Chéri didn’t even pay attention at the adjective in front of their name, drunk people had called them weirder things. “My” was almost sweet. Chéri moved a little to allow Ruby to hid behind them, not realising they were now between two fires. They took a fighting position and face the aggressor.

Benjamin grabbed them and shoved them aside, but Chéri was ready and contrasted the movement, if not properly staying in place, sliding back, working on their agility rather than their resistance. Lacking both for understanding and for proper words to respond, their choice was simply “No!” Whatever the stranger wanted to do to Ruby, they weren’t going to let that happen.

And there there was. The police. Chéri’s mind started racing and at this, they did, indeed, abandon the position, because they didn’t want to look like they were in a brawl. Answering first wasn’t an option, so they moved next to Ruby, offering her their hands, to show they were there to help and that they were on her side. Hopefully the constable wasn’t going to notice the traces of make up on their face.