#her emmy awaits

[brambletakato]

Gunman Joe is most likely a hologram and is probably controlled by one of the inventors to stilt the other's progress (and probably not whoever Eggmuffin is, as it appears on top of their building and would probably dissuade Layton and Luke's efforts to connect to Eggmuffin). The voice is probably a voice changer of sorts. I don't think this is the main antagonist though.

The background art is GORGEOUS. And VERY American. I forgot to mark it down on my bingo sheet. SNAILMOBILE AND OSTRIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

how much are you guys betting that the purple fog is doing some psychological horrors (JOKE)

music bangs as usual RAAAAAAAAAAGH

Ok... I think what was originally making me feel gloomy about the models is solved after seeing the puzzle solved (heh) animation, and I feel a bit more hopeful. The models we see here only have one form of shading as opposed to the NWOS switch teaser or the puzzle solved animation. This game IS early in development so now that makes sense. I mean it looks bad but I think it'll improve. And if not I'll do it myself. Plus the shading in the switch teaser is purple-hued and the shading in-game that we see here is black, which is USUALLY a sign it's still being tweaked around in the background.

The fact that they're STILL aiming for 2025 makes me worried though... The game definitely needs polishing. Realistically delaying it would've been expected at its current stage, but persisting in a 2025 release gives it about a year and a third. Of course Level 5 is known for delaying things all the time so they could just be like "gomen minasama 2026" but... I feel like if they are persisting in a 2025 release... mm... After all of that, the trailer was nice but a bit worrisome. It's obvious now that they're still in development and it's not the final look though! One thing that comes to mind is the crusty Desmond model we saw wayyyy early on in AL's development;

Like. There's still time. I would be especially surprised if the don't at least add a bit of texturing to some of the models (like the texture-baked shaking in luke's hat or desmond's hair). I'm less pessimistic about the 3d model style now especially with its siblings looking as peak as it is (inazuma eleven, decapolice, etc)

That being said, I can't say much about what I'm hoping for until we see the TGS (did you guys forget about TGS /silly), though if it IS coming out in 2025... I hope to god it's like. December or something. I really don't want this to be rushed and with how it looks right now I wouldn't exactly be happy with it. In fact if there is 2d cutscenes I can totally see them saving it up for TGS too just to have something new and exciting rather than the same information we've already seen. Concluding, things are going smoothly, models are still developmental-looking, and I have mixed feelings but it's slowly bouncing back to positive all because of crusty desmond png

[lesbianpepsi]

sweet as honey | part iii

pairing: jenna ortega x blind!fem!reader

words: 4.741k

masterlist

warnings: ableist remarks, swearing, mentions of smoking/drinking, bad writing

authors note: hey guys, i just wanna say thank you to the anons who pointed out my mistake and made me realise how insensitive my old ver of this chapter was. i have rewritten it and changed it, i hope this is better

After your first date with Jenna the two of you have gone on many, many more dates. 

By the third date you and Jenna did actually go to that restaurant you were supposed to go on your first date. 

You couldn't help but feel utterly euphoric anytime Jenna asked you out on another date or even held your hand, hugged you and kissed you. If there's a heaven you're more than sure it's with Jenna.

Altogether you've been on six dates with Jenna, and each date you could feel yourself falling harder and harder for her.

Maybe that's why when Jenna calls you on a sunny Sunday morning her words leave you stunned with silence.

"Y/n? Did you hear me?" She asks, breaking the silence. You dumbly nod your head, coughing soon after as you shake your head.

"No, yeah, I- what?" You stumble over your words with confusion as Jenna giggles over the phone.

"I asked if you wanted to be my date to the Wednesday Emmy Party." She repeats for your sake. Yet again, the words feel like a positive slap to the face. 

Jenna wanted you to go to the party with her? A party full of famous actors? 

"It's not gonna be huge, if that's what you're worried about. Just a small gathering of the cast at Joy's apartment to celebrate that the show won twelve emmys." Jenna explained in a reassuring manner, taking your stunned silence as a sign of rejection.

"Oh yeah, just a small party full of famous actors, no biggie right?" You finally say, laughing nervously. "Are you sure you want me to be your date though? I'm not exactly the same level as you guys." 

"Of course I want you there, I know for a fact Emma is dying to meet you. I can tell she's getting annoyed with how much I talk about you to her."  She says with a giggle, probably biting her bottom lip nervously as she awaits your answer. 

You let out a breathless sigh, a nervous smile on your lips. What's the absolute worst that can come out of it?

"Okay, I'll come as your date." You finally answer her question, your smile turning into one of relief as Jenna immediately starts saying 'yes!' over and over like an overused child finally getting the toy they've been begging for.

You chuckle as you nod your head, biting your lip. 

"You talk about me to your friends?" Jenna groans through the phone as you laugh, a smug smile on your face. 

"Shut up." Jenna replies through a small laugh. "The party is on Wednesday, I'll pick you up?" She confirms as a small static sound rippled through the phone.

You snort a laugh at the day, finding it much more ironic than Jenna was. 

"Yeah I'm free Wednesday and Thursday, so it doesn't matter if I get hung over." 

"I didn't know you were so rebellious to drink under the legal age." Jenna teases you, her voice becoming more static on the phone. You rolled your eyes as you scoffed. "Like you didn't admit to being hung over when recording a scene in 'X'." 

"Stalker much?" She quips back with a dry laugh. 

"Oh yeah because I would be such a stalker with my binoculars, staring and following you around the place like a peeping tom." 

"Oh whatever, I'll see you Wednesday?" Jenna replies, you chuckle as you nod your head, as if Jenna could see you.

"I'll be waiting." You say with a nostalgic smile. "I won't make you wait too long." She finished with her own soft smile.

—————

"I'm so fucking nervous." You complained with a groan as you dropped to sit down on your bed, rubbing your sweaty palms against your jeans. "All of them are actually famous people. All of them!"

Delilah -your childhood best friend- chuckles as she patted your shoulder. "You're overthinking it, babe, they're just a bunch of dickheads who are known while we're a bunch of dickheads who aren't known." She tries to reassure you but it simply went into one ear and right out through the other. 

"But they're Jenna's friends, if they don't like me then Jenna might lose interest in me." 

"You're crazy if you think that. Everyone can see she's head over heels for you, hell, the media even knows." She replies swiftly as she squeezed your shoulder with a reassuring squeeze. 

You turned your head to look at hers. "Well I can't see that, can I?" Delilah shakes her head as she laughs softly, loosening her hand on your shoulder before you feel her take it off.

"Then you can hear it in the way she speaks to you, it's as if she's the one who's speaking to a famous actress." Delilah says as she stands up from the bed, picking up the dishevelled clothes off of your floor and folding them for you. "If it is shit then just give me a call and I'll pick you up, okay? I'm staying the night here anyway so it's not an issue."

That's true, Delilah had to ask to sleep at yours since she had a fight with her own girlfriend Claire, and like the good friend you are you told her obviously she could crash at your place.

You sigh as you nod your head at her words, running a hand through your hair. "I guess you're right." Delilah smirks at you as she opens the drawer full of clothes, neatly keeping the now folded clothes. "Of course I'm right." 

Abruptly, loud knocks are heard from the other room. You let out a rigid breath as you stand up stepping towards your wardrobe as you grab your cane. 

"Wish me luck." You ask Delilah as you run the cane along the wooden floor, heading towards the living room. "You won't need luck." She replied with ease as she walked alongside you to the door.

Opening the door for you, Delilah stood by your side as she grinned at Jenna. 

The brunette looks slightly surprised at Delilah but she doesn't stop smiling as she gives an awkward wave.

"Hey, nice to meet you, I'm guessing you're Delilah?" She asks as Delilah nods her head with a grin. "The one and only. Nice to finally meet you Jenna, Y/n talks about you very often." 

You not so subtly elbow her side as you smiled at Jenna, walking out of the apartment as you naturally went to grab her elbow. "She's more delusional than me, ignore her." You tell Jenna as she giggles, looking back at Delilah who leaned against the doorway waving at them.

"Have a great time, remember curfew is at midnight, young lady." Delilah teases as you and Jenna walk towards her car, rolling your eyes under the glasses as Jenna giggled once again. 

"So you talk about me to your friends, huh?" Jenna jabs at you playfully as she opens the car door for you, reciting your words from Sunday's phone call. 

"Shut up." You grumble as a soft blush attacks your cheeks. "Bullying the blind is a very cancelable thing, you know."  

Jenna is the one to roll her eyes this time as she smiles, taking your cane once you've sat down on the car seat.

She joins you in the front soon after she keeps your cane in the back seat, revving up with its surprisingly quiet engine.

"So who's at this supposed casual party then?" You ask her with a curious face as you nervously play with the hem of your shirt, a habit you've picked up since you were little. 

"Emma, Hunter and his husband Fielder, Joy, Georgie, Steve, Naomi, and Johnna and. Oliver can't come since he's currently filming another movie which is in another country." Jenna lists off as she drives towards Joy's apartment, where the party was being held. "I told you it isn't a massive party, so don't worry. Plus they're all very excited to meet you." She reassures you once again, at the same time she speaks, you feel her place a hand on your thigh.

You smile as you lay your hand over hers, gently caressing your thumb along her knuckles.

"I'm just as excited to meet your friends too, even though I'm shitting bricks over it." You say afflicting a chuckle from Jenna, you feel her squeeze your thigh in an attempt to calm you down. "If you feel uncomfortable at any moment just tell me and we'll leave early, okay? Nobody will shame you or be mad."

You let out a gentle sigh at that, a bit relieved at her kind words. "Thanks Jen."

Jenna smiled at your side profile briefly before she turned back to focus on the road. 

The rest of the car ride was full of mindless conversations between you and Jenna as the low music of Hozier filled the rest of the car. 

As usual, when Jenna parked the car she went to grab your cane before opening your car door open for you, and just as usual you gave her a small kiss in gratitude, resulting in Jenna having a soft blush on her nose and cheeks.

Jenna's elbow is already out for you to latch onto with your non-dominant hand. She double checks you're ready before the two of you make your way to Joy's apartment which thankfully has elevators since she lives on the ninth floor.

"I think they're playing UNO, right now." Jenna mentions as the two of you entered the elevator, her pressing the button '9' as the soft hum of elevator music filled your ears. 

You dryly laugh as you lean against the metal wall as the doors close. "Don't think I'll have much of a chance of winning." Jenna rolls her eyes as an amused smile rises on her face.

"Don't worry, they get distracted so easily that I bet they'll forget about it within five minutes." She says as she moves to stand by your side, leaning her head on your shoulder as you grab her elbow gently, drawing small circles on the clothed skin with your thumb. 

You chuckle at her words. "So they aren't like you then, little Miss Competitive?" You tease.

Jenna can get quite competitive, that's something you picked up quite quickly. Whether it be board games, video games and especially with football (or soccer as she calls it). 

"Oh no, Georgie is even more competitive than me. We once played one match of monopoly that lasted two days in total. In the end we had to call it quits but I was so close to winning." Jenna replies confidently, as if she was truly the one who was going to win.

You chuckle as you nod your head, turning your head soon after to place a feather light kiss to her head. "I don't doubt that for a second." You whispered with a low chuckle before pulling away from her head, leaning your head back against the metal cold wall of the elevator.

The elevator dings loudly as the door slides open, a robotic voice coming through the small intercom telling you and Jenna that you're on floor nine.

With a nervous smile you and Jenna make your way to Joy's apartment, Jenna knocking loudly three minutes before entering.

Music hits your ears the moment the door opens, the familiar voice of Lady Gaga filling it up even louder as you enter further into the apartment.

Your nerves spiked as you heard the chatter get loud and louder as you and Jenna walked into the living room where you could smell the strong scent of tobacco mixing with alcohol infiltrating your nose.

"Hey guys." Jenna greets the group, their heads instantly snapped towards her voice as you and her stood side by side. "This is Y/n, my-" She stops, not knowing what to say.

You haven't asked Jenna to be your girlfriend. Jenna hasn't asked you to be her girlfriend.

"-date, she's my date." Jenna finishes swiftly as she grins proudly at the fact you're her date.

A mix of "Hey, Y/n" and "Hi"s are thrown around the room by a myriad of different voices.

"Hey, Y/n, nice to meet you! Finally I can put a name to a face." A feminine voice speaks up, her voice sounding as smooth as a pearl. By her voice you guess you guess it's Emma Myers, one of Jenna's closest friends.

You chuckle aa you turned your head in the direction of the voice. "Wish I could say the same." You joke, hoping, praying they'll laugh at it rather than freezing up and wondering if they should or not.

Thankfully a snort of laughter is heard along with a few gurgles before the person laughs even harsher than before, coughing loudly.

"Jesus, someone take Naomi's drink away from her." A more masculine voice says this time, chuckling as he does.

"That's Georgie, the one who sucks ass at monopoly." Jenna whispers in your ear as she guides you to a free spot where you and her can sit on the couch. 

"I heard that." The voice you know as Georgie speaks up from close to where you sit. 

"Well, it is true Jen was winning and you were on the brink of bankruptcy." Someone else speaks up with a slight slur in their voice, indicating they've definitely drank a few before you and Jenna arrived.

"That's Johanna, she's a lightweight." Another voice speaks up before Jenna does, the voice is coming from beside you making you turn your head in the direction. "I'm Joy by the way." She introduces before she points at Hunter and Fielder who are sitting on the floor. "Hunter and Fielder, our local gays are currently sulking on the floor since they lost at Uno."

"I only lost because Hunter got me out." A deep voice says which you presume is Fielder's voice. "That's only 'cause you're the worst at Uno." Hunter replied with a smirk as he took a sip of his drink.

“I’m Steve.” Someone else announced from the other side of the room. You turned your head in the direction of the voice as you smiled politely. “Hi Steve.”

“Fielder might be bad at Uno but you lost seconds later, Hunter.” He remarks as he ate some of his chips from a bowl.

You laugh lightly as you loosen your grip on your cane but don't let go. Now knowing everyone's voices gives you much more confidence.

"Thanks for having me over, by the way, and congratulations on the twelve emmys." You say with a smile as you turn your head to look at the direction of where the music was coming from.

"No need to thank us, we're all more than happy to finally meet you after Jenna has been chatting our ears off about you." Joy replies, sipping her wine as she smirks at Jenna.

You grin as you turn your head to your side where Jenna was sitting. "So not only you talk Emma's ear off about me, but to everyone?" You jab playfully at her once again, Jenna's cheeks turn a scarlet hue shade as she turns to glare at anyone who laughs at your words.

"They're being dramatic and they're drunk, they don't know what they're talking about." She murmured trying to sound annoyed, but she had a small smile on her lips the entire time. "Sure." You remarked with your own smile.

Your fear and anxiety dissolved as the minutes passed, your fear that Jenna's friends wouldn't like you absolutely thrown out of the window.

Well that was until two hours passed.

You were in the middle of a conversation with Emma as Jenna and a few others such as Naomi, Georgie, Fielder and Johanna had left the room to go smoke on the small balcony near the kitchen. 

As Emma finished her sentence you felt a tap on your shoulder, jumping slightly your turned in the direction of the touch.

Steve chuckled awkwardly at your reaction as he plopped down next to you, forcing you to move up on the couch.

“Can I ask you a few questions about, you know?” He asked you with a slur to his voice, his breath having a strong smell of alcohol which definitely confirmed that he was quite drunk.

You nodded your head as you smiled at him. “Of course, and you can say blind, it's not like it's a bad word.” He rubbed the back of his neck as he laughed.

“Aight, cool. So do you know what Jenna looks like or what any of us looks like or are you completely blind?” He questions curiously as he sips out of a beer bottle with a burp.

“I lost all eye sight when I was in my teens so I don't know what any of you look like.” You explained to him before adding. “I did get a description from Jenna on how she looks, so I’ve got a pretty good idea in my mind.” A soft smile forms on your lips as you think of the memory.

On your fifth date with Jenna, you went over to her apartment for the first time and Jenna cooked for you an incredibly delicious meal. 

