#watching the livestream and reacting to the cards was so fun too

[almost-hxlycon]

♡ So, i was one of those people who really wanted a nightmare before Christmas themed event. I love scary monsters dont get me wrong but last year i felt robbed of a Jack Skellington Floyd and Sally Vil 🗿 ♡

♡ Do not repost or use without my permission ♡

[artificialqueens]

the way you know me, for where you know me (craquaria) - tyler

A/N - saw some requests for M/M smut! drag names and occasional boy names used, she/her for when they’re in drag and he/him used after they de-drag

Aquaria, The Vixen, and Miz Cracker were backstage listening to upbeat music to hype them up for tonight. The three of them were all painting their faces as they prepared for the viewing party for the second episode of Season 10. After the drama that ensued on the first episode, it was important for them to let the public know that they were still friends. Drag race fans were notorious for attacking queens for small bits of ‘drama’ on a partially scripted and heavilyedited reality TV show.

A knocking at the door caused the painting queens to turn around simultaneously.

“Come in!” The Vixen shouted in the direction of the door while Aquaria grabbed her phone to turn the music down to a more acceptable volume.  

“Girls, I’m so sorry this is late notice,” the man’s voice was serious albeit slightly worrisome, “We’re having issues with the lighting, and the projector just isn’t cooperating with us.” He put his hand to his forehead, wiping away the sweat from the heated red skin.

All three queen’s faces dropped at the news.

“So, the viewing party isn’t going on anymore?” Aquaria questioned. The Vixen rolled her eyes at Aquaria being oblivious to the situation… as usual.

“No shit,” The Vixen said to Aquaria, jokingly. “Guess we’ve got the night off then girls!” Vixen laughed it off, even though it was obvious she was slightly pissed off.

After packing up their things, Aquaria pulled out her phone.

@aquariaofficial: so sorry the #DragRace viewing party won’t be happing tonight, problem with the power at the venue!

She added a sad emoji and a heart before sending the tweet. Cracker and Vixen followed suit and updated fans on their social medias.

When the queens emerged from the club, the sky was clear, and the sun was just starting to make its descent into the horizon. The golden light from the sky illuminated the streets as they walked back to their nearby hotel.

“Actually, lowkey glad I don’t have to spend all night in drag, I’m fucking exhausted,” The Vixen laughed as she walked along side Aquaria and Cracker.

“That’s because you use all your energy fighting, Miss Thing,” Aquaria joked, referencing their time filming Drag Race.

“Alright, alright, girls. I thought we’d had enough with poking the bear,” Cracker joined in on the fun.

The Vixen and Aquaria had tough times during Drag Race, but easily made amends throughout the season and apologised to each other. They actually found it pretty funny looking back at how much they butted heads, so enjoyed joking about it.

When they entered the hotel foyer, The Vixen let Cracker and Aquaria know that she was going to head back to her room to relax for the night.

The foyer was light, and thankfully it was relatively empty. A few passing faces either loved the view of queens in half drag, or they hated it. Either way, the girls didn’t really care, they were used to getting mixed reactions and attention from strangers.

“Cracker, do you wanna head back to my room with me? There’s no point in us both being sat alone in different rooms to watch the next episode,” Aquaria motioned to her hotel room door, hoping her friend didn’t pick up on her nervous rambling. It was common knowledge that Aquaria wasn’t good at forming sentences at the best of times but being around Cracker made that ten times worse.

“Yeah, sure girl,” Aquaria could see the flecks of caramel in Cracker’s eyes light up when she offered to spend the evening together. Swiping her key card, Aquaria held the door open to let the older queen enter before her.

The monochromatic beiges of the hotel room were soothing to the eyes. With travelling across America, a lot of the time they were forced into cheap, tiny hotels. This was one of the rare times they got a decent place to stay for the night. Maybe the club’s technical difficulties were a blessing in disguise.

Both queens put down their bags before Aquaria settled down on the bed, still in half-drag.

“I’m gonna need a shower to get this fucking half-an-inch-thick layer of makeup off my face,” Cracker groaned, running her fingers through her brunet hair. Aquaria just nodded understandingly and let her friend go and shower.

Stepping into the shower, Cracker let the hot water cleanse her body and made quick work of removing the makeup. Cracker admired the mix of colours that ran off her face and circled the drain.

In the main room, Aquaria was sat on the bed trying to occupy herself. For some reason, she was feeling oddly anxious and she knew it was to do with the fact she was likely spending the whole night with Cracker. The 22-year-old took deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves.

