Chapter 3

Alexander gently set two mugs of coffee down on the kitchen island, Julian leaning up from where he was sitting to kiss Alexander’s cheek. Alexander smiled, running his fingers through Julian’s hair, which was never in it’s signature ponytail in the morning, and instead was left free, which made it wild and tangled.  

“You going to need some help with those unruly curls?” Alexander asked, Julian simply mumbling in response, barely awake. Alexander sat next to Julian, and putting an arm on his friend's shoulder, Julian doing the same to Alexander. The two smiled at each other, a smile that came from deep friendship, brotherhood, and love. Everything was peaceful. 

“JULI! ALEX!” Henry came thundering out of his room, a frantic look in his eyes, and his brown curls sticking out in every direction possible. Alexander simply gave Henry a slow blink, and a sigh, Julian not even responding. They were used to this.

“Rebel’s missing!” Henry exclaimed. Rebel was Henry’s ferret. Alexander did not like her very much, and Rebel did not like Alexander very much either. Rebel disliked Julian’s cat, Mouse, who was currently playing with her water bowl, even more. In fact, Rebel was no longer allowed anywhere outside of Henry’s room, after multiple incidents that were emotionally scarring to both Mouse and Julian. Henry turned around, and Alexander resisted the urge to sigh, as he saw the brown and white ferret clinging onto Henry’s T-Shirt. Julian, now half-awake, reached out behind Henry, pulling the ferret off of his back. Rebel hung limply in Julian’s grasp, Henry quickly taking her,

“You’re a hero, Angel!” He said to Julian, embracing the man, who gave Alexander a frazzled look from over Henry’s shoulder. Alexander just chuckled, walking over, and tugging Henry off of the blonde man, rescuing him. Julian grinned at Alexander,

“You’re also a hero, Alex,” He said, Alexander simply shaking his head in amusement. Henry walked out of the kitchen, to put Rebel back in her cage, and Alexander glanced at Julian, trying to figure out how to ask him the question he was about to. He decided that he’d wait until the man had woken up a little more. About an hour later, Alexander hesitantly approached Julian, who was scribbling something into a notebook. 

“Hey, Julian,” Alexander asked, Julian not responding, and continuing to write.

“Julian,” Alexander repeated, getting no response once again. He didn’t raise his voice, knowing that never helped situations such as these. Instead, Alexander slipped his arms over Julian’s shoulders, laying his chin atop Julian’s head. Julian was jolted out of his phase, and he threw the notebook across the room in shock. Alexander retrieved the notebook, handing it to Julian, finally having the blonde’s attention.

“Julian, I have a question,” Alexander started, Julian nodding,

“Yes?” He asked, Alexander peering at the notebook, and letting out a sigh,

Needs for the upcoming events:

• Insurance in case someone gets hurt or dies or something

• An actual permit this time

• More people

• Officer Jared White to be dead

“I was wondering… So, you know how I have church today?” Alexander asked, Julian stiffening,

“Yes… Your point?” He cautiously said, Alexander fingering one of Julian’s blonde curls, Julian’s hair now back into a ponytail, as it was usually worn.

“Would you like to come with me?” Alexander asked. Julian let out a bitter laugh, standing up, and pacing the room, his hands behind his back. He then stopped,

“No,” He simply replied. Alexander sighed,

“C’mon Juli, I normally go with Ella, Ava, and Matthew, but they said they were busy breaking the sixth commandment. I would ask Henry to go with me, but he’s an atheist, I think. August I know is one, and I’m not sure what anyone else is.”

“So you picked me? I haven’t been inside of a church since I was twelve, Alex,” Julian replied.

 

“I know, but it’s only for two hours!” Alexander argued, “Besides, it’d be good to expose yourself to different viewpoints.” Julian shrugged,

“Whatever. But I’m not getting dressed up,” He replied. Alexander rolled his eyes with a smile.

“I didn’t ask you to,” He responded, patting Julian’s shoulder. Julian tugged on Alexander’s shirt, pulling him down to the couch, and snuggling into his side. 

