re just moving in and stuff, I’ll go let Jaida know you’re here.” She finished her coffee and put the empty mug in the sink before going back upstairs, happy to see that Jaida was a little more awake than when she’d left. “Your sister’s here, by the way,” she said as she sat cross-legged on the bed.

Jaida sat upright. “This early? Damn. Well, I better make myself decent and go talk to her,” she said, getting out of bed and throwing on a t-shirt and sweatpants. “I won’t be long, boo.” She kissed her cheek before she made her way downstairs.

“You got some ‘splaining to do,” Heidi said as soon as Jaida came into her line of vision. “Now, who was that pretty little thing wanderin’ around here in next to nothing?”

“Jan’s the new singer at Shea’s lounge. Listen, I know it was fast but… I don’t know how to explain it, there’s something special about her. We had this connection that I just know is more than intimate.”

Heidi stared at her blankly. “Do you hear yourself right now? It hasn’t even been a month since the funeral and you’ve got a co-ed up in your room.”

Jaida sighed. “Look, I’m not planning on flaunting her out and about yet, but I’m not gonna deny myself just because the dirt on his grave is still fresh.” She chewed her lip. “This is the first time I’ve been happy in years, Heidi. I need you to let me have this.”

Her sister was quiet for a moment. “You really think this girl’s gonna make you that happy?”

“I do.”

“Then I won’t stop you.” Heidi gave in without any more resistance. “Just don’t go mixing any of that white powder into her drink, she seems real nice.”

Jaida rolled her eyes, then quickly glanced around to make sure they were alone. “Don’t you worry, arsenic milkshakes are off the menu.”

[imalwaysaslutfordrag]

57 with j trio 👀👀👀

Hi, my darling. I hope this was what you wanted! If not, feel free to shoot me in the head or send in another prompt. Luv u <3

Heart eyes when the other talks, sings, dances, argues, does literally anything especially things which others make fun of them for or find annoying.

It was day who the hell even knew anymore of quarantine when Jan called for a family meeting in the living room.

Jaida sat with her feet propped up on the coffee table, practically reclined on the couch with her arm around Jackie, who sat beside her with a fuzzy blanket wrapped around her body, and her favorite fuzzy socks on. 

Jan smiled at her girlfriends. They looked adorable. They always did, but today especially.

Jan went to open her mouth to speak but she was cut off by Jaida. 

“Listen, if you're pissed about the hair in the shower, I just wanna say...”Jaida paused, “it’s Jackie’s so you should be mad at her.” 

“Hey!” Jackie cried, trying and failing to turn in her blanket cocoon to glare at Jaida.

“That’s not what I was going to say, but thanks for bringing it up,” Jan smiled politely and went to speak but was again cut off, this time by Jackie.

“If this is about the ants in the kitchen, I sprayed the whole thing this morning and wiped down the counters and also I meant to tell you guys not to go near the corner of the front door because I left a puddle of the ant spray there because I think that’s where they’re coming from.”

“So that’s what that was.” Jaida wondered aloud. “I thought you just spilled somethin again.”

Jan shook her head. “That wasn’t what I was going to say either. I wanted to-”

Jackie cut her off again. “If it’s about the possum in the vent I was-”

“Guys! I just missed you!” Jan exclaimed. 

“Wait, what possum?” Jaida asked.

“Aww, Janny,” Jackie cooed. 

“I missed you, and so...” Jan attempted to build up some dramatic tension, but Jaida cut in. 

“Hold up, I know that tone. What you tryin to make us do?”

Jan sighed. “I just thought it would be nice to play a few board games. Maybe do a puzzle or something together.” Jackie and Jaida didn’t look convinced. “After all,” Jan pouted, “I haven’t seen you guys together for like a week.”

Jackie rolled her eyes, but conceded, standing up with the blanket still wrapped firmly around her person. “Fine, we can do a puzzle or two.”

“We can do one puzzle,” Jaida emphasized. “Then I gotta get back to work.”

“Oh, c’mon J,” Jackie squeezed her hand. “We can do a board game too.”

Jaida shook her head firmly, “One puzzle.”

They did do one puzzle. 

And then one more puzzle. And then a board game. And a round of cards. Then they ordered Chinese food. And played one more board game as they ate. Then they all piled on the couch together and Jaida lamented about not getting any work done. 

“You didn’t really want to do anything today, don’t lie,” Jackie said, face pressed to Jaida’s chest.

Jaida had both girls under her arms, pressed close to each of her respective sides. 

“I’m not lying! I need to do stuff but you two are fuckin’ crazy” Jaida insisted.

But Jan noticed a fond smile in place on her lips when she thought they weren’t looking.

“You act like you didn’t enjoy spending the day with the hottest girls in New York City,” Jan joked.

Jaida faked getting excited and sitting up a bit, jostling her girlfriends. “When do they get here?”

Jan and Jackie both swatted at Jaida playfully until she threw her hands up in surrender. 

“I’m kidding! I’m kidding!” She chuckled. “You know I love you both,” Jaida said, much quieter this time. 

Jan swore her smile could have lit up the sky. 

Jaida was slow to warm up as a person. When Jan had approached her with the idea to bring Jackie into their relationship she had been hesitant. Jaida loved Jan. That in and of itself that had been a long process. Getting Jaida to open up to her had taken a while. Jaida had walls up. 

She was lucky that Jan had always loved climbing. 

Jaida also loved Jackie. 

Jackie had always been there. Lingering just out of reach of the two of them and their relationship. Until one day, she showed up on their doorstep... and just never left. 

It took a while to adjust. They had to order a bigger bed for a start. The routines that Jadia and Jan had built needed to change.

It had taken a lot of communication and time. 

It still did. 

Jackie learned to climb the walls as well as Jan, and sometimes she was even faster on the uptake. 

But at the end of the day, they had each other. And while it had taken a lot of work, and always would, Jan wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We love you too, baby,” Jan said softly, pressing a quick kiss to Jaida’s cheek.

“Mhmm,” Jackie hummed, tracing a heart over Jaida’s stomach.

The three of them sat in silence for an immeasurable amount of time, just basking in each other’s presence. Jackie traced patterns on Jaida’s shirt while Jan peppered kisses along any skin she could reach without moving her head too much.

It was peaceful.

Until Jaida broke the spell, “No, but seriously what’s up with the possum?” 

[zwritestuff]

Do you have any ships that aren't as popular as crygi, branjie or trixya but are still pretty neat? (i personally like violax/ violet x max).

i actually don’t ship trixya hehe i do!!! here’s a list off the top of my head (also, violax is amazing!! my long gone sister, grey darling, used to write pearlax/violax/viopearlax and she was great at it):

brooke/yvie

vixen/blair

dusty/blair

jan/jaida (literally if you wanna win my heart write me some jessence. i love them so much.)

ariel/plastique

yvie/scarlet (yes i know they were popular last season but people quickly lost interest in them)

kameron/asia

cracker/kameron

fame/katya

[fuckyeah-dragrace]

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRGUeLev/

im so sorry, this is right up there with vodka or tequila imo

[greaseonmymouth]

@musingsofaretiredunicorn replied to your post: @musingsofaretiredunicorn replied to your post “I...

Ooh I’m not familiar with the source material but I read the excerpts and I’m v intrigued!

caius and al are POV characters in the second book in the series! they appear in the first book though as minor characters.

you should DEFINITELY read the books though! they’re usually advertised as “gay magicians and metal dragons!” which is accurate (there are, indeed, gay magicians and metal dragons) but they’re more than that. if you like mannerpunk (politics&talking more than action, though there is also action) and queer characters (there are...so many) and an epic-esque plot with a fanfic feel to it (i mean, the first book has an entire slow burn arc between a gay farmer boy who just wants to read novels and bang hot men and a gay magician with a history of bad choices in men?? will they fall in love?? (yes) will they agonise over it??? (yes) will they eventually end up in a mutually respectful and loving healthy relationship?? (yes) etc. etc. in the second book we have a classic prince and loyal servant mutual pining storyline AND also caius and al being...caius and al, and in the third book we have a trans lady spy (and the desert prince who sweeps her off her feet) and in the fourth book we have gay disaster college student toverre (lmao all these queer characters are disasters one way or another. you can tell this series was written by millennials. by the way, the authors are married to each other.) and my all time darlings anastasia (the esarina) and antoinette (the esar’s mistress and OBVIOUSLY also anastasia’s bff and gf (these two are the number one f/f ship in this fandom for good reason gosh i love them so much)) and and and ON IT GOES.) then you should...definitely read these books

it’s a four book series by jaida jones and danielle bennett, and the books are, in order: havemercy, shadow magic, dragon soul, and steelhands.

here’s the goodreads link to the series

here’s a link to the ebooks on kobo

[alicemoonwonderland]

The Thief’s Jewel - Part Twelve

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6] [Part 7] [Part 8] [Part 9] [Part 10] [Part 11]

The Epilogue!