Aquaria was soon pulled out of her thoughts by the sound of her friend re-entering the room, now clean-faced. Cracker’s hair was still and messy, and he had the towel tied around his waist. Reaching down to pick up his bag, he felt Aquaria’s eyes on him.

“What are you looking at?” Cracker’s soft voice was quiet as he subconsciously covered his torso with his arms. He was insecure as a boy, especially when he noticed people looking at him.

“You, silly,” she said it matter-of-factly, but the slight flirty undertones still made Miz Cracker blush. Aquaria’s eyes followed a single bead of water that was making its way down Cracker’s toned back before it was absorbed by the towel. She immediately turned her head the other way, trying to draw her attention to something else.

Aquaria took out her laptop and brought up the livestream of VH1. She slid the laptop into the middle of the bed so they could both view it.

“The episode will be on soon, I’m just gonna shower too,” Aquaria said before picking up her bag and making her way to the en suite bathroom.

Cracker waited for Aquaria to disappear behind the door before dropping his towel and pulling on a t-shirt along with his briefs. He decided to forgo trousers as the hotel room was already relatively warm.

Cracker relaxed on the bed and decided to go on his phone whilst waiting. He loved interacting with fans on social media as much as possible, even with the hectic schedule.

                                                                                     ***

Aquaria entered wearing a low neck sleeveless top and a pair of Adidas track pants. He looked up to see Cracker on the bed. He had pulled his hair back into a sleek manbun.

“Someone’s made themselves comfortable,” Aquaria eyed the man, silently cursing how effortlessly attractive he looked.

“It’s just hot in here!” the older man whined, bringing his knees to his chest.

“Something’s definitely hot in here,” the taller man’s voice was low as he walked closer to the bed.

“Shut up,” Cracker placed his face into his knees to hide the blush forming on his cheeks.

Aquaria joined Cracker lounging on the bedsheets, making note of the time. It was nearing 7pm, meaning this week’s episode was about to air.

The New Yorkers failed to keep a straight face when it cut to clip of Vanessa leaving the mainstage.

“Miss Vanjie…” Aquaria mimicked the eliminated queen, silently laughing when Cracker joined in.

“Vaaaanjie,” Cracker craned his neck in a circle as he copied.

Aquaria visibly cringes when the screen shows the previous Untucked where he accused his friend of stealing looks.

“Ugh,” Aquaria covered his face with his hand. Cracker placed a reassuring hand on his friend’s arm and let his thumb stroke across the pale skin.

“Hey, it’s alright,” Cracker nodded his head to emphasise the point, “we’ve spoken about this before, no hard feelings.” Aquaria nodded and let out a sigh. Aquaria looked back at the screen after noticing it had cut to Cracker’s confessional. He couldn’t help but smile when he saw the bowtie and pale blue shirt combo. It was a dorky and cute look, which Aquaria thought was rather fitting for Cracker’s personality.

‘…it’s called being on top’ sounded the laptop.

“Oh, so now you think I can’t be on top?” Aquaria questioned with a challenging glint in his eye. The question was only half joking.

“Please, the only vers you are is Versace,” Cracker quoted Aquaria’s joke and tried to supress the butterflies in his stomach that came when their eyes met.

“That doesn’t mean I can’t be on top,” he emphasised the last words, shifting closer to Cracker. As his heart rate begun to increase, Miz Cracker cursed how Aquaria could make his body react so easily.

“Is that so, Gio?” The New Yorkers had been made flirtatious passing comments whenever possible but neither knew if the deeper feelings behind those moments were mutual. “And what are you gonna do? Prove me wrong?”

Aquaria gulped at the use of his boy name. He hesitated before deciding to test his luck and straddled Cracker’s lap. Aquaria’s heart was beating so hard he could hear the thumps in his ears. They were both focused on each other, taking in small details of the intimate moment. By this point, they had completely drowned out the sound of the laptop, only being able to hear each other’s breathing and the sounds of their own hearts.

“Max. Tell me you don’t want this,” Aquaria’s voice was quiet, but the meaning behind the words rang in the older queen’s ears.

There had been a growing tension between the two queens since they had wrapped up filming the show. They had shared glances that were too long to be considered platonic anymore, and the jokes they had made together were bordering seriousness.

“You-,” Cracker gulped, “you know we can’t.”

“Tell me,” Aquaria repeated as he inched his face closer and stroked the short hairs on the back of his friend’s neck. Cracker’s eyes kept darting down to see plump, pink lips.

He decided that he’d had enough of the games.