That night Jenna let you explore her body but it wasn't in a sexual way. She was wearing a shirt and jeans the entire time as your hands roamed her body as she described herself to you in great detail. 

She held your hands as she placed your hands on different parts of her as she described herself in detail to you. 

Her hair, her face, her neck, her arms, her waist, her stomach and even her legs. There wasn't anything sexual about the interaction, it was only meant to be viewed as something soft and intimate. 

Steve hummed as he dropped his now empty beer bottle to the ground, yawning as he lazily turned to look at you.

“Okay, okay.” He mumbled. “Why do you wear glasses inside then? Is it ‘cause like blind people's eyes kinda get nasty after they turn blind?” 

“Steve.” Emma whisper yells as he gives the drunken boy a look. He raises his hand, faking arrest as he rolled his eyes. “Jeez Emma, chill. I’m only asking questions and she said she was alright with it. Didn't you, Y/n?” 

You decided not to take his words to heart before you nodded your head. “It’s fine, honestly.” You reassure her with a sweet smile. “Before I turned fully blind I always wore sunglasses since it would reduce the glare from the sun and could help me much better with seeing with the small sight I had. After I completely lost my vision I guess I just never stopped taking them off, and I guess it’s because I also don't like how my eyes look.”

“That's fair. I mean no offence or anything but blind people’s eyes just look so creepy.” He replied with a lazy smile as he chuckled, moving his hand to scratch at his small beard. 

“Don't be a dick, Steve.” Joy voices up from her seat, glaring at the boy momentarily before going back to talk with Hunter. 

He scoffs slowly as he ignores her, deciding to see how far he could push you. 

Not knowing what to say you awkwardly laugh as you shuffle further away from him. 

After a few moments passed you presumed he was done speaking to you but you were unfortunately proven wrong the second you opened your mouth to speak to Emma.

“I couldn't imagine being blind, it sounds proper shit and miserable.” He says with an exaggerated sigh. “I mean you can't even see your girl, you only have to imagine her.”

“Steve, stop.” Emma repeats again as her voice becomes more firm. You swallow down your emotions as you try to give a small smile.

“Life isn’t automatically bad just because I’m blind, I actually love my life and wouldn't exchange it for any other life.” You reply trying to keep your emotions at bay and not let his words affect you. 

He sighs dramatically once again as he shakes his head. “I dunno man, being blind sounds shit. How're you supposed to even please your girl if you don’t even know where she is without her speaking?”

“How’re you supposed to please your girl with your one inch pinch?” Hunter remarks, sounding annoyed as his eyes narrowed on him. “Just shut the fuck up.” 

Steve snickered as he narrowed his eyes back at Hunter, crossing his arms over his chest. “Jesus, people are such snowflakes these days.”

As Hunter and Steve get into a heated argument you lean closer to Emma, in a whisper you ask her, “Can you please go get Jenna?” 

She nods her head immediately as she squeezes your shoulder in a silent agreement, standing up moments later and heading towards the kitchen.

“We’re not sensitive, you're just being a blatant asshole to Y/n.” Joy intervenes as she defends your honour, you smile in relief as you scoot further away from Steve, the grip on your cane tight. 

“I was just asking the blind chick some questions, is that a crime now too?” He asked in a mocking voice as he now turned to glare at Joy. 

A blind chick? Is that really all he saw you as? 

You swallowed nervously as your fingers began unconsciously tapping against your cane, a small frown on your lips.

“Why are you being such a dick?” Hunter asks him with his voice becoming more gruff. Steve laughs in disbelief as he turns to look at you. “You said you didn't mind my questions, true or false?” He questions you with a click of his fingers. 

You didn't know what to say as you tried to open your mouth, no words coming out as you felt incredibly uncomfortable by the entire situation. 

Steve scoffs as he clicks his fingers at you again acting as if you're a dog and he’s your owner. “Are you dumb as well?” He asks you in an annoyed tone.

“What the fuck did you just say?” A voice that reminds you of heaven says darkly, storming into the room. You sigh in relief as you gingerly put your hand out for Jenna to grab, to which she holds onto instantly, interlocking your fingers. 

You stand up next to Jenna as you grip your cane tightly.

He shakes his head again as a breathless sigh escapes his dry lips. “Nobody can take a joke these days.”

Jenna scoffs angrily as she glared at him. “Jokes are meant to be funny, I hear nobody fucking laughing, Steve.” She snarled as she ran her thumb along the skin of your hand. 

“That’s ‘cause you all can't take a fucking joke, nobody appreciates dark humour these days, fucking hell.” He grumbled, glaring right back at Jenna as he crossed his arms over his chest. 

You're frozen in place as you listen to the unfolding argument, your heart speeding up uncomfortably in your chest. 

“Apologise to Y/n right now.” Jenna demands dryly, not breaking eye contact with him. “If she can tell me where the remote is then sure.” 

Jenna’s grip on your hand tightened as her jaw clenched at his words. Fearing the argument was going to escalate quickly you tug at her hand making her break the staring contest to look at you with concern. 

“Apologise to my girlfriend right fucking now.” She growled out in a venous voice, her eyes never leaving the boys. 

Your heart stopped at her words as your eyes widened under the glasses. Girlfriend? Jenna thought of you as her girlfriend?

The two have an intense stare off as everyone else in the room holds their breaths, not knowing whether they should stop the argument or let it be.

Steve scoffs as he takes his eyes off Jenna standing up, laughing drunkenly with a shake of his head. “Fuck this, I’m out. This party was too lame for me anyway.” He announced as he headed towards the apartment door, slamming it shut behind him. 

Nobody moved, nobody uttered a word; all frozen in spot as to what just happened. 

You couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt crawling up your spine at the argument. If you didn't come none of this would've happened. 

Swallowing down any emotion in your voice you shakily slipped your hand free from Jenna’s. “Can you take me home please?” You gingerly whispered to her, your head hanging low. 

“Of course, I’ll go get my keys.” She replies instantly leaving the room to go retrieve her keys from the kitchen. 

“It was really nice to meet all of you.” You say, turning your body to face where the rest of them were, a weak smile on your lips. “I’m sorry for the whole mess and leaving early.” 

Emma moved to squeeze your shoulder momentarily as a sympathetic smile toyed on her lips. “You don't have to apologise for something that wasn't your fault.” She informs you.

You sigh as you nodded your head weakly, trying to let Emma’s words win the battle against your guilt. 

“We need to hang again, but without Steve this time.” Georgie says making you and a few others let out a weak chuckle. 

Jenna waltz back into the living room moving to your side and you quickly latch onto her elbow with a weak grip. 

“Thanks for having us over.” She says to them as she gives them a soft smile. All of them smile back as Joy nods her head.

You and Jenna make your departure without another word; no words being exchanged between you two as you head into the elevator.

The moment the doors closed in the elevator Jenna let out a sigh before she pulled you into a bone crushing hug, you're almost surprised you didn't drop your cane at the sudden movement. 

“I’m so sorry he said those things to you, Y/n, you didn't deserve any of that.” She whispers in a feather light tone of voice, her small arms surprisingly strong as they wrapped around your waist.

With one hand you wrapped it around her neck as you smiled a weak smile. “I know but it's okay, I promise. People say stupid shit all of the time especially when you have a disability; you just have to learn to not take it to heart.” 

“But he shouldn't have even said any of those things to you.” She added, removing one arm from around your waist to place her soft hand on your cheek. “You out of everyone don't deserve anything like that.”

Your heart melted at her words, nodding your head weakly. “I don't care about what he said, what I care about is what you said.” 

Jenna cocks her head to the side confused as she gazes at you. “What?” She questions confused, not knowing what she said.

“Apologise to my girlfriend right fucking know.” You quoted with your smile growing on your lips. “Last time I checked I didn't even know I was your girlfriend.”

Jenna’s cheeks turned a scarlet red shade of embarrassment as she let out a little. “Oh.” 

You giggled amused at her words as your fingers played loosely with the hair at the back of her neck. “Oh? Is that all you have to say?” You teased her before adding in a whisper. “Ask me.” 

“Ask you what?” Jenna asks, confused as she leaned into your touch. You rolled your eyes under the glasses as you paused your movement. “Ask me what I think of being called your girlfriend.” 

Eager to know your answer Jenna repeated your words with ease as she smiled nervously. “What do you think of being called my girlfriend?”

You smirked as you leaned even closer to her, your lips hovering over hers as you whispered. “That it's the only thing I've wanted to hear from you since our first date.” 

Jenna’s lips immediately connect with yours the second you finish speaking, sighing against your lips as she pulls you even impossibly closer to her.

You've never had what you'd describe as "perfect" in your life. But now to you, Jenna is the epitome of it. It's how you've always wanted life to feel, calm, and content; and you have that when you're with Jenna.

—————

taglist: @xxxtwilightaxelxxx @canvascoloredin @alexkolax @wol-fica @caitlynscat @jyucejpg @omega-horus @andsoigotabutterfly @fanboy7794 @jjsmaybank20 @zhasmindoesntknow @jujuu23 @214-sofa @ssinfulprayers @nitchxhdc

if you wanna be added to the taglist comment and i'll add you:)

authors note: i hope this was better

[brian-in-finance]

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WHAT THE STARS ARE SAYING

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Trusted since 1960

Founded in 1960, Backstage has a storied history of serving the entertainment industry. For over 60 years Backstage has served as a casting resource and news source for actors, performers, directors, producers, agents, and casting directors.

Over that time, Backstage Magazine has also appeared on numerous TV shows, such as “Mad Men,” “Entourage,” “Glee,” “Oprah,” NBC's “Today” show, Comedy Central's “@Midnight”, NY1's “On Stage,” and “Saturday Night Live,” as well as multiple mentions on shows like “Inside the Actor’s Studio,” “Girls,” and appearances in films such as “13 Going on 30,” the Farrelly brothers' “Stuck on You” and Spike Lee's “Girl 6,” and even a mention in Woody Allen's short-story collection “Mere Anarchy” and Augusten Burroughs' novel “Sellevision” – and Backstage has received accolades from multiple Academy Award-, Emmy-, and Tony-winning actors and directors. (Plus, the hit musical “The Last Five Years” even includes Backstage in its lyrics: “Here's a headshot guy and a new Backstage / Where you're right for something on every page.”)

CAITRÍONA BALFE

ACTRESS

"I still get Backstage emails 'cause I still subscribe to Backstage. [Backstage is) kind of the Bible in the beginning, which is amazing. Samuel French and Backstage go hand in hand, you know? You go there for your plays when you're in classes, and then you get your Backstage."

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Brian’s Note: The following story originally appeared in April 2015. Most recent update is December 2020.

The Gorgeous Determination of Caitríona Balfe

Caitríona Balfe is on the move. That's been true most of her adult life— especially the 10 years she was modeling for Victoria's Secret, Dolce & Gabbana, and others—but as she sits on the rooftop patio of a West Hollywood hotel in mid-March, she mentions that she's pulling up stakes from Los Angeles.

"It just feels silly to have an empty place for 10 months until I figure out what I'm doing with my life," the Irish-born actor says. "I've rented the same place for the last four years and now I have to give it up." Her apartment is being razed to put in condos, but her departure from L.A. is extra poignant considering this is the city where Balfe journeyed when she decided to put aside that successful modeling career and focus on the vocation she'd always wanted: acting.

Photo: Luc-Richard Elie

"I've moved so much since I was 18," she says. "I mean, l've lived so many places. New York, I lived in for almost eight years [while modeling], and that's been the longest of anywhere since I left Ireland. But L.A. is where I came and said, 'OK, this is what I wanna do with my life.' "

She refuses to think of her move as a permanent one, though. "I'll be back," she declares, "but it feels really sad. My little apartment, it's got so many memories."

Balfe's sadness is no doubt mitigated by the fact that part of her need to move is due to the precipitous rise in her fortunes. She'll soon be flying to Scotland to shoot the second season of "Outlander," which returns to Starz April 4 to conclude Season 1.

When last we saw Balfe's Claire, the resourceful British nurse who comes home after World War |I only to be inexplicably teleported into the 18th-century Highlands, she was half-naked with a knife to her breast. Don't worry: Claire will get out of that scrape, but more perils await-to say nothing of the emerging multi-era romantic triangle developing between her, the Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), and her 20th-century husband, Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies), who wonders where she's gone.

Based on the much-beloved Diana Gabaldon novels and developed for television by "Battlestar Galactica" rebooter Ronald D. Moore, "Outlander" is an ostensibly lush period-piece-within-a-period-piece drama that's consistently richer and thornier than its romance-novel trappings suggest. And much of the credit goes to Balfe, who had managed small parts in films such as “Super 8” and “Now You See Me” before landing the central role in this adaptation.

In person, Balfe is far less imposing than the steely Claire, who has to weather the dangers of being a woman in sexist, violent Scotland in the 1740s. Cast late in the preproduction of “Outlander”—Moore has mentioned in interviews how hard it was to find the right Claire—she didn’t have time to consider what the role would do to her life. “I’m so bad on social media," she confesses on this warm afternoon, nestled underneath a cabana. "I had set up an account on Twitter maybe a year or so before I got this job and had, I thought, a lot of followers — 250 or something, and most of them are my friends. Within about a month or two, it was thousands of people — and my phone, I didn't know how to turn off the alerts, so it was just going all the time. That was the beginning of the awareness."

Growing up in the small Irish community of Monaghan, Balfe had considered acting from an early age. ("I was devastated that I wasn't a child actor," she says, smiling. But after traveling to Dublin to study theater, she changed course once she received an offer to model. It wasn't a secret passion of hers, but who turns down a trip to Paris? "My parents felt that I should finish college," Balfe recalls, "but l'm slightly headstrong, so l took their advice and I completely ignored it."

Over the next decade, she lived in France, Italy, Germany, and Japan, her modeling inexperience hardly a detriment. "You'd be amazed how little information or training goes into it," she says. "When I first arrived in Paris, I was told to take a bus to the office. I left my suitcase — I barely spoke any French — and someone took me across the street, helped me buy a Carte Orange. They printed out five addresses that I had to go to that day, and then they sent me off." She still remembers at 18 riding the subway alongside 16-year-old aspiring Russian models, who knew no French or English, homesick and sobbing their eyes out. "That was just the way it was," says Balfe. "You become pretty tough. When I went to Japan, it was similar: They would drive you to their castings, but the minute you got a job, it would be like, 'Here's an address, here's a map. Good luck.' They don't have signposts in English in Japan, so the map and the address are not always very helpful."

Hear Balfe recount her early misadventures in modeling and you can't help but think of Claire, who's equally thrown to the wolves once she arrives in the 18th century amid people wary of the English in general and assertive women in particular. "Honestly, l've been in so many situations in my life where you just are completely displaced," Balfe says. “You have to adapt very quickly and figure it out. I definitely think that informs Claire a lot. It helped me understand her."

Did moving to Paris at such a young age teach Balfe that she can cope in any circumstance? "I think I didn't really realize that until many years later," she replies. "I have a great knack of not thinking about things and just going for it. You learn the hard way sometimes that you're able to get through, but sometimes it's quite tough when you're in a situation where you don't know anyone and you're trying to find your way around cities. But if an opportunity presents itself and it seems like a good idea, l'm just like, 'OK, let's do it, then I'll figure it out.'”

The decision to reconnect with her acting ambitions was conducted just as boldly. Ready to quit modeling, she moved to Los Angeles because a writer she was dating lived there. He was the only person she knew, but she had read a Vanity Fair interview with Amy Adams in which she said she trained with Warner Loughlin. "I could walk to that place from my ex-boyfriend's house," she says, "so l was like, 'Well, I'm gonna go there because I can't really drive. I started from scratch. I didn't have any managers, I didn't know any agents, I hadn't acted in almost a decade." But she just kept taking classes, moving from Loughlin to the studios of Sanford Meisner and Judith Weston. "I think when I first got here, I had a nice little air of delusion: 'It's gonna work out,'" she says with a laugh. “You just don't know how."

