#but i’m interested in watching the film anyway because maybe it won’t be great…but maybe it won’t be bad either 🤷🏻‍♀️

[cocoabubbelle-newblog]

Personal Opinion

I’ve been quiet about Disney’s Live Action take for Snow White up till now, so here is what I have to say:

Of all the things that concern me for this movie, Rachel Zegler’s and Gal Gadot’s casting isn’t one of them. I think Rachel is unconventionally pretty, and being of Puerto Rican descent myself, I was excited that this Snow White would be Latina. While the hairstyle and costuming isn’t great, saying that there is no way the Mirror would say she is fairer than Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen (Gal Gadot also being a beautiful woman) and calling her ugly is just unnecessarily unkind. Maybe this is a stretch, but FAIR doesn’t only mean ‘most light-skinned’ or ‘most beautiful’; it also means ‘free from bias, dishonesty, or injustice.’ Based on the song that was recently released, I am inclined to believe that THIS is the take the story will have on the phrase Fairest of them All.

Again, being of PR descent and having one side of the family from PR ranging of all skin tones, I think Zegler was neither “too white” to play Puerto Rican Maria from West Side Story, nor is “too dark” to play Snow White. That’s just me though.

The words on the necklace feel more like they belong to the theme from Live Action Mulan.

I do wish they stuck with casting people with dwarfism for the dwarves. The CGI doesn’t offend me, but c’mon. We’ve seen Tolkein/Narnian/DnD/etc dwarves. Emphasis on Narnian bc when they did the first two films, Disney DID get actors with dwarfism and put them in great makeup/costumes. Also kind of interesting that Peter Dinklage was willing to play a mythical dwarf here but his comments regarding the Snow White (2024/5) film potentially cost others with dwarfism those roles. Looking at the official cast, only ONE of the voice actors for the dwarves is Martin Klebba = Grumpy. Not that dissimilar to the last Grumpy-esque dwarf he played in Mirror Mirror….who casted actors with dwarfism…

Some of the official comments made to promote the movie, including from the actors, have made me roll my eyes so much that I’ve cramped my extraocular muscles. You don’t have to agree with the direction the original movie took with their characters and messages, but putting it down in order to try to elevate the new adaptation seems to be not the wisest decision.

“It’s not the 30’s anymore~” Guys. The earliest versions of the original fairytale sometimes had SW’s own birth mother being jealous of and attempting to kill her, the dwarves MADE the young princess clean and cook for them instead of her offering up those skills, and the prince was an actual stranger who was willing to buy her dead body from the dwarves, among other weird things that the animated film changed/left out. How Disney handled the romance, characters, and overall plot back in the late 1930s was actually good imho.

I liked Zack Snyder’s take on the DC Universe, so the color wash ranging from dark to bright in this film doesn’t bug me.

Is it impossible to use and train real animals anymore in a humane environment? Must the majority of them be CGI?

The potential love interest being a mix of Robin Hood and Flynn Rider is ok I suppose. Not super original, but ok. (I will forever defend the original Prince though; he is NOT an old creepy stalker thank you very much;). HOW.E.VER. The recent comments from those who worked on the movie piqued my interest, namely that they drew inspiration from the discarded draft that the original prince was held prisoner by the queen in her dungeon and that this new character was disillusioned by the power structured of the world. So whether or not this means that this roguish rebel is actually our prince in disguise after all remains to be seen. (Probably not; I tend to overthink things.)

The music is pretty so far. Might buy some of the songs when the soundtrack becomes available. Don’t think some of the original songs needed to be replaced, but Waiting on a Wish sounds lovely even though it’s not I’m Wishing.

If I do wind up seeing it, I’ll just view it how I’ve always tried to view remakes of the originals I loved: just a different take that I am not obligated to love, but will be pleasantly surprised if I do (ex. Cinderella (2015) and Little Mermaid (2023) among some).

Update: saw the movie. Some parts made me roll my eyes and/cringe, but ultimately I had a lot of fun and genuinely enjoyed the rest of it!

[redsummermoon]

Hello, I have one! What if the reader (female, if possible) and the rest of the poets are all supposed to hang out, but one by one everyone gets busy or caught up. So at the last second it just ends up being the reader and Meeks, and they’re alone watching TV. He talks about just leaving to study for a test (so they don’t have to be alone, because he secretly likes her). Then maybe a kiss scene or something comes on tv, and they try to laugh it off because it’s kinda awkward. Then I’ll let you finish it from there, lol.

It doesn’t have to be just like that, of course. But anyway, have a great day!

Meeks was my fav character before Charlie... might have to start writing for him too.. idk

A Lovely Night

Steven Meeks x reader CW: use of Y/N, female reader, modern day college [2.3k words] 

Y/N stared at her phone, thumbs hovering over the screen, before typing out a message to the group.

"Remember Dead Poet hang out, my dorm at 7 if anyone’s still interested!" she texted, hitting send.

She had been looking forward to tonight all week, hoping the Dead Poets could all come together to watch La La Land. The movie had been on her list for a while, and she thought the others might appreciate the film. As the minutes passed, her phone buzzed one by one with responses. Most of them excuses.

Neil: "Sorry, Y/N! Todd and I are heading to see this local theater production. Catch you next time?"

Cameron: "Test in a month. Gotta start prepping now. Maybe next time."

Charlie: "Double date tonight with Knox! I’ll tell you how it goes after. You’ll survive without me, promise."

Y/N sighed, a small laugh escaping her lips. Of course, Charlie had something going on, and Cameron, well, she expected that response from him. But now, it looked like her movie night was going to be smaller than she hoped. There were only two left unaccounted for: Pitts and Meeks.

Meanwhile, Meeks sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his phone with wide eyes. Y/N had invited him (and everyone else) to her dorm, and while he had been excited at first, the idea of being alone with her, even just for a movie, was terrifying. His crush on her wasn’t a secret, at least not to himself, but it was something he hadn’t quite figured out how to handle yet. Being around Y/N made his thoughts scramble, and he didn’t want to do something awkward.

"Pitts!" Meeks called across the dorm room, his voice tight with nerves.

Pitts looked up from his laptop. "Yeah?"

"You’re... you’re going to the movie night with me, right?" Meeks fidgeted, his hands twisting together as he waited for his friend’s response.

Pitts raised an eyebrow. "Wasn’t planning on it, but I’m free. Why? You need me there?"

Meeks nodded rapidly, his face flushed. "Please. I... I can’t go alone. Not with Y/N. I... I don’t want it to be weird."

Pitts gave him a knowing grin. "Ahh, I see. You’ve got it bad."

Meeks groaned, burying his face in his hands. "It’s not funny. I don’t know how to act around her."

"Relax, I’ll go," Pitts said, chuckling as he closed his laptop. "I won’t leave you hanging."

Relief washed over Meeks as he grabbed his phone, quickly typing out a message to Y/N.

"Hey, Pitts and I will be there!"

Y/N smiled and set her phone down. Her roommate had gone home for the weekend, giving her the whole dorm to herself, but it could use a little cleaning. She wiped down the already-clean desk, fluffed the pillows on her bed, and adjusted the blankets, making sure everything was perfect. Even if it was just going to be Meeks and Pitts tonight, she wanted things to feel cozy and welcoming.

A part of her, though, secretly wished it could just be Meeks. She felt a flutter of nervous energy at the thought, biting her lip as she arranged her bed so it could double as a seat for watching the movie. The TV on her dresser was angled just right, ready for La La Land.

Y/N had been nursing a crush on Meeks for a while now, though she’d never admit it to anyone. There was something about his quiet intelligence, his awkward but sweet way of talking, that always made her heart race. But every time she thought about doing something like flirting or even just being a little more open, her nerves got the best of her. She could never quite bring herself to act on it, afraid that maybe she’d misread the situation or make him uncomfortable.

But tonight, she couldn’t help but feel a little giddy. Maybe something would be different. Maybe, with Pitts there as a buffer, she could relax and enjoy Meeks’ company without worrying too much.

At the same time, the thought of being alone with Meeks excited her. She knew he made her nervous in the best way possible, and she couldn’t figure out how to balance that. Y/N glanced at her phone, checking the time, feeling that familiar flutter of anxiety and excitement.

“Okay, it’s just a movie night,” she muttered to herself, taking a deep breath. “Nothing to freak out about.”

Still, her heart pounded a little faster. Maybe tonight would bring them just a little closer.

Meeks and Pitts made their way across campus, the cool evening air doing little to calm the pounding in Meeks' chest. He clutched his phone nervously, re-reading Y/N's text and hoping that tonight wouldn’t be a disaster. Pitts walked beside him, chatting easily about something Meeks wasn’t quite paying attention to. His thoughts were entirely on Y/N.

When they reached Y/N's dorm hall, Pitts slowed down, glancing at Meeks with a sly grin. "You know, I, uh... just remembered, I’ve got this thing I have to do."

Meeks froze. "What thing?"

"You know, a... uh... a thing. Class stuff," Pitts mumbled vaguely, already stepping back from the door. "But, hey, you’ve got this, Meeks. Have fun."

Before Meeks could protest, Pitts raised his fist and knocked on the door, then bolted down the hall with a quick, "Good luck!"

Meeks stood there, speechless, as Y/N’s door opened. His face flushed bright red as Y/N appeared in the doorway, smiling brightly at him, though her eyes quickly darted behind him.

"Meeks!" she said happily. "Hey! Where’s Pitts?"

Meeks swallowed hard, his throat dry. "Um... It’s just, uh, me," he stammered, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot. "Pitts had... something come up."

Y/N’s smile faltered for a split second. "Oh... I see."

Her voice was soft, a hint of nerves creeping in. She quickly tried to cover it, but Meeks caught the slight change, and his heart sank. He interpreted her hesitation as disappointment. Maybe she didn’t want to be stuck alone with him.

"I-I can go," Meeks said, stepping back, his voice stumbling. "I should probably be studying for that test Cameron’s studying for too."

Before he could make his retreat, Y/N’s hand shot out and grabbed his. The warmth of her fingers sent a shock through him, and he froze in place, staring at her hand holding his.

"I really want you here, Meeks," Y/N said, her voice more certain now. "Let’s watch the movie. Just the two of us, okay?"

Meeks blinked, his face burning, but he nodded slowly. "O-Okay. Yeah."

Y/N smiled, pulling him gently into the room. The door clicked shut behind them, and the sound seemed to echo in the sudden quiet. They stood there for a moment, Y/N letting go of his hand to straighten the pillows on her bed.

"Go ahead and sit," Y/N said with a soft smile. "I’ll grab snacks. I’ve got popcorn and some candy."

Meeks nodded and awkwardly sat on the edge of her bed, glancing around the cozy dorm room. His heart raced, knowing they were alone now, and the thought of just the two of them watching a movie together made his palms sweat.

Y/N returned a moment later, arms full with a bowl of popcorn and a variety of candy. She set them down on the small table next to her bed before pausing. "Do you want to share a blanket?" she asked, her voice casual, though she seemed a little nervous.

Meeks nodded again, quietly. "Sure."

Y/N grabbed a large, soft blanket and threw it over both of them, the fabric draping across their laps. She settled in beside him, her shoulder lightly brushing his as she grabbed the remote to start La La Land. The movie began, and for a while, they sat in comfortable silence, occasionally making small talk between bites of popcorn. Meeks was too nervous to make a lot of conversation, but Y/N’s presence beside him was both calming and nerve-wracking. He tried to focus on the screen, but every time she shifted slightly next to him, his mind raced.

Then came the planetarium scene. The stars swirled on the screen, and the music swelled as Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone began to dance, spinning in slow, dreamlike circles. Meeks could feel his pulse quicken as the characters drew closer, the tension building until they finally kissed.

Meeks nearly jumped at the sight, his body stiffening as a wave of embarrassment washed over him. He could feel the heat creeping up his neck and to his face, turning bright red. Y/N, noticing the movement, glanced over at him, catching his flushed expression. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, but she stayed quiet, her own nerves making her play with the hem of the blanket.

Neither of them said anything, their mutual awkwardness filling the space between them. Y/N glanced back at the screen, deciding to ignore the moment for now, though her heart was racing just as much as Meeks’.

They watched the rest of the movie in near silence, both pretending the earlier tension wasn’t lingering. When the credits rolled, Y/N let out a soft sigh.

"I loved it," she said, reaching over for some of the now-cold popcorn. "But... I hated the ending."

Meeks nodded in agreement, still a little red. "Yeah... they were in love. They should’ve ended up together."

Y/N smiled at him, their earlier awkwardness fading slightly now that the movie was over. "Exactly. It’s just... sad. It wasn’t supposed to be like that."

Meeks felt a little braver now, glancing over at her. "Maybe in a different version of the story, they do."

"Maybe." Y/N smiled softly, still thinking about the movie. She glanced at Meeks, her expression becoming more serious as she spoke, almost dreamily. “I want that someday.”

Meeks blinked, looking at her with curiosity. “Want what?”

“To be in love,” Y/N said quietly, her eyes meeting his with a sincerity that made his heart pound.

Meeks felt a surge of panic and excitement all at once. He swallowed hard, trying to muster the courage to respond. “I think I can help with that.”

Y/N’s eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and excitement washing over her. “You can?” she asked, leaning in slightly, her voice full of hope.

Meeks took a deep breath. “I-I love you, Y/N,” he admitted, his voice shaking slightly. “I’ve been scared because I’m so shy, and I didn’t know if you felt the same. But you… you’re everything to me. I think the world of you. I want to give you everything you’ve ever wanted.”

Y/N’s heart fluttered at his words. She smiled warmly, reaching for his hand. “I’ve always admired you, Meeks. I think we’d be good for each other.”

Meeks’ face lit up, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the weight of their confessions hanging in the air.

Y/N then smirked, her mind drifting back to the movie. “You know, that kiss scene... maybe we should try it sometime.”

Meeks, still a little dazed, blinked. “What, flying?” he teased, a shy smile tugging at his lips.

Y/N rolled her eyes, playfully nudging him before leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to his lips. Meeks froze, his mind racing. The kiss was brief but sweet, and when Y/N pulled away, Meeks felt like he was going to implode.

“T-thank you,” Meeks stammered, his face a deep shade of red. Without thinking, he jumped up, nearly tripping over his own feet as he headed for the door. “Goodnight!” he called out, rushing out of the room.

The door clicked shut behind him, and he stood in the hallway, breathless. After a moment, he realized something important. He knocked on the door again, his heart pounding in his chest.

Y/N opened the door, her face filled with curiosity. “Meeks?”

“Does this mean we’re dating?” Meeks asked, his voice a little shaky but determined.

Y/N’s smile widened, a soft laugh escaping her lips. “I want it if you do.”

Meeks’ nerves melted away as he stepped forward and kissed her again, this time with more bravery, letting himself savor the moment. When they finally pulled apart, he grinned. “Goodnight, Y/N.”

“Goodnight, Meeks,” she whispered back, watching him leave with a smile still on her face.

As Meeks made his way down the dorm hallway, feeling lighter than air, he opened the building door only to be met with the grinning faces of all the Dead Poets waiting outside. He stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide with surprise.

“How was your date?” Pitts asked, leaning forward eagerly.

Meeks, still flustered and red-faced, managed to stammer, “W-we kissed.”

The entire group erupted into cheers, whoops, and laughter. Charlie patted him hard on the back, grinning from ear to ear. “That’s our Meeks!”

Todd and Neil exchanged knowing smiles, while Knox nodded approvingly. Meeks blinked, still processing everything. “Wait... how did you all know?”

Charlie chuckled, throwing an arm around Meeks' shoulder. “This was a plan to set you up all along, buddy.”

Meeks looked around at his friends, realization dawning on him. “You... you set this whole thing up?”

“We knew you two liked each other but were too shy to do anything about it,” Neil added, his eyes twinkling. “So we helped things along.”

Meeks smiled, feeling warmth spread through his chest. “Thanks, guys.”

“Anytime, lover boy!” Charlie teased with a wink as they all laughed and walked back to their dorms, leaving Meeks with the best night of his life.