“Fuck it,” the words were mere whispers as he let his lips collide with Aquaria’s. Months of build-up had led to this moment, and he was hungry for it. Wandering hands made their way over each other’s bodies as they thrived on each other’s energy.  

Aquaria let his tongue poke out a little, asking for more from Cracker. The older queen happily obliged, letting their tongues meet. Aquaria’s fingers continued to toy with the baby hairs at the base of Cracker’s neck as he leaned further into the kiss. The black-haired man closed his bite down on Cracker’s lip, causing a low moan to slip out. Aquaria ran his tongue over the bottom lip to sooth the soft skin.

“Wait,” Aquaria pulls back from the kiss, leaving them both breathless.

“Are you okay? Did I do something wrong? I’m sor-,” Cracker voice wavered as he began to ramble. The last thing he wanted to do was to make the younger queen uncomfortable.

“No no, it’s fine, it’s just,” Aquaria pauses, reaching over to pick up his bag, “thought we woul- or that we might need a couple things if this is… going any further.” He tried to piece his words together correctly, hoping to not ruin the moment.

Cracker let out a deep breath, feeling relieved. However, once the realisation settled in, he felt the blood rush to his cheeks. Just the idea of it sent a stirring to his lower abdomen.

“I cannot fucking believe you,” Cracker laughs under his breath as Aquaria retrieves a small bottle of lube along with a few condoms.

“Can’t blame me for being wishful,” he winked. Cracker thought the small action was adorable; he shook his head as he leant forward to take Aquaria’s lips in his for a small kiss.

Cracker eyed the plump skin of Aquaria’s thighs as he slid his track pants and briefs off. He smiled to himself before removing his own shirt.

Aquaria quickly shut his laptop and slide it off the bed, ignoring the thud when it hit the carpeted floor.

The pale man crawled back up the bed as Cracker squeezed the small bottle, letting the clear liquid cover the tops of his pointer and middle finger. Aquaria lifted one of his legs to straddle his lover once more.

Cracker used one of his lubricated fingers to slowly massage the outer part of Aquaria’s entrance. Allowing the muscles to relax, he softly inserts one of his fingers, eliciting a hum from the twink. Aquaria kissed down the side of Cracker’s neck as the older queen continued to penetrate him, adding an extra finger. The subtle groans coming from Aquaria only spurred Cracker on.

Aquaria reached for one of the condoms, indicating that he was ready. His hands were careful as he pulled the material down Cracker’s thighs, letting his semi-erect penis out. Aquaria smirked as he pulled open the wrapper and pulled out the latex. Aquaria’s soft hands clasped around Cracker’s dick, letting it become fully erect before rolling the condom down it.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Cracker knew it definitely wasn’t Aquaria’s first time, but he still wanted to be make sure they were both 100% ready.  Neither one of them were massively into hook-up culture, so there was an unspoken bond between them in this moment.

Aquaria nodded, biting his bottom lip slightly before lowering himself onto Cracker. The older man grabbed the base of his dick to guide it in, feeling the tightness surround it. When the skin of Aquaria’s thighs met Cracker’s, both of them let out a sigh. Cracker’s hands wandered to Aquaria’s hips, helping to aid his lover’s movements.

Cracker used the pad of his thumb to spread the precum over the head of Aquaria’s dick teasingly before wrapping his fingers around the girth. Aquaria’s song-like moans got louder as Cracker slowly teased his dick.

The younger man spread his legs further apart as Cracker’s hips thrusted up to meet the pale skin. The slapping sound of their thighs meeting got louder as Cracker thrusted up harder, gripping onto Aquaria’s sides for leverage.

Aquaria placed his hands on to Cracker’s chest, pushing him to lean back. Cracker complied, leaning back on his elbows, and using his forearms to support himself. The brunet watched as Aquaria took charge in riding him. The sight of the younger man’s hips was hypnotising.

Aquaria continued to ride Cracker, sliding back and forth on his dick. He wanted to put on a show for Cracker, biting his lip as he let Cracker fill him up. Aquaria was more vocal; letting small moans and whines creep out, along with a few expletives.

Aquaria leant forward, placing a few broken kisses on Cracker’s lips before trailing more kisses down his neck. The hot breaths tickled Cracker’s neck and Aquaria’s moans graced the shell of Cracker’s ear, encouraging him to keep going.

Their faces were close, hot breaths tickling each other’s skin. Cracker could tell that Aquaria was getting close to orgasm; his whines were getting increasingly often and harder to contain. He was breathing hard, and with every deep exhale, he moaned slightly.