“Mm, if only the others could see it,” Alexander ran his hand across Julian's side, tickling him slightly, Julian giggling, “Their brave and fearless leader, purposefully seeking out cuddles!” Julian gave a gasp, as Alexander pulled his phone out.

“You wouldn’t!” He exclaimed, Alexander grinning, and quickly taking a picture of Julian before he had the time to scowl.

“I’m sure the other Students For Justice will love this picture,” Alexander said, Julian reaching up for the phone, Alexander simply lifting it into the air, out of Julian’s reach. 

“Traitor,” Julian muttered, climbing off of a grinning Alexander, ”When do we have to leave?” He asked, pulling his laptop off of the coffee table, just as Henry made his way into the room, and sat down next to Alexander. 

“An hour,” Alexander replied, suspiciously checking Henry over, to make sure he hadn’t brought Rebel into the living room. Alexander smiled at Henry, whose brown curls were almost as untamed as Julian’s blonde had previously been.

“You could use a comb,” Alexander commented, Henry waving him of,

“It’ll get to it,” He protested, dramatically flopping over Alexander’s lap. Alexander just rolled his eyes, pushing the brunette off of him, Henry landing on the floor with a whine.

“C’mon Alex, your stomach’s comfy!” Henry whined, Alexander not sure whether to be flattered, or take offense at that. Julian let out a small laugh, Alexander hitting him aside the head, making Julian burst into full blown laughter, and fall off the coffee table, which he had been previously sitting on.

“Oh, come on. You’re both twenty, not two,” Alexander said, Henry shrugging,

“Or are we?!” He replied, then receiving his own hit on the side of his head from Alexander. Alexander shook his head with a grin at his friend’s antics, and leaned down, pulling Julian, who was still on the floor, to his feet.

“C’mon, we should get ready,” Alexander said, Julian sighing and nodding. Henry frowned, leaning on the couch,

“Where’s Julian going?” Henry asked, 

“I’m bringing him to church with me,” Alexander replied, Henry giving Julian a look Alexander couldn’t quite place, before shrugging,

“Better you than me,” He replied, looking at Julian, “Or August. You never want to bring him into a church of any kind. He keeps count of how many religious people he’s made angry, and I think he’s nearing the hundreds.”

“Lovely,” Alexander responded, heading into the bathroom to comb his hair and brush his teeth.

He exited the bathroom, seeing a sulking Julian on the couch. He walked over to him, sitting down next to his best friend,

“What’s up, Angel?” Alexander enquired, Julian crossing his arms, and biting his lip, not responding. Alexander ran a finger down Julian's cheek, “C’mon, I know something’s wrong.” Alexander urged, Julian letting out a long sigh,

“I don’t like churches very much,” He admitted, Alexander giving a short nod of understanding, as he could see where this was going to go.

“I was twelve, when I ran off to your place, if you remember. I was escaping my father. And the church. The pastor… He… Wasn’t fond of me. My father told him to fix me, because he didn’t want a son who liked boys, he said I was broken. And the pastor was cruel… And vile. I remember trying to help a younger girl whose parents had set her along with me, because she liked girls. And we both got beaten. Badly.” Julian explained, Alexander rubbing his back gently.

“If you don’t want to come, Juli, that’s okay. I support you-” Alexander started, Julian shaking his head,

“No… I’m sure it’ll be fine,” He replied, leaning his head against Alexander’s shoulder. 

“Alright,” Alexander said, rubbing Julian’s head, before standing up, and going off in search of the bag he always brought everywhere with him. Alexander liked to be prepared for anything, hence the bag. The bag held spare pencils, a few bandaids, a lot of sticky notes, his keys for the house and his car, his phone, a thermometer, and any other medical supplies he was carrying with him at the moment. 

“Eat something,” Alexander told Julian, who scowled at him, but obliged his orders. Henry walked into the living room, his jacket on,

“It’s freezing outside,” He commented,

“It is October,” Alexander replied.