[hotdaemondtargaryen]

PHIA SABAN INTERVIEWED FOR CONTENTMODE MAGAZINE.

CONGRATULATIONS ON HOUSE OF THE DRAGON! HOW HAS THE PROCESS BEEN SO FAR?

"Thank you! It’s a cool thing."

"When we’re working on it we’re in our own little microcosm with each other and those characters, and now it’s coming out and we’re seeing it all link up and become something else."

"It’s very new to me."

"Acting on screen still feels very new to me."

"I am so lucky to get to work with this group of people, they are so clever and loving."

"Recently we’ve been promoting the show and have been asked for opinions and explanations about our characters and the story."

"I’ve found it a new and funny facet of the job, to be asked sometimes to represent myself and speak from the character and for the bigger picture."

"It can feel different from acting, where you engage with the contradictions and spend more time with the mystery and the magic than the answers."

"I guess I’m saying that I’ve found this process contains multitudes."

"And watching the show is surreal — there are all my pals in wigs!"

MANY DIE-HARD GAME OF THRONES FANS HAVE READ THE BOOK SERIES AND ANTICIPATE PLOT POINTS IN THE TELEVISION SERIES. HOW DO YOU PROVIDE A FRESH TAKE ON FAMILIAR MATERIAL?

"It’s major to be part of something that people already feel passionate about, but it’s also exciting to have the chance to subvert expectations."

"It’s fun to make up little secrets that only you know about."

"As a viewer, I always like to be surprised anyway."

"I think it’s important (and fun) to have some irreverence for the genre so that you’re not patronizing your audience."

"The hope is to be part of something that challenges people!"

YOU'VE FOUND SUCCESS IN THE FANTASY AND DRAMATIC GENRES. ARE THERE ANY OTHER GENRES YOU'D LIKE TO EXPLORE?

"Yes! I miss being in plays so much."

"I cannot wait to be in the theater again."

"I’ve never been in a film, I’d love to make an independent one."

"Oh! To be in something people call a ‘picture’!"

"Recently I’ve been fantasizing about learning motion-capture and playing some sort of animal or creature."

"I’d love to be part of a suburban coming-of-age film, like the ones I obsessed over growing up."

"I’d like to do a great limited series, an intense crime one."

"And I could narrowly avoid being eaten by a shark, or an alien."

"I have dreams of doing a time-spanning project."

"I’d like to be the voice of an animation!"

"I‘d love to have a go at the present day."

"And maybe a dystopian future."

"And a Western?"

"I always want to do something funny."

"And strange."

"There are so many TA and filmmakers I admire (I won’t list them but they’re always being lovingly scribbled in my notebook.)"

"I’ll learn Norwegian and French for them!"

"I’m excited to keep finding new people too."

"More than all these, there are so many more things I hope to do, if I’m lucky."

"Not that I give it much thought or anything…"

HAS YOUR REAL LIFE INSPIRED YOUR APPROACH TO YOUR CHARACTER IN ANY WAY?

"Sometimes a character can be an expansion pack for your real life, like a new way to see things."

"So maybe it’s more that the fantasy inspires your real life!"

"It’s been really fun to explore Helaena’s interests."

"I’ve thought quite a lot about bugs."

"I get a huge kick out of investigating how her mind works and finding all the ways her’s overlaps with mine."

"I do lots of people-watching, which is great because now when I’m staring at people on the bus I can tell myself that I’m ‘working’."

WHILE FANTASY CAN SEEMS UNTETHERED FROM REALITY, DO YOU THINK IT CAN REFLECT THE REAL WORLD?

"Haha I hope so, otherwise that would be boring!"

"I suppose these stories are full of archetypes, which should mirror universal truths."

"But maybe that’s just good TV?"

WHAT TYPES OF NARRATIVED DO YOU FIND YOURSELF DRAWN TOWARDS WHEN READING SCRIPTS AND CHOOSING ROLES?

"Something surprising and honest that doesn’t tell me what to think!"

"And I love it when a script lets sad things be funny."

WHAT INSPIRES YOU AS AN ACTOR?

"Other actors, a lot."

"On a good day, almost everything can…"

"That might be one of the best things about being an actor."

[spidersonicbatl0]

Going over every pages of the devil dilemma to explain why I don’t like it: part 2 attack of the trans scars (unfinished)

Page 25: Damian is giving his school schedule by Zechariah. Who actually a anthro in this. And I actually like this change. For know who don’t know, Cameron (zoophobia main character) is plan to get multi love interest through zoophobia and it obviously one of tho love interest is Zechariah. Who a feral cheetah with human intelligence. But still, it’s weird! Plus, it weird that some animals creatures in safe heaven are feral while other are anthro. So yeah, good chance.

Page 26-28: jack is wondering why Damian is on the surface and Damian explains why. After saying that, Damian begs jack not to tell his mum or his own mum. Jack promises he won’t.

Page 29-31: jack ask about tenta and Damian say she ok. He also said that Styx is doing good (I guess Damian ignored the ‘really wish I wasn’t here right now’ button) and his parents are always too busy to spend time with him. Damian then ask Jack about her mum and jack say his mum is working two jobs to pay the bills. Damian ask “why don’t you move into my place”

DAMIAN, WOULD NEVER SAY THIS! Mentalbreze, what are you smoking!? Do you even know Damian personally!? Anyway. Jack and Damian go to their locker’s. Damian see jack locker has ‘freak’ spray painted on it. Leading Damian to said “who’s writing that stuff on locker?”. You Damian! If mentalbreze understands you as a character. In all seriousness tho it probably rusty.

Page 32-35: Damian notices the hand cast on jack arm and ask why he has one, despite having a healing factor. Jack explains he met three of his friends earlier this year. They didn’t know about jack curse before then. So jack actually feels normal for the first time ever. And to be completely honest with you, I actually like this changed. It makes no sense why someone with a healing factor has a cast on their arm. So saying jack keeps a cast on because it reminds him of the only time he’s felt normal. That a good change, I like that.

Page 36-39: jack take Damian to theaters class. Jack also tells Damian not to mention he a demon to anyone. Damian responds by saying “but.. won’t it be obvious? I mean.. my eyes- and I’m floating-“ maybe if you stop floating Damian. They might think you’re normal.

Anyway, Damian meets jack friends. Vanexa, spam (75% he on the autism spectrum), Kayla and zill. Who I need to mention something about him.

Mentalbreze like trans and race Headcannons. If you don’t know what that means. It means mentalbreze personally view a character as trans or different race (mostly black or Mexican), even tho they not. I bringing this up because mentalbreze Headcannon zill as trans. Despite never being trans.

Now, mentalbreze says “this is just fun, it not hurting anyone” well tally. 1. Real life trans people or people of different color skins are being harassed, ostracized or killed for existing. So saying “mario is trans” is very insulting to real life trans people struggle. 2. If you want to represent yourself or community, create a oc to be trans or a different race. Look at someone like spiderverse miles morales, he has different interests, struggles and few unique powers from Peter Parker. Heck! comic miles was created to be a black spider man, because Brian Micheal bendis wanted his adopted daughters to related to spider man more easily. He didn’t just kill Peter off temporarily and resurrect him as black. Bendis made an original character instead.

And 3. How is this fun? Like I could make a list of 10 things that are fun to read, watch or play right now. Actually I going to do that now.

The Batman. Great film, that opening of criminals doing illegal stuff before the bat signal turn on, causing them to stop what they’re doing is amazing.

Into the spiderverse. Incredible animation film with amazing animation, spectacular music, sensational storytelling and ultimate characters writing.

Invincible. Spectacular comic that a love letter to superheroes. Seriously this series is [title card]

Sonic generations. A celebration of sonic history (in 2011) with two playing sonics (one representing the modern (at the time) boost gameplay and the other one representing the genesis gameplay.), fan favorite stages from sonic history, amazing rearranging music of old songs, iconic bossfights reimagined and a re released with side game focusing on fan favorite shadow the hedgehog.

5 years later. A web comic epilogue of Ben 10 and danny phantom (also invader zim). Made to give both shows a better ending. Tho side media mostly focused on Ben universe (somewhat justified, because Danny retired after the events of phantom planet). It still on going right now, so if you’re a fan of either franchises. I highly recommend reading it.

The last of us. Do I even need to explain why this is good.

Doom eternal. Hazbin hotel is temporary, doom is eternal!

Smash bros ultimate. The ultimate crossover fighter game.

Batman Arkham series. Best superhero games based on an establish hero.

God of war series. Incredible of a man turning from a monster to hero.

Back to the story. Damian see Kayla for the first time and want to put something in her stomach pouch if you what I mean 😉. Spam then ask Damian something, why is his eyes red and black.

Page 40-43: Damian almost let it slip he a demon, but jack stop him by pull his hand over Damian mouth. Reminded him not to tell people that, Damian responded by licking jack hand. God why can’t we have more of the actual Damian.

Damian self monologue about his time spent with Jack friends. Talk about hanging out with spam, vanexa and jack (saying that makes me want to hit my head against the wall). Except zill for some reason despite Damian not harassing Kayla or pulling pranks on jack here. Damian then talk about how perfect Kayla is, at least this version of Damian still a simp.

Page 44-49: Damian and Kayla are hanging out when she ask Damian a question. Where is he from. Damian wonder if a good idea to reveal his secret but decide to it in hope of getting relationship upgrade with Kayla.

So Damian tell Kayla he the Antichrist and for some reason Kayla is still scared. Damian here a nice guy and isn’t sexual harassment her. Does mentalbreze know Kayla doesn’t fear damian just because he a demon? Genuinely question

[landofzero-archive]

Perplex - Prank Intersection 8

Season: Spring

(Location: Starmony Apartment Hallway (2F))

(Early morning. Rinne Amagi’s prank filming day)

Rinne: Fuaaahfu…… Oi, Yuta…… What time is it?

Yuuta: About 4 o’clock. It’s still dark out, so it’s still the middle of the night.

Rinne: Seriously, it’s only natural that I’m tired…… Whose bright idea was it to do a wake up prank? They’re costing me my precious sleeping time.

Kuro: You’re the one who suggested it……

Yuuta: Yeah. Rinne-senpai’s the one who told us to meet at 4am.

And yet he was the last to arrive and he was late. Are you gonna have self-awareness about your work from now on?

I specifically asked Kiryu-senpai to be the photographer. Do you understand that?

Rinne: Don’t get so worked up, Yuta. If you speak too loudly, the Vice Prez might notice, won’t he?

Yuuta: And whose fault is that……

Rinne: Hm? Actually, Narushii hasn’t come yet, has she?

Kuro: Yeah. Narukami declined since lack of sleep would be bad for her skin.

We don’t need that many people for a little wake up prank anyway.

Rinne: True. But, Narushii is also missing out.

It’s a great opportunity to see the Vice Prez’s silly face. Right, Yuta?

Yuuta: You’re the only one happy about that, you know.

Rinne: Nah, the Yuta that pranked the Vice Prez is just like me!

The prank is a variety show where you make people look like idiots and then laugh at them♪

Yuuta: Haah…… It’s no use. Being with him just makes me stressed in the end.

Kiryu-senpai, let’s get this over with.

Kuro: Yeah. I also want to get a few more hours of sleep in. So, you all line up there.

Rinne: Alright, Yuta. Let’s link arms and get going. We’re fellow accomplices, after all♪

Yuuta: Nope. Stop yapping and get prepared.

Rinne: How cold. The dynamic duo is immediately at risk of breaking up……

Kuro: And let’s go. Three, two……

Rinne and Yuuta: “Good morning everyo~ne!”

Rinne: “Y’all in front of the TV, don’tcha know how late it is? It’s 4am.

There’s only one prank we could be pulling so early in the morning!”

Yuuta: “Yep! It’s the class wake-up pra~nk♪

Oh? Are you bored of watching simple wake-up pranks?”

Rinne: “As a matter of fact, our target ain’t some run of the mill idol.

What a surprise! The target this time is Ibara Saegusa of Eden.”

Yuuta: “When it comes to Saegusa-senpai, even within Eden his private life is especially shrouded in mystery.”

Rinne: “He’s in high demand as a talented CosPro idol. He’s a real super star!

He’s also the vice president of our office, so he might get peeved if we prank him but……

That doesn’t matter! Today I’ll be showing you the Vice Prez’s most private moment without any mercy: his sleeping face!”

Yuuta: “But it’s not interesting just charging in to wake him up, y’know~

So this time…… Ta da~♪ There’s the bonus of throwing a water balloon at Saegusa-senpai!”

Rinne: “It’s also washing his face, so it’s killing two birds with one stone. How about waking up with some nice cold water, gyahaha♪

Btdubs, besides me and Yuta, Dora-chan is also here as our photographer♪

Isn’t it extravagant to use an idol as the cameraman!?”

Kuro: “You’re the one who begged and forced me……”

Rinne: “My bad, my bad. Besides being the cameraman, Dora-chan helped out in a lot of other ways.

There’s other idols rooming with the Vice Prez, so he talked to them and got them to go to other places for today.

Well, none of ‘em are from CosPro so it would be hard for us to do the behind the scenes work. Rinne-kun also worked his hardest, y’know.”

Yuuta: “C’mon, don’t go on forever about the behind-the-scenes stuff. You’re getting too vivid about it.

Or rather, Rinne-senpai had absolutely nothing to do with it. Why are you acting like you did?”

Rinne: “That’s because I’m the one who came up with the project. Any success from it is also my success♪”

Yuuta: “Uwah…… you’re so irrational. Maybe I should jump ship after all.

Juuust kidding♪ Now, let’s end the introduction and go straight to Saegusa-senpai’s room, where he’s all tucked away!”

(Location: Starmony Dorm (Ibara, Mitsuru, Midori, Tsumugi's Room))

Rinne and Yuuta: “(Whispering) Pardon the intrusio~n.”

Yuuta: “Uwah, it’s so dark~. Kiryu-senpai, please watch your step.”

Rinne: “If you were to fall loudly and wake him up, everything would be ruined.

So, where could our Hebi-chan be sleeping? Is it this bed? Or this bed? …… No, he’s over there.

Oioi, take a look at that bed, Yuta, Dora-chan. There’s someone sleeping in it wrapped up in a thick blanket.

I never thought the top idol Ibara Saegusa of Eden would be the type to sleep all snuggled up like that.

He’s surprisingly cute in some ways, isn’t he, Yuta♪”

Yuuta: “Yeah it’s actually kinda cute……

But this is no time for yapping. C’mon, Rinne-senpai!”

Rinne: “Let’s do it. Let’s get right to the main dish then.

—That’s why you’ve all gotta see it! The top idol, Ibara Saegusa’s, adorable sleeping face will finally be revealed!

Now, let’s get a peek! A happy morning’s come, ‘venomous snake’-kun♪

…… Wh- huh?”

Yuuta: “Is that a mannequin!? That’s not the Vice Prez at all, Rinne-senpai!”

Rinne: “OI OI OI, what the heck’s going on? You for real confirmed that Vice Prez was snoozin’ in his room, didn’t ya?”

Kuro: “Yeah. Actually, there’s been some strange noises for a while now.”

Yuuta: “Maybe…… The sound we heard was from the mannequin?

Eh, this……!?

IS THAT A BOMB!?”

Previous | Directory | Next

[chuuuvi]

Chuang Asia Thailand Episode 1!

It’s been too long since I got into a survival show lol. I mean my last one was Girls Planet 999 and that was 2 years ago! So anyway I’ll be taking you all with me on this journey by posting the notes I took while watching the episode plus my current top 9. Spoilers ahead!!

•First off before you ask where I’m watching: it’s on the Tencent Video app and it’s free. Ooh and if you’re also watching pls let me know so we can talk about it together!

•I’m happy to see Nene as a mentor! I loved her when I watched Chuang 2020

•This is produced by Jackson Wang? They’ve got TEN??? Okay Chuang Asia I’m interested.

