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missscarletta7 · 3 years

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The Broken Crown- Chapter 4

Enjoy chapter 4!

Summary: All Margaret Shelby ever wanted, was the opportunity to write her own story. Only now is she beginning to realize that her brother may have already written it for her...

OoOoOo

"When your dreams all fail,

And the ones we hail, Are the worst of all,

And the blood runs stale"

~Demons~

OoOoOo

1919

Maggie was so excited. She dragged Cara toward the pub the moment their school day was finished.

"Why are we going into the Garrison?" The blonde asked curiously.

"You have to meet the barmaid who works here," Maggie explained.

"I've seen her," Cara informed her. "What's so special about her?"

"We've become good friends." It was true, after such a long period of time had passed without seeing her older sister, Grace inevitably filled the gaping space that Ada had left behind.

"Should I be jealous?" The blonde teased.

Maggie flashed a loving smile, "No one could ever replace you."

When the dark-haired girl opened the pub door, the first thing they heard was Grace's melodic voice singing. "-As I've never loved before..."

Maggie spotted Grace serving drinks to the regular customers. Unfortunately, one of those customers was Ross, who was sitting with a group of men who would hang around the betting shop. Cara was quick to notice him too, her body immediately tensed.

"Since first I saw you on the village green..."

"Sorry Mags, I forgot my mum wanted me to fix stitching on some dresses," This was one of the few times Maggie had ever seen Cara looking embarrassed, "Maybe next time, yeah?"

"Come to me ere my dream of love is o'er..."

The dark-haired girl nodded, not wanting to refute the her friends claim, and watched Cara hurriedly exit through the doors.

"I love you as I loved you when you were sweet..." Maggie moved herself over to the row of empty barstools and took a seat as Grace was finishing her song. "When you were sweet sixteen."

Grace then walked behind the bar while Maggie applauded at the performance. "Hello Maggie," Grace greeted happily, grabbing a dirty pint glass off the bar. "Don't look behind you,but a handsome young man is staring at you."

Maggie felt her stomach turn, responding, "Let's change the subject."

Grace smirked, "How was school?"

"Dull," The girl said truthfully, "Harry out again?"

Grace nodded, "It's been slow."

"What have you been doing today?"

"I had a meeting with the gentleman who will be installing the pub's brand new phone."

"Neat." Maggie beamed at the thought of the new technology.

"Your brother is trying to go legitimate." Grace informed her, "He wants to make this place seem a bit more respectable."

"Which one?" The dark-haired girl asked.

"Arthur." She answered back unenthusiastically, "Though he doesn't seem too interested in fixing anything. I mean, look at the state of these." The barmaid picked up a carton of cigarettes that was ripping apart. "Where do these even come from?" She asked, hoping this question would lead to where the guns may be hidden.

Maggie just shrugged at her question. "How should I know? I think they have a few warehouses in town."

Grace nodded, taking in the information, before noticing a customer beckon her over, "I'll be back." She told the girl.

Maggie sat by herself for a few moments before she felt a presence inch closer to stand beside her. She knew there would be a confrontation at some point, she had done so well in avoiding him. She didn't have a chance to say anything before Ross spoke first, "I had instructions to give this to you."

Reaching into the pocket inside of his coat he pulled out a folded piece of parchment, placing it on the bar he slid it towards her. She was surprised but nevertheless relieved when he said nothing else and walked back to his table. Taking the note, she unfolded it to read the message that was scribbled out. As she read a smile crept onto her face. The message was from Ada.

OoOoOo

In the parlor, Maggie had been writing in her journal when Polly descended the down the stairs. "Put your shoes on," The older woman ordered, "Johns called a family meeting."

Watching Polly walk across the room, Maggie raised her eyebrow, "Thought I wasn't allowed at family meetings."

"John says it's not that kind of a meeting," Polly said, exiting into the tiny kitchen. Maggie happily closed her book and slipped on her black boots which were resting right underneath the old coffee table, before following her aunt into the kitchen.

"Pol?" Maggie asked worriedly when she noticed the woman standing rigidly by the table. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing." Polly said after a moment, "C'mon, we don't want to be late." Polly moved to enter the betting shop with her niece in tow.

"Where's John?" Tommy asked his aunt, agitated his brother was not at his post.

"John's in the Garrison, says he wants a meeting about a family matter," Polly informed him, placing her hat on her head. "After he's said his piece he'll come back and take his place with Scudboat."

Maggie tried to follow her aunt, but was stopped by Tommy's outstretched arm, "Where are you going?"

"To the meeting. John told Polly I could come," Maggie explained to him.

Though Tommy didn't look completely persuaded, Polly called on the large man taking bets. "John will be here in ten minutes"

"Five," Tommy corrected before the family walked out of the shop onto the cobblestone pavement.

"What does John want to talk about?" Tommy asked his aunt.

"Your guess is as good as mine. Always been one for dramatics, our John" Polly replied jokingly causing Maggie to chuckle out.

"You're in a good mood," Tommy noted to the smiling girl as he pulled out a cigarette to smoke.

"I like going to the Garrison," Maggie responded.

"She likes talking to that barmaid." Polly translated her nieces' words.

"You and Grace seem to chat a lot," Tommy spoke, exhaling a breath of smoke.

The girl shrugged. "I like Grace, she likes my writing," quickly adding, "We're friends."

"You trust her enough to share your work," Tommy said, impressed by the sudden growth of his sister. "I'm thinking of asking her to be my secretary," Tommy suddenly informed the ladies.

"Only a secretary?" Maggie asked, raising her eyebrows cheekily.

He flashed her a ghost of a smile, "Never you mind."

"Secretary, eh?" Polly finally spoke up as the Garrison came into their view.

"We're going, legitimate Pol." Tommy reasoned, "What's more legitimate than a secretary? Or maybe I’ll make her a bookkeeper. Arthur mentioned she’s good with numbers and helped him fix the books." Polly said nothing and this seemed to spark something in the gangster, "Got something to say?"

"Just don't let your cock do your thinking for you Thomas," Polly warned. He remained silent, but a small smirk was fixed on his face causing the aunt to roll her eyes.

When they entered the pub, it was empty, except for Harry, who stood behind the bar drying some glasses with a white rag. They saw Finn leaning against the outer wall of the private room, which Maggie assumed John and Arthur were already in.

"Stay out here Finn," Polly ordered the eleven-year-old who tried to enter with them.

"But Mags gets to go in!" The boy protested, yet his words went unheard. This made him look jealousy at his sister, who had stuck her tongue out at her little brother as she walked into the snug with the rest of the family. Both John and Arthur were already seated, and she took a place right next to Polly.

"All right John, there's only one man-," Tommy spoke, before declining the drink Arthur poured for him continuing, "There's only one man guarding the house. What's troubling you?"

"Aunt Polly, Maggie, you two know what it's been like since Martha died." John began.

Maggie gave her brother a sad smile as Polly took his hand and said, "God takes the best first."

John looked to his sister, "Mags, you've been a big help with them, but the truth is my kids have been running bloody rings around me." With hopelessness in his voice, he continued, "Running barefoot with the dogs until all hours."

Maggie's heart ached for him, but Tommy was not having it, "Pol, give him ten bob for some new shoes. Is that it, John?" He asked his brother impatiently.

"Tommy it would be better to do this without you," Polly scolded before turning her attention back to John. "Now what's your point?"

"What the kids need is a mother." John spoke again slowly, "So that's why I'm getting married."

Everyone in the room exchanged glances of surprise. Polly was the first to speak, "Does this poor girl know you're going to marry her? Or are you just going to spring it on her all of a sudden?"

John replied matter-of-factly, "I've already proposed, and she said 'yes'."

"I think that's great John," a smiling Maggie announced. Finally! She was officially off babysitting duty.

"I think there's a shell about to land and go bang," Tommy stated mockingly, before lighting the cigarette hanging in his mouth.

Hesitantly John spoke again, "It's um- its Lizzie Stark."

"Oh, eww," Maggie breathed out, crossing her arms as her family cackled at her expression.

Polly managed to compose herself, "John, Lizzie Stark is a strong woman and I am sure she provides a fine service for her customers-"

"I won't hear the word! Understand? Do not use that word." He told them angrily.

Tommy sighed out, "What word is that, John?"

"You know what word that is," John growled out.

"Everybody bloody knows" Arthur finally spoke out and pointed at his sister, "Shit, even Mags here knows."

John gritted out, "Everybody can go to Hell."

"Whore. That word?" Tommy finally supplied. "Or prostitute? How about that one?"

Fury flashed in Johns' eyes, "Right I want it known, if anyone calls her a whore again, I will push the barrel of my revolver down their throats and blow the word back down into their hearts."

"Well, that's not dramatic at all," Maggie mumbled out her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Men and their cocks never cease to amaze me." Polly berated, "John, Lizzie Stark never did a day's work vertical- "

"She's changed!" John insisted, "All right?! People change! Like- Like with religion-"

"Lizzie Stark has got religion, eh?" Tommy interrupted.

"No! No, she doesn't have religion, but- well she loves me." John asserted, "Now listen Tommy, I won't do it without your blessing. But of all the people in the world- I want you to see it as brave."

"Oh, it's brave all right," Arthur muttered before taking a swig of his drink.

"Brave is going where no man has gone before. And with Lizzie Stark, John, that really is not what you'll be doing" She told him, unable to hold back the laughter.

But he ignored her, looking back at his older brother, "Listen, Tommy, welcome her to the family, as someone whose had a hard life. All right because I need someone. The kids need someone."

Tommy looked as if he was about to give his reply before Finn pushed open the door forcefully panting out, "Tommy, we've been done over!"

"What?" Arthur asked in disbelief.

Quickly Maggie followed her siblings and Polly, who all practically ran out of the Garrison. Not stopping until they all were back in front of number seventeen, Watery Lane. "You and Finn stay outside," Polly ordered once they were outside the entrance of the betting shop.

Maggie was about to object until Tommy echoed their aunts' instructions and followed the rest of his family inside. The pair of Shelby's eventually moved from the noisy street to the alley where the car was parked. Finn carefully crawled onto the hood and contorted his way over the front window. Maggie followed her brother, stepping up to sit on top of the hood, letting her feet lightly kick the metal of the vehicle that protected the thin wheels.