And then came "Outlander." By email, Moore admits that he didn't know Balfe's work until her audition tape came unsolicited to his office from her agent. Once she was chosen for Claire, he made it clear how demanding the job would be. “I told her in our first meeting that this was going to be an even bigger responsibility and workload than the normal TV lead," he writes. "Because the story was being told from Claire's point of view, Cait was going to be in every scene, every day for months, which is an extraordinary amount of work, far beyond what most actors are ever asked to do."

Moore's warning didn't faze Balfe. Writes Moore, "After she met with the president of Starz... and it was clear that she was going to land the role, I walked her to the elevator and just before the doors closed on her, I said 'Your life is about to change forever,' and she gave me a grin that was both thrilled and slightly nervous. I never saw her hesitate after that."

She's never hesitated before. As Balfe prepares to say goodbye to L.A. (for now, she thinks back to her early days in the city, trying to convince casting directors that she was more than just a model. "I went on many, many, many, many auditions that were Hot Girl No. 2 — you wanna shoot yourself," she says, laughing. "But, you know, I'm very lucky that l was even getting those auditions in the beginning. And it toughens you up. At least for me, to have that fuel to prove people wrong—it definitely spurs me on and makes me wanna work harder." Then she smiles conspiratorially. "And shove it to them."

Backstage 2

Remember… I told her in our first meeting that this was going to be an even bigger responsibility and workload than the normal TV lead. — Ronald D Moore

[oneshotnewbie]

Now this one isn’t the character but for the shoe station-19 in general, what if Carina and Maya have a daughter that’s older in the show, and you’re at the emmys irl. And Y/N won the award for best supporting actress and she thanks stephina and Danielle in her speech cause it’s her first acting gig ever and they took her under her wing and really made her feel like a daughter??? Thoughts?

Authors note: It's very short because at the time I wrote this I was sick and my head wasn't working as well as I would have liked. I hope you still like what I wrote. Have a nice day ♥

ᕚ---ᕘ

The glamorous ballroom was filled with a sea of sparkling gowns and elegant suits, which showed their full splendor in the festive, warm spotlights. At the center of the stage was a shiny podium with a glowing Emmy Award just waiting to be won.

A strong and unrestrained applause from the audience echoed through the majestic walls and the lights in the hall flickered wildly as the presenter stepped to the microphone with a solemn voice and an enthusiastic smile and announced the highlight of the evening. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's the time we've all been eagerly awaiting! We're here to present the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Are you ready?"

He drummed his hands enthusiastically on the stand in front of him, largely elevating the mood of the celebrities in the room. The camera panned from him to the excited faces of the nominees as they sat tensely in their seats. The tension was literally palpable. "And the Emmy goes to.." he opened the red envelope in his hands and continued with the famous words as he excitedly announced them. "Y/n y/l/n!"

A deafening round of applause erupted and the room shook with applause and cheers as you stood up from your seat, eyes wide and heart pounding. Your hands were shaking with excitement as you walked onto the stage with tears in your eyes and a bright smile, the audience watching you intently as the camera captured the emotionally charged reaction. In that moment, feelings of joy, pride and surprise flooded through you.

You reached the shining podium where the Emmy waited for you, shiny and golden like a symbol of all the hard work and dedication you had put into your art, feeling the warmth of the golden metal in your cold hands. There was a moment of silence before you cleared your throat and looked up at the crowd. "Wow, I can't believe it. This is really surreal," you began, your voice shaking slightly as you were overwhelmed by the thoughts and feelings flooding your mind.

The bright lights from the cameras almost blinded you as the host presented you with the Emmy. The crowd continued to cheer and you could feel the excitement crackling in the air. Standing in front of the microphone, you felt the weight of the moment on your shoulders and took a deep breath, your eyes immediately scanning the beaming audience until you spotted the familiar faces of the people who had made you who you were today - Danielle and Stefania. A smile spread across your face and your eyes filled with deep gratitude. "I can hardly express how grateful I am for this moment. For me this is not just a trophy, but a symbol of the journey I have taken with so many wonderful people."

Applause broke out again and you took a deep breath, visibly moved as you tried to continue your speech with a big smile and tears of joy in your eyes. "It's my first role and I'm standing here with this incredible award in my hands. I couldn't have done it without the support of some really special people."

You turned your gaze again to Danielle and Stefanie, who beamed with emotion and looked at you with proud eyes. "Dani, Stef, you are the cornerstones of my success. When I was unsure and the world of acting seemed so foreign to me, you took me under your wing. You not only taught me how to play a role, but you made me feel like a real daughter who was truly loved."

The eyes of the two women in question shone with pure emotion, and a hint of it was in the air as they sent several air kisses your way, encouraging you to continue. The room listened reverently as you continued to try to put your thoughts into words. "You saw my fears and helped me to grow beyond myself. Danielle, you were and still are like a anchor in the surf. You saw my fears and helped me overcome them. Stefania, you nurtured my dreams and gave me the wings to fly."

A gentle round of applause accompanied your words as you turned your attention back to the Emmy you were holding tightly in your hands. "This Emmy doesn't just belong to me. It belongs above all to you two because you are not only extraordinary actors, but also extraordinary people. Thank you for being my family. Thanks also to the entire team at Station 19 - Jaina, Gray, Jason, Jay, Barrett... here's to many more years with you as a series family by my side!"

“We love you, y/n/n!” the latina shouted and the crowd cheered once more while you couldn´t help but smile at the call in of Jaina. Danielle and Stefania clapped with proud and emotional faces as you left the stage. The cameras captured the moment, where you fell into the arms of your friends and they celebrated you with happiness. Tears of joy in Danielle and Stefania's eyes in this magical moment could be seen, while the music slowly began to play and the hall celebrated the triumph of this special and successful evening.

[fayes-fics]

Atonement

Paring: Anthony Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: Anthony returns home early and catches you breaking his rules.

Warnings: 18+ smut, minors DNI, light d/s tones, innocence/corruption kink, spanking, fingering, squirting.

Word count: 2.4k. These might as well be subtitled Faye cannot write short Drabbles

Build a blurb prompt: Anthony + 👅 smut + 😇innocence kink + 💦squirting + 🏓 spanking (from @iboopedyournose)

Authors note: Fourth 1k follower celebration fic. Betaed by the fab makaylan. This is for the lovely Emmy as she battles through her finals. I hope you enjoy <3

“Anthony!” you exclaim in shock, rapidly attempting to smooth out the bedding as he strides in, looking very handsome. He’s been away on a trip for three days, less than two weeks into your marriage, and you have missed him terribly.

“Y/n,” he greets, his brow knitting slightly, “not quite the welcome home I was expecting; why did you retire to bed so early?” he asks, obviously expecting to find you downstairs upon his arrival.

You are reluctant to speak the truth. You are not unwell or tired, not even slightly. You retired to bed to think on him, more precisely, to touch yourself and think on him. Even though he asked you not to, expressly saying he wished for you to remain untouched until his return so that you might be mindless for him. Those were the exact words he whispered in your ear as he took you on the morning he left.

He pulls off his jacket and unloops his cravat, looking at you expectantly. Like he is awaiting an answer, or at least for you to get out of bed and greet him. When you do neither, he looks intrigued.

“You seemed to call my name in surprise when I walked in. What exactly did I catch you doing?” his tone is laced with something else you can't put your finger on as he draws closer to the bed.

“Nothing,” you fib, smoothing over the bedding unnecessarily again, the nervous energy and built-up arousal making you fidgety.

“Wife,” he drawls slowly as he reaches the bed. “I know when you are lying to me,” he tuts.

Your cheeks blush hard, but you stay quiet.

“Were you… touching yourself?” Anthony questions, his pitch much lower this time, leaning over and looking deep into your eyes as you instinctually lean further back into the pillows, gripping tightly onto the cover pulled up around your neck.

“You’ve been away for three days, Anthony. I… I… missed you,” you answer honestly but with a hint of a defensive tone, staring up into his eyes.

“Hmmm indeed,” he smirks, lowering his face right over yours so all you see are his beautiful brown eyes blazing at you, making your heart pound in your chest. His gaze falls to your lips briefly, and then his hand rounds behind your neck and cranes you up slightly, your lips meeting. You make a whimper into his mouth as he kisses you fiercely, demanding entry into your mouth and swallowing your little noises. He tastes of cigars and expensive brandy.

“What did I expressly ask you not to do while I was gone?” he questions as he ends the kiss, pulling away slightly with a raised eyebrow and brushing his fingers over your face.

“Touch myself,” you exhale onto his cheek.

“And what did I catch you just doing?” He queries, resting his forehead against yours, licking his lips almost predatory. He knows; you should have guessed.

“You are home earlier than you said you would be,” you whisper, divulging the truth through deflection.

“Indeed. How many times did you touch yourself while I was away? Every night?” His questions are across your lips as you are so close you breathe each other's air, his mouth ghosting over yours as his hands are buried in your hair, holding your head.

You bite your lip.

“More than that?” he intuits. “Dear god, what have I created? I took your innocence a mere two weeks ago, and now you are touching yourself like a harlot. Is that what you are?” Anthony demands, moving to cup your jaw firmly. “Are you a naughty little harlot?” he asks again, his breathing becoming slightly laboured. His pupils dilated. His touch firmer.

“No, husband,” you whisper, this seems to be a new game he wants to play, and you are unsure that is the answer he wants from you. You so desperately want to please him.

“Hmmm, the evidence would suggest otherwise,” he hums and pulls away quickly, yanking back the covers from you.

He gasps raggedly at the sight before him. You are entirely naked save your wedding ring.

“You have been sleeping without a nightgown? Completely nude?” he growls, his eyes finally tearing from ogling your body, returning to your face. His eyes are on fire now.

“Yes, but sometimes… I… sometimes sleep with your shirts; they smell of you,” you confess quickly, lowering your gaze, almost ashamed.

“Wife,” his hand is back on your jaw, tilting your head to look up at him towering over you, standing next to your martial bed. “I think it’s time you learned when I ask you to do so something, you need to obey me. Or there will be consequences,” he warns, his eyes glittering.

You inhale sharply. “What sort of consequences?” you query, something sparking in your belly, a tang in the air that suggests they will be pleasant. His grip on your face tightens, a thumb in the divot under your cheekbone, pressing your cheek against your molar teeth.

“I will need to spank you to atone for your defiance,” he states firmly.

You gasp and stare up at him wide-eyed. You have heard rumours of this from your ladies' maid—husbands who like to provide discipline to their wives via something called ‘spanking’. You only know it as something you experienced as a child as punishment; you assume this must be something different. But you are innocent of what it might entail—yet something hot flares between your legs.

“Turn over,” he says, almost menacing, staring down.

You do as you are told, an oily feeling of fear mingled with suspense low in your belly. A warm hand touches your bare bottom, rubbing a gentle circle.

“What did I tell you not to do, wife?” he challenges his tone a little steely.

“Touch myself,” you breathe against the pillow, craning to look at him over your shoulder.

“That's correct,” his hand moves to your other cheek. “And how many times did you touch yourself while I was away? How many times did you disobey me?”

“Six times,” you exhale.

“Six times in three days?!?” he exclaims. “That is twice a day, my darling little harlot of a wife. Do you know what that means?” he checks, clawing his hand so his fingernails scratch the globe of your bottom.

“No.”

“You get one spank for every time you disobeyed me,” he tuts, “that is six spanks, three on each cheek,” he explains, his tone clipped. He leans down and whispers quickly into your ear. “Should you wish me to stop, dear wife, say red. But I really hope you do not.” As it is muttered, he is back, standing up straight.

You realise he has given you a way to stop the process should you not enjoy it. But an insistent buzz between your legs suggests you at least like the idea.

His hand raises briefly from your skin, then slaps back down, spanking your right cheek.

You squeak in surprise. Your skin tingles where he made contact, and you feel your muscles flex.

“Ohhh,” escapes your lips unsolicited. You realise this is the same action you encountered as a misbehaving child, but this experience is different—something teasing and indeed exciting. Being spanked by your husband naked in bed is a new sensation you find quite intriguing; you definitely don't want him to stop.

“I would like you to count your punishments, wife,” he lectures as his hand gently rubs where the sting fades.

“One,” you reply quickly.

“Good girl,” he compliments, and you feel a flood between your legs at his praise. Nothing brings you more pleasure than pleasing him.

The warmth of his palm is gone again then there is a mirroring smack on your other cheek. The sensation is similar, and you feel a throb at the juncture of your thighs now.

“Two.”

“Excellent. Are you enjoying learning new things, wife?” he buzzes gently, again soothing the sting.

“Yes,” you whisper quietly.

“Mmm, I thought you might.”

Then there is another spank. This one is harder than the last two; back to your other cheek. You jump slightly at the feeling.

“Three.”

Rapidly he repeats the action on the other cheek, hitting the same spot, and you feel warmth spreading there like your skin is blooming a new shade under his attention.

“Four,” you count obediently. This time as Anthony made contact, you pushed your bottom up a fraction, pushed up onto his stroke, and it did not go unnoticed.

“Oh, you are enjoying this, aren't you?” he gloats.

“Yes, husband,” you admit softly, almost ashamed but going with the feeling. He has been the person to teach you that.

“Just two more, then perhaps there is a treat I can give you, seeing as you are doing so very well with your first spanking,” he flatters, his fingers digging into your bottom a fraction as he grips your flesh.

This time you actively jump as his hand slaps onto your cheek with a sound that echoes around the walls of your bed-chamber. You make a noise halfway between a squeal and a groan at the pleasurable pain that radiates from the impact.

“Five,” you choke out.

You puff out a little air to deal with the resulting sting just as you feel his hand slip down between your cheeks and lightly brush your core. You inhale sharply, your legs parting on instinct as you press against his fingers ploughing between your lips and catching against your clit.

“Anthony,” you breathe so, so desperate for him.

“Someone is enjoying their punishment far too much,” he chuckles darkly, bending over and biting your earlobe. “I think you’ll really enjoy what comes next,” is a hot breath against your cheek.

Just as he finishes his promise, he deals your last blow. Again it is loud and on the edge of pain; you feel the sting radiate across your skin as you blow out a breath to lessen the ache.

“Six,” you dutifully end your count with a tremulous exhale.

“Well done,” he lavishes praise, rubbing your sore bottom with soothing strokes as he kisses your shoulder and up your neck to your mouth, your lips meeting in a lingering passionate kiss. “Would you like a little treat for being such a good, dutiful wife?”

Then his hand is slipping between your thighs and forcing them wider apart.

“Keep your head down but bring your knees up, please,” he orders, moving closer to your feet.

You heed his instructions without a second thought. The position feels lewd and vulnerable, your face on the pillow, your hips up high off the bed.

Anthony climbs onto the bed between your legs, and you crane your neck to look around, assuming he will remove his trousers and enter you from behind, as he has done before. You are more than ready for him, aching, in fact, from your enjoyment of the discipline he metered out.

But he does not undress further; instead, he leans over your back and places a kiss there.

“Are you ready to try something new?” he asks gently, his tongue tracing over your spine.

“Yes, husband,” you pant, intrigued.

The fingers of one hand drag across your bottom, then sink between your legs again, teasing your clit, and you gasp and push back against his feather-light touch. As you chase more, he moves, and two fingers slip inside you, sliding deep; you exhale and moan at the sensation. You make a surprised noise as he brushes a particularly sensitive spot, and you feel him chuckle quiet but triumphant against your skin. He shuffles, and suddenly, there is a rocking force on that spot inside.

“Oh my god,” you whisper to yourself as much as him, an entirely different sensation blooming.

You feel his fingers moving in and out of you at rapid speed, the squelching noises he is drawing from your body making you blush even as you push back against his actions. You look around to see a handsome smug smile on his face as he pulls upright.

“How is that wife?” he inquires, his voice a touch breathless from continued exertion.

“What the….” your words die out on a long groan as your channel convulses tightly around his fingers, almost trying to push them out.