•Looking at the contestant list and of course there are 14 year olds. Don’t vote for the 14 year olds you guys. My personal age minimum for voting is gonna be 17 so I won’t consider anyone younger than that. Contestants that are over 18 get my preference though. The idol industry is bad enough for adults, I’d prefer if we didn’t debut minors as well. I know ironic coming from someone who ults Yeseo lol. (She was the youngest active kpop idol when she debuted in Busters.)

•Also they're really going hard with this being international. This makes Mnet look pathetic for what they did in Girls Planet lol.

•Oh the flirting part with Jasmine was so akwarrrrrrd. 100% secondhand embarrassment.

•I felt bad for Elyn when she was crying and said “No Filming!” But they proceeded to just zoom in on her crying face :( TURN THE CAMERA AWAY FROM HER!

•The trip.com ads are so funny to me because these survival show ads where they pretend to use a product are usually for stuff like snacks or beverages or makeup. But they’ve got these girls pretending to casually book a flight lmao

•The barbie group having only one member thats older than 16 and then proceeding to perform Barbie World where they say stuff like “that pussy so cold” and “he spank me when I get bad” -_- Someone should have made them pick another song.

•OOOH the Avex group’s performance of Left Right was great. Maybe the best of the episode although Mindy was really impressive too.

•Ilene’s little fan moment with Jackson was adorable!

•They announced the first top 9 but I feel like we’re still missing some performances?? Is that an editing thing to get that ranking in the first episode and we ares still going to get more next episode or did they just skip some people? Like I don’t think we saw Ruan and I was waiting for her. I could have sworn there were some CSR members too and I haven’t seen them perform either. I guess we’ll see.

• I watched the theme song on YouTube and it’s so cute!! Weird that it’s all about summer when this is airing in winter though. Is it summer in Thailand?? I thought they were above the equator. Okay yeah they are so idk why they’re singing a song about it being summer. Also I got spoiled for Ruan center! Now I know they wouldn’t just skip her. There’s got to be more intro round performances next episode.

•Okay so my Top 9 picks will be based on who performed in this first episode only so I’m sure it’ll change a lot after ep. 2.

1. R-Jing - She blew me away in the extra performance. Her singing was so pretty! She’s so cute too and apparently trained at SM?? I always latch onto a girl first episode and this is my girl!

2. Akina - Maybe it’s bc of her experience in her past group but she seems really comfortable on stage. I like her vibe and she’s clearly very talented. She seems really nice and down to earth.

3. Rinka - I looked back at her gp999 performances and I can see why I didn’t remember her. She seems to have improved so much though! Her voice stood out positively and she’s got some star power I didn’t see in her old performances. I’m excited to see more of this new Rinka!

4. Lissa - I don’t know how to feel about her strange vibe but I liked her performance. Lots of energy and a nice voice. I’m very intrigued by her at this point.

5. MingMing- such a clear and pretty voice!!! Her and Pangjang together were both the vocal highlights of their team’s performance but MingMing is the only one of the two thats over my voting age limit.

6. Mamcú - Really interesting and beautiful voice. Apparently she competed on the Voice?? We’ll need to wait and see how she does with dancing but she seems really earnest about her desire to he an idol not just a singer so I’ll put my faith in her!

7. Shye - We barely got to see her performance but I was intrigued by what we saw. I don’t know if she can dance yet but I’ll find out soon enough. And lets be real, I have a lil crush on her and thats enough to get you in the top 9 at this point in the game. I mean look at her in her leather jacket!

8. Emma - Her dancing was great and she choreographs her own stuff too! I was really impressed by her dance skills both in her extra performance and the dance battle!

9. Tegan - gorgeous gorgeous deep voice! She’s so pretty too! I really liked her but I have no idea if she can dance. I feel like if she could she would have shown it since she got two performances so I’m hesitant.

Honorable Mentions:

Krista Shim - I’m not voting for Krista because she’s under the age I decided on being my voting limit but honestly I’d put money on her making it to the final group. You can just tell with these shows. It's in the way they edit it.

Mao Xiu Ling & Mao Xiu Ting - Of course we have a pair of twins! I’ve always loved this survival show gimmick. I love their look and their dance together was really cool! 

Kaylen - The other half of the Hawaiian Duo! Kaylen pulling Jackson Wang up to the stage with her was such a power move. I didn’t like her solo performance as much as her partner Tegan’s though

Praew- I liked her energy when she introduced herself and then her dancing was insane! I will not be voting for her because she’s 15. She's just a baby.

[britesparc]

Weekend Top Ten #616

Top Ten Moments in Die Hard, as Represented by a Line of Dialogue

Yippee-ki-yay, merry Christmas. Tis the season to be jolly, to eat a lot of stollen, to sing some below-par songs, and above all else to watch Christmas movies. And the best Christmas movie is, of course, Die Hard.

Let me set the record straight: there is virtually nothing in film discourse more boring than the question “is Die Hard a Christmas movie?”. As far as I’m concerned, it’s incontrovertible; it’s set at Christmas, it features a ton of Christmas songs on the soundtrack, Christmas is both a plot device (the building is empty for the holidays apart from one Christmas party) and a character motivation (the estranged family getting back together for the season), the juxtaposition of tension and violence with the festivities is the source of both pathos and humour, and the main female character is called Holly. Now, there are plenty of films set at Christmas that I don’t think really are “Christmas films”; Die Hard is not one of them. I think the only reason people don’t want to think of it as a Christmas film is because it’s an action movie. But here’s the thing; it’s not just the best Christmas movie, it’s also the best action movie! It’s a double-threat! It’s really funny too so maybe it’s a triple threat.

Anyway, that’s all very boring; I wish we could all just accept that some people, for whatever reason, don’t think it’s a “proper” Christmas film, some people do, and leave it at that. I promise I won’t quibble if you cite, I dunno, Holiday Inn (not set at Christmas!) or When Harry Met Sally (New Year!) or Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (Thanksgiving!), or even most Shane Black movies (Christmas is the backdrop but not really a functional part of the plot or theme in most cases!) as long as you let me have my Die Hard. I’ll meet you halfway and say that I don’t really think Die Hard 2 is very good as a Christmas movie! That’s an action film that takes place at Christmas, and whilst the snow is very important to the film, the fact it’s actually Christmas is less so. But! I repeat: this is boring! Let’s move onto the fun part!

Because Die Hard is my favourite film set at Christmas – and also my favourite action film full-stop – I want to celebrate it at this, the time for miracles. And what better way to do that than to highlight, in my own special way, my favourite moments from the film? And because the script by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza is so packed with terrific dialogue, why not choose moments represented by that dialogue? And so that’s what I have done.

Do please enjoy, then come out to coast and have a few laughs.

Merry Christmas. Ho-ho-ho.

“You ask for miracles, I give you the FBI”: one of Die Hard’s greatest strengths is the effectiveness of its criminals. Their plan is really quite good, and they function together as an incredibly well-oiled team. There are multiple scenes of them working together, obviously highly trained – but at the same time, they bicker, they drop things, they sweat. They’re a team of professionals working very hard. But the strength of the plan, of Hans’ cleverness, is outlined in this scene, when the whole fake-terrorist thing reveals itself.

“Take this under advisement, jerk-weed”: similarly, there are a lot of things to love about McClane – we’ll get to more later – but he’s also a great planner. He plots and schemes against Hans and his team, counting their numbers, learning their names, following their plans. And here, he takes very direct action o cut down their numbers and try to save lives, dropping a makeshift bomb down an elevator shaft. It’s clever and goes boom.

“Hans, bubbe, I’m your white knight”: moving aside from the two stars of the show (Willis and Rickman), we have this tremendous scene were uber-douche Ellis tries to talk down McClane. It’s full of great dialogue and interesting mannerisms from Hart Bochner (love the way he drinks Coke). But again, Wilis and Rickman are superb, because the real conversation, the real battle of wits, is between these two, both of whom know what’s going on over poor Ellis’ head.

“Clay. Bill Clay”: back to the two stars, this is an incredible scene of shifting tensions. Which of them has the upper hand? Is Hans tricking John? Is he at his mercy? It’s almost like the scene in the coffee shop in Heat. And, once again, the dialogue is excellent.

“Now I have a machine gun. Ho-ho-ho”: one of the film’s most famous and iconic moments, McLane declaring both his existence and his intent, and making a big statement. It’s bold and – for us – kinda funny, but it’s got smarts and sense to it, as he uses the chaos it creates to learn more about who he’s up against.

“I could talk about industrialisation and men’s fashion all day”: probably the first time we really get to knuckle down with Hans Gruber, in a scene that really shows off Rickman’s skill in the role. His urbanity, his quiet sense of unassuming threat, his sense of humour as he interrogates Takagi, is incredible. Full of tension and tragedy.

“Tell her I’m sorry”: as well as “ho-ho-ho”, one of the film’s undying images is McLane pulling a huge chunk of glass from his foot. But this scene is also a tender pause in the action as a battered John begins to doubt he’ll make it through the night, achieving a realisation over his relationship. Al, meanwhile, recounts his own tragic history of mistakenly shooting a child (a plot point that I don’t think you’d choose to include nowadays). The mortality on display was a stark contrast to the prevalent He-Man style of action hero in the eighties and helped humanise John.

“Come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few laughs”: another aspect that humanised John was his humour. Yes he’s a smartass loudmouth who has a pop at everyone, but he’s also constantly talking to himself and making little quips and asides. This moment – crawling through a vent! – is a classic as he suddenly stops and makes the wry, iconic gag.

“Make fists with your toes”: I love the opening of this film, McLane jetting in and immediately out of his element. The cheery businessman he meets, with his jaunty story of combatting jetlag, is a nice window into another world but also establishes the vulnerability of John being barefoot for the whole film. Plus it’s kind of a funny gag.

“Yippee ki-yay…”: ah, here we are. The film’s most famous line; Bruce Willis’ own “I’ll be back”. It makes sense here, as he’s called a cowboy by Hans, and expresses a fondness for Roy Rogers. But he’s McLane, so of course he has to twist the knife and be a jerk, so he adds (ahem) the “motherfucker”. Of course he does! And then at the end Hans throws it back at him, but he’s ready for it! With the hidden gun and the Christmas tape!

Like men’s fashion, I could talk about this movie all day. There are so many moments and great lines. I’ve not said a lot about Al, and nothing about the various other cops and FBI guys, nor really Holly or William Atherton. It’s one of my favourite films, probably the best American action movie, and the greatest Christmas film of all time.

I can’t wait to see what they do for New Years.

[astrosweet]

🔱✨Makeup in astrology✨🔱

                                                       Part 2

.⋆｡⋆˚｡⋆｡˚｡⋆｡⋆˚｡⋆. Neptune through the houses  .⋆｡⋆˚｡⋆｡˚｡⋆｡⋆˚｡⋆

☆Neptune represents your flashy or showier side its the planet of illusions and rules over makeup, glamour, fashion, theatre, films, T.V. ( Neptune is like Venus minus relationships and romance).

☆Your Neptune placements/aspects can tell you about your makeup style and what will suit you best.

🔱 Neptune in the 6th house could be sensitive/allergic to makeup or it could break you out or you already use clean natural makeup. I would say try to take a break from it for about three days to see if it is affecting your skin but the 6th house is also the house of daily life so you wear it every day either because you like to or you have to wear a specific makeup look for work. your pet always watches you do your makeup. you probably do your makeup in a weird order like mascara first then foundation after that eyeshadow/liner or have a different approach to your makeup every day, but you do it so fast and probably without a mirror because the routine is branded in your brain. the 6th house is ruled by Virgo/ mercury so similar to the 3rd house the innocent and doe-eyed looks are gorgeous on you. also try to do something different with your makeup every day. a daily routine of artistic self-expression is important for you.

🔱 Neptune in the 7th house (this one was hard ngl. it's literally the opposite of self and individuality). People will admire your makeup. It's something you bonder with friends. your significant other can also love how you do your makeup. similar to the 1st house people can give you a lot of shit for your makeup or will use it as a quick jab to your ego but it's really because they're jealous of your beauty. the 2nd & 7th are ruled by Venus but the 7th/Libra energy is much more showy, masculine, and dramatized glamor compared to 2nd/Taurus which is more of sweet feminine glamour. this placement kinda reminds me of New Year's makeup lol but really glamorous and extravagant yet you still want some classiness compared to just a normal party look. gold looks great on you and as well as bronzy contour.

🔱 Neptune in the 8th house. I have this placement so I'm gonna try to not project myself onto this one. but tell me why we all had an fx/gore makeup phase lol. your makeup is bought by someone else or just not with your money. you could also get makeup from other people like the stuff they never used. when you go through transformations you change the way you do your makeup. your makeup is dark even if you didn't mean for it to be. mascara will always smudge and look like you used lower eyeliner so might as well just add some lower line eyeshadow anyways. darker makeup looks best on you but if you are not comfortable with the dark looks just add a little brown (I just use my bronzer) as eyeliner. just a little flick on the end and maybe some on the lower lash line. overall this placement gives me maleficent vibes. you can get Inspo from people who are sex symbols or exude dominant femme fatale energy. Neptune in the 8th house can be really secretive with their creativeness and self-expression and a lesson you have to learn this life is to claim your power and natural creative talents and learn to show them to the world. we naturally have bad bitch, femme fatale energy so embrace it bb ;). you have the power to manifest creative abilities if you want.

🔱 Neptune in the 9th house you could be into culturally different kinds of makeup like Korean makeup, or French makeup, also you could be into cosplay or specific aesthetics like dark academia, and cottage core. you might have lived in a strict household and you were not been allowed to wear makeup. or it's just something that didn't interest you till you got older. as you get older you get better at doing your makeup and if you are good at it and like a specific niche the best look for you is bronzy and sun-kissed. you could be into different makeup aesthetics from different countries and generally like to be adventurous with your makeup.

🔱 Neptune in the 10th house. you could have gotten public praise for your makeup or for being creative. Creative careers are generally best for you. you also could have been told that you need to wear makeup in public or at work. your father(or if you have a dominant mother) could have also been kinda an ass about you and makeup. if you're not into makeup now and you are young you might learn how to do it because it will be an expectation in your career when you're older. bronzy looks and heavy contour can look good on you as well as dramatic but neutrals in more of a glamour way.

🔱  Neptune in the 11th house. you probably learned to do makeup through YouTube and friends. I know you have a makeup inspo Pinterest board with a thousand pins in it. makeup can be a creative outlet for you. a common interest you have with your friends is makeup and beauty gurus.. this placement also gives me euphoria vibezz. y'all can pull off crazy wild looks. the 11th house is ruled by Aquarius which reminds me of blue/greens and glitter lol. also pale regal-like skin and soft features. post ur looks on TikTok/ YouTube/insta you have luck with publishing ur art and posting it can be a service to people by inspiring them and teaching people

🔱  Neptune in the 12th house. I love this energy Pisces rules both Neptune and the 12th house. though this placement does kinda remind me of Neptune in the 8th where you keep your talents and creative abilities a secret. you can get inspiration from your dreams. or your dream of being showier with your talents. a big lesson for you in this lifetime is understanding and showing your hidden talents as well as overcoming the fear of judgment towards your creative abilities. you're amazing at drunk makeup. if Pisces is dominant in ur chart then you won't be as shy with your skills. light blush on ur cheekbones will look amazing on you also white liner in your waterline. and reddish-pink lips but not overdramatic. similar to the 8th you have the power to manifest creative abilities if you want.

Sorry this one took a while I posted part 1 on my birthday and we all know a Leo birthday is not just one day it's a Multi-day event lol.

this one was kind of hard to write bc my birth chart is very left side dominate. part 1 was more intuitive and natural for me to write but for part 2 I had to do a lot more research which my Gemini north node loved. so let me know if you resonate :)

[notasapleasure]

The Unforgettable (2009)

Right, this DVD is in Italian. The subs are supposedly in Italian. I have...ok French. I watched without subs (then realised they weren’t there anyway), because concentrating on one set of vibes at a time was enough, but it’s not a complicated film and by and large I think I got the gist. Please forgive my attempts at spelling Italian though.

