They’re Everywhere

with pride month approaching i just wanted to remind everyone that the activism of black trans women and gender non-conforming people are a primary reason why our community has any rights today. with the current rise of conservativism and bigotry it's extra important now more than ever to give these people their flowers and to recognize and celebrate their existence.

i crave the gentle intimacy of everyday chores with her. the silence of being next to each other, doing tasks you could do alone, but instead you share space with the other person.

inlove with this au

I'm kind of obsessed with this mob au so be ready to be bombarded. ______________________________________________________________

MobBoss!David who doesn’t get jealous in the normal way. No passive-aggressive silence. No sulking. He analyses. He watches. He decides who never gets to speak to you again.

MobBoss!David who won’t say he’s jealous when someone flirts with you, he just wraps an arm around your waist, casually, like a man staking a claim. His hand warm. Possessive. Heavy with unspoken threat.

MobBoss!David who says nothing in the moment, but the car ride home is quiet. Not angry. Just…charged. Until he finally murmurs, “He touched your arm.” And you say, “It was nothing,” And he says, “It won’t happen again.”

MobBoss!David who makes you promise to text him when you get home, even if you're just going out with friends.

MobBoss!David who says, “I trust you. I don’t trust the world.”

MobBoss!David who will sit silently on the couch while you rant about someone who upset you—but his jaw is tight, knuckles white. He’ll say, “What’s their name?” like it’s casual. You never answer. He always finds out anyway.

MobBoss!David who has eyes everywhere—drivers, doormen, vendors, the hostess at your favorite brunch spot. If you’re out without him, someone is quietly keeping watch. You’ve stopped questioning it. It makes you feel…safe. And a little powerful.

MobBoss!David who is the devil in designer suits to everyone else—but softens immediately when you grab his collar and pull him in to kiss him, laughing, “Relax. I’m yours.”

MobBoss!David who tries—really tries—to be better. For you. Because you're not a possession. You're not a prize. Sometimes he has to remind himself, in the quiet moments of night, that love isn't the same thing as control.

shoutout to @chimckenns , you’re my favorite Redacted creator. You’re such an amazing writer and your fics always make me tear up. Please keep writing :)

Beach Day (Night)

Fandom: Redacted Audio

Characters: David, Asher, Milo, Vincent, Sam, Angel, Baaabe, Sweetheart, Lovely, Darlin

Pairings: David/Angel, Asher/Baaabe, Milo/Sweetheart, Vincent/Lovely, Sam/Darlin

Song: https://open.spotify.com/track/4N4D8Pzrwp1eH75r3FbPHc?si=h4hspIMJSEmIqSwvHvFvlg

Here's a cute lil beach fic with lots of platonic and romantic goodness bc by god do I love the platonic relationships in this world asbfijusikjdfnb. Heads up that Darlin is referred to as Tank and Lovely is called Sparky/Baby Fangs by others. Remember its not tax fraud if its for a party with friends /j.

CW: mentions of beer/drinking

As always here it is on ao3 if that's easier! Please do not feed to AI, claim as your own, or repost to other platforms without my permission. The characters belong to Redacted Audio and this is a fan work. Hope you enjoy!

~

The warm summer sun had finally set across the golden sands of the beach. The sparkling dance of waves had settled to a softer sway under the emerging moonlight. One by one, torches ignite as a group sets up tables and chairs along the shore; as the Shaw Pack, and some new vampiric additions, prepare for the night.

~

The sand is a cool relief as David settles next to one of the torches after the set up was finally complete. Sam sees this and winds his way over with a beer and a cup of punch.

“David, I gotta ask, how did you manage to rent an entire beach for the night?” He says handing him the cup.

“Technically, Shaw Security did. For a networking conference. We are making high profile connections.” He half gestures to the three vampires present. “So this is all tax deductible.”

Sam chokes slightly on his beer and David chuckles to himself as he takes a sip of his own. 

“Well, this has certainly been a… productive ‘conference’.” Sam snickers, eyes wandering over the party, landing conveniently on where Tank was helping Asher and Angel with a dangerously large sand castle.

“It was Angel’s idea.” David adds, following his gaze. 

“Surprised they didn't suggest tax evasion first.” 