“I’m gonna go see Esperanza,” Henry said, Alexander nodding. Esperanza was still recovering from the surgery they had received due to appendicitis, and Henry spent every spare moment he could with his partner. Henry kissed both Julian and Alexander’s cheeks, before walking out the door. Alexander took his coat from the coat hanger, about to leave as well. 

“Julian, you ready?” Alexander asked, Julian, who was writing something in his notebook, and eating a carrot, nodding. Alexander eyed the carrot, placing his hands on his hips, “A carrot for breakfast, really?” He said, Julian making a small whining sound,

“I could just eat nothing,” He mumbled, his voice slightly muffled, as he took another bite out of the carrot. Alexander rolled his eyes, shaking his head affectionately, and walking over, kissing the top of Julian’s head, before tugging him out the door with him. 

“We’re walking to church, it’s not that cold,” Alexander said, Julian already shivering. Alexander rolled his eyes, removing his own jacket, and tossing it around his best friend dubbed little brother’s shoulders. Julian sighed,

“It’s not fair that you got to be so big, and I had to be so small,” He complained, Alexander smiling,

“No, Julian, Mother Nature knew what she was doing when she made you small, trust me,” Alexander said, shuddering at the thought of Julian being tall. If Julian were actually tall and strong, then he would probably have been in jail at this point for assault. And Alexander enjoyed being able to lift his friend up into his arms, as he couldn’t do that with Henry. 

Julian was an exceptionally beautiful person, with white skin, red cheeks, and bright blue eyes, which seemed to have a million little fires shining inside of them. He was extremely skinny, and was almost critically underweight. He had always been that way, though, ever since he had been born. He constantly worried Alexander. Alexander, on the other hand, had dark skin, and deep brown eyes. His hair had once been as curly and long as could be, but that had gotten too unmanageable, and he was constantly teased for it, so from eighth grade and on, he wore his hair short, and straight. Julian and Henry had always told him that his natural hair was beautiful, though. Alexander was extremely tall, 6’4, as compared to Julian’s mere 5’2. Henry, the other third of their trio, was 5’7, somewhere in between.

The walk to the church was thankfully short, and the two best friends soon entered the building, Julian letting out a sigh of relief, as warmth flooded through him. Alexander grabbed Julian’s hand, so he wouldn’t lose him in the crowd of people in the entryway. As they made their way through the people, Alexander suddenly froze, waving his hand,

“Hey, Anna, Ruby!” He called, two elderly women walking over, with bright smiles on their faces, “These are my friends,” Alexander introduced, Julian looking like he was dying to make some sort of comment on the fact that Alexander’s friend’s were old women. But he kept quiet, thankfully. Alexander turned to Ruby and Anna, “And this is-” Ruby, the shorter of the two women, cut him off,

“Oh, I know who that is, sugar. Why, it must be young Julian, one third of the Troublesome Trio!” Ruby said, enthusiastically shaking Julian’s hand. Julian blushed,

“Uh, yeah, nice to meet you… Ma’am,” He replied, Ruby beaming,

“Oh, now, we’re just missing Henry. I hear all about you, however, Julian, from your friend Alexander here, I swear I know you better than my husband, and Bill and I have been married for fifty-so-years now! Bill’s right there… Oh Billll, GET YOUR HEINIE OVER HERE!” Ruby exclaimed, a tall elderly gentleman walking over, looking mildly baffled. 

“... Hello,” Bill said softly. This was thankfully enough for Ruby, and she continued jabbering on, until Anna poked her,

“Why, Ruby, we will be late if you continue your chattering,” She warned, Ruby grinning,

“Oh, of course,” She snatched Bill’s hand, pulling him through the doorway to the main church room. Anna turned to Julian, giving him a kind smile,

“It was nice to meet you, dear, you should come around for tea some time with Alex, in the meanwhile, I need to go track down my own husband,” She walked off. Alexander laughed at the expression on Julian’s face,

“Some interesting people, aren’t they?” Alexander asked, Julian chuckling,

“Ruby’s like a 60-year-old Henry,” He compared, Alexander shaking his head amusedly, and taking Julian’s hand once more, leading him into the room where the church service was being held. There was a man standing in the front of the room, while a large amount of people got into the numerous seats behind him. There was a projector screen, also in the front of the room, showing lyrics to the worship song that was blaring through the speakers. Julian instantly slammed his palms over his ears, wincing. Julian was very noise-sensitive, due to the fact that he suffered from autism. Alexander, who also had autism, wasn’t as noise-sensitive, but he always found it hard to be in a room with a lot of people, so he could sympathize with Julian, in a way.