It’s 2007 and Yash, the famous author of Sex: The Parasistic Desire, is having a Sad as he prepares for his final public appearance and remembers the 1980s...a simpler time. We flash back to 1986, Mauritius, where Yash is a cynical vol-cel type whose attitudes you can gather from the title of his book. He falls madly in love with Padma, who is much more free-living, can go toe-to-toe with him on discussions of what an orgasm is (is it a loss of control? Wonder why that upsets Yash?) and wins him over with lines like ‘what’s your name? I want to know who the author is of the book I’m never going to read’.

They have lots of steamy sex, then Padma disappears, after Yash has become quite clingy and fond of declaring his love for her. About one hour into the movie, Yash manages to track her down to a big villa in the countryside, where she tries to get him to see it wasn’t love, just two consenting adults having a good time. Padma explains that it’s finished. Paraphrasing my understanding of the Italian, Yash: “Why is it finished?” [per que de va finire?]

OH HERE HE IS

swag

Aditya Roy! Padma lives with him in his grand villa, and he’s back early from his conference.

He’s very impressed by the great author [il grande scrittore!] Yash, and invites him to a party he and Padma are having (to celebrate them being together? Married?)

Padma is clearly uncomfortable and says Yash won’t be able to come because he’s leaving - predictably enough, Yash says actually he’d love to come to the party.

Aditya is delighted. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) he leads Yash off for a chat.

Party time!

It’s still the ‘80s! And the slicked back hair isn’t staying slicked back...

Actual babygirl.

Padma is perpetually having the worst time ever, while Aditya giggles like a schoolgirl with his other guests

Padma makes her excuses to go and see her friends, Yash makes his own excuses to follow. Aditya is having fun anyway :’)

After a while, he wonders where Padma is (upstairs, I want to say....being made out with by Yash rather than so much ‘making out with’)

All alone at his own party!

Padma manages to get Yash off her and get away before Aditya finds her to check everything’s ok.

Some time later, Yash is hanging about their house again, trying to win her back. Aditya comes home with good news and Yash hides in the cupboard.

on his KNEES

I CAN’T BELIEVE YASH IS HIDING IN THE CUPBOARD WHILE THEY GET IT ON AND THIS IS ALL WE GET

CHEATED!! I FEEL CHEATED

omg it’s Aditya who should feel cheated and not just because of Yash! Padma’s still seeing the other guy from earlier too! Oh, maybe not exactly...she’s not as keen for it as he is, and luckily Yash walks in and punches him. Yash storms off. He gets absolutely blasted on scotch and borrowed spliffs, watches some guys fighting, then goes to Padma’s (she’s still just hanging about on her own in her room) with a gun to make a load of grand declarations about love and death. He threatens her, then he points the gun at himself. She wrestles him, it falls and goes off, Padma looks horrified, and then Yash leaves.

One year later...

I think he describes himself as Padma’s husband?

Oh he’s here about ‘affari de cuare’? Affairs of the heart? Definitely looks a bit teary-eyed too.

Also says alcohol doesn’t agree with him(?), but Yash shouldn’t let that stop him indulging.

He’s so out of focus in this scene and idk why :/

Oh, he’s not interested in banal formalities. He was thinking ‘hm, Yash is a real guy’ (?) so came to talk to him

como esta Padma...that’s an interesting question, apparently.

Yash claims not to understand and downs his drink (same Yash) (I did try to check the subtitles at this point, only to find out they don’t actually exist)

He says he has to go and catch a flight but Aditya says he’ll come with him as he’s going to the airport too.

Aditya’s waxing poetic in the taxi on the way to the airport and Yash is still like ‘?? don’t understand you mate’

Honestly it would probably make more sense if they were Italian?

I think, to summarise, it’s become clear that Padma’s love is for Yash, not Aditya - who talks about how he was like a man in the middle of the desert before she came along. Aditya gets exasperated with Yash’s politeness, and then Yash comes clean (I think), while Aditya is really going through it. He says how lucky Yash is.

He gives Yash a letter from Padma, asks him not to open it until he’s alone, and um. Dries his tears on Yash’s hand?

It’s not me you should be thanking, it’s Padma.

oh SHIT she dead? She dead! The gun that Yash dropped went off and the bullet ricocheted and hit her in the back. Apparently....complications ensued. I don’t think she told Atidya all those details...he nursed her until the end anyway :’)

In 2007, Yash has written a book called ‘Love Conquers All’, which his publishers seem alarmed by, but which apparently sets the world ablaze in a best-selling way. He makes his final appearance and gives a speech that I understood very little of. But thank goodness for dead women teaching men how to feel emotions!

---

Rating

Dead? Aditya is not dead, no!

Evil? Not at all. A doting husband and businessman with amazing fashion taste. I’m fascinated by whatever was going on with all that physicality in the taxi.

Affects the plot? Not really, sorry babe.

I’m really pleased I managed to get hold of this! There was so much more Joplin than I expected (though I do still feel cheated out of a cupboard-voyeur sex scene). Given what it intended to do, I think the film was better than I expected in some ways - though worse and more formulaic in others. It’s never radical to have the woman be the emotional saviour (even passively) and then kill her off. Nevertheless, if I can ever get hold of an English version I’ll happily watch it again - I wouldn’t rule out watching it again in Italian either, but I’m not going to learn Italian for the sake of it ;) it’s no And Then We Danced (a movie I did actually go out of my way to learn a language because of). A solid 3/5.

[arvinsescape]

Meet mum.

A/N: I do not think Nikki would be like this. Written for entertainment purposes only. As always hope you enjoy! I only changed the setting of the request.

Based on this request:  Hey I was wondering if You could do a Tom imagine where he brings the reader home to meet his parents and brothers but his mum don’t like her and judges her but Tom gets angry and sticks up for her ect.

Warnings: Language.

W/C: 2.5K. Wow how’d this get so long?

To say you were nervous too meet Tom’s family was an understatement. The only member of his family that you had officially met was his brother Harry, who you got on with really well. You were going to a restaurant in town, completely Tom’s idea, he was adamant that it was time you met the rest of his family and you were excited but also nervous.

You finished up getting ready and made your way downstairs were Tom and Harry were waiting.

“Sorry, I just needed to finish my hair off. It wasn’t cooperating.” You said as Tom grabbed his keys, wallet and jacket. He moved towards, placing a swift kiss to your cheek.

“That’s alright darling, we’ve got loads of time. You look beautiful by the way.”

“You look so nervous Y/N! Lighten up, my family are amazing, I’d say you’ve met the worst of us when you met Tom.” Harry laughed as he took in your tense posture.

“Oi! Don’t start already, you only get worse when Sam is with you.” Tom laughed as he gave Harry a light slap to the back of the head. “He’s right though love, they’re lovely, they’ll love you.” Tom reassured you with a smile as he grabbed your hand and you all made your way to the car.

**

The drive to the restaurant was quite relaxed, making your nerves die down slightly and you mostly had Harry to thank for that. He was consistently making jokes in order to settle your nerves. As you pulled up you realised that you were the first ones to arrive, having not spotted anyone else’s car. You made your way in, taking your seats at the large table, looking at all the empty seats, reminded you just how big Tom’s family was, and the nerves came back quicker than they’d settled.

“Sorry I’m late! Didn’t finish work on time!” A voice pulled you from your thoughts. You looked at the male as he approached the table, this was Harry’s twin Sam, that much was obvious. “You must be Y/N! I’ve heard a ridiculous amount about you.” Sam teased as he pulled you into a hug. “Sam, the better twin and superior brother.” He joked as he punched Tom’s arm before hugging him too. Okay maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.

“This is going to be a long dinner then?” Tom groaned as he watched the twins greet each other. You engaged in small conversation as you waited for his parents and final brother to arrive. It wasn’t too long after that they did. Paddy making his way over first.

“Hey guys!” Paddy said as he approached the table, taking a seat next to Sam.

“You won’t get a hug from him Y/N. He’s a typical teenage boy, I’m sure stuff like this has inconvenienced his night somehow.” Harry laughed as he watched Paddy pull his phone from his pocket.

“Shut up Harry! You were a teenager once you know. Hi Y/N, it’s nice to finally meet you.” Paddy said as he offered you a small smile.

“Where’s mum and dad?” Tom asked as he furrowed his brows.

“Dad was parking the car and mum went straight to the loo, they won’t be long.” Paddy answered, more interested in his phone than the conversation. You laughed at his typical teenage response to social events, reminding you of how you were at that age. Just after he’d said it you watched another man arrive at the table, presumably Tom’s dad.

“Y/N, this is my dad Dom. Dad this is Y/N” Tom said as he got up to hug his dad. You stood up as well extending your hand for him to shake unsure of what he would have expected as a first response, a hug would be too much maybe?

“It’s nice too meet you.” You said shyly. Dom laughed as he pulled you into a hug, startling you at first.

“We’re huggers if you hadn’t already gathered. Well, everyone except Paddy, he needs a couple years.” Dom laughed as he let go of you and took his seat next to Paddy. Tom grabbed your hand under the table, giving it a small squeeze to reassure you that this was going well.

“Paddy how many times do I have to tell you, it’s rude to be on your phone at the table.” A woman’s voice suddenly interrupted the light conversation. You looked up at Tom’s mum, she was beautiful. Paddy groaned before shoving his phone back into his pocket. “Hi Tom.” His mum said as she hugged him, she eyed you up and down, before mumbling a quick ‘hi’ and sitting down in the final seat. Your nerves were back, had you done something to offend her?

Tom cleared his throat awkwardly before engaging in conversation with Sam. Harry leant over towards you. “Ignore her, she can be like that sometimes, she’ll snap out of it.” Harry whispered as he gave you a reassuring smile.

You all ordered after five minutes and light chatter, started out amongst the table. As the starters were served, Dom switched the attention to you, which in hindsight, you really wish he hadn’t.

“So, Y/N? What do you do for work? Tom’s told us a lot about you but at the same time not all that much.” He laughed.

“Yeah it’s cause he’s always talking about how pretty she is.” Paddy mumbled as he stuffed his fork into his mouth, Tom’s cheeks burned red as he mumbled a ‘fuck off’ in his brothers’ direction. Paddy laughed at him before adding. “Not that he’s wrong! I didn’t mean that in a bad way, it’s just all he usually talks about when you come up in conversation.” Paddy stumbled over his words as he thought he may have caused offence, you laughed, again being reminded of when you were an awkward teenager and thinking anything you said would be taken as offence.

“I’m a book editor. I’m hoping to move into script editing because I think that’d be more fun but for now, I’m with the books.” You answered confidently as you smiled at Dom. Your smile faltered as you heard a scoff come from Nikki’s direction. Tom eyed her carefully before he cleared his throat and spoke up.

“Yeah, it’s great. She gets to travel with me a lot because she doesn’t have to go into a workplace to do her job.” Tom said as he finished his starter. Shortly after they were cleared. Tom took your hand again under the table, interlocking your fingers.

“That’s great! How long have you been doing that?” Dom asked, taking a sip of his drink.

“About three years, I graduated at 21 and got straight into it.”

“Ah, so you’re the same age as Tom then?” Sam asked.

“Yeah, he’s a couple months older than me.”

“So how did you meet? Like I say Tom has told us a lot about you but at the same time nothing at all.”

“We met in a pub actually.” You laughed as you recalled the memory. “I wasn’t sure Tom would remember talking to me let alone remember he’d taken my number. He was really drunk.” You teased as Tom went red again. Everyone laughed except for Nikki, who eyed you in a way that made you feel quite small all of a sudden.

“So, did you know who he was then? When you gave him your number?” She asked in an accusatory tone.

“I mean yeah, I’ve seen all the marvel films, so I did know who he was, but that didn’t really matter to me. I liked Tom for Tom.” You answered carefully.

“I’m sure you did.” She said as she gave you a sarcastic smile before sipping her drink.

“Mum.” Tom groaned before squeezing your hand that was still in his.

“What? I’m just making small talk.” She answered as Sam and Harry rolled their eyes. Paddy shifted awkwardly in his seat as he watched the conversation unfold. Luckily the main course arrived to settle the tension.

“So are you hoping to get into script editing through Tom’s career.” Nikki asked. Dom choked on his drink out of shock as you dropped your fork back onto your plate. The question completely taking you off guard. Tom’s hand found your thigh as you saw him tense next to you.

“You don’t have to answer that Y/N.” Sam said as he smiled at you.

“No, it’s okay. That’s not how I’m hoping to get into script editing. I’ve been applying for different companies for a while now, before I met Tom actually, I just haven’t had any luck.” You answered as your eyes met hers.

“But surely you would have hoped Tom’s career would help if you haven’t had luck.” She sneered.

“Nikki.” Dom hissed.

“No that’s not it at all.” You answered, slightly offended. You knew what she was implying but it wasn’t true. You could make your own way in the world.

“We’ll see.” Nikki said as she continued to eat. The atmosphere around the table had shifted dramatically it was incredibly awkward now.

After you had finished your mains, things hadn’t got much better. Everyone was engaging in small talk, but no one dared shift the attention back towards you. Well, for a while anyway.

“That’s a nice necklace.” Nikki suddenly said out of nowhere. You clutched the necklace that was around your neck, it suddenly felt very heavy around your neck.

“It’s from-“

“Tom? Yeah I’d have guessed. Is it real gold?”

“Yeah but-“

“Of course it is.” She sneered as she rolled her eyes at you. You suddenly felt like this wasn’t going anywhere and you felt the tears brewing in your eyes. You excused yourself from the table, finding your way into the bathroom.

**

“What the fuck was that?” Tom asked his mum as his nostrils flared.

“Don’t swear Tom.” Nikki replied. Paddy was eyeing the exit at this point. He knew it wasn’t going to end well.

“Okay, sorry for my language. My question still wants an answer. What. Was. That?” He asked through gritted teeth. He’d never in his entire life felt so angry with his mum. He looked at his dad who just offered him a small smile.

“I don’t know what you mean. I was just making conversation.”

“No, you weren’t. You were being rude. Why?”

“I’m just making sure she’s good enough for you.” Nikki answered her son, honestly.

“By making her look like a money grabbing, opportunity seeking bitch?” Tom fired back. Trying to keep his anger under control. He didn’t want to cause a scene in the middle of a restaurant. Nikki just shrugged and he felt some of his anger spill over.

“That’s not fair mum! I pursued her! She hasn’t once asked me to help her further her career, in fact she’s very careful to try and keep herself distant from what I do and what she wants to do. That necklace you felt the need to point out, came from her grandma, it was left to her after her grandma passed away. Something her granddad bought for her grandma. But of course, you’d have known that had you let her speak. I am so beyond angry with you right now, mum. You had no right to speak to her like that, you don’t know her, I do. I’m also a little offended that you take me for someone who can fooled. I get it you want to protect your kids, but you can’t treat people like that. You need to give her another chance, because I love her, and your little show tonight won’t change that.” Tom felt some of his anger dissipating. His brothers and dad looked at him, almost as if they were proud?

Nikki’s expression dropped at her son’s words. She suddenly felt immensely guilty. Tom was right, she’d taken it too far and judged the poor girl without giving her a chance.

“I’m sorry Tom.” Nikki said sincerely trying to meet her son’s eyes.

“Not me you should be apologising to.” Tom crossed his arms as he refused to meet his mum’s gaze.

“Your right.” Nikki swallowed as she got up from her seat.

“I swear if you’re on your way to upset her again, I’m going home.” Tom called after his mum as she made her way into the bathroom. He sighed as he looked at his dad.

“I know your angry son and I know she had no right. But forgive her yeah? She had your best interests at heart even if she went about that the wrong way.” Dom said as he offered his son a reassuring smile.

“I know. It just upset me that she treated her like that.”

**

You’d managed to stop the tears and you were splashing your face with cold water trying to get rid of the redness in your face. Would Tom believe you if you said you weren’t feeling well and let you go home? No, then you’d be taking him away from his family. You were pulled from your thoughts as another person joined you in the bathroom. You didn’t look at them, didn’t want to draw attention to your tear stained face.

“Y/N? I’m sorry.” You heard you were shocked as you turned around to see Nikki. You didn’t say anything, not wanting to upset her further.