“They did, this was our compromise.” David snorts, “they set so much of this up.” He smiles fondly.

Sam doesn't comment on the softening of his eyes and sappy expression, he knows he looks much the same when thinking about his Darlin.

“Well you both did a hell of a good job.” He whistles appreciatively. “I see the appeal of a beach now, even if it's a lil chilly.”

“It's better at night.” David remarks. 

Sam hums noncommittally and the two sit in comfortable silence together, watching the gentle bob of waves against the shore.

~

Sheltered next to the picnic table, Asher and Angel were tucked away behind an elaborate pile of sand.

“Tank!” Asher calls at the passing wolf, beckoning them over.

With a fake laboured sigh and a suppressed smile they amble over. “What?”

“Ooh grumpy!” Angel teases, “Come and help us build Chateaux de Greg.”

“Last I recall we left Greg to fend for himself on that lake.” Darlin huffs.

“Ahh he's a frog he’ll be fine.” Asher scrunches his nose. “Besides this was a compromise so we didn't fight over the name, a third party was safer. Even if that party was a slimy green frog.”

Darlin looks over the structure with feigned disinterest. “So why was I called over? Witness before the sea wipes it out?”

Angel’s eyes twinkle at the challenge of dragging the wolf into more shenanigans. “Nope! We were going to ask you for help, but you seem to think we’ve already mastered sand based architecture.”

“We’re planning to knock it down at the end.” Asher tacks on with a lopsided grin.

Darlin glares at the two of them, fully aware of the bait. The two pairs of puppy eyes pleading up at them amid the brightly coloured buckets and spades. “...fine.”

There's a whooping cheer as they're tackled to the ground by the pair. The three laugh in the sand, Darlin ruffling Asher and Angel’s hair as the two stay collapsed on them.

Eventually Darlin finds the strength to stand up, half dragged down by the giggling duo still clinging to them. Hoisting Angel over their shoulder and dragging Asher back towards the sandcastle, they deposit the two back in front of it, plopping down between them.

For the next forty minutes, the trio work meticulously on building up the sandcastle. Asher cemented a solid base, carefully building up to Angel’s instructions while Darlin dug a solid moat around the outside. They each gathered various plants, shells and rocks, carefully embellishing the spires and structures.

Finally, the three stand back and admire their efforts. 

“Woah.” Asher exhales softly. 

“Fucking nailed it.” Angel nods.

“And now we break it… right?” Darling looks at the sandcastle.

There's a long silence.

“It would be a shame not to show our mates at least right?” Asher chimes in.

Angel nods emphatically, pulling out their phone, “And we should get photos.”

“I'll get Sam and the others.” Darlin darts off towards the big group.

~

The moonlight over the water lights up the soft waves as Asher carefully guides Baaabe into the water with him. They shiver as they wade in, allowing Asher to pull them close, hands on their waist; gentle but firm. 

“Any particular reason I've been kidnapped?” They tease, wrapping their arms around his shoulders.

He chuckles as he nuzzles against their neck. “Can a guy not want some alone time with his mate?” 

“‘Course he can.” 

“...And I wanted to get the sand out that Tank put down my shorts earlier, but mainly the romantic thing!”

They snort, pressing their forehead to his. “I love you, you absolute goof.”

“Well I'm your goof.” He grins. 

“Yeah, and I'm yours.” They lean in, pressing their lips against his, giggling against him as he pulls them in even closer. 

~

“I'm not going to fetch it. I'm far more dignified than that Baby Fangs”

“Just say you're unable to.” Lovely shrugs with a knowing smirk.

Darlin lets out a small growl. “Why is everyone doing that today?”

“Because it works.”

If looks could kill, Lovely would have died a second time.

“Okay, please Tank?” They plead, knowing Darlin has the biggest soft spot for them. 

Darlin rolls their eyes with a smirk, there's a crunch as they shift into their wolf form.

Lovely gapes at the lithe figure crouched playfully before them. White and grey fur dappled with streaks of red, broken up by scars littered across sturdy muscles. Their eyes are the same though, and that above all else is what makes Lovely’s face light up. 

“I hope you know you're the coolest person I know.” They whisper, fighting every urge to pat the wolf. “And yes I am using you being a wolf to compliment you without you interrupting.”