Fandom: The Hobbit Pairing: Nori x Jaida (Orignal Fem!Character) Rating: NSFW for later chapters

Tagged: @atlerion (Let me know if you want to be tagged)

Nori groaned lightly as he entered his home, stretching his arms in the air. Grumbling to himself about demanding King’s and idiotic dwarrows. But no sooner than the moment he slid out of his boots, his wife was upon him. Cupping his face in her hands and kissing him deeply, causing him to squeak with surprise.

“Hello, my wonderful husband.” Jaida murmured to him as she pulled away, tugging him by his shirt.

He got the most ridiculous goofy grin on his face as he followed her obediently. “My darling wife.” He purred. “Where are we going?”

She led him upstairs into the bedroom, and started to undo his coat. “Well. It’s the end of the work week, and you were running late, so I figured you’d like a warm bath.” She said softly, slipping his shirt off after she tossed the coat aside. “Dinner is almost finished. So it should be done by the time you’re ready.”

He was in pure bliss, letting her undress him and guide him to the bathroom, the bath already drawn for him. He carefully climbed into the tub. Another noise of surprise when she pulled a chair up behind him. Massaging his head as she started to take out his braids.

“What’s for supper?” He asked curiously, his eyes drifting closed.

“Shepard’s Pie.” She said cheerfully, brushing out his hair once it was all loose.

It was official, he had the loveliest wife in all of Arda. Not that he didn’t already know that.

He hummed softly. Eyes snapping opened when he heard her stand up, looking over his shoulder at her. “Is Mettalise home?”

She was getting older now, and spent more time building her own life it seemed. Then again, being a prestigious jewelry maker took time and effort. He was proud of her on every level.

“She should be shortly. Just in time for dinner. Now, enjoy your bath, let me set the table okay?” She leaned down and gave him a chaste kiss.

He made happy rumbling noises, managing a small nod as he watched her leave with a dreamy look.

What had he done to deserve a dwarrowdam such as her? Nothing. But here they were, almost ninety years after their wedding, and he was still falling for her, each and every day. And she him.

Life was perfect.

He took a quick bath, washing the dirt and grime from the day off his skin. Putting his hair back up and changing into a simple tunic and pants. Then made his way downstairs. The smells from the kitchen already overwhelming him.

“Mahal Jaida.” He drooled as he entered the kitchen. Shepard’s Pie, his favorite. Rolls and mashed potatoes. Amongst so many other things, he had a hard time taking it in. Walking towards her with an adoring look. “I’m sorry, Amrâlimê, you caught me by surprise I didn’t ask. How are you feeling today?” He asked softly, placing his hand on her growing belly.

She placed her hand over his and looked down. “This one is a boy. I just know it. He’s too lively.” She said hopeful.

He chuckled and kissed her cheek, bending down and whispering to the baby for a moment before he stood and moved to take his seat at the table. “Well. After six girls, maybe you’ll get lucky this time.” He didn’t care regardless. “Wait. Where are they all?” It was ridiculously quiet in his home.

“Split between your brothers and their godfather.”

“Mahal it’s like they aren’t even my children at all!” He grumbled, but there was a wide smiled on his face. Only growing when he heard the front door open. “Mettalise? Is that my precious flower?”

The girl grew up to be the spitting image of her mother, just with the red hair of her father. She peeked her head into the kitchen. “Yes Adad, it’s me.”

“Well don’t just stand there. Come here. I want to hear about your day. Mahal I lo-“

He visibly stopped, freezing and his eyes going wide. His eyebrows furrowing when she stepped into the room. With a young dwarrow.

“WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!?!”

“It’s a dwarrow honey.”

“YES I KNOW IT’S A DWARROW DEAR BUT WHY IS HE HOLDING MY PRECIOUS LITTLE GIRL’S HAND. BY MAHAL WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!?!” He shouted, starting to pat himself down. “Give me a knife! Where are my knives?!” He paused, then turned in his seat to look at his wife. “Dammit woman you tricked me!”

“Well of course I did. Had to get your militia from you.” Jaida drawled amused. Stepping to her daughter and kissing her cheek. Then placed her hand on the boy’s shoulder, coaxing him into the room and to a seat at the table. Thankful she was raised by the toughest warrior in Middle Earth and then married a thief who taught her everything else.

Nori’s nostrils flared as he glared at the younger dwarrow. But he stood suddenly, slamming his hands on the table and storming from the room. Stomping obnoxiously as he went. The front door being heard opened, then closed a few moments later. Then he came back all but unnoticed. Calm and collected as he took his seat again, crossing his arms.

Mettalise swallowed lightly. Placing her hands in her lap as she looked up. “Adad this is-“

She let out a small shriek when their front door went flying past the kitchen. Even louder boots coming towards them.

Nori sneered. “Pa! Sooooooooooo good to see you! This is so unexpected!”

“Amad!” Mettalise whined, looking pleading to her mother as a grey bearded Dwalin walked in.

“No.” He said simply, barely glancing at the young dwarrow.

Jaida sighed so deeply, praying to Mahal for strength.  “Adad!”

“I said, no.”

Her strength was short lived as the pair of grown men started to shout at and interrogate the poor dwarrow. Questions and comments flying between the two like it was rehearsed. One speaking and the other picking right up. Back and forth and back again. Everyone trying to shout over everyone else.

“Amad! ADAD!”

“GET AWAY FROM MY LITTLE GIRL OR SO HELP ME-“

“NO NO SO HELP ME! BOY I’LL BREATHE THE FEAR OF MORDOR ITSELF STRAIGHT INTO YOUR BLOODSTREAM!”

“ENOUGH!” Jaida screamed, silencing everyone with the look in her eyes. She let out a huff, grabbing Dwalin’s arm and leading him to a seat at the table. Then dusted her hands on her skirt. “Now. I’m going to tell you all a story. One you would do well to remember Nori.” She smacked the back of her husband’s head as she moved to sit beside him. “It is the story of a thief, and how he got his most precious treasure.”

[artificialqueens]

Pretty Please (Crystal x Gigi) - Katy

A/N: hi everyone, I used to post on here back in the day but this is my first fic this year. This is written about a real life experience I actually had, where I told the girl sitting next to me in maths class (who I had a huge crush on) that I just didn't feel well, and was not in fact having the worst panic attack of my life, and when she helped me leave the room to go the the medical room, i proceeded to faint down an entire flight of stairs :). And no, we did not get together. So here's what I wish had actually happened lmao. If you enjoyed please leave me a comment or like, I really enjoyed writing this so I may be persuaded to do more ;)

Gigi inhaled, a short shaky breath that rattled her lungs and left her nauseous. She knew she was panicking, the familiar feeling that settled between her ribs, constricting her airflow with each quiver of her hand, but letting the others know that she was panicking, was not an option.

She sat in the corner of the Untucked lounge, heels off and headphones in, the Katy Perry track on repeat. She knows she fucked up the challenge, and she wasn’t proud of it, her limited political knowledge finally catching up to her. Her teeth chattered as she tried to mime the words, preparing herself for what she knew would be her first time in the bottom two, but her brain and her mouth wouldn’t connect and she let out an audible whimper.

Jackie and Widow were just steps away from her, but both were in a completely different state of mind, with Jackie pinning her hijab to her dress, and Widow immersed in her final rehearsal of the lipsync song, strong actions and emotive faces. She prayed Jaida or Heidi didn’t hear her, because as much as she loved them, there was only one person she wanted.

Crystal was sat on the sofa; legs crossed and smile bright as she laughed animatedly at Heidi, arms flailing. She wasn’t looking at Gigi, and Gigi couldn’t work out whether that was a blessing or a curse.