"Look, Maggie," Finn giggled and the girl twisted her upper body to see her brother playing with the steering wheel, "I'm Tommy!"

The girl smiled, "If you're trying to be Tommy, you should work more on your scowl." She told him jokingly. Overdramatically Finn made a scowl but immediately broke character by breaking out in even more giggles, triggering Maggie to laugh as well.

Suddenly Tommy was at the entrance of the alleyway in front of them, he looked instantly distressed. "Maggie, Finn." He began slowly, "Both of you stay exactly where you are."

"What's wrong?" she asked him worriedly. Did something happen inside?

Raising his arm out to her spoke out cautiously, "Mags, as careful as ya can, I need you to slowly slide off the hood."

She did as she was told, while Finn kept snickering, "I was pretending I was you." The child told his brother, but Tommy ignored him instead he directed Maggie to move against the dingy brick wall.

Once he felt like his sister was out of danger he went back to the child in the car, "Which door did you open to come in Finn?"

"I didn't," He told his big brother proudly. "I climbed in."

"I want you to climb out exactly the same way you climbed in, okay?" Tommy instructed, but Finn disobeyed and opened the driver's door.

Maggie watched as Tommy ran to grab an object that had been on the side of the door, yelling out, "Clear!" before flinging it to hit the brick wall on the opposite side of the street. Maggie yelped out at the sound of the explosion, which caused working men to drop to the ground. "That's why you should never pretend to be me, okay?" Tommy told Finn, visibly shaken by this incident. Tommy then took a deep breath and pulled both of his younger siblings close to him.

OoOoOo

Polly and Maggie had just entered the washhouse Ada had informed them she would be visiting. It was a large space, but luckily there were not very many people who decided to do their laundry at the establishment that afternoon. Alone in the corner of the washroom, sitting on a stool, was a woman with a long brown coat, wide black hat, folding trousers onto the small table beside her.

"Need help?" Polly asked the woman eagerly.

The woman looked up to see her family members and smiled, "You got my letter." Ada grinned and stood up with a bit of difficulty, Polly was the first one to embrace her.

Once the aunt and niece pulled apart it was Maggie's turn. Though the hug was more on the awkward side, due to the sizable stomach that was in the way. She muttered into her sisters' ear, "Fuck, you're huge!"

"Oh, shut up." Ada happily retorted, smacking her sister's arm lightly.

"What's with the glasses?" Maggie laughed and pointed at the large spectacles on her sister's face.

"Freddie wants me in disguise when I go out now." She spoke with a bored tone and pointed to the strange-looking eyeglasses. "Can't bloody see anything with these."

Maggie grabbed a pair of socks, which she assumed was Freddie's, from Ada's hand, "Here let me help you." She told her sister and began to fold the newly laundered clothing.

"Has Freddie got you hiding somewhere near?" Polly asked hostilely.

"It's fucking rat hole," Ada spit out, "the entire flat is about the size of your room, Mags."

Maggie felt sad for her sister. Sure, the Shelby family didn't have much to their name, but they were better off compared to most of the population in Small Heath. "Is that Copper still looking for Freddie?" Ada inquired to which Polly nodded.

Ada cursed and placed a hand on her large stomach, "I just want to live in peace with my family. But instead of thinking of me or the baby, all he cares about is the bloody cause. Freddie even gave someone two hundred bloody pounds."

Polly leaned in closer to the pregnant girl, and with a hushed tone asked, "Who?"

OoOoOo

Maggie walked down the hall from her room to Tommy's, she was hoping she could borrow a pen since hers ran out of ink. Before she opened the closed door, she could have sworn she heard noises. Had her brother come home early?

"Tom?" She asked, opening the door, but that wasn't who was in the room, "John?"

Being caught, the third oldest Shelby stopped his rifling through their brothers' things, though seemed relieved it was only her, "Mags-"

"What are you doing here?" She asked before she noticed that his eyes were watery, "Has something happened?"

"The weddings off," He informed her with an irritated tone and moved to the dresser drawers.

"Oh." Was all she could manage to say awkwardly, "I'm sorry."

"Don't," he told her bitterly, shaking his head then went back to rifling through the dresser flipping over Tommy's clothes. "It ain't your fault I'm a fucking idiot!"

"You're no idiot, John," she assured him yet he just scoffed at her words.

"Never fall in love Maggie, leads to nothing but fucking agony."

“What does falling in love even feel like anyway?” She surprised herself when she asked.

John stopped and turned his red eyes to her for a moment before continuing his search, “You know it… it's like this feeling in your gut.” He told her somewhat uncomfortably, “Your heart beats a little faster, your mind always wanders back to thinking about them, no matter what you're doing; when you eat, when you sleep, when you work… Why the fuck are you asking me this?”

“No reason”, Maggie said quickly. "What are you even looking for, anyway?"

He didn't respond to her question, causing her to become frustrated. "Fine, don't tell me." Maggie walked over to the nightstand, picked up the first writing device she saw and left the room.

OoOoOo

The next evening Maggie had fallen asleep on the sofa in the tiny parlor of their home, at least until she was shaken awake by her aunt. "What's the matter?" she muttered out, quickly sitting herself up. Was something wrong? Had the Lees come back?

"Nothing, love" Polly reassured her, "I left a new dress on your bed, go put it on."

"We're going out?" The girl asked, confused, no one had told her they had prior arrangements.

"Yes," Polly nodded, "Now c'mon, we don't have that much time."

Maggie rose from her spot, "Where are we going, Pol?"

"To a wedding," The older woman huffed impatiently and made her way up the stairs to the bedrooms.

This confused Maggie even more, "Whose?"

Not two hours later Maggie had gotten her answer. She and Polly met Ada near the Lees campground and walked into their enemy's territory with no trouble at all. They approach the crowd of witnesses just as Johnny Dogs begins the ceremony. Ada stopped to stand beside Tommy.

"Let's stand over here, love," Polly said, guiding Maggie past her siblings to get a better view of the union. She watched on as Johnny officiated, taking notice that her brother actually looked happy to be up there. Her attention was taken off the bride and groom when she spotted Ross standing about ten feet away with the rest of the Peaky Blinders. Smiling softly at his familiar face, she waved, her stress alleviated when he did the same.

"I now pronounce you man and wife," Johnny said happily as all the witnesses cheered at the new couple's first kiss.

As the night went on the partygoers were all in a festive mood. Sitting on a wooden barrel, Maggie watched as everyone mingled and danced. Tommy was sitting and chatting with the matriarch of the Lee family, Arthur was in the middle of what looked like a drinking contest, and John danced to the music with his beautiful new wife, Esme. Even she had started to sway to the music as the firecrackers sounded off over the happy noises.

"Mags," Ross greeted her, walking up next to stand next to her seating place.

"Hello," she replied, followed by an awkward pause, "I'm sorry I've been avoiding you." She told him after a few moments.

"Understandable." He responded instantly, "I've been a wanker and not just to you." Taking another puff of his cigarette, he exhaled, "I'll talk to Cara."

Maggie was surprised by this proclamation, "Really?"

"I'll sort it out." He nodded looking at the others dancing, and with a smile continued, "I miss walking with you two."

Maggie returned the smile, "We miss you too."

Ross stuck his hand out, "Care to dance?"

Maggie felt her face flush, and waved her hands in protest, "Oh, no I couldn't."

"C'mon, it's a party." He urged, with his hand still outstretched. Smiling, the girl cautiously took it and was led to the crowd.

Feeling like an idiot, she tried to keep up with the fast-paced music, but it seemed like her feet couldn't move fast enough. She felt someone clumsily bump into her backside nearly knocking her over. "Oi! Watch- Oh sorry love." Ada slurred out.

"It's alright," Maggie assured her sister, regaining her balance.

Ada then awkwardly cupped her little sister's face with both hands, and with a very stern tone warned, "Don't you ever let a man call you a 'Fucking Shelby' you hear me." She then rounded on the man next to her and jabbed a finger close to Ross’s face. "You hear me."

"Don't you worry, Ada," Ross guaranteed her, which seemed to be good enough for the older Shelby girl whose demeanor quickly changed back to her delighted drunkenness, dancing away from them.

As Ross spun her around, she caught a glimpse of John and Esme, sitting together and happily getting to know one another, "Seems like love at first sight." She heard Ross say.

"Seems so," Maggie replied happily. Very soon her attention was drawn to Tommy and Arthur trying to get a drunken Ada under control, "Oh no." She breathed out, walking closer to her feuding family members.

"Come and look, Esme!" Ada shouted, "Come and look at the family you joined!" The music ceased and now everyone's attention was on the intoxicated woman. "Come and look at the man who runs it! He chooses his brother's wives for them!" Ada shouted out for everyone to hear. She wasn't finished though, the woman then pointed at her younger sister, "Have you got some old perverted man lined up for Maggie?!"

Maggie felt her stomach drop at the thought, she felt everyone's gaze turn to her as she remained frozen in place. The only comfort that she felt was when Ross put her arm around her waist, as if to protect her. Tommy just stood in front of Ada looking at her stoically, but the mother-to-be wasn't done yet. "He hunts his own sister down like a rat, and he tries to kill his own brother-in-law!"

"Ada, that's enough!" Arthur tried to intervene.

"And now he won't even let me have a fucking dance! Not even at a fucking wedding!"

"Sit her down!" John barked out.

"Calm down Ada," Polly kept repeating, trying to soothe her. "Holy Shit. Water, right."

"Not now Ada," Arthur whined, obviously devastated the party was now unavoidably cut short. "Bloody hell, you do pick your times."

Tommy rushed over to Ada placing his coat over her and assisted Pol with leading her out of the vicinity and into the family car.

Maggie turned to her friend, "I have to-"

"Go." Ross finished for her.

Maggie rushed towards her family, who all made their way to the car. "It's too early!" she heard Ada cry out as she was ushered into the vehicle. Maggie too jumped into the front seat next to her brother.

"It'll be ok, love." Polly soothed sliding in next to her, before turning to the driver, "Step on it, Tommy."

OoOoOo

"Freddie," Ada kept repeating as she laid down on the sofa in the small parlor. "I want Freddie!"

"I know," Maggie sighed out uncomfortably, moving a sweaty piece of hair out of her sister's face.

"I can't do it, Mags. I can't do it on my own." Ada whimpered.

The younger girl's heart ached, "Hey, look at me, you can do this," She assured her, "You are so strong, if anyone can do this it'll be you."