Darlin huffs and nudges their face into Lovely’s hand, trying desperately to hide their wagging tale. 

They ruffle their fur with a laugh, before lifting up the frisbee. “You ready?”

Darlin nods, making Lovely laugh again at the image of a very serious wolf nodding at the offer of fetch.

They take a step back and fling the frisbee along the beach. Darlin takes off, racing after it, narrowly avoiding David as they leap and snatch it out of the air. 

Lovely is on the other end of the beach cheering in the distance. “Woo! Sorry I used a bit too much vamp strength there!”

They trot back proudly with their victory, not even bothering to hide their furiously wagging tail.

Sam has joined Lovely by this point. “Nice throw there Sparky.” Darling gives a half bark at him. “And good catch Darlin, I was getting to you.” He chuckles, running a hand over their head. 

“You want the next one, cowboy?” Lovely offers him the frisbee.

Sam shoots them a look, before sighing. “Suppose it's better than ‘old man’” he shakes his head, taking the frisbee. “Ready Darlin?”

Darlin woofs in affirmation, and chases after it as soon as it's thrown. This time, just before they can grab it, Milo jumps through the air snatching it from them.

Sam and Lovely watch on in hysterics as Darlin immediately pounces on the smaller wolf.

~

“Okay I gotta ask, do you use dress socks?” 

Vincent blinks twice. “Well, I mean it depends, but who wouldn't?”

“AHA!” Milo shouts over the grill to where Sweetheart is standing with Sam. “I WAS RIGHT SWEETHEART!”

“DAMNIT VINCENT.” They yell back with no real vitriol in their voice. “I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU MATE.”

“Sorry?” Vincent calls out hesitantly, looking between the two.

Milo shakes his head, clapping a hand on Vincent’s shoulder. “Do not apologise Vince, I assure you; we're in the right here.”

“If you say so.” Vincent chuckles. “Yeah William always harped on about dress socks… too.” He trails off, biting his lip.

Milo notices the drop in his expression almost immediately. Recognising the hurt from years looking in the mirror of his parents’ flat. “My old man did too.” He murmurs, squeezing his shoulder lightly. “It’s okay to take or leave what you want.”

Vincent just nods, “Yeah, I- I’ll bear that in mind.”

“You know if you wanted we could do a double date.” Milo tactfully switches gears. “We can do a lil fancy thing and all dress up together. Be a nice change from the ‘tshirt at the ritz’ fuckers over here.”

Tension broken, Vincent laughs. “Aside from my Lovely and I going out, I don't have much cause to wear fancy things anymore so absolutely.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Milo smiles.

Suddenly a frisbee flies past them with a Darlin shaped blur chasing not far behind.

“Oh hang on Vince I got this.” Milo shoots Vincent a shit eating grin before shifting into his wolf form and diving at the frisbee, snatching it out of Darlin’s grasp.

He only has a brief moment of smugness before Darlin pounces on him.

~

Tossing a bundle of sticks over his shoulder, Sam looks up as he hears footsteps heading towards him.

“Hey there handsome.” Darlin drawls teasingly from where they're leaning against a tree.

“Hey there yourself, baby.” He smirks, “you here to help me out?”

They cross their arms, “Maybe I'm just here to admire the view.”

“A kiss for the view perhaps?”

They snort, stepping closer to him. Cupping his cheek, they kiss him, smiling against his lips.

“Better?” They ask, pulling back.

Sam shakes his head, “not quite.” And the sticks fall to the ground as he pulls them hungrily back in. They respond enthusiastically, pressing closer, relishing the slight sting as his fangs graze their lower lip.

The two take advantage of being alone for a moment. The party is close enough to be heard, but not enough to intrude on the two’s space among the trunks. Muscles relaxed as they hold each other, moonlight draping itself over their shoulders. 

Wordlessly Darlin picks up the sticks he dropped, he takes their hand stopping them. “Five more minutes?”

They nod, returning to his arms once more.

~

“Mmm oh fuck these are so good.” Lovely groans over their first bite of one of the skewers. They spin round excitedly to show Tank but instead crash into the hulking figure of David Shaw. He grabs their shoulders quickly to stabilise them as they stumble back.