“I mean it. I’m sorry. I just get so protective of him you know. He has had girlfriends like that in the past and I’m just scared someone will take advantage of him again. I know I shouldn’t treat him like he’s naive, but I can’t help it sometimes. I’m truly sorry for the way I have treated you tonight. It was unfair of me to judge you when I don’t know you.” She said as she smiled at you. You sighed as you took in her words.

“Look, I get it. I get that you want to protect him but I’m not like that I swear. I really do love Tom for Tom. I’d love him whatever he did for a living.” You said sincerely. Nikki smiled as she pulled you into a hug. You hugged back.

“Okay, let’s get you cleaned up. Let’s start again?” She asked you hopefully.

“I’d like that.” You mumbled as she helped you fix your appearance. You made your way back to the table Tom, instantly standing and pulling you into a hug.

“Are you okay? Did she upset you again?” Tom whispered protectively into your ear. “Tell me if she has, we’ll go if that’s what you want.”

“It’s okay Tom. She apologised. We’re going to start again. I get were she was coming from in a way.” You whispered back as he squeezed you tighter.

“Doesn’t make it right.” He mumbled and you hummed in agreement before whispering “let it go, okay,” kissing his cheek before you both sat back down. He didn’t let go of your hand all night. The rest of night went by without any more awkwardness, in fact when you left, you’d argue that you and Nikki had gotten quite close. Tom let his anger towards his mum disappear over the course of the night and when you all left to go home you made plans to do the same again next week and everyone left far happier and content than when they’d arrived.

[softspideys]

The Perfect Date

summary: tom makes it his mission to take you on the perfect first date. the only problem is, you have no idea. 

warnings: none

word count: 3.6k

pairings: tom holland x reader

a/n: this was supposed to be a valentine’s day fic but then I forgot about it. oops. plz enjoy anyway

Tom had just started the last lap of Wario’s Gold Mine when he heard Zendaya ask, “Got any plans for Valentine’s Day?”

He tried not to pay attention to your answer, focusing on keeping his lead, but he couldn’t help it. His eyes flickered over to where you were sitting at the kitchen table, absently circling your finger around the rim of your wine glass.

You straightened up at her question, scoffing. “Are you kidding? When’s the last time you saw me date anybody, Z?”

“Hey,” she said, pointing at you accusingly. “Don’t even start with me. I set you up with people all the time, it’s not my fault you’re so picky.”

“It’s called having standards,” you fired back. “Sorry I’m not interested in pretentious jerks who insist on mansplaining Tarantino films to me over their venti-soy-no-foam latte with a triple shot of espresso.”

Zendaya cackled, and though he couldn’t see your face, Tom could tell you were smiling too; your words had no real bite to them.

“Seriously though,” you continued with a sigh. “I think I might just give up dating for a while. Lately it feels like my only options are either crappy blind dates or going through a sleazy hookup app for some mediocre sex. I can’t remember the last time I got properly asked out and went on, like, a nice date.”

As soon as you said that, the gears started turning in Tom’s head. And then he got an idea so good he almost forgot about the race entirely, until Harrison hit him with a red shell and passed him, sailing over the finish line in first place.

“Yes!” Harrison cheered, causing you and Zendaya to look over, startled. “Finally, I won!”

“Wow,” Zendaya said, amused. “I think that’s the first time you’ve ever lost in Mario Kart, Holland.”

“Yeah, what’s gotten into you?” you asked teasingly as Harrison got up and did a victory dance.

Tom normally hated losing, but he was too preoccupied at the moment to care. “Nothing,” he said quickly. “Just . . . a little rusty, I guess.”

You raised your eyebrows, but then Zendaya challenged Harrison to a rematch, and the two of them immediately started a new grand prix while you called dibs on the winner. With the distraction in place, Tom had plenty of time to come up with a plan.

The four of you had been friends for years, but he’d always harbored something of a crush on you. He’d never tried to push the boundaries or pursue you because he liked your relationship as it was already, and didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. But this would be different. This was harmless. He was simply going to show you how you deserved to be treated, give you a good date to remember among the bad ones.

Nothing else. Right?

* * *

You eyed the huge bouquet of roses your coworker had on her desk and tried not to feel too envious. She’d made a big show of bringing them in this morning and inviting everyone who walked by to smell them, going on and on about how her girlfriend had surprised her for Valentine’s Day yesterday.

So what, you thought to yourself. I can get myself flowers whenever I want; I don’t need a holiday to have an excuse to do it. It really didn’t make you feel better though.

“Hey,” a familiar voice said, making you jump a mile. You looked up. Tom was peering over the wall of your cubicle, which was . . . unexpected. He hardly ever visited you at work.

“Oh, hi,” you said. “I didn’t even see you come in.”

“Yeah, you were totally zoned out,” Tom said. “Good thing I brought caffeine.” He placed a to-go cup from your favorite coffee shop on your desk. You saw the order written on the side; he’d gotten it exactly right.

“Wow,” you said, surprised but grateful. “Thanks.” You’d already had coffee this morning, but clearly it was shaping up to be a two-cup type of day. You took a careful sip and felt better already.

“No problem.” Tom followed your line of vision to your coworker’s desk. “Pretty flowers.”

“Yeah,” you agreed, a little quietly. You cleared your throat. “So, what’s up? Did we have plans today or something?”

“Oh, no,” he said, shifting from foot to foot, “but that’s actually kind of what I wanted to talk to you about.” He seemed nervous, which in turn made you nervous.

“Okay,” you said, giving him your full attention.  

“So . . . are you doing anything this Friday night?”

It was only Monday. You thought for a second before shaking your head. “I don’t think so.”

“Would you like to have dinner? With me?”

You furrowed your eyebrows. That was it? “Oh. Sure.”

You could’ve sworn you saw his eyes widen the slightest bit. “Really? I mean, great. Cool.” He scratched his nose. “So, Friday at six o’clock, then? I’ll text you the name of the place?”

“Sounds good,” you said. He seemed excited, though you couldn’t figure out why. You got dinner with him, Harrison, and Zendaya at least once a week.

“Alrighty,” Tom said, swinging his arms a little and nodding. “Well, I’ll let you get back to work. See you Friday.”

“See you,” you said. Did he really come all the way to your office to ask you this in person instead of just texting you like he normally would? Maybe he’d been nearby or something. You watched him leave, mostly confused but also kind of endeared.

“Was that your boyfriend?” your coworker asked, subtly adjusting her flowers again.

You quickly shook your head, turning back to your computer and taking another sip of your coffee. “Oh, no. Just a friend.”

As Tom left your office, he allowed himself to do a small fist-pump. Getting you to agree was the hardest part. Now came the slightly-easier-but-still-hard part: making sure he gave you the best first date ever.

* * *

Something strange was going on with Tom. You first realized it when you brought up the dinner on Friday to Zendaya and she had no clue what you were talking about.

“Tom didn’t invite you?”

“Nope.” She popped the “p.”

“Huh.” You chewed your lip. “That’s . . . weird. Maybe he figured I’d just tell you about it. And I guess you don’t really need an invitation anyway . . . do you think he invited Harrison?”

“I don’t know.” You were on the phone, so you couldn’t see Zendaya’s face, but it kind of sounded like she was trying not to laugh. “Maybe he wants it to be just the two of you.”

“Maybe.” It was rare, but it wasn’t like you never spent time with just Tom or Harrison.  You couldn’t remember the last time you had dinner with either of them one-on-one, though. This seemed . . . different. “But I’m sure he won’t mind if you guys show up,” you said with a shrug.

Now Zendaya did laugh. “No, no, it’s fine,” she said. “I think I’m supposed to babysit my niece and nephew anyway. You guys have fun.”

Then there was Tom himself. You hadn’t seen him in person since Monday, but he’d been texting you random questions all week:

Do you prefer a casual or an elegant ambiance?

How many candles on a table is too many? Or do you think overhead lamps are better?

Oyster bars . . . yes/no?

You answered all of them with increasing bemusement, but any time you asked why he would mysteriously change the subject. You couldn’t help but feel like there was something you were missing here.

Finally, he sent you the name of the restaurant on Friday morning: Soul & Persona.

You’d never heard of it, so you decided to look it up. One glance at their website told you this place wasn’t like the casual restaurant-and-bars you and your friends usually frequented. This was fancy. Clicking over to the menu, you inhaled sharply at the prices written next to the items. Luckily, today was payday.

You arrived at the restaurant shortly before six. Another person was already standing outside, and as you got closer you realized it was Tom. Two things about that were already weird: one, he was normally notoriously late to everything; and two, he was holding a bouquet of roses in one hand that were so big they nearly obstructed his face.

He didn’t notice you approaching, busy frowning at something on his phone. “Hey,” you said at last, making him jump.  

“Oh! Hey!” He cleared his throat, shoving his phone in his pocket. “I mean—good evening.” He did a strange little bow before thrusting the flowers at you. “These are for you.”

“Wow,” you said, taking them carefully. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. You look really nice.”

You were glad you researched the restaurant in advance, because the jeans and t-shirt combo you’d originally planned on wearing would definitely not have been appropriate here.

“So do you,” you said. He did: he was wearing slacks and a nice dress shirt under a jacket, his hair neatly combed.

“Thanks. Should we go in?” he asked. You nodded, and he hurried to open the door, ushering you inside. It was crowded, which made you a little worried. How long would the wait time be?

But Tom went right up to the hostess stand. “Hi,” he said, “we have a reservation for two at six; the name is Tom?”

She looked at her book and nodded. “You can follow me right this way.” She led you to a quiet corner of the restaurant and seated you at a table by the window. “Enjoy your meal.”

“Here,” Tom said, pulling your chair out before you could sit down. Again, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

“This place is crazy nice,” you said, looking around as the hostess placed a wine list on the table.

“Yeah,” Tom agreed, a little distractedly. “Um. So. Do you prefer to work in a team or alone?”

You blinked. “What? Where’d that come from?”

He shrugged, fidgeting with his collar like he was nervous. “I—I dunno. Just making conversation.”

“Oo-kay,” you said with a laugh. “Well, I haven’t seen you since you blessed my office with your presence on Monday. How was your week? Didn’t you have to give a presentation yesterday?”

“Yes, and one of the board members literally fell asleep during it,” Tom said, wrinkling his nose.

He seemed to loosen up after that, and the conversation flowed naturally from then on as you talked about your plans for the weekend, your friends, your families, and any other random thoughts that occurred to you.

For dinner you tried a pasta dish while Tom got steak, and you each had the soup of the day for an appetizer. Your knowledge of wine was limited to whatever was cheapest when you went to the liquor store, but Tom had apparently become an expert overnight: he asked the waiter all kinds of questions about their reds vs. their whites before finally ordering a bottle for the two of you to share.

All in all, it was an enjoyable dinner. You always had fun with Tom, of course, but you rarely got to spend time with just him. And though you normally stayed away from expensive places like this one, you had to admit the food was delicious and the ambiance made you feel very sophisticated.

“Can I get either of you some coffee or dessert?” the waiter asked as he cleared your plates. You’d never been one to say no to that, but Tom jumped in before you could open your mouth.

“No thank you,” he said quickly. “Just the check please.” Then he looked at you. “I thought maybe we could walk to that bookstore you like? The one with the bakery in it? We could—we could get dessert there and browse.”

“Oh,” you said, surprised. “Yeah, that sounds great.”

“Cool.” He sounded relieved.

The waiter brought out the bill and Tom grabbed it as soon as he set it on the table. “What are you doing?” you protested. There was normally an agreement among your friends that everyone paid for their own meals when you went out to dinner.

“I’m paying,” he insisted, waving you off as you fruitlessly tried to put your own debit card down.

“At least let me Venmo you for my half.”

“Nope.”

“Tom!”

“Seriously, it’s fine.” He wouldn’t even let you see how much the meal cost.  

You could tell he wasn’t going to budge for whatever reason, so you had no choice but to relent. “If you’re sure,” you said, watching him smugly sign the receipt. You made sure to grab your flowers before you got up and followed him out of the restaurant.

The bookstore you liked was a few blocks away, but you didn’t mind the walk. The air was warm but balmy, refreshing on your face. “That was amazing,” Tom said.

“It was,” you agreed. “I’m convinced they put actual crack in that pasta sauce. It was otherworldly.”

He laughed before he asked, a little hesitantly, “So are you . . . having a nice time?”

You looked over at him questioningly. “Of course I am. But I always have a nice time with you.”

“Good,” he said quietly, nodding. “Good.”

“Are you?”

“Yes,” Tom said immediately. “I just wanted to make sure. So, what are some of your pet peeves?”

“What is it with you and these questions?” Thankfully, you arrived at the bookstore and were spared from answering.

One of your favorite things about hanging out with Tom was that you didn’t necessarily need to be attached at the hip or in constant conversation in order to have fun. As soon as you entered he made a beeline for the True Crime section while you went to look at the new releases.

It was nice to just browse on your own for a while, and you ended up buying a book you’d been wanting to read ever since it came out. Tom was still perusing the shelves after you checked out, so you sneakily went up to the bakery counter and bought some dessert.

He found you sitting at a table in the cafe, reading your new book. “What’s this?” He gestured to the two pieces of cake and cups of decaf coffee on the table in front of you. “You should’ve let me pay!”

You’d been anticipating this, so you merely rolled your eyes. “Cry about it. You paid for dinner; it was the least I could do.”

“That’s not how this works,” Tom objected, but he reluctantly sat down and pulled his cake towards him anyway. The two of you discussed your books while you ate, and you tried not to act like you were eyeing his slice the entire time.

He noticed, of course. “You wanna try?”

You nodded sheepishly. You expected him to push the plate towards you, but instead he scooped a piece up onto his fork and held it out. “Here.” A little surprised, you opened your mouth and allowed him to feed it to you. For some reason it felt oddly intimate.

He was watching you expectantly as you chewed. “Good?”

“Yeah,” you managed to say, swallowing. “Really good.”

It was getting late and the store was closing soon, so you left after finishing your coffees. Usually this was when you’d call it a night and go home, but this time you felt no strong desire to. So when Tom started walking along the river instead of heading back towards the restaurant, you didn’t mind at all, falling into step beside him.

The night sky was clear, giving you a breathtaking view of dozens of stars. Hardly anyone else was around, and the river below was quiet and calm. It was like you were suspended in time. You couldn’t remember ever feeling so peaceful.

Tom’s hand bumped yours as you walked. You didn’t think anything of it at first, but then it happened again, and this time he laced his fingers through yours.

For some reason that was what made everything suddenly fall into place, for you to finally put two and two together and realize what was going on.

Oh my God.

“Tom,” you said hesitantly, shattering the comfortable silence between you.

“Yeah?”

“Is this . . . a date?”

He stopped walking, forcing you to do the same. Under the soft glow of the streetlights you could see he was staring at you. “Wait,” he said slowly. “This whole time . . . you didn’t know?”

Now that he’d basically just confirmed it, everything started to make sense: coming all the way to your office just to ask you to dinner, bringing you coffee, making reservations at a fancy restaurant, paying for the meal—

You were on a date and you hadn’t even realized.

“Oh, God,” was all you could say. You almost wanted to laugh, though nothing about this was even remotely funny. It was like you’d been hit over the head with a brick.

How could you not have known? It should’ve been obvious when he paid for the meal; no, when you realized you’d be eating at such a fancy place; no, when he showed up randomly on Monday, brought you coffee, and fucking asked you to dinner.

You both seemed to realize at the same time that you were still holding hands, and he quickly dropped it and stepped back. For the first time since you’d met, the air between the two of you was awkward. “I—I’m so sorry. I thought you knew.”

“I should’ve known,” you said, shaking your head. “I’m so stupid, I just didn’t think—” You didn’t finish your sentence. You honestly couldn’t figure out why you didn’t realize it sooner.

Because he’s your friend, a voice in the back of your head reminded you. He’s your friend and he’s never expressed any interest in you before, not like this.

That was true. You’d always thought Tom was handsome, and maybe early on in your friendship you’d fantasized about him once or twice. But he always treated you normally, never outwardly showing any sign of wanting more.  

