#Mickey and Co: Under New Management

[starsfic]

Summaries:

When the Ancients receive word of the Beasts and Dark Enchantress meeting in the Black Salt Flatland, White Lily and Pure Vanilla volunteer to sneak into the meeting in disguise. Unfortunately, White Lily is distracted by the other half of her soul jam and her other half's preparations for her. (There's also Shadowvanilla but it's a secondary chapter.)

In a gesture of unity, as well as to bolster the amount of magic users in preparation for the war against the Beasts and Dark Enchantress, the Blueberry Yogurt Academy has been slowly rebuilt. Now, the opening party has begun- hopefully the Beasts sneaking in won't wreck anything.

The various seasons have their own ways to bring the next step of the cycle. Smut.

The experiments with human souls didn't stop just because Afton died and Vanessa's project requires a sacrifice to keep things steady. She just wished that it wasn't her being sacrificed, or that her soul is now bound to a insane version of the Daycare Attendant.

Space AU with married space criminals Jiankong with naval officers Macaque and Azure after them, except Wukong keeps flirting with them and distracting them to help them escape, wishing he was flirting with his husband.

Prince Wukong and King Macaque AU where Wukong is left at the altar by his fiance and ends up hooking up with the brooding and sexy stranger who was only invited for diplomacy reasons in the "Well we made the party, might as well use it" party. Smut.

Mickey and Co.: Skye and Orion are introduced to the toons' secret sex club.

Four snippets on how the main romantic pairs- Yoshi and Draxum, Raph and Casey, Donnie and April, and Leo and Usagi- get together.

Most of Donnie’s inventions are synced to his heartbeat. They give him away when it comes to April.

Qi Xiaotian and Red Son end up with a cat that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Demon Bull Queen.

Xiangliu is very fond of Sun Wukong's children. He can't help but try to warn them.

[cozm1xxx]

𐔌 . ⋮ GUESS .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

“Is it showing off my brand new lower back tattoo?”

Synopsis…! Lynn gets herself a new tattoo, but is scared of how the gang will react — but it’s the way Dally reacts that catches her off guard.

─────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰ ─────

She’d meant to tell them — honest — she just forgot.

A week prior, Lynn went out and decided to treat herself, inevitably having the bright idea to get a tattoo on her lower back. She’d wanted one for years anyway, and now that she’s eighteen, she can do whatever the hell she wants.

Somehow, though, she managed to forget to tell the gang. Despite the fact they’re some of her best friends, it just didn't feel like something to speak about with them –Angela Shepard, however, is. She was the first and only person she’s told, and because she’s Angela, she loved the design.

“Oh my god, it’s so hot! I might get one too, now! We should match-!” She then blabbered on for an hour about nonsense.

For a while after she got it, she’d simply forgotten to tell them. The design was often covered by pants, anyways. One day, though, her silly little secret gets revealed in a rather odd manner…

───── ─────

It was blazing hot out, normal for a May morning in Tulsa, and Lynn decided to wear a pair of low rise jeans and a cropped tank top, paired with her leather jacket. It’s nearly 80 degrees out, she’s not going to be caught dead in anything else.

“Hey, ya’ll! She calls out, as she and Johnny enter the Curtis house, her typical grin on her face.

A mantra of “hey”s and “hello”s echo throughout the house, all voices familiar and comforting.

“Darry, is the A.C. still broke?” She asks, sitting down on the couch.

“‘Course it is, Lynn. I ain’t a plumber, I’m a roofer.” His response is what she expected, so with a small huff, she takes off her jacket, tossing it away.

Her lower back is inevitably exposed, and guess who’s the first to see the tattoo? Dallas.

He rubs a hand over his face at the sight, mumbling curses under his breath. For several seconds, he does nothing but sit there, staring. His gaze locked on her back with pupils blown wide.

He’s the only one to notice, apparently, based on the fact nobody else has said a word — because we all know they would.

But the moment she’s bending over to grab a soda off the coffee table? He’s a goner.

“Fuck, man…” He murmurs softly, glancing away and adjusting his jeans ever so subtly. His hands find her hips the moment she’s near, tugging her between his legs without a second thought.

“Doll… what the hell is this?” He asks, smoothing a hand over the tattoo, fingers tracing the ridges.

“Oh, uhm, just a tattoo?” Lynn replies, feigning nonchalance with every bone in her body.

At the sound of her words, unfortunately, everyone in the room turns to her. Steve and Two-Bit quit wrestling, Soda stops being their referee, Pony looks up from his book and Johnny tears his gaze away from looking over his shoulder.

Lynn stares at them, her expression blank, as if such a predicament is normal.

“IS THAT A TATTOO??” A shocked Pony gasps, breaking the silence that had been hanging in the air like a taught string. That makes everyone run over, their voices overlapping as they all ask frantically about the new addition to her body.

“When did you get it?”

“Did it hurt?”

“Why the hell did you want it?”

“Not gonna lie, it’s kinda hot….”

At that comment from Two-Bit, Dally stomps on his foot, the hand around Lynn’s waist tightening as the other man yelps.

The whole situation is… interesting, to say the least. She can’t help basking in the attention, showing the thing off with a wide grin.

“Yeah, it didn't hurt much. Which was kinda surprising, since the skin there’s supposed to be sensitive or somethin’. I wanna get more soon, but they’re damn expensive.”

All the while, Dally is watching from the couch, icy eyes locked onto her back.

Eventually, the commotion dies down, and Lynn takes her spot beside Dally, gaze stuck on the TV before her playing Mickey Mouse. But Dallas – of course – is still thinking of that goddamn tattoo. The way it looked on her skin, the design she’d chosen, the image of her laying on the table.

He can't quit thinking about it, and it’s driving him nuts. Why can’t his mind just let it go?

───── ─────

From that point on, whenever he gets the chance, he lets his hands brush her lower back. Lynn doesn’t notice – at least, not until Johnny points it out.

─────⊱༺ ♰ ༻⊰ ─────

a/n: kinda hate this one ngl, but it’s whatever :P

[ao3vich]

2025 - 15 - 07 || 2025 - 22 - 07

UPDATED CHAPTERED FICS Snitches get Stitches by JessalynMichele Expelled, exiled, and branded… Harry Potter is given a ‘fresh start’ in the States with his godfather. They move to Chicago and Harry meets his new neighbors, the Gallagher family.

Chaos, mischief, and drama happen. Most of it’s illegal, some of it’s legal.

But yeah, most of it’s illegal.

In Which Were Never Meant To Be by kyros (kystar)

Bringin' the Heat by ALoonAtLast, mikcrymilkovich, nozenfordaddy (fenna_girl), solitary_creatures_they Former MLB rivals Ian Gallagher (Chicago Cubs star pitcher) and Mickey Milkovich (St. Louis Cardinals starting catcher) are shoved into a new challenge: co-coaching a disaster of a college baseball team. Between chaotic players, unresolved history, and too many late nights, they’re either going to kill each other—or fall in love trying. The heat isn't just on the field.

Mind Like Glass by WhyAreTheyLikeThis It’s funny, Mickey doesn’t remember it being quite so…well, loud here.

But not funny in a ‘haha nice joke’ type of way. More, funny in a ‘mildly unsettling’ way.’

Sure, Mickey’s used to sounds and people being assholes and all the rest. What he’s not used to is hearing all that shit and actually being safe.

Random Fandom Sickfics/Oneshots (Volume 2) by cutekittens820

tête-à-tête by Calli_Writes Ian and Mickey talk about anything and everything over the years. The chapters will jump around in time and are not necessarily set in the same ‘verse.

Perfect Specimen by EnsembleEtiquette In a world where humans are bred, sold, and eaten as livestock, Ian Gallagher is just another cog in the slaughterhouse machine.

Mickey Milkovich flies under the radar, forging classification documents for humans who are on the verge of being turned into cattle.

Love doesn’t mean much when you’re both meat.

in this smoking chaos by JR_ooc Mickey Milkovich has been conscripted. He joins the recruits at Crake War Camp to be trained as a super solider for a government he doesn't believe in.

Ian Gallagher is the best soldier in his age group at Crake War Camp. He's going to make the elites one day. Until a man with black hair and knuckle tattoos joins his cohort and ruins everything.

What does the sun feel like? by Nightmarehour Have you ever wondered what the sun feels like, blaring down on your skin? Well Mickey sure does.

A story of which two boys express their love/longing for the sun, and maybe eachother in the process.

Tasteless by NotHereNJ (efficaceous) The-Modern-Typewriter on Tumblr posted a prompt about a monarch and a poison taster/guard and it really made my imagination go WHEEEEE!

Handy by NotHereNJ (efficaceous) Ian inherits a crumbling lake shore mansion just as he comes out of a long stay in the psych hospital. His realtor is no help, his tenant is wacky, his siblings are jealous: who is going to help Ian make the house livable before winter hits? Should he just sell it? Or can he be patient, see the potential, let the work have time to work? All while managing his own uncertainty in the world once more. And what about the hot handyman he keeps calling?

The Vein in Your Throat by Rayrayor The silence is unnerving. After 11 years in Statesville, the Omega Correctional Center , he is used to noise, screams, and whimpers. The state punished omegas that did not fit the mold, and Mickey was one of their toughest. But 11 years of lockdowns, beatings, and sadistic guards bent him but did not break him. He jumped at the state's offer. Now, maybe, he was serving life in a new prison. Now he was on a remote island estate. Staring at tally marks in red clay, maybe blood, on the wall. No longer an Omega convict. Now, the Alphas keeper.

don't get any big ideas by mickittotheman Mickey and Ian grow up just outside of each others orbits. But some fates are just that: fate.

Intro to Quantum Dating by spoonfulstar another college au

The Unofficial Rules of Galaxy Pier by lesbiangallagher Galaxy Pier’s got rules. Like:

1. Don’t leave your post. 2. Don’t curse at the guests (even when they deserve it). 3. And definitely don’t hook up with your coworker behind the funnel cake stand.

Hurdling Towards You by cometthespacerock, emopriest, Lostinanalternatereality, sam_writes_fics First time Olympic qualifier Ian Gallagher arrives in London for maybe his one and only shot at bringing home the gold in the Men's 110m Hurdles. But when he meets a mysterious man on his first night in the Olympic Village, his plans and his priorities get thrown all out of whack.

Ian tries to focus solely on his lifelong goal, the only reason he's in London in the first place, but he can't get this guy out of his head. Maybe he doesn't really want to...

All of this by dani_moonstar Ian knew that he was a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any given moment and that everyone close to him would eventually become a casualty. So he set everyone free. He broke up with Mickey and soon after, he grabbed a bag and left Chicago without a single word to his family. He would soon find himself questioning his decision, and trying to figure out if he could still salvage what was left of his life.

Fucking Alien Freak by Rayrayor Mickey wakes to a strange new world. Humans controlled and kept as punished, but cherished pets. But he is not gonna roll over and be this redheaded aliens little dog in a sweater. No fucking way . Until , he becomes more. An intergalactic love story . And of course tentacle sex.

Where Things Fell Apart by awaywithherhead Ian Gallagher was living the dream—two beautiful daughters, a husband who adored him, and a successful career. Until tragedy struck… and his world turned upside down.

Having spent more than a third of his life behind bars, Mickey Milkovich is struggling to figure out how to move forward—trapped by his history, scared to dream of a better tomorrow.

When their worlds suddenly collide, after years apart, can their shattered hearts build something solid together?

Simmer Down by Firendeavor, poisonquiver Running a restaurant is hard enough. Running a restaurant that doubles as a Ukranian crime front? Practically impossible.

But Sous Chef Ian Gallagher is no quitter. It certainly helps that career criminal Mickey Milkovich isn't so hard on the eyes either.

Little Sips by Katicusdramaticus Mickey is an Old World vampire. Very Old World. And he has neither the time nor patience for this new breed of blood suckers. All-American Ian thought he had found true love until he wakes up to find himself abandoned by his lover and distinctly undead. He has no idea what he's doing.

cherry flavored conversations. by mick_exe 100-500 word drabbles/ficlets. :)

Recovery by JessiJ1997 While Ian does everything he can to give Mickey stability and security, a new battle begins for both of them: Against the trauma of abuse and manipulation. Against the guilt and the feeling of being wrong and defective. Against society and a system that was never built for people like Mickey. Can love grow in a world like this?

A love like that by Cherrypopped Mickey and Ian's love viewed by their family

Parallel Bars by Katicusdramaticus After years of abandonment, Mickey gets released from prison and learns the terrible truth of why Ian never visited.