“Did you bring your headphones!?” Alexander yelled over the music, Julian taking his hands off of his ears, and frowning, the flashes from the projector screen and surrounding lights reflecting onto him, illuminating him in a purple and green glow,

“What?!” Julian exclaimed, Alexander repeating himself,

“Did you bring your - ” Julian shook his head, and Alexander sighed, Anna, who was sitting to the right of Julian, reaching over the blonde and tapping Alexander’s shoulder, 

“I always bring earplugs,” She explained, handing him two disposable green ones. Alexander gave Anna a grateful look, and gave them to Julian, who immediately shoved them into his ears, letting out a small sigh of relief. Eventually, the worship period ended, and Julian was free to take the earplugs out, as Pastor Byron, the main pastor, and also the man standing in the front of the room began speaking. Julian gave Alexander a nervous look, and Alexander took his hand, squeezing it, and giving him a warm smile. Julian smiled back, before focusing on Pastor Byron.

“Good morning, Pine Forest Church!” Pastor Byron exclaimed. There were claps from the audience, Julian wincing at the sudden noise. Pastor Byron cleared his throat, “Today’s lesson was suggested by Tiffany White... Thank you, Tiffany.” Tiffany smirked from the audience, and Alexander and Julian exchanged uneasy looks. 

Tiffany White was one of the worst people in town. She was rude, and gossiped frequently. She also despised Alexander and Julian. Her son, Jared White, was a local police officer, who had a record of brutality. Julian may hate him more than he hated Tiffany. Alexander definitely held a grudge against Jared, as the police officer had broken Alexander’s arm during a protest, a year or so ago.

“Now, let us take offering,” Pastor Byron said. As the bucket was being passed around, Anna leaned in the direction of Alexander and Julian,

“What’d you both suppose Tiffany wants?” Anna whispered, Alexander shrugging, and passing the offering box to Anna, Julian staring intently at his feet.

“Now, today we’re going to talk about God’s image, and the way he created us,” Pastor Byron began. Julian suddenly went pale. Alexander frowned, as the expression Julian had on was usually his, “I need to throw up,” expression. Pastor Byron opened his Bible, and began reading,

“Genesis 1:27, So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them,” Pastor Byron smiled, Alexander beginning to feel uncomfortable, “Well now, in wake of some the events that have happened in town, such as the parade that happened around 4 months ago, I think you should all learn what God intended for people to be like.”

The parade that happened four months ago had been a Pride parade, actually. The Students For Justice Organization had helped plan it, and Julian and Alexander had been very proud of the outcome. A lot of the town hadn’t been as pleased, however…

“Now, in the beginning, as we know, God created the two genders. Man and woman, boy and girl,” Byron said, Alexander frowning,

“I think Esperanza would have something to say to that,” He whispered to Julian, Julian not responding, instead gripping the arms of his chair so tightly, that his knuckles turned white. 

“God created woman for man,” Pastor Byron continued, Alexander narrowing his eyes, “And God created them to be together. This is God’s design, and anyone who goes against God’s design… Will burn in Hell. It is our duty as Christians to make sure that they see the error in their ways.” Alexander leapt to his feet, grabbing Julian’s hand, and heading straight towards the exit, Anna following after them with her husband. Ruby, who was three rows in front of them them, jumped up from her seat, pointing a finger at Pastor Byron,

“How DARE you!” She exclaimed, “I got a gay grankid, y’know, and if Chase is goin’ to Hell… I’M GOIN’ WITH HIM! I TRUSTED you, and now, I shall take myself to a church that has NICE people in it! And you’re coming with me, BILL!” Ruby snatched Bill’s hand, and dragged him out of the room. Anna turned towards Julian, once the small group had made their way to the parking lot, placing a hand on his shoulder,

“I’m really sorry you had to hear that, kid. Byron’s an idiot, apparently,” She said. Julian nodded, his face blank, probably as he remembered previous… Incidents from his childhood. 

