#support group au

[madsworld15]

I Am Still Right Here Chapter 2 Part 2 (Brian x Justin, QAF, Support Group AU)

I have uploaded all of Chapter 1 on AO3. And you can find Part 1 of Chapter 2 here.

As always, I wouldn't be here today writing for the QAF fandom if it weren't for the support of @winderlylandchime @maryp50 and @lostcol

Two Days Later

Brian sat on the edge of his bed. The doctors had decided that he could go home, provided he rested in bed for the next two days, possibly three. Brian knew he needed to address the elephant in the room at Kinnetik sooner or later, but for the first time since his diagnosis, he actually felt compelled to do what the doctors said. 

Emmett came flitting into the room with sunglasses perched on his face and a sweater half off his shoulders. Brian grinned and shook his head. Something about how bright and sunny his best friend was gave Brian hope that he’d actually be okay. 

“So, I borrowed your Jeep to bring you home in. Hope you don’t mind.” Emmett wiggled his eyebrows.

“And to think most people in the family think you can’t drive.” Brian laughed. Then he stood up and slowly strode across the room.

“Shh. Let that be our little secret.” Emmett wrapped his arm around Brian’s shoulder, “Now, let's get you home.”

Brian walked with Emmett’s arm around his shoulder in silence for a few feet. They made it all the way to the nurses’ station before Brian spoke up.

“Actually, could you take me by the Bloom Gallery first?” 

Emmett gave him an inquisitive look. “Missing Lindsay?”

“No, that’s where Justin works.” Brian shrugged but gave Emmett a pointed look.

“And he didn’t come by to see you yesterday, so you want to check on him.” Emmett gave a nod and directed his friend to the elevator without another word. 

Brian appreciated that beyond words. If he’d been with Michael, he never would’ve asked because Michael would then pepper him with questions until Brian couldn’t stand it any longer and snapped at him. In the end, they would both wind up irritated with each other, and Brian would be begging for death to just take him. Emmett was always the friend who would hear what Brian was saying or see what he was doing and never question or judge him.

Emmett drove him over to the Bloom Gallery without a sound. Once they pulled up on the street, he turned to Brian. That’s how he knew Emmett wanted to say a few things. So, Brian let out his breath in a huff and turned to make eye contact with his friend.

“I just want to give you a bit of a heads up.” Emmett bit the side of his lip, his eyes flitting about nervously. “There’s a reason Justin didn’t come by the hospital yesterday.”

“I figured he gets nervous in hospitals.” Brian shrugged.

“Not exactly.” Emmett started. He then waved his hands animatedly. “Not that he probably doesn’t have a fear of hospitals, but this time it was all Michael.”

“Fuck!” Brian exclaimed. “What did he do now?”

“Let’s just say he was extremely rude and territorial once he found out that Justin was there to see you. He basically called him a stalker. Justin left right after so I’m not sure where his head is at.” Emmett gave Brian a sympathetic look. He then reached out and placed his hand on Brian’s shoulder.

“I’m going to kill Mikey.” Brian hissed. Then he gave Emmett a reassuring smile before climbing out of the Jeep. 

Emmett followed suit soon after. The two friends walked up the block in silence. Brian couldn’t stop thinking about how Michael’s words to Justin could seriously hinder the progress the blond had made toward trusting himself and others. It didn’t make sense why Michael would still act this way about Brian when he’d been in a committed relationship with the professor for almost two years now. 

“Honestly, I will never understand Michael’s jealousy. He has a hunk of a man at home, and yet, a little blond cutie in your life sends him over the edge.” Emmett remarked as if he could read Brian’s thoughts.

Brian smirked, “It’s a mystery.”

The two walked into the gallery smiling at one another, in a great mood. Brian actually felt better than he had in days, still tired but no longer feeling like his own body was trying to kill him. They were so wrapped up in their own conversation that they didn’t notice Gus until he had launched himself at Brian’s legs.

“DADDY!” Gus exclaimed, wrapping his little arms around as much of Brian’s legs as he could.

At 3 years old, the kid was almost a spitting image of Brian himself. With his mischievous eyes and brunette hair, Gus constantly gave his moms a run for their money. While Brian constantly told people he’d much rather keep to his “uncredited guest appearances” in Gus’ life, anyone with eyes could see the sun rose and set on that child. Brian went out of his way to be sure Gus never knew the disappointment of a father like Brian had.

“Hey, Sonny Boy!” Brian gingerly leaned over and scooped the kid up into his arms.

“Gus, I told you no running in the gallery.” An exasperated voice carried over the open space as Lindsay approached, looking put out. “Brian!” Her face lit up the moment she saw him.

“Hey, Wendy.” Brian leaned over and placed a kiss on her cheek.

