#I love Courtney Act so much she’s honestly a perfect person inside and out

[petrovna-zamo]

Omg Courtney Act on the pod with Katya?!

[artificialqueens]

Revelation Sunshine, Chapter 6 (Courtney/Vixen) - Veronica

A/N: Thank you so much to @theartificialdane and to anyone who’s been reading and commenting on this story! Love you guys!

Last chapter: Vixen took a trip to LA to meet her new work colleagues and play house with Courtney. And magic words were shared.

This chapter: Courtney meets the family, and Vixen gets a surprise.

***

Courtney could barely sit still as she rode in the back of the car from the airport. It had been three weeks. Three endless weeks, since Vixen had left LA. Of course, they still spoke every day, but the physical absence had gotten more excruciating with each passing day. Now, Courtney was in Chicago for Thanksgiving and she’d blocked out a full week to spend with her beautiful girlfriend.

VIXEN: Tell me when you’re pulling up, I’ll come down and get you. <3

COURTNEY: Pulling up!

COURTNEY: A nice old lady let me in. You’re on the 3rd floor, right?

VIXEN: Shit!

Courtney stepped out of the elevator, suitcase in hand, just as Vixen threw open the front door of her apartment.

“I’m sorry, I was making dinner and I didn’t see the phone buzz, and then you were—”

Courtney cut Vixen off by leaping into her arms, legs wrapped around her waist.

“—already here,” she finished, holding Courtney tightly. “Hi.”

“Hi,” Courtney said, inhaling the sweet scent of her neck, thrilled to be back in her arms. She tried not to sound pathetic as she said, “I missed you,” against her skin.

“Me too,” Vixen whispered back.

Courtney lifted her head to kiss her hungrily—almost desperate. She felt Vixen’s fingers digging into her back as she slid down, forgetting everything but the feel of her lips, the press of her body. Winding her fingers into her hair.

Vixen giggled softly, saying, “I knew you’d go straight for the hair.”

She’d been to the salon to get her twists out, and even though Courtney had seen it on FaceTime, it didn’t do justice to how soft and shiny and perfect her curls were. Courtney gazed at her, lashes fluttering.

“I love it,” she proclaimed, going in for another kiss.

“Do you want to take this inside?” Vixen asked, and a blush rose to Courtney’s cheeks.

“Sorry,” she said, breaking away and picking up her suitcase and backpack from the ground, where she’d carelessly dropped them.

“It’s okay.” Vixen grinned, taking her hand and leading her inside.

“Omigod, I love your place!” Courtney exclaimed, leaning her suitcase against the wall and spinning around.

Vixen’s apartment was exactly what Courtney expected. Warm and cozy, the kind of shabby-chic style you would expect from an academic, with hand-knitted afghans on the sofa and chairs, and an eclectic mix of bold, colorful art. And of course, there were teeming, overstuffed bookcases everywhere.

“Yeah? I tried to straighten up for you,” Vixen chuckled. She picked up a bottle of wine from the dining room table, saying, “Want a drink?”

“Yes please!” Courtney answered gratefully.

While Vixen opened the wine, she wandered around a little, browsing the bookshelves, touching the spines of a few as she read the titles. There were a lot of academic tomes and social science, but also lots of well-worn novels and books of poetry.

“Monet fucking hates that they’re not organized properly,” Vixen said. “She can barely tolerate even being in here.”

Courtney chuckled. That made sense—Monet was a librarian, after all. But for Courtney, it was a delightful mix, like putting a playlist on shuffle. Every shelf gave a slightly different but equally accurate snapshot of Vixen’s personality, of all the things she cared about. It was beautiful.

She ran her finger along the spine of one book, a copy of Invisible Man that was so well-loved, it appeared to be falling apart. As Vixen approached with the wine, she felt a smile tugging at her lips.

“I had this ex who had stuffed bookshelves, too,” Courtney said, fingers dancing over more of the titles. “Only, when you looked up close, you realized that they were mostly coffee table books and bestsellers, arranged for aesthetic purposes.”

“Mmm.”

Courtney turned around to see the mildly exasperated smile on Vixen’s face.

“What?”

“You don’t always have to say ‘my ex.’ You can just say Bianca,” Vixen said.

Courtney opened her mouth, then closed it, cheeks burning with embarrassment.

“Do I do that a lot?” she asked.

“Yeah,” said Vixen, handing her the glass, touching her fingers gently to soften the blow.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m less fragile than you think, you know.” Vixen gave her a smirk, taking a small sip. “And I know she’s still important to you.”

“I honestly don’t know why I even think of her that way. It would really be more accurate to just say ‘my friend.’”

Vixen tucked a lock of hair behind Courtney’s ear, lips brushing against her temple.

“Call her whatever you want. As long as you’re here with me, I don’t care.”

Courtney looked up at her, eyes shining with relief and happiness, and clinked their glasses together.

“Cheers to that.”

***

Vixen smiled, feeling Courtney’s thighs trembling and shaking, continuing to lick her softly from below until her muscles gave out completely, then depositing her onto her back and quickly grabbing a vibrator from the little bag of toys on the nightstand.

Courtney hadn’t even caught her breath before she turned it on, barely touching her, making her moan and thrash, clawing at her back and ass.

(It was still a bit mind-boggling to Vixen how many times in a row Courtney could come. She supposed it was just one of those XX chromosome things she’d never experience.)

Courtney’s hands were everywhere on her body, and it made Vixen shiver to think of how much she was getting off on just touching her.

“Baby…” Vixen worked the vibrator in circles, trying to catch her glazed eyes. “How ya doin?”

Courtney whimpered, arching up.

“Are you done? Do you want me to stop?”

Courtney shook her head vigorously, fingers wrapping around Vixen’s wrist, guiding her hand, showing her where to press harder. Once Vixen complied, Courtney wove her hands into her hair and pulled her in for a frenzied kiss, breath ragged. Vixen licked into her mouth, swallowing those delicious moans until they reached a crescendo, then immediately pulling the vibrator away, knowing it would be too much in her over-sensitive state. As Courtney curled against her, she went back in with the pads of her fingers, rubbing lightly. She pressed kisses against her temples, her lips, down her jaw and into the tenderest spot on her neck.

“Fuck…” Courtney breathed. “That was incredible.”

“I missed you,” Vixen whispered against her.

Courtney mustered up all her strength to roll over on top of Vixen, kissing her with even more urgency, still hungry for her even after all that.

“I missed you too, baby…” said Courtney, taking Vixen’s lower lip in between her teeth and sucking on it. “I hate being away from you.”

“It’ll be better soon,” Vixen murmured, wrapping her arms securely around Courtney, holding her tight. Courtney let out a small noise of agreement, burying her face against Vixen’s neck, breath warm on her collarbone.

“Have I ever told you how much I love this scent?” she asked.

“Oh yeah? You’re into shea butter?”

“Yeah.” Courtney lifted her head, eyes glittering in the dark. “Every time I smell it, I get all…” She grinned, biting her lip.

“Wow.”

“What?” Courtney asked.

“It just never occurred to me until this second that everyone’s mom doesn’t smell like shea butter.”

Courtney burst out laughing.

“Please don’t hit on my mom tomorrow,” Vixen said somberly. “She’s going to smell very irresistible.”

“I’ll do my best,” Courtney giggled, tickling her in the side, making her squeal. “You’re so cute.”

“Yeah?”

“Uh huh. I love you so much.” Courtney ran a thumb along her bottom lip.

Vixen smiled up at her, enjoying the warmth of her body pressing down.

“I love you, too,” she said, eyes falling closed to accept Courtney’s soft, gentle kiss, hands sliding down her torso, showering her with affection.

***

Vixen was strangely calm about introducing Courtney to her family. She supposed that she should have been nervous--after all, she hadn’t brought a girl home since high school, and that was, of course, an entirely different situation. But it just somehow felt natural with Courtney.

And to her relief, no one acted weird about Courtney being famous. In fact, they put her to work in the kitchen right away, first chopping garlic and then shelling beans. It wasn’t until her cousin showed up that anyone even said anything about Courtney’s career.

Amanda, her cousin’s ten-year-old daughter, stepped inside the kitchen and let out the most blood-curdling scream Vixen had ever heard, then burst into tears.

“You okay, Mandy?” Vixen asked.

“It’s…” Amanda lifted a shaking hand to point at Courtney. “It’s P-princess Luuuucie...”

As she dissolved into fresh tears, Courtney got up and made her way towards the little girl tentatively.

“Hey there, I’m Courtney. Can I give you a hug, sweetie?”

Amanda nodded, tears still rolling down her cheeks as Courtney knelt down, giving her a big hug.

“Thank you. I’m so glad you’re here! Want to help us shell the rest of these beans?” Courtney gestured to the table.

“They’re making you shell beans?!” Amanda exclaimed, horrified. She whirled around to look at Vixen’s mother, her great aunt, yelling, “She’s a princess!”

“Okay, Mandy, that’s enough. Go wash your face, and then say hi to Grammy, and then think about acting right before you come back in here.” Her mother set a couple of bags of groceries on the kitchen table, greeting her relatives with hugs and kisses, completely unfazed by her daughter’s meltdown.

“But, mama-”

“I said go!” she exclaimed, then turned to Courtney as Amanda slunk out of the room, saying, “I’m sorry about that.”

“Oh, it’s alright,” Courtney shrugged. She seemed quite unbothered by the whole scene as well, which made Vixen laugh.

“Does that happen a lot?” Vixen asked incredulously. She couldn’t imagine walking around causing children to spontaneously scream and cry.

“Kinda, yeah,” Courtney admitted. “Kids love me.”

“That must be so weird.” Vixen tossed a few beans into the bowl and picked up a new pod.  

“It was at first. But like...I think the really weird part is that it’s not weird anymore? That’s when you know you’ve become especially disconnected from reality. Like, my friend’s daughter being utterly distraught that I spoke English, since she’d only seen the French dub-”

“Wait,” Vixen interrupted. “You have French friends?”

“Oh, uh...not really?” Courtney said.

“Let her finish her damn story!” Vixen’s mom said.

“Fine, fine, go ahead.”

“Well...she was really upset, but then I said three words in French and the poor baby lost her absolute shit, and then 10 seconds later we were BFFs. Oh! And later that day, another little girl fainted in the lobby of the hotel when she saw me. Normal Tuesday.” Courtney shrugged. “What can I say, my life is strange.”  

“Hmm...well, if you ever need me to knock you down a few pegs…” Vixen offered sweetly, kicking her under the table.

“Awww, you’re so generous…”

“Endlessly giving,” her mom echoed from the sink, and the whole group burst out laughing some more.

***

Courtney sighed, climbing under the covers. It had been a long, fun day, but she was exhausted. Even though Vixen’s family was lovely and welcoming, it took a lot of energy just to be that “on” for so many hours, doing her best to make a good impression and not say any ignorant shit that would make them hate her.

She knew that she was being a little paranoid. (After all, if she survived Bianca’s family, she could survive anything.) But nonetheless, she’d felt a strong pressure, knowing how close Vixen was with her family and how important their opinions were to her.

Vixen settled in beside her, allowing Courtney to wrap her arms around her from behind, lips pressed to the back of her neck.

“Mmm…” Courtney sighed happily. “Can I just say that I love how you can be the big spoon or the little spoon?”

Vixen let out a sleepy chuckle, saying, “You know that spoons only nest if they’re the same size, right? There really shouldn’t be a big spoon or a little spoon. Just...spoons.”

When Courtney was silent for a few long moments, Vixen turned her head to look at her.  

“You okay?”

“Yeah I just...my mind is totally blown.” Courtney shook her head, stunned, and Vixen giggled.  

“Okay.”

“Seriously! That’s...the best metaphor. You should write a book.”