“You’re not stupid,” he said immediately. “I should’ve made it more clear.”

“I’m just confused, I guess,” you said carefully. “I mean . . . why now? And why . . . me?”

He exhaled. “I overheard you the other day when you and Z were talking, and you were saying something like . . . you hadn’t been properly asked out and taken on a nice date in a while. So I guess I just wanted to do that for you. Make you happy.”

Your brain felt like it was short-circuiting. You didn’t know what to say to that, but he seemed to take your silence as a cue to keep going.

“That’s why I came to your office, to ask you in person instead of doing it over text or whatever. And I saw you looking at those flowers your coworker had, so I bought you some. And I picked this restaurant because it was nice but also because it was near the bookstore. And I memorized some first-date questions in case our conversation got boring, but I think that probably wasn’t necessary.” He sucked in a deep breath. “And now that I’m saying all of this I realize how weird it sounds. I’m sorry. I’m really sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

“Oh,” you said dumbly. His previous words were still echoing in your head. I guess I just wanted to do that for you. Make you happy.

He’d taken the time to think about all the things you liked and used that knowledge to plan the Perfect Date. You couldn’t remember the last time anyone had done something so kind, so thoughtful, so . . . romantic. Did this mean what you thought it meant?

Of course, the only way you were able to translate all of this was with, “Wow.”

But then he added, “And—and I didn’t do all of this because I thought it would lead to a second date or anything like that. I only—”

“Wait,” you interrupted, your stomach plummeting. This conversation was giving you whiplash. “So you . . . don’t like me?”

“Huh?”

“You did all of this . . . just because? You don’t actually want to go on a date with me?” Now you were more confused than ever, and a little hurt beneath that.

Tom’s eyes widened. “No! Well yes, but . . . no. Wait.” He took a deep breath. Now or never, right? “I do like you, but this was separate from all that. I only meant that I wasn’t expecting anything from this. I just wanted you to have a good time.”

You nodded slowly, exhaling. “Okay. So . . . what if I told you that I did have a good time, that I like you too, and I want go out with you again?”

Tom blinked at you owlishly for a second before his face split into a huge grin, one you were sure your own was mirroring. “Then . . . I’d say . . . same. To all of it.”

“Good,” you said, stepping closer. “In fact, I think this has almost been the perfect first date.”

He paused. “Wait, almost? What would make it perfect?” He furrowed his eyebrows, looking a little panicked. You laughed, reaching up and cupping his jaw.

“It has to end with a good-night kiss, doesn’t it?”

Tom relaxed, his hands finding their way to your waist. “Oh. Yes, you’re absolutely right.”

The two of you were still smiling as you kissed, and Tom lifted one of his hands to do a silent, sneaky fist-pump. 

Mission: success.

[ofgeography]

What’s your sign? I am a Taurus Sun, Taurus Rising, which essentially means that I am the most stubborn person alive, and I can eat an entire block of cheese in one sitting. I definitely think that horoscopes are fake, but also, I absolutely do read mine every single day. I like the idea that the universe is out there being interested in my life, like, “What’s that funky little fake blonde getting up to today? Oh, spending money she doesn’t have on books she isn’t going to read? Love that for her.”

Most underrated song that, in your opinion, should be a classic? “Poster Girl” by the Backstreet Boys. Yes, I said the Backstreet Boys, and I’m right. No, I will not be accepting criticism at this time.

Biggest compliment you’ve ever gotten from a fan? This one is really hard. People have said really, really kind things to me—sometimes about my lyrics, sometimes as a response to me as a person, which is very funny because in my head I’m like, this preposterous gremlin woman whose advice and opinions should be ignored at all costs. But I keep every note and email that I get sent in a folder on my computer called “I’m a sentimental baby.” I’m usually too embarrassed to go back and read them, but I do have them all. I think probably the thing that’s really stayed with me the most is I’ve gotten a lot of folks write to me about a line in “Mile Magnificent” (“never been much of a good, good woman”), which was helpful and comforting to them during a period of exploring and coming to understand their gender. I’m cisgender, so that line means something different to me, but (a) the author is dead! Art means whatever you want it to mean, and (b) it makes me feel really happy to have been part of that experience.

That was a really serious answer, which is embarrassing. One time a fan said, “I think you’re at least four things,” and did not elaborate, and I think about it once a week. What four things? I don’t know. It’s none of my business.

What do you sing in the shower? Oh, genuinely anything. Whatever comes on shuffle. It does not matter if I know the words or if I sound good.

Favorite cereal? Okay, there is one right answer to this, and it’s Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Reese’s Puffs are good, but they’re better dry, and as like, a mid-afternoon snack. Frosted Flakes are a real “midnight shame snack” kind of vibe. I do have a real softness for Raisin Bran, but only the top half of the box, because after that it’s all raisins. Lucky Charms are a scam. Eat the marshmallows and throw the rest away.

What is your favorite piece to perform? Hmm. Tricky. I know this question is about my own songs, but I think the honest answer is “Top of the World” by Patty Griffin, on the dulcimer. I like performing my own songs, but I feel very silly about it. It’s not that I don’t like attention; I’m the baby of my family and my parents are divorced, so obviously I love attention. It’s just that it’s less fun for me to feel like I’m that guy at the party going, “Anyway, here’s Wonderwall,” and ruining the vibe. That being said, I think probably “Bowerbird” is the most fun to sing, or maybe “Mile Magnificent.” I like the bops. Ballads are fun in their own way, but it must be said that I really like the bops.

At what venue do you most like to perform? I come from a really musical family, and we often play together at home, so honestly, probably there. I didn’t start really recording my own stuff aside from joke songs about hockey until late 2019, and then this crazy thing happened where we all got locked inside our houses for a year.

For me, music has always been about hanging out with people, playing around and goofing off. The idea of a structured show is very strange to me. I’d much rather be in a small room with people and we all decide what we’re gonna play and sing together. At what venue can I do, like, stand-up comedy interspersed with folk covers of early-2000s slow jams? Wherever that venue is, that’s my favorite.

Most requested song at shows? In the history of all bands? Probably “Freebird.” Requested of me personally? “Island of Lost Things,” which I’m grateful for, because it’s extraordinarily easy to play on the guitar.

First concert you attended? ’N SYNC! I hit Justin Timberlake in the head with a plastic bead necklace. It was a very exciting time.

Favorite artist? I know this is probably a question about music, but the honest answer to that is I don’t have one. I like too many things, and I’m fickle. My favorite painter is Gustav Klimt, I think, because that funky lil’ dude lived in a bathrobe and loved gold: highly relatable. Also, one time I went to the Klimt museum in Vienna and one of the guards followed me around doing a sketching of me. It was super weird! I loved it.

Place you go to get away from it all? Running! I know running is not a place, but the nice thing about it is that you can do it in any place. I am a big distance runner. There is no happier place in the world for me than putting on some headphones and just running out into the world. My brain is way too messy to meditate, but I think running is probably as close as I come.

Do you tweet, gram, or book? I have both Twitter and Instagram (@ofgeography). I do have a Facebook, but I feel a real vibrant hatred for it and would just delete it if I weren’t such a hoarder. I’m notoriously bad at like, PR, so I honestly just use them to scream my shower thoughts into the abyss or make jokes about art at museums.

Finish this verse as if it were the hook of a song: “Sally went down to the bayou…” Sally went down to the bayou, and she wouldn’t tell me why; The still waters called to her more than any shifting tide Sally went down to the bayou, and I stayed home with just my pride. But pride don’t keep you breathing when the waters start rise.

Who would star as you in the epic retelling of your life on film? If we’re doing this based off of who looks the most like me, it’s probably Elizabeth Moss, whom I get mistaken for in restaurants not infrequently now that we’re both blondes. If I just got to pick anybody, it would be Eiza González, who looks absolutely nothing like me but was in the first telenovela I ever watched (Lola Érase Una Vez) and has my unending loyalty for that reason.

First instrument you learned to play? I learned guitar and piano kind of simultaneously but stuck with guitar for longer and returned to piano later. I wish I was better at both. I could practice, and achieve this, but the very good reason I don’t is that I [loud construction noises].

Song you were thrilled to finally master? The first song I learned to play on the dulcimer was “Rich Girl” by Hall & Oates, and I had a great time doing it.

What do you wish you knew more about? Almost everything. I’m an absolute nightmare about learning things. I get these insane hyper fixations and devour everything I can get my hands on. Right now, I’m very fascinated by wine forgery. I think wine forgers should just be allowed to do their crimes because it’s the funniest crime in the world. Perhaps an easier question is, “What do you wish you knew less about?” To which the answer is: the Yellowstone supervolcano. If you’ve got anxiety and don’t know anything about the Yellowstone supervolcano, do not look it up.

What animal do you most identify with? I mean, right now? In pandemic times? The sloth, probably. Maybe a panda. I asked some pals what they thought for this question, and the consensus was “an animal raised by a different breed of animal,” which feels right.

If you got super-famous and had to change your name, what would your new name be? There is something very funny to me about naming myself after some very famous historical figure. Marie Antoinette, and no I won’t explain it. Have some cake and stop asking questions.

What famous musician would you love to sing a duet with? Carly Simon, in 1971.

[agentnico]

Top 10 BEST Movies 2021

*UPDATED 17/01/22 with the addition of The Tragedy of Macbeth

Let’s not kid ourselves, the pandemic has had a massive impact on many a thing, including the movie industry. Yeah, I know there’s a lot worse that COVID has caused, but this is a film blog, so naturally I’m going to complain about its impact on the movie biz. From release dates being endlessly postponed and many movies simply going straight to streaming, 2020 was quite lacklustre in terms of decent movie content, however 2021 has seen a smidge of normality returning, even though Omicron now is acting like a diva that wants to take everything down which I think is really selfish of it and not at all festive. Like, Mr Omicron (or Mrs, depending on how gender neutral you are), listen, we’ve only just had Christmas and New Year’s, and today is Russian Orthodox Christmas and soon we also have Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day around the corner, so like give us a break, okay?? Can you simply pick a different time of the year to annoy us, ideally on none of the 365 days. Cool? We’re good, alright, sorted! Anyway, here are my favourite films of 2021. As always, goes without saying, my list may vary a lot from yours and vice versa, so don’t go all Gangs of New York on me if you disagree with me. Simply give me a quiet stern disappointed look and then go about your day and we’ll act like this never ever happened. Also, there’s a few films of 2021 I haven’t had a chance to see yet, including Power of the Dog and Spencer so naturally they won’t be on this list, however who knows? Maybe all of them are crap anyway and I’m not missing out, but anyway, without much further ado, here’s my Top 10 Best Movies of 2021...

HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Judas & the Black Messiah, Godzilla VS Kong, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Belfast and The Last Duel

SPECIAL HONOURABLE MENTION: NO TIME TO DIE - The final swan song of Daniel Craig as James Bond was a long time coming. As in really a long time coming, thanks to COVID this thing got delayed endlessly. But we finally saw it and this was one hell of a shaken martini! Definitely not stirred. And thankfully Craig didn’t slit his wrists as he once promised, so all is good in the hood.

Original review: https://agentnico.tumblr.com/post/663954189051904000/no-time-to-die-2021-review

10) CODA - This movie puts Vin Diesel’s obsession with family to shame. For CODA is exactly that - a sweet coming of age tale about family, but against the typical tropes of the genre the central family are all deaf, which results in a unique spin on the familiar formula. Basically just like go and watch it, okay??

Original review: https://agentnico.tumblr.com/post/659580386869968897/coda-2021-review

9) HOUSE OF GUCCI - Cheesy one liners, epic performances, questionable Italian accents and a super interesting narrative. Featuring one hella peculiar sex scene between Lady Gaga and Adam Driver. I mean, phew! That’s all I’m gonna say! Look, that’s not the reason this movie was really good, I was simply pointing out...whatever I was pointing out. 

Original review: https://agentnico.tumblr.com/post/670557527220633600/house-of-gucci-2021-review

8) THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES - This animated film warns of the dangers of tech consumption yet it appears on a streaming service that’s entire business model is based upon screen addiction with their endless binge worthy content. As they say the irony is most definitely present! But with that irony also comes one great family adventure from the folks that brought you The Lego Movie and Into the Spider-Verse!

Original review: https://agentnico.tumblr.com/post/650251702621159424/the-mitchells-vs-the-machines-2021-review

7) SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME - So the reason this film is so much fun is because *SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER*. And that’s why it’s on the list!

Original review: https://agentnico.tumblr.com/post/671904849427841024/spider-man-no-way-home-2021-review

6) THE SUICIDE SQUAD - A superhero movie that simply doesn’t give a f***! The type of wham-bam-thank-you-mam batshit entertainment which exists for the pure reasons of fun. It doesn’t set out to be the best superhero film ever, nor does it need to be.

Original review: https://agentnico.tumblr.com/post/658401873396629504/the-suicide-squad-2021-review

5) FREE GUY - An absolute cuddly crowd-pleaser full of casual mayhem, crazy ideas and a hyper-active Ryan Reynolds, that will get Mariah Carey’s ‘Fantasy’ stuck in your head for days on end. 

Original review: https://agentnico.tumblr.com/post/659673760933330944/free-guy-2021-review

4) LICORICE PIZZA - Equal parts strange, sentimental and screwball, yet also absolutely 100% hilarious, this Paul Thomas Anderson directed feature is downright delightful with a capital D! Although I still have no idea why all the characters in this movie are constantly running. Like just have a break, have a Kit-Kat already!

Original review: https://agentnico.tumblr.com/post/672371437179486208/licorice-pizza-2021-review

3) BARB & STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR - I have no idea how, but somehow the fast chatting culottes-wearing couple Barb and Star made it to the 3rd highest spot on my Top 10 of the year. I’m as baffled and ashamed as you are. But also screw you, I can listen to Jamie Dornan singing ballads to seagulls on tires any day of the week! 

Original review: https://agentnico.tumblr.com/post/643655612925870080/barb-and-star-go-to-vista-del-mar-2021-review

2) THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN - Most of the movies this year I watched together with my lovely fiancée (a not so casual shout-out to the woman I love and will marry one day!!), and none of them affected us as emotionally as a film about eccentric cat paintings. It’s a movie that plays out like the first ten minutes of Up (yep, THOSE ten minutes), and at parts its funny, at parts sad, and at times strangely surrealist, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain dare I say ELECTRIFIED us!!

Original review: https://agentnico.tumblr.com/post/670370064751558656/the-electrical-life-of-louis-wain-2021-review

1) THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH - The Bard. Black and white. 1/2 the Coen brothers. German expressionism. Denzel Washington. Frances McDormand. Feeling like its literally filmed on stage, this minimalist take on Shakespeare’s famous play is arguably the based film adaptation of Macbeth that I’ve ever seen. My eyes were literally glued to the screen from beginning to end, from the gorgeous yet simple set pieces to the one of a kind physical act of Kathryn Hunter, who plays all three witches in a literal shapeshifting performance. Shakespeare is obviously not for everyone, but for me it’s my top film of 2021!

Original review: https://agentnico.tumblr.com/post/673372444479913984/the-tragedy-of-macbeth-2021-review

With that, 2021 has come to an end, and here’s to a happy new year that is 2022! Fingers crossed we’ll get many more great films, but also on a more serious note, I wish everyone the best of health and success, and let us hope that this new year will give us more signs of normality coming back. And as normality comes kicking in, take a chance and pop over to the local cinema with your loved ones, your friends or by yourself, as when you’re in need of some escapism from the craziness of the world out there, the magic of cinema is one of the most genuinely amazing ways to relieve your mind. That is unless you’re stuck watching a crappy flick like The Emoji Movie, however if you’re watching that then let’s face it, that is entirely your fault. In any regard though, stay safe everyone, and thank you for reading. Here’s to talking more about film in 2022!