“Debbie called and told me you were in the hospital. Is everything okay?” Lindsay’s eyes roamed the length of Brian’s body, just to be sure.

“I’m fine. I just got a bit dehydrated is all. Couldn’t keep anything down.” Brian scratched his nose, “But the doctor put me on an anti-nausea medicine that he said should help. So, who knows.”

“But, the cancer?” Lindsay whispered, covering up Gus’ ears. The kid was too busy clinging to Brian to notice anyway.

“It hasn’t spread if that’s what you mean.” Brian shrugged. He then surreptitiously looked around for a place to sit. He found a bench near one of the gallery walls nearby and moved toward it.

“That’s good to hear.” Lindsay gave a huge sigh of relief, following Brian and her son. “So, what brings you here? You never visit me at work.”

Brian remained silent, choosing to focus on Gus instead. He ran his hand along the top of Gus’ hair and thought about how much he loved his son. Something about his innocence and wide-eyed wonder about the world made Brian grateful he chose to help Lindsay and Melanie out all those years ago. He sniffed, trying to keep the tears at bay. Then with a kiss to Gus’ head, he looked up to address Lindsay’s question.

“I, umm, actually didn’t come by to see you. I was looking for Justin.” Brian glanced around.

“Justin? Blond, early twenties, quiet, loner?” Lindsay looked befuddled, “You are looking for him?”

Brian didn’t have the energy to fight off Lindsay’s jealousy or resentment. So, instead, he set her straight.

“Did I stutter?” Brian fixed her with his signature, no-bullshit stare.

“No, I just didn’t figure you’d even know he existed. It’s not like he’s a party boy.” Lindsay made reference to Brian’s proclivity for spending nights dancing at Babylon while high on drugs.

“And? Is he here or not?” Brian sighed.

“Let me go find him. He’s probably in the back, painting.” Lindsay sighed and rolled her eyes.

Brian smirked and then turned his attention back to his son. “Mommy doesn’t seem to like Justin. But she doesn’t know how funny he can be. I bet Mommy is jealous of his talent.” 

“I’m not jealous, Brian.” Lindsay returned with an exasperated tone. She then grabbed Gus from him, “Jesus. Why must you always be an asshole.”

Gus cried and reached for Brian, who stood up and took him back into his arms. “I’m not being any more of an asshole to you as you are being to me. Look in a mirror, Linds; your green eyes are glowing.”

“Hey, Lindsay, what did you need?” Justin’s voice proceeded him. Brian smiled the minute he saw the blond appear.

“Hey,” Brian replied just above a whisper.

Justin glanced at Brian and gave a shy smile. “You’re out of the hospital.”

“I am. I thought I’d come by and see if you wanted to have a coffee with me.” Brian hugged Gus a bit tighter to himself as a human shield from Justin’s possible rejection.

Instead of answering Brian right away, Justin locked eyes on Emmett. “Em! It’s great to see you.”

Emmett laughed, pulled Justin into a hug, and kissed him on the cheek. “Of course, baby. I missed you too.”

“More like Brian dragged you with him.” Justin laughed.

“Guilty.” Emmett winked at Brian.

“Justin.” Brian cut in, enjoying that his friend and the guy he liked (What?! Okay gonna have to unpack that thought later) were getting along.

Justin looked at him. 

“Coffee?” Brian asked again. This time, he gave Justin an earnest look.

“Oh, right. Well, that depends on Lindsay. She’s my boss.”

“Lindsay, can I take Justin for a few minutes? I promise to have him back before he turns into a pumpkin.” Brian put his tongue into his cheek and gave Lindsay his best soft eyes. They always worked on her.

“Half hour, that is it. We have to get the displays ready for the gala tonight.” Lindsay gave Justin a fixed look, and he nodded in understanding.

“Now, Bri, give me back my kid and get out of here.” She chuckled to show she wasn’t being petty, but Brian saw right through it. Lindsay was marking her territory against a perceived threat despite not needing to.

“Sonny Boy, do you wanna go get a muffin with Daddy?” Brian pulled Gus around so that his legs were around his waist and his face was level with Brian’s.

Gus cackled with delight and screamed, “YES!” 

“Don’t worry, Mommy. We will be back before you know it.” Brian addressed Lindsay.

“Brian.” She warned.

“Linds, it's been ages since I’ve seen him. Please, just let me have this.”

“Fine. But, Brian. I swear. Half-hour. No more.” Lindsay’s look was stern but loving. He knew he’d won her over.

Brian smiled back at her and then left the gallery with Emmett and Justin in tow.

The group made their way down the block. Brian desperately wanted to talk to Justin, but Gus kept demanding his attention. 

