#someone please adopt five nights at freddy's

[mythicaldemigoddess-of-deltarune]

Going M.I.A Until July 5th After Being Peeved Off By Toxic-Humans

I just need to have some time for myself,

and I wanted to wait until July to start posting again.

I just need to try to relax and do some self healing,

and it all has to do with finding out a bit more about Scott Cawthon.

look, no one has to agree about the same religious views.

I mean I have to stay in the Neo-Christian/Ma-Acolyte Closet,

as well as the Aceflux closet and the bigender identity closet with my family.

it be nice if it didn’t happen while FNAF Security Breach was still in the works.

I’m not even sure if it’s even finished, I can only hope that someone with a heart picks up where Scott left off and adopts the series but still gives Scott credit.

right now I’m listening to a comfort song right now,

which is Lily Allen’s song F**k You.

I guess I could listen to some other songs to comfort me,

but how I feel, it calls for that song.

I just wish they didn’t bring Trump or the other names that are involved into that mess...

after finding out that Trump had some form involvement of the, my guess bullying...

I did get upset at him enough to cry and say I hate him.

of course I can’t say that to my Mom or half of my family.

sure one half supported him and the other half don’t,

but we are still family.

I don’t much care for Presidents in Real Life, I have very little trust in them.

ones in movies or video games or any form of entertainment, are fine.

since it is just in a fictional world that is at times a counterpart of ours.

no one has to agree about my being mad at Trump, and that’s okay.

 I can’t help but think that there is a possibility that Scott had retired

because of the bullying and it possibly being linked to Trump.

we all don’t have to agree to like or dislike Trump.....

but I’m sure a lot of people are upset at those that caused the early retirement

before the Five Nights at Freddy’s Security Breach   

but maybe there will be still hope for it,

at least if it is true that Scott has a successor.

and if they do continue work on the Security Breach,

then we can only hope things works out well.

I didn’t know there was gonna be a successor,

until I was just looking up some more info about the whole FNAF thing.

but yeah, with only half of what I know so far,

it is still going to be a part of my Semi-Misanthrope.

I still know there are some good people in this world,

that is why it is “Semi”, which is better than it being the full.

maybe later I can try to look up more info about the whole thing,

but it is still possible the bullying was part of the reason for the early retirement.

I’m still peeved at this one person who was bad mouthing YandereDev.

if they are taking long to finish the game, it is because these things take time,

and also everyone has a off day where they wont be able to work on something right away and might have to put it on hiatus.

if Yandere Simulator ever gets on a Disc or game card,

and ends up being playable on Xbox One or Nintendo Switch...

I hope there will be a mode where we can dress up as Chara from Undertale.

at least there is some good news,

Doki Doki Literature Club will be on Nintendo Switch, I have been meaning to mention that after I had found out some days ago.

and parents should not let their child play it if they are under the age of 15.

don’t go blaming the mature content, when it’s you the parents who are to blame.

hey I did see a movie that I was not the proper age for,

and I wasn’t even a teenage yet when I saw it.

I’m talking about Cool World, I still like it and have the DVD.

but after remembering I had seen that movie, and we had rented it from a place that rented out VHS tapes.

I came to realize that letting me see that too early, even though I don’t think I can remember much about watching it during that time, all I know is that I did watch it.

but at least it didn’t get as mature as the Deadpool Movie,

and I still like the Deadpool Movie.

but anyway I figured out that it was wrong for my family to let me watch Cool World when I wasn’t the proper age for it,

and even letting me watch something else with the “witch” word on it,

when I was a toddler and I ended up saying “Son of a Witch”

of course it wasn’t the word witch, but you get what I’m going with this right?

I had to try to keep my little cousin from playing my Deadpool video game,

and it was lucky I caught them on time when the game had barely started.

did they even think about stopping them before they fully started to playing?

I don’t want to make the same mistake as my Mom or anyone else in my family.

at least the bad word I used wasn’t my first word.

but I had come to realize that it isn’t the mature content to blame,

but the parents, and even if some parents are willing to admit this cold truth.

that is perhaps long overdo, not all parents might admit to it.

if you have any mature stuff either on your computer or even a movie or show on DVD.

make sure to hide it from the child, give them their own computer

but put a child lock on the browser, where only you know the password.

and if you tend to forget passwords, write it on paper then hide it where your child or little sibling, can’t find it and it’s in a place that only you know.

also I want to say this....

I rather be a part of a Neo-LGBT, there can be different types of Aces.

some who are flux like myself, but because of the whole sexual energies,

I didn’t figure it out until I started to protect myself with my bracelets.

a Aceflux person can be a sexual empath, picking up the sexual energies of others when they are either in the same room or a different room all together.

and just because someone is Heteroromantic-Ace, doesn’t mean they should be exclude from the LGBT Community, even if some will still welcome them.

 and even if some might not believe that a Ace can end up being a sexual empath, but it might be very rare.

I’m not sure if there are many Aces that are sexual empaths,

and didn’t figure it out until they started to wear gem bracelets to protect themselves.

I think I’m the only one I know of that is doing that.

of course when I had first started to wear a bracelet,

it was because of a dream that felt too real and I was in between awake and asleep and then I was scared awake...

it was also dark and I was laying on my back, that is part of what I remember before being scared awake.

and I can’t tell my family I’m one, or how I believe it had first started.

I rather not talk about that right now.

but the whole me rather being a part of a Neo-LGBT doesn’t really have to do with my being Aceflux, well technically Aroaceflux.

it is for different reasons,          

 of course I will have to be in the closet about being part of a Neo-LGBT Community......wait, is there already a Neo version...?

well I guess I’m fine being a solo member for now.

 at least not everyone in the LGBT Community made false accusations on Scott.

and I’m not sure if my pendulum is being 100% truthful,

when I asked about Scott’s sexuality, I mean when I asked if he was Hetero,

I was given a No, but when I asked if he was Pan, I got a Yes.

but that might not be true,

I mean I guess there is a possibility that it could be true.

but maybe I should throw some salt on my pendulum later.

and if it turn out those questions were true, and I was being given a truthful answer.

then it might make others sorry for bullying him.

plus I want to point out, that you can’t just keep hating someone

who believed the lies that they were taught while growing up

about how a different gender identity from your bio-sex one

or not being hetero, is evil.

it’s only when they end up seeing the truth that they might end up discovering

that they aren’t hetero, and might just be bi or pan instead.

I wanted to tell my my family about me being on the Asexual Spectrum,

well the flux type of it.

but I wanted to get their view on it first, about the Asexuality.

like I had said before, it didn’t work out too well.

and I had to make it seem I wasn’t Asexual at all.

even though I was asked if I was, I didn’t say Yes and made sure to not give away I was one.

then when I went to my room, I started crying.

how I reacted was perfectly normal, as I had found out when I found some info about how a parent shouldn’t disapprove of it.

I love my family, but it’s best that I never come out of the protective closets I place myself in, that I can only come out online.                                  

 also I’m gonna try to relax and try to just hope the FNAF series keeps alive and there really being a successor who will continue it.

well now that I know the one who partly more responsible,

is a Toxic Game Journalist........

that person sucks, they suck and I hate them so much.

any Toxic-Journalist that dares do what that one did,

they are just as bad as the paparazzi that harassed a distant cousin of mine.

and if their lies is what got everyone mad at Scott,

at least not everyone, but still.....

I hope that Toxic Game Journalist who started it all,

will get the karma they deserve after they screwed everything up.

and yes while writing this, I wanted to look up more info about the whole FNAF and Scott Cawthon thing.

and it does appear that the root is a toxic game journalist.

and if I had to put two and two together,

I say the Youtube Video that peeved me off before,

that had to do with a doxxing of Scott and [Redacted]

and if had to do with that disgusting filth of a shisno.

if the info had happen some time after that whole mess happen,

 then it means that that disgusting human whoever they are,

is the cause of it.

and there is a reason why I put [Redacted]

as I do not wish for the other person/creator of another series,

to be mentioned in this.

Cancel Culture is Evil, even if something does get cancelled,

it shouldn’t involve the cancel culture cult.

don’t blame the content, blame the parents.

Pepe Le Pew deserved better,

he could of been added into the Space Jam 2 Movie,

if he got character development.

he could still flirt, but would learn to keep it a bit more friendly,

and not force himself on a gal he likes.

  ya don’t see girl characters being treated the way he has been treated,

Pepe deserves better, not just Amy Rose, Dot Warner and Fifi La Fume.

that is being sexist towards Pepe.

and it’s sexist for women and even some men,

to assume if a guy wears pink or uses a pink straw, he might not be consider a man.

so wait, if a woman wearing a blue shirt or uses a blue straw, she is still a woman...?

only a real man wears pink, uses a pink straw and even cries.

and I really hope there is a Anti-Cancel Culture Group to put that shisno group in their place.

I want to try to hope things get better, and the FNAF will continue,

and Scott will get a apology from those who had believed that shisno.

maybe I should avoid looking more info about it.

I just need to try to do the self healing and hope everything gets better,

and hope it isn’t a cruel joke about there being a successor.

I guess I can try to look it up more about it to check to be sure if it is true.

I’m gonna check a few more stuff on here first, before I sign off.

and I hope some of you understand why I’m upset about what happen with Scott.

it isn’t right what happen, and how it happen.

and no matter if he supported Trump or not, there is some lines that should never cross when it comes to a dislike of a president or former president.

but if it came to picking him or the evil woman, I would only pick him to keep the babies safe.....but I’m not sure if the rumor about Hillary Clinton is true or not,

I mean when I had found out about it, I was praying she wouldn’t become president because I was worried about the innocent lives.

but if the rumors still turn out to be 100% true, I still don’t want her as the first Madam President.

 I don’t even trust Biden very much, but I will have to try to hope and pray everything will be okay.

like I said, I don’t fully trust Real Life Presidents.

the best thing I can do is hope and pray that everything will work out.

for real, this will be the last post until July.

but I wont sign back in and post anything again until July 5th.

I’m still listening to Lily Allen’s song, I’m gonna listen to it a few more times.

anyway not all of you might agree with all I said,

and I’m not gonna force you to...

so see ya later, stay safe and beware of shisno.  

PS:

Please Do Not Misinterpret anything that was wrote in this.

and I’m gonna hope that not everyone believed that bull about Scott being a Anti-LGBT.

and I do hope the shisno who started that mess, will get karma for what they did and causing FNAF to be almost cancelled for good.

and it better not be cancelled for good,

and there better be truth to the whole successor to the game series.

and if it turns out that my pendulum isn’t joking about Scott’s sexuality,

if it turns out to be 100% true and not a prank my pendulum is pulling.

then I hope he gets a lot of apologizes, not only from the other stuff,

but also about the Anti-LGBT calling.  

[justasimplesinner]

UPDATED CHARACTER MASTERLIST & REQUESTING RULES

before i begin, remember not to be afraid to ask about someone that's not on the list darlin'! if i know them, big chances are i'll write for 'em, and if i don't, i'm often willing to do some research!

DC:

anyone. and i mean that literally. just look through my blog, there is so many of them fuckers in here, although i mostly focus on Batman Rogues. but if you've got any niche DC crush, i'm here for you baby (c'mon, i even write for Lobo and Mad Mod, i assure you that whoever your fave is, i'll gladly produce some content for 'em)

i will write for comicverse, arkhamverse (except fucking jervis for obvious reasons), basically any animated/cinematic appearances, telltale games, any type of fuckin' media but no Gotham or Nolanverse

MARVEL:

- Venom/Eddie Brock

- Cletus Kasady/Carnage

- Ultron

- Spawn/Albert Simmons

- Doc Ock/Otto Octavius

- Green Goblin/Norman Osborn

here i mostly focus on the cinematic universe, maybe with the exception of Spawn, Kasady and Osborn because fuck if i don't like interpreting them in my own silly little way based on the comics i've read and old cartoon shows

ARCANE:

yet again, anyone. well, let me rephrase that, anyone that's NOT a minor (and i'm sorry, but i won't write for Jinx, even if she's supposedly 18 in Act III. she'll always be Just A KidTM to me)

GTA V:

throw me a character and i'll probably write for 'em. unholy trinity obviously comes as a given, but i'll even write for bitches like Devin Weston and stuff like that

TEAM FORTRESS 2:

the whole team baby, and let's throw in the delightful Miss Pauling and not-so-delightful Administrator in here because why the hell not

DARKIDERS TRILOGY:

yeah. yeah, why the fuck not. i can try my best to write all of them, since there wasn't many characters i genuinely disliked in the series

ADDITIONAL CHARACTERS FROM RANDOM FANDOMS:

- Maximillian Desoto (The Outer Worlds)

- Jimmy Hall (At Dead Of Night)

- Sundrop/Moondrop (Five Nights At Freddy's Security Breach) don't look at me

- Abe Sapien (Hellboy)

- Cicero (Skyrim)

- *sobbing* Erik Destler (The Phantom Of The Opera)

- and i'll throw in the whole character base for fuckin' Archer since i'm obsessed with that show

and now onto the REQUESTING RULES:

YOU CAN CHECK WHETHER REQUESTS ARE OPEN OR NOT IN MY BIO

i'm pretty content with writing anything and everything, BUT:

- no pregnacy or 'what kinda father/mother would x be' and stuff like that

- minors can appear as background characters (example: Jinx is basically Silco's adoptive daughter and i don't mind including that in any of my writings) but i won't write for them exclusively

- no rape/non-con or yandere (cnc is a whole different thing that i absolutely love, but, as the name suggests, it's CONSENSUAL non-consent, so it's not straight out non-con)

- i don't do ships, only 'x readers'

- please don't send me whole strings of requests - i run this blog alone and that won't change, so there's a limited amount of requests i'm accepting every time they re-open and everyone should have their chance at requesting

- don't want to sound harsh, but if i don't want to write something, i won't. i do always try to answer those asks with an explanation as to why, but sometimes i DO just delete those requests. it's my right as an author, and i won't be sacrificing my comfort just to write something

- and, obviously, don't repost my shit to other sites. i absolutely don't mind people taking inspiration and writing something based off my work (do tag me tho, i'd love to see what you came up with!), but straight out stealing my content ain't on the table

[just-a-poor-boy-queen]

(This is based off the lovely prompt you gave me a while ago, and I decided to incorporate it into the kid!verse. Khaleel is five years old now.)

Part 14 of Jimercury Kid series

Freddie’s hands were shaking as he held the wrapped package in his hand and he cursed himself internally, wishing his nerves would settle long enough for him to just open the door and give Jim his damn present. He had never been this apprehensive about giving someone a gift before; he usually couldn’t wait to surprise his loved ones, to see the absolute delight on their faces when they unwrapped the paper and saw what he had bought them. It was usually something expensive, something unobtainable to them, something grandiose that only someone with his paycheque could afford.

That’s what everyone wanted, right? Big, expensive presents?

Not Jim, apparently.

Jim was a simple man. That’s part of the reason why Freddie had fallen so hard for him, aside from his unmeasurable kindness and rugged good looks, of course. And being a simple man, he preferred the simpler things in life; he appreciated the lavish gifts and parties that Freddie treated him to, of course, but Freddie knew fully well that he could have been a road sweeper and Jim would still be in love with him. That’s the kind of person his husband was.

Which was precisely why Freddie was in the predicament he was in now.

--

He had been trying to figure out what to get Jim for his birthday for weeks, enlisting the help of Phoebe and Mary to scout out all the local department stores in search of the perfect gift. Phoebe found a nice pair of garden shears, which would come in useful, given that Jim’s current ones were old and rusting and Jim was always talking about replacing them. Practical, thought Freddie, but not exactly the most personal of gifts. Mary found a lovely ceramic cat ornament, its features hand painted by the artist; Jim would love it, Freddie knew, but he had already bought him a similar gift years before. In the end, Phoebe and Mary purchased the presents to give Jim themselves and the search continued.

It was their son who ended up inspiring Freddie, though that was hardly surprising because Khaleel was always inspiring him. Freddie had come home from a long day at the studio and found the little boy painting at the kitchen table with Phoebe, old newspapers spread out to make sure he didn’t make a mess. They had been at it for a while, judging by how many paintings there were scattered around; paintings of flowers, and dinosaurs and, of course, every one of the cats with their names scribbled underneath in felt tip.

‘These are lovely, Bijou.’ Freddie beamed, after Phoebe had excused himself to wash the paint off his hands. ‘You’re so talented. We should hang them up in your room.’

Khaleel nodded enthusiastically, adding one final dab of paint to his wonky picture of Garden Lodge before setting it beside the others. ‘Daddy said you paint too, Baba.’

‘Did he now?’

‘Yeah. He showed me a painting of Delilah you did. It was pretty.’

Freddie couldn’t help but roll his eyes fondly. He had thought he’d thrown out the unfinished portrait of his favourite cat, but he should have known Jim had held onto it. ‘Baba doesn’t really have time to paint anymore, darling. I’m too busy with my music.’

Khaleel looked disappointed. He glanced down at his messy fingers and began to fiddle with them. ‘Your painting made Daddy smile so much, Baba. You should do it again. It’s pretty.’

Freddie was at a loss for words. He had always loved art and still found himself doing the odd sketches and doodles now and then; but painting was something he had given up long ago in favour of singing. He simply didn’t have the time or the patience to commit to it. But Khaleel’s words were now engrained in his mind.

‘I’ll think about it, Bijou.’ He said softly, before leaning down to pick the child up. ‘Come on, you’re going to need a nice, warm bubble bath to get all this paint off you.’

He smiled as Khaleel squealed with excitement. (1/2)

It had taken Freddie a while to figure out what exactly he was going to paint. He still had the old brushes and materials Phoebe and Joe had bought him years ago, when he was ill and had temporarily been inspired to try his hand at art again; but as he sat there, staring at the blank canvas in front of him, he realised he had no idea what he intended to make for his husband.

He considered finishing the painting of Delilah but couldn’t summon up the motivation to continue it. He tried doing a landscape of the garden, but after a few attempts on some scrap paper, he gave up and decided to stick to what he knew best – portraits.

It was only when he leaned back in his seat and surveyed the room a moment that his eye fell upon the large photo frame he kept beside his bed; the one of himself, Jim and Khaleel, professionally taken a year before. There was a copy of it hanging up in the lounge, over the fireplace, but Freddie always kept the original right by his bed, so it was the first thing he woke up to every morning. Safe to say, of all the hundreds of photographs that lived in Garden Lodge, this one was by far his favourite. He and his two favourite boys. His perfect family.

Without giving it a second thought, he picked up his brush and began to paint.

------

It had been two long weeks of staying up late and sneaking around to make sure Jim didn’t catch him, but on the eve of his husband’s birthday, Freddie’s portrait was finally complete, and he carefully wrapped it in brown paper in preparation for the party the next day. He was satisfied with the finished product, and yet, he couldn’t help but feel his gut twist with uncertainty as he stored the painting away in a drawer to keep it from prying eyes. He knew there wasn’t a materialistic bone in Jim’s body but… what if he didn’t like the gift? Phoebe and Mary had bought him such lovely things, what if Jim was disappointed when he got to Freddie’s?

Thoughts like that were why Freddie was now standing outside the door to the lounge, trying to gather the courage to go back in. He had excused himself under the guise of getting another bottle of wine and had quickly darted up to the bedroom to collect the package and bring it down. Taking a deep breath, he finally pushed open the door and re-joined the others, who were already sitting down to start opening Jim’s presents.

‘Mary, I love it!’ Jim smiled widely as he examined the ceramic cat, turning it over in his hands before carefully placing it on the coffee table beside the garden shears Phoebe had gifted him. ‘It’s beautiful. Thank you so much.’

Mary smiled back, ‘you’re welcome, Jim.’ And they leaned forward to give each other a kiss on the cheek.

Freddie’s heart fluttered in his chest. Mary hadn’t been very supportive of his relationship with Jim at the start, most likely out of overprotectiveness and jealousy. But once they adopted Khaleel, she finally had to accept that Freddie had found the love of his life and it was time for her to move on. She seemed a much happier person for it. It touched Freddie to see her and Jim gradually becoming good friends.

Finally, it was Freddie’s turn to present his gift. Despite his best efforts, he still couldn’t help shaking slightly as he watched Jim slowly tear off the paper. Maybe this was a mistake. Maybe he should have gotten Jim a new suit. Or a pair of cufflinks. Or-

‘Freddie…’ Jim sounded breathless and when Freddie looked up, he could see the Irishman’s eyes were sparkling with tears. ‘Freddie, did you paint this?’

The singer nodded, his mouth dry. ‘Do… do you like it?’

His answer was Jim leaning over and pressing their mouths together in a passionate kiss. When they pulled away, the tears in Jim’s eyes had spilled down his cheeks. ‘Sweetheart, it’s beautiful. It’s amazing, it’s perfect.’

Jim wasn’t usually one for PDA, but he was so overwhelmed in that moment, he couldn’t stop himself from kissing every inch of Freddie’s face, while their guests admired the gift that had enthralled him. It was a painting of Freddie, Jim and Khaleel, almost an exact copy of the family portrait hanging up above the fireplace except they were surrounded by flowers; yellow freesias, azaleas, and Khaleel’s favourite, Eden roses, all painted in watercolour.

When Khaleel saw it, he almost fell off Phoebe’s lap in excitement. ‘Baba painted me! Baba painted me!’

After the party was over and their friends had gone home, Jim snuck up behind his husband as the singer was placing the canvas on the mantlepiece and wound his arms around his waist. ‘So, this is why you wouldn’t come to bed all those nights? You were working on this?’

Freddie nodded, leaning back into his husband’s embrace. ‘I was going to buy you something, but I know how you always feel guilty when I spoil you. I wanted to give you something personal, that I made with my own two hands. Even if it isn’t perfect…’

He felt Jim kiss his ear, his thick Irish accent murmuring softly, ‘it’s the greatest gift anyone’s ever given me, sweetheart. And the best thing about it is that it came straight from your heart. I love it and I’m going to keep it with me. Always.’ (2/2)

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

OMG THIS IS PERFECT😭😭😭 This is the best interpretation of the prompt, MY HEART😭😭

Call me dumb, but whenever I'd think of Freddie doing something for Jim, it'd always be related to music. Until now, I had never considered art as one of the possible ways in which Freddie could've expressed his love for his husband. But this... this is so beautiful, oof.