“I did write a book,” Vixen reminded her.

“Another book. About relationships. ‘Just Be Spoons.’ It’s fucking brilliant!” she enthused.

“Maybe let’s see if we make it through the holidays first.” Vixen kissed her forehead before turning back around and settling against the pillow.  

“Fair enough,” Courtney laughed.

***

“Keep your eyes closed,” Courtney insisted, guiding Vixen through her house. She’d just arrived in LA, and after mauling her in the doorway for a few minutes, Courtney began to chatter excitedly about a “surprise” that she just couldn’t wait to show off. “Are they closed?”  

“Yes, ma’am,” Vixen promised, making Courtney giggle. Knowing her, the surprise could be anything...a new plant, tickets to a concert, a romantic dinner...Vixen didn’t think she was super into jewelry, but she allowed herself a brief fantasy of something extravagant that she could wear with a little black dress.  

“Okay.” Courtney’s hands left her shoulders and settled on her waist. “You can open them.”

Vixen opened her eyes, and for a moment she wasn’t quite sure what she was looking at. They were in a room off the kitchen that Courtney used for yoga, as an office, and, when necessary, a spare guest room. The last time she was here, the door had been closed, so she assumed that Courtney was in the middle of some elaborate project.

Turns out, she was right, because the room was now a gorgeously decorated office, with floor to ceiling bookshelves on almost every wall, a beautiful desk in the corner, an overstuffed sofa and two comfy chairs.

“The furniture is all made of reclaimed wood. And the upholstery is covered with ethically sourced textiles,” Courtney explained proudly. “Do you like it?”

“It’s really nice,” Vixen told her, looking around. The big picture window had a cozy seat and a beautiful view of the city, and the graphic prints on the upholstery and rugs would have looked at home in her own apartment. “Maybe sometimes you’ll let me use it, too.”

“What?” Courtney’s brow furrowed.

“You know, when I’m here, maybe I can...share the space. If that’s okay.”

“No, baby, you don’t understand.” Courtney laughed, pulling Vixen in by the hand. “It’s all yours.”

Vixen’s brain short-circuited for a moment, blinking at Courtney as if she was speaking an as yet unknown language. Finally, after a few moments of disbelief, she managed to squeak out, “Mine?”

“Mmhmm. I know you need a place to write, and I figured that having a private space while you’re here would just...make things easier for you.”

“I…” Vixen was overwhelmed. In spite of her brief fantasy about jewelry, she was wholly unprepared for an entire room. How was this her real life? “I don’t know what to say. It’s...it’s beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful,” Courtney said, wrapping her into an embrace. “And we can change stuff if there’s anything you don’t like. I just thought it would be better to get it started, so that-”

“It’s perfect. Thank you. I’m sorry, I’m really overwhelmed. I mean...it’s a whole room of your house.”

“Our house,” Courtney said softly. “I know you’re only gonna be here part time, at first, but…”

Vixen nodded, throat suddenly feeling dry and itchy. Her eyes misted over, Courtney’s face becoming blurry as tears clouded her vision.

“Shit.”  

Courtney cradled her cheeks, standing on her tiptoes to press their foreheads together.

“I love you, baby…” she whispered.

***

“So, what do you think?” Courtney asked. When Vixen had come out of the restroom, she was posed on the bed in her harness and a brand-new strap - this one neon green, textured and curvy.

“Uhh...it’s bigger than the other one.”

“Too big?” Courtney asked, a saucy glint in her eye.

Vixen felt her cheeks grow hotter under Courtney’s knowing smirk, shaking her head.

“I’ll manage.”

Courtney grinned, patting the spot on the bed beside her. “Come show me.”  

Vixen tilted her head coquettishly and crawled onto the bed. She was wearing a Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras tank top, borrowed from Courtney, and a pair of turquoise panties. Even though she knew that she looked cute as fuck, the way her girlfriend eyed her up and down definitely confirmed it.

Courtney wasted no time, flipping her onto her back and hovering above her before dipping her head for a deep, intense kiss. Tingles went up Vixen’s spine as Courtney’s fingers danced up her thigh, slipping under her tank top. Vixen’s arms went soft and pliant, allowing her to pull off her top, a hand sliding over her breast, thumb circling her hardened nipple.

Soft, loving kisses blanketed her neck and chest, making her weak and slightly dizzy. And the more she whimpered, curling her fingers into Courtney’s hair, the more it encouraged her. She caressed every inch of her torso, hot mouth traveling over her skin, tongue circling her nipples.

It wasn’t long before Vixen was swooning under her careful attention, body aching with need. Especially when Courtney began to gently ease her panties down, trailing just the tips of her fingers over her trembling thighs. She reached blindly for the nightstand, groping for the bottle of lube and nearly knocking it over in the process. The bottle itself was a bit slippery, and Vixen pressed it into Courtney’s hand with a soft whine.

Courtney took the bottle, but continued to worship her at a leisurely pace, teeth grazing the most sensitive parts of her inner thighs.

Vixen whimpered, arching up, and was rewarded with a playful bite.

“Please,” she whined breathlessly, long legs wrapping around Courtney’s shoulders.

Courtney nuzzled against her thigh as she finally opened the lube, pouring it onto her fingers. Vixen closed her eyes. Letting Courtney prep her was still pretty new, and even though she felt a little funny about it, she couldn’t deny how deeply cared for she felt when Courtney pushed a finger inside her, her other hand wrapped around her waist, lips placing a gentle kiss against her hip. She breathed in slowly, trying to relax her muscles as a second finger joined, twisting in a way that made her gasp with pleasure.

“Are you okay, baby?” Courtney murmured against her, and she opened her eyes, nodding.

“Yeah, that’s good.”

Courtney withdrew her fingers slowly, leaving Vixen feeling empty and desperate. She pulled Courtney close, nails raking down her back to her ass.

“Gimme the lube,” she whispered, and Courtney poured a generous amount into her hand. Vixen reached down, coating the dildo, running her hand up and down the velvety curves as Courtney continued to kiss her.

Courtney hovered above her, brushing their lips together gently and then sucking on her lower lip. Vixen drew her knees up and back, goosebumps breaking out all over her arms as legs as she shivered with anticipation.

“Are you ready?” Courtney teased, nibbling down her jaw.

“Yes, yes!” Vixen declared, nails digging into her ass, trying to pull her closer.

“You’re so beautiful…”

“Omigod, just fuck me!”

Courtney laughed, face tucked into Vixen’s neck as she said, “Yes, ma’am.”

“Sorry,” Vixen breathed, letting out a deep sigh as Courtney pushed inside her.

“Don’t be sorry,” Courtney said, “I like a woman who knows what she wants.”

“Yeah?” Vixen asked, rolling her hips.

“Uh huh.” Courtney gripped her hips, thrusting against her, deep and slow. “So tell me...is this good?”

“Harder,” Vixen whimpered, body arched up, eyes falling closed. Courtney began pumping harder, faster, and then a mouth found her nipple, sucking hard, and she let out a strangled moan. “Oh god, yes…”

Courtney pressed her body forward, trapping Vixen’s dick between them, rubbing against their stomachs. Her tits brushed against Vixen’s own with every thrust, every inch of Vixen’s skin tingling with the contact. Her legs wrapped tighter and tighter around Courtney’s waist until her whole body was as tense as a coiled spring.

“Are you close, baby?” Courtney asked, reached down to circle the head of her dick with her thumb.

“Uh huh. Uh huh…” Vixen was so close, she found herself unable to speak, body in overdrive as she plunged off the cliff and dove head-first into the waves of pleasure. “Oh god.”

Courtney licked up her throat, hips continuing to pound, slow and deep, until Vixen collapsed backwards, limbs falling limply onto the mattress.

“I love you so much,” Courtney whispered, kissing her so softly that Vixen felt like she was made of glass.

Vixen let out a soft, gratified sigh as Courtney pulled out, enjoying that feeling of being sated and spent. Her eyes fluttered open to look at Courtney’s face, the sweet and slightly smug smile as she gazed down.

“So, did you like the new dick?” Courtney asked, winding one of Vixen’s curls around her finger.

“Mmm…” Vixen nodded sleepily, letting Courtney wrap her into an embrace, cocooning them into the warm blankets.

[aristocratlegacy]

Chapter Sixty-Three: Our Fifteen Minutes

[Hey everybody! Sorry for the really long wait within chapters, and the sort of confusing order- this chapter was written and published AFTER the last one was. A lot of stuff happened [spoiler] [basically I Beatrice and Lorne died, and Lucky literally became a ghost, but then get famous came out and I was literally horrified that Beatrice had died before getting to be in a hollywood chapter so I made a fake family, revived her, and got famous. Anyway, sorry for any confusion, onto the chapter!!]

Dusty: “Gee, Lucky, I sure am worried about Taffy.”

Lucky: “I know! Ever since she got a crush on that Johnny guy, she’s been acting really different.”

Lucky: “I just wish she knew how cool she is when she’s being herself!”

Taffy: “Hi guys…”

Lucky: “Not too cool to play with us anymore?”

Taffy sighed.

Taffy: “I’m sorry I acted that way guys. Johnny...didn’t like me as much as I thought he did- I saw him kissing another girl after our beach date!”

They gasped.

Dusty: “Well, he’s stupid anyway.”

Lucky: “Yeah! And we like you just the way you are, Taffy!”

Taffy: “Aw, you guys are the best! I’m so happy that the Aristocrat family sticks together!”

The sound of canned applause starts as Beatrice walks into the room.

Beatrice: “That’s right, kids, stick together, that way you always have a wingman to make you look good in front of strangers. Oop, Lorne, sweetie, my simsmapol- oh, thank you dear”

She said as a new drink appeared right in her hand.

The kids laugh.

Beatrice: “Well, you look better, sweetheart. All that black makeup wasn’t doing anything for the bags under your eyes. Chin up!” She said, and sauntered away to the bar in the background.

Actual Lucky: “Aaaand...Cut!”

*one week earlier*

Lorne: “Breakfast! I made breakfast for everybody!”

The sound of groans and too many people for one house yawning sleepily down the stairs spreads out to the kitchen, where Lorne smiled and dished out the pancakes he made for everybody.

They all sat around the table, shoving elbows out of the way when they ate their food.

Lorne: “So, what’s on the agenda for today?”

Beatrice: “You know none of us really...work….right?”

Lucky: “Hey! Courtney and I work, we run our own business!”

Beatrice: “When was the last time you went to work.”

Lucky: “...”

Beatrice: “I’m not shaming you, sweetheart, I’m just stating a fact. Today, we are all going to lay in our respective beds, reading our respective magazines, and then take intermittent naps.”

Lucky: “And what would you rather do?”

Beatrice groaned.

Beatrice: “Anything- “ She held up a hand to preemptively silence her husband “But going to work.”

Courtney: “We could always volunteer as a family.”

Courtney was met with the iciest stare yet.

Courtney: “One day I’ll get you to do it.”

Beatrice: “But you’ve noticed it too, right, ever since this boring mr boring guy moved in, everything has been boring. I mean nothing fun has happened to us since my last awesome party.”

Lucky: “No. We are not throwing another party. It’s too much. Nobody ever shows up wearing the right thing and we have to stay there for days without sitting because nobody can stand still long enough to take pictures. Out of the question.

Beatrice: “Fun things used to just fall in our laps! The phone would ring and it would just be somebody telling us what awesome thing to do next!”

Lucky’s phone started to ring.

Beatrice: “Oh thank god I wasn’t sure it would work that time! I wish I had a fancy hat!”

Beatrice: “Oooh, this is fun, isn’t it?”

Patty Alexander: “Lucky, how have you been?”

Lucky: “Aunt Patty? It’s been good, how are you?”