“Daddy, daddy, daddy!” Gus shook Brian out of his reverie, watching Justin walk ahead of him, chatting with Emmett.

“What, Gus?” Brian turned to his son with a smile.

“Can I’s have a bwobewwy muffin?” Gus gave him a toothy grin, his eyes alight with excitement.

“Sure, you can have anything you want. What about a chocolate milk?” Brian grinned and gave Gus a conspiratorial look.

“Mommy and Mama don’t like when I drink chocowite milk.” Gus gave Brian the most serious look the man had ever seen, which caused him to laugh out loud.

“Well, Daddy says you can. So what do you say, share a chocolate milk with me?” Gus nodded in response. Brian gave him a kiss on his cheek.

Brian tuned back to the pair ahead of them just in time to see Justin stop, dead in his tracks, at the sight of a street performer. Brian picked up his pace a bit in order to be there for Justin. He walked up just in time to hear the street performer address the blond.

“Hey, Justin. It’s been a while. How are you?” The young man, who had wavy black locks and dark bedroom eyes, reached out to touch Justin, who jumped backward, running into Brian.

“I’m –” Justin stumbled. Brian couldn’t see the young man’s face, but he could tell from the tension in Justin’s body, which was still leaning against him, that he wasn’t okay.

“I’m Brian. And you are?” Brian decided to save Justin from having to speak. 

“Ethan Gold. Justin is my boyfriend.” Ethan gave Brian a winning smile that harbored jealousy underneath.

“Ex,” Justin mumbled. Brian tucked his lips between his teeth and smiled. 

“Ohhh, Ian. So you’re the guy who saw Justin getting bashed and ran away. Did you even call the cops? Or did you just leave him lying there?” Brian left no doubt about his feelings for Justin’s shitty ex-boyfriend.

“Ethan.” The performer gritted between his teeth. “And I apologized to Justin months ago. He understood.”

“Something tells me he didn’t.” Brian shrugged. Then, he shifted Gus back to his hip once more, squeezed Justin’s shoulder, and directed the group to walk past the musician and into the coffee shop.

Once they were sat down at a table, Justin seemed to relax. He still only fiddled with his iced coffee, but Brian wasn’t as concerned because the kid’s features had definitely eased up. Something about seeing his ex, really rattled Justin to his core. Brian knew some of the story, but he felt as though there was more Justin wasn’t saying.

Emmett gracefully swooped into the last remaining chair at their table. He held his signature Macchiato in his hand, and a smile lit up his face. 

“Brian, could you lend me your phone for a moment?” Emmett put his hand out to receive the device.

“Why?” Brian squinted at his best friend before turning to Gus, who delicately ate each blueberry out of his muffin. 

“Because I asked for it.” Emmett shrugged, “And you owe me for making sure Justin knew you were in the hospital and for dragging your ass home.”

“So, because you’re a good friend I have to surrender my phone?” Brian smirked, already pulling the device out of his pocket.

“Yes!” Emmett tittered. He then took Brian’s phone and pushed a few buttons before handing it to Justin. “Here, baby. Put your number in.”

Justin looked from Emmett to Brian. The latter just shrugged in acceptance. So, he took the device and put his number into it. Then, he handed it back to Emmett, a question on his lips.

“What was that for?”

“You two need to be able to contact each other. I’m done being a go-between.” Emmett replied as he typed on Brian’s phone a bit more before handing it back to Brian.

Just then, Justin’s phone went off in his pocket. 

“Now, you both have each other’s numbers. Use them!” Emmett gave his friends a stern look. Then he took a dramatic drink from his coffee cup.

Justin grinned at his lap and shook his head. This wasn’t exactly how he’d expected his day to go, but he wasn’t upset by it.

“Now that’s out of the way, I need the word.” Emmett placed his hands under his chin, leaned on them to get closer to Justin, and gave the blond a meaningful look. “What was all that?”

Justin bit his lip and looked at Brian. Brian wished he could save Justin from talking about it, but Emmett was relentless when it came to gossip. Brian shook his head to indicate Justin would have to reveal the story whether he wanted to or not.

“Ethan is my ex. Seven months ago, we were standing outside the small concert hall downtown after he’d performed in a prestigious competition. We were making out when two assholes came along and started giving us shit. At first, it was just slurs and nasty comments.” Justin took a deep breath and sipped his coffee.

“Then Ethan pulled away from me completely and shrunk back in fear of these guys. But I wasn’t afraid. I simply told them to fuck off. Well, that’s when they decided to attack me. And one of them must’ve had a bat because next thing I know I wake up in the hospital three days later and the doctors tell me I have brain damage.” Justin bit his lip. Brian reached out and grabbed his hand in solidarity.