Aquaria sat upright and grabbed his dick and stroked it, squeezing it slightly as his grip approached the soft pink head. With a few most thrusts from the man under him, the tip of Aquaria’s cock was releasing cum. Aquaria’s head tilted back as her loudest moans came from deep within her chest.  Cracker groaned as he felt the heat of the liquid fall onto his chest and abdomen.

“Fuck,” Aquaria’s voice was quiet and drawn out as his penis continued to subtly twitch for a few seconds.

The white beads spattered across Cracker’s toned abs. The brunet slowed his hips, allowing Aquaria to come down from his orgasm. Aquaria laid on the bed, giving himself a minute to catch his breath.

Cracker sat up and grabbed his earlier discarded towel, wiping it across his midsection to clean it. Soon, there was a hand on his chest again, pushing him to lie down again.

Aquaria’s long fingers stroked the sides of Cracker’s dick as he removed the condom before throwing it behind his shoulder. They didn’t care where it landed as Aquaria was eager to please the shorter man, and Cracker could tell this by the darkness in Aquaria’s eyes.

His tongue caressed the salty head, whilst his talented hands worked the lower shaft. A drop of saliva fell from Aquaria’s lips and rolled down the side of Cracker’s dick. Aquaria moved his hand up and jerked a couple of times before bringing his face closer to it once again.

Aquaria brought his tongue to the base of the penis, slowly dragging it upwards. The wet tip of his tongue made sure to trace along the protruding veins as it made its way to the slit in the head. His almost-black eyes kept deliberate elongated eye contact with the golden-brown eyes of the man in front of him. Opening the entrance to his mouth wider, he slowly took the tip deeper, lowering his head down to allow the rest of the dick to enter. A low groan escaped Crackers throat when he felt the back of Aquaria’s throat.

Cracker ran his fingers through thick black hair, involuntarily tugging when the younger man would move his head in a particular way.

“I’m gonna…” Cracker warned Aquaria, pulling on his hair. Aquaria didn’t stop his motions. Cracker’s breaths quickened and his abdominal muscles visibly flexed.  The tip of Cracker’s dick hit the back of Aquaria’s throat once, twice, and then he was cumming. Aquaria kept the head of the penis in his mouth, massaging the base of the dick as the streams of cum coated his tongue.

His hips jutted off the bed slightly as he finished. Aquaria swallowed and poked his tongue out, showing Cracker his now empty mouth.

“Not bad for someone who isn’t on top,” Aquaria joked. Cracker just hummed and smiled at him.

***

After redressing himself, Aquaria cuddled up behind Cracker on the bed, bringing his arm over his lover’s torso. Cracker turned over to face Aquaria. They shared a comfortable silence with each other for a few moments.

“Hey,” Aquaria broke the silence.

“Hi,” Cracker let out a laugh,

“Why are you laughing at me,” Aquaria feigned annoyance and pouted.

“Nothing, I just-,” Cracker took a second to think, “I’m just happy that tonight happened, I guess.”

“You big softie,” Aquaria rolled his eyes as he poked fun at the older man, “I’m glad it happened too.”

Aquaria rested his head on Cracker’s shoulder and sighed. He could tell that the younger one was tired.

“Goodnight, Gio.” Cracker kissed the top of Aquaria’s head before they both fell into slumber.

[demonphannie]

dan and phil - august 2017

8/12

first week (1-7): the lesters are visiting london! dan is amazing with bf’s (best friend’s) parents. YOUTUBERS REACT TO 90s INTERNET COMMERCIALS. mrs lester’s birthday celebration was seeing wicked at the west end! dan was there too! duncan and mimei hang out in london. new gaming video: MEET DILDDY LESTOWELL - Dan and Phil play: Dream Daddy (side note: controversy stemmed from this video in the phandom due to a remark perceived as racist about asian eyes that looked “sneaky” this part was removed from the video and dan and phil issued an apology in the caption of the viddie). more duncan and mimei #content <3. dan is a man full of joy and fun on a carousel. phil has no orienteering skills. dan is a living embodiment of the word mess (he spilled water all over his computer what a dumbo). phil thinking about toilet roll. privacy is no joke fools. REACT COMPILATION: July 2017. 