Patty Alexander: “No time for chit-chat, Lucky. I recently found a VHS tape, I watched it out of curiosity, and it was the pilot that your Glammother made for a reality show. It had been recut by my father, but the show never got any traction at the agency. I work at the agency now, and I think we could come up with a project based on you legendary family, don’t you agree?”

Lucky: “Um...yes?”

Patty Alexander: “Great, come up with ten ideas by tomorrow I will call you at exactly 8 am to talk about it.”

Lucky: “8 am? Really?”

Patty Alexander: “Pleasure doing business with you.”

Day 1 of Production

Chloe: “I can’t wait to be famous, guys!”

Pierce: “I don’t really think this is going to take off, what about you, Vivi?”

Vivien: “If it doesn’t I’m going to drown in a sea of ennui. This is a chance to really let my creative prowess as an actress shine!”

Lucky: “Okay, everybody, say hello to the cast. Let’s just stay cool about this, it’s just a little sitcom. I think if we keep it light and fun we’ll all come out of this ahead- yeah?”

Lucky:Cherish will be playing my mom, Beatrice. My mother is not on set today, value this time, Cherish, it will be the last productive moment for you on this set.”

Lucky: “Darren, you are my dad, Lorne. All you have to do is smile, agree with anything my mom says, and constantly be churning out drinks from the bar in the background. Do not stop even for a moment, even if the bar is completely covered in undrunk Bridgeports, you keep going.”

Lucky: “Leslie is playing Glamma Astrid, uh...I dunno. Act ignored. Like you had a lot of potential and then no follow up. You’re Walt from Lost. I don’t have my step-grandpa in here, the casting fell through since I couldn’t find someone with as perfect a head of hair. Courtney- make a note to find a wig guy, and then find me a Roscoe.”

Lucky: “Tessa is playing my older sister Taffy. She’s smart, lovesick, and a snitch. I want a cross between Rory Gilmore and the sister from Phineas and Ferb.”

Lucky: "My niece will be playing Three, the alien girl that we found in the woods. She’s not here today- we’re gonna film her when I’’m supposed to take her to the library next week, nobody tell her dad.”

Lucky: “And, of course, these are my three children, Chloe, Pierce, and Vivien. Chloe will be playing me, you’re the main character, you’re brother is missing, shenanigans ensue. You love dogs and antagonising people, you know the drill.”

Chloe: “Yes!”

Vivien: “But I thought I would play you!”

Lucky: “Pierce you’re playing my brother Dusty. He’s kinda dorky, and then finds this alien girl in the woods and bonds with her. It’s cute.”

Pierce: “I think I can handle that.”

Lucky: “And lastly, Vivien, you will be playing my little brother Milo, who is kidnapped in the begining and then we find him later. Any questions?”

Vivien: “Wait- am I even in it?”

Lucky: “Um….yeah. Eventually. You’re gonna do great, cutie. Everybody read through the script and be ready to shoot the first scenes by tomorrow!”

Day 4 of Production

Luchloe: “Quick! Hide! Mom is coming this way!”

Fake Beatrice: “Hey cuties, gotta go do a video kiss kiss please subscribe!”

Fake Two: “She didn’t look up from her magic rectangle.”

Dusty Pierce: “Shh!”

Lucky: “Okay, I think she’s gone. Phew. For a second there I was really worried she would catch us and Strider and we’d have to take him back. Good boy!”

Dusty: “Also the alien girl we found in the woods, Lucky.”

Lucky: “Yeah, but that’s a person, mom is definitely not going to notice some random kid in our house if she doesn’t make a mess. This is a good puppy!”

Real Lucky: “Cut! Nice job, guys, let’s take 30 for lunch!”

Vivien: “Mother. I’m going to have to insist that you switch my role with Chloe’s. I have ten times the acting chops she does! Not to mention how much I work drama into every day life!”

Lucky: “Don’t worry, Vivien, nobody would ever forget about that.”

Chloe: “Hey, Vivi, wanna eat lunch?”

Vivien: “No! I’m running lines, trying to prove that I’m actually serious about the business to my mother. Chloe, I swear, you getting to play our mom in the sitcom that she’s making about her childhood is the finest example of nepotism I have ever seen in my life.”

Chloe: “Didn’t we all kinda get hired because of nepotism, though?”

Vivien: “Ugh! I’ll be in my trailer!”

Chloe: “No fair! Why does Vivien get a trailer!”

Lucky: “Oh, no, honey, she just went to pout inside the puppet theater.”

Courtney: “Hey, girls. I have the latest shots for you to look at, babe. Great take, Chloe, you’re a rockstar. Where’s your brother? Why are you rolling your eyes.”

Chloe: “Because he’s trying to talk to Tessa again.”

Lucky: “Oh, for god’s sake I told him….I’ll go handle it.”

Pierce: “So, you know, just because we play brother and sister on this show, doesn’t mean we can’t date in real life.”

Tessa: “Oh my god, I didn’t even see you there. Did you need something?”

Pierce: “Yeah...you’re heart- hey!”

Lucky: “Sorry, Tess. Won’t happen again! You did great today!”

Lucky: “Pierce, I told you to stop bothering the actresses.”

Pierce: “But we’re in love!”

Lucky: “No, you’re not. Keep dreamin, kid. She’s not into you. Okay, back on set in five, people!”

Cherish: “Hey, yeah, I feel like my character is just like...a super bad mom? Can we do something about that in the script?”

Lucky: “These are all based on true stories. You’ve met her. She was on set yesterday, is it really that surprising?”

Cherish: “No, I get it, but, like, that magazine just released that story about me being, like, a really bad mom. And I don’t want people to take it the wrong way, y’know?”

Lucky: “Um, use it in your performance. We have a schedule to stick to everybody! Two minutes!”

Day 6 of Production

Vivien: “Mom! I need to talk to you!”

Lucky: “Sweetie, I love you, but I don’t have time to talk about your part right now. Right now I need to keep your Glamma away from the actors.

Beatrice: “Why is she out of costume. Lucky, you’re the director, do something.”

Lucky: “Fine. Excuse me, Cherish? Yeah, my mom wants to know why you’re not wearing the costume.”

Cherish: “I think my character would wear this. I have a rockin’ bod, if I have to dress conservatively, I’m gonna do the bare minimum.”

Lucky: “You’ve really….taken to your character, haven’t you? Keep the dress, honestly, if I wasn’t constantly lowering her hemlines she’d have put that on already.”

Beatrice: “You’re the one that keeps adding fabric to the bottom of this dress? Lucky! It’s practically down to my knees!”

Lucky: “Good, you’re too old to be wearing clothes like that mom. Cherish- you look fine, Mom, you also  look fine in exactly what you’re wearing.”

Beatrice: “I could still pull it off! I’ll show you!”

Lucky: “I’m not looking forward to how that turns out. But maybe she’ll do it off set. Hopefully.”

Lorne: “No, you idiot, you don’t shake it like that, you shake it like this.”

Darren: “Isn’t that what I’m doing?”

Lorne: “No, and, ugh, what are you wearing?”

Darren: “The costume notes just said to dress up like Willy Wonka’s brother that runs a flavored vodka factory.”

Lorne: “Gosh, y’know, Lucky is just the sweetest daughter, isn’t she? Keep it, it’s fine, but I expect you to keep up the color, alright? Navy blue. It’s a brand.”

Lucky: “Hey, you kids doing ok? Pierce, great job out there, looking silent and quiet and waiting for your turn to speak. Very Dusty, I love it.”

Vivien: “Mom- why can’t I play you? I’m not even in it and I have to play you’re kidnapped little brother? This stinks! I’m a ferrari, you don’t keep a ferrari in the garage and roll out a barbie jeep and a tricycle.”

Chloe: “We can hear you.”

Vivien: “I’m speaking from the heart of an actress, Chloe, you wouldn’t understand.”

Chloe: “We’re all child actors, dude, chill out.”

Lucky: “I’m afraid I’m going to have to side with mini me, cutie. Chill out a little, Milo is a great part.”

Vivien: “Milo now would a great part.”

Lucky: “I really hope you have no idea what you’re saying, keep reading through your lines, I’m gonna watch the last runthrough. Love you!”

Pierce: “You know, if I was your boyfriend, I would never kiss another girl.”

Kelly: “Excuse me?”

Pierce: “I mean...I….bye….”

Pierce: “I couldn’t do it. I tried, but she’s too pretty. I was blinded by blonde.”

Chloe: “You know that she’s playing your sister, right?”

Pierce: “I know. She’s not my sister, though.”

Viviens: “You two are barbarians, I’m going to read lines.”

Chloe: “Nerd!”

Pierce: “Teacher’s pet!”

Chloe & Pierce: “Nice.”

Day 9 of Production

Lucky: “This is no good.”

Courtney: “Why not? What’s wrong with it?”

Lucky: “It’s not saying anything. We’re talking about self esteem here, this is real gritty stuff! We could change lives, Courtney.”

Courtney: “I mean, it’s a sitcom we made starring our own untalented children. I don’t think expectations are going to be that high.”

Lucky: “Courtney, Courtney, Courtney,”

Courtney: “Yes?”

Lucky: “Courtney, Courtney, Courtney, Courtney, Courtney,”

Courtney: “Please stop saying my name like that.”

Lucky: “We’re making art here, baby. Expectations are higher than they’ve ever been.”

Courtney: “Um…”

Lucky: “Let’s take it from the top, guys, and remember, the words are raw, and gritty. E M O T I O N A L, do you hear me people? She’s changing who she is for a man is that acceptable?!”

A non committal murmur of ‘no’ calls out from the cast.

Lucky: “Yeah. This is serious. TAKE IT FROM THE TOP!”

---

Chlucke: It’s okay, Taffy! We like you just the way you are!”

Lucky: “Cut!”

Chloe: “What’s wrong?”

Lucky: “Baby, you have to think about the stakes here, your sister is heartbroken, she’s lost her whole identity, she’s on the verge of collapse, you need to feel this.”

Actual Taffy: “I thought it was fine. I mean, it was just a crush. I wore that dress with the storm clouds on it for a couple of days but-”

Lucky: “Taffy,”

Courtney: “Oh no.”

Lucky: “Taffy, taffy, taffy, taffy.”

Taffy: “Yes?”

Lucky: “I remember this. I saw the pain in your eyes. Johnny was the love of your life, and he threw you away like garbage.”

Taffy: “He still works at the movie theater so I think it’s fine. I’m married and happy. I have two kids that you didn’t cast in you’re show- thanks for that, by the way. What’s gotten into you, Lucky?”

Vivien: “I can do it mom! I can deliver the line with vivacity.”

Chloe: “She’s been waiting to use that one.”

Vivien: “You! Taffy! Don’t lose yourself in the sea of the unwashed masses! You shall rise above them! Walk among the stars as the women you are and will become!”

Pierce: “Yeah...that…”

Lucky: “That’s pretty good. Lucky, do that.”

Vivien: “But it was my monologue!”

Lucky: “I know, but it wouldn’t make sense coming from you, you’re still kidnapped.”

Vivien: “No fair!”

Lucky: “Honey, you’re not in this shot.

Day 11 of Production

Chloe: “Pierce, I do not want to go back in there.”

Pierce: “Me neither. Maybe if we just hide in here she’ll just recast us and let us go home.”

Chloe: “Is she being crazy? It seems like she’s literally gone crazy.”

Lucky: “Where are the children!? I need them! For my art!”

Chloe: “Oh no. She’s gonna make us do the heart to heart scene again, I know it.”

Lucky: “Vivien, where’s your brother and sister? You’re on today.”

Vivien: “I am?! Really?”

Vivien: “CHLOE! PIERCE! You’d better get out here now or I will cyberbully you forever!”