“I don’t remember much of it. What I just told you is from what others told me happened.”

“And Ethan?” Emmett’s voice was small and filled with compassion and sympathy.

“This is the first time I’ve seen him since that night.” Justin finally admitted. The confession made Brian’s blood boil.

“What kind of boyfriend doesn’t even come to the hospital to check on you after witnessing you getting beat up?” Emmett asked incredulously.

“The kind who was offered a tour contract the next day as long as he pretended to be straight.” Justin shrugged. “Or at least that’s what Daphne told me.”

“Fuck.” Brian let out under his breath. 

“FUCK!” Gus said a little bit louder.

The three adults looked at each other, then at Gus, and laughed. What else could they do? The subject of their current conversation was depressing enough. Funny child outbursts were necessary at a time like this.

“How come you never told me you had a kid?” Justin finally came down from laughing. 

Brian shrugged, “At what point would it have come up?” 

“That’s completely fair.” Justin agreed, sipping his coffee once more. “Though, when I mentioned that I worked for the Bloom Gallery, you could’ve told me you knew Lindsay Peterson-Marcus.”

Brian smirked and nodded, “You’re right. I could’ve.” He then looked at Gus again and ran his hand over his head, “But if I’m being dead honest, I really enjoyed having a part of my life, the cancer part, be separate from the drama of my family life.”

“I get that,” Justin responded, watching Brian watch Gus. “Sometimes, you need a break from it all. It’s nice to have someone who isn’t part of your history so you can focus on your future.”

Brian nodded and met Justin’s gaze. The two of them stared into the other’s eyes, unblinking, until Gus accidentally spilled his milk, breaking the moment.

Ten minutes later, the group had returned to the Bloom Gallery. Gus wiggled out of Brian’s arms and ran back to his Mommy. Emmett made an excuse to go back to the Jeep, blowing a kiss toward Lindsay and Gus. Before he left, Emmett wrapped Justin up in a hug and told him to take care.

Brian bit his lip, and an awkward silence fell between the two men. Brian wanted to ask Justin about the kiss that had occurred in his hospital room, but he wasn’t sure Justin wanted to. He cleared his throat. Justin met his gaze.

“I should get back to work.” Justin’s voice was barely audible. 

Then, without thinking about it or even checking to see if Justin would approve, Brian leaned forward and placed his lips on Justin’s. For a beat and a half, Justin tensed up, but then his mouth relaxed, and he reciprocated the kiss. Justin brought his hand up to cup the back of Brian’s head, and their kiss deepened. It was like nothing Brian had ever experienced before. Sure, he had kissed more men than he could count, but none of them had made his heart beat this fast or caused the world to fade away. Something about Justin’s kiss made Brian feel like the world was right again.

[inmyjaws]

Daniel matthews circa Saw 3D WIP…..Daniel uses she/they in this au btw thanks

[theprofessionalpromptmaker]

National Just One Human Family Day

Person A is the only human in their family, and runs a support group for other adoptees who are the only humans in their family. Person B is someone who joins the support group with their newly adopted human child, to try to better understand the challenges for both them as a caregiver to a human and their human child growing up within a non-human family group.

[medievill]

guess who posted some more support group au today

(hint: it’s me, I did, I posted it)

[ijjstlostthegame]

ANOTHER JOHN DORY JOINS THE SUPPORT GROUP!

brotherhood au belongs to @tea0w0stache and @0ketlyn-s

Crystaldory au belongs to @tea0w0stache

Feral John Dory au belongs to @draco-after-dark

Eldest and youngest au belongs to @matmiraculous

Grey John Dory belongs to me :3

[pixxyofice]

the time loop support group has taken over my brain. please help. all under cut because of various act 5 (and act 6) spoilers because of how these aus work HAHA. below the cut!

(thank you to @tealgoat, @basilpaste, @the-bitter-ocean, and @startagainaprologue for having amazing aus :3)

time loop support group. beloved.

[year2000electronics]

dory dory dory, can't you see, why have just one when you can have three?~

all aus pictured belong to me :] i have a problem

[cringefail-clown]

i love the new emergent genre of turnabout ships that's just targeting june with an orbital laser. dave's got a crush on your nanna, his bro is flirting with your dad, can't have SHIT in paradox space

shes NOT having a good time

[drugsforaddicts]

sad bojere bitches support group had a meeting about Pisara meressä album release party

[koolaidashley]

Raph was having a. Tough. Time after leo “died”

[matmiraculous]

Grey crashes at eldest's place after not being able to do so in his own universe and the bros start interrogating eldest

Clay: Youve been in contact with another you this whole time and we never knew???

Branch: why is he grey??????

JD: i mean you never asked

Bruce: when was that ever a thing wed ever ask about???