Real World 🌍 by Cherrypopped The real World but Gallavich

Galladrabbles from Tumblir by Rayrayor

Galladrabbles - 100-ish Word Prompt Fics by KateJ

You're the only friend I need by Lupins_grampa_sweater Ian, Lip, Mandy and Mickey share some moments during the summer.

[artdecosupernova-writing]

Partners II

The year is 1960. Tragedy separates Ben and Reagan literally and figuratively, likely for good. On top of coping with their professional split, they now have to cope with the ever-hovering idea that they may no longer have each other to lean against when they need to, which sends both of them spiraling into their personal brands of hellish nightmares. And with over 5,000 miles between them indefinitely for the first time in 30 years, those spirals become almost impossible to grind to a halt.

Protagonists

Reagan Gilmore • 39 • August 15th, 1921 • Ireland

Reagan went on to become an internationally beloved performer and actor with a few Academy Award nominations under his belt. He's doing his level best to be the best single dad to his two kids that he can, and though he's always considered Ben to be a covert co-parent, he can't help but let his own guilt and insecurities overshadow him. Being pulled back to Ireland for an undetermined amount of time wreaks havoc on his mental state, unleashing a reckless and irresponsible component of his personality that previously went undiscovered.

Ben Murray • 35 • February 27th, 1925 • New Jersey

Ben has become an accomplished singer/songwriter in his own right, composing a few scores for films—some of which Reagan was a star—as well as topping several music charts and earning gold records in the infancy of the certification. His life with Faye and their daughter seems pristine on the surface, but he's not quite sure he wants to keep it that way. The deep-rooted emotional tribulations he'd carried with him his whole life reveals itself to be poisonous, eating away at his mental stability and his physical health simultaneously.

• • •

"You destroyed me that night, you know." Ben cast despondent eyes across the shoreline, the salt of the breeze rustling through his hair. The looming void of night and the pliant sand swallowing their feet foreshadowed their immediate futures. "I had no god damn idea what I was gonna do without you. I was terrified." A knot manifested in Reagan's chest that he couldn't shake. "What, exactly, could equal that?" He observed the fissure between Ben's brows. "What could I possibly say that would be as devastating, if not more, as tellin' you we had to dissolve our partnership?" "I don't even know." "Would it be that we can't be together anymore? After all this time?" Reagan meant to sound casual but the words made him bite a bit more than he expected. "After all we've been through? You know better than that." "It's what you're doin'. It's exactly what you're doin'." Ben finally turned to him. "By packing your shit and movin' all the way across the Atlantic, it's what you're doin'." The knot in Reagan's chest ballooned painfully into a leaky bubble of frustration he could no longer ignore. "Do you think this is easy for me? I can't take my kids, Ben. My dad has never met his grandkids and he probably never will. I can't take you. It's killin' me that I gotta leave you behind, but that's just the way it's gonna have to be, isn't it? You'll be here with your family and Faye's family and...you get to be here with my family, for fuck's sake. You're not gonna be alone this time; I am!" It dawned over Ben's face in slow motion. The swell of his throat bobbed and he dropped his gaze to the sand, unspeaking for several moments, allowing the miles of crashing waves to do the talking. The familiar reddening around his eyes betrayed his despair.

• • •

"You are possibly the most touched clown known to man," Mickey grumbled in his face. "Where is your manager and why is he allowing this caterwauling to continue?" "I don't have a manager," Ben said, breathless from nerves. "I've never needed one." Mickey's expression was hard and unforgiving unlike anything seen from him before. "You've always needed one. You needed one when you had one, as I can't fathom the meaning of letting you flounder on your own while your supposed better half sits pretty on his Hollywood throne." His gun found its way out of his shoulder holster, and a glint of the ceiling light bouncing off the gold metal and mother of pearl handle spoke words he chose not to speak himself. He pressed the tip of the weapon into Ben's shoulder. "Get out there and do your job, right now." "What the fuck, Mickey?!" Ben shoved the barrel away from him with the hand not currently pinned behind his back. "Put that away!" "You're the first man to ever say that to me. Do you feel special?" "I hate you so much. I hope you know that I hate you with all the rage I got left in me." "How ever will I live without your approval?" Mickey snapped. Though he spared a furtive peek at the gun first, Ben grit his teeth and turned a resolute glare onto him. "You wouldn't shoot me. You've protected me and Reagan for ten years, and you're not stupid enough to undo all of that by killing me. And even if you only catch an arm or a leg, I still wouldn't be able to perform." Mickey jammed the tip of the gun into the underside of Ben's jaw, sending a shock of pain through his throat and under his tongue. "Just how much are you willing to gamble in your own favor, Stick?" Mickey murmured, a perilous gleam overcoming his widened eyes.

[bravecompanynews]

HBO Renews INDUSTRY For A Fourth Season - Notice Today Internet - #GLOBAL https://www.merchant-business.com/hbo-renews-industry-for-a-fourth-season/?feed_id=208237&_unique_id=66f0198d6a45d Google NewsThe Original Drama Series is Produced by Bad Wolf For HBOWEBWIRE – Friday, September 20, 2024HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode third season on Sunday, September 29 on HBO and Max.Season three of INDUSTRY is pacing nearly 40% ahead of season two with an average of 1.6M viewers per episode, and growing. Viewership for Industry in the past five weeks rank among its top five weeks ever. Social conversations are tracking over 2X higher than last season while growing by double-digits each week.Season 3 logline: INDUSTRY gives an insiders view of the blackbox of high finance following a group of young bankers as they forge their identities within the pressure cooker environment and sex and drug fueled blitz of international bank Pierpoint & Cos London office. In season three, as Pierpoint looks to the future and takes a big bet on ethical investing, Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Eric (Ken Leung) find themselves front and center in the splashy IPO of Lumi, a green tech energy company led by Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington), in a story that runs all the way to the very top of finance, media, and government. Since leaving Pierpoint, Harper (Myhala) is eager to get back into the addictive thrill of finance and finds an unlikely partner in FutureDawn portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg).Season 3 cast: Myhala, Marisa Abela, Harry Lawtey, Ken Leung, Conor MacNeill, Sagar Radia, Kit Harington, Sarah Goldberg, Miriam Petche, Indy Lewis, Adam Levy, Sarah Parish, Trevor White, Elena Saurel, Irfan Shamji, Andrew Havill, Roger Barclay, Fady Elsayed, and Fiona Button.Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, quote:For three seasons, INDUSTRY has been unflinching in its examination of ambition and class, solidifying itself as a marquee HBO drama. Under Mickey and Konrads singular vision, this twisted, thrilling look at London finance has redefined the contemporary workplace show. Were so excited that viewers and critics have recognized season three as bigger and better than ever, buoyed by sublime performances from our unparalleled cast. We have no doubt that Mickey and Konrad, alongside the amazing team under executive producer Jane Tranter at Bad Wolf and executive producer Kathleen McCaffrey, will take season four to even greater heights.Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Creators, Writers, Directors and Executive Producers, quote:”We are beyond thrilled and grateful to HBO, the incredible team at Bad Wolf and our phenomenal cast and crew for their continued belief in *Industry* and for allowing us to grow as creators, writers and now directors whilst taking the show to new heights. We cant wait to dive deeper and deliver the best season yet in season 4Jane Tranter, Executive Producer, CEO and Founder, Bad Wolf, quote: It has been an extraordinary journey over the past 8 years from initial development to now the commission of a fourth season of Industry. HBOs unswerving belief in Mickey, Konrad, the cast and the whole creative team at Bad Wolf is a huge vote of confidence in uncertain times. This commitment to nurturing new talent and investment in quality programming has resulted in a show we are all exceptionally proud of. Bad Wolf cannot wait to get everyone back to Wolf Studios Wales to take Industry to even greater heights.Season three of INDUSTRY was declared by TIME as the must watch show of the summer and a steamy, propulsive drama… [with] smart storytelling. GQ hailed it as the best show on TV while the Los Angeles Times praised its riveting performances and a return to prestige TV. The New York Times referred to it as

appointment viewing, Vanity Fair called it captivating, sexy, and breathlessly entertaining, and TheWrapdescribed it as bigger, better, and more ambitious than ever.Season 3 credits: INDUSTRY is created, written, and executive produced by Mickey Down & Konrad Kay. The series is a Bad Wolf Production for HBO/BBC and is executive produced by Jane Tranter, Kate Crowther, and Ryan Rasmussen for Bad Wolf; and Rebecca Ferguson for BBC. Directors include Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Isabella Eklf, and Zo Wittock. Kathleen McCaffrey of Little Gems will be joining as executive producer for the new season.( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/8/327198/327198-1.jpg )WebWireID327198 This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.Source of this programme “These modules are astonishing.”“- • HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,�from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode…”Source: Read MoreSource Link: https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=327198#GoogleNews – BLOGGER – GoogleNews http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-1659688.jpeg BLOGGER - #GLOBAL

[companyknowledgenews]

HBO Renews INDUSTRY For A Fourth Season - Notice Today Internet https://www.merchant-business.com/hbo-renews-industry-for-a-fourth-season/?feed_id=208238&_unique_id=66f0198e4afea #GLOBAL - BLOGGER BLOGGER Google NewsThe Original Drama Series is Produced by Bad Wolf For HBOWEBWIRE – Friday, September 20, 2024HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode third season on Sunday, September 29 on HBO and Max.Season three of INDUSTRY is pacing nearly 40% ahead of season two with an average of 1.6M viewers per episode, and growing. Viewership for Industry in the past five weeks rank among its top five weeks ever. Social conversations are tracking over 2X higher than last season while growing by double-digits each week.Season 3 logline: INDUSTRY gives an insiders view of the blackbox of high finance following a group of young bankers as they forge their identities within the pressure cooker environment and sex and drug fueled blitz of international bank Pierpoint & Cos London office. In season three, as Pierpoint looks to the future and takes a big bet on ethical investing, Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Eric (Ken Leung) find themselves front and center in the splashy IPO of Lumi, a green tech energy company led by Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington), in a story that runs all the way to the very top of finance, media, and government. Since leaving Pierpoint, Harper (Myhala) is eager to get back into the addictive thrill of finance and finds an unlikely partner in FutureDawn portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg).Season 3 cast: Myhala, Marisa Abela, Harry Lawtey, Ken Leung, Conor MacNeill, Sagar Radia, Kit Harington, Sarah Goldberg, Miriam Petche, Indy Lewis, Adam Levy, Sarah Parish, Trevor White, Elena Saurel, Irfan Shamji, Andrew Havill, Roger Barclay, Fady Elsayed, and Fiona Button.Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, quote:For three seasons, INDUSTRY has been unflinching in its examination of ambition and class, solidifying itself as a marquee HBO drama. Under Mickey and Konrads singular vision, this twisted, thrilling look at London finance has redefined the contemporary workplace show. Were so excited that viewers and critics have recognized season three as bigger and better than ever, buoyed by sublime performances from our unparalleled cast. We have no doubt that Mickey and Konrad, alongside the amazing team under executive producer Jane Tranter at Bad Wolf and executive producer Kathleen McCaffrey, will take season four to even greater heights.Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Creators, Writers, Directors and Executive Producers, quote:”We are beyond thrilled and grateful to HBO, the incredible team at Bad Wolf and our phenomenal cast and crew for their continued belief in *Industry* and for allowing us to grow as creators, writers and now directors whilst taking the show to new heights. We cant wait to dive deeper and deliver the best season yet in season 4Jane Tranter, Executive Producer, CEO and Founder, Bad Wolf, quote: It has been an extraordinary journey over the past 8 years from initial development to now the commission of a fourth season of Industry. HBOs unswerving belief in Mickey, Konrad, the cast and the whole creative team at Bad Wolf is a huge vote of confidence in uncertain times. This commitment to nurturing new talent and investment in quality programming has resulted in a show we are all exceptionally proud of. Bad Wolf cannot wait to get everyone back to Wolf Studios Wales to take Industry to even greater heights.Season three of INDUSTRY was declared by TIME as the must watch show of the summer and a steamy, propulsive drama… [with] smart storytelling. GQ hailed it as the best show on TV while the Los Angeles Times praised its riveting performances and a return to prestige TV. The New York Times

referred to it as appointment viewing, Vanity Fair called it captivating, sexy, and breathlessly entertaining, and TheWrapdescribed it as bigger, better, and more ambitious than ever.Season 3 credits: INDUSTRY is created, written, and executive produced by Mickey Down & Konrad Kay. The series is a Bad Wolf Production for HBO/BBC and is executive produced by Jane Tranter, Kate Crowther, and Ryan Rasmussen for Bad Wolf; and Rebecca Ferguson for BBC. Directors include Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Isabella Eklf, and Zo Wittock. Kathleen McCaffrey of Little Gems will be joining as executive producer for the new season.( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/8/327198/327198-1.jpg )WebWireID327198 This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.Source of this programme “These modules are astonishing.”“- • HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,�from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode…”Source: Read MoreSource Link: https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=327198#GoogleNews – BLOGGER – GoogleNews http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-1659688.jpeg Google News The Original Drama Series is Produced by Bad Wolf For HBO WEBWIRE – Friday, September 20, 2024 HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode third season on Sunday, September 29 on HBO … Read More