second week (8-14): granola v grayesla discourse. dan’s tinder viddie was taken down oops (here is a secret link). dan liveshow! (highlights: sad tinder video was taken down, lol week in march ask again in two months, weird sunglasses, danny’s drama den, duncan and mimei, weird friend inviting himself to see wicked with the lesters, tyler the creator is good, scared of dripping computer, hasn’t seen in a heartbeat, dream daddy talk, sims reno, mentions his gay porn star lookalikes, dan does not know what white eyeliner is, dan has no secret social media and yet is in fandoms sounds fake, dan wants to be gay at a rammstein concert thats his big dream, DAN THINKS HARRY STYLES IS GOOD AT ACTING AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM IN MORE THINGS, he likes pineapple pizza). phil is a biblical figure. new gaming video: DIL’S GRAND DESIGN - Dan and Phil Play: Sims 4 #43. more duncan and mimei content i feel good! dan is one of those white people that buys bird food as normal food because he liked the name. phil liveshow! (highlights: dan has a headache so he’s not joining in for a joint ls, jump scared this morning, it was a window cleaner, grossed out by rick and morty, eye infection phil, parents came and they saw wicked and did london things, live gaming is a maybe, hedgehog discourse, SHELTER 2 IS A MAYBE,). phil grew 500ft. new amazingphil video: Opening Ebay Mystery Boxes! 📦❓ (dan is obsessed with phil?). phil is a cannibal. good bye big ben bongs. dan is still posh rip. new gaming video: I CAN SHOW YOU THE WORLD! 🌎🤔 - Dan and Phil Play: GeoGuessr #2. 

third week (15-21): “dan” goes on a “walk” with a “friend” (this means joint liveshow later that week). phil tried to rescue a beetle to no avail. apparently flirting with a barista with puns does not work. joint liveshow! (highlights by updatedphan). phil is in a fight with thor #ripphor. kpop flavored iced tea. new gaming video: MEET HOT DADDIES IN OUR AREA! - Dan and Phil play: Dream Daddy #2. dan doesn’t trust blond people… scary warning or frank ocean reference? i guess we’ll never know. phil has the best angles im dead. phil is having a haribo crisis. new daniel howell video: How WHITE is Dan?! - DNA TEST RESULTS. dan thinks the sun is trying to become emo. phil’s excited for the prospect of sims pets. dan liveshow! (highlights by updatedphan).

fourth week (22-31): phil has a midnight snack. dan enjoys yandere roleplay. dan and phil arrive in edinburgh for a talk with sue perkins! watch the interview here. extremely attractive man tries to relate to the teenz by posting “bad” selfies to much acclaim. phil feels like he’s in game of thrones. new gaming video: THE DISASTER ARTISTS - Dan vs. Phil: 90 Second Portraits! dan is obsessed with phil pt 2. phil has a huge bruise and i’ll kill the person that did it. gaming livestream: THE PHAN-PRIX - Dan and Phil vs. SUBSCRIBERS!! dan relates to a prostrate lego man. sci-fi day! (including cornelia and martyn probs). new gaming video: THE TWILIGHT ZONE - Dan and Phil Play: Golf With Friends #3. a leaf fell on phil’s head. wow relatable autumn dan tweet. phil liveshow! (highlights: looking at someone upside down makes their eyes look like mouths, last day of august, the big c, game of thrones, phases of lava lamps, edinburgh, pretty train ride, final fantasy xv soundtrack is ace, scary tv people, stop geo-blocking and capitalism, needs new snazzy clothes, amazingslime, what’s in phil’s bag, reading week, full hand air quotes, not getting his leg out again, how he bruised his leg, it was the shelf, im going to kill the shelf, phil is a peach, phil loves finn from star wars, spooky week in the cards, dan and phil don’t have good internet hm, space museum thingy, dan jump scared phil and phil has not forgiven him, bake off, escape the room drama, ahs, no lava lamp bloop).

dan and phil? are you serious? right in front of my salad?

(hah this isn’t a month late or anything)

[izzy-b-hands]

Live From Garden Lodge

Written for my DL server Bingo Card for the prompt Social Media AU. Also an AU in which we have Freddie and Jim with us in current times!

It took me ages to finally pull something together for this prompt, but this was fun to write, once it finally came to me! If there’s interest and I can get my WIP list managed again, I might consider writing a follow-up in the future, especially if folks are interested!

A quick synopsis: the lads and a livestream during the current pandemic.

My love to all who read/like/reblog!

“This feels like a bad idea,” Freddie said gently. 

Around him, Adam, Brian, and John were fussing with their phones, the webcam setup, and god only knew what else (it wasn’t that he wasn’t interested in learning about it, but right now it was all horribly overwhelming, since they’d more or less sprung the idea of a livestream on him.) All of it had taken over the spare room in Garden Lodge that Freddie had volunteered for use for the event. 

“It’ll be fine,” Roger reassured. “Hm. Brian, We have to post about this, right? With the link?” 