Branch: why. Is. He. Grey.

JD: idk it never seemed relevant???

Floyd: is he the friend you sometimes talk about but always vague about too?

Branch: WHY IS HE GREY-

This is wonderful omg. This kind of thing would happen and JD is consciously trying to avoid Branch's question because that means explaining the original Branch and JD doesn't wanna do that. @ijjstlostthegame is Grey's parent

[madsworld15]

I Am Still Here Part 1

This fic is something that I came up with during conversations with @winderlylandchime about AU fic ideas. I am still working on Heal Me, Hold Me, Make Me, Know Me but I needed a break for a tick.

So, instead, I am writing an AU fic where Justin is 21 and Brian is 33, and they meet when their support groups have to combine one night due to a lack of group leaders. Justin has PTSD from a bashing 6 months prior. And Brian's cancer diagnosis isn't so cut and dry, so he is depressed about his odds. Anyway, here is part 1.

Word Count: 3,372

“So, what are you in for?” A bored yet sultry voice whispered from Justin’s left as he sat a bit back from the circle of people. 

He turned and almost lost his breath at the sight before him. At 21 Justin had been around the block a time or two when it came to dating men. He’d discovered his sexuality while still in high school and had run the gambit of one-night stands, quick, anonymous fucks, and boyfriends – both casual and serious. But, never before had he seen a man as gorgeous as the one speaking to him now. With a sharp jawline, a lean but still fit body, and bedroom eyes that could make even a monk forget his religious vows of celibacy, this man was the literal definition of sex on a stick.

“I’m sorry?” Justin asked, his brain had short-circuited and thus been unable to process what had been said.

“This,” The man motioned his arm to the room before them. “What brings you here? You don’t look like you have cancer. So it’s either grief or whatever the fuck the other one was they decided to throw into the pot today.”

Justin sucked his lips between his teeth to hide the chuckle that threatened to come out. He could already tell he was going to like this man. He had a laissez-faire attitude that harbored a level of no-bullshit Justin could get behind.

“PTSD.” Justin quirked his eyebrow. “Guess I’m lucky number three. I wondered why I hadn’t seen you here before. Then again, it’s only my second time coming.”

“And already you have decided to stay away from the class.” The man smirked, which somehow made him even hotter. 

Justin finally took stock of his well-styled brunette hair. It was styled to look like the man actually didn’t give a shit about it, which left some strands at the front spiked up while the rest lay flat. Judging by his designer, albeit casual, attire, this man never let anyone see him without first spending an hour in the bathroom on his appearance.

Justin shrugged, “I don’t like groups.”

“I tried to say that to Lindsay. I told her, ‘Fuck Groups!’ and she replied with a quip about how she thought I did.” the man slid down in his chair, spreading his legs out in front of him. “Do you think they’ll notice if we just duck out?”

Justin silently wondered who Lindsay was. At first, he thought maybe the man was married to her or something, but then he made a sex joke about groups. Now, Justin was even more confused.

“Jessica is the group leader for my typical support group, and she has eyes like a hawk. If she feels you are itching to leave, she will force you to talk.” Justin whispered out of the side of his mouth, having noticed that Jessica’s eyes were now on him.

“Justin. You didn’t share much with us last week. Why not try again?” Jessica’s voice was that fake sweet that made Justin angry.

“What makes you think adding more people to the mix will make me more willing to share? Yes, more eyes to stare at the poor fag who got his ass beat so bad he’s scared of his own shadow.” Justin hadn’t realized he had clenched his hands into fists or that he was breathing heavily until the brunette man’s hand landed on top of his left fist.

Without a word, the brunette rubbed Justin’s knuckles until he released his grip. Then, shocking those in the group who must typically spend an hour once a week with the brunette, he decided to speak.

“I’m Brian. Today was my third dose of radiation. The doctor told me it wouldn’t be a picnic, but did he really have to act like he enjoyed it? I mean fuck, my balls are on fire, and my stomach makes me vomit almost every thirty minutes. And don’t get me started on how much my body just hurts.”

“Thank you for sharing, Brian.” Jessica’s saccharin voice floated out, causing Justin to look up. “Would anyone like to share words of encouragement with Brian?”

Brian coughed and abruptly stood up, dragging Justin up with him. “Yeah, nope. I’m out. I came, and not in the way I’d prefer. I shared. And now I’m leaving.”

Without another glance toward the rest of the people in attendance, Brian dragged Justin toward the door and out into the cool night air. The minute the doors were closed, Brian dropped Justin’s hand, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and lit one up. He inhaled and then handed it over to Justin, who shook his head.

“Don’t you have cancer?” Justin looked at the man incredulously.