Talking about feelings was not Gigi’s strong point, nor expressing vulnerability, making her and Crystal the perfect pair. They balanced each other out, the calm to the storm. And right now, Gigi was certain that a hurricane was coming.

Her eyes were wide and glassy, staring at the back of Crystal’s blue wig, frozen with fear. All of the blood plummets to the soles of her feet, and she puts her head between her knees to try and curb the overwhelming dizziness surrounding her. She can’t remember what happened next, the edges of her memories hazy with anxiety, but then Crystal is there.

Crystal is here.

She knelt down beside Gigi, quickly discarding her heels and blazer over the back of the sofa. There’s a hand on the small of Gigi’s back, and she flinches, before quickly calming as Crystal hooks a finger under her chin, and raises her head to meet her gaze. Gigi hears mumblings of ‘sweetheart, look at me’ and ‘what’s going on, babe?’ before she realises she’s being scooped up by Crystal and taken outside, blowing a thankful kiss at Jackie, who’s moved to hold the door open for Crystal so she can get her out. Out of the hot, overwhelming room that Crystal knew she had to remove Gigi from, as soon as she glanced over and saw her, curled into herself and breathing unsteadily.

She’s placed on the ground outside the smoking area, Crystal supporting her weight as she gently helps Gigi place her head back between her legs, almost being able to see the stars swirling around in Gigi’s head. There’s a supportive hand on her shoulder, and as soon as she hears the mumble of ‘feel sick, Crys’, there’s a cool palm immediately on her forehead. Gigi already knew that she didn’t have a fever, but the harsh reality she’d have to face of telling Crystal what was actually going on, was enough to stress herself into a high body temperature, and soon Crystal’s pulling her hand away, sighing softly.

The high pitched whimper Gigi makes is enough to stop Crystal’s heart beating. It’s fragile, it’s vulnerable, and it’s so not Gigi.

Then there’s sobs.

Huge, gut-wrenching sobs that make Gigi’s hands shake more so than they were, her chest heaving in ragged breaths as she tries to calm herself down, stop making a fool of herself in front of her crush. There’s a long, drawn out ‘baby’ releasing itself from Crystal’s throat, and before she can stop herself, she’s reaching over and cradling Gigi in her lap, stroking her wig away from her face, shushing her gently. She’s rocking the taller girl back and forth, praying she’s not making her dizziness any worse, humming under her breath.

Time passes, but Gigi’s sobs are getting louder and sadder, and Crystal’s worried she’s about to start hyperventilating any second.

She doesn’t have a huge amount of experience comforting others, as the so lovingly named ‘cry baby’ of the group, it’s normally her being comforted by Gigi or Jackie. Everything Crystal wants when she’s upset, she’s trying with Gigi, from rubbing her back to running her hands through her wig, but she can’t get her to calm down and she’s beginning to run out of ideas.

She tries once more. Crystal starts slowly, taking both of her hands and cupping Gigi’s face, raising her head from its place on Crystal’s chest. The change of position makes Gigi’s head spin, and she’s falling weightlessly back against Crystal’s body before she’s even registered what was happening. Gigi blinks her eyes up at Crystal, who’s leaning closer and closer to her face, and then she felt it.

Lips against hers. MAC on Anastasia. Cherry red on cherry red.

She can’t fucking breathe.

She runs.

She’s nauseous and lightheaded and still not breathing properly, but that’s all out of the window as Gigi desperately tries to process her feelings. She wants this. Why was she running from it? She reaches the staircase inside leading to the lounge, drapes herself over the bannister in a futile attempt to stay upright. Crystal’s running behind her, calling Gigi’s name, telling her to stop, she’s going to hurt herself.

Crystal sees Gigi leaning heavily on the staircase, heart in her throat as she desperately tries to reach her before the inevitable happens.

Thud.

Crystal’s screams echo through to the Untucked lounge, and Jackie runs out just in time to grab onto the arm of Gigi’s coat, as Crystal dives in and clamps her hands around Gigi’s waist, catching her just inches away from hitting the floor. Gigi’s as pale as a ghost, sweat glistening on her forehead and upper lip, heart thumping against Crystal, who’s precariously balanced on a single step, Gigi in her arms.

Crystal feels outside of her body. Jackie’s crouched next to her, prying Gigi’s upper half away from Crystal and into her arms, fearing from the look on Crystal’s face, that she would be the next to drop. Then Jackie’s moving, laying Gigi carefully onto the floor, unlacing her corset, sliding off her wig. Gigi’s completely out of it, but letting out soft, regular breaths for the first time that evening. The sound of Jackie’s heels clicking against the floor as she’s running out of the room, and returning with a fan and a bottle of water breaks Crystal out of her trance and she’s standing, moving to sit by Gigi’s head.

Crystal’s crying, her tears dripping down into Gigi’s hair as Jackie hands her a tissue, reminds her to breathe, tells her one casualty is enough.

She hasn’t had time to process everything that’s just happened, and honestly was feeling close to an anxiety attack herself, but she looked down and saw Gigi’s eyes beginning to flutter. Jackie takes Gigi’s hand, strokes over her knuckles with her painted thumb, asks if Gigi can hear her. Her eyes flutter twice more before she’s awake. Confused and disorientated, Gigi pushes herself up into a sitting position, before a rushed ‘No, Gee, you need to lay back down’ is heard and there’s Jackie’s hand on her chest, easing her back onto the floor, and Crystal’s hand tangles in her hair.

Gigi can’t see Crystal, too busy trying to get her eyes to concentrate on Jackie. Sweet, caring Jackie who’s grabbed her a blanket from set, draped it over her the second she saw her teeth clicking together.

Gigi’s mind was hazy, and she had no clear recollection of what had happened for her to be lying on the dirty floor next to the staircase, before she remembers.

Crystal.

‘Jacks’, Gigi mumbles. ‘Where’s Crystal?’

Jackie and Crystal lock eyes before Jackie’s nodding, squeezing Gigi’s knee and walking back into Untucked, and Crystal’s scooting into Gigi’s vision line. ‘Gigi, I’m here, you’re okay’.

Their eyes meet and Crystal sees Gigi let out a huge breath, her eyes beginning to glisten, so she takes her hand in both of hers and rubs the tension out of it. ‘You’re okay’, Crystal promises again.

‘What happened?’

‘You passed out, darling. You were having an anxiety attack and you tried to run, but this is as far as you got.’

‘I wasn’t having a panic attack, I felt sick.’

‘Gee, don’t lie to me.’

Crystal looks up and Gigi’s in tears, again. Crystal gently scoops her up from the floor, positions her in a somewhat upright position in her lap, and combs her hand through Gigi’s hair.

‘Why was I running?’

‘Because I kissed you.’

They lock eyes, the tension sitting heavy between their chests. Crystal heaves in a huge breath, about to spew everything she feels about Gigi out in one sentence before Gigi beat her to it.

Lips against lips.

They sit, limbs intertwined and lips together, until they hear the dreaded announcement of ‘5 minutes to go, ladies.’

‘You sure you’re gonna be okay if you have to lipsync Gigi? You won’t be in the bottom two, but just in case you are. We can tell production if you’re still feeling lightheaded,’ Crystal reassures.

‘I am still feeling dizzy.’

‘Oh, baby, okay, let’s go and tell the crew,’ Crystal starts, before Gigi cuts her off.

‘No, babe, I’m kidding. I just want you to carry me back into the room.’

Crystal chuckles before standing up, pulling Gigi into her chest like a goddamn koala, leaving a huge red lipstick kiss on her forehead.

‘Don’t ever, ever, scare me like that again.’

[artificialqueens]

Galactica, Chapter 33 (Group Fic) - TheDane/Veronica

A/N: Heya darlings! Hope you’re still with us! Click here if you’re looking for previous chapters (or here if you’d rather read on AO3). 💫

Last Chapter: The Galactica crew headed back to New York.

This Chapter: Violet receives a pleasant surprise, Jinkx meets her crush, and Fame makes a decision.

***

Courtney hurried down the block towards the subway stop in the rain, dodging other pedestrians, her phone pressed to her ear.

“Courtneyyyy, didn’t you miss me?” Adore whined. She was trying to convince Courtney to come to brunch at her new girlfriend’s apartment, which honestly sounded kind of nice--after all, Courtney liked Pearl a lot, and she was thrilled for Adore that she’d succeeded in snagging her dream girl. Unfortunately, brunch just wasn’t in the cards on that particular day.