[boldcompanynews]

HBO Renews INDUSTRY For A Fourth Season - Notice Today Internet - BLOGGER https://www.merchant-business.com/hbo-renews-industry-for-a-fourth-season/?feed_id=208236&_unique_id=66f0198c88c73 Google NewsThe Original Drama Series is Produced by Bad Wolf For HBOWEBWIRE – Friday, September 20, 2024HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode third season on Sunday, September 29 on HBO and Max.Season three of INDUSTRY is pacing nearly 40% ahead of season two with an average of 1.6M viewers per episode, and growing. Viewership for Industry in the past five weeks rank among its top five weeks ever. Social conversations are tracking over 2X higher than last season while growing by double-digits each week.Season 3 logline: INDUSTRY gives an insiders view of the blackbox of high finance following a group of young bankers as they forge their identities within the pressure cooker environment and sex and drug fueled blitz of international bank Pierpoint & Cos London office. In season three, as Pierpoint looks to the future and takes a big bet on ethical investing, Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Eric (Ken Leung) find themselves front and center in the splashy IPO of Lumi, a green tech energy company led by Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington), in a story that runs all the way to the very top of finance, media, and government. Since leaving Pierpoint, Harper (Myhala) is eager to get back into the addictive thrill of finance and finds an unlikely partner in FutureDawn portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg).Season 3 cast: Myhala, Marisa Abela, Harry Lawtey, Ken Leung, Conor MacNeill, Sagar Radia, Kit Harington, Sarah Goldberg, Miriam Petche, Indy Lewis, Adam Levy, Sarah Parish, Trevor White, Elena Saurel, Irfan Shamji, Andrew Havill, Roger Barclay, Fady Elsayed, and Fiona Button.Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, quote:For three seasons, INDUSTRY has been unflinching in its examination of ambition and class, solidifying itself as a marquee HBO drama. Under Mickey and Konrads singular vision, this twisted, thrilling look at London finance has redefined the contemporary workplace show. Were so excited that viewers and critics have recognized season three as bigger and better than ever, buoyed by sublime performances from our unparalleled cast. We have no doubt that Mickey and Konrad, alongside the amazing team under executive producer Jane Tranter at Bad Wolf and executive producer Kathleen McCaffrey, will take season four to even greater heights.Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Creators, Writers, Directors and Executive Producers, quote:”We are beyond thrilled and grateful to HBO, the incredible team at Bad Wolf and our phenomenal cast and crew for their continued belief in *Industry* and for allowing us to grow as creators, writers and now directors whilst taking the show to new heights. We cant wait to dive deeper and deliver the best season yet in season 4Jane Tranter, Executive Producer, CEO and Founder, Bad Wolf, quote: It has been an extraordinary journey over the past 8 years from initial development to now the commission of a fourth season of Industry. HBOs unswerving belief in Mickey, Konrad, the cast and the whole creative team at Bad Wolf is a huge vote of confidence in uncertain times. This commitment to nurturing new talent and investment in quality programming has resulted in a show we are all exceptionally proud of. Bad Wolf cannot wait to get everyone back to Wolf Studios Wales to take Industry to even greater heights.Season three of INDUSTRY was declared by TIME as the must watch show of the summer and a steamy, propulsive drama… [with] smart storytelling. GQ hailed it as the best show on TV while the Los Angeles Times praised its riveting performances and a return to prestige TV. The New York Times referred to it as

appointment viewing, Vanity Fair called it captivating, sexy, and breathlessly entertaining, and TheWrapdescribed it as bigger, better, and more ambitious than ever.Season 3 credits: INDUSTRY is created, written, and executive produced by Mickey Down & Konrad Kay. The series is a Bad Wolf Production for HBO/BBC and is executive produced by Jane Tranter, Kate Crowther, and Ryan Rasmussen for Bad Wolf; and Rebecca Ferguson for BBC. Directors include Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Isabella Eklf, and Zo Wittock. Kathleen McCaffrey of Little Gems will be joining as executive producer for the new season.( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/8/327198/327198-1.jpg )WebWireID327198 This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.Source of this programme “These modules are astonishing.”“- • HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,�from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode…”Source: Read MoreSource Link: https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=327198#GoogleNews – BLOGGER – GoogleNews http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-1659688.jpeg #GLOBAL - BLOGGER Google NewsThe Orig... BLOGGER - #GLOBAL

[technologycompanynews]

HBO Renews INDUSTRY For A Fourth Season - Notice Today Internet - BLOGGER https://www.merchant-business.com/hbo-renews-industry-for-a-fourth-season/?feed_id=208235&_unique_id=66f0198a0cf2c Google NewsThe Original Drama Series is Produced by Bad Wolf For HBOWEBWIRE – Friday, September 20, 2024HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode third season on Sunday, September 29 on HBO and Max.Season three of INDUSTRY is pacing nearly 40% ahead of season two with an average of 1.6M viewers per episode, and growing. Viewership for Industry in the past five weeks rank among its top five weeks ever. Social conversations are tracking over 2X higher than last season while growing by double-digits each week.Season 3 logline: INDUSTRY gives an insiders view of the blackbox of high finance following a group of young bankers as they forge their identities within the pressure cooker environment and sex and drug fueled blitz of international bank Pierpoint & Cos London office. In season three, as Pierpoint looks to the future and takes a big bet on ethical investing, Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Eric (Ken Leung) find themselves front and center in the splashy IPO of Lumi, a green tech energy company led by Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington), in a story that runs all the way to the very top of finance, media, and government. Since leaving Pierpoint, Harper (Myhala) is eager to get back into the addictive thrill of finance and finds an unlikely partner in FutureDawn portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg).Season 3 cast: Myhala, Marisa Abela, Harry Lawtey, Ken Leung, Conor MacNeill, Sagar Radia, Kit Harington, Sarah Goldberg, Miriam Petche, Indy Lewis, Adam Levy, Sarah Parish, Trevor White, Elena Saurel, Irfan Shamji, Andrew Havill, Roger Barclay, Fady Elsayed, and Fiona Button.Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, quote:For three seasons, INDUSTRY has been unflinching in its examination of ambition and class, solidifying itself as a marquee HBO drama. Under Mickey and Konrads singular vision, this twisted, thrilling look at London finance has redefined the contemporary workplace show. Were so excited that viewers and critics have recognized season three as bigger and better than ever, buoyed by sublime performances from our unparalleled cast. We have no doubt that Mickey and Konrad, alongside the amazing team under executive producer Jane Tranter at Bad Wolf and executive producer Kathleen McCaffrey, will take season four to even greater heights.Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Creators, Writers, Directors and Executive Producers, quote:”We are beyond thrilled and grateful to HBO, the incredible team at Bad Wolf and our phenomenal cast and crew for their continued belief in *Industry* and for allowing us to grow as creators, writers and now directors whilst taking the show to new heights. We cant wait to dive deeper and deliver the best season yet in season 4Jane Tranter, Executive Producer, CEO and Founder, Bad Wolf, quote: It has been an extraordinary journey over the past 8 years from initial development to now the commission of a fourth season of Industry. HBOs unswerving belief in Mickey, Konrad, the cast and the whole creative team at Bad Wolf is a huge vote of confidence in uncertain times. This commitment to nurturing new talent and investment in quality programming has resulted in a show we are all exceptionally proud of. Bad Wolf cannot wait to get everyone back to Wolf Studios Wales to take Industry to even greater heights.Season three of INDUSTRY was declared by TIME as the must watch show of the summer and a steamy, propulsive drama… [with] smart storytelling. GQ hailed it as the best show on TV while the Los Angeles Times praised its riveting performances and a return to prestige TV. The New York Times referred to it as

appointment viewing, Vanity Fair called it captivating, sexy, and breathlessly entertaining, and TheWrapdescribed it as bigger, better, and more ambitious than ever.Season 3 credits: INDUSTRY is created, written, and executive produced by Mickey Down & Konrad Kay. The series is a Bad Wolf Production for HBO/BBC and is executive produced by Jane Tranter, Kate Crowther, and Ryan Rasmussen for Bad Wolf; and Rebecca Ferguson for BBC. Directors include Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Isabella Eklf, and Zo Wittock. Kathleen McCaffrey of Little Gems will be joining as executive producer for the new season.( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/8/327198/327198-1.jpg )WebWireID327198 This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.Source of this programme “These modules are astonishing.”“- • HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,�from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode…”Source: Read MoreSource Link: https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=327198#GoogleNews – BLOGGER – GoogleNews http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-1659688.jpeg BLOGGER - #GLOBAL Google News The Original Drama Series is Produced by Bad Wolf For HBO WEBWIRE – Friday, September 20, 2024 HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode third season on Sunday, September 29 on HBO … Read More

[onlinecompanynews]

HBO Renews INDUSTRY For A Fourth Season - Notice Today Internet https://www.merchant-business.com/hbo-renews-industry-for-a-fourth-season/?feed_id=208234&_unique_id=66f0186298417 Google NewsThe Orig... BLOGGER - #GLOBAL Google NewsThe Original Drama Series is Produced by Bad Wolf For HBOWEBWIRE – Friday, September 20, 2024HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode third season on Sunday, September 29 on HBO and Max.Season three of INDUSTRY is pacing nearly 40% ahead of season two with an average of 1.6M viewers per episode, and growing. Viewership for Industry in the past five weeks rank among its top five weeks ever. Social conversations are tracking over 2X higher than last season while growing by double-digits each week.Season 3 logline: INDUSTRY gives an insiders view of the blackbox of high finance following a group of young bankers as they forge their identities within the pressure cooker environment and sex and drug fueled blitz of international bank Pierpoint & Cos London office. In season three, as Pierpoint looks to the future and takes a big bet on ethical investing, Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Eric (Ken Leung) find themselves front and center in the splashy IPO of Lumi, a green tech energy company led by Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington), in a story that runs all the way to the very top of finance, media, and government. Since leaving Pierpoint, Harper (Myhala) is eager to get back into the addictive thrill of finance and finds an unlikely partner in FutureDawn portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg).Season 3 cast: Myhala, Marisa Abela, Harry Lawtey, Ken Leung, Conor MacNeill, Sagar Radia, Kit Harington, Sarah Goldberg, Miriam Petche, Indy Lewis, Adam Levy, Sarah Parish, Trevor White, Elena Saurel, Irfan Shamji, Andrew Havill, Roger Barclay, Fady Elsayed, and Fiona Button.Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, quote:For three seasons, INDUSTRY has been unflinching in its examination of ambition and class, solidifying itself as a marquee HBO drama. Under Mickey and Konrads singular vision, this twisted, thrilling look at London finance has redefined the contemporary workplace show. Were so excited that viewers and critics have recognized season three as bigger and better than ever, buoyed by sublime performances from our unparalleled cast. We have no doubt that Mickey and Konrad, alongside the amazing team under executive producer Jane Tranter at Bad Wolf and executive producer Kathleen McCaffrey, will take season four to even greater heights.Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Creators, Writers, Directors and Executive Producers, quote:”We are beyond thrilled and grateful to HBO, the incredible team at Bad Wolf and our phenomenal cast and crew for their continued belief in *Industry* and for allowing us to grow as creators, writers and now directors whilst taking the show to new heights. We cant wait to dive deeper and deliver the best season yet in season 4Jane Tranter, Executive Producer, CEO and Founder, Bad Wolf, quote: It has been an extraordinary journey over the past 8 years from initial development to now the commission of a fourth season of Industry. HBOs unswerving belief in Mickey, Konrad, the cast and the whole creative team at Bad Wolf is a huge vote of confidence in uncertain times. This commitment to nurturing new talent and investment in quality programming has resulted in a show we are all exceptionally proud of. Bad Wolf cannot wait to get everyone back to Wolf Studios Wales to take Industry to even greater heights.Season three of INDUSTRY was declared by TIME as the must watch show of the summer and a steamy, propulsive drama… [with] smart storytelling. GQ hailed it as the best show on TV while the Los Angeles Times praised its riveting performances and a return to prestige TV. The