“Yeah, but it’s in my balls, not my lungs.” Brian took another deep inhale as if to prove a point. Justin shook his head. He could already feel his heart falling for the older man named Brian.

“If you didn’t want support from others, then why do you go to a support group?” Justin stared at the man before him. There was an air of mystery about him. He was definitely older than Justin, but beyond that and his looks, Justin needed more.

“Trust me, it was the tidier of my two options.” Brian licked his lips and offered the cigarette to Justin once more. This time, he took it.

“According to my best friends and Debbie, I could either seek ‘help’ or face their unrelenting wrath.” Brian put quotations around the word help, further convincing Justin that he didn’t believe in therapy.

“If they are anything like my mother, I can completely understand why you’d opt to go somewhere you despise,” Justin commented, handing back the cigarette.

“You want to get out of here?” Brian stubbed out the cigarette and quirked his eyebrow at Justin. “I could use a drink.”

Justin knew he should hesitate; to not allow this perfect stranger to lead him to one of his unsafe spaces, but Brian’s eyes were convincing. So, instead, he motioned as if giving Brian permission to lead the way. As they walked, he pulled out his flip phone and saw a text message from Daphne.

From: Daphne 7:45 pm

Your mom told me about group. I’m proud of you. Come by after, we can drink and talk.

Justin shook his head and rolled his eyes. He would not be going by Daphne’s “after this” because it would be just like going to his goddamn psychiatrist. Daphne was studying psychiatry and felt the need to constantly practice on him. Or at least, she had for the past six months since that night. 

Brian must’ve noticed him pull out his phone because he slowed down his pace to get in line with him. Once they were side by side, the older man gently nudged Justin’s shoulder with his own.

“You have somewhere else you need to be?” Brian lifted an eyebrow in question.

Justin shoved his phone back into his pocket. “No. Daphne just wants to psychoanalyze me.”

Brian didn’t reply, but he did fix Justin with a questioning look. Justin went back and forth in his head for a bit before he decided he felt comfortable enough sharing with this man he barely knew.

“My best friend. She’s currently studying to be a psychiatrist. She offered for me to come over for drinks and a chat, but I know it’ll end up sounding more like therapy.” Justin stared at his feet as he scuffed them along the pavement, kicking a pebble of cement that had broken free.

Brian simply nodded and let the matter drop. Justin greatly appreciated that about him. They continued to walk. Justin didn’t realize where they were going until it was almost right upon them. One glance toward the bars of Liberty Avenue and Justin’s breath caught in his lungs. He leaned over, unable to take in anything more than short, shallow breaths. His vision started to swim when a firm hand landed gently on his shoulder.

Through the fog, sounding like he was underwater, a feeling Justin was extremely familiar with at this point, he heard Brian trying to talk to him.

“Justin. Take a deep breath. Can you walk?” 

Justin felt his chest tighten even more, and he shook his head. Or at least he thought he did. Based on the panic in Brian’s voice, he must not have moved at all.

“Justin. Please, just breathe. Close your eyes and think of your safe space. Once you are ready, we can leave.”

Justin’s brain felt like it had sand in it, but he could still hear each time Brian started his litany of reassurances over again. They must’ve stood there, with Brian’s hand barely on his shoulder, grounding him, for a good ten minutes before the panic in his chest subsided. Justin’s vision came back, and the first thing he noticed was the surly appearance of Brian had switched into one more vulnerable and freaked out.

“I’m sorry.” Justin stood up completely and shook out his limbs. After a panic attack, they always felt like lead for a few minutes after.

“Apologies are bullshit.” Brian shrugged, putting a wall back up. His face was stony once more, which oddly enough soothed Justin further. This man wasn’t about to baby him, and for that, he was grateful.

“I could really use a drink.” Justin released a breathy chuckle as he made eye contact with Brian.

“I know a place that is a little less scary than Liberty Avenue,” Brian suggested.

“Is it public?” Justin’s voice came out small and timid, which he could beat himself for, but with his body still recovering from his panic attack, he didn’t have the strength for it.

“Not exactly.” Brian drew out his words but immediately reassured Justin, “It’s my friend Emmett’s place. He hosts private parties there most nights, but he takes Thursdays off. I can always count on him for alcohol and a judgment-free zone.”

“If he takes Thursdays off, how do you know he will be there?” Justin questioned, still not entirely sure this option sounded any more safe.

Brian pulled out his phone, one of those fancy ones people with money had, and pushed a few buttons.

“Hey, Em. I need a drink. Can I swing by tonight?” Brian spoke into his device.

He must’ve heard what he wanted because a moment later, he pushed a button to end the call and looked at Justin with a smile on his face.