“The NERVE of that man!” Ruby ranted, her face red. Bill seemed mainly unaffected by the situation, “Well, we won’t be coming here again any time soon, right BILL?!” Bill blinked,

“Um… Yes,” He softly replied, the couple heading out to their car. Anna gave the two boys one last nod, before walking off with her husband, Norman. Alexander turned his attention entirely to Julian,

“You alright?” He asked, Julian giving a simple nod. The two walked back to their apartment, Julian, for once in his life, not saying anything.

Chapter 4

“Maria, where’s my red shirt?!” Maria rolled her eyes in the direction of Landon, 

“Why can’t you just wear a different one?” She asked, as she grabbed her car keys from the counter. Her boyfriend made a whining sound,

“Becausssse I think the red one makes me look more… Communistical,” Landon expressed, falling down the stairs that he had previously been standing at the top of, “I’M OKAY!” Landon exclaimed, Maria sighing,

“Honestly,” She muttered, shaking her head, her other boyfriend, Christopher, came running down the stairs, panting,

“I heard someone fall, is everyone alright?!” He frantically asked, Maria walking over and kissing his cheek,

“Just Landon, again, sweetheart,” She said, Christopher letting out a sigh of relief, and getting down on his knees, climbing on top of Landon, who was still on the floor, to examine the stairs,

“We really need to get like, a baby-gate or something,” Christopher said, “Then maybe Landon wouldn’t fall so much.” Maria scoffed,

“If we got a baby-gate, Landon would crash into it and fall anyways,” She pointed out, Landon sighing, and gently lifting Christopher off of him, as he sat up,

“I’m sorry… I always mess everything up... ” He murmured, Christopher climbing back into his lap, and giving him a quick kiss,

“It’s alright, we love you anyways!” He said, Maria smiling, and walking over, getting down on the floor with them, and snuggling into Landon’s lap as well. Landon was big enough to fit both Christopher and Maria in his lap. The three partners stayed like that for a moment, until Maria finally exited the cuddle-pile, Christopher following,

“I have a question,” Maria said, as she stood up, “How do we always end up on the floor together?” Both Christopher and Landon laughed, as she grabbed her coat off the coat-hanger, tossing Landon and Christopher theirs as well. They needed to head out to the Students For Justice meeting in the next five minutes, or risk being late, “C’mon boys, to the car,” Maria ordered, grabbing her purse on her way out, Christopher and Landon following her, Landon apparently deciding that his red shirt wasn’t that important. The car-ride was a good 15 minutes, not too long, not too short, and Maria pulled into the parking lot of Johnson’s. Maria was usually the one out of the trio who drove the others places, as Christopher drove excruciatingly slow, and Landon had once gotten into 9 car accidents in the span of an hour. How, no one was sure. Including Landon.

They got out of their car, shivering as the cold October air hit them. Landon tugged open the door to Johnson’s, and they walked in, a rush of warmth hitting them the second they did. The inside of Johnson’s was cheery as always, even though it was currently 8:00 pm. There were already an array of Students For Justice members across Johnson’s. Most of the members of SFJ weren’t actually students anymore, the group had just been started when they were, and nobody felt like changing the name.

The Students For Justice Organization, more commonly referred to as simply the SFJ’s, was a Social Justice group, dedicated to bettering Pine Forest Township, where they all resided. They also helped other communities when given the chance, and frequently protested injustices. From the looks of it, Christopher, Landon, and Maria were the last members to arrive to the current meeting.

Maria was a level-headed person, which was a good thing, as her boyfriends happened to be Christopher and Landon. She didn’t have time for most nonsense, and preferred to get things done quickly, and efficiently. She was talented in music, particularly singing, and playing the piano. She was also taking guitar lessons from August, and had almost mastered the recorder. Maria was a rather tall woman, at 5’8, and she had dark skin, brown eyes, and curly black hair. She dressed rather formally, most of the time, and was respected by most men. And those who didn’t respect her would learn to. 