“Yes, but I have to work, I’m sorry.”

“But it’s Sunday, come oooon!”

“You don’t get it, Adore,” Courtney sighed. “Violet’s been gone all week and I need things to be perfect when she walks in.”

“But you don’t even like Violet!” Adore countered.

“I never said that!” Courtney exclaimed defensively. And it was true. Yes, sometimes she complained about the way Violet talked to her and ordered her around. And yes, she was often frustrated by her own seeming inability to ever truly please her, but when it really came down to it, she did respect her coworker. “It’s not that I dislike her, she’s just a little difficult sometimes. But I want her to see how hard I’ve been working-”

“I don’t know why you’re working so hard to please her when you could please me by coming to brunch,” Adore pouted.

“I’m sorry, Dore, but knowing Violet, she could very well be coming in today, so I have to get everything together ASAP.”

“Ugh, fine! I hate your job!” Adore exclaimed, finally hanging up.

As Courtney descended the stairs into the subway station, she did her very best not to think, ‘Me too!’

***

“Here you go.”

“Thank you darling.” Fame smiled as she took the coffee cup Patrick handed her. It was early noon, the sun high in the sky.

“You’re welcome.” Patrick grinned, and Fame looped her arm in his, Charles by their side, the dog waiting patiently for his humans.

They were on their way to Carl Schurz Park, the entirety of it fenced in, and they even had a part of the park reserved for bigger dogs, which was a real concern when you owned a Great Dane.

“Come on boy,” Fame pulled the leash, and Charles woofed with excitement, Fame unable to keep in a laugh at his enthusiasm.

***

It was nearing 6 am on Monday morning, and as usual, Violet was the only person in the building besides the doorman.

She had spent Sunday in bed, her mattress on the floor nothing like the Parisian king sized bed, jetlag hitting her like a freight train. Though Violet still felt heavy and slightly nauseous, she had managed to get to the gym before work, the familiar routine wonderfully comforting.

Violet took the elevator to the 25th floor, making her way past reception. Violet had expected the office to be dark, but it seemed like Courtney had left the light on over the weekend, an extremely hypocritical mistake from someone who loved to lecture other people about waste and the environment.

Violet swiped her keycard, the little beep allowing her into Fame's outer office. She put her hand on the glass door, taking one last, final, deep breath, preparing herself for an absolute catastrophe as she opened the door, but instead of scattered papers, forgotten cups of coffee and chaos, Violet saw Courtney sitting at her desk, the office perfectly clean.

Courtney looked up from her computer with a smile and a cheerful, “Good morning!”

“Courtney?" Violet closed the door behind her. Courtney was wearing a light blue sweater, her blonde hair styled in big wavy curls, sparkling silver stars in her ears.  

“How was Paris?”

"Paris c’est Paris.” Violet looked around, wondering if Courtney had just shoved everything underneath the desks or inside the closet when she had heard her approach. But instead, she spotted the table, where rows of neatly labeled folders were lined up, along with Miss Fame’s phone sheet, schedule for the day, as well as a week overview.

“I don’t understand…”

Little flags marked all the places where they required Fame’s approval. Looking for the catch, Violet pulled open a drawer in the file cabinet beside Courtney’s desk, and instead of the crammed-full mess of papers she expected, saw newly color-coded file folders in perfectly organized rows.

“You're here early?"

“Yeah,” Courtney chuckled. “I guess I got used to coming in at the crack of dawn while you were away. It’s so much easier to get things done before everyone gets here.”

"Yes." Violet walked over to her desk, still genuinely surprised at how tidy everything was. "It is." She put her bag on the table, unbuttoning her jacket. "I had expected-" Violet cut herself short. "It's nice that I don't have to start the day cleaning up."

Violet turned on her computer, the knowledge that she'd actually get to the emails she had largely ignored while in Paris more than she had hoped for.

She used the time while her computer was starting up to turn on the kettle, shocked to find the little kitchenette as immaculately clean as the office; every item on the shelf in perfect order, labels facing out. She went back into the bullpen to look through paperwork, sure that she’d find something amiss.

“I tried to organize everything to make it easier for you,” Courtney said, gesturing to the folders. “There’s all the notes and reference photos from the shows for the meeting later, press requests, event invitations, and Miss Fame’s upcoming schedule. I thought she might want a light week so everything in purple is tentative.”

"Thank you Courtney, this is very... adequate work."

The last time Violet and Courtney had talked on the phone, Violet had told Courtney to get her head out of her ass, and somehow, after months, it seemed like it had finally happened.

Courtney was actually doing her job, and doing it right. Violet was pleased, but she couldn’t help be a tiny bit suspicious of the sudden improvement. She supposed, though, that it was best not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

“I'm glad you decided to use your time wisely while I was away.”

“I tried,” Courtney said earnestly.

“Keep it up,” Violet said, turning back to her computer. “You should cover this morning's meeting with Jaida.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” Violet nodded, noting down on her schedule that maybe, just maybe, Courtney was finally ready to cover meetings on her own.

***

“You gonna eat your bread?” Jinkx asked, gesturing to Bianca’s plate.

“Help yourself,” Bianca laughed, pushing the plate towards her friend with a slight shake of the head. They were sitting at one of their favorite cafés, having an early lunch now that Bianca was back from Paris. “You’re like Adore, always trying to eat from my plate.”

“You love it,” Jinkx giggled, mouth full of crusty sourdough. Bianca would probably deny it to her last breath, but the truth of the matter was that she loved taking care of everyone around her.

“It’s just crazy that I have so many of you damn kids. Me, the least maternal person on the planet.”

“You’re very maternal,” Jinkx argued. “Just like...hmmm, in more of a dad way?”

“Whatever. Finish your broccolini.”

“See?” Jinkx grinned triumphantly.

Bianca rolled her eyes. “Anyway, you were supposed to tell me about the meeting you had with that producer. What happened?”

“Oh! Omigod, it was so great. We talked about how I’ve been slowly taking bigger and bigger roles, kind of working up to another lead...”

“Yes?” Bianca leaned forward, clearly intrigued, exactly what Jinkx wanted.

“And he thinks that it’s time for a revival of-holy shit…”

Jinkx stopped mid sentence, mouth agape, eyes glazed.

“What? Into the Woods? My Fair Lady? Gypsy?!”

“Ivy Winters…”

“I don’t know that show, is it British?”

“No,” Jinkx groaned, jutting her chin in the direction of the hostess stand, where Ivy was standing, looking absolutely radiant in a maroon wrap dress--Jinkx had always been told growing up that redheads shouldn’t wear any shade of red, but Ivy was proving that rule completely false. She was just stunning.  

“Oh…” Bianca glanced over, head cocking slightly. “Isn’t that Raja’s assistant?”

“Yeah, I guess. Awkward, huh?” Jinkx shook her head. “But omigod, she’s so cute, and okay we’ve never spoken, exactly, but I can tell she’s just the sweetest, kindest-”

“Ivy!” Bianca waved to the girl, catching her eye. “Ivy Winters!”

“What are you doing?” Jinkx hissed through gritted teeth.

“You said you’d never spoken.” Bianca smirked, her hand still in the air. “I’m fixing that.” She beckoned Ivy over, flashing a big smile. “Hi! How are you?”

“I’m...fine, Ms. Del Rio, thank you. Just picking up lunch for Raja.” Ivy looked slightly puzzled as to why she’d been summoned. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Yeah, I realized that I forgot to return Raja’s call this morning. Was it time sensitive?”

“Oh, I don’t think so.” Ivy smiled, adorable as ever, the little gap between her teeth on full display.

“Great, great. Tell her I’ll call as soon as I’m back in the office,” Bianca said, then smoothly transitioned to, “Ivy, you know Jinkx Monsoon, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t think we’ve officially met.” Ivy met Jinkx’s eyes, extending a delicate hand towards her. “You’re Alaska’s friend, right?”

“Yes! Yes, I am. Nice to meet you. Ivy, was it?” Jinkx shook her hand, smiling madly. She knew she probably looked like a loon, but she couldn’t help herself, something about Ivy just made her feel so absolutely wonderful.

“Yeah.”

“Such a pretty name. It really suits you,” Jinkx said, then realized she was holding the girl’s hand far too long and dropped it, stammering out, “I, I...I love your bag. It’s really...uh, very beautiful.”