“We’re good. Let’s go.” Brian gently grabbed the lapel of Justin’s jacket and pulled him toward one of the side streets, away from Liberty Avenue.

A few minutes later, they arrived at a brick building. The lights of the first floor were all on and a sign over the door read: Milk and Honey. Justin glanced over at Brian, his eyebrow lifted in question. Brian smirked and shook his head. 

“Emmett is one of my closest friends and Pittsburgh’s greatest party planner.” Brian knocked on the door without any further preamble or explanation.

“Bri!” A tall, overly skinny man with auburn hair styled wildly opened the door with a grin that lit up the night street. “I was just about to close up when you called. Inventory day is no joke.”

“Hey, Em. This is Justin. We met at support group and then bailed on support group.” Brian shrugged and wrapped his friend up in a moment of intimacy Justin never would’ve expected based on what he’d learned about this man.

“I promise not to tell the mother hens.” Emmett kissed Brian on the cheek with a wink.

 “Hello, I’m Emmett Honeycutt.” the man turned toward Justin and put out his hand.

Justin bit his lip and gave a forced smile but didn’t take Emmett’s hand. He was still shaken from his panic attack, and his brain couldn’t handle even the slightest human touch right now unless it came from Brian, which was something he would need to unpack at a later time.

“Don’t take it personal, Honeycutt.” Brian cut in and wrapped his arm around Emmett’s shoulders. “He has PTSD and doesn’t let hardly anyone touch him.”

Emmett gave Justin a reassuring smile and then wrestled out of Brian’s embrace with a “Don’t call me Honeycutt!” that had no bite behind it. 

“I’m sorry.” Justin rubbed his hands together and gave Emmett a deeply apologetic look. “I just haven’t been the same since it happened.”

“Hey, what did I tell you? Apologies are bullshit.” Brian, who had somehow ended up across the room already, pulled out some glasses and held up the half-empty bottle of whiskey. “Who wants a shot?”

 Justin didn’t respond just moved closer to the bar setup and put his hand out for a tumbler. Emmett, on the other hand, squealed excitedly and clapped his hands as he bounced over to join the two.

Justin hugged his tumbler tight in the grip of his two hands and remained silent while Emmett and Brian started up a conversation. He sat on a stool and let his eyes observe the two best friends in their natural ease.

“So, support group still not your thing?” Emmett raised an eyebrow at Brian. “I don’t know why you go if you hate it so much.”

“It keeps Lindsay, Michael, and Debbie off my back.” Brian shrugged as he threw back the shot and hissed as it went down.

“You’ve never let them walk all over you before.” Emmett reached out to place his hand on Brian’s, which sat on the counter. Just as the man’s hand made contact though, Brian pulled away as if the touch was fire.

“Yeah, well, I’m not exactly Brian anymore, am I?” Brian licked his lips and closed his eyes, leaning his weight onto his elbows on the counter.

Justin observed as the closed-off, staunch man he’d met at the support group not an hour prior suddenly wrapped in on himself and became a shell of a person. It kind of reminded Justin of what he was like when his depression really took hold.

“You know I don’t judge.” Emmett started to say, walking around the counter to stand directly next to Brian, who glared up at him. “However, I think you’re giving this too much power.”

Emmett didn’t say what this implied, but Justin could easily figure it out. Much like Brian, Emmett seemed to avoid putting the word to what Brian had: cancer. It was as if the two felt without labeling it they could pretend it wasn’t potentially life-threatening. Justin watched as Emmett silently ran his fingers through Brian’s hair, and Brian subtly leaned into the touch. Then, just as quickly, the moment was ruined by Brian cupping his hand in front of his mouth and rushing to the nearby sink. 

The sounds of vomiting permeated the room, but Justin ducked his head as if to show Brian he wasn’t paying attention to it. After he was done, the older man didn’t return to the counter right away. Instead, Justin heard a door behind him open and close, leaving him alone with Emmett.

“Sorry about that. The radiation really kicks his butt even if he tries to pretend it doesn’t.” Emmett smiled and shrugged, grabbing the glasses and putting them to the side to be washed later.

“If you knew it was going to make him sick, why’d you let him drink?” Justin was truly curious about this friendship dynamic.

“You just met him so you might not realize, but Brian doesn’t take too kindly to being told he can’t do something.” Emmett raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Besides, sometimes you just need a fucking drink.”

Justin raised his glass in agreement, “Amen.”

A silence fell between them. Justin took another sip of the whiskey and winched at the burn. He didn’t drink much, not because he wasn’t legally able to, but because he wasn’t really keen on the taste. For Justin, drinking had always been a social thing. He worried his bottom lip as his thoughts swam with visions of his attack and the support group and Brian rescuing him. Even six months out, Justin still had nightmares and day scares about the person who attacked him for kissing his boyfriend. The young man was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of Emmett speaking once again.