I genuinely marvel at your ability to convey so many emotions in these short drabbles. You managed to portray Freddie's insecurities, his want to please his husband and do something special, his nervousness and fear so brilliantly. And Jim's reaction was so sweet🥺 This was truly such a special gift for him, and for their family, I am crying😭

Thank you so much for this, anon💙💙

(More drabbles by writer anon)

[tardis-stowaway]

Ten years after the Not-pocalypse, Adam Young, age 21 and recently graduated from university:

-Works in a crappy retail job and lives in a tiny, crappy flat in London

-The crappy flat has no sound insulation, so he’s always hearing the absurd amount of movement from the people in the flat above and the really loud but not quite intelligible conversations from the people in the flat next door. It’s a long way to the nearest public park, and he misses the green of home.

-Is not all that good at his customer service job, with the exception that if a customer is irrationally angry about something, he says he wants to make sure he understands the problem and repeats their complaint back to them with this look in his eyes, and they universally back down and often apologize. His coworkers love him for it. Everything else is just drudgery.

-Single, despite his best efforts. Okay, maybe not his best efforts, but some efforts.

-Knows that his childhood was uncommonly idyllic at least partly due to his powers. He’s not entirely sure how his life went quite so off the rails lately.

-Maybe his powers have faded gradually since he rejected his destiny, or maybe it’s just that on some level he absorbed the expectation that being in one’s early 20’s means being broke and a little lost, and the expectation made it happen whether he wanted it or not.

-Or maybe he just should’ve chosen a more employable course of study at uni instead of comparative religion. In his defense, it seemed relevant to his life.

-Spends much of his free time on climate crisis activism. He’ll be damned (ha) if he stood against the forces of Heaven and Hell, the Four Horsepeople of the Apocalypse, and his own birthright to preserve the continuing existence of humanity on the Earth only for humans to blunder into destroying themselves unintentionally through greed and shortsighted decisions.

-He’s been doing this since he was twelve, when Brian sent the Them’s group text an article about the group Extinction Rebellion with the caption “named for us?? :)” Adam had laughed, then actually read the article. Within a week he’d convinced the Them and a dozen of their classmates to show up at the next town council meeting with a list of sustainability demands.

-No matter how many civil disobedience events he takes part in, he never seems to get arrested. Adam suspects it’s his supernatural entity privilege. Pepper says it’s probably mostly that he’s white and great at charming his way out of trouble.

-He’s still friends with all of the Them, but they don’t live especially close together. He does have a flatmate, an American who Adam met at uni.

-At this point you, a genre-savvy reader of much Good Omens fic and meta, are probably seeing the word “American” and thinking that Adam is flatmates with Warlock Dowling. For once, you are wrong. 

-Adam’s flatmate is Jesus.

-Not Jesus Christ, but a young man named Jesus Dominguez, pronounced the Spanish way (like hay-soos).

-Jesus is from Southern California, and he talks more than a little bit like a surfer stereotype. He’s got warm brown skin, shoulder-length dark hair in perpetually-mussed waves, and a little beard. He’s kinda leaning into the look  to mess with people, but it’s also the same style found on at least a third of the other male-presenting hipsters in London.

-When he learned that he was going to share a flat with someone named Jesus, Adam called Crowley and Aziraphale. He’s never been gladder that he stayed in touch with them, because he NEEDED someone who understood how the Antichrist and Jesus sharing a flat sounded like the setup for a joke or a sitcom. Crowley did indeed laugh out loud, then told Adam that as a fellow lapsed member of the forces of Hell, he could personally recommend sharing quarters with a heavenly adversary. Aziraphale just muttered “oh, stop” at Crowley.

-Adam moved to London because it was easier to get to the important protests there, and because he was curious. He spent the first six months desperately homesick for Tadfield. The city was so crowded but somehow he still felt so alone, other than Jesus.

-Then a midnight fire-alarm in their building sent him and Jesus into the streets along with dozens of their neighbors. Adam finally met the people in the flat above theirs who made all that moving around noise. They were an older couple who took ballroom dancing lessons at the senior center and liked to practice at home. Mrs. Kapoor tried to teach Adam how to foxtrot right there on the pavement in the middle of the night. He stepped on her feet, but since he was in bare feet and she’d actually taken the time to find shoes it wasn’t a big deal.

-Meanwhile Jesus was finally talking to the loud young men from next door. By the time Adam wandered over, Jesus had learned their names (Leon, Seamus, and Nazim) and secured an invitation for the two of them to come over to watch Saturday’s football match, and to join their next D&D campaign (“just no more  paladins,” said Nazim). Adam looked forward to finding out whether it was the D&D or the football that was the cause of more yelling.

-As the evacuation stretched on with no hint of either actual fire or clearance to go back inside, the building’s children began to get fussy. Adam found a coin on the ground (successfully picking it up, because Crowley didn’t make it to this neighborhood very often) and proceeded to distract them with stage magic.

-He initially learned stage magic from Aziraphale, but he’s better at it than the angel ever was. He hardly cheats physical reality at all. The kids love it.

-When the fire department finally gives them the clearance to go back inside, Adam’s stomach rumbles. “Is anyone else hungry?,” he asks, to a chorus of agreement. It’s too late for any nearby takeout, but Jesus chats with their neighbors about options.

-Jesus enlists Adam’s help in going from flat to flat gathering ingredients from everyone, and before long they’re serving fish tacos and grilled cheese sandwiches to a small crowd of pajama-clad people. It’s 2 am, but everyone is smiling, or at least has contentment at the edge of their yawns.

-The next day, Mrs. Kapoor brings Adam and Jesus a spider plant cutting, because she thought their flat looked too bare. Adam texts a picture of it to Crowley and receives back lengthy instructions on watering, pot size, soil, and the most effective threats for the species.

-Five months later, the local planning council has an intense debate about why crime rates in one neighborhood have dropped by 75% since their last meeting. They each try to claim credit for their pet civic projects. Actually, it’s because Adam Young has started to love London, or at least his nook of it.

-Buskers soon realize that certain tube stops are generating far more tips than they ever have before, with no obvious demographic shift accounting for the change. The common ground is that these are the stops on Adam’s commutes to work and his activist meetings. He can only occasionally spare a tip himself, but his enjoyment of the music is contagious.

-Even after the breakthrough, not every day is good. On a late summer day that just happens to be the anniversary of the day the world didn’t end, Adam comes home from a protest fuming.

-“Dude, you okay?” asks Jesus, looking up from his guitar. (Jesus sometimes goes to protests with Adam, but not usually the ones where they’re planning on breaking laws. “I’m a brown-skinned foreigner, man. Do you think I’ll get away with what you get away with? I’m not ready for that yet,” he says, and Adam can’t argue.)

-“The media barely showed up at our event, probably because it was about a million degrees and even though that’s exactly what we’re protesting, nobody wants to be out in it. Six of our people passed out from the heat and three got arrested. They still didn’t arrest me, but I got pushed over and cracked my phone screen. On my way home, some drunk on the tube vomited on my shoes. Our green jobs bill still doesn’t have the votes in Parliament, and have you seen the latest news on the Antarctic ice sheets?” Adam kicks off his shoes, then collapses dramatically onto the futon and groans.

-“Sounds rough,” says Jesus.

-“I should’ve just ended the damn world when I was eleven and I had the chance. Would’ve been quicker,” Adam mutters.

-Jesus gets up and goes to the kitchen. He brings Adam a beer. “You don’t mean that, bro,” he says.

-Adam sighs, accepting the beer. “I suppose not.”

-He drinks his beer. Dog, now grey-muzzled and slow, shuffles over to curl up at his feet. Adam pulls out his phone, which is cracked but still seems functional. He’s got a text from Aziraphale.

-“Dear Adam,” the text begins, because Aziraphale might have finally deigned to learn to text but he steadfastly refused to adopt its stylistic conventions, “I hope that you have returned safely from today’s protest. I’m very proud of your continuing efforts, and though he won’t admit it I know that Crowley feels the same. Please write back at your earliest convenience. Fondly, Aziraphale”

-Adam texts back to reassure the angel, who will doubtless pass it on to Crowley, then he texts similar reassurances to his parents and to Mrs. Kapoor upstairs. He’s still figuring out this adulthood thing, but he’s got a lot of parental figures looking out for him. His Infernal Bio-Dad isn’t one of them, and that’s the way Adam likes it.

-Through the open window comes the sound of music blasting from a car stuck in traffic below. Freddie Mercury and David Bowie are singing:

And love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night, And love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves.

-He turned down the chance to rule the world, and he’d make the same choice again, but he still feels a certain proprietary responsibility towards the planet and its inhabitants. His father—his real, earthly father—didn’t raise him to shirk responsibility, and he’s not one to cave under pressure.

-Life is hard, people are mostly idiots, and the world is coming apart at the seams, but it’s his messed up life and his idiotic people and his beautiful, half-broken world.

[kegareki]

dameamaryllis replied to your post “The video opens to the Five Nights At Freddy’s title screen and a...”

Oh, I love this! May we know more about Jaz, pretty pretty please? (Does Jason still dies? Please say no!)

it’s ME, do you think that i could let jason die if i could help it??

jason has a much larger weakness to mother figures than jaz does. jaz is a lot less willing to extend any amount of trust towards possible bio mom sheila--which is good, considering that if they went along with it with their guard down, they would’ve been lured into a trap and brutally murdered by the joker. no thanks!

as you can imagine, jason is more well-adjusted than in other canons because he was not killed or almost killed by the joker at 16.

jaz and jason are robin at the same time. it was suggested that they have separate codenames, but this was shot down because they both want to be robin.

(”do you want one of us to be batboy?” jason demands. “i’m not gonna be batboy.”

“i don’t wanna be batboy, either,” jaz says. “that’s the name of a reject robin.”

“the name of a shitty bargain-bin robin.”

“technically, i am getting a deal on robins,” bruce says.

“you can be batboy then!”)

because no one has an untimely death, the role of robin does not pass over to tim during a time of desperate need for a stabilizing influence on batman, and therefore jason doesn’t resent bruce for replacing him or tim for being his replacement. tim becomes robin in the same way that everyone else does: bruce sees a tiny child in need, sees that he is in a position to help them, and goes “oh, no.”

jason and jaz respectfully retire from the position of robin and move cities entirely to help dick over in bludhaven.

(”WHAT IS A GOTHAM GOLDEN CHILD DOING IN BLUDHAVEN,” someone tweets in distress. accompanying their tweet is a photo of jaz, who is sitting on the other side of their classroom.

someone else responds with: “grayson went to bludhaven around the time bruce wayne picked up the todds & bruce wayne is apparently in the process of adopting another kid rn. bludhaven might just b where gotham kids go to escape their adopted sibs”

the original poster replies to this, shaken, “are you telling me that gothamites view bludhaven as a vacation spot? this is the most terrifying thing anyone has ever said to me”)

more under the cut because this answer is getting Very Long

jaz’s vigilante name is nightingale, which immediately pegs them as a double-act with nightwing, but i wanted a bird name and if leliana could use the name nightingale, so can i

they’ve got the same sort of blue stripe that nightwing’s got going on, as well as the domino mask, but their outfit as a whole is more reminiscent of red hood’s--suit beneath a jacket and trousers, belt, boots, etc. they use escrima sticks like nightwing does, but they transition comfortably between impact and edged weapons, with the same sort of “if they don’t go down when beaten, they’ll go down when bleeding” mindset that jason has

jaz, dick, and bruce are all similar in that they all go where the need is. sometimes you have to make a choice on what thing or person needs you more, because you can’t take care of everyone and everything at the same time. you can’t. something will always be your priority.

in ‘verses where it’s just dick who’s trying to meet people’s needs, he gets so strained, because he can’t give all of himself to everyone who needs something from him. jaz helps, though. they can go where he can’t. like--between damian and tim, dick’s gonna go after damian. damian’s a kid and dick’s responsible for him. and jaz can go after tim in his stead

in one of my aus, where jaz lands in an alternate universe where there’s no native jaz and therefore everything went predictably to shit:

"Dick is the only Robin who made it to eighteen," Jaz says. "Have you thought about what you'll be after?"

Tim pauses, expression shifting. "Not really," he admits. "I haven't needed to. Until now, I guess."

Jaz puts a hand on his shoulder. "Hey. Even if Damian does become Robin, that doesn't mean you're being kicked out. Damian is a ten-year-old who's been trained by the League of Assassins. He needs to be supervised, and you don't anymore. And besides," they add, "you're not the only one whose partner is being stolen. We could team up."

He smiles hesitantly. "I haven't patrolled with you yet. Let's start there."

(i gave up on understanding the dc timeline so the ages i go by are “if damian is 10, tim is 18, jason is 22, and dick is 25″ since i think that dick is 28ish when damian is 13?)

dick, jason, and jaz are all pretty tight-knit with each other, but their next favorite batkids are all different? dick is close with babs and damian, jason is close with cass, jaz is close with tim...

ALSO if it was not obvious, jaz/dick is a thing. generally i do not write romantic relationships involving si/ocs, because i am aromantic, but i make an exception for dick grayson. (”you are my only exception” by paramore plays in the distance) they’re very cute together and playful and fun and sweet. i have a soulbond au where they’re soulmates. i almost never write soulmate aus. that is how much i love them

more things i want to say but that i’ve run out of steam for paragraphs about:

jaz adopts a black cat and names him catman. they take snaps of him zooming around their apartment with the caption “nya nya nya nya catman”

they are the singular robin whose favorite hero/vigilante is batman. however it should be noted that bruce wayne is not their favorite; batman is. the absurdity of a growling man of the night accompanied by a brightly-colored acrobatic child is so utterly charming

in jazverse canon, jaz is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns and tim is trans and uses he/him pronouns. bruce wayne has not messed up their pronouns Once and, when other people misgender his kids, he always makes sure to say The Correct Pronouns Or Terminology in his response. #BruceWayneSaysTransRights is a real hashtag

jason and jaz are protective of each other. i’m not saying that jaz would’ve decked sheila in the face, but i’m also not saying that they wouldn’t

the imagery of jason and jaz attending gotham academy is so funny. like. they’re from fuckin crime alley and then they get adopted by bruce wayne and now they go to the Elite Private Academy of gotham where everyone is rich and snobby. they read the lord of the flies for english class and agree that the events of the novel are made possible only by virtue of being populated entirely by rich white cis boys. their discussion immediately goes to “so if that happened with our class, who would die first” because, to quote jason todd, “even if no one tried asserting dominance, these kids have the survival instincts of a toddler”

jaz’s full name is jasmine and their nicknames are jaz and jazzy. dick calls them hummingbird sometimes because they’re short and have adhd. also because they looked Utterly Betrayed by dick and jason both having -bird nicknames but not them

[starrystarrybabe]

Oh, How the Mighty Fall [In Love] CHAPTER EIGHT (Ben Hardy x OC)

Lily Anne Mercury is brought in to help with Bohemian Rhapsody at the request of her Uncle Bri and Uncle Rog, and along the way, she might meet someone to share her life with. The only problem with this is that while their friends and the world can see that they’re perfect for each other, they’re going to be fully blind to this for a while. 

CHAPTER ONE, CHAPTER TWO, CHAPTER THREE, CHAPTER FOUR, CHAPTER FIVE, CHAPTER SIX, CHAPTER SEVEN

DISCLAIMER: I’m fully aware that it would’ve been physically impossible for Jim and Freddie to have a child even with this method during the time they were alive, but the idea of Freddie as a dad and the idea of how his child would turn out to be was just too sweet for me to not write.

Hey, everyone! Apologies for the slightly altered formatting, the option for the lines isn’t currently available on tumblr and I am confused. If you could help me figure this out, I’d appreciate it. Thank you!

-- casey

TRIGGERS: explicit sexual content (18+ only please!)

~

FACECLAIMS:

Kelly Gale as Lily Anne Mercury

Sira P. Kante as Ezichi Adebayo

Erika Linder as Bronwyn Ryan-Hughes

Bree Kish as Madigan Ryan-Hughes

Sonakshi Sinha as Anusha Laghari

~

LILY’S DRESSES

~

Lily is howling in laughter as she watches comedienne Anusha Laghari’s comedy special on Netflix. It is filled with jokes about growing up Indian, dealing with white people, and being in the comic industry as a woman of color. She’s currently talking about how she’s being described as the “brown John Mulaney,��� but nothing about that man is remotely like herself, as much as she likes John Mulaney.

“The man is from a bloody Catholic household and walks around like he’s taking up too much space. I don’t have anything in common with that. The only thing that’s similar about us is that we both get massive paychecks,” Anusha says, grinning as the audience cheers. “I’m alright with the success rate being similar, but I am my own person, and not any version of anyone else. It’s been a wonderful show here in Radio City, and thank you so much for coming out to see me! I love you all! Good night, New York!” Anusha blows kisses to the crowd before the screen fades away to the end credits.

Lily met Anusha when they were both very young, and the pair were in the same Indian dance class. Jer would drop her off, and the Indian mothers would look at her curiously, but not say anything.

Needless to say, the fact that she was only half Indian was very noticeable when Jim’s pale complexion and cable-knit sweaters clashed with the brown women and colorful saris he was surrounded by.

Lily had practically no friends in that class except for Anusha, who told off some mothers and walked over to Lily when she was crying. She was always there for Lily, even though her mother didn’t exactly approve of the life Lily lived. When she saw how dedicated Jim was to taking care of his daughter and helping her experience her culture, she gained respect for him and practically adopted Lily as her own daughter, bringing her along to family occasions and constantly allowing the girl to sleep over with Anusha, and vice versa. Jim would sit with Anusha’s family at recitals and smile as his little girl twirled around stage with her best friend.

Anusha was always funny. Comedy made sense for her. She struggled for years, moved to New York, booked strange hours and worked under sexist bosses to make her name in the industry. Now, she’s one of the biggest names in comedy. Lily couldn’t be prouder of her childhood bestie.

Lily calls her friend, catching her breath. Anusha picks up immediately.

“Hello, Lily!” she cheerily says. “How was the special?”

Lily wipes a tear from her eye. “Darling, you’re so talented. I’m so proud of you. Also, my stomach hurts from laughing so damn hard.”

Anusha lets out a laugh. “Thanks, Lily! You’re the best, mate. I’m so glad you like it.”

Lily sighs and pets Reykja, who jumps up onto the couch. “It was amazing, darling. I’m so proud to call you my friend, and I know that Jim is smiling at you as we speak.”

Anusha quiets, letting out a small sigh. “Lily… stop it, don’t make me cry. You know I loved Jim more than anything. He was the absolute best. I’m so proud to call you my friend. Your latest album is a hit, and you’ve got a gorgeous blonde man pining over you. Now, if I were you, I would have immediately dragged him to bed, but--”

“Can’t I be nice without you making things filthy?” Lily scoffs, shaking her head. “You don’t even like blondes.”

Anusha laughs. “You’re right. But I have an interest in one of your blonde boy’s friends.”

She raises a brow. “Gwil is taken and so is Rami.”

Anusha huffs. “I know, Lily! You think I didn’t do my research? I like Joe.” She takes a deep breath. “Joe seems really nice, and he’s very cute and talented. I looked online, and I didn’t see anything about him having a girlfriend.”

Lily smiles. “He’s single.”

Anusha lets out whoops and hollers of joy. “Yes! Could you get me his number? I really want to talk to him.”

“You’re in New York right now, aren’t you?”

“Yep! I’m coming back to London tomorrow,” Anusha says.

“He’s in New York as we speak. I can tell Joe to meet you somewhere tonight.”

Anusha nervously laughs. “Lily, babe… I’m in sweats and my hair is greasy enough to sustain a fire. I can’t meet anyone like this.”

Lily nods. “I get it. I’ll ask him if he’d be interested in meeting you, alright?”

Anusha sighs in relief. “That would be great. Love ya, Lily!”

Lily smiles. “Love you too, Nush.”

She hangs up and immediately calls Joe, who picks up after a few rings.

“Hi, Lily! I was just thinking about you!” He sounds kind of drunk. “Sebastian and I are out drinking and one of your songs came on and I screamed ‘That’s my friend!’’

Lily smiles and chuckles. “That’s very sweet of you, darling. I appreciate it.”

“I also told everyone how you and Ben are soulmates,” he continues, giggling.

She holds back anger and sighs heavily. “That’s great, Joe. The world already thought that. I can’t wait to see Ben’s reaction to the news. Can I ask you something quickly?”

Joe laughs. “Sure thing! What is it?”

“Do you know Anusha Laghari? She has a comedy special on Netflix,” Lily begins.

“Of course I know her! I love her stuff! She’s also super pretty,” Joe says happily.

Lily smiles. “She’s my best friend from Indian dance school, and she wants your number.”

Joe gasps, covering his mouth with his hand. “Me? And her? Lily, you’re joking.”

“I’m not. She told me herself,” Lily says, leaning back on her couch.

“She’s talented and funny and gorgeous and cool, and— and— I’m just a lanky white dude who met Jeff Goldblum once! Why me?”

Lily shrugs. “Because you’re funny and handsome and charismatic and sweet.”

Joe stutters. “Aw, Lily, I’m blushing. Really, she asked for my number?”

Lily nods. “Mhm.”

“Give it to her, and tell her that I’ll text her when I’m not drunk. Thank you so much, Lily!”

“Of course, Joe. Uber home and drink some water, love.”

“Sure thing. Bye, Lily!”

Joe hangs up and Lily texts Anusha Joe’s number, explaining that he’ll text her when he’s sober.

—-

The next morning, Ben looks in the mirror and tries to pep talk himself up, trying on his beanies to see which one works best with his navy blue adidas jacket and black-striped joggers.

“What’s better, Frankie? Yellow or red?” He turns to his pup, who opens one eye and sniffs in the direction of the yellow hat. “Thanks, girl. I’ve got to look good for our walk today. I’m going to ask Lily to go to the Oscars with me.”

Frankie yawns and stretches, standing up and walking to Ben’s feet. Ben leans down and puts the leash on her before checking that he has his phone, keys, and wallet. He puts on his sunglasses and they leave the apartment, walking over to his car.

They drive to Garden Lodge and Ben parks next to Lily’s G-Wagon. The gate is already open, since Ben and Lily do this joint dog walk five times a week and Ben arrives at the same time every time they do it.

“I think the garden is pruned well enough,” Ben comments, watching as Lily meticulously goes through a patch of yellow flowers looking for weeds.

Lily looks up at him and takes off her filthy gloves and large sun hat, shaking out her hair. “I saw some weeds earlier this morning, so I decided to do something about it.”

Ben smiles as Frankie licks Lily’s cheek, and Reykja runs out of the doggie door to meet her friend. Frankie barks happily and Rey yips in return, playing with the other pup.

Lily picks up the end of the leash attached to Rey’s harness, standing up and looking up at Ben.

“Ready to go?” He asks.

“Yep!” Lily responds, walking alongside Ben and locking the gates after they exit. As they walk out of the driveway, they see two teenagers pasting notes to Freddie on the wall.