Your legs start to twitch and spasm, and he has to remind you to focus, stay up on your knees and open for him. All the while, his fingers push hard, jabbing against a place that feels like a shortcut to your clit.

“Ready?” he warns.

“What on earth for?” you wonder, but the answer comes with actions. You start squealing and clawing at the pillow, gripping the headboard above your head for dear life as your body writhes unbidden, an unrelenting pressure building up inside around his fingers. His thumb now catches your clit and flicks against it rapidly. You feel like you are dandling breathlessly over a precipice but scared to release, something foreign feeling so ready to burst.

“Let it go,” he instructs, and you break—a massive release of white-hot pleasure, exhaling a scream instead of fighting your instincts. Your core pulses in strong waves as you bite the pillow, and shudders wrack all of your limbs. You are floating somewhere both routed within and miles away from your overwrought body.

“Well done, darling, that was perfect,” he praises as you return to the room, feeling a wetness dripping down your thighs. You shift your knee, and it lands on a wet patch of bedding.

“What the…?” you whip around to see Anthony has pulled off his white shirt and is wiping his arm. “Anthony, what was that…?” you demand, “What is all this…?” you curl away from the spot, stunned by what you see.

“That is all you, darling,” he crows, gently manoeuvring your legs so he can wipe down your thighs. He chuckles as you spy the dampness on his trousers. “You made such a beautiful mess everywhere; you should not be ashamed of what happened, what I can make your body do. I could not be prouder,” he smiles.

Still not wholly comprehending, you curl up on your side, feeling spent and exhausted, and he spoons around you.

“Although I will have to sleep on your side of the bed with you tonight, wife, as you have made mine unusable. What a terrible shame,” he smiles warmly against your neck.

“What about you, husband?” you ask drowsily, feeling something hard and hot pressed up against your bottom.

“You can wake me up with your mouth on my cock,” he murmurs gently with a yawn.

“Sounds nice,” you hum sleepily.

“Yes, it truly does,” he opines as you both slip into a slumber wrapped together.

Anthony taglist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @wysteria-clad @colettebronte @aintnuthinbutahounddog @margofiore @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @crowleysqueenofhell @bridgertontess @queenofmean14 @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld

[saltygilmores]

Thoughts While Watching Gilmore Girls, Season 2, Episode 21- Lorelai’s Graduation Day, Aka Lovesick Stepcousins In The Big City, Part 3

I'm cheering Rory on as she leaves school grounds, leaving these 35 year old classmates in the dust, and as she manages to pull it off under the eyes of two teachers or administrators. Yes yes yes! Well from here on out it's going to be pure Literati appreciation with only minimal anger and rage, you know, my usual shtick. That being said, when that happens I start to sound a little disjointed, like, this episode is so pure and precious and enjoyable that I really don't have much snarky commentary on it and I can just watch it. What am I without my snark powers?

Destiny awaits. In one of many examples of what I call "Gilmore Girls Poor"*, which is a term I coined myself for how AmyShermanPalladino views lower/middle class/urban/city life, Rory manages to end up in the Port Authority Bus Terminal in another dimension. The Alternate Dimension, 100% white, Spotlessly Clean, Nearly People-Free New York City Bus Terminal where she stared down a scary dude without being stabbed and she was offered a locker to store her book bag. (*More examples of GGP: In season 4, Jess is 19 years old, a high school dropout, and is living in a clean, rat and roach free, enormous New York City apartment with working utiltiies and large windows that in today's housing crisis people would murder him to get, he just needed a bed frame and to pick his shit up off the floor but we are supposed to believe its a crack den; Rory and Lorelai live in a beautiful home and eat take out and restaurant food every day on nothing more than an innkeeper's slary)

This was cute. Rory the little mouse getting ignored by city folk. I love it so much.

I think AmyShermanPalladino inserted this smoking guy to make it look like Rory was in a rough part of town. Someone finally gives our little mouse an abrupt answer on how to get to Washington Square Park where she can meet her stepcousin and her destiny.

The little smirk before he turns around! And then, and then...and then...the big grin when he sees her!

I am STARVING for stepcousins!!!!!! ..And the Emmy Award for the whitest words ever spoken on teleivison goes to Alexis Bledel, as Rory Gilmore in Gilmore Girls:

Baring his naked forearms like a saucy strumpet. Book sticking awkwardly out of his back pocket. He either finds the smallest books or has the roomiest ass pockets that he keeps pulling that off. How does he do that?

This is all so precious and pure I could die.

He is RAPT with attention listening to her silly stories. Show me where Dean or Logan ever paid this much attention to her telling one of these stories.

We know, Bubs. We know :(

Red alert! Red alert! Our first display of physical contact!

Jess says he eats from this hot dog cart every day. Let's unpack this: 1) Holy child neglect, Batman! I mean, Liz Danes. You can't even make your kid a peanut butter and jelly sandwich once in a while? This boy is feral. These are survival hot dogs. This may be all he can afford to eat on his own. 2) How are you still as skinny as a rail? 3) How's your blood pressure? 4) Where are you getting the money?

This sweet bubba unquestionably paid for Rory's lunch like a true gentleman.

I refuse to acknolwedge any sort of Behind the Scenes Hollywood mumbo jumbo like "Milo wasn't ACTUALLY eating the hot dog" or “umm, it’s a prop hot dog”. i am firmly committed to a scenario where everyone on the set for this episode was like "Milo our precious vegetarian baby boy we will get you a tofu hot dog to eat"

Ending this chapter with this adorable face.

[d-criss-news]

Evan Rachel Wood, Darren Criss on Stepping Into ‘Little Shop of Horrors’: “We’re Both These Little Theater ’90s Nerds”

The 'Westworld' actress and 'American Crime Story' star open up about deciding to take the stage together, personal connections to their characters, and their love for Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.

It’s early afternoon on a Friday when Darren Criss and Evan Rachel Wood pick up the phone, just five days before the duo is set to debut as the new Seymour and Audrey in off-Broadway‘s Little Shop of Horrors. Both are on their way to the Westside Theatre stage for their first top to bottom run-through, taking over the complicated but beloved characters based on Roger Corman’s 1960 horror comedy and deftly adapted for the stage by theater legends Howard Ashman (book and lyrics) and Alan Menken (music). Now in its fifth year, several notable names have left their mark on this U.S. revival of the dark goings-on of a Skid Row flower shop: Jonathan Groff, Jeremy Jordan, Conrad Ricamora, Corbin Bleu, Constance Wu, Maude Apatow, Tammy Blanchard, Lena Hall. But none quite like this, as an intentional leap together among friends.

As the interview begins, Wood — who is already at the theater — openly wonders whether she should take the elevator down to where she’ll soon meet co-star and friend Criss, before quickly interjecting that “you might lose me for two seconds.” Meanwhile, Criss declares he opted to skip the subway after realizing he was running behind, as he briefly turns on his Zoom camera to reveal himself in the backseat of a car.

Later, his voice will drop out for a few minutes, before reappearing, sounding winded. “I have my ear pods in, and so I just got out of the car talking to you guys, and you cut out,” he tells The Hollywood Reporter. “Then I looked at the car driving away, so I just sprinted down the block to grab it.” This frantic energy is reminiscent of what you can find within this kind of scrappy, fast-paced, off-Broadway musical environment in the final days before curtains go up. As replacements, Criss and Wood will do so with less time to rehearse and no preview audiences on which to test their performances, but that doesn’t seem to phase either of them. Instead, with their easy and fun rapport, the duo celebrate the challenge of what it means to be passed this mantle for a three-month run, beginning Jan. 30. On Tuesday, Wood will make her New York theater debut, a long-awaited moment for the actress who grew up with a father (Ira David Wood III) as an actor, playwright and theater director in her hometown of Raleigh. With her early stage ambitions sidelined by a burgeoning film career — later including movie musicals like Frozen II and Across the Universe — the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated Wood will finally return to her performance roots, a year after news of her attachment to a possible Thelma & Louise musical adaptation for Broadway.

Little Shop of Horrors will also mark Criss’ first return to New York’s musical theater world since a multi-week replacement run in 2015 as Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. On the phone, he’s adamant that, absent traditional musical theater training, he’s fooled the world into thinking he’s more than an “actor trying to act like he knows how to sing.” But with several EPs, a Christmas album, Billboard-charting work with StarKids Productions, and roles in musical-driven screen projects like Glee and Hazbin Hotel, it’s hard not to believe that the Emmy and SAG award-winning performer, like Wood, will be right at home. Ahead of their debut, the duo spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about sharing the stage, the impact of Little Shop of Horrors across the stage and screen, their love of Ashman and Menken, and why these roles are personally resonant and remain culturally timely. Darren, you said in a previous interview that you had been begging Evan to come do theater in New York for years. How did you make that happen now and for you both together? CRISS Let me just start by saying as much as I can before she can hear me. I’m in a regular habit of just exalting Evan for her talent. I’d done this before I even had the great privilege of getting to know and become friends with her. I’m always talking about how wonderfully talented she is and how I’ve always really loved her voice and her breadth of ability. When I meet people who are these wonderful triple threats that have a really strong theatrical background — people who can sing and don’t have as many opportunities as I wish they did — I get off on the idea of people who didn’t know that they could do this thing finally getting to see that they could do this thing.

Evan has done a lot of singing in her life. She’s literally a Disney princess for Frozen II and there’s obviously Across the Universe. But knowing that she has this really strong theatrical background, I’ve always been hell-bent on getting her on a stage. As a friend, she has popped up on many gigs with me in my personal life just for fun and parties I’ve thrown. She showed up for me on the Christmas album. She’s said yes to me far more many times than I frankly deserve. So when this came around, a lot of my colleagues — a lot of my friends — have been Seymour, and who loves theater that doesn’t love Little Shop of Horrors? It would be a really fun time for me, but the thing that would make it really, really special is if I had got the chance to do it with an Audrey that not only I thought really could bring something spectacular to the role, but on a personal level, this is off-Broadway. We’re all doing this scrappy theater thing in a basement together. If we’re going to live on top of each other might as well be someone but I’m also personally very fond of and have a wonderful relationship with. So short story that’s way too long, I went to Evan and said “Hey, I have an idea. Would you be available to do this?” and thank my lucky stars, she said yes. I’m just a pig in shit, getting to do this with her. It’s an absolute joy. Evan, what’s your response to that glowing review, but also, why did you want to make this show your off-Broadway New York theater debut?

WOOD Funny enough, I have been so close to being on Broadway a handful of times and something has always come in the way of scheduling or something falls apart. It was actually my dream as a kid. I went back and read some old interviews of mine when I was around 12 or 13, and I completely had forgotten that my dream was to go live in New York, go to NYU, and do theater in New York. That was where my sights were set before my life sort of got derailed for a moment. So it’s always been in my sights. It’s gotten increasingly harder over the years to make it work, especially if you have kids, to be away from home for such long periods of time. Usually, the theater commitments are an amount of time that I was just never able to do and so the timing was perfect because I was thinking to myself, “God, I wish I could go to New York and do a play, but maybe not a six-month run. Maybe something around three months. A classic musical that’s going to be really fun.” Darren called me maybe a week later and said, “I’d love for you to come and do it with me,” and it was like an instant yes. To piggyback on what Darren said, I feel very similarly about Darren and that whenever he’s asked me to do something, I just know it’s going to be great. I know it’s going to be fun and I fully believe in everything that he does and his talent. We’re both these little theater ’90s nerds that just hit it off in so many ways, and we collaborate well together. I just felt like we would like this project. It’s made so much sense for both of us that it was a no-brainer.

Little Shop of Horrors is one of those musicals that even people who aren’t big fans of musical theater and attend regularly are aware of, both in terms of story and music. Among the many adaptations of this, whether it was a professional or high school staging or even any of the movie versions, was there one that made you want to do this show? CRISS I’ll say this. As hip of an aura as I’ve tried to give off, make no mistake, I think the biggest gateway to this property for everybody is hands down the movie. I was not seeing off off Broadway theater in the 1980s. I wasn’t there, and that’s why I love movie musicals so much. As much as I love going to the theater, being able to go to a Broadway show is a very specific and privileged situation tied to being in New York City. But whether it’s a liked or celebrated movie, it is still going to be the most accessible thing in perpetuity for everybody. So definitely the movie and those songs. Before you can really understand the complexities of the thematic, Faustian elements and high dramaturgical elements of the story — and before you even get the comedy — you get the music. Especially when you’re really young and your parents are playing you things that you go, “OK, well, kids can get behind music.” It doesn’t take much to understand that the music from that show is beloved. I mean, this music and this show are like proto-Disney Renaissance. It’s like what got [Jeffrey] Katzenberg to ask Alan Menken and Howard Ashman to help them out. It was like, “We want to do some Disney musical fairy tales.” Now, because of the show, we have The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast.

I grew up in the ’90s, as me and Evan tend to relate upon a lot. With The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and these films that I loved so much, as I got older, I really wanted to know more about the people behind them. I became obsessed with, and I talk a lot about, Howard Ashman and how much of an influence he’s had on the musical theater genre ever since the popularity of those films. So I wanted to go back to the start of that, and that’s when I started to dive into Little Shop and discover how this was the sort of nexus — the genesis — of everything. WOOD Yeah, same. I grew up watching the film and being so terrified by it, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. I grew up doing theater. My father runs a theater in Raleigh, North Carolina, and so that was my childhood. I was always listening to show tunes, and as Darren said, the classic Disney albums, acting out plays in my living room and Little Mermaid was certainly one of them. Ellen Greene’s performance always stuck with me, and I am also a major Howard Ashman-Alan Menkin nerd for similar reasons as Darren. Those were all things that drew me to it. I was really terrified about and still am terrified about being eaten by the plant because it was like a deep seated childhood fear of mine that I had to conquer to do this show. It’s stuck with me since childhood. It’s not as bad as you would think. But it’s still pretty scary. Also just a fun fact, I was cast as Audrey in the seventh-grade school play, but I couldn’t do it because I was doing movies. (Laughs.) So I got pulled out of school, but I was almost Audrey in seventh grade.

CRISS You aged into it well. This is a much more appropriate time in your life being Audrey than in seventh grade, so worked out just great. (Laughs.) I just have to say, this production, we both have our careers going on and different dragons that we’re chasing in our professional and personal lives that committing to a big Broadway production is a huge investment. What’s so wonderful about this is, the way the show is set up, we can kind of come in for just a little bit. It’s really high output but like low stakes — and I don’t want to say that to be reductive of the production. I mean that the show is beloved. There are people that know this show but have never seen it, and have heard of it and know the songs without ever even having tried to listen and know the songs. So it’s so culturally ubiquitous, that it’s a very, welcome accessible thing for all kinds of folks and that might cross-pollinate between me and Evan’s demographic of people who might be interested in us. Also, it’s been running for long enough that I feel protected. I’ve seen this production several times. Evan and I went just last night. It’s something that you don’t have to figure out. One of the hardest parts about getting a show up on its feet is like, does it work? Do we want this song in? We got to do with an audience and you really have to workshop stuff for a long time. Shows take years before they’ve reached mainstream Broadway, so the fact that all that legwork is taken out is a no-brainer for us. It’s just this really like warm snuggle from something that we really love.

You’re right in that this is not a traditional production experience for you, as you’re coming in after others, and you have less rehearsal time, no previews. What have the challenges or exciting elements of that been for you so far? WOOD I don’t know about you, Darren, but I feel like one of the reasons why I said yes to doing this with you is because this is kind of where you and I thrive — in the fast-paced chaos. I need a challenge sometimes. I need that adrenaline and I need that fast pace, especially if I’m coming in to do theater. That’s where I grew up, and that’s what I’m used to. That’s where home is for me. So coming back into the theater into the organized chaos of it all feels right. My brain loves it and thrives off of it. When somebody says “Oh, this is a really hard number to learn,” I think, “This is going to be my favorite number.” (Laughs.) I love figuring something out, and picking it apart piece by piece and putting it back together, then conquering it. There’s just such satisfaction that comes from doing that there, Darren, and I think it’s similar for you. CRISS It is kind of a party trick some people are quick studies of, for better or for worse. I think this kind of pace suits us. I think it’s something that we wear pretty well, and I think we do that a lot in our own lives. But to do it together is pretty fun. I’ve thrown Evan into all kinds of things where she’ll just show up knowing a whole song last minute. That’s not too dissimilar, and it’s not like we’re learning new music. We know these songs.