Chloe: “She’s gonna find us eventually.”

Pierce: “Maybe if we stay here, mom will let her play our roles.”

Vivien: “Found them! Saboteurs!”

---

Luchloe: “I sure am glad you’re home, Milo! I can’t believe we found you!”

Milovien: “Happy that I’m home?! Is that all you have to say? Since you’ve abandoned me to the wills of a madman in an underground bunker? I may be shy,”

Milo: “I may be talented in a quiet way- but that does not mean that I do not have something to say! Hear me, brother and sister! For I don’t know if I can forgive your indifference in my heart, and I know for sure, that I will never forget it. But ho-”

Lucky: “Cut!”

Vivien: “What’d you think, mom?”

Chloe: “Here we go.”

Lucky: “It….was…..exhillerating. We’re gonna win an oscar for this, guys.”

Chloe: “I don’t think they give out oscars for single-camera sitcoms, Mom.”

Lucky: “Vivien, you and I will create art. Baby,  we’re going to hollywood!”

Day 15 of Production

I live for my art

I breathe for my art

I live for my art.

If I can just get the hug at the end right. I know.

I just know.

I can make a difference.

Day 22 of Production

Lucky: “From the top!”

Chloe: “Mom, there’s only so many times we can hug. We’ve been doing this for days.”

Vivien: “She said from the top, Chloe! We have to do this right!”

Chloe: “Why though? I just wanna go hoooome!”

Vivien: “Mother? Permission to slap an actress.”

Lucky: “What? No, Vivien. But you do have to take it from the top! Take two hundred and eighteen!”

Courtney: “You know, Luck, I think we’ve got it.”

Lucky: “We don’t have it.”

Courtney: “Maybe take a break and do some other scenes? Or let everybody go home? I’m sure that we got it and-”

Lucky: “Are you questioning my vision, Courtney?”

Courtney: “Um...no?”

Lucky: “Good. Because if you were questioning it, then I would have to fire you.”

Lucky: “I’d fire all of you if I could! I’ll star in the show myself! Me and Vivien- my only talented daughter, who isn’t afraid to commit to something!”

Vivien: “Yeah!”

Lucky: “So if all of you want to quit! Fine! Quit!’

Chloe: “Is that an option?”

Lucky: “Only if you think you can live with yourself, Chloe.”

Chloe: “I mean….yeah. I quit. Right guys?”

Pierce: “Yup.”

Everybody: “Yeah, bye”

Day 27 of Production

Courtney: “Hey...Lucky?”

Lucky: “What do you want, traitor?”

Courtney: “Well, you’ve been sitting here at an editing table in the middle of an empty warehouse set in the dark for 5 days.”

Lucky: “The show is due in 2 days, and since everybody abandoned me, I had to to do it myself.”

Courtney: “Nobody abandoned you, Lucky. You just got a little crazy. Plus, we did film all the scenes from the original script. The only ones we didn’t do are those really rambly meta ones you added later. I think if you stick with what we thought of at first, then you’d see that we made something pretty cool.”

Lucky: “I don’t know if I can do it- cut apart my vision…….”

Courtney: “Do you want my help?”

Lucky: “..........Yes please.”

Premiere Day

Chloe: “This is so exciting!”

Vivien: “We’re gonna be on tv!”

Courtney: “Lucky, you gonna join us?”

Lucky: “Oh… I don’t know if that’s such a good idea. I know I ruined everybodys tv experience by getting too in my head about it. I was in an art spiral, there’s no excuse. I’ll just go watch it upstairs by myself so I don’t bother anybody…”

Chloe: “Mom! Come watch with us!”

Pierce: “Yeah, we’re not mad.”

Vivien: “You had a celebrity meltdown. Very chic.”

Beatrice: “I’m with Vivien- an epic meltdown is a very Beatrice move. I’m proud of you!”

Lucky: “So...we’re all a happy family again?”

Courtney: “A big happy family that’s about to watch itself on tv for the first time! C’mon, it’s starting!”

-----

That’s all for now! Thanks for reading and don’t forget to drop a comment if you liked it!!!!!! Also thank you so much to boolprop for making us January’s story of the month that was awesome!

[theartificialdane]

Galactica, part 234

In this Bianca meet Courtney’s new friends, Shane does what he does best, Tatianna is in the spotlight, Allison tries a new craft and Fame has a bad day.

Thank you @veronicasanders @toriibelledarling and @samrull <3

“Okay, so, I just want you to be natural, be yourselves, this is just some like, filler footage for the package to introduce you guys,” Jane explained.

“Yeah, got it. Is that the strongest light you have?” Bianca asked. “I want the good Ramona light. The instant facelift light.”

Jane rolled her eyes and walked back to video village. “I’ll see what we can do.”

“Come on, Jane, don’t fuck me here! I’m standing next to a celestial being. Human perfection. Give me a damn light.”

Courtney burst out laughing. “Flattery will get you nowhere, Bianca.”

“That’s a lie. You’re a whore for compliments. Flattery will get me everywhere.”

“Oh yeah. Right.” Courtney winked at her.

“Heyyy! Thaaat’s a fucking light!” Bianca exclaimed, as a two guys rolled on a monster light into the kitchen, pointing it at the counter. “Jane, you’re amazing! I’m telling Andy to give you a raise.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Are you guys ready or what?”

“Roll it, Jane.”

Jane signalled the cameras crew to start rolling and then Courtney, who skipped around the corner into the kitchen in her running shorts.

“Good morning!” she sang, slipping her arms around Bianca from behind.

Bianca turned around from the coffee maker, kissing her. “Hi…”

Courtney pulled her against the counter, hands buried in her hair, lips parted, the kiss turning into something else altogether. “Told you…” Bianca breathed into her ear as Courtney giggled airily and arched against her, wrapping a leg around her waist.

“Guys!” Jane called out. “This is basic cable, not pay per view. Dial it back!”

Bianca looked up, slightly dazed. “Sorry Jane. She’s a bit of an exhibitionist.”

Giggling, Courtney pulled herself away slightly, giving her a more chaste kiss, as Vanity entered in full, glamourous drag, every sequin perfectly in place.

“Helloooooo,” Vanity crooned.

“Hey,” Bianca looked up, confused, pouring herself a mug of coffee. “Damn, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before noon. Are you like...still up from last night?”

Vanity scoffed. “Don’t be silly, darling! I had a full night of beauty sleep...obviously.” She fluttered her lashes.

Courtney laughed, hopping up onto the counter and grabbing a nectarine from the fruit bowl. “Yeah, we can tell. You’re gorgeous.”

“Aw, thanks, sis. I’m glad you think so, because I’m tagging along with you today to Atlantic City.”

“Alright...you gonna help sell merch?” Courtney teased.

“I would be offended by that except that yes, that’s exactly what I’m doing. Latrice said that sometimes the people the venue assigns don’t know how to sell and if I move more than usual, I can get a commission.”

“Sounds fair to me.” Courtney high-fived her.

Bianca narrowed her eyes, hands resting on Courtney’s thighs. “What kind of commission, exactly?”

Courtney kissed her cheek. “B, don’t worry. I’m sure Latrice made a good deal.”

“You’re way too trusting.”

“He’s my /brother./ It’s not all about money.” Courtney shook her head.

“Thank you, Courtney.” Vanity stuck her tongue out at Bianca.

Bianca sighed. “I mean, sure. I have freeloading relatives, too.”

Courtney leaned forward and kissed her again. “Don’t be such a spoilsport.”

Sliding her hands up Courtney’s legs, Bianca deepened the kiss, fingers creeping inside the hem of her shorts.

“Ugh, are you really fingering my sister on the kitchen counter?” asked Vanity.

Bianca held up her middle finger. “You wanna stay in a hotel, bitch?”

“Guys! Cable!” called Jane. “Keep your hands outside the shorts, Bianca!”

Courtney giggled, wrapping her arms around Bianca’s neck. “We’re not safe for cable, B.”

“They can blur it out.”

Jane threw up her hands. “Mother fucker…”

***

Shane: What’s a vampire’s favorite fruit?

Betty: oh my god

Shane: No, you have to guess

Betty: I’m trying to work here

Shane: Looking at fabric swatches online isn’t work

Betty: excuse me, have you ever been a designer? didn’t think so

Shane: WHAT’S A VAMPIRE’S FAVORITE FRUIT

Betty: … a blood orange?

Shane: a NECKtarine

Shane: Betty

Shane: Betty

Shane: Admit that was funny

Betty: I hate you

Shane: <3

Betty could hear Shane’s silly little giggle all the way from his desk, so she looked away from her computer screen to give him an eyeroll, but her face decided to deceive her and she smiled instead. Everybody in the department seemed to be buried in their work or at least pretending to be, just like Betty was doing since morning. Trixie could be seen through the glass doors of his office, leafing through sketches with a pencil in his mouth while Ivan was peacefully napping in his crib.

Betty could use a peaceful nap as well. Or something else… maybe something that could wake her up, better than two coffees she already had.

Betty: truth be told I’m bored as hell. how much time left to lunch? wanna go hang out in the warehouse?

Shane: If by “hang out” you mean what you usually mean by “hang out”, no. Did you forget Fame had cameras installed last week?

Betty: fuck, I forgot

Betty: what is the deal with her lately?

Shane: No idea. We can go hang out in the Marketing bathroom though?

Betty exited Messenger as fast as she could and got up from her chair, heading for the door and gesturing for Shane to follow. They weren’t even out of the department yet when she felt his hand grabbing hers, Shane pressing a kiss to Betty’s temple as she closed the door behind them.

The corridor was empty, like the whole of Galactica has fallen into winter’s sleep.

“Hey babe, what do you call a huge pile of kittens?”

“Oh no. Not these again.”

“A MEOWntain,” replied Shane, his lean body vibrating with giggles and joy which only made Betty pull him faster towards the elevator.

“You’re the actual worst. Remind me why I married you?”

“Because you love me? Because I put up with all your moods and encourage everything that’s good in you? Because you require my constant support and relish in my bubbly personality, bad puns and whatnot? Or because -”

“Okay, okay, shut up. You win this round.”

“Woo! What do I have to do to win the next one?” They were in the elevator now, riding up to Marketing, Betty not really sure why she was holding so tight onto Shane’s shirt and trying to fit herself to the shape of his chest.

“Make me come in 15 minutes?”

“Oh girl. That’s it? Challenge accepted.”

***

Tatianna jumped out of the makeup chair, finally finished, popping a piece of gum into her mouth, and wandered over to chat with Naomi, whom she hadn’t seen for what seemed like weeks.

“Omigod, girl, you look stunning!” Tati smiled brightly. She knew she should probably be mad at Naomi, knew that the river of bad blood between Elite and Model Management had gotten just that little bit wider when Naomi jumped manager, but she couldn’t be mad. Not when it had helped her own career, and Naomi was so fun to be around. “Seriously, you’re gorgeous.”

“Thanks, you too!”

“We have to get a selfie!” Tati pulled out her phone and the two girls began snapchatting, pulling faces, cracking each other up. Naomi couldn’t keep her mouth shut as usual, the girl gushing about her glamorous life and the new apartment she had gotten on the Upper East Side. Tatianna didn’t say as much, but she got all the dirt on Naomi’s commercial shoot in Hawaii, the shoot sounding absolutely magical.

Tatianna looked up from their selfie session, her and Naomi dressed in the bunny filter when she heard Violet walk over to the two of them, holding an enormous gold gown, so big it practically engulfed her slender frame.

“Violet! Oh my gosh, how are you carrying that all by yourself?!” Tati exclaimed.