They spend ten minutes with the excited teenagers who fawn over Frankie and Rey, explain how much they love Queen and Room 301, and get selfies with both of them.  After the kids leave, Lily smiles up at Ben.

“They were more interested in you than me, you know. BoRhap made a difference,” she says, smiling as they begin the walk to the park a half mile away.

Ben nods. “I know. But they’re getting into your music as well because of the movie, so it’s not just Queen that’s thriving.”

She nods. “I just hope the Academy acknowledges all of that. Rami deserves to win, and BoRhap deserves all the awards it’s up for.” She chuckles. “I have a feeling I might be a little biased though.”

Ben looks down and lets out a little laugh. “I don’t mind. Actually, on that note, I’d like to ask you something.”

Lily bites back a smile and looks up at Ben. Is he going to do what she thinks he’s going to do? “Of course! What is it?”

Ben takes a deep breath as the dogs sniff the base of a tree, and gathers all his courage. “Would you like to go as my plus one to the Oscars?”

Lily’s eyes light up and her smile brightens the gray London sky. “I’d love that, Ben!”

Ben grins back at her, releases a breath he didn’t even know he was holding, and Frankie looks up at her dad, wagging her tail. “That’s great!”

Lily walks alongside Ben, and she laughs, shaking her head. “You looked nervous for a second, Ben.”

Ben feels a cold drip of sweat coming down his forehead and his face burns. “Huh? I’m not nervous. Why would I be nervous?”

Lily looks up at him and raises a brow. “I could’ve said no.”

Ben looks down, laughing nervously. “I mean, you could’ve, and gone with Joe again.”

She scoffs. “Even then I ended the night with you, Ben.”

Ben nods, smiling. “Yeah…”

She shrugs. “Besides, I practically set him up with my friend.”

Ben grins at her excitedly. “Seriously?”

She nods. “Mhm. You know the comedienne Anusha Laghari?”

Ben nods, grinning. “Of course! How do you know her?”

“She was my best friend as a child. We went to Indian dance school together as children.”

Ben nods, impressed. “Sometimes I forget that you know so many famous people.”

She grins. “Another one of my friends was Sean Ono Lennon. Yoko still sends me birthday gifts.”

Ben stops in his tracks. “You’ve met Yoko Ono.”

“Yes, I’ve been to her house for play dates with Sean. He helped me through the loss of my father.”

“Wait.” He waves his hands around in a confused gesture. “Does this mean that you met the other Beatles as well?”

She nods. “I know Paul and Ringo. I met George briefly when I was a baby but I don’t remember.”

Ben shakes his head as he continues walking. “That’s… how are you so nonchalant about that?”

She shrugs. “I was born into this life. It just sort of happened.”

Ben stutters for a minute before taking a deep breath. “Anyways, back to the topic at hand. Joe’s been single for a long time. What makes you think that Anusha can change that?”

Lily nods. “I have a good gut feeling about this, Ben. Also, she’s the one who asked for his number. He’s not chasing after someone who’s uninterested. She’s funny, he’s humble, and it wouldn’t be long distance since she lives in New York at the moment. That makes everything easier.”

Ben raises a brow. “Do you think it will last if it happens?”

She smiles and nods. “The last time I had a feeling this strong about anyone was when Zichi asked me about Gwil. Before then it was for Madi and Bron.”

Ben purses his lips. “You have a pretty good track record then. I trust your judgment. If Anusha is like she comes across in her special, her and Joe will be great together.”

She grins. “What you see is what you get with both of them. I have a good feeling about this.”

They walk along the track in the park in relative silence before Lily speaks up.

“You should wear a white suit jacket.”

Ben looks over at her and raises a brow. “All white?”

She shakes her head. “No. I think it should have a little bit of black, but that with nice dress pants and a pair of black Louboutins? Could be a major look.”

Ben nods, considering her suggestion. “What about sunglasses?”

She smiles, looking up at Ben. “That could be good.”

Ben takes mental notes of that before giving a suggestion of his own. “You should wear a red dress.”

She nods, pursing her lips. “Any particular style?”

He smiles and shrugs. “I think a princess gown would be fitting. After all, you’re the princess of Queen.”

She lets out a little laugh. “I guess I am. I’ll get it with a hoop skirt large enough to fit a person under.”

Ben raises a brow and looks away from her.

Anybody would be lucky to be under Lily Anne’s skirts. He just prays that one day, it could be him.

—-

Lily is corsetted tightly, and leans on the California King sized bed for support. “Fucking hell— holy shit! How much tighter can you go?” She asks the assistants helping her into her red ballgown.

It is heavy, large, has poofy sleeves, and her tits are barely contained by the layered fabric that dips low and squeezes her waist. The skirt looks like the curtain of an opera house, and the fabric is subtlety embroidered. She’s never worn something so grandiose before, but she has a feeling that tonight will be the night Ben admits his feelings to her, so she’s made every effort to look like a goddess.

Her heels are placed on her feet and her loose curls are adjusted before a heavy diamond choker and dangling diamond earrings are put on her. She looks in the mirror and catches her breath, her red lips turning up into a smile.

She’s never been this gorgeous before.

There’s a knock on the door, and she collects her clutch and does final checks on her outfit before opening the door and seeing Ben—

Her breath stops in her throat, because her man is looking so good tonight. That white suit with the black shoes and the perfectly tailored pants— she thinks she’s going to die.

He’s looking at her like she’s God, and in his eyes, she may as well be. Ben has never been struck speechless by how good someone looks before, but both of them are trying to form words as they look over each other.

“I— you— wow,” Ben gets out, shaking his head in awe. “You look amazing, Lily. Truly.”

She smiles and looks him over, adjusting his bow tie. “So do you. I was right to suggest the white tux jacket.” She smiles up at him. “You look stunning, Ben.”

Ben smiles and takes her hand as she exits the room and thanks her assistants. “We both look great. Now we just have to figure out how to transport me to the event so people witness how good I look.” She says, chuckling.

Ben nods, letting out a noise of thought. “You might need to stand.”

She sighs. “The things I do for fashion.”

—-

When they get to the red carpet, they are barraged by people asking if they’re a couple, and they brush off those questions, but a little part in each of them wonders how long it’s been since they could truthfully classify each other as mere friends.

This game they’re playing has to end. They need to admit to each other that they’re so much more than just friends to one another. The tension is thick, and the unspoken truth they both know has to come out of someone’s mouth.

When they leave the interviews and take photos together, Ben’s hand rests on the small of her back, and hers on his shoulder. Paparazzi are screaming about how good they look together, and they don’t respond. They already know that they’d be a gorgeous couple. If only one of them would make a move.

—-

“We’re not allowed in?” Lily Anne asks, raising a brow. “My uncles are performing and we were all a part of Bohemian Rhapsody.”

The guard shakes his head. “I’m sorry, ma’am. Your seats were taken by other people.”

Lily huffs, and looks back to see her friends nervously pacing, Anusha looking over to see what’s going on.

The rest of the night was going great, and she and Joe have hit it off wonderfully. Everything was wonderful until now.

Lily leans in, lowering her voice. “How much did they pay? I promise I can double it.”

The guard shifts uncomfortably and after a moment says, “One thousand for a whole row.”

She nods, and pulls out two thousand from her clutch. He takes it and nods, stuffing it in his vest pocket. “I’ll be right back, ma’am.”

Lily smiles and nods. “Good choice, darling. We’ll be waiting.” She walks back to her friends and smiles. “Give them a moment to kick the Kardashians out of our seats and we’ll be let inside.”

The whole group grins except for Ben. “How much money did you give him, Lily?”

Lily looks up at Ben. “That’s none of your business, Ben. It doesn’t matter, anyways. We’re in. That’s what counts.”

Ben shakes his head. “How much? I’ll give you the money, because it’s bollocks that you had to pay in the first place.”

Gwil and Joe nod, and Anusha speaks up. “Yeah. Tell us how much it was, and we’ll pay you back for it.”

Lily rolls her eyes and shakes her head. “No. It was pocket change for me, really.” Zichi gives her an impatient and accusatory glare. Lily crumbles under the pressure. “Fine.” She leans in. “Two thousand dollars.”

Joe chokes on his own spit, and Gwil curses in Welsh. Ben looks down at her and places a hand on her shoulder.

“Lily, you did all that for us to get in?” Ben asks.

She nods. “This movie has been one of the most important projects of our lives. It’s brought together you guys in a bond that’s truly unbreakable, my band, and my best friend from childhood. We’re a family, all of us. We deserve to be there when Rami and the movie win the awards it fucking deserves. I can earn back my money. It’s worth it for this.”

They are escorted inside, and sit down, Lily Anne apologizing for her skirt going onto Ben and Joe’s chairs. She stands back up as they sit down and then sits, her skirt covering both their laps. Ben laughs and she looks over at him, frowning.

“Why are you laughing?”

“It feels like I have a blanket on my legs. How thick is the fabric of this dress? How are you even walking around in this? Your legs must be damp.”

She scoffs. “Don’t be stupid, I have ventilation installed in this thing. I can’t have a swampy vagina by the end of the night.”

Joe covers his mouth as he laughs, and Ben snorts, grinning. Anusha is trying to contain herself and failing, and the whole row tries to quiet down as the lights dim. After they settle down, Ben lets out a chuckle and Lily elbows him. Joe snorts and Anusha shakes from containing herself. Then, the music starts.

Nobody is singing louder than them. Adam looks over and blows a kiss to Lily Anne, and she winks back at him, waving to Brian and Roger. The camera pans over to them as they shout along to We Will Rock You. It’s wonderful, and they could care less about what the other people in the audience think about them. This is their moment, and they will bask in it.

Things quiet down as the award show starts, and whenever BoRhap wins an award, they stand up and jump around, hugging one another and cheering loudly. They must be annoying the fuck out of literally everyone else in the audience.

Finally, Rami wins. Lily begins to cry, and Ben hugs her. She carefully angles herself so she doesn’t get any makeup on his pristine white blazer but still enjoys the tight embrace. When he gives his speech, she squeezes Ben’s hand, and he squeezes hers back just as tightly.

The ceremony flies by after that, and while their group mingles with other celebrities, Lily and Ben stick together and make their way into a quieter area of the auditorium.

“Four out of five isn’t bad,” he says, smiling. “I think Freddie would be proud.”

Lily laughs. “He’d be proud regardless of if BoRhap won all of the categories or none of them. You all worked so hard on this film, and it showed. He knows you tried your best, and it was done with love. It was worth the time it took to develop the project. Tonight is merely proof of that.”

Ben smiles at her. “I’ve never seen you so happy before, watching Rami win.”

She shrugs. “Rami deserved that. He became Freddie, and that takes a lot of talent and hard work to be someone that big. I’m so proud of all of you. You did a glorious job.” Lily takes a moment. It’s time to say it. “There’s only one thing that could make this night even better.”

Ben raises a brow and looks down at her. “What would that be? I’d be happy to provide it if I can.”

She purses her lips, taking a deep breath. “We’re close friends, you know that as much as I do.”

Ben’s heart skips a beat. “Of course I do. Casual friends don’t just go to the Oscars or walk their dogs together.”

Lily nods. “Casual friendship doesn’t usually involve quitting cigarettes together or buying out Indian restaurants either.” She looks up at Ben, who’s looking at her with a knowing look. “I think we both know that we’re not just close friends, either.”

Ben presses his lips together, and nods slowly. “I think we’ve known that for a while now.”

“I care more deeply for you than I have for anyone else in my life, and I felt that way almost immediately after meeting you. I knew those feelings were true after you threw away your pack of cigarettes and vowed to help me quit one of our worst habits.” Lily speaks slowly and clearly, and their gaze could not be separated by anything going on around them. “You didn’t kiss me at the Globes because you were afraid of mucking it all up and losing something so precious to you.” She places a manicured hand on his chest and feels his heart pounding. “You’re just as precious to me, Ben. You’re the only man I’m ever going to devote myself to for the rest of my days, and I know that.”

His hands shake as he places one on top of hers, and the other on her waist. He has no words, but none are needed.

“You’re mine, and I’m yours. We knew that a long time ago, but tonight, I’d like to get that confirmation. That would send me over the moon.”

Ben nods and pulls her tightly against him, and in the room full of people, kisses her passionately. It feels like winning that last Oscar to finally have her lips on his, and when she cups the back of his neck with one warm hand, he closes his eyes.

The only thing that matters right now is her. Everything else is drowned out by the sensation of an embrace months in the making.

When she pulls away from him, her eyes are sparkling, and he rests one hand on her cheek, stroking it gently. She leans into him and smiles, red lips quirked into a smile.

“I’ve been waiting to do that for so long…” he admits. “But as much as you deserve gentle loving, tonight I’d love nothing more than to be the man under your skirt.”

Lily smirks, grinning like a cat that got the cream. “I know. Why else do you think this gown is so bloody wide?”

They rush off to find a bathroom stall.

—-

“No luck?”

“I can’t fit in any of these stalls, Ben. The skirt is too wide,” Lily responds, pouting.

Ben sighs deeply and runs a hand through his hair. “Stand in front of a sink.”

Lily’s eyes go wide. “Benjamin Jones, are you serious? Anyone could walk in here and see us!”

Ben nods. “I don’t fucking care. Let them see.”

Lily sighs and looks up at Ben to see if he’s actually serious, and he nods to a sink. She releases a resigned breath and does as she’s told.

Ben promptly ducks under her skirts and taps her thighs, and she spreads her legs to give him room. She’s wearing black mesh panties, and he can see that she’s freshly waxed, with only a tiny bit of pubic hair.

“Oh… you planned for this, didn’t you?” Ben says with a grin.

Lily huffs, her face burning under her foundation. “Well… yes, of course I did! But I didn’t plan for it to happen this publically!”

Ben chuckles and shakes his head, gently kissing her thigh and causing her leg to shake. “Don’t worry, darling. This won’t take long. You’re already soaking wet, and I know what I’m doing.” He kisses further up her thigh, one hand holding her leg firmly in place. “Just relax and let me take care of you.”

She lets a moan and squeezes her eyes shut, gripping the counter. After five minues of Ben’s tongue doing magical things to her clit, he tugs the thin panties aside and strokes her folds with one finger. His hot breath and amazing tongue and finger combined with the tight grip on her thigh-- she knows she’s close.

Just as she’s about to come, Lucy walks in the bathroom, and she clenches up, all chance of orgasm gone. Ben has frozen up too, so Lily is just standing there with his tongue on her clit and his finger inside of her while their best friend has no clue.

“Hi, Lily!” Lucy says, waving to her friend before frowning at her flushed face. “Is everything alright? You’re so red!”

‘I have our mutual friend’s mouth on my vagina. Everything is great.’

“Oh, it’s nothing! The dress is just heavy, that’s all,” Lily tells the blonde woman. “It’s not easy to walk around in.”

Technically that isn’t a lie. The dress is heavy, and she has had to have assistance to walk around at the event.

Lucy nods. “That makes sense. The dress is magnificent, but highly impractical.”

Lily laughs. “Isn’t that true of most fashion, darling?”

Lucy nods. “It is.” She takes a moment and sighs, smiling. “Tonight has been wonderful. I’m sure Freddie is happy.”

Does it feel wrong to think about one’s father while there’s a mouth on your clit and a finger inside of you? Yes. It does.

“Freddie is probably ecstatic right now,” Lily says, grip tightening on the counter as Ben continues slowly.

Lucy laughs. “I’m glad. The boys are celebrating. By the way, where’s Ben?”

‘Under my dress. Pleasuring me with his tongue.’

“I don’t know. He was in the auditorium last I saw him, but—“ Ben hits her G-spot and she has to take a moment. “Ah. Just some period cramps. Sorry.”

Lucy looks over and pats her shaking hand.

“I’m sorry. I have some Advil back at the hotel if you’d like it,” she says.

“I’ll be fine, but thank you, lo—“ Lily kicks Ben when he hits a sensitive spot, and he pulls away, crawling out from under her dress in pain.

Lucy looks amused. “Do you want the Advil, Ben?”

Ben is all flushed and his hair is a mess. There’s red lipstick on his mouth and his pants have dust on the knees from where he was kneeling.

“That would be great, Lucy. Thanks.” He looks down, beet red.

Lily scratches the back of her neck, and Lucy smiles at the couple.

“It was about time you two figured it out. I’m glad you did!”

Lily and Ben mumble their thanks, and Lucy finishes washing up.

“Joe wants to pick up snacks at 7/11 with you, Ben. Lily, Anusha is waiting for you. Come out once you’re ready and we’ll be on our way,” Lucy says. “Congrats!” She calls out as she leaves the bathroom.

Lily helps Ben up and sorts him out, sighing.

“I’m sorry, love. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Ben smiles and kisses her forehead after she cleans up the lipstick. “It’s alright. That was fun.”

Lily smiles at his flushed appearance and kisses him, tasting herself on his lips.

When they leave the bathroom, Brian, having spotted them, gives Roger twenty pounds for losing their bet of whether Lily and Ben would confess to each other tonight.

—

“So we have Sun Chips, Doritos, tortilla chips, queso, and guac. Do we need anything else?” Joe asks, holding some of the items in his arms.

“I think that’s all,” Ben says, only really half engaged in the conversation. He’s still thinking about Lily.

“Is something wrong, Ben? You seem distracted,” Joe asks, frowning.

Ben lets out a little laugh and shakes his head. “No, not at all. I mean, I’m distracted, but it’s not for a bad reason.”

Joe nods, smiling. “I’m glad you and Lily figured it out, really. I’ve been waiting for that to happen for such a long time.”

“Thanks, mate. I appreciate it. How’s Anusha?” He asks, following Ben as they head up to the checkout.

Joe grins. “She’s amazing, Ben. She’s gorgeous, funny, and I’m not uncomfortable around her. We get along really well.”

After they check out, Ben walks back to the Uber with Joe and after they get in, he smiles at his friend. “Do you think you and her could date?”

Joe thinks for a moment before nodding. “I do. I really like her.”

Ben grins. “As long as I’m best man at the wedding, I’ll support you.”

Joe flushes and Ben laughs, and as they head back to the hotel, they bask in their happiness.

—-

“Then Lucy walks in—“

“He’s still under your dress?”

“Yes! So we’re talking and he hits a sensitive spot and I kick him, and he exits the skirt in pain,” Lily finishes, reapplying her mascara.

Anusha cracks up, clapping her hands. “Lily!”

“What?” She looks over at her friend, confused.

“I never took you to be an exhibitionist, but I guess life is full of surprises,” Anusha comments, grinning.

Lily rolls her eyes and shakes her head fondly, picking up her nude lipstick. “Shut up. How’s it going with Joe?”

Anusha grins, pausing her makeup routine. “He’s amazing, Lily. I couldn’t have imagined a better person to go to an awards show with.”

Lily raises a brow. “Do you want to date him?”

Anusha nods furiously. “I’m never letting him go, mate! He’s been perfect. Why would I give up that?”

Lily raises her hands in defense. “Alright! Ease up, Nush. I’m glad you like him. He’s a really nice guy, and you two will make a great couple.”

Anusha grins and adjusts her cocktail dress, looking over herself in the mirror. Lily looks over at her and nods in approval, liking the way the dress looks on her. Anusha lets out a satisfied hum and smiles before looking over at her friend’s dress and raising a brow.

“You’re certainly going for easy access tonight, aren’t you, Lily?”

She shrugs and looks in the mirror, turning in her metallic, low cut dress with lantern sleeves and a short skirt, the deep plunging fabric left leaves little to the imagination.

“I didn’t get to come in the bathroom. He has a job to finish,” Lily says, smiling. “After all, now there’s no use in playing coy after what happened earlier.”

Anusha smirks and pats her friend on the back with a knowing grin. “If you can walk tomorrow, I’ll know he didn’t do his job well enough.”

Lily’s suite soon fills up with guests, and the alcohol begins flowing. The boys finally get back from their trip and the snacks quickly become the center of attention, and as Lily heads over to get some guacamole and chips, she feels someone put a hand on her shoulder and turns to see Sarina smiling at her. She hugs the woman and grins.

“How’d you enjoy the ceremony, Sarina?” Lily asks, looking up at the woman.

Sarina grins. “It was wonderful! I loved it. Roger and Brian are very pleased with how everything turned out.” Her grin becomes a smirk. “How did you enjoy the ceremony?”

Lily laughs. “It was great. The boys deserve this, as do Roger and Brian. But I know you’re not asking about that.”

Sarina shrugs. “It was bound to happen and we both know it. Roger had a bet with Brian about it, and he won. He’s ecstatic that you two got together before he’s on his death bed.”

She rolls her eyes. “He certainly has a flair for the dramatic, doesn’t he?”

Sarina lets out a small laugh. “That he does. I’ll leave you to find your man and I’ll go off to find mine. Have a fun time, Lily.”

She kisses her aunt’s cheek and continues walking, and feels a large, warm hand on her hip. She looks up at Ben and smiles, placing her hand on his chest.

He leans down and kisses her cheek. “You certainly chose an easier dress for me to take off of you, didn’t you?”

She smirks and kisses him gently. “I’m glad you like the view, darling. I figured after the hassle of the first dress you deserved something a little more easy access.”

Ben grins and kisses her back, tugging on her bottom lip as he pulls away. She looks up at him with dark eyes, and he raises a brow. “You want to go to your room now?”

Lily sighs, looking down. “We should be a little subtle. Let’s wait a little bit. Once people are drunker, we can slip away and nobody will notice.”

Ben nods, kissing her forehead. “Sure thing, Lil.” He leans in close to her ear and whispers, “I can’t wait to absolutely ruin you.”

Her knees go weak and she looks up at him with a smile. “Was that a threat or a promise?”

Ben smirks and pinches her ass. “It’s whatever you want it to be.”

She raises a brow and grins. “I’ll see you later in my bedroom, Benjamin.” She pulls him down and whispers in his ear. “If I’m able to walk tomorrow, I’ll be upset with you.”

She walks off, hips swaying. Ben’s eyes follow her body, and she grins, feeling him follow her.

Joe is already very drunk, and so is Anusha. They sit together on the couch, leaning against one another.

“We should do karaoke!” Joe exclaims. “Can we get a karaoke machine?”

Anusha gasps and puts a hand on his chest. “We should totally get a karaoke machine. You’re a genius, Joey.”

Joe blushes and grins at her, holding her hand. “Will you sing with me?”

Anusha nods, smiling. “It would be my honor.”

Lily looks over at Ben with a knowing look, and he nods, impressed.

Joe points at Lily. “Call the front desk. We need a karaoke machine, stat.”

Gwil stands up from his place on the couch. “I’ll get it. You stay sitting, Lily.”