“Oh I’m so sorry! Are you okay?” They wince as they see the remnants of the kebab smeared across his chest.

He shrugs, “Fine. It’s an easy fix.” He quickly grabs a napkin, wiping it off. “I was planning to go for a swim soon regardless.” “Okay. Well, good.” They wince, attempting to salvage the interaction. “It’s nice to meet you properly, uh, as a vampire now.” Nope. Wrong. They feel the need to melt into the sand increasing.

Something flickers across his eyes for a moment, and they see him glance at Asher quickly, as if checking he’s still there before he shakes it off. “Yeah it is.”

Silence, again.

“You should try the kebabs.” They attempt weakly. “They’re really good.”

“Oh.” He blinks, caught off guard by the sincerity. “Really?”

They nod emphatically, “whoever made these fucking nailed it! It uh, well it reminds me of some good stuff, feels… home-ly. I’ve got to find out the recipe somehow.”

Lovely pauses, tasting the slightly bittersweet words. The first time they’d moved out, finally free they'd helped a neighbor with her shopping. The next day she’d insisted on bringing them dinner and it was the best meal they'd eaten in months. They hadn't seen her since… Adam.

David doesn't reply, picking up a skewer with a far off look. Flashes of the prep time in the kitchen, carefully mixing the sauce and observing, fascinated, as Gabe commandeered the kitchen. He remembers running around with Ash and Milo, waving the sticks around like mighty weapons while Gabe watched over them, laughing. 

“It was my dad’s.” He doesn’t look up from the meat, but a proper smile fills his face. “I'll give the recipe to you.”

“You made this?” They really did try not to sound too shocked. “Wow, yes please, that would be amazing.”

David waves off the compliment, “no worries. Do you cook often?”

Lovely beams at the question. “Yeah, it adds some normalcy to the whole-” they gesture to themselves. “Vincent and I always cook together.”

Their smile warms as they wave over at Vincent who waves enthusiastically back. There's a zip as he sprints over, gives them a peck on the cheek and then runs away again with a laugh. Lovely holds their cheek, flustered beyond belief.

David just waves them away. “Go, we can talk more later.” 

“Thank you David.” They nod bashfully; and with a woosh, they're gone, laughter sweetening the night air.

~

“Shit you organised this well.” Milo looks at the bag of various tupperwares Baaabe had brought.

They nod seriously, “always better to be prepared!”

“Well if I trust anyone on that, it's you for sure. Direct me, chef.” 

Baaabe snorts, “technically that title isn't for bakers, nor for making smores.”

“Hey it's still damned impressive what you do, I've seen your work.” Milo praises them, causing them to flush.

“Well… thank you.” They reluctantly accept the praise. “You could help me by putting a marshmallow on every kebab stick.”

Smiling knowingly, Milo gets to work. The pair work in tandem organising the spread and batting away sugar hungry insects. 

“You still owe me those fashion notes by the way.” Baaabe says offhandedly into the quiet.

Milo pauses, turning to them. “You were serious about wanting those?”

“Well, yeah.” They run the back of their neck awkwardly. “Only if you want, but you're the best dressed person I know, I wanna get better.”

Milo looks genuinely touched and struggles to conjure the words. “I… that's damn nice of you to say. I can get those for ya no sweat.”

“Thanks Milo.” They smile bashfully.

“Course. Plus you're always welcome at my place should you wanna try stuff on.”

“Fuck yeah.”

~

“Pleaseeee. Please please please!” Ash begs Sam with both hands, drawing Vincent’s attention to the pair.

“What are you begging the old man for?” He asks curiously.

Sam lets out a long suffering sigh. “He wants to bury me in the sand. And quit callin me old.”

Vincent’s face splits into a devilish grin. “Oh come on Sam! It'll be fun - a bonding activity if you will.”

Sam shoots him a withering ‘don’t be an enabler’ stare. It works about as well as it always does.

“Yes! And all you have to do is sit there and relax while enjoying the experience.” Asher adds waving his hands dramatically.

“Fine! Fine. If it'll grant me a little peace and quiet afterwards.” Sam throws up his hands. “I thought I was done baby sitting after Fred and Bright.” He grumbles.