In the theater world, you learn a track. It’s literally a track — there are little railroad tracks set around the stage because there’s no follow spots. The lights are where they are. You don’t have to do hours of tech rehearsal, figuring out where the lighting cues are. They’re there. It is our job to jump into a machine that is already very well-oiled and running. So in that regard, you’re kind of free from having to worry about that stuff. But you can just focus on your characterization and nuance within these very, specific directives. I’ve done a few put-ins. I think this is probably your first, Evan, for a show that’s already going. Correct me if I’m wrong. WOOD I did learn, for the record, Baz Luhrmann in one night and performed it the next night. CRISS Case and point. So yeah, doing a put-in — I’ve done it a few times for Broadway — it’s nice because then you can just focus on the little things that you really want to play with and not worry about these big macro things. What’s funny is that people always say, “Oh, I love Broadway music. I love Seymour from Little Shop of Horrors.” The word Broadway is often conflated with the music from narrative storytelling, whether it be from films or TV. This show was always an off-Broadway darling. It was only really on Broadway for a little bit in 2003. Beyond that, it’s the movie and this off-off-Broadway show, which started in the ’80s and ran for a pretty long time. Then in just so many regional and school productions. But it’s actually only been on Broadway for a minority of the time.

WOOD And that was intentional, right? It was really important to them to keep it off Broadway because that was the spirit of the show. It was on Skid Row. It wasn’t supposed to be a big huge glitzy production. CRISS When you contextualize it, it’s a famous show now, but if you’re in the ’80s, and you’ve got some big Broadway musicals happening uptown, and you’re trying to tell your friends, “Yeah, I saw this thing downtown. You got to come. It’s kind of this doo-wop that’s based of this Roger Corman B-movie. There’s a plant that’s a puppet but it’s hard to explain. You just got to come down and see it.” (Laughs.) Trying to contextualize that, it makes you realize this really is a weird thing, man. It’s a weird, off-the-beaten-path, outlying renegade show. You’ve both done musicals in different mediums, which is, obviously, a different process. Was there anything you brought in with you about doing it on-screen to your performances now? WOOD It’s kind of the opposite for me. I’ve carried theater into my film work because I started in theater, so I learned how to do things fluidly and without stopping. There’s a lot of stop and start in TV and film and sometimes that’s nice. But sometimes it’s frustrating, especially when you come from a theater background. There’s something so satisfying about telling the story from beginning to end and playing the entire arc of the character in one go. There’s just a certain energy and an aliveness that comes with that that you can’t have when you have the camera in the room and it’s constantly moving and starting and stopping and changing.

CRISS I would say the same thing. I don’t know if this math checks out, but I think I’ve spent in my collective hours working in any kind of performing art more time in a theater than I have on a set. That might not be true, but in my mind, it feels that way. I constantly feel like I’m bringing what I know in the theater to film and television. I’d always prefer to be doing theater, but these days, listen, I’ll work anywhere, anyhow. As long as, hopefully, it’s positive, and additive to the world in some way. The theater, without getting on a total spiritual kick, it is a holy place. It’s an ancient art form. It is catharsis. It is sharing something with people in real-time before your very eyes. It’s why, despite the fact that we have TV and film and every possible AR, VR medium to displace our reality, theater is still around. It’s why we go to church, why we go to temple, why we go to the mosque — so we can experience something that we collectively want to believe in. We’re strangers and we want to elevate ourselves to something that’s bigger than the sum of our parts. I realize I said I didn’t want to get into a whole spiritual thing with it, but there you go. That can only happen after the fact, months if not years after you do it in a film set.

Evan and I are about to do our first put-in rehearsal, which is to say, we’re going to do the whole thing top to bottom, but there will be a key character missing, and that is the audience. The audience is one of the main characters of any show. And as much as you’d not want to break the fourth wall — that they’re not supposed to be there — of course, they’re there. Of course, that’s why we’re there — to have that kind of sacred communion with an audience giving you the privilege of their presence. You have a responsibility and a duty to make sure that you are sharing some kind of worthwhile experience with them. So getting to renew that experience every night, to me, is the most noble vocation that you can have as an artist.

WOOD I learned how to sing before I learned how to act because I wanted to do musical theater. So this is my favorite thing to do. Of all the mediums is being able to marry the singing and the acting together. Always my first love. CRISS I’m still learning how to do those two things, which is why Evan Rachel Wood is in this production — to teach me how to do those things. (Laughs.) Part of why shows like Little Shop go on for so long — why they can get this many revivals or adaptations — is that there’s something timeless about the story and its characters. For you, what is most timeless about Seymour and Audrey? Amid all the other actors who have taken on these roles, what are you most connecting to? WOOD From what I understand, everybody that’s come in to do the show brings their own energy and spin on it. Especially with Audrey — Ellene Greene, her performance is so iconic. The look, the voice, the songs. So stepping into that is figuring out how I pay homage to the parts of this character that people love and expect to see, but also bring my vibe and energy to it. That’s exciting to figure out what my Audrey looks like. For me, it’s also hard not to relate to her and her struggles because, unfortunately, those are very timeless — poverty, abuse, patriarchy. She’s sort of a victim of all of those things. Not to get too real for a second, but I am a domestic violence survivor playing this character who is going through similar struggles, who has these similar feelings and dreams of getting out and going to a better place and getting far, far away from her past. They’re all very real things, but they’re in this setting of campiness and horror. What’s amazing about the show for me is that it is fun. It is campy. There are man-eating plants. But there’s such sincerity to it as well. Especially with Audrey, Seymour, and their relationship. There are so many beautiful real moments between the two of them. Themes of poverty and capitalism are still just so prevalent that that’s why it’s so timeless because these things just are not going away.

CRISS I’m glad Evan mentioned her own experience and what that brings to the show. I think, for my money, pathos is a dish best served sweet. Comedy and fun are a wonderful support system for really heavy themes. WOOD Exactly. CRISS I think I’m that I’m more likely to take something more seriously if it’s not shoved down my throat. This is a comedy and to me, there’s not a lick of fat on this thing from Howard Ashman who was just such an extraordinary dramaturg. He took this really silly B-movie, and managed to hone in on the very ancient themes. You’re asking what makes Seymour so timeless. It’s a Faustian tale. This is the one of the oldest fables asking what is the price of greatness. What is a man willing to do, willing to give up, willing to trade to get what he wants? WOOD He literally sells his soul. CRISS Yeah, he sells his soul. The plant is Mephistopheles in this parable of Little Shop. But, of course, if you’re going go downtown and say, “I’m going to do a show. It’s like a Faust thing, and Mephistopheles shows up,” you can see people’s eyes glaze over. Well, how about it’s this guy, there’s music that is evocative of what was popular in the late ’50s, but the plant sings. It’s sci-fi, but it’s horror, but it’s fun, and it’s comedy. Now you have my attention, now I’m subscribing to the fun and the music. But by the end of it, I’m experiencing a classic, traditional, academic tale in a really fun way. When you said there’s been millions of iterations of this show, my mind went to, there’s been millions of iterations of this story. This is probably just one of the funniest ones I can think of.

There is ancientness to this tale. I’ve realized recently I’ve made a lot of my roles, especially in the Broadway world, about people who would do anything to accomplish greatness. To varying degrees of evil or good or compromise, people are always trying to figure out what it is they have to do, and what they have to give up. What line they would cross to get it. A lot of times people are kind of conflicted [watching Little Shop of Horrors] because you are rooting for this guy doing this thing, but he’s doing something terrible. Does that make you complicit? Are you a bad person for wanting this? All those things are the bread and butter of good old-fashioned drama.

[wylanlupin]

parents!wolfstar mini story 1k fluff fem!sirius

Remus loves to run his fingers through it.

It's curly, some days extremely curly and others just wavy. The way Sirius styles it.

She has always tried to grow her hair long and has avoided hairdressers since she moved in with the Potters at 16.

Remus loves to braid Sirius' hair and create the most beautiful hairstyles.

Teddy also loves to style his curls. They have the same stubborn curls as Remus. Teddy likes to experiment with colours, but they never wanted it longer than their chin.

So Sirius was all the more pleased that Stella, their daughter, loves growing her black hair just as much as her mum.

Stella has the same black hair as Sirius.

For some years now, Sirius has favoured expressing her femininity through her hair. They are incredibly important to her and she only allows the most expensive and best hairdressers to work on it and only ever to cut the ends.

Mary set up her own hairdressing business two years ago and even in her apprenticeship, everyone had to put up with it, everyone except Sirius.

Lily only let Mary cut it, but everyone else had to suffer.

Teddy and Mary love to play with their curls together and try out new things.

Peter, James and Remus have had to put up with everything from the weirdest hairstyles to the most hideous colours.

For a (very short) time, Remus had the sides cut short and his locks dyed pink. Mary wanted to give it a try. What his students found particularly funny.

James had to grow his hair long so that Mary could practise better with his hair texture.

Peter, with his blonde hair, was the colour experiment.

Lily had to have her long red hair cut into a bob, she also had fringes and extreme layers.

Dorcas had the best time, Mary was good with her afro and practised, but the worst thing was three months of purple hair.

Emmeline wouldn’t allow her hair for a long time. She wouldn't give up her long black hair for anything in the world. But in the end, she couldn't resist her fiancée either.

Emmy ended up with slight bangs and layers, as well as purple streaks, later green and currently blue.

Marlene was her favourite to practise. From the time Mary started her apprenticeship to the present day, Marlene really has had it all. Any colour, any hairstyle.

Long, short, bangs, layers, buzz cuts, blonde, brown, black, white, purple, colourful, blue, green and everything in between.

But Sirius never let her touch her hair. In all those years, she wasn't even allowed to cut their tips.

Remus knows that Sirius isn't quite so worried about Stella's hair and that's why Mary is coming to cut it today.

But all he knew was that Mary wanted to cut Stella's hair a little shorter. That was all he knew.

Remus was all the more surprised when he came home this Thursday.

He opens the front door and immediately hears ABBA and smells cinnamon and chocolate.

"Daddy!" little mini-Sirius shouts and comes running towards him with his arms outstretched. He immediately wraps his arms around his daughter.

Her previously long black hair now curls around her head, around her ears and stops before her shoulders.

A pink hair clip holds back her curls so that they don't fall into her eyes.

"Look!", the little toddler jumps up and down excitedly and points to her hair. "Mary did this! Now I look like Teddy!"

Giggling, she runs back into the living room, from where Mary and Sirius' voices can be heard.

"Dad!" Teddy appears in front of him out of nowhere. Teddy's previously turquoise hair is now a little shorter and a different colour.

"I've got the Bi Flag on my head!" they announce just as proudly as their little sister. Laughing, they run their fingers through their curls. "Looks cool." As he passes, Remus gives his child a kiss on the head.

Nobody could have prepared him for what awaits him in the living room.

Mary is clearing away her scissors and his wife turns to Remus.

Sirius.

Sirius has had her hair cut.

Remus stands still, frozen. He just blinks for a few seconds.

Sirius has a bob. A bob and bangs. She's had light bangs before, but now she has a full on mom-bob.

"Hi, babe," she greets him, coming up to Remus. "Your hair“, that's all he can get out. It's been over twenty years since he's seen Sirius with hair this short.

"You look like a mom."

Giggling, Sirius presses her lips to Remus' and without thinking about it, he returns the kiss. "That could be because I am one."

Mary proudly crosses her arms and stands next to Sirius. She shakes her head slightly and runs her fingers through her now short hair.

"Do you like it?"

Let's be honest, Sirius could be bold and be the most beautiful person in the world, so Remus really doesn't care about hair.

but

"Yes," Remus breathes out, swallowing hard. His children are here, God damn it! Get a grip, he tells himself.

The length emphasises Sirius' face shape and makes her look really grown up, but also cheeky. And Remus loves his children, more than anything else in this world. But right now, he'd rather they were anywhere but home.

Sirius has never looked so hot. She always looks hot, but just now Remus has fallen in love with her all over again.

Grinning, she turns to Mary and winks at her.

"Good!" Mary announces loudly, "then finally the father of the family."

Quicker than Remus can say "hair", he's sitting in the chair and Mary has her scissors in her hands again. "And do you like the way I've done your family's hair?"

His family.

Remus' heart beats faster every time he thinks about the fact that these three wonderful people are his family. "Yes."

[emmy-dekarios-bg3]

Heart of the Weave - A Baldurs Gate fanfiction - part 2

Chapter 7

I awaken to the excruciating brightness of the sun beaming in my face, and I’m astounded that it’s already morning. I did sleep better than I thought I would though, despite these crucial circumstances. It still feels incongruous to wake up without my wife by my side, and a feeling of emptiness is still within me as I realize it’s been a full day since I’ve seen my daughter. I miss Emmy. I miss my baby girl. Oh, to see Jenevelle and hold her against my chest while I lie in bed with her mother… That’s the ideal day I enjoy.

“Let’s go, go, go!” Karlach shouts enthusiastically. It appears she’s more than confident we will destroy these Bhaalists, and I sure hope she’s correct if that’s the case. We finish eating our breakfast rather rapidly and pack up our tents to scurry off to our dreaded destination. It still feels unreal adventuring, and I never pictured us doing it again, that’s for sure. We make our way to the rugged dirt path, and I notice the city just straight ahead, though it appears we still have a few miles left until we arrive, so roughly an hour or two. Maybe even three, depending on if any horrifying events occur along the way.

“Say, Halsin, where are your children while you’re away?” Wyll inquires.

“Ah. Well, between Arabella containing the shadow weave, Thaniel and Oliver having extreme powers, and the Owlbear… They will be alright. Yenna is greatly protected, thank Silvanus. The kids will be alright. Besides, they are under extreme protection by the fellow druids in the area, who are also guarding the shack we live in so they won’t be touched.”

“Ah, a man of strategy. Good planning, I must say.” Wyll and Karlach are holding hands as we continue our travels on the road. Their fearlessness is admirable, I must say. To stay positive in a dire situation must be comforting, though they’re used to fighting in Avernus so this must be nothing to them. While I am not afraid myself, I do worry about the future of our friends and my mother’s life. She has no protection, and she also hasn’t written to me in over a month, which is not like her at all. I hope she’s doing okay.

I begin to feel an unusual sensation, one that I’m unfamiliar with. I can sense a horrible presence or event that’s about to occur, and it’s rather unsettling to the nerves. No sign of anyone is nearby though, but that wouldn’t be the first time we’ve been spied on.

“Anyone else feel like they’re being watched?” I question suspiciously.

“You are most certainly not alone,” Astarion answers, eyeballing the area around us. The sound of knives clashing together is replaying in my head and it’s making me uncomfortable; and I have no control of these thoughts.

“Ahhh ahhh ahhh ahhhhhh!” A maniacal laughter can be heard within these thoughts, though it sounds distant…but the laugh sounds familiar. Orin, maybe? Even though she’s been deceased for quite sometime?

“Murder…murder…death…” Another voice whispers nearby, and it lingers for a moment like an echo.

“Someone – no, multiple people – are close to us, and we aren’t even at Baldur’s Gate. They’re leaving the city,” Wyll warns us. “We need to hurry.” As we try to bolt our way toward the city, a bunch of Bhaal assassins reveal themselves from their shrouds, exposing themselves from invisibility. They’re all dressed in black robes, and a crimson aura seems to be surrounding their bodies as they appear.

“Oh, how lovely,” Astarion says sarcastically, slowly pulling out one of his daggers from his pants. “Just what we needed.” One of the five assassins steps out in front of the others, approaching us with a grim smile on his face and wiping his bloody hand on his robe.