New York Times referred to it as appointment viewing, Vanity Fair called it captivating, sexy, and breathlessly entertaining, and TheWrapdescribed it as bigger, better, and more ambitious than ever.Season 3 credits: INDUSTRY is created, written, and executive produced by Mickey Down & Konrad Kay. The series is a Bad Wolf Production for HBO/BBC and is executive produced by Jane Tranter, Kate Crowther, and Ryan Rasmussen for Bad Wolf; and Rebecca Ferguson for BBC. Directors include Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Isabella Eklf, and Zo Wittock. Kathleen McCaffrey of Little Gems will be joining as executive producer for the new season.( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/8/327198/327198-1.jpg )WebWireID327198 This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.Source of this programme “These modules are astonishing.”“- • HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,�from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode…”Source: Read MoreSource Link: https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=327198#GoogleNews – BLOGGER – GoogleNews http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-1659688.jpeg #GLOBAL - BLOGGER Google News The Original Drama Series is Produced by Bad Wolf For HBO WEBWIRE – Friday, September 20, 2024 HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode third season on Sunday, September 29 on HBO … Read More

[internetcompanynews]

HBO Renews INDUSTRY For A Fourth Season - Notice Today Internet - BLOGGER https://www.merchant-business.com/hbo-renews-industry-for-a-fourth-season/?feed_id=208233&_unique_id=66f01861b3df1 Google NewsThe Original Drama Series is Produced by Bad Wolf For HBOWEBWIRE – Friday, September 20, 2024HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode third season on Sunday, September 29 on HBO and Max.Season three of INDUSTRY is pacing nearly 40% ahead of season two with an average of 1.6M viewers per episode, and growing. Viewership for Industry in the past five weeks rank among its top five weeks ever. Social conversations are tracking over 2X higher than last season while growing by double-digits each week.Season 3 logline: INDUSTRY gives an insiders view of the blackbox of high finance following a group of young bankers as they forge their identities within the pressure cooker environment and sex and drug fueled blitz of international bank Pierpoint & Cos London office. In season three, as Pierpoint looks to the future and takes a big bet on ethical investing, Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Eric (Ken Leung) find themselves front and center in the splashy IPO of Lumi, a green tech energy company led by Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington), in a story that runs all the way to the very top of finance, media, and government. Since leaving Pierpoint, Harper (Myhala) is eager to get back into the addictive thrill of finance and finds an unlikely partner in FutureDawn portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg).Season 3 cast: Myhala, Marisa Abela, Harry Lawtey, Ken Leung, Conor MacNeill, Sagar Radia, Kit Harington, Sarah Goldberg, Miriam Petche, Indy Lewis, Adam Levy, Sarah Parish, Trevor White, Elena Saurel, Irfan Shamji, Andrew Havill, Roger Barclay, Fady Elsayed, and Fiona Button.Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, quote:For three seasons, INDUSTRY has been unflinching in its examination of ambition and class, solidifying itself as a marquee HBO drama. Under Mickey and Konrads singular vision, this twisted, thrilling look at London finance has redefined the contemporary workplace show. Were so excited that viewers and critics have recognized season three as bigger and better than ever, buoyed by sublime performances from our unparalleled cast. We have no doubt that Mickey and Konrad, alongside the amazing team under executive producer Jane Tranter at Bad Wolf and executive producer Kathleen McCaffrey, will take season four to even greater heights.Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Creators, Writers, Directors and Executive Producers, quote:”We are beyond thrilled and grateful to HBO, the incredible team at Bad Wolf and our phenomenal cast and crew for their continued belief in *Industry* and for allowing us to grow as creators, writers and now directors whilst taking the show to new heights. We cant wait to dive deeper and deliver the best season yet in season 4Jane Tranter, Executive Producer, CEO and Founder, Bad Wolf, quote: It has been an extraordinary journey over the past 8 years from initial development to now the commission of a fourth season of Industry. HBOs unswerving belief in Mickey, Konrad, the cast and the whole creative team at Bad Wolf is a huge vote of confidence in uncertain times. This commitment to nurturing new talent and investment in quality programming has resulted in a show we are all exceptionally proud of. Bad Wolf cannot wait to get everyone back to Wolf Studios Wales to take Industry to even greater heights.Season three of INDUSTRY was declared by TIME as the must watch show of the summer and a steamy, propulsive drama… [with] smart storytelling. GQ hailed it as the best show on TV while the Los Angeles Times praised its riveting performances and a return to prestige TV. The New York Times referred to it as

appointment viewing, Vanity Fair called it captivating, sexy, and breathlessly entertaining, and TheWrapdescribed it as bigger, better, and more ambitious than ever.Season 3 credits: INDUSTRY is created, written, and executive produced by Mickey Down & Konrad Kay. The series is a Bad Wolf Production for HBO/BBC and is executive produced by Jane Tranter, Kate Crowther, and Ryan Rasmussen for Bad Wolf; and Rebecca Ferguson for BBC. Directors include Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Isabella Eklf, and Zo Wittock. Kathleen McCaffrey of Little Gems will be joining as executive producer for the new season.( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/8/327198/327198-1.jpg )WebWireID327198 This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.Source of this programme “These modules are astonishing.”“- • HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,�from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode…”Source: Read MoreSource Link: https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=327198#GoogleNews – BLOGGER – GoogleNews http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-1659688.jpeg HBO Renews INDUSTRY For A Fourth Season - Notice Today Internet - #GLOBAL BLOGGER - #GLOBAL

[starsfic]

Main AU List

These are not all of my AUs, these are just the main ones spinning around. Some of these need to be updated.

LEGO Monkie Kid

Art School AU- AU where everyone is mortal and the Traffic Light Trio attend the same art school. Ships in particular: rivals to friends to lovers Spicynoodles and former criminal and JTTW scholar Tripsun.

DND AU- An AU where everything past S1 is a DND campaign the gang is playing, DMed by Wukong, with Bai He as Xiaotian’s little sister.

Mortality Swap AU- Bai He becomes Lady Bone Demon’s successor against the forces of Sun Wukong and the descendants of his brothers. Needs to figure out S4-S5.

The Iron Princess AU- Ironbull and Spicynoodles swap places, with Tang’s tea delivery girl Iron stealing a container of Macaque’s shadow magic from the Demon Red family. Needs to figure out S4-S5.

The Stolen Prince AU- The classic Macaque raises Qi Xiaotian AU, with the fact that Macaque stole Xiaotian when he was a baby from Wukong and is raised in the Demon Bull stronghold as a (puppet) ally.

A New World- More of a headcanon, the cycle changes the story each time. Cracks in the story form when the stones are broken, allowing old characters to slip out and try to regain their roles, such as General Liu, who's role Macaque stole, and Wukong's children.

Gravity Falls

Weak Little Thing- An AU where Dipper and Mabel live in Gravity Falls part time and Stan refuses to leave the Shack because Ford can barely remember to take

Grandpa and Great-Uncle- An AU where Shermie is also in Gravity Falls

Came Back (Not) Wrong- Stan dies and Ford is so stricken with grief and regret that he makes another deal with his Muse. Stan is brought back to life with a working bullshit meter, while Ford angsts about their lost time.

The Three Siblings- Several of Bill's race survive by forcing themselves off the flat plane, including Tad Strange and Jill Cryptogram, Bill's older brother and younger sister. Jill is also an interdimensional therapist.

Poppy Playtime

Stuck Together- The Prototype and Player both die in their battle and wake up in the afterlife with all the children who died.

Save Everyone- Basically a Save Everyone AU, but not instantly best friends and I went a bit crazy with worldbuilding at some points.

Cult of the Lamb

Forced Back- Lambert submits to their sacrifice. Hundreds of years later, Narinder's estranged daughter brings them back to use as a hostage against her father.

The Five of the New Faith- Padme, the lamb of prophecy, brings back four other lambs, including their twin Sabe. The lambs switch between each other, keeping the bishops confused.

Death's Forced Bride- Meri was married to a black cat, having a daughter with him, before their death. Narinder gets yandere-level attached and refuses to let Meri die to reunite with their husband.

Majesty of Death- A lust ritual after Heket's death leads to the Lamb and the still-chained Narinder to sire a child

Sonic

Apothecary Diaries- Shadow plays Maomao, an apothecary who solves mysteries in the palace of Empress Sonia, aided by Prince Sonic.

Depressed Maria- Maria survives the ARK, but is placed in a coma and then in and out of stasis to learn more about NIDS. When she's finally released, she's determined to avenge Shadow, unaware that he's in his own stasis.

A Child in Exchange- Movie Shadow dies in the explosion. Soon after, the Black Arms come. Maria is held hostage in exchange for Shadow. Years later, the main universe is invaded and Shadow reunites with Maria in the worst way.

Leader, Where is Your Baby- More of a headcanon, but about movie Shadow's origins, where a mysterious hedgehog leader made a deal with Black Doom to create the ultimate lifeform.

BNHA

The Immortal Nine- Part of the quirk All For One gave Yoichi was an immortality quirk, leading to each wielder gaining immortality, even when it passed to the next user. After OFA is passed to Izuku, the former wielders decide to take up jobs at U.A. Also traitor Aizawa thrown in for flavor.

TADC

PI Pomni- More of a headcanon, but Pomni was a private investigator before joining the circus, hired to find any clues to Zooble and Gangle's missing person cases.

Dawn of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- My version of the TMNT, basically throwing elements that I like together in a cauldron

Scooby Doo: Together Forever- Also my version of Scooby-Doo with elements thrown into the cauldron, including a poly and magical Mystery Inc.

Mickey and Co.: Under New Management- A single mother and her three daughters suddenly find themselves in charge of Disney after a horrific box office failure. Humans and toons need to work together.

[formidablecompanynews]

HBO Renews INDUSTRY For A Fourth Season - Notice Today Internet https://www.merchant-business.com/hbo-renews-industry-for-a-fourth-season/?feed_id=208232&_unique_id=66f01860d4179 #GLOBAL - BLOGGER BLOGGER Google NewsThe Original Drama Series is Produced by Bad Wolf For HBOWEBWIRE – Friday, September 20, 2024HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode third season on Sunday, September 29 on HBO and Max.Season three of INDUSTRY is pacing nearly 40% ahead of season two with an average of 1.6M viewers per episode, and growing. Viewership for Industry in the past five weeks rank among its top five weeks ever. Social conversations are tracking over 2X higher than last season while growing by double-digits each week.Season 3 logline: INDUSTRY gives an insiders view of the blackbox of high finance following a group of young bankers as they forge their identities within the pressure cooker environment and sex and drug fueled blitz of international bank Pierpoint & Cos London office. In season three, as Pierpoint looks to the future and takes a big bet on ethical investing, Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Eric (Ken Leung) find themselves front and center in the splashy IPO of Lumi, a green tech energy company led by Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington), in a story that runs all the way to the very top of finance, media, and government. Since leaving Pierpoint, Harper (Myhala) is eager to get back into the addictive thrill of finance and finds an unlikely partner in FutureDawn portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg).Season 3 cast: Myhala, Marisa Abela, Harry Lawtey, Ken Leung, Conor MacNeill, Sagar Radia, Kit Harington, Sarah Goldberg, Miriam Petche, Indy Lewis, Adam Levy, Sarah Parish, Trevor White, Elena Saurel, Irfan Shamji, Andrew Havill, Roger Barclay, Fady Elsayed, and Fiona Button.Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, quote:For three seasons, INDUSTRY has been unflinching in its examination of ambition and class, solidifying itself as a marquee HBO drama. Under Mickey and Konrads singular vision, this twisted, thrilling look at London finance has redefined the contemporary workplace show. Were so excited that viewers and critics have recognized season three as bigger and better than ever, buoyed by sublime performances from our unparalleled cast. We have no doubt that Mickey and Konrad, alongside the amazing team under executive producer Jane Tranter at Bad Wolf and executive producer Kathleen McCaffrey, will take season four to even greater heights.Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Creators, Writers, Directors and Executive Producers, quote:”We are beyond thrilled and grateful to HBO, the incredible team at Bad Wolf and our phenomenal cast and crew for their continued belief in *Industry* and for allowing us to grow as creators, writers and now directors whilst taking the show to new heights. We cant wait to dive deeper and deliver the best season yet in season 4Jane Tranter, Executive Producer, CEO and Founder, Bad Wolf, quote: It has been an extraordinary journey over the past 8 years from initial development to now the commission of a fourth season of Industry. HBOs unswerving belief in Mickey, Konrad, the cast and the whole creative team at Bad Wolf is a huge vote of confidence in uncertain times. This commitment to nurturing new talent and investment in quality programming has resulted in a show we are all exceptionally proud of. Bad Wolf cannot wait to get everyone back to Wolf Studios Wales to take Industry to even greater heights.Season three of INDUSTRY was declared by TIME as the must watch show of the summer and a steamy, propulsive drama… [with] smart storytelling. GQ hailed it as the best show on TV while the Los Angeles Times praised its riveting performances and a return to prestige TV. The New York Times