The two men cheer and immediately Asher tosses a shovel to Vincent and shifts and the vampire and werewolf start digging at superhuman speed. 

In no time at all Sam is nothing but an exasperated head above the sand. “Are you two happy now?”

“Oh Sam we're nowhere near done yet my man!” Asher announces, back to his human form.

“I'm thinking Mermaid.” Vincent turns to Asher.

“If you give my mate sand boobs, they better be massive!” Darlin calls over, Angel and Lovely draped over their shoulders for some ownknown reason.

Asher salutes, “yes captain! And recruits.”

Angel and Lovely grin and wave.

The mostly buried southern vampire groans, “should've known they wouldn't back me up, my own partner.”

“Love you baby!” Darlin shouts over.”

“I love you too Darlin.” He grumbles as Vincent starts patting the sand into shape above his chest.

~

Sweetheart is still laughing as they watch their now very sandy partner make his way over to them after getting bored of wrestling Darlin. He pads over to them smugly, prodding their hand with his nose. Immediately they're all over him giving him scratches behind his ears and he lets out a pleased whine.

“You are just covered in sand.” They snort, sitting down and patting their lap. “Can I help?”

In answer he rests his head on their lap, allowing them to run their fingers through his curly brown fur. Soft to the touch, it's therapeutic for Sweetheart to gently pick through the fur brushing off sand and other beach detritus.

“You're worse than Aggro for picking up stuff in your fur.” They tease, cackling as he side eyes them, making no effort to move.

Sweetheart finally finishes picking out the majority of the sand, playing with his fur fondly now. “I love your wolf so much. So handsome.” They kiss his forehead reverently. In return he licks their hand, tail wagging a mile a minute.

~

“You look beautiful tonight Lovely.” Vincent murmurs in their ear, appearing behind them without warning.

Far too used to his shenanigans by now they turn and wrap their arms around his neck. “So do you Vincent.” They always made his name sound so beautiful. 

“You having fun, doing okay?” He checks in, arms automatically moving to their waist.

They hum, brushing a piece of hair from his eyes, “it's nice. It helps that Sam and Tank came so I don't feel too out of my element.”

“Yeah I feel so… welcome here. I guess that's the word.” He remarks, beginning to gently sway their hold.

“Are we dancing?” They stage whisper amused.

Vincent flashes his teeth, “why not? Want me to dip you Lovely?”

Quick as a flash they're spinning him round and holding him in a dip. “Not unless I get there first.” They giggle.

He joins in the laughter pressing his forehead to theirs. “I love you, you're so silly.”

“You make me silly in the best way.” Their smile softens, “I love you too.”

~

“How have you found so many? You're like an oceanic magpie.” Sweetheart gapes at the growing pile of various shiny objects Angel had collected.

Angel nods, “I take shiny things very seriously.”

“Teach me your ways, oh chosen one?” Sweetheart quips.

“Take my hand.” Angel declares before dragging the stealth off towards some rock pools.

Angel has already set up a spare torch next to the soot they’d found, illuminating the glittering water.

Kneeling down they beckon Sweetheart to mimic them. “The main thing is not to stir up the sand too much and to be careful of crabs. Sand makes the pool all cloudy, and well, crabs are obvious. They’ll steal your identity.”

Sweetheart really tries not to laugh. But Angel’s glowing expression is too much. The two fall against each other, wiping tears from their eyes.

“Okay okay.” Angel snaps back to business, “let's go hunting.”

Ten minutes later, Sweetheart is frustrated. “I can't find anything.” 

“Hmm?” Angel looks up from yet another pile of various pieces of shells and rocks and pearls. 

“All I've found is this rock.” They sigh, holding out a warm brown rock with tiny flecks of bronze and grey. 

Angel gasps, “that's exactly what I've been looking for! Please trade with me please please please.” They plead.

Sweetheart shoots them a look. “This isn't just to make me feel better is it?”

“Seriously.” Angel deadpans, “I'm no kiss-ass, give me the rock.”

“Woah okay.” Sweetheart hands it over, “I want that shell, Milo likes that shade of yellow.”

They shake hands. “I'll be right back, I just need to check something super quick.” And Angel runs off with a wink, leaving Sweetheart shaking their head amused.