Lily smiles at Gwil gratefully and leans back, Ben’s hand resting on her shoulder. She moves closer to him and smiles.

—-

Surprisingly enough, this hotel can provide karaoke machines. Joe hollers as the machine is set up by a level headed Ezichi.

Anusha looks over at Lily. “You should do it!”

Lily chuckles. “What song do you propose I perform?”

Joe grins as he looks at her. “Another One Bites the Dust.”

Anusha nods enthusiastically and she nods, smiling. “I’ll appease you drunken idiots.”

“I’m not an idiot!” Anusha insists.

“I’m not drunk!” Joe adds, pouting.

Ben snorts in laughter and Lily shakes her head fondly before standing up when Gwil cues up the song and hands her the microphone.

Her performance is captivating. The dress combined with her moves, and the eye contact she makes with the rest of the group as it continues is amazing. She ends up on Ben’s lap, with her hands resting behind his neck and his own on her waist. She feels his trousers getting tighter in the crotch and smiles at the good work she’s done. The crowd cheers her on and she stands to bow, and walks off to the kitchen. She’s intercepted by Roger, Sarina, Brian, and Anita, and hugs her family.

“Turning in for the night?” She asks.

Brian smiles and ruffles her hair. “We’re too old to party like this. The rock and roll lifestyle isn’t meant for the elderly.”

She grins and kisses his cheek. “Well thanks for coming anyways. I appreciate it.”

Anita smiles and hugs her niece. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

The couple leaves after saying goodnight, and after Sarina exits the room, Roger presses a small plastic square in her hand. She looks down at the condom and back at her uncle, pressing her lips together. Roger grins and ruffles her hair, kissing her forehead before leaving the room. She sticks the condom in the waistline of her dress and walks back to the kitchen, where she pours herself a glass of water.

She feels hands on her waist and breath on her neck and smiles, closing her eyes. “How’d you like my performance, Benny?”

Ben’s grip on her waist tightens. “I think everyone is drunk enough.”

She turns in his arms and presses her hips against his own, looking up at him demurely. “Promise to make me scream, Hardy?”

Ben leans down, eyes darkening. “That would be detrimental to your career if we make that a habit, y’know.”

She shrugs. “I know. I’m sure hickeys all over your neck and chest would be detrimental to yours as well. I suppose these can be our mutual indulgences.”

Ben smirks and rests on hand on her cheek, brushing back a curly strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m happy to oblige your desires, and wish for you to do as you please with me.”

Lily leans in, placing one hand on his chest. “What are we waiting for then? I have so many plans for you.”

The two of them walk into the bedroom and lock the door, and Lily pulls out the condom. Ben looks amused.

“Roger’s gift,” she explains, smiling as she throws the condom onto the nightstand.

Ben grins and pulls her close, kissing her and gripping her hips tightly in his big hands. She wraps her arms around the back of his neck and leans into him, jumping up to hitch her thighs around his waist. He supports her weight effortlessly, and his hands cradle her ass.

“I’ve been waiting so long for this to happen,” Lily says when they pull apart, catching their breath.

She gasps as Ben pushes her against the wall. “I’ve been attracted to you since the day I met you.” He begins sucking kisses down her neck. “When I saw you with Joe at the Golden Globes, I was so angry with myself.”

Lily moans and fists Ben’s hair. “Why were you mad? You’re the one who asked him to take me.”

Ben grinds into her and looks up at her, pushing her dress off her shoulders to reveal her chest. “Because you looked gorgeous, and you could’ve been my date. But I was an idiot who was too scared to ask you.” He kisses down her collarbones, leaving angry red marks all over. He relishes in her little sounds, and the cursing, and his name being said like a prayer. “I could’ve been doing this to you before the show if we had figured ourselves out sooner. You’d barely be able to walk on the red carpet, leaning on me for support. Everyone would know why you’d be unstable, since you don’t drink. The headlines would be proclaiming how filthy of a couple we are.”

Lily gasps as he nips her breast. “Do you always talk this much during foreplay, or am I just a lucky woman?”

He grins and looks up at her flushed face. “You like it?”

She nods, pupils dilated. “So much. Please don’t stop.”

He raises a brow. “Not even to finish eating you out?”

“...I can make an exception.”

He moves her to the bed and finishes what he started in the bathroom.

---

She spends five minutes composing herself before shakily sitting up in bed. Ben is taking off his white jacket, and she clears her throat, leaning against the pillows.

“Ben.”

He turns around to look at her and takes off his jacket. “Yes, love?”

“Let me,” she says, sitting on the edge of the bed.

He sits next to her on the bed and she straddles his lap, beginning to undo his bow tie. She can feel the bulge in his pants and smiles, tossing the tie aside and beginning to undo the buttons. “I’ve got you all worked up, haven’t I?”

He lets out a small laugh and squeezes her hips. “You’ve had me worked up since the day I met you.”

She smiles and finishes unbuttoning his shirt, pushing it off his shoulders. He takes off the shirt and she runs her hands over his chest slowly, eventually getting onto her knees and undoing his belt. “I’ve always thought you were very pretty, Ben.” She unzips and unbuttons his pants, and feels his thighs tense up.

“In college my friends and I would talk about our celebrity crushes, and, well…” He helps her take off his pants and slips off his shoes after she unties them. “You were always mine.”

She smiles as he leans down and kicks off his socks, and kisses him, chuckling. “We really have been into each other for the longest time.”

Ben’s breath catches in his throat as she kisses up his thighs, looking up at him. She puts one finger in the waistband of his briefs and looks up at him for permission. When he nods frantically, she pulls down his underwear and tosses it aside.

Ben isn’t the biggest she’s ever seen, but he’s proportional and thick, and she knows that he’ll feel good. She can’t wait to take him. She takes him in her hand and begins slowly pumping, and his muscles practically ripple with the release and uptake of tension in his body.

“Relax, love. I’ll take good care of you.” She presses a kiss to the head of his cock and he releases a sweet moan.

The sounds of drunken karaoke in the background are ignored, and Lily focuses on Ben’s noises as she takes him in her mouth.

---

The wet slapping sounds of skin on skin fill the room, and Lily moans out her lover’s name as he’s propped up above her, holding onto the headboard of the bed and her waist. He grunts into her neck, and she rakes her fingernails down his muscular back.

Sex has never felt this good. Sure, Frank made her orgasm, but he never made her feel quite like this. Ben sets a good pace and is incredibly attentive to her needs. She’s not afraid to voice what she wants him to do, but she’s more than happy to let him have his way with her.

She’s always enjoyed being submissive. Luckily for her, Ben enjoys being dominant.

“Lil… fuck, Lil. I can’t hold out much longer,” he groans, leaning into her neck.

Lily moans, her fingers tugging on his curls. “Me neither. Speed up-- oh! Yes! Like that!”

Ben moans as he comes, and Lily shouts out his name, orgasming at the exact same time as him.

She kisses him gently as he lays down partially on top of her, his head resting next to hers on the pillows.

“I love you,” he whispers. Her heart soars.

“I love you too, Ben.” She smiles and moves so he can dispose of the condom.

When he comes back, he brings her into his arms, and she entangles her legs with his, resting her head on his warm chest. She yawns, cuddling up to him. He closes his eyes and smiles, and they fall asleep in each others’ arms.

When they’re walking to the terminal, Lily tries to avoid Ben’s eyes, because she knows that he’s smirking. She is beyond sore, and it is painful to move after everything he did to her the night before.

They board the plane quickly and after Ben puts his and Lily’s carry on luggage in the overhead bins, he settles in his window seat. She sits next to him and immediately rests her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes and sighing.

“Did the Advil help?” He asks, kissing the top of her head.

“Not really,” she mumbles. “I can barely walk, you wanker.”

He laughs and places a hand on her thigh, smiling. “You’re welcome.”

She smiles slightly and when Gwil and Ezichi sit in the middle two seats next to them, Ezichi grins at the sight. Gwil holds her hand and smiles as well, because he’s never seen Ben this content before.

After the plane takes off, Lily readjusts herself and curls up against Ben, and he holds her, closing his eyes. The pair fall asleep entangled in each others’ embrace.

Gwil stands up and takes a picture of them, and once they land on the ground, he posts it on instagram with the caption “It took ten months. @joemazzello”

~

TAGLIST: @andtheytoldustotellyouhello @plethora-of-things @borhap-socials @everybodyplaythegame @i-the-fangirl @deakydeakydeaky @shisterfackisback @samanthadegaro @lv7867 @fatbottomedcurls @redspecialty @haisimsim @peterparkeroos @teenwolflover28 @ixchel-9275 @alessandra-elle @onexlittlespark @queenficarchive @leah-halliwell92 @rrrogah-tayluhh @maddistudiess @queen-fam @evrsncnewyork @reddiefreddieee @babebenhardy @toms-irish-girl @bensrhapsody @good-old-fashioned-rogerina

[glamrockenjoyer]

Hey hey hey!! Maylor for the ship thing!

who hogs the duvet?

BRIAN adjdjsjfkdk brian definitely. this is a Tall Noodle we're talking about he just wraps himself in it and goes to town adjdj

who texts/rings to check how their day is going?

brian. he always has his phone by his side and whenever he can't focus he just texts or rings rog just to hear how he's doing because he misses him so much

who's the most creative when it comes to gifts?

they mock-gift each other a lot to the point where it's became a whole ass thing, and each one of these is increasingly more absurd from both sides, but - when we're talking about serious gifts, it's definitely roger. he puts a lot of thought into his gifts and might come off as annoying for it sometimes, - "you think brian would like this?" "you're his boyfriend, darling" - but it's worth it, because brian's reaction is priceless every single time; he just looks at roger like he's hung the moon in the sky.

who gets up first in the morning?

they both have this problem where sometimes they pull all-nighters or stay-up late, but at least roger can, most of the time, get his sleep and wake up early. brian. well. less often. it's not completely unheard of from roger to wake up to an empty bed and look for brian only to find him working, and having to nudge him into bed again in the wee hours of the morning.

who suggests new things in bed?

they both do, but the one to do it more often is definitely roger. brian isn't so adventurous when it comes to that and stays in his comfort zone a lot of the time, but roger is overall much wilder, which has resulted in hot situations, but also in safeword ones, and, in brian's opinion, the very best: plain hilarious situations where they just stop the scene because they can't control their giggling.

who cries at movies?

depends a lot on the movie, but rule of thumb is brian might get teary-eyed but rarely actually cries, while roger is one to cry a lot. HOWEVER, when it's a comedy movie, if it is anything like brian's sense of humour, he's gonna laugh. so much. he's gonna CRY LAUGH. he's most likely somehow ending up on the floor, stomach aching because he can't stop laughing. so roger ends up laughing more because brian just won't stop than because of the movie. the first time it happened, roger just. giggled and sat there thinking about how adorable his boyfriend is and how the hell he got so lucky.

who gives unprompted massages?

rog OH MY GOD definitely rog. there are times, particularly when brian's most stressed, when he just feels like spoiling brian with everything he can, and massages are definitely a tool under his belt. whenever brian feels the hands on his shoulders it's almost instinctive of him to throw his head back and close his eyes, and roger can't help but smile at the pleased sighs he hears.

who fusses over the other when they're sick?

both. they have this problem where they think they're so much better than their cold that they can do whatever even with it. brian keeps having to remind roger that no, roger, it's not a good idea to go to that party, you need rest, while roger has to keep brian from working as hard as he usually does.

who gets jealous easiest?

it doesn't look like it, but it's brian. they both know they wouldn't ever cheat on each other, but sometimes they enjoy making each other jealous on purpose. brian gets jealous easily (but hides it well), and roger likes to take advantage of that fact and, sometimes, when he feels like brian hasn't dommed in a good while and he misses it, he makes him jealous on purpose. it usually ends with a lot of creaking in their bed, roger on all fours, and a lot of loving reassurance after.

who has the most embarrassing taste in music?

ROGER oh my god DEFINITELY ROGER

like we remember roger for the punk feel and the hard rock and shit but this man listens to baby shark and unironically thinks it's a bop he DOES

who collects something unusual?

brian has a huge collection of coins that one just Does Not Touch. they both also like to collect vinyls and CDs, and roger might have a problem with compulsive pokemóning.

who takes the longest to get ready?

these disasters both take incredibly long (in part because they literally won't stop fooling around in the shower) to get ready, but at least brian can just go with his hair as it is. roger... not so simple.

who's the most tidy and organised?

none of them, but brian does try his best and his things are organised, it's just that it isn't tidy at ALL with the things he lets pile up. roger, meanwhile, has embraced the clutter a looong time ago, and is now an adept of the "organised mess" philosophy. he does still lose his things a lot.

who gets the most excited about the holidays?

roger makes it a point to buy whatever seasonal shit he can whenever he can. it's not that brian doesn't like it, but he figures every day is special enough without pretty lights or candies... but if there are pretty lights and candies, - and most of all, they're making roger happier - then everything is better.

who's the big/little spoon?

they switch a lot, so when they're spooning the little spoon is whoever is needier at the time - which usually means roger, but he himself won't hesitate to lay his front to brian's back and bury his face into his hair too.

who gets the most competitive when playing games or sports?

god, both. they will NOT let themselves lose at all, and if it's scrabble especially you might want to plug in your headphones 'cause a lot of shouting is bound to happen. it usually ends well, though, either with a sweet make-up kiss or the loser on his knees - they like it.

who starts the most arguments?

roger is usually the pissiest, but actual serious arguments are usually brian. he has a tendency to bottle some things and occasionally this shows in a bad way with his comments, he himself getting pissy over things that shouldn't matter. most of the time he deeply regrets it - so does roger - and after they apologise he just makes up for it the best way he can. that might be a physical gift or a blowjob in the shower the following day, but it's usually just a lot of hugging and spoiling and hair-stroking.

who suggests that they buy adopt a pet?

brian brian brian oh my GOD every single day someone save roger. cats, dogs, hedgehogs, foxes, and the list of things he wish he could adopt and raise but also doesn't because he knows they don't have the structure to do it. roger just finds it the most ADORABLE thing when brian gushes over the animals he passes by, and he swears one day they'll adopt a pet... or five.

what couple traditions do they have?

friday nights usually see them at parties, only for the following saturday nights having them on the couch watching a movie. they have a love of the rushing adrenaline and the resulting aftermath, and they're not seeing an end to it any time soon.

what tv shows they watch together?

roger insisted that brian watch game of thrones with him, which he did, and as much as he criticises the show (sometimes justifiedly, other times out of pure pettiness), he does enjoy it sometimes as some mindless entertainment and having roger there taking his guesses on who's gonna die next makes everything better.

(brian also might or might not have gotten roger hooked on star trek. he still won't admit it but rog absolutely loves that show.)

what other couple do they hang out with?

I mean, freddie won't stop bringing this man he met around to their studio and their hang-outs. his name is jim and they're not sure about him yet but he does seem like a cool, though closed, guy. aside from that, there's john and veronica, who they probably would die for at any given moment.

how do they spend time together as a couple?

lots and lots of ways. sometimes they'll simply stay home, take it slow and hold each other close in bed; but they're fond of going out, too, and roger loves taking brian to planetariums! because even if he himself can't understand much that's being said, brian is gushing all the way and it's so adorable. brian himself can say the same whenever he takes roger to a museum; he's fascinated by history and studying it and will explain all sorts of things when ask - sometimes brian wonders if he doesn't know more than some of the guides themselves.

who made the first move?

the thing about brian and roger is that when they fall in love, they're idiots. absolute Idiots In Love who dare not take a step forward, scared to get a slap on the face. they make advances, but are never really able to admit publicly they're advances - relying instead on the faith that the other one will take it platonically. he doesn't, and instead gets nervous and does nothing, and sends the wrong signs. that's why it took a lot lf courage (and a lot of alcohol) for brian to finally say it -"Look- I love you. Loved you ev'r since we met. Day one." and roger would have find it not more than endearing if he himself wasn't very tipsy too. they went to bed together that night, and the following morning was full of explanations and a little bit of crying. it was worth it.

who brings flowers home?

roger started doing it first. he'd just - "I know this is cliché, but I wanted you to have this." and *boom,* there it was, brian trembling with love. then he started doing it too, and roger sort of understood why brian got so weak at the knees whenever he brought flowers home.

who's the best cook?

roger still remembers a lot of local typical food from cornwall and he can still recreate them quite delightfully - much to brian's glee. he himself isn't a bad cook either, but to him, he'll honestly never compare. rog would disagree - he doesn't think he knows anyone who can deal with vegetables as good as brian - and he makes sure to tell him that.

[scatter-kinnin-patter]

Mobile About

💜 Under the cut💜

💖🧡💛💚💙💜🖤

About Me

Hello hello! You can call me Scatter when not referring to any of my kins- I’m 22, trans(he/him pronouns), and gay and ace. I’m kinda new to the kin community but consider this a safe space for fictionkin(or all types of otherkin!), fictives, coping link, or whomever may identify with/as fictional characters!

Thinspo, transmeds/truscums, and exclusionists/aphobes please do not interact!

I would love to interact with people from my sources and talk about canons, make friends, and all the like! However, I’m not looking for canonmates(I’ve had a few bad run-ins with people telling me my canons were “wrong” if they didn’t match with theirs, and would rather not go through that again), but I greatly enjoy discussing different canons! Doubles are free to interact!

Disclaimer: I use fictionkin to cope with mental illness, so please try to understand why I do this and don’t interact if you have anti-kin sentiment. I ain’t hurting anyone, and I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t have fiction to fall back on, so please respect this harmless fun <3

💖🧡💛💚💙💜🖤

Kin List

💜Michael Afton💜

Nickname(s): Eggs, Mike/Mikey

Source: Five Nights at Freddy’s

About me: I’m 24, demiboy(he/him), gay, and polyamorous

About my canon: I’m the FNaF 4 brother, Sister Location’s Eggs Benedict, and FFPS’s Night Guard. I’m son of William Afton and Crying Child and Elizabeth’s older brother. I’m very gay for my Phone Guy. I’m also the Michael from The Joy of Creation: Story Mode!

Who I’m looking for: Anyone from FNaF, but I’d adore meeting some Williams and/or Springtraps! I’d love to meet fellow Aftons or nightguards too! Oh and Ennards too, I love all of the animatronics!

💛Roxas💛

Nickname(s): Rucksack

Source: Kingdom Hearts

About me: I’m 22, male(he/him), and gay

About my canon: I don’t remember Xion too much, but Axel and I were inseparable. I wasn’t quite as edgy as everyone portrays me… actually I was a huge nerd! Oh, but was I so in love with my Sora. I know it’s cliche, but being in someone’s heart does that to you. I was also, ironically, great friends with Riku!

Who I’m looking for: Anyone from Kingdom Hearts, but meeting Soras, Axels, and Rikus would make my day and then some.

🖤Darkiplier🖤

Nickname(s): Damien, Dark/Darky

Source: Markiplier’s Egos

About me: I’m 38, agender(he/him or they/them), and bisexual

About my canon: I was once Damien before the events of Who Killed Markiplier, and since then have been living with Mark’s other egos. I have long since forgiven Mark and Wilford, and we live peacefully now. I was very much in love with my Wilford and my Antisepticeye. Celine was resting during my time, so I really only had Damien taking over personality-wise.

Who I’m looking for: Any of Markiplier’s or Jacksepticeye’s egos, but I would adore meeting a Googleplier, Wilford, or Anti.

💙Geno💙

Nickname(s): Starboy, ♡♪!?

Source: Super Mario RPG

About me: I’m a star, so age is complicated, but am an adult, genderless(he/him), and bisexual

About my canon: It’s me, that star from SMRPG! Mallow was a little brother to me, and I was very bi for the rest of my team. I frequently visited Earth again after the events of the Star Road, and fell in love with Dreambert from Mario and Luigi: Dream Team. Cappy from Odyssey and I were also very close friends.

Who I’m looking for: Anyone from the Mario franchise, but I’d really really love meeting some Marios, Bowsers, Cappys, or Dreamberts!

💖Scott Cawthon/Afton💖

Nickname(s): PG/Phone Guy, Scottie

Source: Five Nights at Freddy’s

About me: I’m 25, transmale(he/him), gay and asexual

About my canon: Hello hello~! I was the phone guy! Fun fact: I had two purple guys in my canon- one was my twin brother, the other was William Afton himself. William adopted me, actually, so he’s really quite the father figure, despite… everything. I worked in numerous Fazbear Locations, nearly died in FNaF 1, and came to my final end in FFPS.

Who I’m looking for: Anyone from FNaF, but it’d make my day to meet Purple Guys/William Aftons, Jeremy Fitzgeralds, or Mike Schmidts!

🖤Bendy🖤

Nickname(s): Benjamin, Bendaroo

Source: Bendy and the Ink Machine

About me: Age is complicated cuz I’m a toon, but consider me 21, genderless(he/him), and pansexual

About my canon: Ayyyy it’s the little devil darlin himself! I was very close with my Henry, and he actually broke the loop that freed us all! Oh I was gay for my Henry and my Sammy. Also I’ve been willin to reconcile things with Joey, why not! I was also friends with Cuphead!

Who I’m looking for: Listen, not to be all biased or anythin, I love all BatIM or Cuphead kins, bUT HENRIES AND SAMMIES PLS INTERACT

🧡Lawless🧡

Nickname(s): Hyde, Lawli, Servamp of Greed

Source: Servamp(both the anime and the manga)

About me: I’m an immortal vampire, though forever 18, male(he/him), and bisexual

About my canon: It’s ya favorite tragic backstory thespian! Oh I was hopelessly in love with my Ophelia and Licht, and thankfully have moved past my more, eheh, destructive tendencies. Now I’m just a vamp with an angel trying to recover from it all!

Who I’m looking for: Anyone from Servamp, but I’d give anything to meet a fellow Licht or any of my Vamp-Sibs!

💚Link/Masky💚

Nickname(s): Grasshopper, Hero of Time

Source: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time + Majora’s Mask

About me: I’m 18, male(he/him), and aromantic/asexual.

About my canon: I go by the name “Masky” to avoid confusion with other Links, as Majora’s Mask was my more prominent canon in both memory and my behaviors. I was short, and a bit more on the apathetic side, but I was always taking notes in my notebook and studying each scene. Guess I was more of the “think things through” type. I later on taught the Hero from Twilight Princess.

Who I’m looking for: Anyone from any Zelda game(I’ve played nearly them all), though I’d love to meet fellow Links from other timelines.

💜Virgil Sanders💜

Nickname(s): Virge, Anxiety

Source: Sanders Sides

About me: I’m 29, male(he/him), gay and asexual.