referred to it as appointment viewing, Vanity Fair called it captivating, sexy, and breathlessly entertaining, and TheWrapdescribed it as bigger, better, and more ambitious than ever.Season 3 credits: INDUSTRY is created, written, and executive produced by Mickey Down & Konrad Kay. The series is a Bad Wolf Production for HBO/BBC and is executive produced by Jane Tranter, Kate Crowther, and Ryan Rasmussen for Bad Wolf; and Rebecca Ferguson for BBC. Directors include Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Isabella Eklf, and Zo Wittock. Kathleen McCaffrey of Little Gems will be joining as executive producer for the new season.( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/8/327198/327198-1.jpg )WebWireID327198 This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.Source of this programme “These modules are astonishing.”“- • HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,�from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode…”Source: Read MoreSource Link: https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=327198#GoogleNews – BLOGGER – GoogleNews http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-1659688.jpeg Google News The Original Drama Series is Produced by Bad Wolf For HBO WEBWIRE – Friday, September 20, 2024 HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode third season on Sunday, September 29 on HBO … Read More

[smartcompanynewsweb]

HBO Renews INDUSTRY For A Fourth Season - Notice Today Internet - #GLOBAL https://www.merchant-business.com/hbo-renews-industry-for-a-fourth-season/?feed_id=208231&_unique_id=66f0186006fe6 Google NewsThe Original Drama Series is Produced by Bad Wolf For HBOWEBWIRE – Friday, September 20, 2024HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode third season on Sunday, September 29 on HBO and Max.Season three of INDUSTRY is pacing nearly 40% ahead of season two with an average of 1.6M viewers per episode, and growing. Viewership for Industry in the past five weeks rank among its top five weeks ever. Social conversations are tracking over 2X higher than last season while growing by double-digits each week.Season 3 logline: INDUSTRY gives an insiders view of the blackbox of high finance following a group of young bankers as they forge their identities within the pressure cooker environment and sex and drug fueled blitz of international bank Pierpoint & Cos London office. In season three, as Pierpoint looks to the future and takes a big bet on ethical investing, Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Eric (Ken Leung) find themselves front and center in the splashy IPO of Lumi, a green tech energy company led by Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington), in a story that runs all the way to the very top of finance, media, and government. Since leaving Pierpoint, Harper (Myhala) is eager to get back into the addictive thrill of finance and finds an unlikely partner in FutureDawn portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg).Season 3 cast: Myhala, Marisa Abela, Harry Lawtey, Ken Leung, Conor MacNeill, Sagar Radia, Kit Harington, Sarah Goldberg, Miriam Petche, Indy Lewis, Adam Levy, Sarah Parish, Trevor White, Elena Saurel, Irfan Shamji, Andrew Havill, Roger Barclay, Fady Elsayed, and Fiona Button.Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, quote:For three seasons, INDUSTRY has been unflinching in its examination of ambition and class, solidifying itself as a marquee HBO drama. Under Mickey and Konrads singular vision, this twisted, thrilling look at London finance has redefined the contemporary workplace show. Were so excited that viewers and critics have recognized season three as bigger and better than ever, buoyed by sublime performances from our unparalleled cast. We have no doubt that Mickey and Konrad, alongside the amazing team under executive producer Jane Tranter at Bad Wolf and executive producer Kathleen McCaffrey, will take season four to even greater heights.Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Creators, Writers, Directors and Executive Producers, quote:”We are beyond thrilled and grateful to HBO, the incredible team at Bad Wolf and our phenomenal cast and crew for their continued belief in *Industry* and for allowing us to grow as creators, writers and now directors whilst taking the show to new heights. We cant wait to dive deeper and deliver the best season yet in season 4Jane Tranter, Executive Producer, CEO and Founder, Bad Wolf, quote: It has been an extraordinary journey over the past 8 years from initial development to now the commission of a fourth season of Industry. HBOs unswerving belief in Mickey, Konrad, the cast and the whole creative team at Bad Wolf is a huge vote of confidence in uncertain times. This commitment to nurturing new talent and investment in quality programming has resulted in a show we are all exceptionally proud of. Bad Wolf cannot wait to get everyone back to Wolf Studios Wales to take Industry to even greater heights.Season three of INDUSTRY was declared by TIME as the must watch show of the summer and a steamy, propulsive drama… [with] smart storytelling. GQ hailed it as the best show on TV while the Los Angeles Times praised its riveting performances and a return to prestige TV. The New York Times referred to it as

appointment viewing, Vanity Fair called it captivating, sexy, and breathlessly entertaining, and TheWrapdescribed it as bigger, better, and more ambitious than ever.Season 3 credits: INDUSTRY is created, written, and executive produced by Mickey Down & Konrad Kay. The series is a Bad Wolf Production for HBO/BBC and is executive produced by Jane Tranter, Kate Crowther, and Ryan Rasmussen for Bad Wolf; and Rebecca Ferguson for BBC. Directors include Mickey Down & Konrad Kay, Isabella Eklf, and Zo Wittock. Kathleen McCaffrey of Little Gems will be joining as executive producer for the new season.( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/8/327198/327198-1.jpg )WebWireID327198 This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.Source of this programme “These modules are astonishing.”“- • HBO has renewed the critically acclaimed original drama series INDUSTRY,�from Bad Wolf, for a fourth season. Created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, the series concludes its eight-episode…”Source: Read MoreSource Link: https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=327198#GoogleNews – BLOGGER – GoogleNews http://109.70.148.72/~merchant29/6network/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-1659688.jpeg BLOGGER - #GLOBAL

[arrowflier]

serotonin boost prompt whenever you find the time: gallavich date with secret smiles, sweet kisses and the handholding we all deserve ❤️❤️

"We're gonna miss it, Mickey," Ian says for at least the third time, eyes on the ever-ticking clock over their fireplace.  Mickey, kneeling on the floor in front of the worn sofa they had grabbed off a curb when they found out they had to get their own, just shrugs.  He picks out a bright red crayon to pass to Franny, who's laying on her stomach next to him scribbling on the back of an ad for the local co-op.

"Calm down, man," he tells Ian.  "She'll be here soon, can't do anything about a late train."

Ian sighs, leaning forward and rubbing his eyes.  "Since when do you stand up for Debbie?"

Mickey eyes him warily from the floor.  "Since it's not her fault," he answers, then asks, "Why you so worked up about it, anyway?  It's not a big deal."

He sounds honestly confused, and it only makes Ian more upset.  This was supposed to be their night.  Their one night, all week, to just do something nice together.  And Debbie had to come to them for last-minute babysitting while she went to an interview, then had to be late enough getting back to send all Ian's plans circling the drain.

He doesn't say any of that to Mickey.  "It's nothing," he mumbles instead, knowing it sounds unconvincing but not really caring at the moment.

Sure enough, Mickey's eyes narrow and he opens his mouth to reply, but gets interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Mommy!" Franny cries, jumping off the floor to race to the apartment door.  Mickey is slower to rise, grumbling about getting too old for sitting on the floor; if Ian we're in a better mood, he'd tease him for being perfectly fine with lying on it the other night.  Ian stays put, leaving Mickey to follow their niece with a concerned glance back at him.

Ian listens to Mickey opening the door, reminding Franny to let him do it, and greeting Debbie.  He knows if he followed, he'd say something about her tardiness, so he lets Mickey make his excuses and wave the two of them off.

He braces himself when he hears the door click closed again, and Mickey's footsteps come back around into the living room.

Mickey doesn't say anything about his sour mood.

"Kay, you ready?" he asks instead, grabbing his wallet from the crate temporarily serving as a coffee table.

Ian laughs humorlessly.

"I was ready an hour ago," he points out dryly.  "But we missed our reservation already, Mick, we're not going anywhere now."

Mickey frowns at him.  "Nah, fuck that, man," he says.  "This is our night, right?" he asks, and Ian would be lying if he said that didn't warm him up a little, hearing Mickey call it that.

"Yeah," he agrees, and Mickey nods decisively.

"Let's go then," he orders, gesturing to the door.  "I ain't givin' up on tonight that easy."

Ian can't help but grin, even as he asks, "go where?"

Mickey smirks, and slaps Ian on the ass when he gets up and walks past him.  Ian starts, twisting to look at him with wide eyes, and Mickey waggled his eyebrows just to make Ian laugh.

"You let me worry about that, tough guy."

--

They end up outside the restaurant they had picked out together, some weird new mexican fusion place that advertised world-class margaritas.  Mickey had gotten fond of the drink back in Mexico, and Ian figured it was something they could enjoy together.

"Mickey," he says as they get closer, " it took us two weeks to get in here, there's no way they held our table."

Mickey shakes his head.  "Gallagher, I'm disappointed in you," he says as he leads Ian to the door.  "Ain't conning you way into places your family's shtick?"

Ian just looks at him, brow furrowed, and Mickey rolls his eyes.

"Just hang back a sec, til I wave you over, alright?" he demands.  "Watch and fuckin' learn."

And he's off, through the crowd at the entrance and straight up to the podium at the front.  Ian can't hear what he says, but there are some wild gestures and hushed but tense words exchanged.  At one point, Mickey gets out his phone and taps at it impatiently, pretending to wait for a response before waving it in the host's face.

That bit seems to do the trick, and Ian is waved over, picking his way through the other waiting groups without looking any if them in the face.

When he gets to the front, Mickey is saying, " and you're lucky he didn't have to hear any of that 'overbooked' bullshit, he'd have your fuckin' job for that," before taking off into the restaurant with Ian trailing behind.

He stops at a booth toward the back, and gestures Ian in first, sliding into the bench on the other side.

"What did you do?" Ian hisses lowly, leaning across the table toward him.

Mickey grins, and taps their feet together, catching one of Ian's and drawing it back to his side. 

"Told 'em you were Ed Sheeran," he jokes.  He reaches under the table to grab Ian's leg, pulling his foot up to rest on Mickey's lap.  Ian has to lean back to make it comfortable, but the stroke of Mickey's thumb against the bone of his ankle is worth it.

"You did not," Ian pokes, but Mickey shrugs.

"Does it matter?" he asks quietly as a waiter approaches.  Ian pulls his leg back, aware of how they must look, but takes Mickey's hand over the table instead.

"Guess not," he accepts, squeezing Mickey's fingers and feeling the metal of his ring.  "Thanks," he adds, and Mickey's smile turns soft.

"Anytime," he murmurs, then grabs the menu to give his order.

--

"That was amazing," Ian groans an hour later, a stack of empty plates between them.  Mickey hums his agreement, taking a final bite of fried ice cream dessert before tossing his spoon down with a clatter.

"Fuck yeah it was," he says with a burp that has the couple at the nearest table eying them with distaste.  "Except the margaritas," he adds with a scowl, taking a long drag from the bottled beer they had quickly switched to.  "Too fuckin' sweet."

"Thought you liked 'em sweet," Ian teases, leaning closer, and Mickey licks his lips.

"Nah," he says slowly, "that's just how I like my men."  He winks, and Ian flushes immediately.

"Oh my God," he manages to squeak out, hands flat on the table.  "You did not just say that." 

Mickey laughs, open and free, and grabs Ian's hand again without prompting.

"The drinks were shit, though," he muses.  "Now that I think of it, maybe I was just drinkin' straight tequila down south."

It's Ian's turn to laugh--"only you, Mick"--and they're both grinning like fools when he stops.

"Ready to get outta here, Red?" Mickey murmurs, tilting his head toward the end of the booth.

"Sure, Mick," Ian agrees easily, then let's go if his husband's hand to fumble for his wallet.  "Let me just..."

"Hey, no," Mickey interrupts.  "They gave away our reservation, man, we ain't payin' for shit."