“On Instagram, yes, that’s what we said we’d do earlier in the week when we announced this,” Brian said, shuffling some of the equipment over, only for John to immediately move it back to its original spot. “Are you asking me to do it for you?” 

“Not exactly,” Roger said. “I remember how.” 

“Do you?” Brian asked.

“...I haven’t called Sarina to let her know how we’re doing,” Roger said. “I should do that.” 

“Don’t call her to beg her to do it, just let me help you,” Brian held out his hand for Roger’s phone. “There’s no shame in it. How much tech have we had to learn over the years; so what if you can’t remember how to use some of the newer stuff?” 

Roger frowned, but handed it over. “As if you don’t forget how to post things on there too.” 

“I do,” Brian said. “On occasion.” 

“Oh, just ‘on occasion’?” Roger scoffed. 

“Both of you, stop,” Adam interjected gently. “Or I will reveal just how many texts I have from all of you, asking me how to do this or that online or on an app.” 

“You’ve only got the one from me,” John protested. 

“Yes, and that one was just you texting me your number,” Adam said. “I wasn’t counting that one. I think you could do circles around me with most electronics.” 

“I try,” John said, and batted away Brian’s hand as he reached for a cord. “I’ve got it as it should be! Let it alone!” 

“Grumpy,” Brian teased, settling onto the couch near Freddie, tapping at the screen of Roger’s phone. “Roger!” 

“What?” Roger asked. “Something wrong with logging into it?” 

“You left your password as ‘Password!’” Brian scoffed. “We’ve talked about this!” 

“Oh, and what are all yours? Password1?” 

Brian went quiet, and resumed his tapping. 

“Is this something they really want?” Freddie asked. “The fans, I mean. Surely, this won’t be as interesting as they’re thinking-” 

“The last few times we’ve done any livestreams, video Q and As,” Adam interrupted him. “They’ve asked where you and John are. They know you both don’t want to be doing this all the time, and the majority are great, and respect that. That said, I think some of it is just out of worry. They want to see you both too, know that you’re okay, doing well, especially with everything going on. As it is, I answered so many messages and comments asking if we were quarantining together and doing this all safely, to reassure them that we were.” 

Freddie nodded, but it was evident to everyone that he wasn’t shaken of the uncertainty of the situation. 

“I get it,” Adam said. “It’s...a little weird. No matter how many times you do it, talking to a camera, knowing that people are watching, but you can’t tell unless they comment or react. We don’t have to make this a regular thing, if you guys don’t like it. Brian does enough like this to keep most of the fans busy, I think.” 

Brian smiled. “You do quite a bit yourself.” 

Adam nodded. “And if we still want to give them something else, there are options. A podcast, or videos we can make ahead of time and release every other month, or something. I think a lot of them are feeling alone, and it’s a nice connection, you know? To feel like you’re shooting the shit with a musician you like.” 

“Jacky and some others from the fan club are moderating for us as well,” John added. “So if anyone crosses lines, gets out of hand, they’ll be politely warned once, and then kicked off the stream if they can’t behave.” 

“I’ll try, if nothing else,” Freddie said. “Have they given us some idea of what they want us to talk about?” 

“When we asked on Instagram and YouTube,” Brian replied. “We mostly got requests for tour stories. Behind the scenes things, stories from the studio. Nothing too wild.” 

“Except for that one,” Adam giggled. “Pretty obviously just fucking with us, but it was funny, even if they aren’t getting an answer to their question.” 

“Dare I ask what it was?” Freddie smiled. “How horribly salacious was it?” 

“Asking how often we’ve seen each other naked, things like that,” Roger scoffed. “As if we’d even be able to keep track of that. I’ve never tried, but if I had, surely I would have lost count by...god, probably ‘77? And the millionth too-small shared dressing room, where you either strip in front of everyone or perform in whatever you wore to the venue.” 

“A few were a bit insensitive,” Brian winced. “I feel it would be wrong not to tell you that. Asking about Jim and yourself, your health, John being away, and not asking in the kindest way, either...” 

A bit of tension entered the room. It was an unspoken rule that the nineties and the horribly close call they’d had in nearly losing Freddie was talked about only if Freddie brought it up, and if he asked for the talking to stop, it did immediately. As it was, it was still a sensitive topic when interviewers tried to bring up the break Freddie had taken, and that he had helped them bring Adam in as a co-lead singer/frontman. The rags seemed to always want to pit it as Adam vs. Freddie, when it wasn’t like that and never had been, and anyone close to them knew how upsetting it was to both Freddie and Adam. 

There was also the unspoken rule that John’s break from the band (during the same period as Freddie’s) was handled the same way. If he was comfortable talking about it, fine. If he wanted discussion over it to stop, then it stopped. 