“Bow. Submit. Let us carve your flesh like raw meat. Give in to the temptation of darkness. Give in to the Lord drinking the chalice of your blood. Let us absorb in the aroma of your rotting skin, fueling our thirst for more. There’s only five of you. Much more awaits at the temple, begging for your deaths.” His voice is baritone, holding intense eye contact with me as he speaks these dark words.

“Step back,” Wyll murmurs. As we step back, he casts Hunger of Hadar on the assassins, damaging at least three of the five of those bloodthirsty murderers. Karlach charges at the other two that weren’t damaging, bashing her warhammer into their skulls. One of them perishes, but luckily the other is close to death, so she swings at him once more. One of the assassins escapes the cloud from Wyll’s spell, coming at me with his rusty, bloody knife. He’s trying to aim for my heart but I cast “Disintegrate” which causes him to die immediately before he could even lay a hand on my body.

“Only two left to go, hell yeah!” Karlach shouts, jumping around to keep her energy flowing within her. “Let’s crush these fuckers’ skulls!” Astarion shoots his bow at one of the assassins, but unfortunately misses.

“Damn it all, let me try again. Shithead won’t sit still,” he mutters, then aims the bow directly into the man’s brain, killing him instantly.

“You’re only pleasing our murder Lord!” Astarion laughs at the man’s comment, who doesn’t seem to be fully aware how Bhaal’s plan works.

“You have to be the one to kill, not us, you ignorant fool.” As the assassin tries to charge back at Astarion, Halsin casts ‘moonlight’ and I use ‘Magic Missile’ to finish him off, leading him to meet his Lord, where I’m sure some sort of judgment will be passed.

Silence occurs for just a few moments as everyone tries to catch their breath, and I’m over here just coming to terms that the entire situation we dealt with was nothing compared to what’s to come next.

“Well, we killed those guys off. Five Bhaalists. That’s a win, right?” Karlach comments. Five is better than none, but unfortunately there’s hundreds – if not thousands – of them lurking around and ready to strike. Who knows how many we can stop?

“It may be a win, sweetheart, but brace yourself. That’s nothing compared to what’s ahead,” Wyll responds, rubbing her back as they take a breath from the intense yet quick fight. At least they weren’t too challenging to destroy. If you’re going to be a villain, never approach your victims by talking, just strike from behind. Alas, it seems common sense lacks tremendously nowadays.

The city is just a few feet ahead but it appears much more calm than I anticipated. I hope it’s because no one is fully aware of what’s going on and not because of the endless murders. How many people here have passed?

“Well, nothing is on fire, so that’s a good sign.” Oh Karlach. Always trying to find the positive in everything, a trait I wish I had.

“Everyone seems to be acting like everything is fine, what’s–” Before Wyll could finish his sentence, loud shrieks of horror can be heard closer to Wyrm’s Crossing…and we’re all the way in Rivington. We all look at each other with sheer panic, and simultaneously mutter “Shit.” As the shriek shakes the city, most people are scurrying inside their homes or the nearest buildings they can find, while others are caving into their curiosity and head toward the screams.

We fast travel using the portal in the wall and find ourselves at Wyrm’s Crossing, where there is a thick trail of slimy blood on the cobblestone path next to the castle and bloody handprints painted on the walls. All of this blood appears to be of a fresh kill.

“We made it too late to save them,” I mumble, then sigh. I try not to feel defeated, but we could’ve prevented it if we made it much sooner. Then again, so many lives have been taken the past few days I’m sure. Nothing we really could have done.

The rotten stench of death is overwhelming, yet all too familiar. It has been ages since I’ve had to witness the sight of this much gore, and I sure as hell did not miss it. The odor brings back horrid memories I do not want to remember, mostly ones involving Orin. The bodies we’ve found on our adventures because of her doing. Lack of heads. Lack of limbs. Blood painted on the walls. Body parts scattered around on the floor. I actually gag as the smell lingers, becoming poor potent as we walk down the path to the Basilisk Gate.

“Oh good Gods! Even Avernus didn’t reek this bad. The worst it got was the smell of sulphur,” Karlach says, then proceeds to make a gagging sound. “Blech!”

“I couldn’t agree more. This rancid odor makes changing dirty diapers a walk in the park,” I respond, holding my hands over my nose. It’s true though. I thought I’d be so accustomed to the gore that even being away from it for so long, it wouldn’t bother me. Boy, was I incorrect.

As we meet the bridge that leads to the Basilisk Gate part of the city, we notice an even larger pool of blood with a couple bones scattered on the ground within it.

“Damn, poor soul,” Wyll says with a sigh. “This one got torn to shreds.”

“The piece of clothing next to the bones looks to be of one of the cultists,” Halsin adds. “This one doesnt’ look to be a bystander.”

“Have they started killing each other now? The fuck is going on?” Astarion murmurs in pure horror as we stare at the puddle in front of us. Whatever is happening, it’s not getting better.

[pro-logue-epi-logue]

RANDOM DEVIL'S NIGHT THOUGHTS

~NUMBER 11~

Summary of those 9 years. What must have happened with Emory. How Emory lived in those years?

PART - 2

( This is my thinking taking in consideration of Emory's character and how different events unfolded, but if you have any thoughts to add, then do it, i will love to know what other think of those 9 years). And do comment i would live to know what you thought of this.

I didn't add timelines but if you want let me know! ( it can make it easier for you to understand )

2. Emory in College and after that uptil Nightfall

Emory moved into college early than other students, earlier than official move in day (as Rika mentions in corrupt that Em was "excited" to move into college and moved when she got her letter, obviously Rika didn't knew the real reason), when Emmy was sitting at the airport to leave thunder bay she was in a hurry to leave this place that gave her pain, and to finally make sure martin was out of her life and never following her. But when she was in the plane, she was overwhelmed and had this bitter sweet feeling that she left everything behind, the place where she grew up, her Gazeboo, her Grandma, Will, Theater everything. She was nervous of the life awaiting her. Will she be able to make it?. But a fear that one slip up will throw her back into Martin's way always present at the back of her mind. She looked around the flight people, ALL STRANGERS!! and here she was all alone, like she always was. She was nervous of the new life. When the plane landes she got off the plane, came out of the airport, got in a cab and went to UC Berkeley. She arrived at the cames and saw two- three other students with bags, like her, to move in. There weren't many just a few. She went to sign on the arrival form, the desk person looked at her and asked her if there is someone with her, she said no and she saw the hint of saddness if the eyes of that person very clearly. Not wanting any pity she got her keys and made her way to her room. But she couldn't help it, em looked down at herself in her old converse shoes and plain jeans,with two suitcases and a backpack she thought "EMORY SCOTT CAME ALONE, WITHOUT ANYONE". She went inside her room, looked at the two bed, two study desks and the window inside the room. She loved the window and how you can see the view outside easily. She opened the window, cold wind blowing in her face, a small smile tugged at her lips. The wind reminded her of her grandmere and how she was always so stubborn to "have her wind" because it was her last. She chuckled missing her most now, Will crossed her mind, what will he be doing? How was his first day? She shook her head and pulled out her phone and called the home where her grandmere was staying requesting them to let her talk to her on video call. They talked for an hour but had to cut it short because it was time for grandmere to take her medicines. The bags caught Emmy's eyes and she decided to put them in the wardrobe. "But i can't choose any wardrobe i like, what if my roommate, if i have any wants this one? And same with the bed." Em thought. But she ended up choosing one she liked "if my roommate liked this one we can just switch", she emptied her suitcases, arranged all her clothes in the wardrobe, arranged her study desk. But it was the Godzilla plushie that made her stop, she looked at it not knowing where to keep it, on her bed near her? Or just stack it back in the wardrobe? She took it with her when she left thunder bay, one of the only thing of will's she had, no way she was leaving it behind she loved it. She looked at its fangs and spikes on its tail remembering the day of the LOCK IN when Will put it inside her locker and how he and his friends pranked her, and how he forced her in his sleeping bag, she smiled thinking of him, no matter what she did or how she tried to not think of him, he somehow always came to her mind ALWAYS!. She thought how she had a great time in that chemistry lab even though she was mad annoyed at him that night. She ended up setting the Godzilla plushie at her desk. After making her side of the room she sat on the bed a little confused what to do now? She left her room went to look around the campus, the library, the buildings where her classes are going to be. After having dinner at one of the halls she came back to her empty room and went to sleep as she was so tired after the activities of the day. The next few days were same where she toured outside of campus, how far is the nearest movie theater? And checked her internship status.

TO BE CONTINUED...

I have been working on this for like a week and now my mind is all over the place, there are so many things i think happened but i don't k ow how to put them in sentences. SPOILER ALERT!! I AM NOT A WRITER!! So this is not a fanfic or anything i am just trying to fill the blank of those 9 years by thinking how em reacted in other instances.

I have ideas and i know you do too, so feel free to add them here.

And honestly your reviews about my writing or anything will be greatly appreciated. Even if its a bad thing or good thing doesn't matter, if you have anything to say feel free to do it.

AND I WILL TRY TO FINISH IT AS SOON AS I CAN, I STILL HAVE LIKE 7 YEARS LEFT

[artistalley]

Adventure Goat Print

The world awaits our brave little goat friend as they look out upon the road before them, backpack ready and map in hand. 6.3 x 7" print on light card stock.

Emmy is giving everyone 10% off their order with code TUMBLR10. Check out the rest of her art right here on Artist Alley.

[matchagator]

Hustlers: Unwind

From the warm winter climate of down under, to the brittle cold of the great white north. Join our jeweled trio as they seek out some long awaited tranquility and relaxation away from their male adversaries, or so they think.

*Make sure to check out previous episodes to follow the story. Let us know how you're liking the story so far by leaving a comment 😊*

{Say Hello to the long-awaited reveal of the new Hustlers banner! We could not be happier and hope you all love as much as we do.}

{Main Pairings:} Jeon Jungkook/Original Female Character, Park Jimin/Original Female Character, Kim Taehyung/Original Female Character(s)

{Rating:} 18+

{Genre:} Alternate Universe - Hustlers/ Con Artists

{Word Count:} 16k

{Warning} Sexual Content, Stealing, Mature Language, Manipulation, Angst, Spanking, Dub-Con, Sexual Harassment, and Alcohol

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Hustlers Episode Order:

Episode 1: Sin City

Episode 2: Pink Diamond

Episode 3: Cyber Flight

Episode 4: Wine Country

Episode 5: Art Auction

Episode 6: Magic Men

Episode 7: Unwind

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BIG FISH: Leedo

LOCATION: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada

A fresh powder of glistening snow covered the terrain of the Canadian Yukon, casting the perfect, tranquil image of a winter scene with mountains looming in the distance. Emmy sat perched against a small nook bench within their rustic, yet, luxurious suite; a pleasant accommodation for their stay at the Nordic Spa. She admired the view as she sipped a cup of warm tea to keep her toasty in the winter air. Jade was replacing a log in the fireplace, the warmth of the fire veiling the space with just enough heat to make a comfortable living arrangement. 

Ruby was soundly asleep in one of the large beds, wrapped in fluffy down comforters as she recovered from their long travels after taking on a few additional hustles on the way back from Australia. It had been relatively peaceful for the feminine trio, capitalizing on a few gains without the presence of three obnoxious men always insistent on getting in their way. 

Emmy sighed happily as she took in the sights outside of the spa accommodations, admiring the change of scenery the great white north had to offer. While the past few hustles had her falling into the background, allowing her plenty of opportunities to get caught up in Jungkook and Taehyung’s presence, she relished in being able to hold her own again, taking center to their schemes. 

While this trip was mostly an opportunity for the girls to relax and recuperate before seeking out another lavish target in the great white north. Emmy smiled against the rim of her mug, sipping the earthy tea happily as she thought of all the simple ways she could manipulate and seduce said target. It would be an easy hustle and hopefully something that could distract her from her intrusive thoughts of Jungkook despite the disdain she felt towards him after their last encounter.

Even though the girls had successfully hustled a few cases after their adventures in Australia, Emmy still felt bitter about the way things ended with Jungkook. It was her own fault for getting invested emotionally when they were both just hustling each other, trying to one-up the other. The sour taste in her mouth left by his words made it that much more appealing to throw herself at their targets, finding any distraction to get over her addictive high that was Jungkook. 

 She let a long drawn-out sigh escape her lips as a loud clatter echoed from the kitchen of their small suite. Jade was currently raiding the pantry for a small frying pan, eager to cook up some pancakes to fill their hungry stomachs as they settled into their spa retreat. Emmy rolled her eyes at the eldest, giggling to herself as the brunette knocked over a few pots and pans in the process. 

“Do you need help?” Emmy called out across the small suite, watching as Jade’s eyes narrowed in her direction. 

“No.” She huffed, finally pulling out the frying pan and setting it down on the gas stove. “Whoever stacked these did a crap job.” Jade grumbled as a loud groan resonated from one of the bedrooms. 

Ruby shifted in the sheets, feeling jet-lagged as she tirelessly plucked the eye mask from over her face. “Could you be any louder?” 

Jade instantly turned toward Ruby, fighting off her bubbling irritation as she glared over to the brawn of the trio. “Do you want pancakes or not?” 

Ruby pulled a pillow over her head, grumbling as she fought to keep her slumber. “We’re here to relax. Just order room service.” She groaned, completely ignoring Jade’s response as she sunk back into the darkness beneath the sheets. 

Emmy smacked her lips at her partners as she stood from her small nook, walking towards Jade with a questioning glance. “I’ll order. Don’t you need to check on Leedo and his reservation?” Emmy had familiarized herself with Kim Leedo, learning everything she needed to know about the wealthy bachelor in order to gain another successful hustle. Not only was he fabulously wealthy, he was handsome. The perfect distraction. 

Jade took a soothing breath as she watched Emmy pick up the telephone, dialing in their room service order. She turned her attention to her laptop that was still open on the dining table as she moved to take a seat in front of the screen. She tilted her head to the side, popping the joints in her neck as she attempted to release some tension in her muscles. It didn’t take her long to pull up the resort's software, locating the reservation placed under Leedo’s name. 

 A smile graced her features as she noticed the words “checked in” labeled clearly under their accommodation. She glanced back up just in time for Emmy to hang up the phone. “He’s checked in,” Jade announced happily, pushing her laptop away as she leaned back in her chair while swinging her legs over the top of the table to relax. Her hands wrapped together behind her head as she sighed happily. “Now we just need to figure out what spa services he booked and Emmy can do her thing.” 

“Sounds easy enough.” Emmy grinned, returning to her cup of tea as she took another soul-warming sip. “As long as I have time to make it to the Japanese clay tubs, I’m happy.” She murmured happily as she found her cozy spot back amongst the cushions of the window nook. Nothing was going to stand in her way of some much-needed relaxation and she was going to make sure of it. 

—

As the brittle air whipped around the guests gathered outside of the organically heated pools, Ruby and Emmy strolled their way through the natural rock formations of the hot springs. Steam cast a fog of ambiance around them as the cool air mixed with the heat of the water, aiding in warming the atmosphere. The girls had on their sexiest swimwear, desperately searching for Kim Leedo through the boujie guests lounging in the springs. Thankfully, they each had on a luscious winter coat to help keep them bundled from the breeze until they located their target. 

“No sign of him yet.” Ruby mumbled under her breath, her eyes skillfully scanning the pockets of pools throughout the rocks and patio in an attempt to locate him. Emmy silently did the same, casting her eye beyond at another section of pools as she caught a glimpse of a few more patrons relaxing about. 

“Let’s check up there.” She casually spoke to Ruby, nodding politely at a few wealthy guests enjoying their amenities as they passed by. Ruby closed her eyes as a sharp wind blew by, causing a deep-rooted shiver to course through her bones. 