About my canon: My canon was Found Family Trope. Patton was like a father to me, and I was in a polyamorous relationship with Roman, Logan, and Deceit. Remus was cool, though we were never involved romantically or platonically. Fun fact: I had a cat hoodie in my canon that matched Pat’s but it was black and purple, lol.

Who I’m looking for: Any of the Sides, but Romans, Logans, and Deceits would be cool to meet(please no “evil” Deceits, though)

💙Taako Taako💙

Nickname(s): Koko, Bastard

Source: The Adventure Zone: Balance

About me: I’m an elf, so I’m well over 100, transmale(he/him), and gay

About my canon: Fun fact, even though I love Kravitz to no end, I was involved romantically with my Magnus! Saved the world, cooked some food, it’s what we do!

Who I’m looking for: Anyone from TaZ, but PLEASE the 7 birds- especially Magnus or Merle, interact!!!

🧡Lampy🧡

Nickname(s): Tim/Timothy, Lamps

Source: The Brave Little Toaster

About me: I’m an appliance, I have no “age”!, genderless(he/him), and gay

About my canon: Only lived through the first 2 movies, never really considered “Goes to Mars” as canon… maybe more of a fever dream. I was pretty darn smart, though social cues weren’t my strong suit. I was so in love with my Radio, though~!

Who I’m looking for: Literally anyone from either TBLT movie- but especially Radio!

💚Edd💚

Nickname(s): None(?)

Source: Eddsworld

About me: I’m 26, male(he/him), and gay

About my canon: I’m just a chaotic cat lover, what can I say! I miss having Tord as a friend and I was in love with my Tom and Eduardo! Uhhhh… Cola.

Who I’m looking for: Anyone from Eddsworld, but Toms Tords and Eduardos please interact!

💛Ethan💛

Nickname(s): Gold

Source: Pokemon Silver/Gold

About me: I’m 20, transmale(he/him), and gay

About my canon: I traveled across both Johto and Kanto with my Cyndaquil, and had a pair of roller blades! I was always on some kind of wheels, a speed demon for sure, and a bit egotistical/loud XD. I had… a relationship with Red, don’t remember if it was platonic or romantic. BFFs with Blue and Kris, and Silver was my boyf <3

Who I’m looking for: Literally ANYONE from Pokemon, but… Reds Blues and Silvers… hit me up 👀

🧡Arthur🧡

Nickname(s): Arty

Source: Mystery Skulls Animated

About me: I’m 25, male(he/him), and gay

About my canon: GUESS WHO DIDN’T DIE AFTER HELLBENT!!! Listen fam Arthur is my kin that goes into hibernation but revives every 2 years to scream before going back to vibing in the background. Had a poly relationship where both Vivi and I dated Lewis, but Vivi and I didn’t date each other, if that makes sense.

Who I’m looking for: Anyone MSA… Lewis and Vivi tho… hai-

💙Cloud Strife💙

Nickname(s): Soldier boy, Spikey

Source: Kingdom Hearts(mainly), Final Fantasy 7

About me: I’m 23, male(he/him), gay and ace

About my canon: I’m KH Cloud more than FF7, though I still connect with my FF7 self. I was one of Xehanort’s first experiments with heartless, which is how he was able to separate Sephiroth and I. Sora was like a baby brother to me. Leon and I were classic rivals-to-lovers. Fight me.

Who I’m looking for: Hit me up if you’re anyone KH(say hi to Roxas too while you’re at it) and/or FF7. Not really picky, down to chat with whomever.

💖Charles Calvin💖

Nickname(s): Charlie

Source: The Henry Stickmin Collection

About me: I’m 27, transmale(he/him), queer and ace

About my canon: Listen I just started kinnie this boi the day I typed this all I know is I had a cool pilot jacket and I’m a disaster queer and love flying choppers and Henry cute aaaaaa

Who I’m looking for: Please… I will take ANY thsc kinnies…

💖🧡💛💚💙💜🖤

[ronniesshoes]

Keep Yourself Alive

Previous

“You’re not gonna go!”

Horrified, Freddie whirls around to glare at Roger, but John has already delivered a sharp elbow to his ribs.

“What do you mean I’m not gonna go?” Brian asks slowly, and Freddie almost groans out loud, because oh god, he already looks annoyed, “I don’t remember putting you in charge of my life.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Roger tries, still rubbing his side, but at least looking like he thinks he deserved it, “you—”

“You know, I actually have a life outside this band,” Brian interrupts, and Freddie winces, “do you have any idea how hard I’ve worked for this? What this could mean for my future?”

“Well maybe that’s why we never get anywhere,” Roger says hotly, taking a step towards him, “everyone but you is committed to the band!”

As the words leave his mouth, a flicker of regret shows on Roger's face, but he quickly suppresses it, and Freddie shoots John an alarmed glance.

The bassist nods and curls a hand around Roger’s elbow, gently tugging. “Come on, Rog, let’s get some sleep.”

“You’ve got some nerve saying that,” Brian says, raising his voice. The grip around his phone is so tight his hand is shaking.

“Well, it’s true! John, let go of me!”

“Will you both stop?” Freddie says, tired of their arguing, “it’s half past six in morning, for Christ’s sake.”

Brian snaps his mouth closed, expression sour, and Roger seems torn between protesting and letting it go. John seizes the opportunity to drag him off, and then he goes willingly enough, if only to direct his complaints at John in hushed whispers. The door shuts behind them, and Freddie lets out a sigh of relief. He plasters on a smile and turns to Brian.

“Come on, dear, why don’t you sit down and tell me about it?” he suggests, throwing his towel over the back of a chair and putting a hand on Brian’s shoulder, “do you want tea?”

“Yes,” Brian sighs, sitting down at the table with his head in his hands, “please. Thank you.”

“So Tenerife, that sounds nice,” he says lightly, crouching to search the lower cupboards for a teapot, “lots of gay bars there I hear, and you’ll come back nice and tan.”

When he looks back up, having now found the teapot, Brian’s lips have pulled into a reluctant smile “When is it?”

“In April,” Brian says, smile falling from his face, “three days after the last gig.”

Pursing his lips, Freddie sets about making tea, not sure how to respond. If the tour turns out to be a success, more offers may follow, and if Brian decides to take up on this offer, they would either have to turn down potential gigs, or be quick about finding a suitable replacement. Neither seem favorable, but he sees no point in bringing it up, as Brian has likely thought about that already.

“This is a huge opportunity,” Brian continues, “if I want to start working on my Ph.D. next year, this trip would provide an invaluable foundation for further research.”

He nods, leaning back against the counter while the tea steeps. “When do you have to get back to your professor?”

“Don’t know,” Brian shrugs, “soon.”

Freddie chews on his lip for a moment. “Are you gonna tell your parents?”

“I don’t see why not,” Brian says slowly, not looking at him, “I’ll be visiting them tonight anyway. Reckon they’ll be happy.”

When he does looks at him, Brian's eyes are filled with so much vulnerability and doubt that Freddie simply has to lean down and give him a hug.

“Of course they will,” he says with sincerity, “and they have all reason to be. But take your time, dear. You know we’ll support you no matter what you choose.”

“Yeah,” Brian breathes, squeezing Freddie’s arm before letting him go. “Not sure about Roger, though.”

“Roger’s been up all night,” he says, not wanting to get mixed up in their argument when essentially, he agrees with Roger.

Brian drops his gaze, seemingly understanding. “Thank you.”

He opens the fridge, takes out a bottle of milk. “Whatever for, dear?”

“Listening, I suppose. I do want this, you know. I just can’t let my parents down.”

Aware that this is a sensitive subject and not wanting to make the same mistake Roger has made countless of times, Freddie takes his time making the cup of tea, searching his brain for an appropriate answer.

“Surely the reason your parents want you to pursue an academic career is because they think that’s what’s best for you,” he says at last, handing Brian his cup of tea and sitting down opposite of him.

“Yeah,” Brian sighs. “I really don’t know, Fred.”

“Wanna talk about something else?” he asks carefully, hoping he doesn’t come across as insensitive.

To his relief Brian nods, warming his hands on his cup.

“Alright," he grins, "when’s the last time you got laid?”

“Smooth.”

“You just seem so tense lately, I thought we might find you someone to take off the edge. A foretaste of Tenerife if you like,” he adds with a tentative smile.

“I’d rather avoid sleeping with one of your exes,” Brian says between sips of tea.

“I’d never,” Freddie says, “we’ll find you someone fresh from the closet.”

“Ah yes, guilt and inexperience, that’s always nice.”

“I’m afraid there aren’t many left, then,” he says, feigning thoughtfulness. “Bullshit,” Brian laughs, “it’s, what, 5% of the city’s population that identifies as queer? There’s no way you’ve slept with them all.”

He smiles coyly. “I’ve been around.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Brian says, stretching, “might be nice, though. It’s been awhile.”

“We’ll find you someone,” Freddie promises, frowning slightly when he catches sight of a bit of glitter still left on the table. “Did you stay up late last night? I didn’t hear you come back.”

“Yeah, had to look over my lecture notes, I won’t have time to do it tonight if I’m visiting my folks.”

“You work too hard, dear.”

Brian drags a hand through his hair and breathes out through his nose. “I have to if I want to continue making music.”

Freddie nods but doesn’t offer a reply, instead letting his gaze wander to the mess left behind by the rhythm section.

“Freddie?”

“Hm?”

“Are there really a lot of gay bars on Tenerife?”

“Haven't got a clue, dear,” he smiles, “you tell me when you get back.”

“Yeah,” Brian says, and Freddie feels confident that no matter what he decides to do, it will turn out all right.

“Alright, I have to get dressed,” he announces, “cheer up, darling, or you’ll never get laid.”

♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛

When it’s nearly half past nine, the door to John and Roger’s room opens, and out steps Roger, looking far too bright eyed for someone who has only got three hours of sleep. Brian, now dressed and halfway through a second cup of coffee, briefly looks up from the book he’s reading but he doesn’t turn around.

Roger flicks his gaze from Brian’s back to Freddie, who shrugs at the question in his eyes. He quietly closes the door to his room and walks over to stand behind Brian, whose attention is now stubbornly focused on his book.

“I’m really sorry about earlier,” Roger says quietly. He places a hand on Brian’s shoulder, and continues, perhaps oblivious to the way Brian tenses up, “I shouldn’t have gone at you like I did.”

“Don’t worry about it,“ Brian replies, voice adopting a faux pleasant tone, “I understand.”

“Right,” Roger says uncertainly, quickly removing his hand. Freddie doesn’t blame him, because an angry Brian is a ticking bomb, and that no matter how many layers of faux friendliness he wraps it in, “we’ll talk about it later, yeah? Are you home tonight?”

“No.”

Roger looks at Freddie with pained eyes, giving a slight jerk of his head towards the door. Freddie nods and quickly packs up his stuff.

“Uh.. well, alright. Hope you have a nice day, then,” Roger says at last, staring helplessly at the back of Brian’s head

Counting himself lucky not to be in Roger's shoes right in this moment, Freddie picks up his stuff and walks back to his room to get ready for work.

“What do you think of my new snowsuit?” Roger asks when Freddie, armed with piping hot tea and his totebag, finds him in the hall a while later.

“It’s awful, and I hate it,” he says, reaching for his coat, “if you think I’ll risk being seen with you while you’re wearing that, you’re direly mistaken.”

“It’s not that bad!” Roger protests, “and it’s warm, so.”

“It’s yellow,” Freddie says with distaste, “even your pretty face isn’t going to make up for the fact that you’ve got the Amnesty logo emblazoned all over you.”

“You are so judgemental,” Roger says mildly, “here I am, saving lives on a daily basis, and you—”

He let’s out a snort of laughter. “Saving lives, eh?”

“I bet you they wouldn’t make half of what they do without my ‘pretty face’, as you so kindly describes it,” Roger grins.

“I doubt they make much anyway, any sane person steers a wide berth around Amnesty fundraisers.”

Roger looks at him, surprised. “They do? Most people I talk to seem friendly enough.”

“I doubt it makes much difference is all I’m saying,” Freddie says, because if Roger’s looks and charm do in fact get people to sign up rather than avoid him, he doesn’t want to know, “are you coming?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Once outside in the cold, Roger hands him his work tablet with a “hold this, will you?” and reaches into that ridiculous snowsuit of his to produce a lighter and a pack of cigarettes.

“Like I’m not carrying enough already,” Freddie grumbles, “if I spill tea all over myself because you couldn’t wait five more minutes for a smoke then I’m seriously suing.”

“Alright, calm down,” Roger says and takes back his tablet, tucking it under his arm, “this alright? Not getting smoke on you?”

Freddie shakes his head and takes a sip of tea. It really is freezing, and for a second he almost envies Roger, who doesn't appear bothered by the cold at all.

“Did you talk to Brian?” Roger asks after a while of walking in silence, “after, I mean.”

“Yes,” he says, “he thinks you don't support him.”

Roger exhales heavily, the cloud of smoke quickly dissolving in the wind. “Of course I do,” he says, “it's just… does he really want this, or is he doing it to please his parents? He's so stressed all the time.”

“I think it's a bit of both,” he says but, despite seeing Roger's point quite clearly, finds it necessary to add, “this was a proud moment for him, though.”

“I know. And I ruined that, yeah,” Roger sighs, “no wonder he didn't want to talk to me. I really didn't mean to dismiss his achievements, I just think—well, suppose it doesn't really matter what I think.”

“Tell that to him, not me, dear,” Freddie says, reaching for his Oyster card as they near the station, “but I wouldn't worry too much, dear. Both of you are insufferable and horribly childish when you argue, and I doubt any of you will change anytime soon.”

"Gee, thanks, Fred. Ever thought about becoming a therapist?" Roger says, swiping his Oyster card over the magnetic reader. "What exactly is your point?"

"You'll be fine," he says, "don't worry."

♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛ ♛

Freddie is, generally speaking, quite content to work in Beyond Retro. The store itself is cosy enough, and he gets to help and talk to vintage lovers like himself. While a lot of the clothing sold is a bit too 90s for his taste, and some of it looks like it’s been pulled directly from Brian’s closet, they do have some interesting things once in awhile. The biggest perk of working there, of course, is that he gets to look through the clothes before it's put for sale - if he happens to find a particular interesting piece he’ll buy it and sell it for twice as much over at their stall at Portobello Market. It’s a rare occurrence, and it’s not as cheap as the second-hand shops he usually browses, but he enjoys it nonetheless. Add friendly co-workers, and the hours usually fly by.

Not today. After the eventful morning, the day seems to drag by, and despite attempts at distracting himself, his mood gradually darkens. The shop is unusually quiet, and out of the ten or so people that appear during his shift, only a few of them buy anything, the rest of them trying on a whole armful of clothes only to leave it in a pile in the fitting room. His co-worker had called in sick earlier, and while initially fine with it, Freddie quickly begins to miss her company. By 20.29 he is already putting on his coat, desperate to be out of there. As soon as he’s closed up, he rushes out into the cold evening, hands gloved and nose buried deep in his scarf. It’s as he’s stepping onto the Central line that he’s hit with the first wave of sadness, and he curses softly, because despite months of yoga and mindfulness, he still doesn’t how to handle his own moods, sudden or not.

Anybody home? He writes in the group chat, already racking his brain for places he can go should none of them be at home. Only Brian replies, but he is with his parents and can’t help him, so Freddie slides the phone back in his pocket and watches people leave and enter the compartment. The flat is dark when he lets himself in, but Ziggy is there, and it’s when he comes running towards him that Freddie breaks apart completely. He scoops the cat up and hugs him tight, buries his face in the soft fur, so fucking thankful for this blessed creature. He doesn’t bother turning on the lights, just toes off his shoes and makes for his room, still trying to hold back sobs even though there is no one there. Once in his room, he situates himself on the floor, because it's still too early to ruin his nicely made bed, he thinks. Ziggy settles in his lap, beginning to purr the moment Freddie starts petting him. “I still miss him, you know,” he tells the cat, not bothering to wipe away his tears, “it’s been years and I’m still not over it, how sad is that?” Ziggy continues to purr, and Freddie continues to cry. “Do you remember him at all? You were only a kitten back then, we didn’t even know John yet,” he continues, and then, upon thinking of John and the beginning of the band, remembers Brian’s offer. “And now Brian is going to fucking Tenerife, and I don’t know what we’ll do without him. Maybe you'll forget about him, too.” He sheds a few tears for that, too, but then feels terribly selfish, and is just about to tell Ziggy so when he hears the front door. A minute or so passes, Freddie listening to the noises coming from other parts of the flat and feeling himself relax, just a little. When his bedroom door opens, he is momentarily blinded by the light streaming in. “Freddie?” comes John’s quiet voice, and Freddie has never been more relieved to see him, “are you alright?” “‘Course I am, dear,” he says lightly, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge his own wet face in the mirror, but feeling a million times better already. “Can I come in?” “If you must," he says, like he doesn't care. John closes the door behind him, and the room is once again dark. “The bed’s not more comfortable?” he asks, arranging himself on the floor next to Freddie. He shrugs, not fancying trying to explain how much work he puts into making it every morning. One look at John’s bed says he wouldn’t understand. He can feel John watching him, but he doesn’t say anything, much to Freddie’s chagrin. The waiting game is easily John’s favourite, and no wonder, because he always wins. Feeling like he’s about to spill everything already, but too proud to, Freddie tries a different approach. “I wish I knew what you're thinking,” he says. The other two he can read like books, but John is a different matter entirely. John tilts his head. “I wish you weren't sad.” “You're sweet,” he sniffs. “I’m just a sweet kind of guy,” comes John’s flat reply. Freddie is torn between smiling and rolling his eyes, but eventually settles on the latter. “We should separate you two,” he says, “I don’t know whose bad humour rubbed off on whom, but I don’t like it either way.” John smiles, the corners of his eyes crinkling in a way that makes Freddie want to pinch his cheek, but doesn’t offer a reply. Freddie lets out a small sigh. “He might leave,” he says, serious again, “Brian.” “I know,” John says, “it’s quite an opportunity to get.” “We might have to start looking for his replacement,” he says, feeling sick. It doesn’t seem like a fair thing to do, because he knows how much the band means to Brian, how much time and work he has put into it, all the while juggling with studies and too much work as well. “God knows I don’t want to, but we’ve wasted enough time already.” “I think we could probably make it work anyway, should he decide to go,” John offers. “I don’t want him to,” he says, but then shakes himself. “You should’ve seen Roger attempt to talk to him this morning, it was awful. He had that whole passive aggressive thing going on where he acts friendly enough but you know he is thinking about beheading Debbie Harry,” he says, referring to Roger’s most beloved cardboard cutout. “I hope he doesn’t, Roger would be crushed,” John smiles and adds, “it’s also bad enough I have to sleep in the same room as the cardboard version of her, I’d rather she didn’t lose her head as well.” “Ha,” he says, but then falls silent. He feels tears creep up his throat again, and bites the inside of his cheek, thankful for the darkness. “Freddie?” “Yeah?” he sniffs. “What’s the real reason you’re sad?” John’s tone of voice is so sincere, his face so open and eyes kind, that Freddie lets the tears spill. He is surprised but grateful when John pulls him in for a hug, and he clings back, comforted by the calm he exudes. Ziggy, almost getting crushed, leaves his lap with an air of offence. They sit like that for a while, Freddie crying silently and wetting John’s t-shirt, but also not really caring. Then John begins, quietly but also horribly out of key, to sing the opening verse of Chiquitita. Freddie snorts in spite of himself and pulls back.

“I've always wanted to do that, y’know,” John confides, “ever since I saw the movie for the first time.” Freddie grimaces. “Make me a drink, why don't you, but please don't live out your fantasies at my expense.” “Tell me what’s wrong and I might,” John says, looking at him openly. Ziggy paws at the door. “All right,” he says with reluctance, getting up to open the door and wincing because his leg has fallen asleep. He hobbles into the living room and flops down in the armchair, noting how John looks amused when he passes him. He hears Ziggy’s bowl being filled, and a moment later, John appears again with two glasses of red. “And where did you imagine I should sit?” John asks. “Sit here with me,” he says, scooting over and patting the space next to him. It’s a bit of a tight fit, but the chair is large enough for two people to sit in, which has been proved on various occasions, most often because Roger has been too stubborn to give it up. John eyes are wary, but he hands Freddie the glasses and sits down anyway. When he has settled, Freddie drapes his legs over John’s thighs and hands him his glass back. John rolls his eyes, but is obviously hiding a fond smile behind the rim of his glass. Already feeling better, Freddie takes a sip of wine, but quickly puts it down again. It’s the sort of cheap, boxed thing Brian buys, and quite frankly the last thing Freddie would choose for himself. “Sorry, it was that or the year-old coffee liqueur,” John says, not missing the look on Freddie’s face, and he supposes that's fair. John nudges his arm. "Tell me what's wrong?” He looks around the room to buy himself more time, quite aware of John's eyes on him. “It’s nothing really, just me being silly,” he says eventually, waving a dismissive hand before pausing, hating what he’s about to say. “It’s just, sometimes I feel so lonely.” John looks like he doesn’t know what to say, and Freddie can’t blame him. He takes a sip of wine to hide his embarrassment, having already forgot how horrible it tastes. He hands it to John, who wordlessly puts it down on the table next to his own. “Do you—” “I miss Jim,” he admits, voice small. Then, figuring it’s not the polite thing to talk about exes when practically sitting in another bloke’s lap, even if said bloke happens to be a very good friend, one that at this moment looks adorably, but also heart-crushingly, worried, he continues, “but not to worry! These moods pass, dear, they always do. Tomorrow the sun will be shining out my arse again.” John opens his mouth and closes it again. His hand has found Freddie’s knee and begun absently stroking it, which would be nice if he didn’t look so uncomfortable. “You won’t tell on me, will you, dear?” he asks, rubbing his drying cheeks. Roger would get worried and Brian uncomfortable, and none of them need that. “Freddie,” John says, voice not his own. “I’m fine,” he assures, voice gentle. John looks as close to crying as Freddie has ever seen him. “It’s the 24th tomorrow,” he stresses, “I can’t believe I forgot. God, Freddie, I’m so sorry.” “Don’t be silly,” he says, but can already feel his throat closing up again. “It’s a long time ago.” “That doesn’t matter,” John whispers, and it occurs to him that John is thinking about his dad, and he forgets why he was trying to act like he is fine, because if the thought of little Deaky losing his dad is devastating on a good day, it’s ten times worse now. He cries and cries then, and for a long while John just holds him, not saying anything but being everything he needs anyway. By the time the front door opens, he has mostly stopped, but still buries his face in John’s neck when he hears steps coming towards them. “Don’t you two look cosy,” comes Roger’s cheerful voice, and Freddie wants to laugh but doesn’t. “We were just talking about Freddie’s dead boyfriend," John says, tone serious, "you're a little late, but we can go over it again if you wanna join?” Freddie really does laugh this time, and when he looks up, John is smiling. Roger, used to John joking about his dad, cracks a smile of his own before looking down at Freddie. “You okay, buddy?” “Don’t ever call me buddy again,” Freddie says, trying to look as intimidating as possible, which probably isn’t much considering he’s still crying a little bit. “Alright,” Roger says, sitting down on the armrest and picking up a glass of wine, “so, dead boyfriend, huh?”