Luckily for them, Esme had finally arrived moments later.

"Ada!" They heard Polly scream before she re-entered the home. "They're getting the word out to Freddie. He'll be here, love." She assured her niece, who grunted out as yet another contraction commenced.

"I think it might be the wrong way 'round," Esme told them, "I attended three sisters."

"Yeah, I think you're right," Polly agreed.

Maggie squirmed in place nervously, "What does that mean?"

"We should lean her forward," Esme suggested and Polly nodded, helping Ada up.

"C'mon, it's not that long to go, darling," The aunt encouraged the screaming woman. "Push, two, three!"

"Holy shit," Maggie muttered out, as she watched a new life was making its way out of her sister.

"Keep going, that's it!" Polly cheered before pulling out the baby completely. "It's a boy, Ada," Polly told the exhausted woman over the newborn's cries as Esme cut the cord connecting the mother and son with some old scissors.

Polly cleaned the new baby boy off tenderly with a small rag before returning him to Ada, who was beaming at the small life in her arms. Maggie heard banging from the front entrance and if she had not gotten out of the way fast enough Freddie may have run over her. Maggie smiled at the sight of the little family. The feeling didn't last long though, because the front door opened once again, and she felt herself being pushed aside the wall by a copper. Esme could be heard yelling, the baby boy began to shriek, and Ada sobbed, clinging to her newborn to her chest.

"Freddie!" Ada cried out as the group of officers dragged the new father out of the home.

"Tommy," Polly said darkly before letting out a string of curses in Romany before storming out of the house.

#peaky blinders #peaky blinder fanfic #shelby sister #tommy shelby #ada shelby #polly gray #oc #arthur shelby #john shelby #1920 #esme lee #finn shelby #peaky blinders fanfiction

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starr-fall-knight-rise · 4 years

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Earth is Space Australia “The Invasion Continues

You all seemed to really enjoy the burg invasion, so here is some more. I hope you like it and I hope you have a great Monday.

“This planet…. Is a death trap. All our men are dead or…. Or dying…. Please we cannot survive any longer.”

The transmission ended rather abruptly, and the newly instated burg commander slammed his fist into the control panel, “What is happening!”

Around the room his counterparts scurried to avoid his anger.

“There have been reports of animal attacks, poisonings and…. Industrial accidents…. It seems that the human planet is far more dangerous than we originally anticipated. The entire thing is a deathtrap.”

Crew members cowered back against their station as a pincer slammed into the console, “They are squishy flesh-bags you should have no trouble taking them out!”

“The humans are not the problem, it is their planet. It is covered in boiling water, poisonous plants, angry wildlife, and apparently non-military have banded into pack-hunting structures in order to kill us, and it is working very effectively. We assumed that their civilian population would be largely inferior to their military counterparts, but it turns out that the non military humans are just more creative.”

The burg commander’s carapace chattered with his anger, “Then if we cannot win this war, we will hit them where it hurts.”

“Your glory?”

“Bring me the GPS coordinates.”

“The ones that we took from the destroyed human ship.”

The burg rubbed two of his upper legs together, “Exactly those.”

The burg second in command looked very confused, “But, your glory. These….. Are just locations on the planet related to specific human soldiers. Why would we need these?”

The burg commander tapped his leg against the console,

“Cut off the head, and the body will die.”

***

“This morning both local and worldwide governments have reported isolated pockets of alien ivation from all over the world, Let’s head to Jeff who has been traveling the eastern seaboard this morning with details.”

“Thank you Tom, and yes worldwide and local governments have issued a state of emergency. UNSC forces are being deployed as we speak to all locations around the globe where the Burg have been sited. However, this is no independence day Steve, this is something entirely different. While there have been reports about burg sightings, teams of them up to five or six strong in some cases, so far no one has been killed or injured, at least not by a burg anyway.”

“What do you mean Jeff?”

“Well isolated reports have reached us from all across the world of people who have accidentally run into burg remains rather than live soldiers.. Evidence suggests that Crocodiles, bears, wolves, poison ivy, army ants, hippos, kangaroos, and poisonous snakes have all taken up the cause of mother earth, who doesn’t seem particularly pleased about being invaded. And when the burg have made their way into populated city centers, well things haven’t gotten much better. Groups of drunken football fans in eastern Europe and the British isles have been seen roaming the streets of Berlin, Paris, London, Dublin, and Rome in packs . Vatican security forces were even dispatching a number of burg troops in the early hours of the morning.”

The TV screen cut to a grainy video of a dark street which showed a pack of riotous humans with bats, clubs, and broken chairs racing down the street after alien forms shouting insults to the fleeing backs.

The video cut.

“Reports in from Chicago have the local gangs, police forces, and a high school chess club teaming up and beating the invasion back with gunfire, improvised explosives, dogs, and molotov cocktails of all things.”

“A truly shocking turn of events Jeff, but what are the UNSC saying about protecting us and our families during this time.”

“The UNSC is cautiously optimistic about the outcome of this event, Tom, but even so, they are advising that all Burg sightings be directed to the UNSC invasion hotline, with the number posted on screen right here, and available on all major mobile devices. Civilians are encouraged to avoid the burg if at all possible, though if those are not an option for either you or your family, the CDC has issued reports that human saliva can be fatal to the burg due to a certain enzyme which known to break down burg slime, and the potent cocktail of germs which follow. Your best weapon is to spit at them, barring that, than go right ahead and beat them to death with any available blunt object within reach, or sharp object. Shaolin warriors in china, Samurai enthusiasts in japan on Renaissance goers from america to europe are finding uses for swords and bladed weapons they have not been used for in the history of man. Attack dog saliva is just as useful as human saliva in this case so if Fido wants to get in on the action, your best bet is to let your pooch go ham and serve himself up a plate of space crab.”

“Thank you Jeff, and stay tuned where we will be receiving real time updates on the state of the invasion. But for now will your homeowners insurance cover alien invasions, what you need to know.” Martha, Jim, and Sunny sat on the couch staring at the TV.

Jim scratched his chin thoughtfully, “Better stay inside, Sunny. I’m sure after that there might be some people to gungho to notice you’re a bit too pretty to be a burg.”

“Alien invasion.” Martha muttered, “Do you think we should get the guns ready, just in case.”

The man shrugged, “Couldn’t hurt. Come on Sunny, you know how to use a gun don’t you.”

“I am Chief weapons specialist.”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

Martha stood, “Grab my shotgun will you, dear, I’m going to go check on Adam.”

He nodded, letting her go. Sunny glanced over her shoulder catching a glimpse into the room through the door where Adam was lying out cold. She was pleased to see he was still asleep, and had slept through most of the night.

Hopefully this alien invasion thing would be over by the time he woke up.

***

Martha appeared at the top of the stairs into the basement, just as Jim and Sunny were coming up the stairs, a gun in each hand.

Martha took one from Sunny and walked into the kitchen, where the three of them sat at the table loading weapons. The doorbell going off nearly startled them out of their seats, but Jim went to go get it.

Sunny listened intently.

“Hey dad, did you see the news this morning?”

“Oh hey David, why don’t you come on inside, good morning to you Jordan, ah and my nephew.” Sunny lifted her head as David, Adam’s older brother, walked into the kitchen with his partner Jordan and their little boy bouncing happily in Jim’s arms.

Martha got up to hug her sun, and the other members of his family.

“Yes we heard about that.”

“Oh, hi sunny. Is Adam here?”

Martha had the group of them take their seats, “he’s resting. Apparently he went and saved the universe just recently, and we are trying to get him to rest. So don’t talk about the whole alien invasion thing too loudly.”

“Oh, sorry.”

It was just at that moment that the absolutely deafening sound of engines rocked the house rumbling through the floors and shaking the very foundation.

“What in blue blazes.”

Outside the front window a chain of bikers and rednecks doubled up on old rickety dirt bikes raced past the window screaming and brandishing guns. The line seemed to go on forever until they vanished down the road.

“What in the hell.”

A groggy voice just behind them, “What’s going on?”

They all turned to find Adam leaning against the hallway wall rubbing his eyes and looking rather bleery. He was still very pale.

“Just the neighbor kids being louds, now, Go back to bed!”

Adam appeared too groggy to be skeptical and just staggered back to his room.

The group of them looked at each other nervously.

“Sunny and I will stay here and guard the house, you three mind going outside and checking out what is going on.”

***

They had come to cut off the head. All remaining burg forces had been rerouted from the rest of earth, and were now making their way towards the GPS coordinates. They knew they could not overtake earth, but if they couldn’t do that then they had vowed to destroy the morale of humanity and take away it’s greatest nuisance.

Commander Adam vir would be dead before the sun sak below the horizon.

They entirely expected to show up in surprise, unannounced, but earth had different plans for them. In the space of ten minutes, two of their troops was hit by a minivan, and a third was attacked by a very angry small dog.

Walking along the fence line another burg ran into a very strange creature. It was very small, and sat atop a fence post, its golden eyes fixed on the burg as it lazily flicked it’s tail back and forth. Its ears were drawn back flat against it’s skull. He approached, and the creature hissed. He went to shoo it away with a hand.

And was immediately set upon by a very angry cat intent on ripping his eyes out of his face.

Their luck only worsened as engines rolled up the street, and a group of hungry looking bikers, teamed up with a very gleeful group of rednecks came charging down the street guns blazing. Motorcycles spun out, humans went flying.

Nearby, in the residential houses, families hid in their basements, while others made it to rooftops taking pot shots from their balconies, upper windows, or sometimes form the peak of their rooftops.

One young man had been very industrious, unbeknownst to his parents, and began chucking lit molotov cocktails out the window of his bedroom.

His older brother, also a chemistry geek upgraded that to homemade napalm.

From the other end of the street, the highschool girls softball team, and the girl scouts rolled up on hover boards and the backs of bicycles. The softball team had a mounted automated pitching machine on the back of a wagon, and each girl was equipped with a bat, and a bucket full of balls.

The girl scouts had apparently been preparing since last night, and had water guns full of spit, which was pretty gross but rather effective.

The softball captain took up a mounted position at the back of the wagon, and began pouring the balls into the machine which fired out at about ninety miles an hour give or take five. One burg had his face collapsed in an unlucky turn of events.

Their invitation to the high school baseball team had not gone un-headed, but they had brought with them the chemistry club, and the robotics team, who had downgraded to potato guns for the moment.