“I’m pretty strong.” Violet smiled, a teasing tone in her voice, and moved the gown a little so her face was free, the woman gesturing for Tatianna to come near her. Tatianna stood up, beyond grateful that Violet wasn’t acting as awkward as she had at the gym, even though she wouldn’t complain if her manager’s girlfriend wanted to throw more Dior cosmetics at her.

Naomi looked Violet up and down with some serious side-eye, her arms crossed, her eyes almost rolling. “Damn. That’s a big fuckin’ dress. Is Glinda the Good Witch going to be joining us?” Naomi's voice was snarky, her nose crinkling slightly, but Violet didn’t give her the time of day.

Violet ignored Naomi, instead speaking directly to Tatianna. The day was going to be stressful enough, between the mountain of work with the gowns and the pressure that she felt from Fame of putting on a happy face about the dreadful creative that had been decided for the shoot, and then Sutan as well? Violet smiled pleasantly, already deciding that she wasn’t going to engage with the angry model that kept asking for her attention. Violet could barely recognise her from the last Galactica runway, but she had honestly not  - she did not need to engage with this little brat. “Tati, this is going to be your first look. I have to sew you into it, so I hope you’ve been to the bathroom.”

“You’re sewing me again?”

“I’m sorry… I had to prioritize and since I know you can stand still… So, please?”

Tatianna smiled. “Sure thing!” She pulled off her robe and gestured to her bra. “Bra on or off?”

Violet felt a blush creeping into her cheeks. “Um…Off… You have to take it off. There’s a corset built into the dress…” Violet averted her eyes as Tati whipped off her bra and tossed it onto a chair with the robe, stepping into the gown that Violet held open for her, lifting her arms. Tatianna was so pretty, her skin looking like a caramel dessert. Her breasts the perfect size, her long hair glossy and wavy and smelling slightly of... was that mango?

“Are you blushing, Violet?” Naomi asked.

Violet visibly tensed up, beginning to sew the side of Tatianna’s gown closed, focused on her needle and thread.

“Hey, Naomi, is that Bianca calling you over the the other wardrobe rack?” Tatianna asked.

“She is?! Oh shit, thanks!” Naomi jumped up and raced over to the other side of the tent.

“Thank god,” Violet muttered.

Tatianna grinned. “She wasn’t really, I just thought maybe she was distracting you from your work.”

Violet smiled gratefully. “Well...thanks.”

“No prob. So like...this is becoming our regular thing, huh? I’m not sure if you know, but they make these amazing new contraptions called zippers.”

Violet chuckled. “Yeah, well, when you have to make 6 gowns in 3 weeks…”

“Jesus. When do you sleep?”

“I don’t.”

Tati smiled. She noticed that Violet’s face looked unusually serious, lines creasing her forehead. “What’s wrong?”

“You’re smaller than your measurements.”

“I am? That’s amazing, I’m gunning to do swimsuits in Miami, I still need about 4 pou-”

“No!” Violet threw her hand over her mouth, mortified.

“No?”

“It’s just.. No, no, forget I said anything, I’m sorry.” Violet tried to busy herself with the needle and thread again.

“No, Violet, seriously, what do you mean?”

“It’s just… You’re not made to be that slim... You’re not... You’re beautiful Tatianna. Just as you are.

“I...thanks.” Tati bit her lip and Violet looked down, the girls pale cheeks bright red.

*

April handed Naomi a shimmering gold mini-skirt and jeweled top. Nina shook her head. “I don’t know about that combination. Can we try the sweater instead? We don’t want it to get slutty.”

“Oh, of course!” April quickly switched the tops. “Do you think this top will work with the pants?”

Nina nodded. “/Much/ better. The first combo looked like something Bianca would have put her underage girlfriend in.”

“What did you say?” Bianca called from where she was talking to Tracy and Allison.

“Nothing, boss!” Nina chirped, giving her a thumbs-up.

Naomi and April both giggled, nodding when Nina made a “zipping your lips” gesture.

*

Violet stood to the side, trying not to wring her hands while the photographers took their test shots. One of the models had nearly stepped on the heavily beaded skirt of her gown and every time it happened, Violet almost had a heart attack.

She tried to keep her breathing even, but when the girl did it for the 27th time, Violet, unable to stop herself, rushed forward to fix the skirt, stammering out an apology to Tracy, admonishing the model in a low voice. “If you step on this dress, there are going to be 10,000 beads rolling down Fifth Avenue!”

The girl cringed, eyed wide. “Oh shit, sorry. I didn’t realize it was that delicate. It’s so beautiful.”

“Well...yeah.” Violet calmed down a little at her attitude, and even more when Tati put a reassuring hand on her shoulder while she straightened the skirt. “Just, um, try to be careful. I’ll be here to help if you need me.”

“Thanks.”

“Don’t worry, Violet, we’re not looking to destroy any couture!” Tracy called, grinning.

“Thank you.” Violet smiled tightly, wondering why, if that were really the case, there were crew members prepping a /hot dog cart/ down the block, and more still setting up lights at the playground? She shuddered, thinking about how horribly tacky it was all going to be.

*

Nina stood next to Bianca, watching as they changed set-ups. “I see you hired another one of your exes. I thought you were taking a step in the right direction with this diversity initiative, and then another step back…” she clucked her tongue.

Bianca rolled her eyes. “First of all, Allison is not my EX, okay, she’s someone we’ve been employing as a model for years, and she’s a talented photographer who needs experience. She can learn a lot from Tracy. Who is black. In case you haven’t noticed.”

“I noticed.”

“And awesome.”

“Agreed.” Nina pursed her lips.

“And we’re meeting with Linda about the fellowship program on Tuesday. So chill out.”

“Wait...Tuesday? Isn’t that when you normally attend your Klan rallies?”

“I mean, yeah, but I only go there to pick up hot Aryan chicks, and I’m in a relationship now, so...my schedule’s open.”

They exchanged a knowing look.

After a beat, Bianca grinned, dimples deep. “Nice to have to back on the team, Garcia.”

*

“Violet! Come here… Check out the photos!” Allison smiled widely. She and Tati were standing at the one of the monitors, where Allison was quietly giving Tatianna tips while everyone was wrapping for their location move. “If you arch your back a little more here, the negative space would be great...see?”

“Oh, okay! Got it.”

Violet, who had been sipping on a cup of tea, stepped up to the monitor, her stomach a giant knot. She wanted to throw her hands over her eyes, and peek between her fingers, but unfortunately she was an adult, and she couldn’t.

Violet looked at the screen, and it felt like a punch to her stomach. Tracy’s photos were beautiful. Violet had been so worried, her style and her gowns really not made for the harsh urban feel of the street, but here they were, looking amazing. The rich, luxurious fabric against the rough bricks, and the simple plastic and the metal in the playground made them shine, like beacons of beauty amongst the everyday mess of New York.

“Oh Allison… Oh Allison...” Violet reached out, the woman dragging Allison into a hug, the two girls holding each other. “Thank you… Thank you so much… It’s beautiful.”

Allison smiled at the younger girl, not fully understanding the depth of Violet’s relief, but certainly happy that she was happy. She had had a soft spot for the shy brunette ever since Raven had introduced them, and her affection had grown with time, though she remained an enigma. Violet was weird, but she was pretty okay after all.

***

The last sequence of shots, at the Sky Terrace of the Hudson hotel, was where the real “money” shots took place, and it was absolutely breathtaking. City lights sparkled below, extras were brought in to give the place a real lounge vibe, and the girls looked gorgeous - the epitome of youthful glamour. It seemed like exactly what Nina wanted all along, which was confirmed when she breezed over to April and Violet with two glasses of champagne.

“Ladies…” she said, handing one to each of them, “Thank you so much for your hard work on this project. It’s come together very beautifully. And Violet, I know we were tough with you, but you really delivered - every note we gave was addressed, and even caught some things we didn’t see. Your work is quite impressive. Miss Fame should be proud of you both.”

“See, Garcia?” Bianca added, slinging an arm around her shoulders. “Sometimes nepotism works out for the best.”

Violet bristled a little, that nagging little worry about Fame’s “favor” rearing it’s ugly head.

“Don’t push your luck,” Nina said, tossing Bianca a good-natured eye roll.

Bianca laughed. “Well, this was my creative vision all along, so thanks for helping manifest it. To talent.” She clinked glasses with them and then got called over by the Creative Director, leaving them with a wink and a flash of her signature dimples.

“You’re welcome...your highness,” Nina replied, rolling her eyes harder as Bianca walked away, causing April and Violet to both giggle conspiratorially. “To the real talent,” she said, toasting them again.

Violet clinked glasses, filled with pride and happiness, realizing after seeing a full day of it that their little bickering was just the way they worked, and maybe even a necessary part of their creative process. She looked back over at the models, who were set up for the final shot, on the dance floor, movement and lights and a sparkling sky behind them, alive with energy and possibility. Her heart burst with pride, thinking that these were the moments when the drudgery, the all-nighters, the physical pain of it all, this is what made it worth it.

***

On Monday morning, Violet stood in the wardrobe room, checking in the pieces from the Marie Claire shoot, making sure it was all catalogued in the system, and in perfect condition. She hadn’t had the energy on Saturday when she’d dropped everything off at the crack of dawn. She also didn’t want to dump it in Ivy’s lap the way people often did.

She perked up a little when she heard Miss Fame’s voice on the other side of the door. Violet had indirectly been avoiding her since their unfortunate meeting, where she’d inadvertently set her off into a blinding rage, but now, given how beautifully everything had turned out, she was actually looking forward to the chance to report back in. Violet quickly finished what she was doing, gathering herself and smoothing out her skirt, ready to talk to her boss.

If there was one thing Fame loved hearing more than anything in the world, it was that she was right. Violet now knew that her instincts about the creative had been wrong, everything somehow coming together in the end. Talking to Fame, admitting she was wrong, wasn’t exactly something she was thrilled to do, but Violet felt like she owed it to Fame. She was the boss after all. The last thing she wanted was to be perceived as ungrateful for an opportunity.

Fame limped into the wardrobe closet, ranting to herself about the poor quality these days, one of her shoes in her hands, complete with a broken heel.

“Good morning, miss - oh! What happened?”

“What does it look like?” Fame snapped. “The heel broke off my damn shoe. Ugh, what a disastrous morning…” Fame kept walking forward to the shoe section, searching for a replacement pair, still limping slightly.

Violet knew it was Roxy’s job, and that getting near a seething Fame could be a dangerous move, but she still went towards her, quickly and silently pulling down pairs that looked similar to the ones Fame held in her hands and placing them on the table within her reach.

“Thank you.”

Violet nodded in response, silently thankful for Fame’s admission of a good mood since her help had been acknowledged. Fame sighed and tried on the first pair, examining her look in the mirrors, Violet biting her lip before she picked up her courage and opened her mouth.

“The Marie Claire shoot went well.”

“And Bianca was pleased?”

“Yes.” Violet nodded. “Nina too.”

“Good.”

“And I...I..” Violet knew Fame preferred short sentences, quick information and proper answers, but she had to say something. “I want to apologize for what I said, about the creative… It was out of line, and..I was wrong, and I’m sorry. I was wrong to question them.”

Fame turned to her slowly, eyes narrowed. “Well. I’m delighted that you realized that, Violet. It certainly shows maturity to recognize and admit a mistake.”

Violet felt slightly taken aback by her sharp tone. Fame usually never snapped like that when someone was agreeing with her. Had she done something wrong? Violet bit her lip, Fame’s eyes almost burning as she watched her. “I… I hope you can forget what I said about not wanting my name on it...” Violet said with a hopeful smile. She was honestly happy about the shoot, and proud of the work she had done for Galactica. That she had delivered a piece of work that had lived up to the clients, and hopefully to Fame’s expectations. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity...”