“You think? I do some quilting in my spare time.” Ivy tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, blushing slightly. The bag in question really was remarkable--quilted velvet embroidered with an intricate botanical design.

“You made that?!” Jinkx exclaimed. “Oh my god, what talent! Bianca, did you see?”

Bianca nodded, hiding an amused expression behind her water glass.  

“Yeah, it’s just a little hobby, I-oh!” Ivy turned to the waiter, who was approaching with a takeout bag.

“Order for Gemini, here you go,” he said.

“Thank you.” She took the bag gratefully and then turned back to Jinkx. “Um...nice to meet you, Ms. Monsoon-”

“No, no, please! That’s my mother! Ha ha! Um, call me Jinkx!”

“Of course, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry! Um, it was very nice meeting you. Officially, you know. Ha ha. Very lovely.”

“Yes,” Ivy smiled again, taking a step backwards, then said, “And I’ll be sure to get your message to Raja, Ms. Del Rio.”

“Thanks, Ivy!” Bianca waved as she exited, waiting until she was out the door before turning back to Jinkx and exhaling. “Wow…I just realized I’ve never seen you flirt sober before.”

“Was it terrible?”

“Excruciating,” Bianca reported with a light cackle.

Jinkx whimpered, letting her head drop onto the table. She knew that Bianca was right--things used to be so easy, but these days? She was so awkward. Not that she regretted her sobriety, exactly, but….

“Sorry, red. Yikes.”

“I mean, I know my skin is better and my kidneys are healthy again, and I can like, hold a job and all that...but go-od…”

Bianca laughed, reaching across the table to pat her lovingly on the back.

“You’ll be alright. So tell me...what’s the show?”

Jinkx perked up immediately, brown eyes sparkling as she said. “Well...I almost don’t want to say, because obviously it’s not official yet and if it doesn’t happen that would just be awful, but-”

“Tell me!”

“Evita.” As Jinkx delivered the news, she was now smiling so much that her cheeks started to hurt. Her dream role, since she was a kid. And it was almost maybe hers.

“Hell yeah, bitch!” Bianca gave her a high five. “Back on top!”

“High flying, adored,” Jinkx said drily, and Bianca cackled loudly.

***

Courtney shifted on the hard cafeteria seat, avoiding Violet’s eyes as they ate their lunch.

She’d been helping Violet put together the packets for the afternoon meeting, and when they finished early, Violet surprised Courtney by asking if she wanted to go down to lunch together while Fame was out.

It was great to have done decent enough work that Violet didn’t snap at her all morning, but at the same time, the kindness from her coworker made Courtney feel even guiltier than she already did.

Neither Violet nor Fame had noticed anything amiss in Fame’s office--which was a relief. Courtney had fully expected to get interrogated over a paperweight moving 2 inches to the left or some other thing that she’d neglected to fix after the Willam disaster.

And now, as she sat with Violet, both of them quickly eating their salads, the guilt continued to eat away at her.

“The collection was absolutely wonderful, I unfortunately didn’t get to see it on the runway, but Miss was asked backstage, and I was allowed to come as well, so-”

Violet was actually talking, sharing about the shows and the clothes she had seen.

“I think you’d genuinely enjoy what they’re doing with silk-”

Courtney didn’t care about fashion as deeply as Violet did, but it was nice to hear her be enthusiastic, and it was the small smile Violet gave her when she accidentally caught her gaze that broke her.

It made her feel just awful, unworthy of trust or kindness.

“Violet,” Courtney burst out, interrupting her coworker, “I have to tell you something!”

Violet paused, surprise clear on her face.

“Something… Something bad happened last week.”

“Is everything okay?" Violet sounded genuinely concerned, and Courtney felt even worse.

“I’m...you know that guy I was dating?" Courtney asked, chewing nervously on her lip, throat feeling dry and scratchy. How was she supposed to explain this?

"Oh?” Violet looked confused. “So it’s not work related?”

“In a way, but, also not-”

“So it’s a romantic situation?"

"I mean...I guess? But it’s more that he- You know-"

“Courtney.” Violet heaved a sigh, cutting her off with a wave of the hand. "I appreciate that you want to share, but I don’t think I have anything worth saying about your love life.”

“Well-” Courtney stopped, suddenly realizing how foolish it would be to unburden herself this way. Instead, she should probably just count her lucky stars that nobody knew, that she still had a job and an income and a way to stay in the country, and shut her damn mouth. The guilt sucked, but she could live with it--she had to. “Right. Right. Sorry.”

“It’s your own business,” Violet tilted her head slightly. “You don’t need anyone’s-” Violet was cut off as her phone vibrated, the screen lighting up. “Oh shit.”

“Miss?”

“Miss.”

***

Raja drummed her fingers on the table. Fame had moved the meeting up 45 minutes, and Raja could clearly feel that she hadn’t had anything to eat since that morning. Normally, she would be fine, food not really that important, but today the moved meeting felt especially insulting since she knew that her favorite lunch was getting cold on Ivy’s desk.

“And then we have-“ Fame paused, Raja realizing that she hadn’t actually paid attention to what she was saying. “Urgh.” Fame groaned, and everyone sat up, Raja clearly sensing how they were all ready to jump in. “Where’s-“ Fame shuffled her papers, her lip between her teeth. “Courtney?!” Fame snapped her fingers, not looking up.

“Yes Miss?” Courtney pushed out from the wall, stepping up to the table, Raja not even realizing that she was the assistant who had been present.

“Packets, please.”

“Right away.” Courtney smiled, and Raja turned in her chair to watch her grab a stack of folders. She had never noticed Courtney much, her own personal assessment that the assistant would barely last the first month, but as she watched Courtney hand everything out, she almost looked put together.

“Here.” Courtney gave Fame the last packet, the blonde taking it without even sparing a glance in Courtney’s direction.

“If everyone could turn to page 5 please,” Fame flipped through, another sound coming from her. “Courtney,” Fame held out her hand, “I need-”

“Of course.” Courtney said, cutting her off as she handed Fame one of her favorite pens.

“A pen….” Fame looked up, her blue eyes focusing on Courtney. “Huh.”

Raja quickly held up her papers, hiding a smile. It was so rare to see Fame be surprised, and while Courtney was only doing her job, it seemed like it was time for Raja to actually pay proper attention to her.

“Anything else?” Courtney tilted her head, a smile on her lips.

“No.” Fame clicked the pen, putting it to her papers. “That’s all.”

***

“You’re humming.”

Violet looked up from her computer, her mouth falling open. “Oh…” She could feel herself blush, light heat rising in her cheeks. “Sorry.” Violet hadn’t realised she had been humming, but so far, she had had a very pleasant Thursday morning.

“No, no,” Courtney shook her head, “It was nice. What were you singing?” Violet considered for a second if it would be worth responding, but she had gotten more used to Courtney, the blonde no longer as mindlessly chattery or overly bubbly. “I didn’t recognize it.”

“It’s Tchaikovsky.”

“Gesundheit.”

Violet rolled her eyes, not dignifying Courtney’s obvious tease with a response, when the phone rang in Fame’s signature tone.

Violet reached out, getting the phone only seconds before Courtney, and Violet raised a brow in surprise. Before Paris, Courtney had been avoiding Fame’s calls like the plague, but it seemed like something had finally changed.

“Hello?” Violet bit her lip as she noted down Fame’s rapidfire morning instructions, the rustles on the phone clearly telling her that Fame was putting her coat on at home. Violet was cut off as Fame hung up, the paper in front of her filled with instructions.

Violet looked up, ready to pass the instructions on to Courtney, which was when she noticed that Courtney had already printed the phone sheet, and that she was pinning the day's schedule without being told that she had to do it.

“Courtney.”

“Yes?” Courtney spun around. She was wearing appropriately muted colors, everything for once looking cohesive.

“If you sweep the office,” Violet reached under her desk, reaching into her bag. “I’ll get the coffee.”

“You?” Courtney sounded genuinely confused, her fingers already closed around the fabric of her jacket, and while Violet didn’t want to acknowledge it, she was pretty sure she was feeling proud. “You never get the coffee.”

“I do,” Violet stood up, her purse in hand, “when I know that I can leave the office. You stay here, where it’s warm.”

***

“Yeeeees! High five!”