The police rocked up a few moments later to create a blockade down the next street and coordinate so now humans got caught in the crossfire .

An unsupervised cheerleader, had made herself rather industrious pulling up with a vest full of hair products, which people seemed skeptical about until she sprayed a burg right in the eyes, and turned another can into a flamethrower. A group of firemen showed up behind the police, blasting lines of Drev with high powered fire hose

I took the burg longer than it should have to determine that being lumped into a group wasn’t the best idea and so broke off into smaller units managing to sneak in through the mele and into the neighborhood.

Their luck didn’t get much better.

One of them was nailed in the head by a dirty diaper dropped from an upper window.

Another found himself hounded by the cross country team, who were gleefully using mankind's god-given talent of distance running to run their prey into the ground, hunting like pack humans should before beating them to death with tire irons and crowbars.

Someone’s dad stood on his front porch armed with a fire extinguisher and his tool belt, while another mom had packed her kids neatly into their car seats and was roaming the streets with ACDC blaring through her open windows, mowing over any unsuspecting burg that happened to end up in the street while her teenage daughter offered free ammunition and snacks from the back window.

The UNSC showed up late to the party rolling into scene in jeeps with proper military equipment and drones

By this time the invasion force was dwindling, and only a single group had managed to make it through to their target.

A little house in the center of the suburbs unsuspecting in the warm overhead sun.

They crept forward a few of them moving around back while the others inched around front.

One slid up to the front door, reached out a hand and opened inward.

They were met by the barrel of a shotgun and a very angry blond woman, and her face twisted into a snarl, was the last thing he ever saw.

***

Adam was woken a second time by gunshots. Bolting upright in bed and nearly passing out from the vertigo. He blinked blearily past his fuzzy vision and out the door as his mother backed into the hallway. There was another loud blast and blue icor painted the wall before her.

She backed down the hallway, and he could hear the repeated pump of the shotgun as she backed down the hall.

The burg chasing after.

He tried getting to his feet, but ended up on the floor gripping the bedside table for support.

His mother’s hair flew wildly about her head

“YOU STAY AWAY FROM MY SUN.” Another mob of them was rounding the corner.. It looked like she was going to be over-run.

But a sudden swirl of blue overtook them, and Sunny charged into them dispatching at least four less than as many seconds. A whimper came from the corner, and he turned his head to find Jordan, wide-eyed standing in the corner blocking his son shakily holding a rifle in one hand.

Martha backed up until she was kneeling right before Adam blocking him with her body.

Sunny was backing down the hall now too as the Burg followed.

Jordan took a deep breath and peered around the doorframe, taking one or two shots as sunny flattened herself against the wall, before he ducked back into cover.

It wasn’t looking good.

Not at least until Jim, and David came bursting in one through the front and one through the back mowing down the remaining burg.

Adam found himself flat on his stomach pinned to the floor as his mother through herself over him blocking his body with hers despite how much smaller she was.

And then the gunfire stopped.

“Martha! Martha!”

“We’re ok Jim.”

“Jordan.”

“Right here.” The two of them ran into the room David scooping up Jordan and his son, while Jim ran to make sure his wife was ok.

Outside, boots clattered on the porch, and a group of UNSC soldiers burst into the house sweeping their guns over the blood painted walls. They stopped when they saw Adam sitting at the foot of his bed very much alive,

“Delta to Alpha one the package is secure.”

Adam was thinking about asking his mother why no one had told him about the alien invasion.

But then he saw her cradling a shotgun covered in burg blood hair in a wild mess and decided that.

Maybe that was a topic for another time.

#earth is a deathworld #Earth is space Ausralia #humans are insane #humans are space orcs #HUMANS ARE WEIRD #humans are space oddities

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lizabethstucker · 4 years

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Hex Life edited by Christopher Golden & Rachel Autumn Deering

Eighteen tales of witches and magic all written by women. A few are set in particular authors’ existing series. The inclusiveness of black characters and authors elevates an already wonderful collection. This is an ARC that was received late, contained in the box of books due to be published in January. This actually was published in October and is available now. I highly recommend this to pretty much anyone. 4.5 out of 5.

“An Invitation to a Burning” by Kat Howard

The town of Merrinvale refuses to admit that witches are needed to keep ordinary magics working. Instead they burn them. When villager Ronald angrily takes offense to a woman, she tends to disappear. Now his sight is focused on Sage. Very short, but chock full of emotion and sisterhood. 4.5 out of 5.

“Widows’ Walk” by Angela Slatter

The four widows living together on Carter Lane are suspected to be witches by many in the town of Mercy’s Brook, but are not harassed by locals. When young Chelsea Margaret Bloom is caught stealing milk from their porch to dull her hunger, the women get involved. Absolutely perfect from start to finish, with a neat twist at the end. 5 out of 5.

“Black Magic Momma: An Otherworld Story” by Kelley Armstrong

Eve Levine is a dark witch who is half-demon. Her sole focus in life is keeping her daughter safe. To do so, she works as a retrieval agent, obtaining items wanted by others. Her latest job attracts dangerous attention. I’ve not read any books in this series yet, although the first volume is in my ebook library. I found this story moderately interesting, but not quite up to the previous two stories in this series. Perhaps it in a matter of context. 3.5 out of 5.

“The Night Nurse” by Sarah Langan

Having a third child that she never wanted, Esme is approached by Wendy Broadchurch at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Wendy is a night nurse, offering to help Esme once the new baby is born. Already overwhelmed, Esme agrees. At first she is happy, but soon doubts creep in. Really creepy and, to be honest, a little more raw than I was comfortable with. 3 out of 5.

“The Memories of Trees” by Mary SanGiovanni

The Faithful plan to hang Martha Weede and her young ward, Ellena, threatened by their refusal to worship in the New Church and to accept the God of Technology. Instead Martha and Ellena honor the Old Religion, the one older than the now fallen Christianity. While graphic, it not only harks back to the witch hunts in New England, but warns how easy it is to fall back into that mindset of fear, prejudice, and craving for power. Loved this story! 4.5 out of 5.

“Home: A Morganville Vampire Story” by Rachel Caine

A witch has appeared in Morganville, one Oliver had killed centuries ago. She’s a danger to both the vampire and human community. She wants Oliver’s blood and will destroy everyone to get it. Wow, how did I miss this series? I’ve already got it downloaded from my library to read next. A short story that makes you eager to know more about all the characters is a great story. I almost got a Eureka vibe from this, only with vamps instead of mad scientists. 4.5 out of 5.

“The Deer Wife” by Jennifer McMahon

Julie has been meeting her lover in the woods for four years, a witch who comes to her in many forms. She knows she shouldn’t, but is drawn back time after time. Julie wants to join the witch forever, be able to transform as her lover does, but the witch resists. Julie has a son, but Levi is now nineteen, with a girlfriend. And filled with resentment for the death of his father. McMahon doen’t give a lot of details, particularly in regards to the death of Julie’s husband and whether the witch was more directly responsible. Or whether it is love or enchantment that keeps her returning. An old myth tweaked into an interesting romantic tale. 3.5 out of 5.

“The Dancer” by Kristin Dearborn

Paul Baker is called to the Weavers’ farm to help with the reports by Ani, their daughter, of haunted activity. They aren’t pleased with his solution. He’s called back a second time to find the situation is more dire than he expected and takes action. I don’t know about this one. It almost reads like a rough outline or a missing scene from a longer story. Disappointed as it had great potential as a novella or a book. 3 out of 5.

“Bless Your Heart” by Hillary Monahan

It is never smart to go after a Southern mother’s baby boy, especially if she also has powers. Pammy Washington and her bully of a son deserved everything they got for the years Colton had tormented Tucker. Her late Mama warned Audrey to never cook when mad, but a woman can only stand so much. I laughed at what happened to Pammy. Not nice, I know, but I grew up in the South and I know women like her. I’d bet good money that she was head cheerleader in high school, prom queen as well. She really did get what she deserved, bless her heart. For those who might not know, “bless your heart” is the genteel Southern way of saying “you’re a piece of shit”. 4 out of 5.

“The Debt” by Ania Ahlborn

After Karolin’s mother died, her father began to change, becoming less talkative, more distant. He suddenly decides to take her to Poland, to visit his childhood home where his mother lives. After arriving with no sign of his mother, Greg takes Karolin deep into the nearby woods to hunt for mushrooms. When her back was turned, he disappears. Shivers. No happy or satisfying ending here. Just the most horrific ending you could imagine. 3.5 out of 5.

“Toil & Trouble: A Dark-Hunter Hellchaser Story” by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Madaug Kenyon

The witches of Carrion Hill are constantly visited by those seeking a glimpse of their future as well as a way to avoid the bad part. As time goes on, there are less and less witches and more stupid humans who refuse to listen to the advice given. Eeri, sold to the witches by her family, hates them, desires freedom and money. A bit of Shakespeare is threaded throughout the story. I love the Bard, but I don’t really think it adds to the story as much as the authors might believe it does. Another series that I haven’t begun reading as yet. 3 out of the 5.

“Last Stop on Route Nine” by Tananarive Due

Charlotte and her 12-year-old cousin decide to drive together from their grandmother’s funeral in Tallahassee to a luncheon in Gracetown, a place both Charlotte’s mother and Kai’s father had fled as soon as they could and never returned to. Somehow they are lost, caught in a smothering fog before coming through the other side to find a wicked old woman who curses them. Here’s a sweet bit of horror with the mention of some real-life places peppered into the story. 4 out of 5.

“Where Relics Go to Dream and Die” by Rachel Autumn Deering

After years of conjuring the witch through the flame of an almost spent candle, the old man was dying. One last conversation with the woman he loves leads to a dream or, rather, a memory that changes the past and the present. A bit scrambled, but strangely compelling nonetheless. So many questions. 3.5 out of 5.

“This Skin” by Amber Benson

Frances wanted to confess to homicide detective Harry Longfellow, waiting for just the right moment. The reaction isn’t what she expected. Frances comes across as a ten-year-old sociopath. Unusual story. I don’t know whether I like it or not. It begs for more. 3 out of 5.