[beautifulsnake2162020]

Ikevamp headcanons after watching Hamilton

Quick disclaimer: Yes I know this is a show about people who had owned slaves and slavery is bad. Having said that there's a reason why we suspend disbelief for a couple of hours and just allow ourselves to be swept into the story. I also love Phantom of the Opera but I also am aware that this is a story that involves an abusive and toxic relationship. The point is that I am aware that there are problems that needs to be discussed, but I still love the music, the story and the shows okay. This is just fan content not meant to be taken seriously and is just for fun. Okay? Now let's proceed.

I'll be doing Will and Arthur first since I'm currently doing Shakespeare's route and was inspired to do this after MC watches Romeo and Juliet with Vincent and I was wondering how Will would react to watching Hamilton. And Arthur is here because he is my husband/main lover. I might do Mozart and Napoleon next.

SPOILER ALERT: For anyone who hasn't seen the Disney Plus version of Hamilton, there might be some spoilers here (unless you already saw the show or know the story that is).

General Scenario:

You don't know how but Le Comte was able to get the filmed version of Hamilton, a musical which you've told Sebastian that you've been dying to see but was never able to because tickets were always sold out and entering the lottery was going to be a little too expensive for someone who lives in Japan and who doesn't exactly have the money or the time to simply fly to New York if in case she won. You were also excited because apparently Le Comte was able to modify the 21st century tech room that you use for your online classes and was able to get a wide screen and high quality surround sound which made you appreciate his efforts. A part of you was also curious as to how the other residents would react. You were scared that some of them might take offense, especially Napoleon who knew one of the characters in the show in real life. Would they react weirdly for seeing people different from them portray people that they knew? You were also wondering if they might even appreciate some of the 21st century slang that you and Sebastian would sometimes slip back into whenever it was just the two of you alone. After talking it out with everyone and explaining a few more things (like how its probably going to be different since it is a series of captured pictures-or at least that's your closest analogy- being played super fast with the synchronized sound of the actors- or what you were almost tempted to call "Techno Magic") during a dinner in which Shakespeare had decided to be present in, they were actually interested in what this show is about. Napoleon convinced you that he's fine and actually someone else playing Lafayette might even help with the suspension of disbelief since its been awhile since he has last met him anyway. Will even mentioned that while he has read and heard about stories from America, this is probably going to be the first story or production he's going to see from it. The only one who showed any hesitation - to no one's surprise - was Mozart, since he is attached to the kind of music he is familiar with (aren't we all?). But after prodding from both Jean, Le Comte and you giving him the puppy eyes, he finally relents. The day comes when everyone was once again free and for practicality everyone decided to have a meal first so that they won't be hungry during the show and also for you, Le Comte, and Sebastian to explain a few things everyone else may need to know to truly appreciate the show (like how the Presidential system and elections worked during the setting, what the word "Rewind" means, what is beatboxing, etc). So finally everyone gathered into the tech room after the meal, the lights were dimmed and once everyone was settled, you hit play. And as self-predicted of you, you find yourself crying in the end.

William Shakespeare (I'm still doing his route so please don't hate me if I get him wrong. Also no spoilers please).

- He was a bit shocked at first by how exactly up close you could see the facial expressions of the actors as well as the various ways it would cut to another person. He could now understand why you struggled with trying to explain how its played in a theatre but not exactly like the theatrical experience. But as you saw in your periphery, by the time Philippa Soo sings her first line, Will had already adjusted and allowed himself to be an audience and shut off his director and actor mindset (for the most part at least).

- While he didn't specialize in musicals, he found himself paying attention to the story of "the ten dollar founding father without a father." He knows how music could help both the actors and the audience in succumbing to their emotions in a scene and to suspend disbelief from reality. In his productions the words are not overwhelmed by any score but rather complemented to bring out the emotion he wants to evoke and for actors to show. Since many parts of the show has been influenced by the spoken word style without completely removing it from being sung, he has become enlightened with how powerful a show can be when it is done right.

- He not only enjoyed the story (especially the flow of it) and the production (especially some of the more technical details that the other residents hadn't noticed as far as a stage production is concerned), he loved that even the ensemble members had good acting and some of the onstage humor. One of the meta things he enjoyed was the obvious reference to his most superstitious work.

- Once you've seen how he loves analyzing the technical details of the production, you excitedly tell him about a special member of the ensemble who is known as "The bullet" among fans of the show. You could see him being enlightened as he watches the show with you again (this time with just the two of you) and he now sees "the bullet" and the way she interacts with the characters in a whole different light. He was so impressed with this idea that he may have adapted it into one of his new original plays (its not a copy paste of Hamilton's "bullet" but he definitely adapted assigning a member of the ensemble to have a special role that may not be significant at first, but he heavily notes that this member would have to be unique in interacting with any of the other characters).

- He didn't know what to expect from a 21st Century production but he found himself impressed with the prose and writing of various raps and songs. His favorite from Act 1 in terms of rhyme schemes was "Right Hand Man" and from Act 2 it was Jefferson's rap in "Washington by your side". And after settling down a bit his favorite emotional parts were "History has its eyes on you", "Hurricane", and "It's quiet uptown".

- He was impressed with how the double roles was given and how it actually is true for both of their roles in both acts. Ambiguity is one of his favorite things to have in a work, and he gives props to Lin for all the ambiguity he later realizes was in several parts of the show. If he and Arthur had been a little bit more closer, they probably would have bonded over the ambiguity Hamilton's comma in his letter to Angelica (see kids, grammar matters).

- A part of his brain wonders how the real life Hamilton would react to this and if him and Burr would still be enemies. But after some thinking he decides its not worth his efforts of asking anyone to bring them back since a wonderful production of their life has already been made even if it may not necessarily reflect who they truly are. He of all people knew what it's like to be inspired by great figures, it was fortunate that Lin Manuel Miranda decided to make a show about them before he had the chance to.

- You explain that in America Hamilton is one of the lesser known founding fathers of their nation and how it may be because his political opponents later on became Presidents and therefore was able to form the narrative. He becomes inspired by it and begins to search out people or stories who are hidden gems who may not be historically famous but had much more interesting stories than some of the ones he has heard of.

- Afterwards once you are sure that he has gotten comfortable enough with the genre you show him various videos of people rapping to his works and his reactions range from impressed to amused to "that's not what I mean when I wrote that" and you had to calm him down and explain that they can't hear him anyway after he started giving serious critiques on what the text means.

Arthur Conan Doyle

- While he was knowledgeable about many things, America's founding fathers was not one of them. He along with the other residents have gotten used to any rumors or exaggerated accounts of their lives and you and Sebastian have already warned that this is just a fictionalized production of the real person. As a writer of some historical fiction books he argued that he of all people was aware that any work based on history will speak more about the creators rather than the actual people they are writing about most of the time. He was nevertheless interested as to why you have become fascinated with the treasury secretary (and maybe it was with a twinge of jealousy that you began to expressly show admiration to another man even if he wasn't among the residents in the mansion). After all unlike many other residents of the mansion, on the surface it seemed that Hamilton was similar to Theo who mainly played a supporting but crucial role to his brother. He was thankful that you didn't hold it against him and was comforted that you were in a similar place. You even told him that the only thing you really knew about Hamilton before listening to the soundtrack and watching "Animatics" was that he was in the ten dollar American bill.

- And as someone who has delved into writing historical fictions, this was probably one of the most entertaining productions about a historical figure he has seen. He's going to be honest with you in that at first he was wondering if revealing Burr shot Hamilton in the opening was going to hinder him from enjoying the show; but he was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case at all. As a matter of fact it now made him want to find out who the real Hamilton was (although a part of him doubts if the real Hamilton had any regrets at all). According to him, this is why as a fictionalized historical work, the show is a success because it makes you want to find out more about the events and figures of the story (even if it means looking at darker realities that they did). And while the real Hamilton may be a lot different from what was shown, with all the things he went through and all the things he has done (for better or worse), he now wonders why exactly Le Comte hadn't approached him since he seems to be no better or worse than the average resident ("He and Newt could probably discuss mathematics all day."). You then explained that his political rivals (Jefferson and Madison from the show, and Monroe who wasn't shown in the musical) had later on become Presidents and was able to shape the narrative away from Hamilton. "Ron Chernow made Hamilton's biography because he was the lesser known founding father who was fading into obscurity among Americans and Lin read the book and recognized the story of someone who has risen through his writings. And to Lin that was also the story of hiphop." While he wasn't involved in politics as much as Hamilton was, Arthur had enough experience to know what it feels like to have those kinds of people in power. He also knows just how powerful it is to be in "the room where it happened" and how sometimes the real decisions weren't being made in an office but rather in either a private party or the right bar when people in power had their guard down and were more susceptible to being influenced.

- He could relate a lot with Hamilton on many things that he's only comfortable allowing either you or Theo to see. From being just so much more aware of death's inevitability coming for every living thing to survivor's guilt even though a part of him knows its irrational (but sometimes the emotional nonsense just overtakes our perspectives and actions). It's why he could understand Hamilton's need to write as much as he can before he dies. It's why for a time in his human life he had deviated from writing about Holmes and ventured into other genres. He could also relate to the need to prove what type of person he was, and how to go beyond his tragedies to serve people in their own ways. Hamilton did it as a soldier and the creator of America's financial system. And he is doing it as an informally practicing doctor and as a writer. It's a need that he's trying to mitigate since you've repeatedly told him that he doesn't need to prove anything to you or to anyone and to write whatever he pleases. But he also can't deny that it's still somewhere lodged in the back of his head.

- Just like William Shakespeare, in terms of the wordplay found in rap and the ambiguity present in the show and how those things were executed made him amazed and momentarily speechless. He was especially fanboying about "The comma after dearest" and how this essentially shows how important grammar was. It went to the extent that afterwards whenever he would write to you he would address you either as "My dearest, Y/N" or "My darling, Y/N" with special emphasis on the comma (sometimes you could see how there's more ink in the comma than some of the actual words. That's how much he wants to emphasize that you hold the title of dearest or darling). And you excitedly share with him some of the trivia knowledge of the show (like how in real life it was Angelica who originally made the comma mistake by writing to Hamilton as "My dear, sir" in one of her letters and it was Hamilton who was asking her what the comma means and even replied with "Ma chere, soeur") and how Angelica really did reference the Icarus metaphor in one of her letters to Eliza. And even though he wasn't a major musical nerd (he sang for fun), he would now join you in watching Howard Ho's Hamilton videos musically analyzing Hamilton (and would probably try to find a way to use this knowledge to annoy Mozart in some way).

- Speaking of music: Maybe it's because he's biased in his love for you but aside from Sebastian he's probably the one who has no qualms about the hiphop genre and was immediately into the various wordplays that rapping allowed. And because of this his favorite characters in terms of rapping are the ones played by Daveed Diggs (probably more than Hamilton himself even though you've explained that Lin is the one who wrote the whole thing). He even adapts to how Daveed as Jefferson would say Isaac's third law and incorporated it into his "let's tease Newton" kit. That's when you know he really loves Daveed Diggs ("Every action has an equal opposite -" "WILL YOU PLEASE STOP SAYING IT THAT WAY?! I didn't mind the first few times but this is ridiculous Arthur" "It must be nice, it must be nice to have a Newton on your side"). And his favorite character emotionally was Angelica (her raps in Schuyler Sisters and Satisfied may have helped).

- Speaking of the Schuyler Sisters, after watching it with you another time (this time with just the two of you) one of his favorite things to say is that you've got the best of all three sisters within you (Angelica's wittiness and intelligence, Eliza's cares for the more important things in life, and Peggy's humor) with the sexiness of Maria Reynolds. But because he sees all 4 of them in you he has the benefit of not needing to choose among them. Having said that there will be a period wherein he teases you if he makes you "Helpless" or "Satisfied" (and you respond either by kissing him or singing "That would be enough").

- Whenever you would sing as one of the Schuyler sisters he will join you as any of the male characters the moment he masters the soundtrack and could even sing it without the music. His favorite rap songs are "Guns and Ships", "Washington on your side", and of course "Satisfied". He also really loves "Non-stop", "the 10 duel commandments", and "The room where it happened". But his favorite sequence is from "the Winter's Ball" all the way to "Wait for it". Since it has romance, a shocking revelation, and gives insight to the perspective of the antagonist. He's also one of the first people to attempt to learn the choreography whenever he's in one of his mental blocks in writing. Of course he makes sure not to injure himself.

- He posts song lyrics to keep himself motivated in his times of mental block "There's a million things I haven't done. But just you wait" and "I'm not throwing away my shot" frequently appear around his desk.

-And whenever he's feeling low or insecure, just like Eliza you remind him to "Look around, Look around, how lucky we are to be alive right now."

[interact-if]

Umm hi 👉👈 I realized that most of the asks you guys get are about games and rec lists. You guys deserve so much recognition for the work you put in this blog, so I wanted to ask if I can do a little get-to-know-the-mods thing? If that's okay!

1. Besides writing, what are your hobbies?

2. Do you have a niche interest right now?

3. Any fave songs/artists/bands?

4. Any fave movies/tv shows?

5. On a scale of 1-10, how likely would you survive in your wip's world?

You can totally ignore this if you guys want, no pressure. Anyway, much love to all the interact-if mods! You guys are incredible! ❤

We saw this ask and we went 👀 👀 👀 so we’re happy to answer! Thank you so much for the fun ask!

 We also rated our survivability in all of our collective games, since Mars isn't an author! Fun stuff! Spoilers, though: it’s really not looking so great for me (Dani) but that’s fine!!!  😌

1. I’m a photographer as well as a graphic artist (but not like. A painter/drawer kind of artist!) and, on a general level, a maker and a tinkerer!

2. Fountain pens! I only write with ink, and only with fountain pens, and I use bottled inks/converters!

3. I’m pretty eclectic with music, but my top genres are alt rock, indie, indie pop, etc, as well as top 40s and some rap.

4. I feel like this is the hardest one for me to answer? Favorite movies/shows? Avatar: the Last Airbender has been a favorite show of mine since I was a little kid, but I have a harder time thinking of shows I would call a favorite in recent years. There are shows I’ve liked, and a lot of shows I’ve watched. But I’m picky! And demanding! It takes a lot to earn a place in Dani’s Trophy Case of Favorites. 😌 I would say I quite liked A Quite Place (movie), and I liked Us (movie). When it comes to TV shows, I have a hard time being pleased with them if they don’t end well. As a result, I have a penchant for a good limited series/miniseries (because they’re stories that have an end in mind and the plot reflects that, dagnabbit).

5. Heh. Okay.

In The Goodfellows? I think I stand I chance. I can exercise my sparkling wit and lovable personality to the best effect. I’m gonna give myself an 8/10 survivability rating. Even if I don’t have the right skills, I can go crying to the person who does and they’ll save me. Maybe.

In Creatures’ Cradle? I’m super $**!%d. 😌 1/10 survivability rating. And that 1 is me being nice to myself. The day the apocalypse breaks out I would probably be patient 0. I am self-aware. I would not do well in an apocalypse. Zombies care not for aforementioned sparkling wit and lovable personality, and I have all the muscle of a boiled spaghetti noodle. So it’s a no go.

Greater Than Gods (Cruz): Well. I’m going to be optimistic. And say that I have the wisdom not to do things I shouldn’t do and not to rock boats I shouldn’t rock. I’m going to give myself a 7/10 based on insider information, but also based on reckless optimism!

Vardir (Cruz): Cruz says this is a lighthearted game, so 10/10 LOL.

When it Hungers (Roast): I’m giving myself a nice, mediocre 5/10. I think I could put my mind to work here; I joke that I’m the village idiot, but I’m actually pretty smart! Unfortunately, I’m also curious, and maybe a little bad with authorities who won’t answer my questions. So I knocked off a lot of points due to the fact that I’d probably poke the metaphorical bear. So it’s a real coin flip as to whether I’d really make it or not.

Orthall Bay (Nines): Considering the genre is “horror” and the game intro includes the words “monster” and “maim,” I’m giving myself a whooping, enthusiastic 3/10. Yes, folks, I am that confident in myself! Once again, I can’t charm the socks off a monster (or can I?), so one of my greatest weapons is snatched from beneath my feet. Alas!