Pearl smiled brightly, reaching over to high five Adore. When she’d called earlier suggesting that they spend the day together, Pearl had been expecting something entirely different. She was a Del Rio, after all, and Bianca was notorious for her enjoying all the finest luxuries life had to offer. But unlike her sister, Adore seemed to have endearingly low-rent taste. She’d shown up at Pearl’s door with a case of PBR, armfuls of snacks from the corner Bodega, and a request to play video games.

The two of them had been vegging out for hours, first playing Grand Theft Auto, then Streetfighter, now onto RockBand, only leaving the sofa to pee and answer the door for the pizza guy, Trixie and Katya accepting Adore’s bribe of extra cheese and garlic knots with no complaints at all.

“You are rocking the mic, girl!” Pearl said, “Although I guess that’s to be expected from an actual real-life rock star.”

Adore smiled, clearly pleased at Pearl’s praise.

“Thanks, baby. You’re not too bad on the guitar either. Maybe you should join us at our next gig.”

Pearl laughed and took a swig of her beer, flipping through the song choices.  

“I think my rock career needs to stay strictly virtual,” she said, nudging Adore gently with her foot. “But you do have to tell me about your next gig. I can’t wait to see you perform.”

“Yeah?” Adore’s eyes lit up happily.

“Yeah bitch, it’s not every day you can say you’re fucking the lead singer!”

Adore giggled, lashes fluttering as she pulled Pearl in for a sticky kiss, her mouth tasting like the sweet and sour gummy worms she’d been eating.

“Uhh...do you wanna-”

“Yes! Living on a Prayer!” Adore laughed, looking at the TV screen. “You’re going down, Liaison!”

“That’s exactly what I was about to suggest,” Pearl said with a sly grin.

“Well shit, I’m not gonna say no to that!” Adore threw down her mic and let Pearl grab her hand and pull her into the bedroom.

***

“Is this all of it?”

“Yes Miss.”

Fame swallowed a sigh. She knew that the budget was important, knew her meetings with Jaida were a necessary evil, but that didn’t stop her from being bored to tears whenever a set of numbers was in front of her. They had been slightly more bearable when Patrick had been overseeing the finances, watching her husband yap away about budget cuts at least somewhat interesting as long as his sleeves had been rolled up.

“Violet-” Fame saw Violet pause at the door, her fingers gripping the doorframe. “Stay for a moment please.”

“Yes Miss.” Violet turned around, “Open or closed?”

“Open doors are fine.” Fame had to hide a smile, Violet so wonderfully obedient, the clever little mouse asking without words if she was in trouble or not. “Come sit.”

Violet walked over, the sound of her heels disappearing in Fame’s white carpet. Violet sat down, her black skirt taking up most of the white velvet chair, quickly tugging her feet under the chair. “What can I do for you Miss?”

“What do you think of Courtney’s recent performance?”

“Me?” Violet sounded genuinely surprised, and Fame waited for a second, just to watch Violet squirm, the other woman obviously uncomfortable, and oh how she’d miss it.

“Is there anyone else in here?”

“No, no of course-” Violet was smoothing down her skirt, her hand gliding over the fabric, her brown eyes wide. “No.”

“So?” Fame raised a brow.

“Courtney is…” Violet took a moment, her lip between her perfectly white teeth. “Adequate.”

Fame bit down on a grin, Violet’s sense of humor so wonderfully dry.

“She’s exceeding expectations.”

“Good.” Fame leaned back in her chair, not noticing how Violet was tugging at her skirt over and over again.

“Is there-”

“I want you to proceed with the paperwork for your promotion.”

“Oh?” Violet sat up straight, quickly putting her notebook in her lap. “Should I-”

“Trixie will have to wait until Courtney is fully trained, of course.”

“Fully?” Violet hesitated, and Fame loved how obvious it was that she wanted to ask, the look in her eyes desperate as she was searching for a way to say what she needed without sounding stupid. “How much longer will that-”

“Violet, don’t be silly.” Fame smirked, “It’ll be when she lives up to your satisfaction of course.”

Violet’s eyes widened. “So, that means, if she’s-”

“Adequate?” Fame so enjoyed using Violet’s own words against her. “That’s all.”

[artificialqueens]

Like a Million Dollar Bill (Jaida x Jan) - Joley

ao3 link

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note: this is my submission for the black girl magic fic challenge so a note for that is the title is from the song ‘million dollar bill’ by whitney houston

“That finalizes everything, Mrs. Whitham, and again, I am so sorry for your loss.” The man from the probate court shook Jaida’s hand before she got up to leave.

Jaida did her best to maintain the miserable expression she had on through the funeral. She thought about the disdain she felt when the man used her married name, how desperate she was to regain her sense of individual identity. She was free, only if she played her cards right. But this was a long time coming, to say the least. “Thank you so much, sir.” She dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief before leaving the room.

Sitting on a bench in the hallway was her younger sister, Heidi. She got up and took her hand. “You good?” she asked gently, coming off as nothing more than the concerned sibling of a grieving widow. But the look in her eyes reminded Jaida that she knew. She knew it all. Someone had to, lest the burden of keeping a secret became overwhelming and came out to the wrong person.

And Jaida continued to play her role, standing upright and swallowing thickly, because she was just struggling to stay strong. “I will be,” she said with a tremor in her voice.

“Who did he appoint as the…” Heidi furrowed her brows as she wracked her brain. “What’s the word again? For the person that’s gonna transfer his funds to you?”

“Executor,” she answered. “And it’s his sister, lord help me.” She sighed. Her deceased husband’s family had never been fond of her - due both to the twenty-year gap that existed in their relationship and outright racism. The only upside to that was no one outside the family took their complaints very seriously, but that didn’t mean she was at all happy to have to deal with her. “Anyway, I’m gonna go to Shea’s lounge tonight. She’s got a new singer, should be cute. You wanna come?”

Her sister shook her head. “Naw, I gotta get my ass up early to finish packing. Gonna take some time to move into that fancy-ass mansion.” She chuckled. It might not have been the best time to be visibly excited, but she was so thrilled to get herself and her dogs out of her one bedroom, seven hundred square-foot apartment.

“Suit yourself.” Jaida shrugged as she pulled her coat on. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

——

The lounge Shea owned was chic, calm, a place Jaida would probably still frequent if it wasn’t her best friend’s pride and joy. It was the type of place where she could dress up to go to, without feeling like she had to be on her best, most reserved behavior. And after all of the day’s events, she just wanted to relax, entering the club and making a beeline to her friend.

“Hey, I’m so glad you made it!” Shea beamed, hugging her tightly. “Just wait until you see our new act. She’s fresh out of university with a fancy musical theatre degree, and the bitch can sing. It’s fucking angelic, Jaida.” She didn’t mention Jaida’s husband’s death at that moment. While she didn’t know exactly what happened, she knew how miserable Jaida had been, how there hadn’t been any love between them in god knows how long. She knew how poorly he treated her and that his death probably wasn’t the worst thing in the world.

Jaida chuckled, walking with her to the bar while Shea ordered them a couple of drinks. “Damn, you really hyped her up, I’m gonna just take your word on it,” she assured, taking a sip of her drink when the bartender placed it beside her.

“Just come on, her set’s about to start,” Shea threw some money down on the counter and pulled Jaida along to one of the velvet couches so they could sit and watch.

Jan walked onto the stage, the spotlight framing her perfectly. She wore a strapless wine-red dress that just hit the ground and was tailored perfectly to her body, accentuating her curves while giving her an air of elegance one would expect from an upscale lounge singer. And her voice was as enchanting as Shea had talked it up to be and then some. There was no doubt that every patron of that lounge had their attention fixed solely on the stage.

“So, what do you think?” Shea asked once the first song had ended.

Jaida grinned, her gaze never breaking away from the singer. “I think I’m in love,” she retorted.

Her friend looked at her and let out a soft laugh. “What, are you following in your husband’s–may he rest in peace–footsteps? She’s twenty-two.”

“Bitch, I’m forty, not eighty. This is a new chapter in my life, who’s to say I can’t include a hot twenty-something in it?” Jaida scoffed.

Shea finished off her drink. “You know what? I respect that. I’ll introduce you two once she’s done,” she decided.