“Haint Me Too” by Chesya Burke

It’s been 40 years since slavery ended, but there are plenty who would like to just ignore the Emancipation Proclamation. Shea and her family lived on the Myrtle House plantation, currently owned by the Petersons. Myrtle House is haunted by the haint of a black woman who was murdered after poisoning her owners. When local whites try to prevent black families and white sharecroppers from either leaving to go North or demanding better agreements, Shea can not only help her family, but the haint. Enthralling tale of the South and how little it had changed after the War. A little scary, but also empowering. Could be considered a coming-of-age story for Shea. 4.5 out of 5.

“The Nekrolog” by Helen Marshall

I’m not sure how to describe this story. It involves immigrants leaving Russia, death that isn’t, the State’s experiments in psychic abilities, and much more. Enchanting and intriguing, a story I wish had been longer. It really is almost as convoluted as an old Russian tale. 4.5 out of 5.

“Gold Among the Black” by Alma Katsu

Greta, an orphan, owns nothing. Her only friend is Jesper, her dog. She works hard at the castle in exchange for food during the day, refusing to sleep there at night because she can’t bring Jesper with her. Instead they curl up together in the woods. But Greta is getting old enough to have men watching. Another worker at the castle has also told her that there are rumors that she is a witch and Jesper is her familiar. What does she do now? Nice, a bit of romance with the fantasy. 3.5 out of 5.

“How to Become a Witch-Queen” by Theodora Goss

The newly widowed queen is worried about her son, the soon-to-be king, marrying off his sister to some stranger. She also needs to consider her own future now that she’s free. A wild and interesting view of what life might’ve been like for Snow White after her Happily Ever After. New choices, old friends, and a heroine who realizes it is time to take charge of her own life in order to ensure her daughter has choices. Absolutely perfect! 5 out of 5.

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artificialqueens · 7 years

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A Head, A Heart, & A Crown {Biadore} Chapter 13 -C*NT

A/N: I know I said last chapter we were going to pick back up in the Autumn, but then i got to thinking that perhaps Spring would be better so I wouldn’t cram so much into one season I guess you could say. So there are two time jumps this chapter, there was going to be two no matter what, but I felt in the end this just flowed better. There is a flashback this chapter as well, which will be in italic. TW for drug use (nothing too crazy, promise) and maybe angst? I worked hard on this chapter, if anyone has any suggestions for me to make my writing better, send me some feedback on my sideblog @theofficialcunt I’m always open to improving my craft. I hope you guys enjoy the next chapter. ✨❤️

Spring 2017

It was an unusually hot day in Los Angeles today, Roy noted. He was wearing a tank top and long black slacks; his normal boy attire.

The sun was shining brightly as he pulled out of his parking spot. He had just done another therapy session. After All Stars 2 had ended, Roy had felt even more isolated and alone; especially since Adore had not spoken to him after he confessed his love to her. He had gone to therapy once a week, whenever his schedule permitted it, so that he could start to feel better mentally again.

He was getting better, much better then how he was a few months ago, but he still had his moments. There had been an unhealthy routine that Roy had been following the last several months, but he had hoped it would get his mind off of things. He would come home completely plastered with some random guy he met at a bar most nights, especially after a gig. The next morning, he would always do the same thing: kick them out, have a bloody Mary and eggs for breakfast, and repeat the process.

Roy had thought fucking every man within a 10-mile radius of West Hollywood would help him forget about Adore, or at least numb the pain; but it did the exact opposite. He would catch himself wanting to scream Danny’s name instead of whatever foreign man’s name that was lying underneath him. There was just something about Danny he just couldn’t shake.

He sighed as he thought about how disapproving the therapist had been of his recent activities. She had suggested on numerous occasions for him to be single for a while, and to enjoy the moment. That way he could fully heal and move on, and hopefully into a healthy relationship.

He snapped out of his thoughts as he heard his phone start ringing. Roy rolled his eyes. He had literally just pulled out of the parking lot. He grabbed it and saw it was his manager’s number flashing on his screen.

He pressed the answer button, and then the speaker phone button quickly as he set the phone back down on his lap.

“Hello?” Roy answered annoyed. His manager always seemed to catch him at an inconvenient time.

“Bianca! You interested in making a little extra cash?” His booking manager David inquired.

“Depends. Extra cash from what sort of gig?” Roy questioned. He really didn’t want to do anything out of the ordinary today, whatever it was would have to be worth his while.

“Katya lost her voice-”

“Too much dick sucking again.” Roy mumbled.

David laughed loudly and Roy grinned. It was true. Katya liked to have a shit ton of sex, the only reason Roy knew this was because Katya had passed on some of her leftover men to him.

“Anyway, BOTS needs a host for tonight here in LA. Do you want to do it?” David asked with a hopeful tone.

BOTS. The tour that both Phi and Adore were on. On one hand, he loved any extra cash that he could bring in for himself and his dogs, and this was an easy gig since he had done it multiple times. There wasn’t too much preparation involved. On the other hand, did he really want to see Adore? And Phi Phi at that? He hadn’t heard anything from Adore in months, she never texted him back after he had texted her multiple times apologizing. He had wanted to mend the friendship but she was clearly not interested. He wasn’t sure he was exactly ready to see her with Phi Phi, who he didn’t have the best track record with.

This was the only break Roy had before he jetted off to Australia for the start of his Not Today Satan world tour. It was only a couple of days off for him this time, he had made sure to keep his mind occupied the last few months.

He had just started growing a little bit of stubble as well, after the recent time off. He had been enjoying not having to paint his face the last couple of days. He sighed. Maybe if he could actually talk to Adore before the show, they could mend whatever friendship they had left. Or at least make it so it isn’t so awkward.

“I’ll do it.” Roy finally said.

————–

Danny was setting up his makeup bag in the corner of the dressing room. It was her, Courtney, Jinkx, and Violet in this room. They were waiting on Katya, who usually situated herself next to Violet but she was running late tonight. Phi and Alaska were in Michelle’s room since they were considered the quieter queens.

“Where the fuck is Katya?” Violet complained as they set their bag down.

“No clue, it’s a bit odd for her to be late. Did you check the back? Maybe she’s outside smoking.” Courtney suggested as she started gluing down her brows, and applying primer to her face.

“I’ll check. That bitch still has one of my lipsticks that I really wanted to wear tonight!” Violet exclaimed as they walked out of the room.

Adore started coming out her brows and filling them in with dark brown eyeshadow. Recently, she had stopped gluing down her brows and just filling in and creating a more feminine brow instead. It wasn’t as “draggy” as it used to be, but with her new makeup style she felt a lot fishier on stage. She patted moisturizer onto her face and slid her hands down her neck, making sure to get every part of her skin saturated and prepped for her foundation.

The last 6 months had been a whirlwind. The cast for All Stars 2 had just been announced a few weeks ago, and she was already projected to be top 3. A lot of people were predicting different line ups and even betting money on who was going to win. Adore was excited and nervous to see how she would be portrayed this time on TV. She knew on her season she had gotten a fairly decent edit, but it wasn’t anything amazingly perfect like Bianca’s edit. She had hoped for the best, and was preparing herself for the worst all at the same time.

She started blending her foundation in to her skin, and in the mirror saw the door swing open. Who had walked through the door was the last person she was expecting.

“Guess who’s here to fill in bitches!” Roy exclaimed as he dropped his bag on the ground next to Violet’s station.

Adore froze in disbelief. She had not spoken to Roy since All Stars 2 had ended, when he had told her he loved her. She turned around slowly, and faced him for the first time in 6 months. Her heart was pumping incredibly fast as she locked eyes with him. This was clearly, not going to be her night.

“Well look who’s here, my hometown chola!” Roy ran over to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind. Adore stared at the two of them in the mirror and smiled faintly.

Fuck, those damn deep honey colored eyes. It was so easy to get caught up in them.

“It’s definitely been a minute.” Adore laughed nervously. “How the fuck are you?”

“I’m good, just here giving to charity; heard you guys needed a host.” Roy smirked. He squeezed Adore one last time before he moved on to the rest of the girls.

Jinkx and Courtney laughed while Roy grabbed his things, and took them to the end of the counter where his station was.

Suddenly, Violet reappeared through the back door towards the alley where the smokers usually were.

“Nope she’s not there, damnit. Hey-” Violet stopped mid-sentence as they saw Bianca sitting in the seat beside their station. “What are you doing here?”

Bianca rolled her eyes as she started going through her makeup routine.

“God that corset really cut off that blood flow to your brain didn’t it?” Bianca fired quickly.

Violet was rendered speechless and the room was filled with laughter. Bianca smirked proudly and continued to block out her eyebrow.

“Katya bailed so now we’re stuck with this hag.” Courtney joked playfully.

“The ABC’s of drag are back together again, this ought to be interesting.” Jinkx said hesitantly as she eyed Courtney. Courtney met her eyes and mouthed something unintelligible to Jinkx. She motioned for Courtney to go out in the hallway with her, and Adore raised an eyebrow. Courtney shrugged and left her station, she was practically done with her makeup anyway.

“What was that all about?” Adore asked confused as she finished adding her Martha Stewart glitter to her cheekbones.

The encounter was a bit odd, but maybe Jinkx had sensed that the two of them needed to talk. Now was Bianca’s chance. Courtney was gone so it’d be easier to have a private conversation.

“I don’t know but hey, can I talk to you for a second?” Bianca asked. She scooted her chair back and motioned towards the back door.

Adore’s heart started racing as she tried to keep her composure. She had a feeling this was goanna be another serious conversation.

“Sure B.” Adore smiled faintly as she got up from her station. She grabbed a cigarette out of her makeup bag, maybe that would help ease her anxiety.

“I’ll just be here I guess!” Violet huffed frustrated. Adore turned and mouthed sorry before she opened the backdoor.

The two queens walked outside and shut the door behind them. Adore put the cigarette in her mouth and cupped the end of it so she could light it properly. She inhaled and let the tobacco swim in her lungs before she released it back into the air.

“So what’s up?” Adore finally said after a few drags. The silence was odd, even for them not seeing or speaking to each other for months.

Bianca sighed and then she began.

“I just wanted to apologize for what happened a few months ago. It was wrong of me to do, and I really hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I’ve been seeing a therapist so, I’d like to think that now I’m a different person.”

Adore started processing what she had said. She had been going to therapy all this time? That was impressive, especially for a hot head like her.