Fame smiled back icily. “Here’s the thing, dear. I’m glad you came to this conclusion. I really am. But I already told Bianca to give the credit to Galactica. So, chalk this one up to a learning experience, and maybe next time, you’ll think twice before acting like a petulant, spoiled child.”

She turned on her heel and sailed out of the room, slamming the door to the closet behind her. Violet was staring, the slam still ringing in her ears, her chest tight. Fame had never been that vicious to her before, and Violet felt like throwing up.

[shamelessexperttree-blog1]

Me tho

When I’m confused, I write. And Ill just say, the last four months of my life have been the most confusing yet. I don’t know why exactly I’m writing you. I discovered in the tiny English section of my neighborhood library, only the Harry Potter series, wonder ( Ive read it 3 times now) and 2 of your books. I read them both in a week. I don’t know why I wrote you. I probably would have written a favorite musician of mine ( z.B John Darnielle or Sam Beam) but I am honestly just to scared to. Don’t take this the wrong way, because your books are great and I think you’re a cool person, but I just felt like you were more aproachable. I don’t really care what you think about me, ( although then again, I’m not really supposed to care what anyone thinks about me, now am I?) and when I read in your book about one of the charecters listening to The Mountain Goats, I felt like I had a connection with you ( even though there is probably like 800,000 TMG fans ). Also, side note, when I first picked up one of your books, when I was younger, like 8, I thought you ( the author of the book) were John Darielle because my dad said he wrote a book too, and your picture looked kinda similar to what I imagined JD would look like ( isn’t it funny how we picture what singers and authors look like based on their work? Or maybe its just me that does that). Anywho, I needed to write down all my thoughts and I though you were as good a person as anyone ( that phrase feels strange to write, like its grammatically incorrect or something, and maybe it is my English is a tiny bit rusty) to bear my soul to. I would have preferred to write a letter because I have been reading way to much of my boy JD ( Salinger, oh gosh that was cringe I hope I don’t actually send this), but I guess ill save the trees cause I didn’t want to ask google what your adresse is, cause that feels creepy. Me on your books and such- I read The Fault In Our Stars when I was what, 11? Good writing, but I’m not really a romance girl. But I really do dig your writing style, and just your references  ( z.B The Mountain Goats, random German words).  Alright, I guess I should start with the sitch. Im currently going to a school where I understand about 40 percent of whats happening ( its auf Deutsch). Im thirteen, and this was self inflicted. I currently live with my aunt. I miss my family. I miss California. I miss English. But thats fine, I’m figuring it out and there is one nice girl, and I like the challenge. The real issue is my exisential crisis I’m going through. I guess Ill best demonstrate by quoting something I wrote while watching the sun set from my favorite spot in my town ( oh gosh I sound like such an insufferable academic who thinks every word out of their mouth it pure poetry. I feel like the exact kind of person Franny hated ( Franny from Franny and Zooey JD Salinger) „ I hope my dying speech is mundane. A truth, true testament to the days where the boring collect ( Reference to New York I Love You But Your Bringing Me Down, by LCD soundsystem) I hope when the last breath leaves me, I mumble „  oh what a wonder, oh what a waste“ ( Reference to Avant Gardener by Courtney Barnett). I hope the words I spin stand idly, unused. I hope my books burn to the ground, till they are nothing but ashes of letters and lies, not leaving any solid thing standing. I hope the music they play on my death bed is soft and silly. I hope it has no climax, just an end. I wish I could sit on this bench and think of nothing at all, besides the dusky sky and the biting cold. I hope all grand romantic gestures are put on hold, till the plain nothing suffices to bring tears to our cursed smote filled eyes. I hope in my trail, testament, and plead, I have nothing other to say then „Es tut mir leid“ I hope I have on more lesson to be learned.  I hope my words die on my lips, the tales go silent in my head. I hope n my dying speech, I have nothing at all to say“. Im just unsure, confusedAbout how there can be so many people, ideas and opinions on this earth. Confused why we don’t have all the answers. Confused about my existence. I feel like you are a safe person, not close to me, but not so far either, to just pour out my soul to ( sorry if your not religious cause I’m mormon ( this might sound like an oxymoron, but I also 100% support the LGBTQ+ community, and I disagree completely with the mormon church on that point) and I believe, or at least some times I believe, that God exists). When I moved here , I thought there would be like this giant difference, like my life would be changed, but it wasn’t. It has been weirdly the same. I thought that because I had never been through a life changing experience, that there are such things, just based on circumstance alone, but know I think that us humans are pretty much the same no matter who we are, where we live, or our life experience. I think that what we tell ourselves becomes ourselves. I tell myself ( Im just being completely honest. I feel like I have never actually been completely honest with anyone, so id like to start here, so forgive me when I sound like an awful arrogant person right here, cause in my head, I kind of am) that I am smart, that I am a quick learner, that Im hard working, that I notice things that others don’t, that there are so many things going on in my head that no one could even start to guess about. I look down on girls that listen to Katy Perry and like Starbucks frappicinos. But deep, somewhere behind all the words I tell myself, the comforting familiar lies of my frontal continous, I know I’m wrong. I think that its so hard for us as humans to actually realize that there are other people. Oh, sure, we say we do. We are mindful ‚of other people‘ we do service, write kind letters, finish the dishes, ‚for other people‘ but do we really? Ive heard about the important time in childhood development where kids realize that there other people with feelings and thoughts just like them, but I feel like we spend our whole life learning that lesson over and over again. Also, regarding these words we tell ourselves over and over again. The things we say that our life should be, the people we are. A couple years ago in 5th grade, we learned how to write memoirs ( why fifth graders are learning how to is beyond me) and our teacher likened the first paragraph to the beginning of a show, and the last as the ending, you know the ones that sum it all up and wrap it like a nice bow, where the character learns a lesson and that is that and they’ve made their decision and it all makes sense. I think we try to do this with are lives. We look at the things we do, what happens and how we react, and we tell ourselves things based on them. We tie in a quote or two that we feel hold true to our story that we tell ourselves, and bam theres our life. But these collages of the parts of our lives, ourselves, that we like, can’t contain all of us. We can’t fit in the pages of the book we write, because we were not born of words. We were born of something so much older and more primeval. We were before words were, yet we act like words make us. In one of my favorite books of all time in the universe ever, Till We Have Faces by CS Lewis ( heres a quick summary: its the tale of cupid and psych, told by the older sisters pov. Psych is born and is a beautiful thing of perfection, and the goddess ungit ( in greek Aphrodite) is jealous of her, and therefore psych must be sacrificed/ made bride two the beast/ god of grey mountain ( in greek cupid) Oral, the protagonist, is so torn when her sister goes. She visits her sister and cannot see her castle from the god, and thus thinks she’s gone made. She convinces her sister to break the gods rules ( for oral is sure its not a god but a monster or a thief tricking the delusional girl, and that the girl is imagining a palace) and look upon his face, and is thus banished and forced to do impossible tasks. The whole book is written as a complaint against the gods, saying that if the gods could just reveal themselves plainly then none of this would ever happen.) At the end of the book, when oral is reading her complaint against the gods to the actual gods, she takes her book to read, and realizes it is not the ‚beautiful book‘ she was writing but instead a vicious rambling. And she realizes that this is her ‚ real voice‘. ( sorry the quotes are weird I’m writing this on a European computer) „When the time comes to you at which you will be forced to at last utter the speech which has lain  at the centre of your soul for years, which you have, all that time, idiot like, been saying over and over… Till that word can be dug out of us why should they (the gods) here the bable that we think we mean? How can we meet them face to face, till we have faces?“ ( 295).  Her big revelation, her eureka moment, is that the words we build our lives around, the stories we tell and are, are nothing but a vicious confusion made by humans, because we are scared of what lies beyond words. And my question is, then, as someone who loves writing and reading and who lives on words, what is there after them? Silence and god? I am to afraid, as it is right now, to give up words. But somewhere, deep inside me, past all the words, I know the only way I will ever be able to take off the mask of words I have made to protect myself, the only way I will truly find out who any of us are, is by letting go of these stories, by telling god, I am yours for the taking, show me what you will. But for know, I am to afraid, so I guess I will just keep living the life I have written on paper. I guess Ill just keep living my paper life. Confused and thankful, Mia Call PSA playlist of my current mood. Do you know any of these guys?

Born Alone— wilco

Neighboorhood 1— arcade fire

Is there a ghost?— Band of Horses

Were going to be friends— the white stripes

Avant Gardner— Courtney barnett 

Two headed boy— Neutral milk hotel ( more like the whole album tho)

Love vigilantes— iron and wine

Hannah hunt— vampire weekend

Memory lane— Elliot smith

Thirteen— big starUp

 the wolves— mountain goats

Shut up kiss me— angel olson

That summer feeling— johnothan richman

Comes a time— Neil young

[artificialqueens]

Dreaming of You (Shalaska) Chapter 1 - Kate

AN: Hieee! This my first submission (i’m sorry). I would love to see what you think about it so feel free to send feedback. If you love Shalaska you probably will agree - WE NEED MORE FLUFF! So this is to all the hopeless romantics out there! Hope you enjoy. xx

It was around 10 pm, the LA sky was clear and the moon was shining brightly into Justin’s living room. He was sat on the floor with a big box of photos and old stuff that he had left in a small closet in the hallway. Justin was surrounded by photos of him and his siblings, friends from Pittsburgh and old pictures of him and Aaron. He was staring at one of the photos, remembering how much fun him and Aaron had that day. Then something came over Justin, his chest tightened and he could feel a weird feeling in his stomach. A feeling that he felt every time he would think of Pittsburgh or Aaron, well mostly Aaron. He missed him. Justin’s eyes started watering, not knowing how to deal with it. He picked up his phone and called one of his closest friends, Willam.

“Hey boo, what’s up.” – he heard that Justin was struggling. – “Tell me, please.”

“It’s happening again.” – Justin said as he shut his eyes trying to fight the tears.

“Just take a deep breath and don’t worry about it. Do you want me to come over for the night?”

“I can’t fight the feelings anymore. It’s making me crazy!” – Justin hangs up the phone. It didn’t make him feel any better but at least he was calm now. He went over to the bathroom to wash his face. Justin was sat there looking in the mirror. “Why are you doing this to yourself” he thought.

Twenty minutes later he was already in bed trying to block everything out of his mind and just relax. He got a text but he ignored his phone. Then he got another one and another one, and another one. He picked up his phone to see the message app blowing up with texts.

W: Lasky, are you feeling better? W: Girl don’t ignore me. #notcute C: Alaskaaa :( Willam told me are you ok? W: Miss Thunderfuck, pick up the damn phone! C: yeah we are worried W: ALASKAAAAA W: Text us now!! A: I’m here and I’ll be better if you don’t spam me. C: sorry, just wanted to know how u doing A: Fine like always. W: Hunty don’t lie C: willam u are such a dickhead W: Why? How is she gonna overcome this if we don’t push her C: true A: Guys, stop. I said I’m fine. Night xx C: goodnight <3 we love you W: Courm, you should #rupaulogize to me W: Good night Alaska TEXT ME WHEN YOU WAKE UP! xo

Justin turned his phone off. They all had a show together tomorrow, plus some other queens. Sharon would be there too. Justin didn’t really think about it, he was just going to hide his feelings under the makeup and the wig. Everything would be fine as long as he doesn’t talk alone with him. He couldn’t get Aaron off his mind but why? Why now, why after all these years, why after he thought he was finally okay. Why was Aaron okay and he wasn’t? A lot of thoughts went through Justin’s mind, from nights in Pittsburgh with his boyfriend to now, the lonely nights in Los Angeles. For the last 3 years, both Justin and Aaron had changed a lot. Justin stopped smoking, he didn’t drink as much, maybe only one glass of beer when he was out with friends but nothing more.