"What--Mickey!" Ian whispers, but Mickey is already up and moving quickly toward the back, where he catches the door to the kitchen before it closes behind a surprised waiter and slips inside.

With a muffled groan, Ian takes off after him.

He almost makes it, but before the door shuts behind him, he hears the host yelling, "Hey, you can't go in there!"

"Shit, shit, shit," Ian mutters, faced with at least one sous-chef staring at him across the bustling kitchen.  Before he has time to panic, though, Mickey is back at his side, grabbing his arm and pulling.

"This way, dipshit!" he hisses as they wind through counters and racks and boxes toward the door to the back alley.  "Should've known you'd get caught," he pants, out of breath, "it's the fuckin' hair, man, too bright."

"You like my hair," Ian offers stupidly.  Mickey stops long enough to make sure Ian sees him roll his eyes, and grabs a folded tablecloth and a bottle of something fancy from next to the door before he shoves it open with a hip and pulls Ian out into the cool night air.

Ian looks back for pursuit, but the kitchen workers couldn't care less.  One of them even salutes him with a bread knife, lips twitching, until the door closes and breaks their line of sight.

They run for a few blocks anyway, until Mickey tugs him into a different alley to catch their breaths.

"That was some date night," Ian pants, hands on knees and a wide grin on his face.

"Night ain't over yet," Mickey disagrees.  He pushes off the brick wall he had leaned against, motions back to the street with the arm not holding what he pilfered from the restaurant kitchen.  "C'mon, man, we got somewhere to be."

Then he's off again, albeit at a more sedate pace, and Ian laughs again as he follows.  He catches up with a few long strides and grabs Mickey's hand, letting his husband lead him once again.

--

This time, they wander farther, only stopping when they come to a park with overly green grass and a neatly manicured baseball diamond.

It isn't their field, the one with the dugout they used to frequent; that field is back Southside, and they haven't walked that far.  But it's close, and Ian's heart pounds as Mickey leads him around the open fencing and toward the outfield.

They stop at the greenest point, and Mickey releases Ian's hand to throw down his stolen tablecloth, kicking the edges until it's more or less flat and open.  He plops down immediately, just off center, and motions for Ian to do the same as he uses his pocket knife to uncork the stolen bottle of booze.

Ian sits as Mickey takes a swig of the mystery liqour, then accepts the bottle when he passes it over.

"This is nice," he says after a long sip of what turned out to be a moderately pleasant red.  "How did you know it was here?"

Mickey reaches for the bottle again, taking another swallow before he answered.  "Was helping Debs look at schools," he admits.  "For Franny, when she's older."

Ian doesn't press.  He loves how much Mickey dotes on their niece, but he knows talking about it makes him uncomfortable still, their own future hanging over them.

He lays down instead, and looks up. The stars are out, glittering above them in patterns he doesn't understand, but thinks must mean something good.

"Thanks for tonight," he says softly to the sky.

The tablecloth rustles as Mickey leans on his elbows next to him.

"Anytime," he replies. He looks down at Ian, and turns on his side so he can brush red hair back from his face.

"Gonna tell me why you were so upset, earlier?" he questions, voice light but serious. "Not like you to freak out like that."

Ian nuzzles into the hand on his face, and closes his eyes. "Just wanted to do something for you," he admits. "You were so excited about finding that place. And you're always doing stuff like that for me."

His eyes flutter open again, fixing on Mickey's face. "Figures the first time I try, everything goes wrong and you have to take over again."

Mickey doesn't respond right away. He watches him, thumb stroking his cheekbone, hand curling around behind his ear.

When he does speak, it's quiet. "I like doin' that shit for you, Ian," he says. "Makes me...happy. To see you smilin'."

Ian's lips stretch into a gentle curve, and Mickey returns it. "Yeah," he whispers, leaning down until their noses brush. "Like that," he finishes, the words lost against Ian's lips as they kiss.

Ian doesn't know how long they stay there, laying on that thin piece of fabric over the grass, making out under the stars. He doesn't care. Because it's Mickey. And despite everything that went wrong tonight, being there with Mickey was perfect.

They're eventually interuppted by what feels like rain, but turns out a second later to be the timed sprinkler system switching on. Mickey yelps into his mouth at the cold water as they break apart, scrambling to dash across the field and to the relative safety of the sidewalk. They leave the tablecloth where it is, a sad heap if fabric wet with water and remainder of their overturned bottle of red wine, and fall against each other as they turn to head toward home.

"Still wanna thank me?" Mickey jokes on the way, teeth chattering as his skin dries.

"Yeah, I do," Ian says, nudging him with a hip before pulling him back, wrapping a long warm arm around his shoulders.

"Tonight was perfect."

And if they stop again to kiss against under the L on their way, Mickey's back pressed to the support and legs hugging Ian's waist, well. It is still their night, after all.

[clingymickey]

I wrote a little Halloween fluff but I couldn't post on the day of Halloween 'cos I have poor time management skills but whatever it's gotta be the 31st somewhere in an alternate universe right? 😏👽. Inspired by Calli's (@ianandmickeygallavich) Halloween prompts and gallacrafts post.

No Monsters Here

‘Twas the night before Halloween, Debbie had left Franny to spend the weekend at her uncles' place and for most of the day, the three of them spent shopping for costumes and decorating their apartment with some spooky decorations. By the time Ian and Mickey put the last finishing touches of the fake cobweb around the living room, Fanny had drifted away to snooze-land.

“Hey Mick, come and look at this” Ian whispers softly, careful not to wake Franny up.

“What is it now, firecrotch? I told you already the jack o'lanterns look gr-”, instantly his face turns soft by looking at his niece drooling all over their new couch.

“Maybe we should take her back to our room”, Ian says, already going to pick up Franny to place her in their room. Maybe they could sleep on their couch just for tonight.

Once Ian had tucked her in and made sure Franny didn’t stir awake, he and Mickey spent their time cuddling together, watching Saw just to celebrate the Halloween spirit a bit more. Suddenly, a scream came from their room, (and fuck Ian for teasing him for maybe flinching a little when he heard it) followed by a little body running towards them and hiding under their blanket.

“Hey, Fran, what happened?”

No answer. Just a stream of tears flowed down her cheeks, staining Mickey’s sweatshirt.

“Alright lemme try,” Mickey lifts Franny’s head so he can see her more clearly. “Ok, lil’ red why don’t you tell your favorite uncle what happened”, giving more of an emphasis on favorite - at which she laughs, remembering her uncles’ ongoing feud on who's the favorite even though they already know the answer to that, which is the both of them.

“W-when I woke up, I saw a-a ghost behind the curtains” she said between sniffles.

“I’m sure there’s nothing there Franny, it’s probably just a shadow of a tree or something.”

"No, but Uncle Ian, there really was a ghost. I saw it with my own eyes!”

“Okay, how ‘bout we both check it out and you stay here ok?” Mickey assures.

“No. I’m scared, I wanna stay with you Uncle Mickey”

With a sigh Mickey let Franny bear hug his leg until they reached their room to check for ‘ghosts.’

“See nothing here” Ian coos, lifting the curtain only to make a show of nothing being there, so Franny could go back to sleep and he could go back to cuddling the shit out of his husband.

“But...but I swear I saw something moving” she mumbles.

“Like Ian said Fran, maybe it was just a shadow. Why don’t you go back to bed alright.” Mickey says, guiding her towards their bed. “Do you want the light on?”

“Okay.” Franny sighs. She could maybe give it a one last try and if there is a ghost, this time she could at least take a good look at it.

It had been 20 minutes, or so she felt like it had. Her eyes were wide open, looking for anything supernatural. Then there it was, the ghost was back, she could see its black color in contrast to the very light curtains.

Franny slowly got out of the bed, walking backwards as if the minute she turned her back the ghost would disappear.

“Uncle Ian, look look LOOK! It’s back” she says frantically, dragging Ian’s huge arm that should be way too heavy for her to pull.

As they reach the room Ian goes to say something, however, before he could even get it out Franny shushes him telling Ian to be quiet or ‘it’ would go again.

They slowly tiptoe towards the window, and as they come closer Ian starts to see ‘it’, maybe Franny wasn't lying after all.

“Hey, Fran, why don’t you call Uncle Mickey too.” he says, keeping his voice low so wouldn’t scare whatever the hell that was.

“Are you serious Ian you too, it’s probably a shadow” Mickey says as he enters the room, rolling his eyes.

“Would you just shut up and come here. Quietly” he whispers.

Once Mickey got close, he could finally see what the whole commotion was about. There really was something.

“Huh,” Mickey says, a bit surprised. “Open the fuckin’ curtain lets see what this motherfucker wants”

And Ian does just that, although very slowly, to “keep the suspense”.

“A kitty!!” Franny squeals.

Oh.

That was totally not what they were expecting. It was a black cat with piercing green eyes - just like someone else Mickey knows - and Franny was in love with it the minute she saw it, all the fear of a ghost gone, vanished into thin air.

“Can we keep it? Please”, shooting the best puppy eyes she could pull up.

“Well, I don’t think your mommy would allow that Fran,” Ian resonates.

“Pretty please. maybe you and uncle Mickey could keep it, even call it Minne!” she says, excitement running through her.

Both Ian and Mickey share a look. There’s nothing they could do now, could they? They both know how tight their niece has got them wrapped up around her finger,

“Alright we’ll keep her, only ‘cos we have no choice, but the minute she fucks our house up, she’s gone alright” Mickey says trying to sound stern, though both Franny and Ian know he’s lying.

[spreadyovrwings]

64 Oslo Square

‘Companion’. Middle English. From Old French ‘compaignon’, literally ‘one who breaks bread with another’.

Strapped for cash, John gets a job at a bakery as their new delivery boy. Juggling school and Queen and work is exhausting, but it’s more than worth it. It’s worth it because of you.

Warnings for this chapter: None!

//

Chapter Two

London’s dawn chorus was unlike anything else on Earth.

You’d read that somewhere once, though it was so long ago now that you couldn’t even begin to hazard a guess at where. You'd liked the words when you first read them, though you thought whoever had written them must have been a bit confused, or had a great sense of humour.

Since you were born in London, you felt an inherent fondness for the city, much like anyone else would whether they were born in Chester, Cairo or Cincinnati. But whoever had written that weakly poetic phrase must only have seen London in photographs or read about it in books.

Blaring car horns, the cries of the bin men, and Gladys howling along to the radio in the kitchen downstairs, that was your dawn chorus.

You wrapped your fingers around the edge of the duvet and pulled it up over your head, groaning softly. You forgot to draw the curtains before you fell into bed last night, so now broad beams of sunlight punched into your room, making your eyes sting the moment you tried to crack them open.

Beside you, reliable as ever, your radio alarm fizzed before slowly coming to life, pouring a new Bowie track into your room. You moaned again and flung out your hand. It was far too early for that sort of thing. You blearily smacked at the off switch then drew your hand back under the safety of the covers.

Every bone in your body begged you not to get up. You didn’t have the energy to shower last night, or even dry your hair properly, so now your throat was raw from the cold air and your muscles ached as you forced yourself to sit up. A shower would solve everything, you knew that, but right now, you couldn’t think of anything less appealing than leaving your bed.

By the time you finally managed to pull yourself out from under the covers and shower, it was almost time for work.

The front door to your tiny flat opened out onto an even tinier landing, where there was a window to allow in some light and another door that led to the stairs.

Yawning loudly, you took them two at a time, avoiding the steps you knew would creak. At the bottom of the stairs was another door that opened out into a little room adjacent to the bakery kitchen.

The machines were already whirring, the big ovens starting to heat up.

You’d been short-staffed for months, there were just two of you in the kitchen while Gladys worked the tills and served tea and coffee. Money was always tight so it would be a long while before you got some new bakers, but you had a sneaking suspicion your boss liked having so few employees on the books.

Mickey Caine, your sort-of friend and only co-worker, was leaning over the counter, chewing on the end of the pencil he always kept tucked behind one ear (a thin, hand-rolled cigarette occupying the other).

He was big and broad, and looked as if he’d be better off pushing carts in the market rather than making pastries, but looks could be deceiving. Mickey was a choux master, and could pipe flowers as delicately as a ballerina could pirouette.

He waved at you as you walked by but didn’t look up from his crossword. You smiled. You'd always felt an odd sort of fondness for Mickey, though you couldn’t for the life of you figure out why.

“Mornin’!”

Gladys had spotted you coming and called to you from across the shop before you’d even made it through the doorway to the storefront.