Adore had mentally shut down after what had happened with Roy. That very night on her date with Phi Phi, she had gotten so drunk Phi Phi had to carry her through the door and set her on her bed. Roy had finally told her the things she had been waiting years to hear when it was already too late. She wished that he would’ve told her that, and that things happened differently. But now here they were, 6 months later at a show together, and there wasn’t one day Adore hadn’t thought about him.

“I accept your apology, that’s great. I’m really glad you’re still seeing someone and talking to them.” Adore started. “I’ve really missed having you in my life Willow. I just didn’t know how to deal with everything that had been happening.”

Bianca smiled hopefully as she studied Adore’s face. She seemed uncomfortable still, but the awkward tension that originally filled the room when she first walked in was gone to her relief.

“If you still don’t want to be friends I get it.” Bianca murmured.

Adore was staring down at her shoes and shifting from foot to foot, a nervous habit she had picked up while on tour. It was subtle enough for most people to not detect.

“That’s not the problem.” Adore sighed.

“What is the problem then?” Bianca asked.

After Bianca had basically gone off on Phi Phi before the final challenge, she had basically developed a personal vendetta against her. Phi Phi didn’t favor her very much because of the way she came at her, which Adore could understand.

“Well, Jaremi isn’t a huge fan of yours, after what happened.”

Bianca nodded her head in understanding. So this was it, she thought. At least she finally got some sort of closure after 6 months of silence.

She couldn’t deny that this still hurt her though. She really did not like Jaremi, and to this day thought he was wrong for Adore. He was too over the top, and could be really bitchy. He didn’t pay very much attention to what he was saying sometimes. The two of them were also very alike at the same time, fun and outgoing but could be introverts when needed. She supposed it was a Libra thing.

“But Jaremi doesn’t get to dictate who my friends are.” Adore said as she stomped on the last of her cigarette.

“Girl, you are an asshole you know that!” Bianca pushed her to the side playfully. She smiled wide, relieved to have Adore back in her life even if it wasn’t the most amazing friendship in the world right now. She watched the corner of Adore’s lip curl up as she smirked and felt complete for the first time in months.

—————

The girls were basically ready to go on stage when Michelle had decided to make an entrance. She nodded at everyone, approving of their outfits and squeezed Bianca close to her.

“Thank you for saving us tonight!” Michelle gushed.

“Oh it’s no problem. I had nothing better to do really.” Bianca laughed.

She saw Phi Phi giving her the side eye and had to fight a smirk from escaping her lips. Obviously, she was still threatened by Bianca as she noticed her piercing eyes glaring at her from behind her heavy silver bangs.

The other queens in the room laughed nervously and Michelle clapped her hands together, silencing any side conversations.

“Tonight’s a big night ladies. We have some of your families in the audience, so make sure to give this show your all!” Michelle encouraged.

“What? Who’s all here?” Adore asked confused.

“My great aunt is here, I’m sure she’s going to love my Bette Davis impression.” Jinkx winked.

“If she’s anything like you, she won’t be awake by the end of it.” Bianca snorted.

Jinkx glared at her, and Bianca curtseyed as the queens laughed at the exchange.

“Well, I figured I’d bring a certain someone’s family member backstage.” Michelle raised her eyebrows playfully.

Bonnie came walking into the dressing room and Adore’s eyes lit up.

“Oh my god, Mom! What are you doing here?” Adore exclaimed as she ran to hug her.

“Baby, I haven’t been to one of your shows in a while I just wanted to see you!” Bonnie squeezed her back and noticed Bianca over her shoulder. “Oh my god, Roy!” Bonnie’s eyes widened as she pushed Adore aside and ran up to squeeze Bianca.

“Gee, thanks mom.” Adore laughed as her mom ran to her ex-boyfriend. She never was that excited to see Jaremi, Adore thought absently.

Bonnie never called her Bianca in drag, it was always Roy. It never bothered her but she knew that some would find the exchange odd if they didn’t know any better.

“Hi Bonnie, it’s been awhile!” Bianca gushed as she squeezed her hard. She missed Adore’s mom, she was so full of life.

“You know you’re always welcome at my house with or without Adore. Come by and have some enchiladas sometime!” Bonnie smiled as she moved over to Phi Phi. “Phi Phi, I didn’t even see you there I’m sorry honey. I love the silver.” Bonnie exclaimed.

Phi Phi’s face had been disgusted as she watched Bonnie run to Bianca, Adore noticed. This was going to be a fun night after the show, Adore realized grimly.

“Okay guys, we’re on in 5. Good luck and don’t fuck it up!” Michelle winked and left the room.

“I guess that’s my hint to go back to my seat.” Bonnie muttered. The group laughed and waved goodbye to Adore’s

mom. Phi Phi moved over to Adore and pulled her close. Bianca rolled her eyes.

“Gosh Pheef, you’re being so lovey tonight, what’s up?” Adore asked as Phi Phi peppered kisses on her chest.

“I just want to show you that I appreciate you, that’s all.” Phi Phi said, eye’s never leaving Bianca’s. She grabbed her hand and kissed it softly, as Adore leaned her head on her shoulder.

Except Adore’s eyes weren’t on Phi Phi’s, they were on Bianca’s. Bianca smirked and raised her eyebrows as she walked away. Clearly she had gotten under Phi Phi’s skin, without even saying more than a couple of words to her. Adore didn’t need that kind of person as a partner, always stressing out over nothing. Maybe Phi Phi wasn’t the right one for her after all.

——————

“Now, let me introduce to you one of the most talented bitches in the industry, she’s funny, she’s sometimes as dumb as a rock-” Bianca joked.

It had been a smooth show, Bianca realized. Everyone stayed on schedule, no one had messed up in any numbers and they had kept the audience captivated pretty much the whole time. Adore was the last one tonight, which Bianca thought was odd; usually she was the opener to get the audience fired up.

“ Fuck you bitch!” Adore yelled on the mic from backstage. The crowd went crazy and Bianca threw her hands up pretending to be frustrated. Well the next guest was no surprise now.

“Clearly she’s known for her mystery.” Bianca started as she shook her head, and mouthed ‘not really’ to the audience. “Please welcome, Adore Delano!” Bianca roared as she exited the stage.

Whether or not they were on the best terms at the moment, Bianca was thankful that she was able to share the stage with Adore again. She walked back stage and decided to watch the show, since Adore was the last performance of the night. Maybe afterwards they could talk.

Adore ran out on stage in a long blonde wig, with curls cascading down her back, and the black dress they had bought together while shopping a few months ago. Bianca was excited that she was wearing it, maybe it meant that Adore was happy to be friends again. The sequins shimmered under the stage lights as Adore swayed back and forth to the beginning notes to one of her songs.

Dynamite started to blare on the speakers, and Bianca stood backstage and watched her interact with her fans. She was so charismatic and charming. Each and every one of her fans had a big grin on their faces as they cheered her on. She wished that hers and Jaremi’s relationship would just play out already, because the minute it did she would do everything to get Adore back.

Suddenly, after a few lines the music stopped playing and Bianca looked around confused. All of the queens backstage were giggling excitedly.

Adore was looking around confused as well. She then saw Jaremi approaching the stage, not in drag for some reason.

“What the fuck? What are you doing?” Adore looked around nervously. The audience was shrieking with excitement; you could barely hear Adore on the mic.

It was that moment Bianca saw Jaremi in a fitted blazer and black slacks, holding something behind his back.

The crowd was shrieking and Bianca was still confused. Why did her song stop? What was Jaremi doing? It wasn’t hitting her what was actually happening, maybe because she didn’t want it to..

“Is there something wrong with the sound?” Bianca asked one of the backstage crew workers.

“You could call it that.” The crew worker smirked.

Great how fucking vague, Bianca thought.

“Adore, I know we haven’t been together a very long time but I feel like we have something special.” Jaremi started.

“W-what…” Adore trailed off.

Jaremi pulled out a small black velvet box from behind his back and Bianca’s entire world crashed around her. She felt her heart sink to their lowest depths as she watched Jaremi grin widely at Adore.

He was proposing.

He was fucking proposing!

He got down on one knee, and Adore looked around the room frantically.

Bianca’s chest was tight, she felt like she couldn’t breathe as she watched Jaremi smiling with such love for Adore.

Was this really what Adore wanted? Bianca thought. All Bianca wanted to do was run, but she couldn’t keep her eyes off of them. She so badly wanted to run on stage and stop it, but if this was what Adore wanted then she would leave it be. Her heart was beating so fast, tears threatening to spill over and ruin her stacked lashes. She wished Adore would give her some signal that she didn’t want this.

“Adore, will you marry me?” Jaremi asked.

The crowd was holding their breath.

Please say no.

Please, Bianca thought desperately. She bit her lip to stop it from trembling, her signature trait whenever she was about to cry.

All Adore could think of in that moment was Bianca. She had just seen her a few minutes ago as she introduced her to the stage. She had always thought that this moment would be happening with Roy, not Jaremi. Adore never thought her rebound off of Roy would turn into this.

Where was Bianca now? Would she stop this from happening? Does she even care about what’s happening? She had to be watching, Adore looked around frantically to see if she could find Bianca anywhere. To her dismay, she wasn’t met with the artificial blue eye’s she wanted to see since she couldn’t find them.

Bianca wondered who Adore was looking for, as she kept whipping her head around. Maybe she was just trying to soak in the moment. Maybe she was looking for her mom.

Adore had absentmindedly wondered why Bonnie had come to the show tonight, but didn’t think anything of it.

Now she knew why.

It was like he did this on purpose, in front of a huge crowd, and in front of her mom so that she couldn’t possibly say no.

She waited a few more seconds for Bianca to intervene or anyone really, but no one did.

“Y-yes.” Adore finally managed to say.

Adore had finally looked behind her where she finally made eye contact with Bianca. She had seen the whole thing and didn’t stop it. Bianca’s eyes were glossy, her arms crossed as she locked eyes with the love of her life.

She said yes.

She fucking said yes.

That’s all Bianca could think about as she gazed into Adore’s eyes.

Something in her eyes wasn’t right though. They weren’t filled with joy or excitement, just some other emotion Bianca couldn’t put her finger on.

It had felt like minutes that they were staring at each other, but it was really milliseconds, as the crowd roared and Adore turned her head back towards Jaremi, who had slid the ring on her finger.