“You don’t have to tell me, but I’m a curious Kathy so what caused your PTSD?” Emmett’s spark was back and he animatedly leaned forward to cut the distance between him and Justin in half.

Justin bit down hard on the lip he’d been nervously worrying for the past ten minutes. He didn’t know Emmett, but he also didn’t want to seem like a weakling who couldn’t even talk about what had happened to him. He took a deep breath and was about to respond when the door behind him opened once more, and he heard Brian’s footsteps approach.

“I was bashed outside my boyfriend’s concert six months ago. We were kissing, and this guy jumped us. He had a bat.” Justin mumbled, his voice barely audible.

Brian stopped in his tracks, his presence evident despite still being behind Justin.

“Fuck.” Brian breathed out as Emmett’s hand flew to his mouth in shock.

“Just drop it. Okay.” Justin took the last swig of his whiskey and stood up. He needed to leave. This was getting too personal, and he wasn’t comfortable anymore.

“I should go.” He walked past Emmett and Brian, still frozen where they stood, and out the door onto the street.

Twenty minutes later, Justin paid the cab driver and walked up the driveway of his parents' home. They’d been fighting a lot lately, and he hoped tonight wasn’t one of them. It was bad enough that he was 21 and had to move back in with his parents because he couldn’t hack it in the dorms with his PTSD, but to also have to basically hide who he was from his dad was even worse.

Sure, his dad knew, in theory, that he’d been bashed for kissing another man. However, once Justin had been released and realized that even approaching PIFA’s campus gave him extreme anxiety, his father allowed him to move back in. Not another word was spoken about his sexuality, and considering Justin couldn’t stand being around other people right now, it hadn’t been an issue. Justin reached the front door and was about to turn the key when it flung open, and his angry father’s face greeted him.

“Where the fuck have you been? When you moved back in, I told you that you had to be back by 9. It is 9:30.” Criag’s voice was menacing, but Justin didn’t even flinch. He wasn’t afraid of his father, not anymore.

“Relax. I went to support group and then hung out with Brian for a few minutes after. Then I had to wait for a cab.” Justin shrugged and pushed past the elder man.

“Who the fuck is Brian. He’s not a pervert like the boy who caused you to become confused and then be attacked, is he?” Justin looked up at his father, finally seeing the man for who he was.

It hadn’t been that his father didn’t realize he was gay. It was he thought that by letting Justin move back in, he was saving his son from being manipulated and brainwashed. With a deep breath, Justin stood strong and addressed his father.

“I wasn’t confused. That ‘boy,’ as you stated, was my boyfriend. We were in love. I’m gay. Nothing can change that, not you and not some assholes with a bat.” Justin inhaled and then continued, “As for Brian, he’s just someone I connected with at the support group. He has cancer, and we got to talking. That’s it, not that it's any business of yours.”

Craig slapped Justin across the face without hesitation, “I won’t tolerate any smart-mouthing or sexual deviance in my house.”

Justin rubbed his cheek gingerly and then smirked, “Okay. I’ll be gone by tomorrow.”

With that he turned on his heel and walked up the stairs to his bedroom and shut the door.

[amphiptere-art]

It would be funny if this dropping off of tf eclipse became a regular thing XD the demon visits and drops off his pet before leaving for a few hours. Sometimes traveler comes along too because he doesn’t want to be alone

We definitely will be funny if it becomes a regular thing. Headed on Black Star didn't want it but it's happening. So I guess he has another eclipse for the crew. He probably doesn't know what to do with the traveler when they do come. Other than probably tell demon infero that they are not exactly in a healthy mindset. They definitely need somebody more softer than demon infero.

@digimonlover09

[hitwiththetmnt]

This Raph is a bit of triple threat with hugs ･:*+.

[0veil-ablaze0]

Hello trolls nation, I bestow you a John Dory AU.

Neverglade Memoir: The AU where JD is dead in the wilderness

There is a particular secret John Dory has never revealed. Seven years before BroZone reunion, John Dory was caught in a fatal accident during his time in the Neverglade Trails. He was revived after gaining favors from the gods thanks to his travel companion Rhonda.

//Troll nudity

More information below

- He has definitely caused some terror for some unfortunate trolls

- He vaguely heard grandma Rosiepuff's voiced before his revival

- He still believed his brothers are dead when he died, so he was a little confused why he's alive again but he's not going to argue with a god

[pixxyofice]

what if we all loved each other. Across time, across space. Even when you all have gone through the things I never wished you to. Even when you've changed in ways that those I knew haven't.

But I still love you. I love you. I always will love you.

Even if you did awful things, I forgive you. I understand.