"How are you over there Mari?" Heather and Tyler sat on my phone screen, seemingly standing outside.

"Great!" I said with a grin, "We went to a theme park the other day, and I've been helping Brendon sort out the movies and stuff so we can have a shelf built!"

Heather grinned, "That sounds like fun. What about school work, you've been working on that right?"

I nodded, "I was working on it a little while ago. I've got it all on my desk." For emphasis, I turned the camera and showed them my desk.

They both laughed a little, "Glad to see it kiddo. Alright, we have to go get dinner. We'll see you soon!"

I grinned, "Bye!" I watched the call end and frowned a little. I knew I'd miss them, but not this much.

A knock resounded from my door, "Mari?"

"Come in," I called, looking down and realizing that I hadn't gotten ready like I needed to.

Brendon's face displayed no disappointment however, "You ready to go yet?"

I shook my head, "I've been calling Heather and Tyler, and I have no idea what to wear." I unpacked my clothes days ago, and meant to lay out an outfit then. I had forgotten though, so here we were.

Brendon nodded, "Can I help?"

I stood, walking over to the closet, "Sure."

Brendon walked with me, looking at the little number of clothes I had. I had a few dresses, sure, but I didn't like wearing them. Jeans and t-shirts filled my drawers instead. I'd maybe be okay in a pair of slacks but wanted to avoid dresses.

"Why not this?" Brendon held up a dress that was a bright yellow. I bought it because I wanted to look like I was from the 50's.

I shrugged, "It's a little see-through."

Brendon nodded, hanging it back up. We went back and forth until Brendon found a pair of slacks and a pale yellow blouse for me to wear. I slipped into them, grabbing the flats Brendon thought might look good with them. After grabbing my purse, necklace, and fancier gloves, I walked out into the living room.

Brendon and Sarah had also dressed up. Sarah's dress hung loose and went to her knees, meanwhile, Brendon's suit had sharp-looking edges.

"Ready to go see the lawyer?" Brendon asked, looking up from his spot on the couch.

I nodded. Today, we were finally finalizing the adoption.

Sarah grinned, walking with me out of the house. "You got everything you need kiddo?"

I smiled, "Yup. Headphones, gloves, mask, first aid kit." I pat my bag, climbing into the car.

"Awesome. Let's get some food and get to the lawyer's."

✞—❖—✞

I tapped my feet as the lawyer talked to my future parents. He'd finished asking me questions a long time ago. But a ton of people were in the room with us, all watching the proceeding happen. Brendon said that people from both his and Sarah's families were there. As we walked in earlier, I could see Heather and Tyler towards the front.

The judge cleared his throat, "Alright. Mari, can you come up here for just a moment?"

I nodded, standing and approaching the judge's seat. I stood next to him, heart slamming in my chest.

"Would you like to bang the gavel?" The judge asked, offering me the little bit of wood.

I thought back to all the movies and shows I had seen. I had always wanted to bang one! I nodded, gently taking it.

The judge grinned, "Alright, I'll let you know when to hit it." His attention turned to the audience, "Court adjourned!" He motioned to me, and I hit the gavel down twice.

I couldn't help but laugh a little as I passed the gavel back. "Thank you!"

"Of course. Go hug your family," The judge gently motioned me away. I stepped away from the box, approaching Brendon and Sarah. They had smiles on their faces and open arms.

I rushed forward, hugging them. Both laughed- which I could barely hear over the noises of everyone around the court. We pulled away and I followed my new parents out onto the steps of the court to take a huge family photo.

I watched as kids and adults all filed out one at a time. Brendon glanced out the window as we passed by it, cursing quietly.

"What is it?" I asked, looking at him.

"Press is here," He complained. "I thought we kept this on the down-low."

I shrugged, "At least they found out today and not before now."

He hesitated, but smiled, "Yeah, that's true."

Before we even got outside, I could hear the commotion of the press. Inside I groaned, but outside I straightened up. Up ahead, cops stood just outside the doors and held the press back.

We stepped out first, allowing people to join us. Heather and Tyler approached, hugging me.

"Ooh, I'm so excited for you," Heather said in my ear as we hugged.

"Thank you," I squeezed her gently, pulling away after a moment.

"Do you want us to take the picture?" Tyler asked Brendon.

"That would be awesome, actually," Brendon pulled out his phone, fiddling with it before handing it to Tyler.

Tyler and Heather walked to the bottom of the steps. People filled in behind us, avoiding touching reporters as much as possible.

"Alright!" Tyler called, "On 3!"

"1!"

I could feel my mouth stretch into a grin.

"2!"

I shut my eyes briefly, my heart slamming in my chest.

"3!"

I opened my eyes, watching as Tyler pressed the phone screen a few times. He dropped the phone down a little, a grin on his face.

I'm a Urie now.