And true to her word, Shea took Jaida backstage once Jan’s set was over. “Wonderful job, darling,” she said as she walked in. “Jan, I’d like you to meet my dear friend, Jaida. We met when we were both in college, so, back when we were about your age.”

Jan looked at Jaida, tilting her head. “Well, how’s that possible when you’re clearly not a day over twenty-five?”

Shea rolled her eyes. “Oh lord, I’ll leave you guys to it,” she said and left the two of them alone.

Jaida chuckled. “Don’t you worry about her,” she said to Jan. “But anyway, you really were fantastic out there. That fancy college degree I keep hearing about did you well.”

Jan smiled, absentmindedly twirling her hair around her finger. “Why thank you. With all the debt it plunged me into, it better.”

The older woman clicked her tongue sympathetically. “Shit, how far in the hole are you?”

“About thirty grand.”

Jaida glanced around, then sat down beside Jan. “Listen, don’t go telling nobody, but I got you. I’m a couple days away from coming into a lot of money, like, well into seven figures.” She didn’t give a specific number because she wasn’t entirely sure how it all worked, but she could hire someone to explain it to her.

Jan’s eyes went wide and her jaw hung open. “A-Are you sure? I mean, thank you, that’s so kind. But if you don’t mind me asking… How’d you come into that kind of money?”

“Inheritance,” she replied, biting back a smirk.

“That’s just… incredible. If there’s anything I can do to thank you…”

Jaida waved her hand, brushing the suggestion off. “You don’t have to do anything. But I wouldn’t say no if you wanted to let me buy you a drink when you’re done for the night.”

Jan fluttered her eyelashes and shifted closer to her. “Of course, I was hoping this might be a little more than a random philanthropic act.”

This brought a feeling of relief to Jaida, the last thing she wanted was for Jan to feel obligated to express romantic or sexual interest in her. “I’ll see you on the other side, then,” she hummed as she got up and returned to the lounge, ready to watch Jan on stage for the rest of her shift. The only time her gaze broke was to text her driver to be on his way.

And once it ended, the two of them reconvened at the bar, with Jaida ordering them both a drink. “So, have you always been a singer?” she asked casually.

“Oh yeah, since I was four.” Jan chuckled. “At the end of the day there was just no other choice for me.”

“I like a girl that knows what she wants out of life,” Jaida mused, taking the glass once it was set down in front of her and sipping from it.

Jan smiled, lips just barely pursed around the rim of the glass. She sipped slowly, then set it down as she looked at her. “Then tell me,” she prompted, “what do you want?” She leaned ever so slightly closer, a sultry air lacing around her words.

Jaida smirked, pointedly looking her over. “Something about five-foot-four, brown eyes, voice of an angel…” she listed, voice trailing off as she spoke. “You know, something along those lines.”

Jan set her glass down once it was empty. “You better be taking that something back to your place then,” she replied simply.

“I intend on it,” she hummed. “You ever been in a Rolls Royce?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen one.”

Jaida grinned, leaving cash down for the bartender before getting up. “Come, Ralph is waiting out back for us.”

Jan tilted her head as she followed. “Ralph?”

“My driver. I inherited the staff as well, but they all liked me better anyway.” She chuckled as they went outside and stepped into the car, exchanging casual greetings with the driver.

While Jan did try to keep her attention on Jaida, she was distracted by how luxurious and pristine the car was, and when they pulled up to Jaida’s house, her eyes went wide. “This is where you live?” she gasped softly.

“Not too shabby, huh?” Jaida hummed as they got out of the car. “A lot of the staff lives here, no point in having a bunch of empty rooms. And my sister’s moving in tomorrow,” she explained, leading her inside.

Jan was trying her best to listen, but taking in everything around her meant her focus was being pulled in six different directions. It reminded her of her first time in Manhattan — everything was big and shiny, but she didn’t think she could touch anything yet. The first thing her hand felt was the railing of the spiral staircase she was following Jaida up.

“And this is my room. It could do with an update, I ain’t gonna lie. But she’s comfy and spacious, can’t really complain.” Jaida hummed. She had been the one that had pushed for such a big bed, and although she was quick to adjust to sleeping in it alone, she was more than happy to bring in new company. She turned to see that Jan had taken off her shoes and thrown herself onto the bed, sprawled out on her back and giggling softly to herself. “Feel free to make yourself at home.”

“Sorry, it just looked so inviting. I couldn’t help myself,” Jan replied, sitting back up.

Jaida smiled as she toed out of her heels. “I’m not mad, you look good in my bed.” She hummed, letting her eyes rake over Jan’s body.

“I’d look even better up close,” she cooed, beckoning Jaida closer with a curl of her finger.

“You know, I think you’re right.” Jaida chuckled as she crawled onto the bed, then on top of Jan, straddling her waist as she kissed along her jawline.

Jan tilted her head back, baring her neck as Jaida’s lips traveled down it. A breathy gasp slipped out when Jaida began littering her neck with hickies until she finally moved up to kiss her properly.

Jaida kissed her hard, deeply. It was the first kiss in years that made her feel so alive, that made her keep going back for more because the taste of her lips became instantly addictive. Her fingers tangled in Jan’s hair, pulling her head closer while her free hand unzipped the younger woman’s dress.

Jan wiggled out of her dress, not wanting to have to break away from Jaida to take it off properly. Her hand wandered across Jaida’s back until she felt the metal of the zipper under her thumb, then unzipped the dress in a swift movement.

When they did have to come up for air, Jaida took another look at the girl beneath her. “You always wear lingerie like this under your work clothes?” she teased, her finger tracing along the outline of Jan’s lacy, strapless bra.

“It helps me stay in the zone. You know, the soft, sultry lounge singer.” She hummed, walking her fingers up Jaida’s arm. “And it seems to have worked,” she added, her fingers stopping on Jaida’s bra strap and playfully tugging it down.

“Guess you got me there,” Jaida murmured, pressing another kiss to her lips as she unhooked her bra and tossed it aside. Her hands glided forward, cupping Jan’s breasts with her thumbs massaging her nipples at a teasingly slow pace, smirking when it elicited a soft moan. She trailed her lips back down Jan’s neck, to her collarbone, then between her breasts.

Jan’s back arched up, body already yearning for more touch, and whimpering softly when she felt Jaida’s tongue swirling around her nipple. Her thighs instinctively parted as soon as Jaida pulled her panties down, but she was past the point of feeling any sort of embarrassment - she knew what she wanted and was ready for it.

And who was Jaida to do anything but give right in? After finally undressing herself, she nudged Jan’s thighs apart with her hand, then gently traced her finger along her folds. She eased one finger in first, curling and pumping it slowly, her eyes trained on Jan’s face, watching her get more and more worked up. “That’s it, good girl,” she murmured as she worked in a second finger and built up her pace. She looked down with amusement when she saw how Jan was thrusting her hips forward, as if she was trying to fuck herself on her fingers. “And so eager,” she teased.

“Just love the way you make me feel, Mommy,” Jan purred in a way that sent chills up Jaida’s spine.

Jaida smirked and leaned over to kiss her. “Cute,” she murmured before moving down between Jan’s legs and, before Jan could offer any response, she replaced her fingers with her tongue, thrusting it and swirling it around.

“F-Fuck!” Jan gasped out sharply, hips pushing up again. Her hands gripped the comforter beneath her, knuckles turning white from the tightness of her hold.

And Jaida was only encouraged by that. Her tongue moved steadily and swiftly while her thumb rubbed at her clit. Her free hand kept her balanced by gripping onto Jan’s thigh, which helped keep Jan in place as well.

Jan was trembling and moaning, her body was red hot and she could feel her pulse racing. Her eyes squeezed shut and her hips bucked up despite Jaida’s grip. “A-Ah, fuck!” she nearly yelled as her orgasm hit.

It was only after Jaida was certain Jan was fully spent that she came up for air. “That good, baby?” she cooed, running her hands up and down Jan’s body.

Jan felt like her soul had left her body, feeling completely numb and utterly spent in the best possible way. “So good,” she breathed out. Once she regained the ability to remember how to move, she sat up. “Let me take care of you,” she whispered, and was already pushing Jaida onto the bed before she could get an answer.

Not that Jaida would’ve ever dreamed of objecting. She laid back with her legs propped apart to give her room, and tried her best to watch her, but the second she felt Jan’s tongue against her pussy and easing its way in, her eyes fluttered shut and her body shuddered in pleasure. She supposed it didn’t surprise her that Jan was talented any way she used her mouth, but god, that girl was an overachiever.