Christopher was only 5’3, and extremely skinny. He had white skin, brown hair, and blue eyes, and he would sometimes wear his glasses rather than his contacts. He was prone to worrying about practically everything, and was rather introverted. He loved reading, and preferred it to everything else. 

Landon was a tall man, at 6’2, and kept his hair extremely short, only the beginnings of black curls visible. He had dark skin and hazel eyes, and usually a scratch or two from one mishap or another. He was prone to getting himself into strange situations, and was a cheery person in general, who was exceptionally passionate about football. 

The rest of the SFJ’s were scattered at different tables, talking quietly to one another, or were behind the counter, as Jacob and his daughter Rose were.

Jacob stood at 5’9, and had short brown hair and brown eyes. He was a kind, down-to-earth man, who was generally non-confrontational. He had another child, named Isaiah, who was older than Rose, and was off in some other state for college. 

Rose had curly light brown hair, the ends of which were dyed blue, and she had narrowed brown eyes, along with a bright smile that never seemed to leave her face. She was a sweet, and hard-working girl, and she got along well with everyone. If anyone threatened her friends, however, she could go from an angel to a demon in seconds.

Grant and William were sitting at another table, Grant balancing their three-month-old daughter, Jamie, on his leg, while he talked with a few others about the latest football game his favorite team had. 

Grant was a tall man, standing at 6’2, and he was extremely muscular. He had always been rash, and hotheaded, and he still was, though fatherhood had mellowed him some. He was a kill-first-ask-questions-later kind of guy, and was into every sport imaginable, with a particular love for football, of which he bonded with Landon over. He had tan skin and chocolate eyes, along with short light-brown hair.

His husband, William, was a much shorter man, at 5’5. William was Chinese, and had black hair, and narrowed brown eyes. He was a competitive man, and the type of person who would raise his hand to volunteer before you told him what he was volunteering for. He loved volunteering for non-profit organizations with a passion, and loved working at the local animal shelter the most, as he connected with dogs and cats better than he did with people. He was a generally friendly person, though he could be passive-aggressive when it suited him. Fatherhood had also mellowed him, just as it had Grant, somewhat. Grant and William were the oldest members of the SFJ’s, next to Jacob, both of them 33 years of age. The reason they had just started with their first child now was because they, as a interracial gay couple, found it difficult to adopt. Finally though, they had been blessed with Jamie, and everyone in the group fawned over the little baby.

Jamie was a normal-sized baby, with wide brown eyes, and dark skin, a few tiny black curls already sprouting from her head. She smiled all the time, and was an average baby in public, though Grant had told horror stories of her at nighttime. She was the main reason her dads had shadows under their eyes, and kept drifting off during meetings. She was adored by everyone, though. Jamie was one little light.

Caroline, Grant’s twin sister, who was sitting across from him at the table, mirrored her brother in every way shape and form. Except she had no children. She was 5’9, her favorite hobby was climbing mountains and skydiving, and her life motto was “Leap before you look.” 

Across from this chaotic crowd, sat Ella, and her younger siblings Ava and Matthew.

Ella was about 5’4, and had straight black hair, dark skin, and brown eyes. She was an exceptionally violent person, and had no qualms about breaking the law. She was actually a kind person overall, though, and the only reason she did illegal things is so she could survive. Ella was trying to raise her younger siblings on her own, after she had fled her abusive parents with them, and the whole group pitched in to help the little family. Alexander especially. It was common knowledge that Alexander had a massive crush on Ella. The only question was if she returned it. 

Little Ava, who was sitting next to her sister, doodling in a notebook, was only ten, and had wild black curls, dark skin, and brown eyes. She was a shy girl, who was into reading, social justice, and cats. She liked to wear sweaters, for whatever reason, and Maria always bought her one for Christmas. 