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“What’s a sound you can’t stand?” Roger asks from where he’s lying on the floor in an exhausted heap. They have just finished band practise and have now retreated to the living room for a much needed break before going back to readings and papers.

“The sound of a pencil breaking,” John says, “it’s the sound of utter disappointment.”

“Freddie’s alarm in the morning,” Brian says, nudging Freddie’s foot with his own. Freddie lightly kicks him.

“People who can’t play trying to play an instrument,” he says with a shudder.

“Does that in- or exclude singing?” Roger asks lazily, “because I recall you telling me about a certain someone singing you Chiquitita last week.”

“You didn’t!” Brian says, turning to John, “oh, that’s brilliant.”

“It certainly was,” Freddie sniffs, and John lets out a snort of laughter.

“What about you, Rog?” Brian asks.

“Have I sung Chiquitita?” Roger says, “oh yes, plenty of times.”

“What’s a sound you dislike?”

“People preaching,” he says, “can’t bloody stand it.”

“Mhm, certainly gets you all worked up,” Brian agrees, smile stretching his face, “remember that guy with the cross last year?” “Had to drag you away, you wouldn’t stop arguing,” Freddie continues with a fond smile. “The best part was when he tried to break the cross. It must have been around eight feet tall and made of solid wood, did you really think you'd stand a chance?” “Alright, alright, don’t remind me,” Roger groans, throwing an arm across his face, “but I wasn’t the only one who thought he was annoying.”

“No, but we keep our opinions to ourselves,” Freddie says and, when the other three protest, adds, “mostly.” “You’re not exactly shy either, Freddie.” “At least I don’t argue with strangers— what? Alright, when?” “Just about every time you enter a store,” Brian says. “I do not!” “You certainly don’t mind telling them if you think the service is bad,” Roger says. “Or that you find their clothes repellent,” Brian says and continues in a poor imitation of Freddie’s voice, “‘are you sure you should be working here wearing that outfit, dear?’” “Didn’t you get into a fight with an old lady once?” John asks. “She wasn’t old,” he says, “and this was an original Biba dress, they are so rare, and usually they cost a fortune!” “You don’t even wear dresses.” “Did you not hear me?” “Well, how much did you make then?” “I gave it to Mary,” he says, and Roger groans. “You fought an old lady for that? You could’ve bought her an ordinary dress.” “She was not old! Besides, she was way too big for that dress, why would she want it in the first place?” Brian covers his eyes with a hand. “Oh dear.” Just then, Roger's stomach begins to growl, and he looks down, surprised. “Oh, okay. Anyone else hungry?” “Depends on what you’re having,” Freddie says. “Sushi,” comes the answer, Roger already scrolling through the menu on his phone. “Yes, alright, I’ll have whatever you’re having,” he replies, leaning his head back again the armrest of the couch. “Bri? Some delicious, fish-free sushi for you?” “I think I’ll pass.” “Me too,” John says. “Alright, let’s go,” Roger says and jumps up, suddenly full of energy. "Last one outside carries it home!"

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When Freddie steps out of the shower Wednesday morning, Brian has already left for work, and the other two appear to be sleeping still, so he makes what he can of his downtime, idly doodling while drinking his warm lemon-honey water and wondering when his new throw pillows will arrive.

He is about to go get dressed when John makes an appearance, yawning widely and squinting against the light. Freddie thinks he looks an awful lot like some small animal or other, hair mussed with sleep and one sleeve-covered hand rubbing his face.

“Good morning,” Freddie greets, but pulls a face when he notices his mismatched socks, one hot pink and glittery, the other black with a pattern of cacti.

John yawns again and sits down in the chair opposite of Freddie, head coming down to rest on his folded arms. “Morning.”

“You’re as bad as Brian, dear,” he tuts, “do you want coffee? Tea?”

“Coffee, please.”

Freddie gets up and puts on the kettle, finds John’s Lord of the Rings mug and the instant coffee, because he still hasn’t figured out how to make it with a filter bag, and frankly, he doesn’t care to learn it.

“Here you go,” he says when he’s done, placing the mug next to John.

“Thanks,” John says and reaches for the sugar bowl.

He shakes his head, silently amused, and makes for his bedroom. John trails after him, coffee left on the table. "Any plans the weekend?"

"Not yet," John says, stopping in the doorway to pick at a loose thread on his shirt.

"Oh brilliant, you can come with me!" he says, opening his bedside drawer to retrieve a small pair of silver scissors which he hands to John before he starts dressing. “I’ve been dying to go out.”

“Suppose I wouldn’t mind,” John says, and while Freddie thinks he could sound a bit more enthusiastic, he opens up his wardrobe and lets it be.

"This one's new, right?"

He looks up from where he is sifting through his shirts. John is on his knees on Freddie's bed, looking at the rows of Barbier prints on the wall above. He feels giddy, overtly pleased that John has noticed.

"She's gorgeous, isn't she?" he all but breathes. They all are, all fine lines and pastel colours, charming and so wonderfully French.

"She is," he nods. Pauses, then points at another. "This one's on your copy of The Great Gatsby."

"Yes."

"Have you ever read it?" John asks, turning around to face him.

"No," Freddie admits, shimmering into a pair of tights. John's eyes crinkles.

"I don't think I've ever met anyone who buys books just because they look pretty."

"Everything I buy is because it looks pretty."

"I know."

"It'll probably rub off at some point anyway," he says, waving a hand towards his small bookcase.

"Probably," says John, an amused smile on his lips still.

"Do you have lectures today?"

"Not today, no. Might catch up on my readings. Why?"

"I have a yoga class in an hour, it'd be nice if we could go together."

"I can't really see the point," John admits, “it sounds painful.”

"Pain’s not too bad after awhile, and it helps me stay bendy," he says with what he thinks is a sly smile. John looks decidedly unimpressed. "All right, well, I'm meeting up with Mary later. But you did want to come Friday? Maybe we can get Brian and Roger to come as well, it's been awhile since we've been out all four of us."

"Last week?" John says, amused.

“That was two pints, and Brian left after an hour.”

“Yeah okay,” John allows.

With a critical glance in the mirror, Freddie deems himself acceptable for yoga class, and, gathering his things, he returns to his honey-lemon water and half eaten toast. John putters around the kitchen for a while making breakfast, and Freddie picks up his pen again, quite content with life.

Next

[morethanithoughtofficialblog]

Chapter 18: Love is questionable

In which you reunite with your friend and almost have a heart attack.

*Your POV*

Once upon a time, there was a small house in the middle of Ebott City. It was not bad, but it wasn't that desirable either. However, it was the best place for my friend to rest and calm down. She, as I do, has anxiety. She just got it thanks to giving birth unexpectedly, and she doesn't feel ready for such a huge responsibility.

And there I was, holding a cup of coffee in my hand while I listened to her monologue. Either work was shit or her kid too laborious: she had a ton of tragedies that wanted to be heard. Knowing I would also like someone listening to my problems, I heard cautiously, trying to always give her the best advice.

After a short but hard day of work, I did my best to remained focused on her daily anecdotes. Today, I started my job as a tutor, and it went really great. I guided them and told them the best ways to create hypothesis based on their knowledge. I also worked individually on some reports I have to make about the apprentices, so it was a laborious first day. Still, I did my best to keep listening...

But I'm no machine, and since I tend to travel through time and space when I'm distracted, there you see me: with a lost look and sipping my coffee calmly. I never mean to be rude, but she's way too dramatic over her problems. She is... not used to all of this. She had a pretty expensive life when she was younger, but her father "kicked her out" when he realized she was pregnant. What happened, in reality, is that he wanted her to be more independent and responsible of her own actions and decisions. But she sees it all the other way around.

"So I don't know, (Y/N)..." her drop of accelerated tone made me snap back into her house, then I looked at her "I think I should give Miriam for adoption. I can't help her any longer, not when I'm a huge mess. I simply can't"

I froze, then looked at Miriam. Miriam is a sweet, five years old girl, that is too young to see all the problems her mother has. But still, she loves her mother passionately and tries to cheer her up whenever she sees her crying. She tends to use a lot of pink in her clothes, two ponytails with ribbons of the same color, and an enthusiastic smile. I'm not a huge fan of small kids, but this one definitely is something else.

"You can't do that, Miranda" I answered firmly, but also kind of scared "Orphanages are awful, you'll regret leaving your child in such a horrifying place"

"Don't be exaggerated"

"I'm not"

She started arguing about what could she provide to her daughter if she's not even okay with herself. I, however, told her how terrible orphanages are.

After all, I lived in one a couple of years.

"Miriam will be happier there! If I leave her here with me, she'll hate me!"

"If you leave her at the orphanage, she'll hate you even more. She'll either end up in the streets or, who knows, a bad family. For her, you won't be her mother. Never"

She bit her bottom lip and let out a few tears. It hurt, but it was true. She couldn't let the beautiful personality of Miriam go away in that awful place. She needed to continue, for both of their sake's. They were a small but lovely family, and it should never be put apart.

"Look, Miranda... I'm sorry. But you can't do this to her. I can help you with some money if you want to, but please... don't let her go. She's an amazing kid, and she is your daughter. She's all yours and no one else's. She has the luck of having you... don't waste that chance"

She smiled weakly and gave me a hug, which I corresponded with a sigh. Miranda was a bright and vivid kid back in school- I know her since middle school, actually. She is a really good friend, a beautiful woman, and with a brilliant future. When she was younger, her future was almost confirmed: she was going to be an entrepreneur, the best in all Etroy Town...

Ah, Etroy...

Etroy is a small town not too far from Ebott City, but way too different in all the resources and how the government managed them. I'm from there, Etroy. I have like four years living in Ebott City, and it has been quite a change.

I didn't love my town, but it wasn't that bad. Yes, it had a bunch of violence, but the neighbors in my area were friendly. Well, when I lived in a house. When I went to the orphanage, life got tougher and tougher. I was thirteen back then, finishing my first grade of middle school. In second grade, I met Miranda. We've been friends since then...

Therefore, I got to meet her boyfriend Carlos. He was... not of my liking? He used to party a lot and, whenever he got drunk, he could be really aggressive. He made dirty jokes most of the time, bully some people, made some out-of-hand pranks and annoying comments that were not even a good joke. I never liked him, but she... she was madly in love with him. No matter how many times I tried to show him his true nature, she never listened.

And then, that happened.

You may want to know where Carlos is now.

I also do.

She hates him now with all her soul because she's struggling a lot to keep up with the rent, basic necessities, and Miriam's school. Miranda completed high school, but never had enough many to enter university, thanks to the fact his father was not supporting her anymore. He wants to give her a lesson, I guess, but she's truly feeling desperate. Without studies, she needs to have multiple jobs and ridiculous work schedules.

She is so tired...

But I am, too.

And even if we feel like giving up, we must continue...

Because that's our job.

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*Miriam's POV*

I heard mommy and her friend talk about various things, and I put my toys away. As much as I like to hang around with Mr. Bunny and Mrs. Bee, I must attend my mom every time she gets like this. She tends to cry and mess with my hair, but I don't mind, because I know that calms her.

I glanced over and saw, as I thought at first, my mom and (Y/N) were discussing. I like (Y/N), she's really cool and always plays with me whenever she comes. But now, apparently, she was feeling upset with my mother. I don't understand why. Mommy is a great person, after all!

"You can't do that, Miranda" (Y/N) calmly said, trying to convince mom "Orphanages are awful, you'll regret leaving your child is such a horrifying place"

What's an orpha... orphanage?

"Don't be exaggerated" Mom exclaimed, and I felt more determined than ever to know what they were talking about.

"I'm not"

And they picked up a more heated fight. I felt scared and I wanted to intervene, but last time I did, mommy slapped my cheek. And so I remained quiet.

"Miriam will be happier there!" Where? "If I leave her here with me, she'll hate me!"

I looked at my mom in amusement, knowing I could never hate her. She is wonderful, I hope I can be like her when I grow up. Who needs daddy? She is good enough. But...

Why is mommy trying to send me away?

"If you leave her at the orphanage, she'll hate you even more" Who, me? I would never hate her! "She'll either end up in the streets or, who knows, a bad family" But mom would never let that happen, right? "For her, you won't be her mother. Never"

My mom started to cry, and I couldn't handle it anymore. While both of them were distracted, I ran away into my room and locked the door. I let out some tears... I never thought mom would want to leave me. Why would she do that? We're happy here!

...I am happy here.

But...

She doesn't look very happy.

She looks annoyed whenever I invite her to play, when I tell her about what happened in school, when I made too much noise or whenever she arrives home from work. She just goes to her room and sleeps... sometimes she cooks, though! Her food is always delicious! Bad thing she feeds me now and then... but I know that food is a privilege! So I can wait!

But... my friends talk about their breakfast every single day. Do normal people eat always? Does my mom eat always? What if... what if she thinks I'm a bad girl that doesn't deserve getting feed?

What if...

What if she doesn't love me?

That's why she wants to leave me!

I started to cry, realizing that my mom doesn't want me in this beautiful house anymore. I looked outside and sighed, watching the world I would have to go through.

I grabbed my favorite plushie, Freddy Fazbear (as the label says), and got out of my room. (Y/N) was still consoling my mom, and so I took the chance to open the door and leave.

It was fresh outside, and there were some puddles in the floor caused by the rain of last night. I smiled and immediately went to jump over all of them. I giggled softly as I hugged Freddy closer to my chest because I didn't want him to fell off my hands and get all wet.

When I was walking, however, I noticed a short figure walking way too slow and... murmuring things. Things like "why am I even trying?" or "I'm such a failure". I feel sad all of a sudden... I just hoped I could hug this man.

I looked over him and I blinked faster when I saw him. According to his hands, he was a skeleton. I couldn't see his face because he hid it too well, but his hands were enough. They weren't like those skeleton gloves that Walmart sells in Halloween. They looked more real...

(Y/N) said that she was friends with skeletons, so it makes sense. Living skeleton exist, and presumably, they can be sad like humans. Before I could reach him, he started to cry. Quietly, but loud enough for me to hear. I hugged Freddy even tighter and, when I was about to start running, I felt someone grabbing my wrist.

"Miriam! What do you think you are doing?!" My mom asked me. I tried to break away from her and help Mr. Skeleton, but when I looked over the street, he wasn't there anymore. "I was so worried about you!"

Worried?

"But mom... you said you didn't want me in the house anymore!" I replied, feeling how tears were in my face again. But probably, that skeleton teared up more.

She froze in her place and started to cry too. She hugged me and told me that it was a mistake, that she was becoming desperate and that she wasn't in her right mind. She told me she loves me. (Y/N) was by her side and confirmed it, saying that my mom loves me more than anything else. That she would never leave me.

And I trust her. I trust them.

The air was fresh and the clouds were gray again. Two minutes later and the rain started just like yesterday. Normally I love these rainy days, but... I couldn't stop thinking about the short skeleton in a hoodie. Why would he think he's a failure? I've...  I've heard (Y/N) saying those same things to herself. She says it as a joke, yes... but maybe she's feeling as sad as him! She sometimes murmurs a "why am I even out of my bed?" and I get really sad when she does so! She's my mom's best friend... I don't think that mommy would like to not have around (Y/N)...

I glanced over my mom and saw how she was unusually quiet, and (Y/N) was the same. Both of them were not talking, only watching the rest of the city in silence and with... fear? (Y/N)'s eyes were smaller than normal, looking everywhere while she scratched her hand. I've noticed she does that when she feels... anxious? I think that's the word she and my mom uses when they are really afraid of something that doesn't even exist yet. Is that how every adult feels? I don't want to grow up, then!

When we arrived home, my mom's friend left almost immediately. She said she was going to lose the subway at this point, and that she has work tomorrow. Mommy smiled sadly but accepted her reasons anyways. I hugged (Y/N) tightly... and I heard her sob for a second. I looked at her eyes and noticed that their usual and beautiful light was weaker than ever... is she sad again?

"Are you sad, Miss (L/N)?" I whispered after releasing from her hug, not wanting my mom to hear.

"I... I'm okay, really" She said after a minute, showing a big and bright smile I always have admired. "I'm always okay. Don't worry about me, sweetheart!"

I smiled with her because I love the nickname she gave a long time ago. She calls me like that since I have memory. Before Freddy came, before we moved into Ebott City... before monsters were here...

She has called me sweetheart since ever, and I feel really loved when does so. I also feel really loved when she plays with me, when she tickles me out of nowhere, when she tells me incredible stories of dragons and princesses, or when she gives me a candy with a post-it... that usually has a smiley face with a compliment that always makes me giggle.

She loves me, and I love her. I love her like I love mom. And now that I know that mom loves me too, I don't think I can be happier.

After she left, mom talked to me about what I heard. She told me she was getting trouble at work, and that she was no longer able to pay for my school. I comforted her, like always, and told her that everything is okay if we are together. She smiled and hugged me, letting some tears fall again. I tensed up, remembering the skeleton.

"Mom?" I asked, hoping she could help me "If you saw a stranger crying and insulting themselves, what would you do?"

She remained silent, then hold my face and looked at my eyes.

"I would ask them cautiously... I would need to confirm it isn't a trap first. Then... I guess I would give them a small pat on their shoulder and leave"

I nodded in silence, suddenly interested in how different can people be. My mom would hesitate to help someone crying, but I would instantly tug their sleeve and hug them. Maybe (Y/N) would do the same, considering how helplessly she cares about monsters.

That skeleton is really different from me, I realize. While I like to tell my mother why I was crying or why I was angry... he just tells his problems to himself. Or maybe he is the problem.

This is so confusing.

I went to bed earlier because all that thinking got me really tired. I normally don't think about this too deeply... but he has surely caught my attention. Maybe because he's a monster, and I've never seen one before. Or to think that a monster can have the same feelings as a human... is fascinating.

I slept peacefully after thinking that, hoping I could see that skeleton again.

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*Sans's POV*

Strangely, after knowing I have depression, I feel even worse than before. Know I can't consider it as "hey, i'm just feeling a bit down... which happens to everyone!". Know it's considered as "jesus christ i'm so fucking depressed today and no one will understand why... or they'll look at me at pity because they know i'm mentally unstable". It's horrible to feel that way.

Today, I did nothing too special...

I just went to apply to Ebott University.

I know, I'm fucking crazy! Why in the world I would be accepted in that place?! (Y/N) got accepted there because she's truly smart and knows how to keep balance with things, but me? I'm a fucking mess! Why would I ever think I had a chance?!

But there I go, to show my documents and present my exam. They say they'll tell me how I went in three weeks...

Can't I just skip time and pretend nothing happened?

I don't want anyone to know I failed... but I also can't tell them I'm not even trying to have a nice job in order to maintain the house. I don't want to become "that stupid skeleton that was too lazy to finish college and know sells hot dogs and teaches kids how to play the trombone".

...

Actually, I haven't taught anyone how to play the trombone...

But that's beside the point.

I truly want to become a scientist and being able to wear a lab coat proudly. I also want to have an excuse so I can wear my glasses more often. Too much crying is making me fucking blind.

I want to know all those things I don't know about Quantum Physics, Chemistry, and if possible, all the sciences existant on Earth! I've been reading sciencey stuff since I was a kid... I can't back down now. I love science with a passion... but am I good enough to proclaim its name with glory?

Maybe it should be better for me to become a lonely and anonymous writer that talks about how to avoid any relationship with your family and unlucky friends. I can imagine it, really. The book can be called "Easy Ways to become a Dick and never have to struggle with the people you love again! (Only for messed up people, like me)". Or it can also be "How to make your family and friends upset with you so you can finally die alone without anyone caring (or going to your funeral... if you have one!)".

...yeah... those names are shit. I kinda like them, though. They are as ironic as my existential self is. I mean, deep down inside of me, I care about what people think of me. But I show that I don't give a fuck about, well, everything! Do you want to know how many girlfriends I put away because I thought they deserved something better?

...

All of them. Even Candace, that nasty bitch that slept with everyone in high school... including me...

...

Don't get me wrong.

The thing is, maybe I'm doing this way more dramatic that it should be. But... most of it it's true, though.

I'll die alone with no one loving me!

...

At least I won't die virgin...

...

That doesn't comfort me AT ALL.

Maybe I should just go and leave everything behind...

Maybe I should...

After applying for Ebott University, I went for a walk. I didn't want to come back home and see Papyrus cheering me. I'm not ready to change his happy expression into a worried and disappointed look. I'm not ready to see him cry...

i aM nOT rEAdY tO sEe hOw he hATeS mE...

Papyrus is the only one I'm still holding to, or else I would be really gone by now.

I...

I cried in the middle of my walk.

I thought I heard some people talking around me, but at that moment, I didn't give a fuck about it. However, I heard some footsteps getting awfully closer, and I teleported before I had the crazy idea to look behind me. I don't want anyone to know.

No one needs to know.

So here I am now, in my room with Maya. Paps found out about Maya this morning, but since he states that I've been quite down lately, he let my dog stay. Wow. Am I that pitiful? Even my own brother takes pity on me.

I received a call.

I didn't answer.

Maybe I should start writing that book right now...

[dimensionjumphq]

DJ summary and general info

Please, PLEASE note this is highly messy and all over the place, I’m mostly editing and changing a previous version of this summary from 2015 to save me time so I can get this blog up and running properly. I will recreate this so it’s more organized later on when I have time.

Dimension jump stars my first OC, Arya Swift Runner and Temperance Moon Song, her older sister as the protagonists and their adventures as they’re pulled through many dimensions.

Now, this is going to be ripped from Arya’s Toyhou.se profile to explain some general info.

".... she and her sister are teleported into Equestria with their mother for unknown reasons. Jane was a pegasus made(an alicorn with no horn), her sister a deer pegasus while their mother was an alicorn. When Discord opened up a portal home, instead of going, their mother and the two siblings told him they wanted to stay where they knew they'd be truly happy, fully adopting their ponysonas' names; Regal Dusk, Night Heart and Sky Flare.

After leaving Equestria unwillingly many years later back to their home dimension now with their wings while their mother remains in Equestria, the two are suddenly thrown into yet another dimension, this cycle continued when their adventures in that dimension ended. There they adopted new names they felt were truly theirs: Arya Swift Runner and Temperance Moon Song."