Alaska was more famous than ever, bookings everywhere around the world and now known as the queen of queens, winner of All Stars 2. But just because you’re famous doesn’t mean your life is perfect. Justin was terrified. He didn’t know why after 3 years he still felt nothing but pure love for Aaron. Alaska and Sharon had a lot of shows together lately. They were getting closer and closer as the years passed by but the problem was that it wasn’t romantically. Justin had been beating himself up with emotions and feelings. He knew it was wrong but it felt so right. It felt right to be in love again with the only person he knew how to love, Aaron.

The next day everyone was at the theater by 4 pm. Aaron was stuck in traffic which is normal for LA. He was looking at his social medias while in the taxi and accidentally tapped on a fan account. It wasn’t just a fan account, it was an account for Sharon and Alaska. He was surprised how many followers it had, how many people were hoping for them to get back together, how many hopeless romantics were out there, just like him. Justin had told Aaron he still loves him for him but that was years ago, and he was pretty sure they were both drunk. He was so fascinated by how many pictures of him and Justin were out there that he didn’t even realize he arrived at the destination. Aaron stepped out of the car, grabbed his suitcase and went inside the theater. Everyone greeted him with hugs and smiles. He placed his things on the table in front of him and started to get ready. Most of the girls were already tucking or fixing their wigs for the rehearsal. There was a burning desire in Aaron’s heart to see Justin. He wanted to have him so bad, even just for 2 seconds. He would do everything for one last kiss. “Soul mates” he thought and smiled in the mirror. He was starting with his makeup and then he heard some of the other queens talking about Alaska behind the wall.

“I honestly feel so bad for her. She is such a strong person and to see her so sad over a thing that ended nearly 3 years ago it’s just breaking my heart.” – Adore was whispering because she didn’t want anyone to hear her conversation with the other girls but it was too late.

“Alaska is strong. Her love for Sharon will always be there tho, even if they don’t get back together. We just have to be there for her otherwise, she’ll collapse and who knows what will happen next.” – Courtney was trying to be quiet too.

Aaron was shocked. After all these years could it be that Justin still had feelings for him? All Aaron knew, for now, was that he had to talk to Justin at the right place and time. He didn’t want to make things more awkward between them. Think about every show that they have had together since their break up, did he really felt this way all the time? Aaron was really confused.

Justin appeared in the room with half of Alaska’s face on. Aaron smiled at him, stood up and gave Justin a small hug. His chest was like a magnet that didn’t want to pull away from its other half.

“Lasky, hey. How are you?” - Aaron smiled over the taller queen’s shoulder.

“Good. It’s nice seeing your face again, it’s been so long since we’ve done a show together.”

They both pulled away from the hug. Justin didn’t want to pull away. He wanted to stay in Aaron’s arms forever. It’s like all the problems they’ve had in the past didn’t exist. Just warmth. Aaron’s smell reminded him of the lazy days of their apartment in Pittsburgh, he closed his eyes and remembered them cuddling on the sofa while binge watching horror films or Golden Girls. Justin snapped out of his daydream to continue his conversation with Aaron.

“You’ll see my face most of the time for the next couple of months, you know touring and all that.” – Aaron smiled.

“Yeah” – Justin stopped for a moment, gazing into the other queen’s eyes. – “You know what, I should better go get ready. I don’t want Bianca to go all crazy on me for being late, again. See you around.”

“Sure, see you around.” – they both sounded a bit confused in their answers. Justin looked fine but there was something different in his voice, he was hiding something. Aaron knew him a lot better than Justin probably thought. He knew that there was a secret. Could it be true what the other queens were talking about?

Justin felt broken. He didn’t know why everything went well in rehearsals and when they talked. It wasn’t a lot of talking. He had to get a way of saying how he feels and there really wasn’t. He could ruin the whole friendship they have and that they worked really hard on after the breakup. Everything could go down with the 3 words that have been in his head for years, “I love you.” These words were so horrifying but so pleasing at the same time.

“I want to change my act. Now.” – Justin walked over to the people organizing the tour.

“You can’t change it now. We already rehearsed your other one for tonight. There are only 4 hours left until the show starts!”

“I have to, please. It’s really important. I know all the words to the song I want to sing instead. I’m just not gonna need the dancers. Pleaseeeee.” – Justin put on a puppy face that no one could resist.

“Pfff, okay but you have to start rehearsing now. We don’t have lots of time before the meet and greet.”

“THANK YOU!” – he screamed happily.

Aaron had just finished rehearsing his act with some other queens.

“Well, you look excited. What’s up?” – both of them smiled.

“I just changed my act. Nothing really that important, I’m just going to sing another song and not have the dancers.” – Justin didn’t want to put his head up because he knew if he did he’ll jump in Aaron’s arms or maybe even worse.

“Good luck then. Can’t wait to see it.” – Justin smiled and looked up to see Aaron winking and walking away to the backstage.

Justin bit his lip, he was nervous. He had not performed this song so much lately. He put his headphones in so he could listen to the song. It wasn’t going to be anything big really but it meant a lot to him.

After the meet and greet, the show started as most of the girls would perform before Alaska. When her time came to go on stage, she was nervous. Rubbing her hands together, fixing her hair and taking deep breaths to calm down. She was wearing a long black dress with lots of sparkles so when the spotlight hit her through the fog on stage, she’ll be the only thing people see. She stepped forward going on stage as the people cheered her with a “Hieeee”. The lights and the screen went off, the fog started appearing on the stage as the spotlight hit Alaska in the center of the stage. The music started as she closed her eyes and held the microphone.

“Alright… the stars of the LA sky tonight are shining…” – Alaska opened her eyes as the audience screamed. She didn’t really perform “Killer” it was a quite sad song. It was obvious that the song was about Aaron, everyone knew it was. Justin didn’t want to hide it, he didn’t care. As he started the more spoken part if we say it that way, he saw Aaron looking at him from the side of the stage. They couldn’t take their eyes off each other.

“Time, wasn’t there seem to be enough time…” Justin’s eyes started watering as he pulled the mic off the stand and collapsed on the floor.

Aaron felt his pain, his heart breaking into little pieces; he could feel every tear that Justin was holding. He hadn’t felt this in a long time. Justin was good at hiding his feelings but when it came to Aaron, he was like an open book, sometimes even too easy to read. The song ended, Justin stood up and left the stage immediately, running through Aaron like a ghost. He followed him in his dressing room. Justin had put off his wig and heels, he was trying to get his corset off. Tears running down his cheeks as the makeup had started to smudge. Neither Aaron nor Justin knew exactly what had happened on stage.

“Lasky, a-are you okay?” – Aaron was stood by the door as he closed it. His eyes had started to fill with water just by looking at Justin having a breakdown.

“Why do you care anyways? We haven’t spoken in weeks and just because we are doing the tour together doesn’t mean it’s going to change anything.” – Justin looked at him. Aaron tried stepping closer but then stopped, he didn’t know what to do or say in this moment. “You don’t care about how I feel, do you? We are just Sharon Needles and Alaska Thunderfuck, the exes from drag race. You know what, it hurts. It hurts to see how much better you are without me. I hurt to see that you’ve moved on and I’m stuck with my feelings. It hurts that I still love you, Aaron.”

Aaron had no words. He had tried to keep his tears but it was too late. He hated seeing Justin like this. Justin was there sitting on that chair crying with his head in his palms. Aaron knew words will only make it worse; he quickly hugged Justin as both of them had tears running down their faces.

Sitting there in each other’s arms just like before. Justin could feel his heart calming down, that warmth he felt earlier this day felt even stronger. They sat there for a long time. Haven’t been able to express how much you love someone for years was a really hard thing to do, especially if you are soul mates. Oh and as for the other queens, don’t worry most of them were looking and listening through the door lock.

[artificialqueens]

City of Stars (Pearlet) - Leatwerpenn

A/N Hey guys, so because the prologue was so short I have decided to post Chapter 1 a lot sooner than I intended. I really hope you enjoyed the prologue. In the first chapter you will start to see how the story is different from the original movie but I do hope you enjoy it. I will likely update twice a week as my personal life is quite demanding. But I have a few chapters stock-piled already so who knows. Some famelet friendship mentions in this chapter. Also, lots of cameo’s of our favourite queens and instagram friends!

Warning for homophobic slurs. Othwerwise, please enjoy chapter 1! <:)

Chapter 1

(2010) 6 Years Before. LA. Winter. Jason often wonders why the fuck he moved to LA. He hated everything about the city. Especially right now as he sat in his shitty old Prius listening to fucking Taylor Swift. The traffic on the highway was crazy and what should be a 30 minute drive from his shared apartment is in reality an hour and a half of literal hell. Jason blew the loose curl which had fell out of his bun away from his face. He could feel the sweat building on his brow. He looked down at the centre console in disgust. His air-con was broken. He was broken. Fuck – Jason thought. This is hell. It’s supposed to be fucking winter. Jason glanced at himself in the centre mirror. Jason never considered himself to be anything special, especially when he was Jason. He had long dark hair that was usually pulled into a bun or ponytail but he also had a longer fringe that he liked to style by adding a single curl. He had a very hollow face that matched his slim figure. His dark eyes were deep and held some sadness in them and were surrounded by hooded eyelids which were one part of his face that he had learned to love because of a trick he had discovered about himself a couple of years ago. Jason considered himself to be average. And apparently, so did everyone else. A loud honk from behind made him jump. “Fuck” Jason yelled. What is this assholes issue? Jason turned around to see some kind of vintage looking car behind him. Honking like it was going out of style. Jesus, it’s a shame the drivers a cunt because that car is stunning. Jason continued to stare as he watched the car pull out from behind him and to his side. He felt a strange shiver shoot directly up from his lower back, across his shoulders blades and down to the tips of his fingers. Strange. Jason made eye-contact, well, eye to sunglasses contact, with the driver just as a bead of sweat decided to dribble down the side of his face. Fuck. He is gorgeous. “Stop daydreaming dork some of us have shit to do.” The driver yelled. However, the driver’s features softened as he made eye contact with Jason. Jason’s shiver seemed to disappear when he heard the angry voice. The driver had on a pair of stylish sunglasses, sandy blonde hair that was short at the sides, and a septum ring through his nose. Fuck, that’s cute. “Whoopsies.” Jason responded automatically while rolling his eyes, before realising that he sounded like a total spoilt brat. The driver grunted in response and sped off down his side of the highway. Shit. Jason looked ahead for the first time in what felt like minutes but in reality was only about 30 seconds and realised that barely any traffic was in front of him. Fuck, shit. Jason moved his car forward to catch up with the traffic while fiddling with his car radio to switch it so he could listen to his own choice of music from his Spotify connected to his phone. Jason zoned out as soon as he could hear the beautiful sound of fingers gliding over ivory keys. And all he could see were stars.

(1999) 11 years before. Atlanta. Winter. “Mummy mummy, what are you playing? It sounds so magical!” A thin boy ran into the beautiful and open sunroom with the biggest smile on his face. His hair was much shorter but he still had his deep chocolate eyes, only now they had flecks of gold in them.

“I’m not too sure sweetie, I just have had this melody in my head for days so I just needed to play it… wait. Where are you going? I was talking to you Jason!” The woman hollered to Jason who had darted into the next room. He came running back gripping a pen and his notebook to his chest. “Keep playing mummy, I’ll write the words down okay?” Jason glanced up to look at his mother and she gave him a warm toothy smile in response. In that moment, he had never seen her look more beautiful. The sunlight from the large bay window behind was flooding her and it made her look like an angel. Her brown hair fell in tight waves that surrounded her face. She had the biggest mocha eyes which complimented her rosy cheeks. She was beautiful, and all he could see were stars. (2010) LA. Winter.