All of the queens ran on stage to engulf her in a hug. The crowd was roaring, Jaremi was crying happy tears, and then there was Adore; fake smiling and laughing with everyone. She was young, and unsure of if she really wanted to get married right now, but how could she possibly say no. She noticed Bianca wasn’t on stage with the rest of the queens, and when Adore turned back around to search for her, she was gone.

Autumn 2017

It had been over 6 months since the last time Roy had really spoken or hung out with Danny. Over a year since they had really been friends. Over a year since he confessed his love to him.

Since the BOTS tour, Roy had thrown himself into his work. He had finished filming his movie Hurricane Bianca, and had been promoting it all over the country. He also had just finished his North American leg of his new tour, Not Today Satan’ which had gotten amazing reviews. His career was completely blowing up, and he had worked very hard for it.

Even with all of his crazy schedule changes, he still got to go to his therapy appointments in LA. The therapy had helped him a lot, and now he was slowly being weaned off of his medication. He felt like a completely different person.

He gulped nervously as he pulled up to the parking garage near the theatre. Today he would have to see Danny, and possibly work with him. For some reason he was feeling really nervous and uncomfortable about the possibility. It was the All Stars 2 reunion, complete with all of the winning queens of the past seasons and pretty much every drag queen that wanted to be there would be there. Including Jaremi, since now him and Danny had been dating over a year, and pretty serious since they were now engaged. He was really surprised it had lasted as long as it did, but they obviously had something in common he supposed.

He parked his car, and grabbed his suitcase and finale dress from the backseat. He walked down the stairs and across the street to the theatre, hoping he had gotten there early enough to be one of the first ones there. He needed to mentally prepare himself.

He showed the doorman his VIP pass, and walked into the dressing room area where he could hear someone rehearsing.

He knew that voice anywhere. It brought him back to one of the worst times of his life, but yet that very same voice was the only one he would listen to on repeat, even to this day. He checked his watch and looked back up confused as the song echoed throughout the hall. It was still pretty early, especially for him.

He entered the room quietly and set his things down, when the voice slowly tapered off and finished the song. It was I.C.U. which was one of the most beautiful and raw songs Roy had ever heard.

“That’s my favorite song off of your album.” Roy broke the silence as he leaned against the door frame.

Danny jumped and turned around startled. His eyes were bloodshot, accenting his prominent dark circles and his long hair was a messy frame around his face. He looked like he was completely fucked up out of his mind.

“Holy shit! How long have you been there?” Danny asked startled.

“Not long. I didn’t think of you as an early bird.” Roy smirked, noting how flustered he made him.

Danny shrugged as he quietly observed him. The last time he had seen Roy was the night Jaremi had proposed to him. He had wondered how he felt about them, but the silence on social media was a dead ringer after a while. He obviously wasn’t happy he was engaged, more specifically to Jaremi. Roy amazingly never changed though, he still looked the same as when they had met almost four and a half years ago. He still had that mischievous look in his eye that Danny had grown to love.

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me Roy.” Danny murmured running a hand through his hair. It was basically a mullet on him at this point, but he was trying to bring the grunge movement back so he was working with it.

“I can just move down the hall if I’m making you uncomfortable.” Roy said nervously as he started picking his things up. There was another dressing room that he had hoped was empty at this point. This was so awkward.

“No, no it’s fine.” Danny said as he staggered towards Roy. He started laughing hysterically after he almost tripped over himself, and Roy raised an eyebrow.

He noticed he wasn’t wearing his engagement ring today, which had been oddly understated to begin with; it was just a simple rose gold band. Trouble in paradise perhaps? He realized Danny probably didn’t even know what he was saying.

“Exactly how fucked up are you queen?” Roy asked really observing Danny for the first time. He looked incredibly thin, which was surprising because of how much Danny loved junk food and pizza. His shirt was hanging off of his shoulder where his collar bone jutted out, and his skinny jeans hugged his new slender frame.

“Just a ta-aaaad.” Danny drew out his words. Roy sighed and grabbed his arm.

“Come on. We need to sober you up. This is a big day for you. Where the hell is Jaremi?” Roy asked as he drug Danny through the door and outside.

“He doesn’t come in until 1. God you’re still so bossy Roy.” Danny giggled.

Roy smirked and remembered how he bossed him around at their season 6 finale.

———

“Why aren’t you dressed yet?” Bianca asked as she grabbed Adore’s long black dress off the rack.

“Girl, we just got back here basically. Chill.” Adore rolled her eyes as she took a sip out of her drink. She had already changed her wig and makeup to match the longer dress. She thought her long bright red wig would be unique but still pretty enough for the finale.

Bianca snatched the drink out of her hand and poured it in the trash.

“What the fuck? What’s your damage?” Adore got up annoyed. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and crossed her arms as she glared at Bianca.

“You do realize we have to be back out on the main stage in 10 minutes right?” Bianca grumbled annoyed. Adore was known for being notoriously late, but tonight was not one of those nights. Especially if Bianca had anything to say about it.

“Oh shit! Really? I thought we had a longer break then that.” Adore quickly jumped up. She started trying to unzip the current dress she had on, but was failing miserably at removing it. The zipper kept jamming as Adore sighed with frustration.

“Here, I’ll help you.” Bianca started unzipping Adore’s dress easily and gently pulled it off of her. Adore kicked it off quickly and Bianca had already put the dress over her head. Adore roughly pulled the dress down over her padding and curves and Bianca gasped sharply.

“Careful, careful! This fabric is not cheap queen!” Bianca ordered as Adore was wiggling into it. She started pulling it down her torso slowly and smoothing out the fabric.

“Holy slit Batman.” Adore exclaimed at the thigh high slit Bianca had made. Her legs looked incredibly long in the garment, which was a nice change. The fabric draped her shoulders beautifully and the dress hit the floor, even with her platforms.

“Is it too much?” Bianca asked concerned as she got down on the floor and straightened out the train.

“Fuck no, I feel fucking sexy. This was your plan all along wasn’t it?” Adore grinned as she stared at herself in the full length mirror. The slit was basically up to her hip, on the side where Bianca would be able to see her exposed leg since they were sitting ABC style.

“Oh please queen.” Bianca laughed, blushing as she admired her work on Adore. She had done a good job if she could say so herself.

“I can totally flash the crowd in this now thanks to you.” Adore smirked as she opened and closed the opening of the slit. Bianca’s eyes wandered to her tucked bulge and noticed just by moving the fabric to the side you could basically see everything.

“Can you not do that?!” Bianca yelled. She didn’t want a bunch of strangers seeing Adore’s penis, she had made the dress for her own viewing pleasure. Not everyone else’s.

“God, you’re so bossy!” Adore exclaimed. Bianca laughed and started to walk away. She had to be to get this queen anywhere on time, she thought.

“You’re welcome.” Bianca cackled as she walked away in her matching black sequin dress.

———-

“Where are you taking me?” Danny whined. Roy was still dragging him by the arm down the streets of L.A.

“There’s this really good burrito shop that I used to go to all the time. I think a nice fat burrito will help you sober up.” Roy stated.

They walked around the corner and the shop was only a couple of feet away. Suddenly Danny stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and Roy huffed annoyed.

“Come on, let’s go.” Roy urged frustrated. Danny wouldn’t move however.

“Roy, I’m too stoooooned! Can you order for me?” Danny giggled.

Roy sighed. Seriously? This was why he never had kids, he thought.

“Only if you promise me one thing.” Roy demanded.

“Uh okay… what is it?” Danny asked.

“You need to tell me why the FUCK you’re high as a kite at 10:00 in the morning!” Roy exclaimed. Danny jumped back startled and put his hands over his ears. People walking by were staring at the exchange, amused.

“Ow, Roy, you’re being too loud.” Danny complained.

“Oh so you’re hungover too? You have a lot of explaining to do. I’ll be right back.” Roy snapped and went into the burrito shop to get Danny the greasiest burrito that was on the menu.

Why wasn’t Jaremi with him? Roy pondered. Not that he minded helping Danny, but he didn’t understand why he was doing what his fiancé should be.

Roy’s feelings for him haven’t faltered, despite him being engaged. He was still waiting, even after all of this time. He knew Courtney felt terrible every time Danny would post a picture of the two of them on Instagram or Twitter. She would text Roy ‘sorry!’ every single time.

Roy was still upset with Courtney for not telling him the night Jaremi had proposed. After he ran out of the stage area, he packed his things quickly and went home. Courtney stopped by later that night and tried apologizing but he wasn’t having it. He ended up yelling at him, and then kicking him out. Roy didn’t leave his bedroom until he had to leave for his Australian tour.

He was worried about Danny though. He looked like he hadn’t been eating very much, and he looked extremely stressed out. He studied him sitting on the bench outside of the shop looking down at his phone. He frowned at whatever he was staring at on his screen and Roy’s heart ached. Something wasn’t right. The burritos were finally ready and he grabbed them quickly, tipping the worker and he stepped back outside.

“Come on, let’s go back to my car and eat.” Roy said gently. Danny got up almost automatically and they walked back to his car which was a few blocks away.

It was awkwardly silent the whole walk back to the car. Roy scanned through his Instagram as they walked, nothing too over the top was happening yet. He knew later it was going to get crazy.

Roy hit the unlock button on his key and they slid into the vehicle. He handed Danny his burrito and started taking the foil off of his.

“He’s so negative. I have to prepare myself by getting really high every morning.” Danny said. He looked over at Roy who was now studying him intently.

“Who is?” Roy asked.

“Jaremi. Like, everything is always woe is me and it really kills my vibe man.” Danny shrugged as he bit into his burrito.

Well… That wasn’t good.

“Can I say something and you do not get offended?” Roy finally said after a little bit.

“Sure.” Danny said in between bites of his burrito. He was eating it like he hadn’t eaten in days.

Roy frowned at how quickly he devoured his food and was mentally cursing himself for not ordering 2 burritos for him. He sighed and let Danny hear what he had to say.

“I don’t think you should have to get as high as you are right now, to be able to tolerate someone. Whether or not they’re your fiancé.” Roy said.

Danny pondered over that for a minute. Him and Jaremi are really alike, and Jaremi liked to party a lot as well. So Danny found him more tolerable sometimes when he was completely fucked up out of his mind. It was just his way of preparing for him to come back into town. He didn’t think it was terrible, but Roy could hardly say he knew him so what did he know about his relationship?

“I just like to have fun Roy, it’s no big.” Danny shrugged it off.