Now, what isn’t stated is there are people behind their being tossed through dimensions.

Asiyah and James.

Their species is as a mystery to you as well as me, they are very powerful human-like beings, but not quite god-like as they're made out to be.

For some backstory as to how they started pulling the siblings through dimensions, one day, James was mucking around in the attic of his comatose parents and found two strange and beautiful necklaces. Curious, he put his on, and that is where DJ truly begins.

First, it's not so bad, he gives Asiyah the other necklace and the two curiously watch other dimensions, as the necklaces had great power imbued in them that allowed this.

But you know that saying?

"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely"?

Such was the case with James, his weak mind was easy to corrupt while Asiyah however, had a good heart and mind that couldn't be corrupted so easily and thus, she remains the same throughout DJ.

One day, James proposed taking the Shaw family out of their dimension and throwing them into the MLP universe. Asiyah, blissfully unaware of what's happened to her brother, uneasily agrees.

There's no harm in doing it once, right?

W. R. O. N. G.

I plan to end the MLP story after season six once I actually can stomach writing for it. But there’s some general info on it below.

Now, things change a little when Temperance and Arya, known as Night Heart and Sky Flare here, arrive in that world.

Two new elements of Harmony are created, Trust and Courage. Those two were wielded by Night Gale(Trust) and Spark Harmony(Courage), two characters of mine when Celestia and Luna were in power before Luna turned into Nightmare Moon, acting as advisors to the two before Night Gale and Spark Harmony died from old age, their elements disappearing for centuries.

When Nightmare Moon comes back, it's been around five months since Night, Sky and Regal Dusk(their mother) arrived here and have made friends with some of the mane six.

The two siblings go with the mane six to Everfree Forest, seeing no harm in coming with when, because they knew the MLP series up until Twilight's coronation, they knew what was going to happen.

What they didn't know was they were the new bearers of the hidden elements of Harmony, Trust and Courage.

Night Heart's test of Trust is when she hears Nightmare Moon creeping up on them in a different form(perhaps as Slender Man?) and she tells everypony to just trust her and RUN.

Sky Flare's test of Courage, I haven't figured out yet, but I'm thinking something to do with Nightmare Moon becoming a Cockatrice to scare the mane six.

Now, it's a big fricken surprise when they're called out by Twilight as being the bearers of the two HIDDEN elements.

To save you and me some time, in another post I'll write up all the details of what happens in the MLP verse, but the short version is(Note, HEAVY headcanony things ahead):

When Discord shows up, he reveals that they aren't truly ponies and the three of them stay.

Sky gets together with AJ while Night falls for RD and vise versa. Regal Dusk finds love and companionship in Burnt Oak after he helps her move on from her previous husband who abused her.

Night becomes Luna apprentice and learns how to walk in dreams.

Twilight gets reunited with an old childhood friend from before her and her family moved to Canterlot: Night Ink.

Fluttershy and Rarity begin dating.

The Mirror universe arc from the comics comes into play as well as the newest arc "From Shadows", will probably add the Nightmare Rarity arc too.

Now, I don't have the time, nor the will to list EVERYTHING that happens through ALL those stories in the list above, but I am going to tell you some themes that reoccur many times and some facts about a few of the worlds.

Facts:

Warehouse 13 is crossed over with Five nights at Freddy's, due to me getting into FnaF at the same time I was watching W13.

A few of the animatronics from Fnaf 2 are there such as Mangle and her twin Fang(really, you should go look at my FnaF folders for more info on that), but most of the Toy animatronics have not been retrieved like the Marionette but all the original ones are in the warehouse kept immobile by a special force field, until Arya breaks said field. Luckily the animatronics aren't out for blood anymore, as they had A LOT of time to think on what they'd done plus they are no longer controlled to the spirits of the children thanks to a certain OC of mine.

In the Inheritance Cycle, Arya takes on the middle name Artemis to be called by so she isn't confused with the elf Arya when said elf is in the room.

Arya and Temperance get small "mementos" from each world, such as their wings from the MLP world, it's also how they get strong magical abilities.

Arya's hairstyle changes throughout the stories, mostly alternating between shoulder length, mid back, long braided, messy ponytail or pixie cut.

One thing I should note before going on is Arya and Temperance confront James and Asiyah in Dragon age 2 and Asiyah betrays her brother before they manage to beat him, his sister taking his necklace so he could never use it again. Asiyah then takes her brother back with her to where they come from to be judged by the higher ups of where they come from, and James is never seen again while Asiyah sometimes comes to visit Arya and Temperance.

Now, Asiyah has a memory altering ability she's had since she was born/created, she doesn't use it much because she'd rather be rid of it honestly.

Now, to someone who is going mad with power, wouldn't you want to ENTERTAIN yourself if you had someone who had that power at your fingertips? James certainly did.

So, he made Asiyah lock away Arya and Temperance's memories of their romantic relationships, making it seem like they stayed single to them, he had actually ordered Asiyah to erase them but she chose to block them instead.

And, as such, they ended up with many people and at the end of their adventures, finally remember when all their love interests come to their recuse during the final story as well as all their friends from previous worlds.

This is due to the Doctor from Doctor Who managing to follow them and picks up their friends along the way as well as love interests, and TRUST ME, at FIRST THEY ALL DISLIKE EACH OTHER AND WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH EACH OTHER.

But then they realize that Arya and Temperance wouldn't have fallen for them without a reason, so through the course of the DJ adventures they are getting to know each other and they either begin to like each at best and just learn to tolerate them at worst.

This leads to a HUGE dilemma at the end right before DAI, as Arya ends up pregnant by someone(Asiyah used a spell to freeze the embryo in time when it was conceived so James wouldn't get any ideas, so Arya never knew or showed any signs she was pregnant until Asiyah removed the spell) and she feels pressured to figure out who the other parent is as well as pick just one of them when NONE of them ever suggested such a thing, leading to her running off for some time, ending up in another dimension due to the fact the dimensional barriers are pretty much IN TATTERS which also helped the fact the Fade(where demons and the like in the Dragon Age universe lurk) ripped open in DAI.

Asiyah is doing all she can to fix the barriers, leaving Temperance and her friends out of luck while running about with the Inquisitors(I have two!) trying to patch up the Fade.

I'm still figuring out what exactly happens to Arya while she's gone, but after she ends up in the Hyrule Warriors universe she raises her daughter Alexandria after giving birth, and, due to dimensions having different times so what was a few months in one dimension is several years in another, Alexandria is sixteen by the time of the next events.

After leaving Alexandria in the care of her new friend Zelda, she starts using her own magic to hop through the tears in the dimensions, trying to find her way back so she and her daughter can return and she ends up in the Puella Magi Madoka Magica universe, where she becomes a magical girl and falls for Mami Tomoe.

Now, due to the sheer amount of MAGIC in her, both her own, some Dimensional and Asiyah's, her soul isn't pulled from her body and instead only her magic is, so she's still alive and kicking and her magic would return to her if her soul gem broke.

After the events of the anime, she along with the remaining Puella Magi as well as her daughter return to the DAI dimension as Wraths were leaking into that world, where they reunite with Temperance.

Of course, Madoka Magica Rebellion has to happen in the middle of this mess, but I'VE FIXED THE CRUMMY ENDING! Homura is no longer obsessed with Madoka, is NOT a demon and falls for Kyoko, Madoka has a physical body and is with Sayaka. That's not all, as it really becomes screwy after Homura steals Madoka before Arya and Temperance intervene and set things right, but that's all I'm saying for now.

After a great big battle with all of Arya and Temperance's friends, as well as some armies from previous dimensions, teaming up against Corypheus and beating him as you do in the game, Arya and Temperance finally settle the love mess they were dealing with thanks to James.

No, they weren't going to pick one or the other, they weren't going to be so cruel as to do that, instead, they would try at Polyamory, so everyone could be happy.

They all end up moving back to Equestria, being the only place Polyarmory was perfectly fine(HELLO! THE PONIES ARE HORSES AND STALLIONS OFTEN HAVE HERDS IRL!).

Trust me, there are a lot of funny stories where it's completely AWKWARD for EVERYONE, but by the time the next DJ series rolls around it's all worked out and fine! They still have problems like EVERY couple, but they work through them and their bonds are the stronger for it. Plus, for their kids having a lot of moms and dads tends to help if one isn't available.

One other thing is that as a result of traveling between dimensions without protection, Arya, Temperance(and everyone else who came to their rescue)'s molecules are frozen, they'll never age and they will never wither or die. Temperance and Arya have constructed devices that will protect someone from these effects, and are working on undoing it for those that don't want to live forever.

As well as this, they have created an advanced city that exists in the space between dimensions, a place where all the dimensions connect and traveling between those worlds is easy so the dimensional barriers aren't ripped to shreds like before, and honestly not all the rips could be fixed. It's generally a normal city with it's share of ups and downs, but it's a pleasant place to live otherwise.

That's all I have to say really about the general plot of the first Dimension Jump series, it's a big mess, but it's the groundwork for my Next Gens and Next Dimension which I’m already adoring writing. There are still some things I haven't mentioned yet, such as who Tempy and Ari fall for, but I'd rather explain those in oneshots/fact lists for each respective fandom.

Now, all I ask is be respectful in the comments and try not to sound hateful, please.

[benrleeusa]

[John K. Ross] Short Circuit: A Roundup of Recent Federal Court Decisions

Feeding the homeless, drawing the Prophet Muhammed, and Kim Kardashian's plea for executive clemency.

Please enjoy the latest edition of Short Circuit, a weekly feature from the Institute for Justice.

Ratified 150 years ago, the 14th Amendment has been called America's "Second Founding." On September 21, IJ and the Law and Liberty Center at Antonin Scalia Law School will co-host a symposium to celebrate, discuss, and debate the Amendment's dramatic history, contemporary significance, and contested future. Please join us! The event features an all-star lineup of historians, legal scholars, and federal and state appellate judges—and a re-argument of the Slaughter-House Cases. Register here.

New on the podcast: Ignorance of the law is no excuse, immigration deference, war deference, and Honey Badger does care about copyright. Click here for iTunes.

In 2015, the EPA released new regulations for the storage of hundreds of millions of tons of toxic coal ash in hundreds of massive waste pits around the country, many of which do not have sufficient lining to prevent groundwater contamination. D.C. Circuit: The rule, which permits insufficiently lined pits to keep accepting waste (until operators are unable to successfully repair a leak), is arbitrary and capricious.

After a change in administrations, the EPA enacted the "Delay Rule," delaying enforcement of the Obama-era "Chemical Disaster Rule" that required safety audits of chemical storage facilities, better communication between such facilities and local first responders, among other things. D.C. Circuit: Which both exceeded the agency's authority and was arbitrary and capricious. Not to mention, it "makes a mockery of the statute."

Advocacy group submits proposed subway advertisement proclaiming a First Amendment right to draw the Prophet Muhammed; the ad itself depicts the Prophet Muhammed. In response, D.C. transit authority adopts a policy banning "issue-oriented" advertisements. D.C. Circuit: The transit authority's policy seeks to avoid controversy, but it has swapped controversies for lawsuits. We remand to consider whether the policy provides the kind of objective, workable standard required by the Supreme Court's recent Mansky decision.

ATF agents point guns at father and his 17-year-old son outside Coto Laurel, P.R. post office, detain them for 20 minutes. Yikes! The shipment of illegal firearms that agents were monitoring was picked up by someone else. Can father and son sue for false imprisonment? The First Circuit says no.

Three defendants are jointly tried and convicted of 2000 murder of Harrisburg, Pa. cab driver. Third Circuit (2013): One defendant gets habeas; improper evidence (involving jailhouse informants) was admitted at trial. (He's released in 2013.) Third Circuit (2018): But the second defendant, who challenged his conviction on the same grounds, doesn't get habeas because of a 2004 Supreme Court holding (that the 2013 Third Circuit panel did not consider) mandating that result.

Newark, N.J. officials did not violate taxi medallion holders' constitutional rights by allowing the value of taxi medallions to drop (from over $500k in 2013 to under $220k in 2016) or by regulating ridesharing companies differently than taxi companies, says the Third Circuit.

Allegation: Coraopolis, Pa. officer investigating sex assault takes photos of victim with his personal cell phone, touches her, badgers her into unnecessarily revealing her vagina, fails to document the clothing she provided, and lies about his conduct. District court: Qualified immunity. Wasn't clearly established that kind of thing is unconstitutional. Third Circuit: Reversed.

Allegation: Harris County, Tex. officer tases half-naked, incoherent man (5'3" and 154 lbs.) who ignored officers, wandered away from them on frigid night. The man falls, fractures his skull, suffers life-threatening brain damage. Police say he adopted a fighting stance, but there's no video; they didn't turn on their cameras. Fifth Circuit: The officer who fired the taser violated the man's Fourth Amendment right to be free from excessive force. But the man can't sue. Wasn't clearly established that kind of thing is unconstitutional.

Teen is imprisoned for 16 months awaiting trial for murder. The jury acquits after 29 minutes of deliberation. Can the then-teen sue a San Jacinto County, Tex. officer who allegedly omitted and misstated key facts on an arrest warrant affidavit? Yes, says the Fifth Circuit, and with great dispatch, as this has been pending for over seven years. (Click here and here for more on the case from the National Registry of Exonerations.)

"Handcuffs are supposed to hurt." So says a Michigan police officer, when he arrests a driver during a roadside stop. Driver sues, claiming the cuffs crushed a nerve. Sixth Circuit: Our precedent put the officer on notice that handcuffing violates the Fourth Amendment if an arrestee complains the cuffs are too tight, the officer ignores the complaint, and the arrestee suffers injury. No qualified immunity here.

Seasoned Louisville, Ky. criminal defense attorney is indicted for failing to file tax returns, represents himself for 21 months (between indictment and trial). On eve of trial, he asks for continuance so he can find counsel; the judge denies it. He's convicted of failing to file tax returns, sentenced to three years. Sixth Circuit: There's no evidence in the record he was ever informed of his right to counsel. New trial.

Man serves 21 years of 35-year sentence for nonviolent drug offense, is released early based on new sentencing guideline. He comports himself admirably for the two years he's on supervised release (as he did during his incarceration). But prosecutors appeal and win reversal of his sentence reduction. Sixth Circuit: Which is the correct legal outcome. "Executive clemency provides [him] another avenue for relief." (Click here for Kim Kardashian's take.)

USA Gymnastics national team physician molests dozens of children over 20-year period. Separately, he amasses collection of over 37,000 images and videos of child porn. Sixth Circuit: No reason to reconsider his 60-year sentence for the child porn. (Via Sixth Circuit Blog.)

Man takes generic antidepressant, commits suicide. His widow sues not the manufacturer of the generic drug, but the manufacturer of the brand-name version, Paxil, which was responsible for the warning label. Widow: The harm wasn't taking the drug; the harm was that the warning label failed to warn the drug was linked to suicide in adults. Drugmaker: We tried to include that on the label, but the FDA wouldn't let us. Seventh Circuit: Case dismissed.

Criminal defendant starts to speak at a sentencing hearing, but his lawyer tells him to be quiet. Later, with new counsel, defendant argues district court made various procedural errors at the hearing. Seventh Circuit: These claims were waived, as the lawyer did not raise them. It's irrelevant that the lawyer stopped the defendant from speaking, as it's not the court's job to interfere in the attorney–client relationship.

In wake of the housing crisis, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, a new federal agency that "supervises" lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, forces them to turn their profits over to the U.S. Treasury instead of investors. Investors: We want our money back! The FHFA's "net worth sweep" regulation is unlawful. Eighth Circuit: No, it's lawful. Judge Stras, concurring: The investors "make a compelling case that the FHFA … has grown into a monster. But judges are not superheroes; we cannot run to the rescue every time danger looms."

Medford, Ore. police identify bank robbery suspect. They have no address for him on file, but they learn his girlfriend has a no-contact order against him. They search her home without a warrant (and, it is presumed, without her consent) and find their man. A Fourth Amendment violation? Not a bit of it, says the Ninth Circuit. He didn't have a reasonable expectation of privacy at her place. But, in a separate order, his conviction is reversed for unrelated reasons.

After serving 17 years in prison for a murder she did not commit, woman sues LAPD detective for withholding evidence that the prosecution's star witness was a serial liar who had already been deemed an "unreliable informant" five years before the murder trial. Detective contends that no reasonable officer would have understood that disclosure of this evidence was required. Ninth Circuit: Well then you and I have different understandings of the word "reasonable." (Click here for more on the case from the National Registry of Exonerations.)

Railroad tank car carrying harmful chemicals springs a leak, permanently disables workers. They try to get different jobs at the railroad company but are rejected from all (more than 20 each). They say these rejections are discriminatory and file claims with the EEOC. Railroad company: Aha! The court can't hear most of this because you didn't file a separate EEOC claim for each rejection. Tenth Circuit: Not so much. Even though our old precedent said that, it was wrong, so (upon polling the rest of the court but without formally going en banc) we're going to overrule it. (The court also has some words (and imposition of costs) on why attorneys shouldn't skimp on the appendix.)

Disney theme parks accommodate individuals with cognitive disabilities by allowing them to skip the line for all rides with wait times of less than 15 minutes (which is most rides) and to schedule appointments at rides with longer wait times. They are never required to wait in lines. Parents (in 30 separate lawsuits): Not good enough. Our kids still have meltdowns. Eleventh Circuit: Disney might not be complying with the ADA.

Alabama abortion law prohibits dismembering living 15- to 18-week-old fetuses; rather, fetuses must first be killed in utero and then dismembered and extracted. District court: The state's proposed methods of fetal demise are not feasible. The law is unconstitutional. Eleventh Circuit (reluctantly, and with two concurrences): That's so.

Activists host sit-down weekly dinners with free food in public park where homeless tend to congregate. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. officials impose permitting scheme that restricts such meals. Eleventh Circuit: The meals are expressive conduct; the activists' constitutional claims should not have been tossed.

"Consider two people, one who has money and the other who does not. They are arrested for the same crime at the same time under the same circumstances … [and] would have the identical bail amount …. The person who has money pays it and walks away. The indigent can't pay, so he goes to jail." Which is a serious deprivation of liberty, writes Judge Martin, dissenting from the Eleventh Circuit's rejection of a preliminary injunction over Calhoun, Ga.'s money bail policies.

Since 1873, Maine school districts have paid for students who live in towns too small to support a public school to go to a school of their choice, whether private or public, in state or out of state. But parents have not been allowed to select religious schools for their children since 1980, which violates equal protection and religious freedom, argues a new IJ lawsuit on behalf of three families. Last year, the Supreme Court, in a 7–2 decision, ruled that excluding religious groups from public programs for which they are otherwise qualified "is odious to our Constitution … and cannot stand." Maine's discrimination against religious families cannot stand. Click here to read more.

[lucids]

#SayHerName

AAPF - African American Policy Forum

http://www.aapf.org/sayhername

AAPF launched the #SayHerName campaign for Black women and girls who were killed by police and other forms of violence.

Fill The Void. Lift Your Voice.

Say Her Name.

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#SayHerName: How Transgender Women Are Memorialized Online

Centered on feminism & women of the African Diaspora

https://www.blackfeminisms.com/transgender

The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) was started by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence that year and began an important memorial that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance

“Citizen participation in the media, or contribution of user generated content or ‘citizen journalism’ as it’s commonly known is a growing phenomenon in some ways. Its benefits are that audiences witnessing incidents can post eyewitness accounts on the Internet as soon as they happen or send a report and photos to the media. Citizen journalism also dwells a lot on analysis and debate of issues and stories appearing in mainstream media. Unlike journalists in the mainstream media, citizen journalists can be anonymous contributors with no journalism training.”

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Black Lives Matter | Say Her Name

http://sayhername.blacklivesmatter.com

Use #SayHerName to honor women and femmes who have been taken from us by state or intimate partner violence.

As part of the national #SayHerName day of action, we are asking folks to participate in lifting up women and femmes who are no longer with us, and/or those who inspire us in our everyday lives. Upload an image, graphic or photograph of someone you want to lift up, using either #SayHerName for those who have been taken from us and #InHerHonor for those who are still with us or passed from natural causes.

#SayHerName Use #SayHerName to honor women and femmes who have been taken from us by state or intimate partner violence

#InHerHonor Use #InHerHonor to lift up women and femmes in our everyday lives who are fighting and thriving in the face of adversity or who died from natural causes.

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#SayHerName

AAPF - African American Policy Forum

It is for these Black women and girls that the African American Policy Forum launched the #SayHerName campaign. On May 20th, 2015, the African American Policy Forum, the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies at Columbia Law School, and over twenty local sponsoring organizations hosted #SayHerName: A Vigil in Memory of Black Women and Girls Killed by the Police at Union Square in New York City. Family members of Black women killed by police from across the country came together for the first time in a powerful vigil designed to uplift their loved ones' stories. The family members of Alberta Spruill, Rekia Boyd, Shantel Davis, Shelley Frey, Kayla Moore, Kyam Livingston, Miriam Carey, Michelle Cusseaux, and Tanisha Anderson were present and supported by hundreds of attendees, activists, and stakeholders.

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The work of #SayHerName continues. Including Black women and girls in this discourse sends the powerful message that indeed all Black lives matter. If our collective outrage around cases of police violence is meant to serve as a warning to the state that its agents cannot kill without consequence, our silence around the cases of Black women and girls sends the message that certain deaths do not merit repercussions. Please join us in our efforts to advance a gender-inclusive narrative in the movement for Black lives.

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In an effort to continue to call attention to violence against Black women in the U.S., the African American Policy Forum, the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies at Columbia Law School, and Andrea Ritchie, Soros Justice Fellow and expert on policing of women and LGBT people of color, issued in May 2015 a brief entitled “Say Her Name: Resisting Police Brutality Against Black Women.”

Say Her Name documents stories of Black women who have been killed by police, shining a spotlight on forms of police brutality often experienced disproportionately by women of color.  In addition to stories of Black women who have been killed by police and who have experienced gender-specific forms of police violence, Say Her Name provides some analytical frames for understanding their experiences and broadens dominant conceptions of who experiences state violence and what it looks like. The brief concludes with recommendations for engaging communities in conversation and advocacy around Black women’s experiences of police violence, considering race and gender in policy initiatives to combat state violence, and adopting policies to end sexual abuse and harassment by police officers.

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Black women are outnumbered by White women 5:1 in the United States, yet are killed by police in nearly the same numbers.