1. Beloved I’m a college student in the middle of a pandemic... i can hardly even write LOL i do draw at times which u can see in my personal blog (nothing too good really) and i used to do karate before things went to shit <3

2. Nothing niche I believe? All I do is leave Netflix as bg noise every day n play popular videgames (genshin)

3. Porter Robinson <3 I love Bea Miller a lot as well but lately I’ve been feeling Porter a lot

4. The Good Place <3

5. My WIPs:

Greater than Gods: Highly situational, the world GtG is set in is as broad as the real world LOL so I don’t have an universal answer. But keeping it vague, and knowing my own personality, I feel like 5/10. depends on my luck.

Vardir: 10/10 no one dies in Vikgade, unless you’re a hunter but I wouldn’t be a hunter <3

Others’ WIPs

I'm gonna give myself a solid 5/10 in all other WIPs because y'all aren't writing lighthearted stories either. I feel like as long as I avoid the role of the MC I will be mostly fine. I hope. But as Dani said I'm also prone to fight the wrong person and dig my own grave so 😌

1. Well, writing is a very, very, very, distant hobby since Words Hard, but I like to crochet and sculpt a little! Anything to do with fiddling with my hands and I’m good to go. And like, debatable but graphic design is my passion [insert clown emoji here since Tumblr said No]

2. Oh yeah a bunch! DnD yelling at people, thinking of arson, crocheting, rock climbing and simply vibing. I got into podcasts a few years ago and I’m always looking for more recs, so if you have some, hmu 😤

3. Pls,,,,my music taste is,,,so weird do not let me expose myself with lack of consistency but uhh. Current songs that are stuck in my head include; Cult of Dionysus , Achilles Come Down and The Last Shanty  

4. If you’ve ever spoken to me before, I probably yelled about Pacific Rim to you or at you. Plus I love all The Mummy films and really enjoyed Castlevania (s3 excluded, we do not perceive that) as well! 

5. Ah, mod survival simulator pt. 3

Alright, let’s go!  I don’t have a WIP because again, words hard, but like, considering how feral I am when not tryna seem professional hm... 

The Goodfellows: I wanna say a solid 7/10 because I’d hardcore vibe with the Traveler and probably instigate so much nonsense. I can also bribe with blueberry cake so maybe. 

Creature’s Cradle: maybe a 4/10 and only because of pure spite keeping me alive long enough to smack someone. I’ve prepared for hypothetical  zombie apolcapyses and I won’t hesitate to bap, but will be bapped back because I’m weak as hell. 

Greater Than Gods: a toss up between 2/10 and 7/10! I can vibe and be chill but I also have terrible impulse control so... 

Vardir: hm....I think pretty good survival rates all around? If you ask me to fight then like, okay sure, your knees are mine. So maybe a 8/10? 

When it Hungers: .......8/10 just because I’d refuse to die if I can be a cool creature. Living for the aesthetic can and will drag me outta hell. But I’m also clumsy as hell so I’d probably crash as a porcelain or hold a rooster and perish (aka, real rating is a good 3/10) 

Orthall Bay: 2/10, nope. Nope I’d be taken out in a heartbeat. Monsters can go pspsps and I’d head straight into the dark creepy forest like a fool if someone comes @ me. Half the time I’ll just assume it’s sfx makeup and vibe until it’s too late. 

god, never put me in a universe where I cannot squawk like a bird and throw pebbles from a window. Oof

Anon, you're so sweet! I give you a forehead smoomch <333 As for your questions...

1. If I'm not writing, I'm usually watching video essays on Youtube. My go-to channels as of right now is Disrupt and Aperture! I just really like their videos. Aside from that, I recently got into podcasts. Currently going through Hello From The Hallowoods and Shelter and Warning, which are made by queer creators!

2. Oh oof, there's quite a bit so I'm just gonna put down one thing. For some reason, I really got into collecting tiny astronaut things? I recently bought this astronaut desk light, and I've got a package coming in for the miniatures I ordered. No purpose for them other than I think they're neat <3

3. I'm a bit private with my music taste (even tho I have Spotify connected on Discord lmao), but there's 5 songs that I'm currently obsessed with. I keep replaying them over and over again. Just squeezing all the serotonin I could get outta them.

4. I can't really say I have a fave TV show or movie because I can't really just pick one, but my current fave is 9-1-1 and Resident Alien. 9-1-1 because I just really love the found-family dynamics and how the show tackles sensitive topics, and Resident Alien because it's lighthearted comedy. My all-time fave movie is Flipped! I have the book too and I like rereading from time to time <3

5. You're in for a doozy, anon, because we're rating each other's games <333

The Goodfellows: 7/10

Listen. Shenanigans with the Traveler. I would get up to so many of them and that is what'll get me possibly bodied, not the actual environment itself <3

Greater than Gods: 7/10

I like to think I have enough common sense to uhhh not recklessly flip stones that should not be flipped <3 I'm a cautious and skeptic person irl so I think I'll hold up well? Then again, it's a vast environment change and while I can adapt pretty quick, I wouldn't like the lack of control in the unknown.

Vardir: 10/10

Going off what Cruz said, Vardir is lighthearted and focused on personal growth so I think I'll be okay! Self-growth here I come, babey!

Creatures' Cradle: 8/10

Maybe I'm overestimating myself, but I think I'll be able to survive in a supernatural post-apocalyptic world! Ah, but it depends on the motivation though. I like the idea of rebuilding communities and eventually societies, but the survival turmoil would be a constant battle I'd have to overcome. If we're talking survival itself though, I think I'll do well.

When it Hungers: 8/10

That's probably my wishful thinking but I think I'll be fine. Maybe. Possibly. Don't like the idea of being regulated by an organization so if I was a non-human creature that could pose a problem but I can roll with it <3

Orthall Bay: 6/10

Assuming I'm not playing as MC, my chances of survival uhhh changes quite drastically. Not enough to guarantee an untimely demise, but certainly enough that it would constantly keep me on my toes. I think that's the safest answer I can get without spoiling anything lmao

Thank you so much for asking! It's super sweet of you <3

1. Too many :'D I knit, I sew, I do carpentry (well, learning), I bake, I'm hammering away at HTML and CSS, my job kind of encourages learning new things and I take that to picking up new hobbies!

2. My time is kind of consumed with school work and work work and WIP work so not a lot of time to pursue niche interests right now. I've been watching a lot of horror game playthroughs, true crime youtubers, and an adorable show on Netflix called the Repair Shop <3

3. My taste in music is "what am I vibing with atm?" I've been listening to a lot of 80's music atm (don't @ me), but also Lo Fang and Kaleo, and whatever spotify recommends me on my discover weekly which is usually complete chaos.

4. I love the Mummy even though it hasn't aged 100% well (I'm a librarian, of course it's one of my gotos LOL), Legally Blonde, Leverage, Jumanji (the original), I'm....very bad at having recent tastes... and very bad at remembering my favorites when asked.

5.

The Goodfellows: I'm a creature of comfort, 5/10 if I can just luxuriate in town and not actually interact with the story sfjkdbsdkf

Creature’s Cradle: I'd like to think I have a 50/50 shot XD 5/10, I want to think I'd be decent at a zombie apocalypse but ultimately would suffer an early fate.

Greater Than Gods: 10/10 if I'm just vibing, less so if I'm involved in the actual story XD

Vardir: I'd still suffer without technology but I can also knit for a living in this world so I'm down 8/10

When it Hungers: I feel like I could vibe here, there's tech if dated, hot showers, telephones are around by now... might still get bored. 7/10 though it'd be cool to be another creature....I should make a 'what creature of snv are you' quiz!

Orthall Bay: 7/10 idk I feel like after the first monster of the week I'd just skip town XDDDD I'm the worst protagonist, I see danger I just leave.

[melismaticmadness]

INTERVIEW

Request: “Something in the lines of reader playing reggies gf on the shows s2 and she becomes bffs with charlie but people keep shipping them. Something in like interview style or so....”

Description: FLUFF

1811 Words

Warnings: one curse word!

Charlie x Reader, Featuring Jeremy

Hope you like it!!

Press was always an exciting time as an actor, but even more so with this cast because of what happened before press events for season one. Their virtual press was great, but you can tell how excited they all were to experience it together this time around. Julie and the Phantoms was the best job I had gotten since moving out to LA. Honestly, it could be my big break. I was playing opposite Jeremy as his love interest, but our off-screen relationship was strictly platonic. Obviously, he and Carolynn are married and she is the sweetest. Jeremy is more of a mentor to me.

I sat in between Charlie and Jeremy for our first interview of the day when a production assistant came in and prepped us for the topics for this interview. Each interview has a slightly different focus, so it’s helpful that we know before we get started. The soft-spoken man raddled off some talking points: Charlie’s sleeves, Jeremy’s new character arc, my relationships/experience joining the cast, and then all of us would have time to add in stories of our choice if there was time. Easy. This cast makes it really easy to connect and bond. They are a family and I am so lucky to be a member of it now.

What I didn’t expect was to get so close to Charlie during rehearsals and filming in Vancouver. The two of us were instantly inseparable. He came to watch my film on set, I came to watch him. We rehearsed our lines together almost every night after long days, and Owen even considered me his other roommate because of all the nights I was asleep on their couch. Hanging out with Charlie felt like we had known each other our entire lives, but it had only been about a year.

Interviewer: “So, y/n, you seem really well connected to this cast, even though you’re sort of the new kid in the group. Would you mind telling me how you felt about joining this project?”

Y/N: “Oh I definitely felt welcomed right into the group. I remember my first night in Vancouver, Charlie came to check out my apartment, Owen came too, and I remember Charlie and I trying to prank Owen when he fell asleep on the couch but it was an epic fail. We had water and shaving cream all over the floor and ourselves, oh my god it was a mess, but that’s kinda the proof of how fast I became part of the group. Night one and they were already including me in their fun. The same goes with the girls, Jadah, Madi, Sav, Tori- we immediately were meeting for breakfast before filming together and having movie nights. It was the best welcome I could have imagined, knowing how close they all were from last season.”

Interviewer: “Jeremy, what was it like having this new energy come in, especially to shake things up for your character Reggie, who really was much of the comedic relief last season, but now has this mutually flirty relationship with y/n’s character?”

Jeremy: “Well, it was great having y/n come in and it allowed us all to explore Reggie outside of his quirky one-liners. It’s not that hard acting opposite, y/n, the talent they bring in was insane and we got along really well so it made it a lot of fun exploring Reggie as somewhat of a ‘ladies man’.”

Interviewer: “Yes it was fun getting to see more of who Reggie is, or was? Spoiler alert if you haven’t seen season one, Reggie is dead. All the boys are dead. Anyway, speaking of seeing more of something- Charlie, I noticed the sleeves on all your shirts this season were barely there. Is this a Charlie characteristic that just carried over to show off or was this specifically written for Luke?”

Charlie: “Oh gosh, haha. I think it’s a little bit of both. I definitely bring a lot of myself to Luke, but even in season one, Soyon, our amazing costume and wardrobe supervisor, was cutting the sleeves off Luke’s shirts. I think it played into his 1995 bad boy persona, and now it’s just him.”

Y/N: “and you just like showing off...hahaha!”

Charlie: “If you got it, flaunt it!” With that, all three of us and the interviewer were cracking up laughing and Charlie was flexing which kept us going a minute longer.

Interviewer: “AH,” they sighed, “Y/N, the internet is freaking out about you, truly, because of some photos of you with Mr. Gillespie over here. Let me read some things for you - ‘my heart is broken because I can’t have Charlie, but at least y/n can. I ship it,’ under an Instagram photo of you two the caption reads ‘ship it so hard it’s like the Titanic,’ which is my favorite. It’s too funny. So my question is, what is going on here? Is there a secret showmance that you’re hiding behind Reggie?”

Charlie and I are now laughing hysterically again. I don’t think the interviewer realizes how nervous our laughing sounds compared to before, but hopefully, it’s not noticeable to fans or the rest of the cast. I wasn’t expecting to get questions about Charlie and my relationship when I was supposed to be talking about my character, the whole experience, and all my scenes with Jeremy.

Y/N: “Oh no, no, no. We are friends! Nothing is going on,” I looked over at Charlie who had his eyes locked on me most admiringly. He was going to let me handle this however I wanted. “Charlie and I just happened to click right away during rehearsals and now I feel like he’s the older brother I never had!”

Charlie looked a little hurt at that ‘brother’ comment, but he jumped in to echo what I had said.

Charlie: “Ya know, the fans are so great. They love to keep up with our lives and find little hidden clues in the show about the backstory, and I think that’s just what happened with our friendship. We’re best friends, we have so many inside jokes, we hang out a LOT. But, Nah, nothing is going on here. It’s cute though that they ship us! Look out, Jere! I’m stealing your girl!.”

Interviewer: “You heard it here first everyone, Mr. Gillespie isn’t off the market! Thank you all for your time today. Everyone make sure to check out season two of Julie and the Phantoms, now on Netflix!”

*****************************

After a long first day of press, I was finally walking back into my hotel room in New York when my phone went off.

I tossed my stuff on the couch and plopped down to see what I had missed all day. Charlie had just texted me asking to meet him on the roof.

“The roof?!” I grunted, “How did he even get on the roof?” Back out the door, I followed signs to the roof. Swinging the door open once I got up there, my breath was taken away. New York City right at dusk, with the cool breeze hitting me, was so beautiful.

“Gillespie, are we allowed to be up here?”

“Kenny said we’re less likely to be followed or have our picture taken together if we were up here and came up separately. So, if we get in trouble, it’s on Kenny...”

“The view is amazing. Not surprised Kenny knew about it.” I said as I went to look out over the glass barrier at the edge of the building. We looked out in silence for a minute or so when I heard Charlie exhale.

“Y/n, what was that today?” he said running his hands through his hair.

“What was what today?”

“That whole ‘Charlie is my brother’ thing,” he made his voice go up in pitch to mimic my voice when he said it and I could tell it was bugging him, but I didn’t know why.

“I was caught off guard...I mean we’re friends.. but I figured no one would believe that if I didn’t squash the rumors right there. Sorry if it was like, emasculating, or made it seem like you don’t have any game, lol.” I playfully hip bumped him to get him to laugh a little and it worked but there was still something on his mind.

“Char, is your manager upset with what I said? I can fix it tomorrow, I’ll figure something out-” I said tilting my head in front of his so he was looking at me instead of the view.

“No, y/n, no, it’s okay..” he hesitated, “but is that really what’s going on?”

It felt like the wind was knocked out of me at that moment and all I could do was slide my back down the glass and sit on the roof. My head was in my hands and I didn’t want to say the wrong thing next.

“Hey, hey, I’m sorry if I caught you off guard,” Charlie said squatting down to my level. “I just thought..maybe you felt something, anything, telling you this was more than a friend to friend relationship..” Now he was rubbing my back. Damn, this boy is my best friend.

“Charlie, I- I don’t want to lose my job. I love working with you and with everyone,” I took a deep breath, “but I can’t say I never thought about it. I have definitely thought about it.”

“Okay, so what are you thinking in that head of yours?”

“I’m thinking that I care about you and that I have for a while but didn’t want to admit it to myself until now,” looking up at Charlie I could tell he was fighting to hold back a smile.

“Kenny, won’t fire you. I talked to him in LA before we went up to Vancouver because I didn’t want him to be disappointed in me because of how I felt.”

“You told him in LA?! He’s probably been watching us and laughing at us for MONTHS. Oh my god.”

“No, it’s cool. He just warned me to make sure I wanted to be more than friends because he didn’t want to lose you.”

“Wow. Okay.” The weight I didn’t even know I was holding, had been lifted off my shoulders. “The fans really do know us better than we know ourselves.”

We both laughed and Charlie finally settled down right next to me.

“Look, I’m not saying we rush into anything. I knew I had to say something before the opportunity was gone. Now that the show’s out, you’re going to have guys banging down your door for a date.”

“I guess it’s a good thing the only guy I am looking for is you then, hmm?”

“Thank god for that interview…” Charlie said under his breath.