Her brother, Matthew, who was sitting next to her, folding a paper airplane, was seven, and also had long curly black hair, dark skin, and brown eyes. He was a bright, cheerful child, and he enjoyed soccer. He mimicked Julian’s every move, and looked up to him and Alexander, who he fondly referred to as “Uncle Alex,” with passion. 

Sitting next to Ella, and looking quite nervous to be in such close proximity with her, was Melvin, a red-headed man with blue eyes, and a rather extraordinary number of freckles. He seemed to have a talent for making every social situation he got into exceedingly awkward. He was dating Rose, and Jacob had attempted to murder him multiple times. He also had a strange obsession with polar bears, which was why he had joined the SFJ’s, because he was concerned with how Climate Change would affect them.

At a table in the middle of the room, sat Julian, Alexander, August, and Henry, an empty seat in the corner of the table where Esperanza would usually sit. These five were the main men, and person, behind the group, and each person worked tirelessly to ensure the success of justice. 

Julian, who sported stunning blonde hair, and radiant blue eyes, was certain that justice would always prevail. He was too hot-headed for his own good sometimes, and was quick-tempered, prone to going off into rants about the smallest things. He was deeply intelligent though, Maria knew. Taking one look into Julian’s eyes, one could see just how much was flying through the extremely short man’s brain. Julian was only 5’2, making him the shortest adult in the group. When conducting meetings, he always kept a serious expression, never smiling or laughing once. Maria knew there was more to the man then that, though, as she had heard stories of his cuddly behaviour from Henry, and how he followed Alexander around like a puppy. She suspected he only let out his true self when he was around his closest friends though, that being Alexander, Henry, Esperanza, and August, his boyfriend, of course. 

Alexander was a million times more calm than Julian, though he was prone to anxiety, and he was a large man, with straight black hair and brown eyes. The 26-year-old always wore a half smile, and was very book-smart and intelligent. Sometimes he sounded like a walking dictionary. 

Then there was Henry. An enthusiastic, sunny young man, who happened to be Indian. He had brown skin, brown eyes, and short black hair, along with a permanent grin. He loved amusement parks, and other thrilling activities, and was always positive. He was the one guy who got super excited for St. Patrick's Day, for whatever reason. Though he got excited for every holiday, to be fair. Henry and Julian were actually some of the youngest members of the group, both men only 20 years old. But they were also some of the most valuable. 

August was an exceptionally bright man, though he didn’t want anyone to know that. He was 5’8, and had colorful tattoos all over his arms, along with splatters of paint from the artist’s latest commission, or project. He was kind-hearted and soft, and had a soft spot for animals, especially cats. Julian liked to joke that August loved Mouse, Julian’s cat, more than Julian did. And Julian spoiled that little thing rotten. August valued friendship and loyalty over everything, and was absolutely the guy you’d call if you were in a bad situation, and needed help. Grant liked to joke that he’d make a wonderful “My Little Pony,” character. He adored his boyfriend with all of his heart, and frequently left roses on Julian’s apartment door, and car. He also snuck chocolate into Julian’s dresser, and wanted to be with him nearly every second. 

Esperanza wasn’t supposed to be there, that day - Wait. Maria frowned, as Esperanza stumbled through the door, looking as pale as a ghost, their shoulder-length brown hair, the ends of which were dyed purple, soaking wet, along with the rest of their tiny body. Every was silent for a second, before Henry jumped to his feet, running over to his partner,

“Esperanza!” He exclaimed, “You’re not supposed to be out of the house, you’re still recovering!” Henry peeked out the window, “Oh, and it’s raining now, great…” He snatched his jacket, wrapping it around Esperanza’s shoulders, and setting them down in their seat. Esperanza took a moment to catch their breath, before swallowing,

“M’sorry,” They said, their quiet and squeaky voice melting everyone’s hearts, “I just had to come, I hate missing meetings… Every time I miss we somehow get involved in three protests without my knowledge.”