On August 1st, Korryn Gaines became one of those women. Shot and killed after an hours long standoff with Baltimore County police, Gaines became the ninth Black woman killed by police in just the first eight months of 2016. Jessica Williams, whose death garnered little media attention despite forcing SFPD chief, Greg Suhr, to resign, was shot while driving a presumed stolen car. She was unarmed and seems to have been fleeing from the officer when she was killed, yet she was still declared a threat to the officer’s safety, legally justifying her death. Similarly, police killed Kisha Michael, “a great mother” of three, even though she posed no obvious threat. Michael was found sitting in a car unconscious at an intersection in Inglewood CA. After allegedly failing to revive her and finding a gun, the LAPD retreated behind cover and fired several rounds into the car, killing Michael and a man who was with her.

Gynnya McMillen died alone in a Kentucky detention center cell. Formally, declared a tragic accident resulting from a rare, and undiscovered, heart condition, McMillen, only 16, was found dead after just one night at the Lincoln Village Juvenile Detention Center. However, in that one night she was tackled and pinned for over four minutes after she refused to take off her sweatshirt during a search. She was also placed in a cell alone and then largely forgotten about despite being notably unresponsive, a strong warning sign that something was not right. In the morning, Gynnya McMillen lay dead. It is frighteningly unclear whether anyone will face charges for the deaths of these women and the five others killed, but what is clear is that, particularly when compared to their male counterparts, little is known or said about stories and lives of these women.

This is nothing new. In 2015 alone, at least six Black women were killed by or after encounters with police.

Just before Freddie Gray’s case grabbed national attention, police killed unarmed Mya Hall—a Black transgender woman—on the outskirts of Baltimore. Alleged to be driving a stolen car, Hall took a wrong turn onto NSA property and was shot to death by officers after the car crashed into the security gate and a police cruiser. No action has been taken to date with respect to the officers responsible for her death. In April, police fatally shot Alexia Christian while she was being handcuffed in the back of a police cruiser. And in March in Ventura, California, police officers shot and killed Meagan Hockaday—a young mother of three—within 20 seconds of entering her home in response to a domestic disturbance.

Sandra Bland, the 28-year old Black woman from Naperville, Illinois who was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a traffic stop in Waller County, Texas on July 10 and was found dead in a jail cell three days later, is yet another victim of police brutality against African American women. And the six officers who swarmed and tasered Natasha McKenna to death in a Fairfax County Jail will face no criminal charges for their actions.

-

#SayHerName: How Transgender Women Are Memorialized Online

Transgender people, in particular transgender women of color, become targets of violence due to stigma about non-binary gender identities.

Mainstream media generally fails to bring attention to this violence. Social media, however, has been a significant platform for uplifting and memorializing transgender people who lose their lives.

For instance, when I looked at hashtags associated with #SayHerName between late January and October, I found that at least 21 transgender women named in corresponding hashtags. The majority of these women were victims of homicide. One had died in police custody and another was missing.

Yet, when I went to correspond the name of victims with news accounts, I most often found that independent media or bloggers were the only ones to report on this violence. This suggests to me that citizen journalism2 is particularly significant in highlighting violence against transgender women of color.

Most of these independent media and bloggers were platforms meant to uplift women of color, Black women in particular. For instance, BlackGirlTragic.Com consistently provided information not only about Black women who lost their lives to violence but also girls and non-Black women of color. Furthermore, they bring attention to violence that women face throughout the Diaspora, rather than the United States alone.

BlackGirlTragic.com exemplifies these platforms in that they are intentional about their mission to uplift Black women:

This site arose from a need to disrupt the traditional 24/7 news cycle, which focuses on one crisis and moves to another. Our goal at Black Girl Tragic is to highlight the discrimination, abuse, mistreatment, unfairness and tragedy inflicted upon women of color throughout the diaspora. 3

Black women use social media to act as citizen journalists, subverting the barriers of traditional institutions of media and journalism through the use of digital technology. Transgender Black women, then, are memorialized as a labor of love by Black women who see themselves as capable of making change by taking their message to the digital sphere.

[illuminating-dragons]

Lay Here In My Arms (3/14): The Battles In My Heart

Summary:  Being in love with someone means your brain, your heart and your body are involved. Freddie Weasley faces obstacles with two of the three. Luckily, his heart is strong enough for all of them.

Mild Sexual Content (high T- low M)

Pairing: Fred Weasley II/ Rita Scamander (Fading Scars)/ Pierre Dwayne (Fading Scars) 

Read it on AO3

           There was a certain inborn prejudice in Freddie’s family about people called Rita. And Tom, but that was fairly universal (with the One Exception of Tom the retired bartender).

           So one summer when Rolf introduced his niece as Rita Scamander, Freddie was prepared to dislike her.

           Rita went to Beauxbatons, a choice no one in her mainly-Durmstrang-alumni family understood. But she absolutely loved it there, and somehow listening to her talk about her school was so fascinating that Freddie hardly got a word in edgewise. He didn’t really want to.

           Freddie’s desires were simple. He wanted to make people laugh, he wanted to understand how people thought, and he wanted someone who would love that he was a Slytherin. Not someone who would accept that wearing green and silver wasn’t the end of the world; someone who understood the values behind the green and silver, and shared them. In a family that accepted him and Lou but still wore mainly primary colours, Freddie longed for a meeting of the minds. He hadn’t even found it in his own house; none of the boys interested him so far, and the girls were either too ruthless or too serious for his liking.

           Rita, on the other hand, reminded him a bit of Aunt Gabrielle, whose exploits in France’s fashion scene left many people gawking. Aunt Gabrielle had several piercings, swore fluently in six languages and did everything in her power to make herself look ugly (she never did succeed). She was also one of the kindest women Freddie knew. She worked for animal rights, including delivery owls and familiars, and fought fiercely for the rights of refugees from dark wizards all over the world. Voldemort, it turned out, was not alone in his quest to ‘purify’ wizard kind, though his fellow monsters had differences in the ones they considered unworthy.

           So when Aunt Gabrielle met Rita and they got on well, Freddie knew she was the one.

           It took some convincing. Rita was dead set against a relationship, and it took a few letters to understand why.

           I wasn’t born Rita Scamander, her letter said. I was born Rita Karkaroff. Mum and Dad adopted me when I was five, but I still have Death Eater blood. It’ll be too much scandal.

           Freddie’s response was blunt and to the point. I love you.  

           Falling into bed with Rita was a whole other challenge. To Freddie’s surprise, he was actually quite nervous about sex. He’d always enjoyed flirting with other interested parties, but other than a few dates had never gotten very far. Rita was enthusiastic, and Freddie wanted to please her, but he panicked the first time she took off his shirt.

           Rita backed away immediately. “What’s wrong?”

           “I don’t know,” Freddie said hopelessly.

           He talked to his father, and George was a bit surprised too. He questioned Freddie carefully, more frightened of the answers than Freddie, but nothing had caused it. Freddie was just…afraid.

           “I don’t really know how to help you, son,” George confessed. “Do you want to go see Aunt Hannah’s friend?”

           ‘Aunt Hannah’s friend’ was a doctor, a woman sworn to secrecy by the Ministry to show them how to do psychiatry the Muggle way. Freddie had never been good friends with her, but Dr. Selma proved to be quite helpful.

           When Freddie managed to spit out his issue at last, Dr. Selma looked thoughtful. “Freddie, have you ever been to one of the magical Mind Healers?”

           “No, ma’am.”

           “I see. Freddie, I think you might have anxiety. That’s what’s causing the panic.”

           “Anxiety?”

           That started a two hour discussion, during which Freddie was amazed to learn that no, not everyone thought about their to-do list constantly; no, it was concerning that he couldn’t sleep because his brain wouldn’t ‘turn off’; and yes, it was worrisome that every time his heart rate went up he felt panicked, even when it was from playing Quidditch…or being intimate.

           He was eighteen that year. Eighteen, with family, friends, and an amazing girlfriend. How could he dare to feel unhappy?

           “Brains are complicated, Freddie. Yours is different.”

           Mum and Dad were equal parts relieved and horrified when he told them. Relieved, because it meant they had a name for what was troubling their son, and they could learn to help with it. Horrified, because they hadn’t known before.

           “I didn’t know myself,” Freddie reassured them. “I didn’t know that was something I could have.”

           He started seeing Dr. Selma once a week, and they worked through his anxiety. Freddie confessed his worries about his body (he was definitely the plainest in his family; plain was almost worse than ugly); he talked about his worries about how he could take on his father and uncles’ legacy when he had so many bad days; and he talked about how terrible he felt that these problems bothered him so badly in the first place.

           “My parents lived through a war! My family lost so many people; I’m named for my father’s dead twin! How can I sit here and say I need any kind of help?”

           “You’re fighting your own battles,” Dr. Selma said. “Just because it’s in your head doesn’t mean it isn’t real.”

           Freddie cried then.

           Rita was patient, endlessly patient, and she came to a couple of sessions with him. Then she went a couple of times on her own. They didn’t talk about everything that went on behind Dr. Selma’s door, but it was enough knowing that they were being honest with each other about everything else.

           “Some secrets are okay,” Rita said. “Some hurt you too bad to keep.”

           Freddie kept going to counselling, and eventually started taking pills, pills that helped the worst days be as manageable as the good days. He became more comfortable talking to his family about his worries, and he was very proud when both Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron asked for his therapist’s name.

           And he and Rita learned to be comfortable with their own bodies, with each other’s bodies, including their brains. Intimacy was slow, but it felt earned.

           The first time they had full intercourse, orgasm felt like triumph.

           Freddie had been helping in his father’s store as his treatments happened, and when his appointments with Dr. Selma turned from weekly to biweekly, then to monthly, his Dad had an idea.

           “We need someone new to run the store in France, Freddie. Hector wants to retire, and I think you’d be a great fit.”

           Freddie swallowed hard, thinking about moving to a new country where he didn’t know the language well, into a job where he had to represent his family’s name. Then he thought of Aunt Gabrielle, who was established in Paris, of Rita who wanted to start her own clothing business, and of how much fun it was working with his family, even if they were a continent away.

           By September, he and Rita were across the Channel, with a small flat above the jokes shop and a robes store a few blocks away, right next door to Garments de Gabrielle. Rita worried she was stepping on her mentor’s toes, but Gabrielle’s work was different, avant-garde in the materials and patterns. Rita still used wool and cloth and silk, but the colours were what defined her works; clever combinations and designs that were sold to anyone who liked them, regardless of gender or creed. She experimented with Muggle clothing too, and Reveille was soon doing as well as the joke shop.

           They bought a nicer flat, close to the Tour D’Eiffel, and they ate macarons and went to the wizarding depanneurs for fresh bread and potion ingredients. Freddie became fluent in French, while Rita still stumbled over French but communicated well with the Eastern European clients who came on a certain Quidditch star (and former Triwizard Champion)’s recommendation. Freddie still had rough moments and bad days, and Rita still pulled away sometimes, worried they were making a mistake, but they soothed each other and found places and moments of calm, of peace.

           And then came Pierre.

           Pierre Dwayne, who damn near knocked Freddie off his feet with how attractive he was. Rita was enchanted by him too, this polite Frenchman who was nearly a foot taller than both of them. He worked for Rita nominally, helping her organize her cloths and lift boxes of materials, but he spent a good bit of time at the joke shop. Freddie was frightened for the first time, frightened that Rita might leave not for herself or her father’s name, but for him. And Rita became fractious, wearing her best clothes by turns and old raggedy ones by others, reasoning that Freddy could leave if he wanted to.

           When Freddie’s parents came to visit, Angelina picked up on the tension. And when she saw Pierre, she understood what might be going on.

           She pulled her son aside that night and told him a story. A story of two couples who’d met on the Quidditch field, and who had separate lives and children, but sometimes came together in bed, because they fit together.

           Freddie had never dreamed that his parents had been unhappy in their marriage. They’d always seemed so happy.

           “We are happy,” Angelina promised him. “But sometimes you love more people than your partner. And sometimes, when you’re lucky, you can find a way to work that out. I’m in love with your Dad; I’m not really in love with either Oliver or Katie. But I love them both dearly, and it’s nice to find a way to get all that you want.”

           Freddie called a meeting with Rita and Pierre the next day. It was a strange conversation, but it was necessary, and it brought about an interesting routine.

           Pierre kept his own life, but he spent nights at their place quite often. It took a long time for Freddie to be willing and able to have sex with both his lovers at the same time, but he watched until he could.

           Freddie still had bad days, and he still had moments where he was terrified he would lose everything; Pierre, Rita, the shop, his family, his mind. But the moments passed with long walks, talking with Dr. Selma and sex itself. (Ironic, that it once scared him).

           But they grew fewer, and he knew how to cope with them, and the day that Rita told him that she was pregnant and not positive whether he or Pierre was the father, he was able to laugh, hold her close, and promise that it was his child either way, and he was looking forward to being a dad.

[starrystarrybabe]

Speakeasy Nights (BoRhap Boys x Reader Mob!AU) CHAPTER TWO

Rated R once again, because this series will be chock-full of smut. I saw what a good response the last chapter got, so I decided to write another chapter.

DISCLAIMER: I did not create this AU all on my own. It is inspired by the AU created by @borhap-socials, @deakydeakydeaky, and @i-the-fangirl. I have permission to do what I want with it, and I am not copying ideas. Only writing things inspired by previous AU’s.

This chapter will deal more with Atropos’ backstory, and begin to delve into the relationship between her and the female gang, Olympus.

Names:

Death- Rami

Conquest- Gwilym

War- Ben

Famine- Joe

Silence- Allen

Hera- Lucy

Eris- Priya

Atropos- (y/n)

CHAPTER TWO

--

You wake up to the smell of coffee being brewed and stale cigarette smoke. Looking around the spacious room, you instantly recognize it as Famine’s guest bedroom. You’ve woken up here after a rowdy night many times before, and this is nothing new to you.

Sitting up and wincing, you let your silk robe fall off your shoulders. In the mirror across from you, scratches and bruises are highly visible on your hips and as you stand up, you see scratch marks on your back and ass.

Smiling at the sight, you move to re-tie the robe around your waist, slipping on a pair of slippers and running a finger through your hair. You love the feeling of being raw and sore, because one of your favorite things in the world is letting your lovely boys have their way with you.

They’ve been this way with you since they first met you, many years ago. You partially trained them to be as deadly as they are, since you yourself were trained by the old gang that used to rule the area.

You run away from your home, sobbing and screaming for help. Your parents have just been murdered by a rival gang, and you would’ve been killed too if you hadn’t run away from the men who killed them. The streets of Brooklyn are dangerous this time of night, especially for a little girl in a thin nightgown, since you’ll be killed by the cold if not by a man.

You run down an alleyway, and bump into someone’s legs, falling down with a thud, and landing in a puddle. Whimpering, you stand up and look down, the occasional sniffle coming out of your body.

“Watch where you’re going, kid. You shouldn’t be here anyways. It’s dangerous for a young girl like you this late out here,” a voice scolds you.

“I-I’m s-sorry, sir. I d-didn’t mean to knock into you.” Your voice is meak and quiet.

The man leans down with a sigh, tipping your chin up. You blink away tears and face a man with wild brown curls and gentle eyes. “What happened to you, love? No little girl just ends up on the streets in her nightgown without a good reason.”

“A m-man shot my mommy and daddy.” You try to hold back tears. “I don’t know what to do. I’m scared, sir.”

The man is joined by a foreign-looking fellow in a fur coat you could’ve sworn your mother wore, a blonde man with blue eyes and a patterned suit, and a man whose hair is like a puffy cloud around his face. He looks up at them.

“Prenter’s men killed her parents.” He looks back down at you. “The man had a moustache and bangs, correct?”

You nod, and the rest of the men are visibly agitated. Obviously this is not the first time they’ve dealt with the man who killed your mommy and daddy.

The foreign-looking one leans down and smiles at you. “Would you mind telling us where your house is, darling? We’ve been meaning to get rid of the man who hurt your family.”

You point down the street. “I-I think it’s two blocks away. I was running and I lost track.”

The group of men stand up, and the one with the puffy hair kneels down to pick you up. “I won’t hurt you, alright? None of us will. Right now, we’re going to take care of that bad man. You can stay with us for now, alright?”

You know that you can trust these men. You feel good about it, so you nod and let him hold you, closing your eyes.

They bring you to a car and you are seated on the man’s lap as the whole group of men fill in. They load their guns and start up the car, and you look at the weapons curiously. The man next to you-- the blonde one-- smiles at you and you look at him curiously.

“Do you want to learn how to use a gun, love?” he asks you.

You don’t want to see anyone use it against anyone else you love ever again, but now that your parents are gone… well, you guess that you don’t really love anyone anymore. You nod. “Yes, sir.”

He chuckles and ruffles your hair. “Just call me Roger, love.” He shows you how to use the gun, and how to aim it, and you nod, following his instructions, and doing it once more on your own.

“Good job… what’s your name, love?” Roger praises you before realizing he does not know your name.

“(y/n) (l/n), Mr. Roger.” You respond a little louder, smiling slightly. You like these men.

“That’s a beautiful name, (y/n). You’re sitting on John’s lap, but we just call him Deaky. The one in the fur coat is Freddie, and the one you first ran into is Brian.” Roger guides you through everyone’s names, and you smile.

“Hello, everyone!” you wave happily at them. “Thank you for saving me.”

You retract your statement about not loving anyone anymore. These men could be the new people whom you hold near and dear to your heart.

You walk into Joe’s kitchen, where he’s making breakfast for you, and already has a cup of coffee ready. Sitting at the kitchen table, you smile at him.

“Sleep well, (y/n)?” Joe asks, finishing the eggs and putting them on two plates.

“Very. Who knew three hours of vigorous sex could be that exhausting?” You sip your coffee and smile as he brings you a plate of scrambled eggs. “Thank you, darling.”

Joe smiles and sits down next to you with his own coffee and eggs. “It’s no problem, (y/n). I’m more than happy to take care of you after a long, hard night.”

You smile and lean back. “Did you have fun last night?”

He nods, sipping his coffee. “I did, but I would have much preferred having you to myself. There’s nothing wrong with sharing you, and it was very arousing watching you get used by all of us, but what can I say? I’m a guy more partial towards one on one sex.”

You shrug. “Well, we can’t always get what we want, can we, Joe?”

You sit in the backseat of the car as the men enter the building where the murderers are, and fiddle with the gun they gave you, liking the sound of the bullets rattling inside the barrel. You’re bored, and almost falling asleep when you hear someone open the car door and drag you outside.

Scared, you look up at the man, and recognize him as the one who killed your mommy and daddy. You begin kicking and hitting, but you’re a tiny thing, and you have practically no impact on the man.

“Stop it! Stop! Please, stop!” You beg the man, but he throws you against a brick wall, smirking. You can feel yourself becoming dizzy from the impact, and when you touch your wound, you feel wetness. As you pull away your fingers, you see blood on them. Slowly, you look up at this awful man.

“You’re a sneaky little one, aren’t you? Didn’t stay put like a good girl and wait to join your parents.” The man’s Irish accent sneers at you, and he puts his hands on his hips. You shakily raise your gun at him, and he just laughs at you. “Do you really think that a little girl like you can hurt me? You’re cute, but that won’t wo--”

He’s cut off by you pulling the trigger and falls down, pressing a hand to his chest wound, which is bleeding profusely. He looks at you in horror, but you don’t notice, because you’re in a state of shock.

You just shot a man. That was a new experience, and not as horrible as you thought it would be. Granted, he was a very bad man, but this was still very new to you. You’re not sure how to react.

You don’t notice as Freddie runs over to you, and surveys the scene. He inspects you, and feels your injury, and tries to get your attention. After five minutes, you respond.

“(y/n), darling, please! Answer me!” Freddie begs you, cupping your cheeks.

You blink at him and look to Paul. “I hurt him.”

Freddie nods. “You did. But darling, he hurt you first. He killed your family. He deserved it.”

Brian runs over and checks you, seeing your injury. “We need to get her to Miami, now. He can fix her up. (y/n), can you hear me?”

You turn to face Brian. “I shot him.”

“Yes, love. You did. I’m very proud of you. Now, let’s get you safe and patch you up.”

You don’t remember the rest of the ride back, and when you wake up, you find adoption papers on your bedside table, proclaiming your new legal guardians to be Brian and Anita May.

Joe smiles and laughs sadly. “I guess we can’t always get what we want.”

You hear a knock on the door, and Joe stands up to open it. Allen walks inside, and you wave at him. He waves back weakly, and you smile.

“Hello, Allen. When are we dropping off the body?”

“In two hours, (y/n),” he responds, quietly sitting next to you.

“Two hours? I should start drawing a bath now, then. I still smell like sex.” You stand up and finish your coffee. “Thank you for the breakfast, Joe. It was delicious.”

He smiles at you. “You’re welcome. Have a nice bath.”

You blow him a kiss and walk off to take a nice, warm bath.

-

That night, you all convene in Death’s house, and as you make your way to the meeting room, you’re stopped by two very surprising faces: Hera and Eris. With a frown, you make your way over to them.

“I must say, I wasn’t expecting to see you two here. Did Death invite you here for business, or are you here because you plan on trying to cheat my boys out of profit?” you comment, looking over the two women.

Hera raises a brow. “We’re here for business, Atropos. I have no idea why you think I’d try to cheat Death.”

Eris shakes her head. “You’re far too distrusting, Atropos. You can trust us. Why would we lie to you? You’re too smart for us to pull that off.”

You sip your champagne skeptically. “Hera, you know that if you play your cards correctly, Death will fall to his knees in front of you, and Eris, every time you get caught in a lie you try something more clever. I’m telling you, I won’t fall for it.”

Hera sighs. “Can you trust us for a moment? We trust you. That’s why we offered to let you be part of Olympus. You know, that offer still stands.”

You shake your head. “No. I get that you want to have an all-powerful girl gang, but it will never happen. Hera, you’re far too erratic to plan for the long run, and Eris, you’re not even-tempered and logical enough to stop her from making impulsive decisions. You might be doing well now, but it won’t last and I know it. Now, if you don’t mind, I have to see my boys.”

You walk away, rolling your eyes. They’ll never succeed. You’d know. You grew up in a gang, and when Freddie died, the whole thing fell apart because the dynamics changed too much. You were forced to go into the profession of prostitution to survive, and build yourself from the ground up.

The glory days always fade. The sun always sets on a gang’s glory. If someone was stupid enough not to realize that, then they were doomed to fail.

Hera didn’t realize this, and for that reason, she’d never succeed.

TAGLIST: @andtheytoldustotellyouhello @plethora-of-things @borhap-socials @everybodyplaythegame @i-the-fangirl @deakydeakydeaky @shisterfackisback