You gave her a weary, anaemic smile.

“Mornin’, Glad.”

Gladys was always incredibly bright in the mornings. It was astonishing, really. She spent most of her evenings in the pub, swaying along to the piano player till dawn, and yet somehow, she always looked her best. She could spend all night on the town and still come into work on time without a hair out of place.

She waved one hand at the counter, making her Bakelite bracelets rattle up and down her narrow wrist like a child’s first instrument.

“Chuck us the keys, love, will you?”

You found the keys to the shop draped over the till. They weren’t always so easy to locate. Gladys was often forgetful and left the keys in all sorts of strange places. You were now accustomed to diligently checking all your equipment before you used it as once, you found the keys at the bottom of a big mixing bowl just before you were about to pour in some flour.

You scooped them up and threw them, underarm.

Gladys caught the keys in one hand, and in a singular smooth motion, slotted the largest, silver key into the door and twisted.

“You get the tables, I’ll get star’ed in the kitchen?”

Gladys threw the keys back, then winked.

“Good girl. We had an order come in last night. Tell Mickey to get his arse in gear, those ovens aren’t for hea’ing up the place.”

“Will do. Order’s by the-?”

“Order’s by the telephone.”

You stuck to a fairly regimented routine. There was a lot of work to do in the mornings before you could open up the bakery. You always felt a small stab of masochistic joy when you told people that the shop opened at nine, baking began at around seven, and you had usually been up for hours by then.

Telephone orders were written down on scraps of paper and stuck on a set of hooks that hung by the phone, just past the doorway to the kitchen. There were often already a few orders waiting for you when you came in, it seemed you were never able to catch up but, thankfully, there was only one scrap of paper hanging up that morning.

It wouldn’t last long. The phone was usually ringing off its hook just minutes after 64 Oslo Square opened its doors. At least people had the decency to wait till then.

You tore the order from its hook. Just the one box, a few pastries for a business across town. This was one of the most common orders. They liked to lay out treats for balding men in suits sitting around long conference tables. Or so you were told.

You didn’t much care where the things you made ended up, so long as they arrived on time and tasted amazing when they did.

“‘State of being unknown’.”

You barely spared your co-worker a weary glance as you headed deeper into the kitchen.

“Mornin’, Mickey.”

He was still leaning over the counter, chewing on the end of his pencil. You almost chided him for it, Mickey had probably just finished sanitising the surfaces and now you'd have to do it again before you could start working, but you stopped yourself.

You’re not his mother. He’ll get round to it, just get on with your work.

Mickey did straighten up but only to raise the newspaper and show you the crossword that was causing him such consternation.

“Nine le’ers.”

He ran his finger along the row of white boxes as if that would help you.

You sighed, feigning exasperation.

“Yeah, I slept great. Thanks, Mickey.”

“I’ve got an ‘N’ and a ‘-TY’.”

“I really love these mornin’ chats of ours. Makes for a wonderful work environment.”

“Come on,” Mickey groaned, dropping his newspaper back down on the counter with a dramatic flourish. “I’ll split the winnings if we finish the ‘ole thing.”

“Hmm,” You grabbed the cloth he’d been cleaning with and dabbed it against his nose, making Mickey recoil with a disgusted noise. “And then all my financial problems will be solved.”

The first dough of the day was already in the large temperature and humidity-controlled proofer that sat in the back of the kitchen. One quick glance also told you that the baking ‘bins’ had already been cleaned, so you could get straight to work on the pastries.

Tying back your hair, then your rather worn apron, you set about making your first choux buns.

Some (Gladys) might say that the kitchen of 64 Oslo Square was quaint, homely even. To you and Mickey, it was just small and awkward to get around, as if the building had been purpose-built for another business entirely and a bakery had been jammed into it with very little care.

It meant you were always bumping into each other, often when you were carrying delicate treats or piping hot baking trays, so you had learned to stay out of each other’s way fairly quickly. Mickey almost lost an eyebrow one summer’s day when you were busy griping about the heat and weren't paying nearly enough attention to where you were brandishing your blowtorch.

It also meant that all your equipment was fairly rudimentary. Gladys used it as a unique selling point, home bakes made by the safe hands of two talented artisans. That always got a laugh out of you and Mickey.

It just meant that work felt like baking at home, which was nice sometimes, you supposed, but it sure would be nice to get some more industrial-sized equipment.

You set the water on the little bottle-green stove that probably remembered the Blitz, along with some squares of butter. The disc jockey preaching from Mickey’s radio complained about the state of the charts today as you raised the temperature and watched the butter in the pan begin to melt.

“Please…”

Mickey came up behind you and thrust the newspaper in front of your face, just inches from your nose. You sighed and took it from him, rubbing the back of your hand against the tip of your nose to make sure he hadn’t smudged it with ink.

You scanned the white boxes, searching for the column he had pointed out to you, then handed it back without moving your eyes away from the stove.

“Anonymity.”

You heard what you thought must be Mickey pulling the newspaper close to his face, then his triumphant cry. A tree trunk-sized arm wrapped around your shoulders and pulled you back into a brick wall of a chest.

“You’re a genius, darlin’.”

Mickey pressed a huge, wet kiss to your cheek. You made a show of being disgusted and pushed him away, flapping your hand at him for good measure, but he just laughed, pleased to have finally got his answer.

“That split be’er be 70/30.”

“60/40.”

“Fine, but that’s the last time I’m ‘elpin’ you.”

Mickey didn’t seem to hear you. He’d already turned back to his crossword.

The pan sizzled in your hand. You huffed and turned down the stove, but a quick check with one of the wooden spoons hanging above your head reassured you that you hadn’t burnt the mixture. Yet.

Mickey must have heard your exasperated sigh. When you looked around, he’d chucked his newspaper on the windowsill. (The window stretched across the entire top half of the back wall of the bakery, letting in a helpful wave of natural light).

Though you wouldn’t call yourself friends, you and Mickey knew each other’s mannerisms as if they were your own. You knew he didn’t like anyone near him when he was decorating, and Mickey knew if you were huffing, it meant your patience was running thin, so he should stop mucking around and start assembling the crème pâtissière you’d need in a little while.

You were a strange team, the colourful, bizarre manager, the would-be barrow boy with hands that could make lace, and you, the girl who lived above the bakery, still figuring things out. Strange, all strange, but strange together.

/

The day dragged wearily by. The winter was long gone but it was still unseasonably dark as the clock ticked steadily towards seven.

Your morning chores completed, you took your place at the counter and pulled out the book you always kept beneath the till. The book changed often, sometimes after a few months, sometimes it only took a week, or even just a few days, depending on how busy you were and how stimulating the book was.

Today, it was Great Expectations, which was exactly what you had when you first slipped the book from a shelf last week. You’d never had much patience for Dickens, and even though you thought you read well and consumed a lot of literature, the author’s verbose style bothered you, as if you were chewing on something you couldn't ever manage to get your teeth into.

You flicked another page with a sigh. You supposed the imagery was nice, and it was nice to read about people like yourself for once, rather than heiresses desperate for an even richer husband, but did the man have to rabbit quite so much?

At least the book itself was attractive. Not judging a book by its cover was pretty arbitrary, in your experience. This book was bound in a soft, dark blue material, its cover printed with gold coins, while Magwitch’s shackles and their chain trickled down the spine. Yes, it was a beautiful book, but a bloody boring read.

A quiet, polite cough made you jump.

You lowered the book and found the boy from last night standing in front of you. His funny mouth was twisted awkwardly, as if it pained him greatly to interrupt you, and there was a look in his eyes that practically begged you not to talk or move too abruptly or else you might startle him.

It was such a surprise to see him, for a moment you couldn’t speak. He was even prettier in the daylight. When you finally did manage to gather your wits, all you managed was a blindingly stupid,

“Oh.”

The new boy cracked a smile that would’ve been sweet if he didn’t look quite so mortified.

“Sorry,” he said. “I did knock.”

He waved one large hand at the door, which, unknown to you, Gladys had obviously left unlocked.

You watched, momentarily transfixed, as his hand came back to rest against the counter in front of you. His fingers were long and nimble, and decorated with a few simple rings. There were a few faint, white scars imprinted in his skin, faded with age.

You watched as his hand rose off the counter to press against his stomach. The new boy’s shirt was almost as thin as he was, and when his hand rested self-consciously against his belly, you could see the rough impression of his ribs, like a charcoal rubbing someone had done in a hurry.

“‘s alright,” You just about managed to lift your gaze to meet his again. “I’m not lovin’ the book anyway.”

The new boy glanced down when you patted Great Expectations’ navy blue cover, then nodded politely.

You paused for a moment, waiting to see if he had anything to say in response. When he didn’t so much as blink, you realised you might have to do a little more to coax him into a conversation.

In reality, John was trying to process just how excited he was to see you again. The way you had smiled at him last night, so easy-going and friendly, but always edged with something a little mischievous, it had kept him up half the night.

The chocolate cake you pressed into his hands was so gorgeous, he almost groaned when he tasted his first bite. He'd set aside the second slice to have tonight so that he could savour them just that little bit longer. He couldn't believe a person could bake something so ridiculously delicious, and he couldn't believe you'd given them to him so eagerly.

John wondered if it would be pushing his luck to ask for some more. He wanted to tell you how much he appreciated the cake, gush about how delicious it was, and thank you again and again for giving him his first meal of the day. But even if he could think of a way to construe all of that into normal conservation, you smiled that smile again, and he was done for. Happily so.

“You came back, then.”

You let your gaze drop again, only for a moment, as his hands slipped into the pockets of his old, red jumper. If the new boy noticed your wandering eye, he was polite enough not to say anything, but you weren’t shy by nature. You rather liked the idea of him noticing.

“Wasn’t sure we’d see you again.”

When John nervously tucked his hair behind his ear, he could feel his hand trembling. His heart had been thudding against his ribs all morning, waiting for this exact moment. You’d already thrown all his carefully rehearsed phrases and conversation starters out the window, but this was better than nothing

“Well, I had to show you the bike.”

The boy turned his thin frame towards the front of the shop and you saw how slight he really was, more like a clothes airer than a young man. That wouldn’t last long if we worked here, you’d make sure of that.

You followed his gaze and saw your old bike leaning against the bakery window. Except it didn’t look like your old bike. In fact, it looked good as new.

“Back wheel pumped, brakes fixed. And there was a problem with a couple of the chain links but I sorted that.”

He turned back and gave you a smile that, if he hadn’t presented himself as so reticent, you might’ve construed as proud, even a little cocky.

“And it’s red now,” You noted.

As you spoke, you realised you were talking to the gap in his front teeth, fully visible now that he was smiling. You had to force yourself to meet his gaze for a second time.

John looked a little embarrassed. He hoped you wouldn’t notice that part.

“Thought it needed… Zhuzhing up a bit.”

You smiled your first proper smile of the day.

You’d been curious about the boy, yes, you could admit it to yourself. You couldn’t help it. This pretty thing walks in one night and brightens up a painfully boring late shift, it was hard not to be curious. He was even lovelier than you remembered, though. And now he’d fixed up your bike and turned up for work ten minutes early. It was enough to make your heart flutter, if you bought into that sort of thing.

You could tell he was shy. A bloody teaspoon would be able to tell. The way he held himself, hiding behind his long hair, his narrow shoulders hunched so high that they almost brushed his ears. It was fortunate for him that he was so tall, he could pass off not being able to hold your gaze as a matter of awkward angles.

You liked shy, but, yes, regrettably, embarrassingly, you were painfully curious about the boy. If you wanted to get to know him, and if he was going to work here, you knew you’d have to get him comfortable, keep him talking, and then maybe you’d be able to figure out what it was about him that made you smile so much.

“I didn’t expect you to be able to fix it. Do I owe you anythin’?”

Money was always tight so it was a relief when he shook his head. It made his long, wavy hair move so prettily, you almost bit your lip.

“You’re letting me borrow it,” he said, giving you a sheepish look that you knew meant ‘thanks again’. “It’s the least I could do. And anyway, it was fun.”

That brought back his smile. It really was a lovely smile. It tugged at the corners of his funny little mouth, bunched up his soft cheeks and, blimey, there it was again, that tooth gap.

He finally held your gaze properly for the first time that day, and you were struck by the quiet intelligence in his grey eyes, so much older than the rest of him.

You were relieved when the bakery door opened and you had an excuse to look away. It wasn’t like you to get all gooey over a boy so quickly. You’d just figured out there was some green in his eyes too. Was it too early for your break?