Emmy noticed Ruby’s reaction, giggling quietly at her friend's torture. While Jade was the oldest of the group, Ruby and Emmy weren’t too far in age. They often ganged up on Jade, taking each other’s sides as they teased the eldest. Emmy relished the opportunity to finally mess with Ruby a little. “What’s wrong? Canada’s too cold for you?” Emmy’s tone mimicked that of a small child, causing Ruby’s features to morph into a stare of annoyance. 

“Damn right. I should be at the spa or on the beach sipping a cocktail right now.” Ruby grumbled as she wrapped her arms around her torso. The great white north wasn’t exactly her choice of vacation. Thankfully, there came promises of exhilarating spa treatments and clay tubs that she could soak in to revitalize herself from their latest jobs. 

Emmy rolled her eyes, laughing at the brawn of their group. “You’ll be in the water enjoying the heat in no time.” 

Ruby huffed at the thought, knowing she wasn’t planning on staying out in the community pools for very long. “Once we find this prick, I’m ditching you for the clay tubs.” She shamelessly admitted, to which Emmy simply shook her head.

“Don’t worry. I’ll have him wrapped around my finger in no time.” Emmy beamed, eager for a new man to dig her claws into. She needed a distraction and she fully intended to indulge in it to thieve him of his money all while relaxing and enjoying her time. 

Ruby laughed sarcastically as she nudged Emmy to glance over toward a new set of springs. “Yeah, if we can find him first.”

While the youngest of the group ventured out into the cold, Jade found herself looking around the receptionist's desk at the entrance of the spa. Her eyes scanned over the various signs displaying their services as she quietly plucked a pamphlet from its holder to properly investigate the spa and its offerings. “May I help you with anything?” A dainty brunette at the counter offered the brains of the group her largest customer service smile. 

Jade instantly shrunk behind the pamphlet, shyly observing the spa’s offerings as her eyes found one of the mud masks. “How much is the Arctic mud package?” Her eyes flickered back up to the brunette, watching her smile remain just as plastered to her face as before. 

The hostess tapped away on an iPad, pulling up the various packages offered to their guests. Just as she was turning the device toward Jade, the sound of a phone ringing from the back office echoed through the reception room. Her smile faltered at the noise as she placed the tablet down in front of Jade, resting on top of the counter. “Take a look at the pricing.” She offered as she turned her attention toward the back. “I’ll be back in a minute, excuse me.” 

Jade lowered her pamphlet, closing it as she reached for the tablet as if pretending to be interested in booking herself a service. Once the receptionist disappeared in the back, Jade quickly manipulated the software of the tablet, attempting to locate the spa's internal information system to figure out when Leedo’s services would take place.

Unfortunately for her, the employee wasn’t logged into the tablet, and hacking the system would add more time to her task. Her eyes flickered up to the desktop computer on the opposite side of the desk. Jade frantically looked to see if anyone else was around, thankful to find an empty building since everyone was outside enjoying the amenities. She set the iPad down, pressing her palms against the countertop as she gently lifted herself up to glance over at the screen. 

Thankfully, the employee was already logged in with the appointment booking already pulled up for reference. “Perfect.” Jade beamed as she took another glance around before swiftly maneuvering herself around the counter toward the desktop computer. She quickly moved the mouse, typing away to insert Leedo’s information as his reservation pulled up on the screen. 

Jade couldn’t fight the smile from pulling on her features as she pulled out her cell phone, snapping a picture before quickly resetting the screen just as she found it. Of course, she made sure to skillfully remove any history of digital footprints from her search before hearing rustling coming from the back office. 

Jade quickly moved back around the desk, snatching the pamphlet from the countertop as she felt herself collide with what she could only presume to be a body. “I’m so sorry.” She babbled as she turned around, only for her heart to sink to her stomach at the sight of a familiar, yet, handsome man standing behind her. 

Jimin’s lips were stretched into a sly smile as he plucked the pamphlet from her hand. Jade's jaw practically dropped open, stunned to see him here in all places, especially after a few cases being clear of the mischievous male trio. “What do we have here?” Jimin’s voice was like a spell, soft and alluring as he leaned into her to whisper in her ear. “Caught red-handed, love.” 

Jade went to protest but was interrupted by the return of the employee who was walking back from the office. “Did you find anything you’d like?” She asked calmly toward Jade before flashing a genuine smile at Jimin as she admired the new guest. 

Jade rolled her eyes, quickly catching onto the employee’s attraction to their rival as she grabbed her pamphlet back from Jimin. “I’m going to think it over some more.” Jade flashed a wild threatening stare in Jimin’s direction before softening her eyes to turn back toward the woman. “I can call to book from my suite, right?” She added as the woman nodded at her inquiry, clearly distracted by Jimin. 

“Wonderful.” Jade couldn’t hide the slight bite in her tone as she turned to walk past Jimin. She practically gasped when he grabbed her arm, stopping her in her tracks before giving her a cocky grin. 

“We’ll be watching you.” His voice dipped in octaves as his voice hummed low enough for just her ears to comprehend. 

She offered him a sarcastic smile, pulling herself away from his grip as her eyes pierced into him. “I look forward to it.” She snapped under her breath before walking off toward the pools to seek out Ruby and Emmy. While she was eager to tell them about Leedo’s planned activities, she was also eager to warn them about the looming presence of their rivals. 

—

Out by the main hot springs, Emmy and Ruby continued their search through the various streams of pools flowing into each other through the natural formations of the rocks. Little to their knowledge, they weren’t aware of the pair of eyes stalking them from the highest pool, overlooking the cascading springs into each section. 

Jungkook and Taehyung were casually sprawled about the rocks, the heat from the water causing the stone to warm their bodies perfectly in contrast to the frosty air. Jungkook and Taehyung were both wearing nothing but a pair of swim trunks, their torsos bare to the world as their coats rested on the rocks beside them. 

“What’s so special about this prick?” Taehyung whined, a pout pulling at his bottom lip as he stretched out beside Jungkook, his body tensing up from an incoming breeze as he groaned from the elements. 

Jungkook sat up, placing his elbows against his knees as he stalked the sight of Leedo casually soaking in the springs as his back was pressed against the rocks. “He’s loaded.” Jungkook added, his eyes shifting at the sight of movement walking towards Leedo’s pool. To his surprise, he found his favorite female criminal strutting up the steps, Emmy’s eyes sharply focusing on Leedo as Jungkook’s interest suddenly piqued. 

He pulled his lower lip into his mouth, nibbling on the metal of his lip piercing as his eyes drank in the sight of her toned body sporting a dangerously attractive bikini that he could barely make out beneath the coat draped across her shoulders. Jungkook moved his hand to smack against Taehyung’s side, keeping his eyes glued to Emmy as Ruby came into view behind her. “Look alive. We have company.” 

Taehyung groaned at Jungkook’s rough action, rubbing his side as he pushed himself up to see what was worth interrupting his relaxation. To his amusement, he followed Jungkook’s stare to find Emmy and Ruby both looking stunning against the elements as they stopped to converse with each other. 

“Ah, our klepto Barbie is here,” Taehyung commented through a smirk, stirring an uncomfortable sensation in Jungkook’s stomach as Taehyung referred to Emmy as theirs. He knew he was trying to keep space between them given they were natural enemies in their field of work, but it didn’t prevent his jealousy from igniting as Taehyung gawked at their appearance. “And the drunk too? What a treat.” Taehyung hummed happily as he adjusted himself to have a better view. 

Jungkook chewed at the inside of his cheek, fighting off his urge to make any comments as he watched Emmy strip herself of her coat, reviewing just how attractive her body looked in her swimwear. Jungkook couldn’t help but let his mind fall into the temptation of dwelling on thoughts of their previous encounters. Why did she have to be so fucking alluring? “Damn.” Taehyung ‘s voice sliced through his concentration, causing him to narrow his eyes in his partner's direction. “What?”

“Don’t forget, they're here for him.” Jungkook quickly commented, letting his jealousy simmer down as he watched Emmy sit on the edge of the stone patio, letting her feet dip into the heat of the water. 

 Taehyung clicked his tongue in annoyance as Jungkook’s attention remained on their target and the infiltrating beauties. “Well…” Taehyung pushed himself up from the rocks, reaching for his coat as he quickly covered his body from the elements. “I take it you can handle keeping an eye on those two?” Taehyung teased as he slipped his feet into some of the spa's complimentary slippers.

“And where are you going?” Jungkook protested, his eyebrows scrunching as he turned his attention to his partner. 

“To relax.” Taehyung flashed a confident grin as he started walking off. “Don’t enjoy yourself too much.” He called back, leaving Jungkook to fend for himself as he disappeared down the path away from the springs. 

Meanwhile, Emmy and Ruby sat on the opposite end of the pool, completely oblivious to Jungkook’s presence given their focus was merely on Leedo. Emmy let out a small moan of pleasure as her skin touched the warmth of the spring, letting her legs swirl in the water as Ruby stood behind her. 

“It’s too cold out here,” Ruby complained, glancing back in Leedo’s direction to see that he was casually scrolling through his phone while enjoying the relaxation of the water. “You can handle this, can’t you?” Ruby practically begged, desperately fighting off her uncontrollable shivers. 

Emmy giggled to herself, placing her hands on the edge of the pool as she stared up at the brawn of their trio. “Please, this is nothing.” 

Ruby’s features seemed relieved as she pulled a key card from her coat to slip it into Emmy’s that was hanging off one of the loungers. “Then I’m outta here.” She offered Emmy another look of gratitude as she glanced back over at Leedo. “If you need me, I’ll be at the clay tubs defrosting my fucking body.” 

Before Emmy could get in another word, Ruby was already sprinting back down the path, eager to escape the cold. Emmy could only shake her head in laughter as she slowly dipped her body into the pool, letting the warmth encompass her limbs. She sighed happily, her eyes shifting back towards Leedo, happy to see him glancing up from his phone. 

Emmy took this as her opportunity, carefully bringing her arms up to pull the hair tie from around her strands to let her hair cascade down onto her shoulders. She swiftly swayed her head back and forth until her tresses were attractively shaping her features. Leedo seemed intrigued as he closed his phone and set it down against the rocks behind him, reaching his arms out to rest against the rocks as he took in the sight of the mysterious beauty who joined the spring. 

There wasn’t another body in the water beside the two, casting an alluring environment for the pair. The heat caused Emmy’s fair complexion to instantly flush red, almost as if she was purposefully trying to bewitch him with the rosy coloration of her cheeks. She finally glanced back in his direction, offering him a flirtatious smile as she brought her hand up to push her hair back behind her ear. 

Leedo was a very handsome man. His body was a clear display of his athleticism as his muscles sculpted his body wonderfully. He was easy on the eyes, his features devilishly accentuating his charms. Honestly, it was surprising that he was visiting a place like this on his own without a blonde or two on his side. 

It didn’t take long for Emmy to notice Leedo smiling back at her, nodding his head in his direction as if welcoming her to join him. Emmy paused for a moment, contemplating the offer as if playing hard to get, glancing back in the direction that Ruby had just disappeared in. She bit her lip gently, glancing back at him only to see his eyes become wildly playful. 

She smiled bashfully as she walked her way through the water, feeling her confidence course through her body. The closer she stepped to their target, the more handsome he became, causing her the smirk to herself at the thought of having a nice distraction to play with while making their hustle. “What’s a handsome gentleman such as yourself doing out here alone?” She asked, batting her eyelashes and offering Leedo her most captivating smile. 

She felt her heart swell with pride as his facial expression so easily exposed his attraction to her, reminding her of the high she felt each time her self-esteem was boosted by their targets. It was good to be back in her usual role. Leedo blatantly looked her up and down, his irises sparkling with his intentions. “I could ask the same thing of you.” He grinned as he extended a hand. “Leedo, pleasure to meet you, Miss…?” 

“Emerald.” She answered simply, holding out her hand to accept his kind greeting. “The pleasure is all mine.” 

While Emmy became cozy in the warmth of the spring beside Leedo, Jungkook maintained his distance as he watched the scene play out. Something didn’t sit right with Jungkook, the constant pull of his stomach was different from the previous times he watched Emmy hustle their targets. He narrowed his stare, leaning forward as he pressed his hands together in thought, focusing on the brunette's efforts to seduce the young billionaire. 

Jungkook noticed each flip of her hair, each strategic flutter of her eyelashes as Leedo easily fell into her trap like a moth to a flame. These were her tricks, things Jungkook witnessed from her numerous times before. Somehow, this time felt different. Maybe it was the way Leedo so quickly indulged in her delusions, or maybe the uncomfortable feeling slowly caused Jungkook to question his own game. He had nothing appealing compared to her looks. He would need to distract her if he and his partners had any hope of getting near their target. Especially seeing how dumbstruck he seemed over the imposter of a woman batting her eyes in his direction. 

With a stroke of luck, a distant chime caused Jungkook’s focus to break, readjusting to the sight of Leedo quickly reaching for his phone. The message seemed to rip him away from Emmy’s venomous stare like a charm, offering Jungkook the perfect opportunity to swoop in himself. 

Jungkook slowly crawled down the rocks, letting his legs dip into the heat of the springs as his bare torso was suddenly soothed from the cold air. He watched Leedo turn his attention back toward Emmy, offering her a haste goodbye with the promise of meeting up with her at a later date. Emmy’s lips pulled into a playful and flirty pout as she watched Leedo collect his things before both of them seemed to exchange a silent glance, eager for their next rendezvous. 

Jungkook slowly pushed his way through the water, creeping up behind his newly acquired target as he leaned closer to whisper in her ear from behind. “Moving on so quickly?” His voice was paired with a cocky grin as Emmy whipped around to find Jungkook handsomely displayed before her with his tattoo sleeve gloriously displayed. “And here I thought we could finish what we started?”

It took a moment for Emmy to fully register that the man she had so desperately been trying to escape was now standing in front of her, glistening from the water droplets collected on his toned abdomen. Once she finally managed to pull herself together, she turned her attention to the smug look on his face as he shamelessly stepped closer. “Surprised to see me, baby girl?” He teased, flicking his tongue against his lip piercing. “It’s been a while.”

The reality was, it had been a while. The girls managed to go off on their own and successfully conduct a few hustles in peace, avoiding the trio of misfits until this very moment. “Fuck off.” Emmy groaned, rolling her eyes as she casually took a step back toward the edge of the naturally formed pool. 

Jungkook took her hostility as an invitation, smoothly maneuvering himself to trap her between his arms as he caged her against the edge of the pool. “You know, you’d be far better off chasing a real man.” 

Emmy sucked in a breath, feeling her body shiver at the forced proximity Jungkook was placing her under. She didn’t know if it was the combination of the heat and the cold swirling around her or if it was the alluring pull Jungkook still seemed to hold against her. “A real man?” She practically laughed at the thought, letting her anger toward him fuel her response. 

Jungkook pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek, feeling himself naturally lean closer as his eyes stalked the prey trapped within his reach. “Yeah, one who can fuck you just right.” He added, the tone of his voice dipping deeper as the corners of his mouth pulled into a smug grin. “Someone…like…me.” 

With each word, he leaned in closer, hovering his lips near Emmy’s as she instinctively pushed against his chest to keep him at bay. Her hands were instantly warmed by the heat of his bare chest, causing her to bite the inside of her cheek in an attempt to keep herself from falling for the same tricks that got her in this mess. 

“Please.” She scoffed, pressing harder against him as she tried to move past him. “I’d prefer my chances with Leedo.” She grit her teeth, her eyes shifting up to find Jade walking out towards the springs. 

Jungkook released a hand from the stone, grabbing Emmy’s arm as he turned her back toward him. “He’ll see right through your tricks, baby girl.” 

Emmy froze at the words, clenching her jaw as she fought the influx of words threatening to escape the barrier of her lips. Jungkook wasn’t worth her getting so upset. He was their enemy, why would she allow herself to be so bothered by the things he says or does? “I said fuck off, remember?” She called back, refusing to turn and face him again as she made her way out of the water, seeking her towel and coat to warm her tightening muscles as she was met with another chilly wind. 