“You didn’t get this high before our reunion.” Roy argued.

Danny was obviously in denial. He never had to get this high even with his friends, he shouldn’t have to do this to tolerate his potential life partner.

“Whatever man. Why are you helping me anyway? We haven’t spoken or hung out in over a year.” Danny snapped.

“Because no matter how much time passes, I’m still your friend Danny. I’m always going to be here to tell you things, even if you don’t want to hear it.” Roy said annoyed. He started his car and they pulled out of the parking lot in silence.

Danny had finished his burrito, and was sitting in the passenger seat quietly. His year had been very different from Roy’s. He had toured all over the world again with Battle of the Seasons, and had practically burned himself out. He hadn’t really been eating much, and Jaremi had been so upset about the way he was edited on All Stars that he was being extremely manic. He was also pressuring him to pick a date for the wedding, which he didn’t really want to right now with his After Party album tour coming up in the winter. He thought he sensed some jealousy as well when they watched the episode with him and Bianca, because they had edited it to make it look like they were a couple. He had really been stressing Danny out lately.

“Did you watch All Stars?” Danny broke the silence. Roy smirked and looked at Danny out of the corner of his eye.

“Did I watch All Stars? Of course I did queen. You were on it.” Roy laughed.

Danny smiled and then realized that meant he saw her snatch game episode.

“What did you think of snatch game?” Danny asked shyly meekly covering his eyes.

Roy laughed loudly as he parked his car in front of the theatre.

“I was in tears. It was so fucking funny, you really studied me before you did it, didn’t you?” Roy smiled.

“Well I spent so much damn time with you on the road it was pretty easy.” Danny chuckled. Roy blushed and unbuckled his seatbelt. It had felt like the old days within 30 minutes of hanging out.

“Are you feeling better?” Roy asked sincerely.

“Yeah, I am. Thank you for sobering me up. Maybe…” Danny stopped.

“Maybe what?”

“Maybe we can hang out again sometime. I’ve really missed you.” Danny confessed.

Roy could feel his heart swell with happiness for the first time in a long time.

“I’d love that. We need to catch up anyway queen. But first, we should start getting ready.” Roy suggested as they got out of the car. He checked his watch and realized their burrito adventure had taken almost an hour.

“Party.” Adore said. Roy smirked and they walked in unison back into the theatre.

————–

“I need to see Bianca Del Rio, Violet Chachki and Jinkx Monsoon in room B.” One of the producers called.

Bianca looked around at Jinkx and Violet who looked equally as confused, and got up after the producer called. She had just finished her makeup and was about to put her wig on. She scooted her chair out from her station and followed the producer and other queens into the room.

“What’s going on?” Bianca asked as he noticed Chad Michaels was also in the room with them.

“You are all going to be crowning the potential winner tonight.” the producer said.

Jinkx jumped up and down and clapped her hands. “Oh that’s so exciting!” Jinkx exclaimed.

“Why us? Why not Ru or Chad?” Bianca asked confused.

“You and Chad will both be crowning the winning queen. I just want to go over the protocol with you guys.”

The producer explained how everything was going to go down, and Bianca and Chad rehearsed it a few times in front of everyone so that they were satisfied. The other queens then took their turns rehearsing. As silly as it was, it was just better to go through the motions to make it easier when they were on stage, in case any of them got nervous.

“So then who’s crowning who?” Violet asked.

“I’m glad you asked. Jinkx will be crowning Alyssa, Bianca will be crowning Adore, and you will be crowning Katya.”

Bianca’s eyes widened. She would be the one crowning Adore? Holy shit, talk about coming full circle.

“Any other questions?”

“I t-think we’re good.” Bianca stuttered as she smiled politely.

————–

Bianca couldn’t believe she would be the one crowning Adore. It was a tremendous honor but she was incredibly nervous now. She had a feeling she was going to get emotional.

Bianca went outside where some of the queens that were smoking were, and grabbed a joint out of her pocket. She really needed to take this time to calm herself down before she had an anxiety attack. She flicked her lighter, making the flame appear and pressed the flame to the butt of her joint, which was finally lit after a few battles with the wind.

She inhaled the fumes from the marijuana and let it exit her lungs slowly in a large cloud of smoke. She sighed deeply and tapped the joint against the wall to get the ashes to fall off.

She had gotten a prescription card for marijuana at the end of last year, after Danny had rejected him and not spoken to her until this summer. She had no other outlet other than smoking now, and she loved the strains that would actually help relax her. She didn’t do it too often now, since her emotions had been under control for the most part, but when she was feeling extra anxious she would spark up to calm herself down.

“I guess I really am a bad influence.”

Bianca turned and saw Adore leaning against the wall smoking her own joint. A huge cloud of smoke leaked out of her mouth and she smirked.

“I wouldn’t say a bad influence.” Bianca smiled.

“You’re right, you probably need it just as much as I do right now.” Adore laughed. She walked over next to Bianca who took another hit.

They smoked together in silence for a few minutes, blowing thick clouds of smoke at each other. Bianca could feel herself relaxing as she took another drag.

“How are you feeling?”

“I-I’m okay. Better than earlier. Nervous, but who wouldn’t be?” Adore shrugged.

Bianca raised an eyebrow at the stutter. Tonight was a big night for her. Adore probably felt like this time she had gotten this far on her own, and without a lot of help from the other queens.

“Is Phi Phi excited for you?” Bianca asked.

“Oh yeah definitely.” Adore smiled wide. Her eyes however, told another story. Roy studied how they were darker then they usually were.

“Come on Delano, spill the T. What’s wrong?�� Bianca pressed.

Adore looked around to make sure no one was paying attention to them and then grabbed Bianca’s arm. She took her further away from everyone so she could talk to her more privately.

“Dude, Jaremi is thinking about leaving. He’s still super pissed about how he was edited so I feel like he’s going to just leave. He wants me to go with him. But like obviously, I don’t want to. I don’t know what to do.” Adore panicked.

Bianca was pissed. If Jaremi had a vendetta with the editors, that was their issue not Adore’s. Adore was in line for the crown, and could possibly win tonight. Adore took another long drag off of her joint and exhaled the smoke out slowly. Bianca sighed heavily.

“I’ll talk to him.” Bianca said firmly as she started to walk back towards the dressing rooms.

“No, B it’s not a good idea-”

“Adore, baby there you are!” Jaremi called as he closed the backdoor to the dressing room. His smile faltered when he saw Bianca approaching

“You. Me. Talk.” Bianca snapped her fingers towards the corner.

“Bianca, please don’t.” Adore whined.

“What’s going on?” Jaremi looked wearily between the two queens.

“Adore isn’t going with you. If you want to leave, by all means go for it but she has a chance to get $100,000 and a fucking crown.” Bianca snapped.

“Excuse me?” Jaremi huffed.

“Bianca stop.” Adore raised her voice. Bianca looked at her, concerned and then continued.

“Think about it Jaremi. If she leaves, you guys will lose the chance to have $100,000 for your wedding, a house, etc. She has a one in three chance. ” Bianca explained more calmly, as much as she wanted to scream at him right now, now was not the time or place. Some of the other queens outside were watching them carefully.

Adore was watching the exchange between the two of them carefully. She didn’t know how Bianca truly felt about Jaremi, but she wasn’t being too harsh on him. She thought she was going to completely lose it on him. Jaremi wasn’t losing it on her either, which was surprising since he was so jealous of their past relationship.

“Why don’t you mind your own business Roy? Adore can make her own decisions, right babe?” Jaremi looked towards her with pleading eyes. Bianca rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. She made eye contact with Adore and hoped that she would make the right decision.

Adore was looking back and forth between the two of them. Jaremi just wanted her support, which wasn’t overall a horrible thing to expect on his part.

However, Bianca wanted her to stay because she would be walking away from an amazing opportunity if she left. She was so close to the crown yet again. They were like the devil and angel on each shoulder, pulling her in different directions.

“Jaremi, I want to stay.” Adore finally said.

Bianca had to keep a smile from creeping up on her face. She was so happy she had made the right decision.

Jaremi frowned and nodded his head.

“Okay. Whatever. We’ll talk later. Good luck.” Jaremi grabbed the door handle and went back inside, slamming the door behind him.

Adore frowned as she watched the door shut and walked away sighing. Bianca followed her confused.

“Adore? Aren’t you going to go after him?” Bianca asked bewildered.

“Fuck no man! He’s being so fucking selfish right now. I’ll see him later tonight and we’ll deal with it then.” Adore shrugged.

“If you would have left you would’ve regretted it forever.” Bianca murmured. Adore looked at Bianca and smiled faintly.

“Yeah, you’re probably right. Thanks for always looking after me B.” Adore blushed.

“Anything to keep those cheeks pink queen.” Bianca teased as she grabbed Adore’s cheeks and squeezed them.

“Ow, you bitch!” Adore laughed as she smacked her arm away. She immediately covered her mouth after she did it and Bianca looked at her confused.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to do that.” Adore apologized as she grabbed Bianca’s arm and stroked it soothingly.

“No, Adore it’s fine. I’m better now.” Bianca murmured. Adore looked into her dark eyes and realized she was telling the truth. She was still stroking her arm soothingly as she kept gazing into the older queen’s eyes.

Bianca could get lost in Adore’s hazel eyes, but she was spoken for now. It was wrong to put Adore in that position. She grunted awkwardly and pulled her arm away, breaking whatever spell they were under.

“Well, you should probably go get ready queen.” Bianca suggested.

Adore nodded her head.

“You’re right. You too. I’ll see you out there?” Adore questioned.

“You’ll just have to wait and see.” Bianca winked as she walked back into the dressing room. Adore watched her leave and lingered outside for a little bit longer.

She couldn’t believe that Phi Phi had left her here, on one of the biggest nights of her life because she felt like she was edited unfairly. If she felt unsafe in the environment and needed to leave, that’s totally fine. But she shouldn’t have expected her to go with her, like Bianca had said.

Just thinking about Bianca was making her feel guilty. She knew she still had something there for her, and she felt it as soon as they touched.

As long as nothing physical happened, flirting a little bit wasn’t a bad thing right?

This was bad, she thought. This was really bad.

#ahahac #c*nt #biadore #bianca del rio #adore delano #phi phi o'hara #rpdr fanfiction #submission #canon compliant #adore x phi phi #as2 #rare pair

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