A delighted shriek from behind you almost knocked the wind out of you. The new boy looked just as alarmed. You both watched as Gladys came careening out of the kitchen, doddering on her impossible heels in the direction of the first customer of the day.

Instinctively, you reached for the brown square paper bags kept just below the lip of the counter.

64 Oslo Square only did as well as it did because of its regulars, and over the years, you’d learned to match faces to orders.

There was the square-jawed builder who always liked a croissant with his morning tea. There was the young woman who worked in the record store across the road who had four sugars in her coffee and usually bought a box or two of pastries as a treat for her colleagues. Perhaps your favourite customer was the older woman who dressed entirely in blue, from her feathered hats to her wellington boots, and always asked which of the cakes on display was your favourite before ordering a large slice.

You didn’t know their names. They weren’t always the most friendly or polite. Sometimes, they didn’t even speak to you. That’s not how this city worked. But you knew their tea orders, and their favourite baked goods, and that, you thought, was entirely more intimate and important than faux smiles and hollow pleasantries.

There was one unfortunate exception.

You watched, scowling, as Gladys practically fell over the other end of the counter, right into the open arms of a tall man in a dark suit

Alastair Gauner first walked into 64 Oslo Square about three months ago. He seemed nice enough at first, even if his clothes and demeanour let you know exactly what kind of man he was immediately.

This part of London was a bit of a melting pot, not just of cultures, but of wealth. The rich lived side by side with the poor, or more accurately, the poor had struggled here for years and suddenly the rich had decided it would be a lovely place to live.

It bothered you more than you could articulate, and men like Alastair got under your skin. From his perfect hair right down to his shiny black shoes, he was your polar opposite, and Mickey’s, and definitely Gladys’. A hundred years ago, you were sure he could’ve been the inspiration for a few Dickens books of his own, but now, he was just bloody annoying. Not least because Gladys adored him.

You watched Alastair lean down so that he could fold his arms on the counter, beaming across at Gladys, who was playing with her hair like a love-struck teenager.

Disgusted, you turned away, only to find the new boy was watching them too with what could only be described as a morbid curiosity.

While he was looking away, you allowed your gaze to trace his profile, over his strong nose and along the patchy, boyish stubble that speckled his jaw.

You watched, smiling, as the corner of his mouth tugged up again, but this time with distaste. Alastair had produced a flower out of nowhere and had presented it with a flourish.

“Gladys’ fancy man,” You matched the boy’s revolted expression when he turned back to face you. “Don’t watch unless you wanna lose your breakfast.”

“Thankfully, I haven’t had any.”

That made something twist in your gut. It was another cold day and the boy’s jumper was worn thin. He needed to eat if he was going to be biking all over London, it certainly wouldn’t be great for business if he passed out on Strand.

“‘ang on.”

Just as you had the night before, you held up one finger, asking him to wait right there, then disappeared into the kitchen.

The morning pastries were ready to place behind the glass counter. You usually left this particular job until just before opening hours to keep everything looking fresh and crisp.

Mickey had already gone back to his crossword. Like you, he was relaxing before the big morning rush. While he wasn’t looking, you swiped two croissants off the nearest tray and slipped them into a paper bag, imprinted with 64 Oslo Square's logo.

When you came back out into the shop, the new boy was obediently standing right where you left him.

John was surprised when you pressed the paper bag into his hands.

“Won’t she mind?” he asked, nodding towards Gladys.

“Even if she could tear herself away from Freddy Eynsford-Hill over there, she’d wan’ you to ‘ave them.” You gave him a reassuring smile, which grew when he peered curiously into the bag. “He’s from-”

“I’ve seen My Fair Lady,” John said without looking up.

Silence fell between you as the new boy slipped his long fingers into the paper bag and pulled one of the croissants out just far enough so that the edge was showing. He took a small bite, as if he was out of the habit of eating and was savouring every second of it.

You found yourself suddenly extremely nervous. You’d made the croissants yourself, there were still flecks of dough clinging to your apron. But then the boy smiled, a big toothy smile, and went back for another bite, a lot more eagerly this time. It made something warm pool at the top of your stomach, dangerously close to your heart, and you had to change the subject before you started to blush.

“You didn’t stay up ‘alf the night fixin’ that ol’ thing, did you? Don’t want you fallin’ off cos you’re knackered.”

You thought teasing him was the best way to distract from how pleased you were that he was enjoying his breakfast, but the boy was so enraptured by the pastries, he barely seemed to notice.

“Storm kept me up. I had homework anyway.”

He finished the first croissant off and moved onto the second, eating so carefully and politely, he didn’t drop a single crumb of flaky pastry.

“What do you study?” You asked.

“I’m doing electrical engineering.”

“Where?”

“Chelsea College.”

You smiled.

“So, really, the bike was the ‘omework.”

That made him look up, and that funny mouth spread into yet another sweet smile.

Yes, definitely some green in the foggy grey of his eyes. There was far more to this boy beneath the surface. Every time he looked at you, he seemed to be daring you to look closer, to lean in. You wondered if it would really be so bad to fall.

“Oi! New boy!"

It was Gladys. You hadn’t even noticed that Alastair had left. She made a shooing gesture on her way back to the kitchen, flicking her brightly coloured nails at him.

“Stop chattin’ up my staff, you’ve got a delivery to make.”

You winced. That would certainly undo all your hard work.

Gladys came back out of the kitchen with the pastries you had made earlier, neatly boxed and tied up with a ribbon the same scarlet as your logo, then she disappeared again in a wave of flowery perfume.

The boy seemed a little stunned. He blinked at the box, then you. You knew what he wanted to ask.

“We realised after you left that no one had actually asked your name. Bit embarrassing really but after seven, we all jus’ kinda clock off.”

You laughed, hoping you’d get another smile out of him. You already missed the way it stretched his cheeks, those little lines by his funny mouth, and the gap in his front teeth, so agonisingly endearing.

“We’ve just been referrin’ to you as ‘the new boy’ all day. I think it’s stuck now, sorry.”

He finished the last of the croissant in a few bites, then rubbed his fingertips together over the bag to shake off any crumbs before he held out his hand.

“I’m John.”

As you shook his hand over the counter, you introduced yourself in turn.

“You know Gladys. And there's Mickey in the kitchen. Hope that’s not too many names.”

John gave a wry smile.

“I think I'll manage.”

He picked the box up in two hands, wrapping his long fingers firmly around its edges. It was faintly warm, he realised. He wondered for a moment what delicious treats might lay within, but it made his stomach growl softly and he had to press one of his hands against his belly, embarrassed.

You pretended not to notice, and, failing that, tried to hide just how much you wanted to run and fetch him something more to eat.

John picked up the box with two hands. You wondered if he was making a show of being careful for you, or if he was always so gentle and deliberate.

When John gingerly tucked the box under his arm, its edge dug into his side through his clothes.

“Suppose I’d better be going. Thanks for breakfast.”

You tried to hide just how pleased you were. 64 Oslo Square had never had a delivery boy before, perhaps John would be the first of many, but he certainly wasn’t the first person Gladys had taken pity on and taken under her wing. But they always ended up disappointing her, the bakery, and you.

You knew it was unfair to expect people to care about this place as much as you did. 64 Oslo Square was far more than a job, it was your home. But you had yet to meet anyone who cared much at all.

John seemed sensible, reliable, and when he brushed his ringed thumb reverently along the raised lettering on the outside of the box, you felt a spark of hope. This boy was different.

Cold and unexpected and worrying, you realised you were disappointed that he had to go. It was too soon. You wanted to coax this strange, shy boy a little closer, see what else you could find out about him, maybe even fetch him something more to eat since he’d practically inhaled the croissants.

It was stupid, but you wondered if John was going to be warm enough in the misty morning air in little more than a shirt and a thin jumper, if he was going to be alright amongst all the people and traffic on a bike that was almost as old as he was.

You had a feeling if you told him to stay, he would. But John needed a chance to prove himself, he had a job to do, and he was already halfway out the door.

It was a shame to see him go, but John didn’t leave without giving you one last shy wave.

When the door closed softly behind him, you felt your shoulders sink. You hadn’t noticed it, but you’d been holding your body up uncomfortably straight, all your muscles tensed.

You watched John lower the box into the basket on the front of the bike, then to your surprise, he pulled a small square of cloth over the top. He fastened it to the lip of the basket to keep the box from moving around too much. He must have made it himself last night too.

John swung one thought-provokingly long, slim leg over the bike and got himself settled. It was difficult to see him through the window display, but you thought you saw him muttering to himself as he pushed off from the pavement and wobbled towards the road.

“Careful out there, new boy,” You murmured to yourself.

“What do you think of ‘im?”

Gladys was leaning against the kitchen door frame, watching John cycle off too.

“‘e seems nice,” You said, keeping your head down so that she couldn’t see your pink cheeks. “Bit quiet.”

“We need quiet. Between you an’ Mickey, I can barely get a word in edgeways.”

You deserved a medal for holding in your derisive snort.

When you thought it was safe to look up, Gladys had disappeared into the kitchen. One quick glance at your watch told you that you had twenty minutes until the shop opened. If you didn’t ask now, you’d have to wait until closing, and Gladys had a habit of slipping out of work early just as easily as she avoided difficult questions.

You passed Mickey, who was finally getting some proper work done, removing the loaves of bread you’d worked on together from the large oven in the back. The shop smelt incredible, it always did. Even after years of working here, that warm feeling never went away.

You followed Gladys into what was affectionately known as “the office”, but it was so tiny, you had a sneaking suspicion it used to be a cleaning cupboard. There wasn't even room for a chair, just a small collapsible table, like the kind you’d take camping, the safe, and piles and piles of paper that you really ought to store more carefully.

“Glad?”

“Yes, my love?”

Your boss was rifling through some of those papers now. You almost wanted to ask what she was looking for, you were always better at remembering where everything was, but you didn’t want to get side-tracked.

You stayed in the doorway. There was only room for one person in the office and you didn’t want to crowd her.

“I just wondered if you’d ‘ad more time to think about pay rises?”

Gladys’ movements slowed. You heard Mickey stop whistling and wondered if he was listening in.

When Gladys turned to look at you, her face was twisted apologetically. Your heart sank.

“I’ll let you both know by the end of the month, I promise. Things are just a bit tight at the moment but, hey, who knows?” She flashed you a broad grin. “Maybe I’ll be comin’ into some money soon.”

You pressed your lips together in what was meant to be a smile, but you couldn't summon the energy, and it turned into more of an unconvincing grimace. You started to scratch at a mark on the door with your thumbnail.

“Maybe.”

“Alastair’s taking me out to dinner tonight. He was just poppin’ in to make sure I wore something nice.” Gladys gave a breathy sigh. “He’s takin’ me somewhere they take your coat, it doesn't just ‘ang off the back of your chair.”

You kept picking at the mark on the door.

“That sounds really nice.”

“You like him, don’ you?”

“It doesn’t matter wha’ I think, Glad.”

“It does, love. You’re like a daughter to me.” Gladys rolled her eyes when you finally looked up with a rueful glance. “Alrigh’, maybe a niece. Really, though. What do you think? I know I’m daft to be gettin’ excited about a bloke at my age. Who knows what he sees in me.”

You sighed.

“You’re not daft. ‘e seems really nice.”

That was a lie, but it was nice seeing Gladys so happy. Before Alastair, she hadn’t had the best luck with men. They never stayed and gave her trouble when they did. Some of them were real shockers. If the flash bastard made Gladys happy, who were you to say anything?

“Are you gonna wear the red dress tonight?”

Your smile grew when Gladys visibly brightened.

“And the shoes with the red bo’oms-”

“-Red bo’oms, yeah,” You laughed softly, your sinking heart already beginning to resurface. “You’re gonna look great. I hope you ‘ave a lovely time.”

Gladys tutted and reached up to take your chin between her thumb and index finger, giving your head a fond little shake. It was the most motherly she ever got, and you’d be lying if you said you didn’t enjoy it when she fussed over you.

“Don’t wish the day away,” Gladys took you by the shoulders and turned you around. “He’s handsome enough but we’ve got work to do, ‘ey? This place comes first.”

It was perhaps Gladys’ favourite maxim. She said it so often, you thought you ought to adopt it as the bakery’s slogan. Come hell or high water, the shop always came first. Without it, none of you would be here.

“This place comes first,” You repeated, smiling.

“That’s my girl. Now, c’mon, back to work. I’ll make us a cuppa.”

//

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