“Well,” Freddie said slowly. “We’ll see. If anyone asks during this stream, maybe I’ll address some of it. I don’t want to think they were all intending to be crass or rude, after all.” 

“But at the same time, you’d like to tell the ones who are that way to fuck off?” Roger guessed. 

“Yeah,” Freddie admitted. “Some of them are younger though, they don’t know any better, I figure. I’m trying to be understanding, in my old age.” 

“Shush,” John laughed as he finished the last of the setup. “You’ve still got nearly all your damned hair, and at most of its natural color, no less. Old, my ass.” 

“I’m the oldest out of all of you,” Freddie said. “Don’t talk back to your elders.” 

“I dare you to say that on the stream,” Roger chuckled. “See how the kids react to that!” 

“I’m sure they’ll be wild enough,” Freddie said. “I won’t antagonize them more unless they ask for it.” 

“Talk like that and you’ll get half of them calling you Daddy,” Adam smirked. “And that’s a...different thing, now, with the internet.” 

“I’m aware,” Freddie said, and the room went quiet. “What? Just because I don’t do all this social media shit doesn’t mean I don’t go online! I email all of you, for fuck’s sake!” 

“Right,” Adam said. “But that particular trend is a, well. A sexual one. So I suppose I didn’t expect...but you know what? That’s on me. I shouldn’t underestimate any of you, frankly.” 

“Dangerous thing, that,” Roger nodded. “We’re all just powder kegs, don’t you know, Adam?” 

“I should probably know by now,” Adam laughed. “Do the powder kegs want tea, before we get started?” 

“Already on it,” Phoebe had a tray in his hands, pushing aside the door, a few cats following him as he walked in. 

“What would we do without you?” Freddie smiled, helping him settle the tray on one of the few empty surfaces in the room. 

“Make your own tea, I suppose,” Phoebe chuckled. “Or make Adam do it, perhaps?” 

“I would look good in an apron, in the kitchen,” Adam said. “If you take a vacation, we’ll have to give it a try.” 

“If you can teach this one to use a microwave, go for it,” Phoebe said, gesturing to Freddie, who let out a gasp of faux-shock. 

“I know how to use it,” Freddie defended. “I just don’t give a shit to use it if one of you will do it for me. It’s valid, as the kids say.” 

“They do say,” Adam nodded sagely. 

“Nearly time,” John noted, and they crowded together on the couch as Phoebe herded the cats out and shut the door to the room behind him. 

---

“Songs with Adam, that have been written?” Freddie read off the screen. “Would I let them be released?” 

He scoffed. “Of course! But I can’t say anymore, secrets, secrets...” 

“As it is,” Brian noted. “I just got a text from Mr. Jim Beach. He said ‘say no more!’“ 

“See?” Freddie gestured at the camera, as if he was talking face-to-face with a friend, and not at the thousands of people that were watching the stream, according to Jacky, who was texting them updates re: moderation of the stream. “Strangled from giving you anymore information, I tell you! You’ll all have to be patient!” 

A stream of happy emoji reactions flooded in, and he smiled.

“Not as bad as you thought?” Roger whispered as Brian took over for a moment, addressing a question about his stereoscopic company. 

“Not so bad,” Freddie replied quietly. “Could almost get used to this, on occasion.” 

“Monthly, or every other, maybe,” Roger agreed. 

Adam winced at the next question. “I know, we’d like to be out playing as well. But it’s not safe yet, and I know you all know that already, but it bears repeating. Masks on, social distancing, and if we’re lucky, maybe we’ll be back to playing shows in some places by the end of next year.” 

“And that’s probably a bit generous of an estimation,” Brian said. “We’ve got health in general to consider, not just the virus. We want to be out there as badly as you want to come see us, but we’ve got to do it safely. Doctor’s orders, family’s orders, friend’s orders!” 

“Could do something like this, couldn’t we?” Freddie suggested, and the emoji reactions pinged loudly and quickly. “I mean, it won’t be anything like a proper stage show, mind. Anyone coming in with that expectation should leave it at the door. But I wouldn’t mind trying it.” 

“We’ll put it on the list,” John said, and laughed at the first comment that came up. “Yes, I’m still here. Sitting aside, drinking my tea. I had retired, essentially, you know! I’ve got to warm back up to all this.” 

“I think you’re doing wonderfully,” Freddie said. “Oh, what’s this one? How is Jim? Ah, well-” 

Before he could finish his sentence the door popped open, and in ran the latest adoption. A black cat, that despite all attempts to rename it, only responded to the name ‘Cat.’ 