~

“Bend over.”

“What?” David nearly chokes and Ash bursts into laughter so hard he has to walk away.

Angel huffs, holding the stone behind their back. “But I'm called the perv? Okay. I just need to see your eyes for a second.” 

“Fine.” He grumbles, leaning down; allowing them to gently cup his chin as they hold the rock up next to his face. He takes the opportunity to study them. Always having enjoyed watching them focus on something; he admires the unusually serious expression on their face that he only sees when they're designing a new design for work or a new build in minecraft.

“Okay all done.” They chirp, kissing his cheek and going to leave.

“Hang on.” He catches their hand, “do I get an explanation from my spouse?”

Angel feels their heart flutter at the title, subconsciously reaching for their ring. “It matches your eyes, so I'm keeping it for my office.” They hold up the rock.

David Shaw damn near melts into a puddle, it's only Asher’s distant cackling that keeps him grounded.

“Can you help me find one that matches yours? I want one for my office too.” He asks quietly.

“Of course you can join us.” They gesture to Sweetheart. “Kiss first?”

“Kiss first.” He chuckles, bending down to press a proper kiss to their lips.

~

A little way out from the main gathering where the torch light didn't reach; Baaabe found Sweetheart lying in the sand.

“You okay?” They ask, peering down at Sweetheart.

“Yeah, I just don't get to see the stars much.” They gesture to the sky, “it's nice to see them properly for once.”

Baaabe smiles, “mind if I join you?”

“Course not.” Sweetheart moves aside to give them room. 

Baaabe settles beside them, resting their head on their shoulder. The chatter of the group next to them drifts over, mixing with the waves. 

“I wish I'd learnt the constellations.” Baaabe remarks wistfully. “It was just a subject I never had time for.”

Sweetheart points up at a bundle of stars to the left, “you can see Orion from here, that big star is the main part of his belt.”

Baaabe nods, watching raptly.

“You can also see Taurus and Aries over there, aaaaand-” they search around for a moment. “-there! Next to Casseopeia, is Camelopardalis.”

They feel Baaabe freeze beside them. “Camelopardalis? Really?”

“You've heard it before?”

“I…” they shake their head, “never mind, just seems familiar. Makes me feel calm.”

Sweetheart thinks for a moment, considering, “did Ash or I ever tell you about Daemons?”

“I researched them and spoke to you about it, remember?” They nod, “why?”

“I know a serenity Daemon called Camelopardalis. I don't know, maybe it's because of him?” Sweetheart prods lightly.

Baaabe shakes their head, “I can’t have possibly met him before though, right? I would remember.”

“I mean, unless this was before you became informed?” 

“Oh. Yes, there’s memory stuff for covert.” Baaabe pauses deflating against Sweetheart. 

Sweetheart tentatively rubs their arm comfortingly. “I don’t… I don’t know how his charges work, but I could ask him. If you’d want.” 

Baaabe nods, gaze fixed firmly on the sky. “...Yeah. I think so.”

A quiet falls over the pair as they turn back to the sky.

“... thank you.” Baaabe whispers into the silence. “I’m glad you’re my friend.”

“Me too.” Sweetheart squeezes their arm. 

~

The night carries on as the group make the most of a quiet beach filled with friends and loved ones. Wild shenanigans and calmer moments mix together into a wonderful night. Eventually it comes to an end, everyone packing up and shaking off sand and heading back home with promises to do it again.

In Catching Fire Katniss mentions that Victors are meant to have a “special talent” and that hers was fashion design.

She says she refuses to sing for the Capitol, implying it is her choice.

Which just seems improbable to me, the Capitol is not above forcing Victors to perform.

In reality Snow was probably the one to refuse to let her sing. He was not going to let a Covey girl from District 12 sing in the Capitol ever again.

“you’re so quiet” God forbid a girl thinks about the fanfic she read last night

sharing your favorite movie is so so intimate. like, “here’s something i adore and find comfort in, and i want to share it with you.”

it’s like showing them a part of your soul, and i find that beautiful

the difference between Haymitch and Katniss's narration is so funny. Haymitch would give us everyone's social security number if he knew them, while Katniss wouldn't even tell us her mom's name.