 “Good morning Jay, did you forget your ID badge again?” Jason blinked a few times at the bulky looking security guard. Huh.“Snap out of it dumbass I just need to know if you need a temporary ID?” “Yeah, sorry Boomer, I totally spaced” Jason smiled sweetly at the security guard, whom he might have sucked off in that very security cabin only a few days ago. Whoopsies. “Actually I think I dropped my badge the other day, you know. Can you look around the cabin?” Jason fluttered his eyelids at Boomer. Shit, he looks mad. Boomer went away and came back dangling Jason’s ID in front of his face. Boomer was scowling. Boomer always had an angry look about him but in this particular moment, Jason thought he might rip his head off. Fuck. “Here, faggot, and if you ever mention that again ill do far worse than call you faggot. You were Violet and you only ever talk about that when you are Violet. Understand?” “Sure.” Jason took his ID from Boomer with shaky hands and Boomer punched some buttons into his machine inside his cabin to make the security gate lift. Jason sped through. Jason’s hands were starting to settle but his heart was pounding in his chest. Well bitch, that escalated quickly. Jason’s morning was fairly bland. He had the pleasure of working on the Warner Brothers studio lot, just like he had always dreamed. He had however, never dreamed of working in the coffee shop where every drink they ‘sold’ was ‘on the house’ as the shop was trying to eat out every remotely famous persons asshole. Jason liked working here however because the stars always tipped really well. Additionally, his boss wasn’t too much of an asshole when he had to duck out of work to go and audition. Jason was trying to get some acting under his belt. It was a good way to break into Hollywood and since he couldn’t stand the thought of singing in front of people as Jason (even though he had an amazing voice) it gave him hope they he could still achieve his dream. Even if I am the world’s biggest weirdo. Work was slow today, the morning rush had long since passed and Jason was now becoming bored. The doorbell jingled to announce another customer and as Jason glanced up he stopped dead in shock. Courtney Act had just walked into the coffee shop like she owned the place and placed an order with the barista at the till. Jason just stared. Courtney Act was one of his most favourite Hollywood actresses. She was also beautiful. Although Jason preferred woman who had a more vintage style. Courtney was an exception because she was just so… perfect. She barely had any makeup on either which was killing him. Why is she so effortlessly beautiful? Damn. “Jason, stop eye-fucking the customers and make the goddamn drink and get her that gluten free sandwich she wants. Jesus, I thought you were gay?” Jason’s boss growled in his ear from behind him in a low voice and it seemed to snap him out of the trance he was in. He then moved mechanically to make her what she had ordered. She was on her phone looking down when Jason placed her order in front of her. “Mam, your skinny latte and sandwich are ready. I hope you have wonderful day” Jason smiled as he recited her order back to her and tried to make eye-contact with her. She glanced up at Jason and looked him up and down. “This better be gluten free or you’ll never work again” Courtney stated with a definite intended bitchy tone to her voice. Jesus, what crawled into her vagina and died?   Honestly, Jason couldn’t remember if he picked up the sandwich from the gluten free section of there display but he no longer cared. He knew it was a diet choice and not an allergy because he knew everything about her. He was also too shocked that his idol had just been so openly rude to him. He nodded mechanically in response and she snatched her drink and sandwich without a word and left. Jesus, she didn’t even tip. Jason in that moment had never felt more confused. Everything he knew about Courtney had told him that she was sweet, polite and kind. How was it that one interaction had changed everything. Fuck – Jason screamed internally. Jason’s phone on vibrate going crazy in his pocket was what reminded him that he had an audition in 30 minutes on the other side of the lot. Jason shouted to his boss that he was leaving. Removed his apron. And left the coffee shop. _______________________________________ When Jason returned to his apartment that evening. Kurtis knew he must have had a shitty day. Jason barged into their cute two bedroom apartment wearing red puffy eyes and hoodie zipped up right under Jason’s chin, with the hood up. “Afternoon – you look like shit” Jason was friends with Kurtis because Kurtis never lied. And Jason needed that reality in a friendship. Jason wouldn’t however consider Kurtis a close friend, but he knew Jason well enough to understand when he needed space. Jason nodded at Kurtis and went straight to his room. He shut the door and connected his Spotify on his phone to his speakers. Jason laid on his tummy flat on the bed. The audition didn’t go the way Jason had imagined. The casting director barely even looked at him while he acted his heart out. He knew he was only young, and that actors had struggled for far longer than he had to get work. But from the rude Courtney encounter in the morning to the rude casting director in the afternoon, he just wasn’t feeling his most confident. And when he wasn’t feeling confident was when he was his very best as her. Jason grabbed his shower supplies and went to use the bathroom just as Kurtis intercepted him. “Look, I know you are being all emo because you probably messed up an audition, but, you must remain positive! I have been invited to a make-up event tonight and I want you to come with me! Be my date or whatever! Patrick can’t come because he is still out of town and I don’t want to go on my own” Kurtis was pleading Jason with his eyes. Jason however, had other ideas. “I have to work tonight stupid. I have multiple jobs remember?” Jason sighed. “I’m really sorry, the event sounds fun and I know you love your profession but I really do have to work.” Jason felt guilty. He secretly really wanted to go but he couldn’t let Kurtis know this.

“Okay, I guess I can ask one of the girls from work. It’s okay. What job are you working tonight then? Are you back at the coffee shop or did you get a gig and not tell me?” Kurtis was wiggling his eye brows and Jason was confused as to what he was getting at. However, Jason did start to sweat at his question. “Umm I have a double shift at the coffee shop today as I had to go to the audition. I was going to just chill there till my next shift but, umm, change of plans.” Jason looked down. Lie, lie, lie. Jason sighed. “Anyway, I just want to have a relaxing bath before I have to get back on the highway so I guess I’ll see you when one of us gets home?” Kurtis smiled and skipped back into the living room. Fuck, why was Kurtis always so positive? _______________________________________ (2010) LA. Winter.

Violet Chachki stared at herself in the mirror of the clubs dressing room. This club was actually one of her regulars and she had some pretty steady fans that would come here just to see her every first Saturday of the month. Violet was a vision of vintage hair and clothes. Her perfectly styled black wig had large curls which was giving her a 40s vibe tonight. Her outfit however was what normally set her apart from some of the other performers, despite the hatred of the club owner. She had on a tight corset which was beaded beautifully. It was strapless. As you moved lower down the beading continued down to her underwear, which she was wearing as though it was shorts. The jazzy thong had small crystals which glittered under the lights. Tonight she had lacy stockings on and killer heels. She thought she looked amazing. Her face was painted to give the impression of a vintage pin-up model. Her red lips were inviting and her eyeliner was immaculate, despite her hooded eyes. Her brows were signature to her. Violet enjoyed painting them so that they looked angry, it made her feel more powerful and you could see that power in the gold flecks in her eyes. “Violet your first number is next and what the fuck are you wearing? Its comedy night! Why don’t you look funny, and stop scowling at me and do what you are told!” Roy, who owned the club was looking at Violet like she was an alien. “Beat it, queen” Roy always had such an angry voice, and Violet hated being called queen. For fuck sakes Roy, thought Violet. Violet mumbled a sassy response and quickly put on her ugliest dress over the top of her amazing outfit. She quickly added a stupid looking headpiece to her wig. Her heart clenched as she looked at herself. God, I never thought I would be this desperate and stoop so low. Violet couldn’t see the gold in her eyes in that moment. Violet stood at the side of the stage as one of her chosen comedy-esque songs began to pump from the speaker. She began to mouth the lyrics to ‘Short Dick Man’ as if she was on auto pilot. She glanced up to the audience for the first time and could see a sea of happy masculine faces singing along with her. Well, at least they are happy. She strutted her stuff and mouthed the number as though she was performing at the Staple Centre. Although, this wasn’t exactly what she imagined herself doing, it paid well and kept her in her nice two bedroom apartment. Plus, it fuelled her secret addiction to make-up and vintage women’s clothing. Violet left the stage at the end of her first number with a wodge of cash. A new ugly outfit over the top of her beautiful one and she was back out on stage after a couple of the other girls had performed. Her night went on like this till she had performed 3 out of her 4 numbers. Violet hated being referred to as a drag queen, to her, she was just Violet, and that is why she didn’t mingle well with others. She rarely went out into the bar to chat or try to get laid. She was more frightened that someone would recognise her. Although she oozed confidence on stage, off stage she got a little timid. The last time she decided to mingle she ended up in Boomer, the security guards car, with him taking her back to his cabin to act out ‘one of his fantasies.’ When Boomer found out who Violet really was after Violet moaned ‘Boomer’ by mistake before he had told her his name, he blackmailed her and said if she told anyone, he would make her lose her job. Violet valued money a lot and ever since then she liked to accept money in exchange for, some, services. She only ever went to him when she felt her ugliest and she hated herself for it. Violets last number was coming up and she felt that same pang in her heart from before when Roy yelled at her. She knew what kind of performer she wanted to be, and this certainly wasn’t it. She felt torn. She put on her final dress, which was a shapeless potato-sack-ish dress in the vilest shade of pomegranate. She decided not to add any head gear to this outfit and she made her way to the stage. As she was waiting in the wings she glanced out into the crowd from the side. Barely any patrons remained, not nearly as many as her other numbers. Must be getting late. In that moment, she decided to quickly move over to the DJ and ask him to play a different song. Violet did this often, however, it was usually when the club was completely empty after it had closed so Roy didn’t mind. But there were still patrons out. The DJ shook his head so Violet slipped him some bills and gave him a death glare. “It’s your funeral” He moaned. But he had the next song up on his laptop. He handed her a microphone and she walked onto the stage. Although Violet appeared to be ozzing confidence, inside she was screaming. Breathe in. Breathe out. You can do this bitch you know how amazing you are now open you’re fucking mouth and be amazing. The song started to fill the club and Violet pulled her ugly gown over her head to reveal her beautiful outfit. She heard some whistles from the crowd. Okay, you got this bitch. The song started slow with just a piano playing a few notes. She started to whistle the beat into the microphone. Just as the song came to a pause, the felt the shiver that she felt this morning shoot up from the bottom of her spine. It was travelling quickly across her shoulders and down her arms. She opened her mouth, looked into the crowd, and started to sing. This is it. City of stars Are you shining just for me? City of stars There’s so much that I can’t see Violet moved around the stage as she sang even though she was gripping the microphone with all of her might, she was still able to move effortlessly. Swinging her hips from side to side. She sounded extremely feminine as she sang. She felt like Marylyn Monroe singing Happy Birthday. Who knows?

Is this the start of something wonderful and new?

Or one more dream that I cannot make…. True…. Violet couldn’t see herself, but all of the patrons in the club could see the gold flecks in her eyes. Violet continued to move around the stage as she whistled the rest of the short piano track. The tune faded and in the audience she heard one singular clap coming from someone at the very back. Fuck Did I suck that much? Violet moved to the edge of the stage and quickly walked back to her dressing room. She was just starting to pack her shit when Roy burst through the door. “Beat it queen, you’re done, I don’t care about the fact that people like you because you look like a fucking woman. You’re out. I’m not paying you for tonight either.” Roy roared before standing at the side of the door with his arm outstretched signalling Violet that she needed to leave. Violet could feel tears on the edge of falling. No, I will not give Roy the satisfaction. Violet grabbed her bag and for the second time that day she wanted to go and lay on her bed face down and forget all of her problems. She walked out into the now nearly empty club and began to walk towards the exit. Just as she was about to leave someone grabbed her wrist and started to speak. Honestly, Violet was in such a state that she just wrestled free and ran out of the club. Once she was outside, she couldn’t help but feel that the shiver had returned to her back. Only now, it was burning, and all she could see were stars.