“You aren’t supposed to be in here right now,” Freddie scolded as he picked Cat up. “Well then, say hello to everyone!” 

The chat flooded with comments and heart emojis as Cat meowed at the camera. 

“Now, to answer your question,” Freddie started, only to be interrupted again as Jim rushed in. “Never mind, he can tell you himself!” 

“Sorry?” Jim asked, taking Cat from Freddie’s arms. 

“They want to know how you are,” Freddie said, and gave a sweeping gesture towards the camera. “So, how are you?” 

“Failing to wrangle cats?” Jim laughed softly. “Sorry about this, by the way. He knows how to jump at the door handles until they open...” 

“It would be a talent, if he used it for good,” Freddie said, giving Cat a quick kiss on the head. “But he came from a rough home, according to the shelter. He’s still learning how to use his powers for good, aren’t you?” 

Cat mewed, and wriggled in Jim’s hands. 

“We’d better go,” Jim said, and out of habit, leaned down for a kiss from Freddie, who more than happily leaned up to meet him for it. 

The chat exploded. 

“Goodness,” Freddie blushed. “I’ll agree with the first comment I saw now: he gets to kiss me, so he must be doing well! I suppose he must be. Including myself in that, since I get to kiss him.” 

“Can we meet the other cats?” Adam read off the screen. “Freddie?” 

“That would be an undertaking,” Freddie smiled. “And we’re nearly at time, aren’t we?” 

“Unfortunately, we are,” Brian confirmed. “But it’s been a good hour or two here, hasn’t it?” 

“It has,” Freddie said. “To answer all those comments coming up, will we do this again? I know it was hinging on myself and John...” 

He looked to John, who smiled and nodded. 

“We will indeed be doing this again. Maybe not on a regular schedule, but with plenty of time to make sure you all are ready to join us. The lads here mentioned some other options we have to talk to all of you, podcasts, things like that. Maybe we’ll look into those yet, especially if we’re all to be stuck at home for some time. A way to keep all of us sane, hm?” 

The chat was full of happy replies and comments and emojis as they said good-byes and closed out the stream. 

“You mean it?” Brian smiled. 

Freddie nodded. “I don’t think I’ll ever be help in setting all of the gear for it up.” 

“That’s what I’m here for,” John said. “No worries.” 

“We can help too,” Roger said. 

“Sure,” John said, but he shook his head just a bit as he caught Freddie’s eye.

“It was wonderful though. They really just wanted to hear us blather, to tell them stories,” Freddie said. “I mean, I know you all told me about their want for that when I first came back years ago, but I didn’t realize how strong it was.” 

“Especially now,” Adam nodded. “People are lonely and scared, missing human connection.” 

“I didn’t realize how good it would feel to have that with them,” Freddie admitted. “And kudos to Jacky and the lot looking after it all. It must not have been too bad?” 

John shook his head. “Nah, not too bad. She texted me the grand total of people kicked, only round ten of them.” 

“That is surprisingly good,” Adam said, and seemed legitimately shocked. “Then again, we’ve got good fans, don’t we? Don’t have to worry so much about them getting out of hand.” 

“Aside from the question or two about our undressing in front of each other,” Roger smirked. “But they are good. I’m happy we’ll be doing this again for them. Gives us something to do, to keep us from going mad as well.” 

“...Got to be over 400,” John mused. 

“What?” Brian asked.

“Times we’ve seen each other naked, changing for shows, and all that,” John replied. 

“Have you been thinking about that this whole time?” Adam giggled. 

“Well, that’s with your count in as well, Adam, but that one is a bit lower of a number to add in. Even so, if we consider how many shows we’ve played, occasionally with multiple outfit changes...It’s an interesting stat, is all I’m saying. I can see why they asked,” John said, as sensibly as if he was discussing the weather. 

Brian shook his head. “Well then. If that person asks us again, we’ll have an answer for them!” 

“Speaking of the requests,” Freddie said. “We didn’t talk much about backstage going ons and all that this time. We could focus on that maybe, for the next one? If they’re all still interested, of course.” 

“I think they’ll be plenty interested,” Roger said. “And I like that idea. Shall we just plan out the next one, before we clean all this up?” 

The empty cups of tea accumulated, alongside a few plates of various snacks, over the rest of the night as they worked. The actual setup wouldn’t be cleaned up until nearly midnight, but by then, they not only had the next few livestreams planned, but also the first episode of a podcast. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to show that even if the world was currently down, it wouldn’t keep them down and out.