And Jan was nothing if not eager to please. She didn’t let up for a second, not until Jaida came as hard as she had, and even after that, she lingered for a moment, just in case. Then she moved back up Jaida’s body and kissed her sweetly.

Jaida hummed contently and wrapped her arms around Jan. “That was so good, baby,” she praised gently, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before shifting so they could be under the covers. “Think you’re about ready to call it a night?”

Jan nodded, letting out a soft yawn. “God, I’m gonna sleep so well tonight,” she murmured as she nestled herself against Jaida.

“I sure hope so,” she retorted lightly as her eyes closed.

——

The housekeeper let Heidi in that morning, and Heidi didn’t think much of it. She knew her sister had never been a morning person, and they never did set a time for her to come over. Considering she didn’t need to bring any furniture, the transition to moving in was easily handled by herself, with some help from the security guard - she could only go up and down that long staircase so many times with arms full of luggage.

Once she was more or less settled in, Heidi went back downstairs to go into the kitchen with the intent of raiding Jaida’s fridge for some breakfast. What she didn’t expect to see was a white girl in one of her sister’s silk robes leaning against the counter and drinking coffee. “Now who in the fresh hell are you?”

Jan was unphased by this. “I’m Jan,” she answered. “You must be Heidi, Jaida’s told me so much about you.”

“Well she ain’t tell me shit about you, so my question remains unanswered,” she said bluntly.

“Right, that makes sense, since we just met last night,” Jan mused. “Anyway, I know you’re just moving in and stuff, I’ll go let Jaida know you’re here.” She finished her coffee and put the empty mug in the sink before going back upstairs, happy to see that Jaida was a little more awake than when she’d left. “Your sister’s here, by the way,” she said as she sat cross-legged on the bed.

Jaida sat upright. “This early? Damn. Well, I better make myself decent and go talk to her,” she said, getting out of bed and throwing on a t-shirt and sweatpants. “I won’t be long, boo.” She kissed her cheek before she made her way downstairs.

“You got some ‘splaining to do,” Heidi said as soon as Jaida came into her line of vision. “Now, who was that pretty little thing wanderin’ around here in next to nothing?”

“Jan’s the new singer at Shea’s lounge. Listen, I know it was fast but… I don’t know how to explain it, there’s something special about her. We had this connection that I just know is more than intimate.”

Heidi stared at her blankly. “Do you hear yourself right now? It hasn’t even been a month since the funeral and you’ve got a co-ed up in your room.”

Jaida sighed. “Look, I’m not planning on flaunting her out and about yet, but I’m not gonna deny myself just because the dirt on his grave is still fresh.” She chewed her lip. “This is the first time I’ve been happy in years, Heidi. I need you to let me have this.”

Her sister was quiet for a moment. “You really think this girl’s gonna make you that happy?”

“I do.”

“Then I won’t stop you.” Heidi gave in without any more resistance. “Just don’t go mixing any of that white powder into her drink, she seems real nice.”

Jaida rolled her eyes, then quickly glanced around to make sure they were alone. “Don’t you worry, arsenic milkshakes are off the menu.”

[missjanjie]

Idk if you’re still taking prompts but... “truth or dare” Gistal with a bit (or more lol) of Jackie x Nicky and Jaida x Jan ?? :)

yes its after 1am im not waiting til morning enjoy xo–Twelve queens, one tour, a few drinks, and a little too much downtime was a cocktail for, if nothing else, an interesting time. Adding truth or dare into the mix? Well, there was no way to predict how that would end up.

The game was Jan’s idea - something that didn’t seem to surprise anyone. The twelve queens sat in a circle and placed an empty vodka bottle in the center. “Who wants to go first?” He asked with a grin, scanning the group for a volunteer. 

“Start us off sis, this was your idea,” Heidi prompted with a laugh.

Jan cocked his head and used his pointer finger and thumb to stroke his chin. “Crystal, darling, truth or dare?”

“Hmm…” Crystal took a brief moment to decide. “Truth, let’s start off slow.”

He strummed his fingers against his knee as he thought. “Have you ever hooked up with another queen?”

“Yes.”

“Wait, wait, I have a follow up!” Brita leaned in, waving his hand into the center of the circle. “Was it a queen in this circle?” He asked, followed by a chorus of ‘ooooh’.

Crystal sat up stiffly and cleared his throat, hesitating before answering with a calm “Yes.”

“Was it–”

“Yes! It was me. Jesus, leave her alone,” Gigi let out an exasperated huff while he subtly reached out next to him to hold Crystal’s hand, his thumb gently stroking across the back of it. He looked up, smiling in response to his appreciative gaze.

He mouthed ‘thank you’ to him before facing the group again. “Now, let’s see,” he moved his finger around the circle until he stopped on Jaida. “You,” he grinned. “Truth or dare?”

Jaida was quicker with his decision. “Dare me, bitch,” he chuckled. 

Crystal ran his free hand through his hair as he thought (his other hand was resting on Gigi’s knee), until a mischievous grin settled on his lips. “You dubbed yourself as trade of the season, so, I dare you to pick who you find the most attractive and… give them a kiss.”

“Fine by me,” there was a noticeable lack of hesitation as he got up. It was blatantly apparent that he didn’t need to give the decision any thought. 

That said, Jan was taken by surprise when he suddenly had Jaida in front of him, his hands cupping his face and pulling him into a kiss. It wasn’t just a simple peck, either. It was firm and deep and he couldn’t help but melt right into it, holding onto Jaida’s shoulders and letting his lips part when his tongue slipped past. 

After a good ten or fifteen seconds, Jaida broke the kiss and moved back to his spot with a smug grin on his lips that only broadened when he noticed how everyone was staring at him. “What? We all been knew she’s cute.”

“Yeah, but we didn’t expect your whole tongue to go down his throat,” Gigi retorted.

“You’re one to talk, evidently.” 

Jan, meanwhile, needed a second to process what had just happened. It had been a little while since he’d been kissed like that, it felt like Jaida took the air from his lungs with him when he returned to his seat. His eyes were wide and blinking rapidly as his face recovered from the rush of redness that had taken over. “It’s, um, your turn to pick.”

Jaida still had his cocky smirk going. It was pretty fun to see him all flustered - he found himself hoping he’d see more of that soon. “Mhm, alright,” he finally stopped looking at Jan long enough to continue the game. “Miss Nicky Doll,” he announced dramatically, “truth or dare?” Then offhandedly added “How d’you say that in French anyway?”

Nicky poked his head out from the hoodie he’d been all but completely hidden in. “Action ou vérité. I pick action, er, truth,” he responded, pushing the hood down so his head was fully uncovered and shaking his hair out to alleviate the messiness the hood caused.

“Let’s say your husband gave you a hall pass to hookup with someone,” he started. “But, it has to be someone in this group. Who do you pick?”

Before Nicky answered, he rolled his eyes. “This ‘hall pass’ concept must be an American thing. My husband and I are rarely together these days, so we do not hold ourselves to monogamy. That said, I would pick Jackie,” he explained simply.

Jackie, who had been fading in and out of paying attention, perked right up at the answer. “Oh really?” He shifted to better face the other queen. “In that case, why don’t you come find me if you ever wanna put that non-monogamy theory into practice?”

“Well, how could I ever resist such an invitation?” Nicky chuckled softly and winked at him. 

“Jesus, y’all are so fucking horny,” Widow abruptly chimed in, causing a ripple of laughter through the group. “Why don’t all y’all pair off for a nightcap and we end this game before someone starts dry humping. And I’m looking at you two,” he said, directing his attention to Gigi and Crystal at the last part. 

And it did seem like the queens in question intended on following the suggestion as they paired off and left - Gigi with Crystal, Jaida with Jan, and Jackie with Nicky. It seemed cliche, the way the game served as a catalyst for these relationships could have come right out of a teen comedy. But it got the job done.

[artificialqueens]

Hie :) I’m planing to write a fanfic (Jan x Jaida) but I may need some help, especially bcs English is not my mother language. So if anyone is willing to help, pls dm me! Thank u

Good luck, darling! I’m sure someone who is familiar with writing them will be in touch. 💖

Let me know if you want to join the discord server:

https://artificialqueens.tumblr.com/discord