“I always text you about it!” Grant exclaimed, Jamie letting out a small squeal from where her father was still bouncing her on his leg,

“For the last time, Grant, you’re phone’s so freaking old that no texts can get through it. You need a new one,” Henry said, Grant shaking his head. Alexander, despite not usually getting involved in what he saw as trivial conversations, sighed from where he was sitting,

“You know, if you don’t have the money, one of us can lend it to you,” He suggested, Grant shaking his head,

“Nuh-uh, I ain’t accepting money from no one,” He stated, lifting Jamie off of his leg, and gently laying her in her carrier, which was sitting in the middle of the table he was at. Julian stood up,

“Now,” He said, with an annoyed expression on his face, “That we’re all done with that… Grant, William, why is your baby here?” He asked. William sighed, looking up from where he had previously been resting his tired head on the table,

“We don’t have anyone we trust to babysit her, so she comes with us. Besides, it’s not like there are any available babysitters either. All of you guys are here as well,” He explained, Grant rubbing his husband’s back. Julian nodded, glancing at Jamie a second time, a narrowing his eyes,

“Why is she wearing pink? Are you already trying to make her conform to gender norms?!” He exclaimed, Grant rolling his eyes,

“Pink’s the cheapest and easiest thing to find, blondie,” He replied, Julian patting Jamie’s head,

“Don’t worry, Jamie, Uncle Julian’s going to buy you some nice yellow and green clothing,” He murmured, Jamie cooing at him,

“What’s wrong with pink?” Ava, who was wearing a pink sweater, shyly asked. Alexander patted her shoulder,

“Nothing, dear, unless it’s the only thing an infant’s wearing. They need a variety of colors until they can choose which colors they like for themselves,” He answered, a very confused Melvin speaking,

“How do we always end up talking about something so random?” He asked, the entire group bursting into laughter, except for Julian, who crossed his arms, before rubbing a hand over his ear at the sharp sounds. 

“Anyways,” Julian said, “Alexander, you had an announcement, right?” Alexander nodded,

“Oh, yes,” He stood up, clearing his throat, and running his fingers through his black hair, “Three people I know from church have expressed interest in joining us. Their names are Ruby, Anna, and Bill.” The group collectively clapped, at this, even Julian, as having even one new member was a good thing. Julian nodded,

“Yes, so there’s that. Also, I need two people to volunteer to-” He started, William cutting him off by thrusting his arm into the air and yelling,

“I’LL DO IT!” Julian sighed,

“... To collect trash off of the nearest freeway. So, William... “ He wrote down William’s name on a clipboard, “Anyone else?” Jacob raised his hand, “And Jacob Johnson, great.” He gave the clipboard to Alexander for safe-keeping, and August stood up,

“So, you bordering-communists, it is I, the capitalist, asking which one of you anonymously sent me that… Wonderful capitalism meme.” August had a teasing tone of voice, and Maria gigled. It was fun to taunt August, at times. Everyone else in the room grinned at him, and Julian stepped forward, smirking,

“It was YOU!” August dramatically yelled, placing a hand over his heart, “I’ve been betrayed by my own boyfriend!” Julian rolled his eyes,

“Consider it payback for all of the communism memes you posted in the group chat. Next order of business, I need three people to help with Carmenville’s social justice group’s upcoming protest. They asked for an artist, so I already signed you up, August, and volunteered myself, as there were some things I wanted to go over with their leaders anyways. Anyone else volunteer?” Maria raised her hand, as she liked helping Carmenville, the next town over’s, activists. She found them interesting, “Okay, Maria, great,” Julian said. Julian sighed, closing his eyes for a second, before laying his hands down on the table,

“...About some of the recent… Attitudes in our town,” Julian said, the entire room letting out a collective groan. 

“I thought the Pride parade we did might convince a few folks, but it seems to have made them even angrier,” Rose murmured, Julian nodding and looking out the window, for a second, at the stormy grey sky, and pouring rain,

“Everyone just… Stay safe,” He said. There was a silence, for a few moments, before Julian finally spoke once more, “And I believe Melvin had something about… Polar bears, to share?” Melvin beamed, jumping up, and pulling down the projector in the corner of the room, August peering over his shoulder at the slideshow he pulled up.

“ 75 SLIDES?! Melvin.”