She fought the urge to look back, choosing to focus on Jade as she hastily made her way closer to the main building. Jade turned the corner, spotting Emmy moving toward her quickly as the youngest pulled her inside the building to enjoy the central heating. “Emmy, I just ran into…”

“Let me guess, the three stooges?” Emmy’s features were etched with irritation as Jade placed together that her partner must have also had an encounter with the annoying trio. 

—

While Emmy and Jade handled all of the various elements of their current hustle, Ruby utilized the opportunity to venture off on her own, trying to make the best of her time in the frigid north. She took her time exploring the facilities surrounding the infamous hot springs, finally approaching a path that would lead her down to the Japanese clay tubs. After freezing her ass off for the majority of this trip so far, she figured warming herself in a mineral-rich tub would do the trick in soothing her tired muscles. 

She groaned as the wind tunneled through the buildings, causing her promenade down the path to be quite unpleasant as she pushed through the tension of her limbs from the chill that overcame her body. “I fucking hate this place.” She snipped at herself, knowing the spa was probably one of the nicest she’d been to in a while, however, the temperature was dampening her mood. 

Ruby instantly smiled once the clay tubs came into view, ready to douse herself in the warmth of the water. She approached one of the tubs, noticing a family occupying it to half of its capacity, deciding to walk down a little further in hopes of finding one that would be free of other spagoers. She continued down past some of the winter foliage, noticing another tub down the way with a few patrons, causing her to click her tongue in annoyance. She knew there was another as she moved passed the second, desperate to escape the cold. 

Thankfully, upon venturing down a little further, she noticed another tub hidden within a few low pine trees, the tub was almost completely empty except for a single person resting on the opposite end. Ruby’s body was shivering at this point that she figured sharing with someone would be her only option as she set her towel and coat down, slipping her warm slippers off as she rapidly darted towards the steps leading into the relatively small tub. 

She couldn’t help the moan of satisfaction as she stepped into the warm water, her body instantly soothed from the elements as she sunk into the vacant end of the tub, sitting down against the edge till the water was covering her body up to her shoulders. 

While she was concerned about quickly entering the tub, she failed to realize that Taehyung was the other occupant resting on the opposite end of the clay pool. His relaxed expression instantly turned cold as he opened his eyes to inquire about the sudden noise, feeling irritation bubble in his chest. “Well, if it isn’t the alcoholic,” He spoke coldly, sitting up as Ruby came to the realization of who was sitting across from her. “You’re gonna have to piss off and find somewhere else to relax. I was here first.”

Despite the tranquility Ruby felt from being encased in a blanket of warmth, her body tensed up as her eyes pierced through Taehyung. “Fuck no.” Ruby snapped, feeling irritation bubble over from having to once again deal with the male trio of idiots. “What the hell are you even doing here?” She seethed in annoyance, crossing her arms over her chest to conceal her body lusciously displayed in her swim attire. “I’m starting to think you’re stalking us or some shit.”

Taehyung’s jaw tensed as he bit down, tilting his head to the side as he purposely stretched his legs out, bumping into her in the process. “I’m here to enjoy these Japanese clay tubs, something I clearly can’t do with a woman who can’t shut the fuck up for two damn minutes.” His voice softened, a tone of amusement echoing in his every syllable as Ruby practically spat at his presence bumping into her. 

“You’re welcome to leave.” Ruby hissed with a false smile, gesturing towards the exit of the tub. “It would be far more relaxing without all of your toxic masculinity.” 

Taehyung pushed off the edge of the tub, moving closer to Ruby until he pressed his arm on the edge of the hardened clay beside her head. “Like I said, sweetheart.” His voice dipped into a lower register as he leaned in closer to her. “I was here first, so you can either leave…or it looks like you’re stuck with me.” 

His last words were spoken in a seductive tone, his lips tugging into a mischievous smirk the moment Ruby smacked her lips in disgust and annoyance. He relished in the fact that this was torture for her, and he fully intended on making this the worst relaxation of her life. 

Ruby debated her options, deciding that staying there wasn’t worth an ounce of her time. She sent him a threatening glare as she stood up to get out of the tub, instantly met with the brutal bite of the cold whipping around her. She glanced back at her towel and coat, feeling like every step to retrieve her items would be agonizing in this weather. 

A long drawn-out groan escaped her lips as she sat back down in the water, admitting her defeat. “What’s wrong? Can’t handle the cold?” Taehyung teased as he moved even closer to her. “What about the heat? Can you handle that?” 

Ruby instantly pressed the sole of her foot against him as she extended her leg to push him away from her, her features morphed into annoyance and disgust. “I’m gonna tell you how this is gonna go.” She watched as he fell back against the opposite end of the tub, amused by her actions. “You’re gonna stay on that side with your mouth shut.” She continued as she offered him a serious glare. “And if you don’t, you’ll be searching for your dick at the bottom of this tub. Got it?” 

Taehyung brought his arms out of the water, resting them on the edge of the tub as he intently scanned Ruby’s expression for any signs of being able to crack her down. Once noticing her level of agitation, he decided to simply back off, laughing under his breath as he leaned his head back to rest his eyes. “Ah, so you’re the bitch of the group.” He teased just a little further, peaking an eye open to see the fire blazing behind her pupils. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll go easy on you.” 

Ruby watched him close his eyes again as he silently enjoyed the beneficial waters of the clay tubs, leaving her with no other option but to do the same. She let out a huff of frustration before wrapping her arms back around her chest to comfort herself as she leaned her head back, keeping every inch of her body underwater that didn’t need to be out to breathe. 

—

The Nordic Hot Springs offered a variety of amenities that allowed its guests to relax and enjoy the tranquility of all its splendor. Emmy was more than happy to partake in one of the designated relaxation rooms, hoping to decompress from her encounter with the infuriating swine she knew as JK. With a towel rolled up under her arm, she shuffled into the  Hibernation Relax Room, peering around at the calming atmosphere. 

The room was sizeable to accommodate ample walking space between a few large and curved lounges. Her sandals scuffed lightly against the sand tiles that nearly covered the entire room apart from the navy-colored structures. The room had no light other than the natural sunlight warping off the glass block windows and the magenta LED luminescence accentuating the lounges and storage areas. 

She hesitated when she noticed the only available spots were built to accommodate more than one person. She sighed defeatedly, deciding that the extra space would have to do, and prayed that no one tried to give her any trouble for taking the larger lounge. She walked to the side closest to the entrance, placing her towel on the dark tiles away from the gentleman with large headphones practically snoring in the lounge beside her. 

Once the cotton was spread evenly over the surface, she gently rested her body along the warm but firm structure to get comfortable. She shifted around, adjusting her posture on the chair, and felt her muscles instantly loosen from the heat radiating from beneath her. She exhaled deeply, nearly sinking into the tiles as the warmth cradled her into tranquility. She savored the moment just a little longer before deciding to retrieve her earbuds from her case, hoping some music would enhance her experience. 

The white noise of the room disappeared as the devices were plugged into her ears, waiting patiently for her to make a selection to match the mood.  She pursed her lips together, her eyes scanning the plethora of playlists on her mobile device until finally, she found a variety of soundscapes that would ease her mind, and wash all thoughts of Jungkook down the babbling brooks. She rested her crown back on the tile, allowing herself to close her eyes and drift with the soft trickling droplets singing in her ears. 

Emmy could swear she died and gone to heaven as tension was pulled from her body the further she sunk into the fabric of her towel. She inhaled and exhaled, deeply and slowly. Her mind seemed to be floating towards the clouds as her body rested to where she could feel nothing, and she knew that there was very little that could disturb her at that moment. 

She intently listened to the sounds of water, traveling from simple droplets before soon turning into a cascade. Emmy felt a shift in the air, but readjusted her muscles, letting her joints softly pop with the movement. She hummed happily as the ambiance returned, hearing her voice vibrate over the waterfall roaring in her ears. The lighting in the room seemed to flicker from behind her eyelids, a shadow shrouding the natural light from coming into the windows. She decided to ignore it, figuring it was one of the other patrons she spotted within the space when she arrived. It wasn’t until a draft brushed over her side that she opened an eye to peak at the disruption. 

Before she could see their face, a built figure plopped down beside her on the double lounge after casting their towel on the surface. She sat up sharply ready to give them a piece of her mind when she realized who the culprit was. With an aggravated groan, Emmy ripped an earbud out to hear his sorry excuses. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Jungkook couldn’t keep the childish grin from his face as he settled comfortably beside her. “I don’t know what you mean.”

Emmy turned her body, squaring off in his direction as she addressed him again. “Why are you on my lounge?” She snapped, taking the earbud out to put it away for a quick escape from the insufferable Casanova. 

Jungkook looked around, playing the ultimate dumb card and acting as if he was entirely confused. “Well, why else would you need so much space, baby girl?”

Emmy tossed her head back, groaning in the back of her throat. “Ugh, it was the only one available,” She huffed through her nostrils, determination plastered over her features. She firmly placed her hands against his bicep, pushing him away with all her strength. “Now, get off.”

Jungkook chuckled, amused by her efforts as he continued to sit like a boulder. He grabbed a hold of her wrists, pushing her hands away from his body as he loomed over her. “Oh, I get it…you’re hoping that Leedo guy might come in and make his move.”

Emmy rolled her eyes, pulling her wrists out of his grip and swatting him away from her proximity. “No, I’m here to…” She paused, realizing that she was about to humor his need for attention by admitting that she was trying to get him out of her head. 

He waited, a smirk crawling over his lips as he noticed her hesitation to continue her response. “Ah, now I see. I bothered you that much, huh?” He curled his body on the lounge, supporting his head with his palm as he grinned mischievously back at her. 

It took everything in her not to slap him clear across the face and storm right out. Of course, he did, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. “You bother me the same way any other pain in the ass would, so don’t flatter yourself.”

Jungkook blatantly raked her figure with his gaze, unashamed when he suddenly felt parched after admiring the most succulent fruit he’d ever indulged in. She watched his tongue swipe across his bottom lip, flicking against his lip piercing as she decided she needed to retreat before he tried pulling her back into his trap. She sat up, gathering her phone and headphone case as Jungkook quickly thought of a way to keep her distracted.

Before she moved off the lounge, Jungkook crawled over her lap and successfully pushed her back down. The shape of the structure allowed him to push her further up the surface as her thighs rested over top of his. Emmy was stunned by how quickly he seemed to disable her ability to move, frantically looking around at the other people in the room. “Are you out of your mind?” She whispered harshly, avoiding bringing too much attention to themselves. 

Jungkook smiled in that knowing and seductive way, unapologetic for his actions that kept her right where he wanted her. He rested his palms against the warmed tile, caging her beneath him as he leaned in close. Emmy’s hands shot out to push him away, but his determination was relentless. “You came to relax, right? So why don’t I help you really relax?” He slipped one hand over her side, grazing over her curves before gripping the soft flesh of her hip.

Emmy squirmed under his touch, unable to get any leverage from her position as she was supported by his lap. She grunted in aggravation, pulling his hand from her body as she tried to wiggle away from him. “Why don’t you fuck off like I’ve already told you?” Jungkook’s palm smacked down by the side of her head again, keeping her from slipping out of his hold. 

Jungkook could feel his patience wearing thin. She was usually difficult, but her defenses were at an all-time high. Watching Taehyung and Leedo had already started an uncomfortable sensation in the pit of his stomach, but the extra effort in avoiding him left a bad taste in his mouth. His rationality was slipping and frustration was fueling his instincts. “You’re not special, sweetheart.”

Emmy froze, the venom in his tone striking through her veins as she digested his words. She blinked, slowly feeling herself come back from the shock of his rude comment. “Excuse me?” Her response was less than friendly.

Jungkook felt his pride soar when he watched her reaction to his remark. He knew she secretly craved validation and praise, it was one of the first things he noticed about her. He also knew she’d recognize the term of endearment used by his partner, the very same one she so easily slept with after repeatedly having dalliances with himself. “You heard me,” He challenged her, leveling his stare with her own as he completely invaded her senses until their noses brushed together. “Just another little gold digger, aren’t you? Stringing men along until you get what you want?”

“Is that what you think? I’m stringing you along? Ha!” Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she leaned up to bump his nose with her own. “What would I possibly want from you?” She spat, her blood speeding through her system until her body buzzed with anger. She was already set off by his original statement, but he continued to strike nerve after nerve with each passing second. 

Jungkook tilted his head while moving away from her, that infuriating smirk making a comeback. “Why don’t you tell me since apparently you can’t stop thinking about me?” 

“From the moment you’re out of my sight, you don’t even exist to me, JK.” Emmy hissed, taking the opportunity to throw her leg over his lap and get away. Jungkook watched her scurry from the lounge, pushing his tongue against his cheek.

He paused, a thought crossing his mind as he moved to chase her. “Clearly, you’re finished with V and it’s obvious what you want from a guy like Leedo…” Emmy whipped around, glaring at him as he followed her. 

Her arms were crossed over her chest, pressing the flesh together for Jungkook’s viewing pleasure. “A guy like Leedo?” She wondered.

They were stopped just at the entrance of the Hibernation room when Jungkook leaned his arm against the threshold as he hovered over Emmy. “Oh come on, you think he’s just here to enjoy the spa?” Jungkook laughed at the notion. “No, he’s here for two reasons: one to flaunt his wealth and two to fuck around.”

Emmy hummed with amusement, “I guess it’s true what they say, takes one to know one.”

“And I bet you’re not the only girl he’s talking to.” Jungkook seemed proud of himself, spotting that Leedo was just another pompous rich boy out to throw some dough around to look like a hot shot since he had no other accomplishments. “Come on, forget chasing him, and let’s have some real fun.“ He moved to trace his fingertips up her arm, dropping his eyes low before trying to entice her with the hooded appearance.

Despite how handsome he looked, Emmy was still scorned by his comment and almost appalled that he thought he could just sweep it under the rug. She pulled his hand from her body, dropping it away from her like a piece of trash as she looked at him smugly. “Well, I wouldn’t want to keep stringing you along so I think I’ll pass. I wouldn’t want to damage your ego more than I have.” She turned on her heel, pushing against the door to escape Jungkook before he thought of another way to distract her from the mission. 

The second she broke through the door, she felt like she could breathe again. The cold air rushed over her warm flesh, sizzling out the rapid racing of her heart after fighting the urge to prove her worth to Jungkook. She hated that he crawled under her skin so easily, especially after hearing him call her sweetheart. She never imagined that him using such a common endearment would make her feel so insignificant. 

She glanced over her shoulder as she continued distancing herself from Jungkook, noticing him slowly walking out of the room. She snapped her head forward, making sure to disappear around the corner of another building to avoid any more interactions with him. Without the piercing feeling of his eyes on her, she felt more at ease and was ready to refocus her attention on the mission. The timing couldn’t be more perfect as she spotted Leedo standing along the rocks overlooking the forest. 

She walked quietly in his direction, adjusting her posture to become more relaxed and allowing her hips to swing with every step. She noticed that he seemed to be on the phone, but his gaze swiftly ran over her figure, causing him to pause in his conversation. As she approached, he seemed to shake himself out of the daydream playing in his head before he quickly said something into the phone and closed it. 

“Hey there handsome.” Emmy greeted, pulling her hair over her shoulder and gently twirling it with her finger. 

Leedo’s smile was all too inviting as he stepped closer to her, his eyes feasting upon the shape of her frame. “I was hoping to run into you again.”

Emmy feigned surprise, coyishly blinking up at him. “Oh?”

Leedo was eating out of the palm of her hand, admiring the innocent expressions on her face as if waiting for him to charm the pants off her. “Well, yeah. It’d be a shame for such a pretty girl to spend her time alone. I wanted to keep you company.”

Emmy internally cringed at his tactics for flirting, but she bit the inside of her cheeks as she continued to smile. “Well, you know what would be really great? Maybe a nice candlelight dinner?” Any man knows that a romantic dinner is the way to take a girl to bed, which would give Emmy the opportunity to swipe his wallet. 

Leedo grinned, picking up on her hint for a good time, but just as quickly he winced. “Aw, damn. You know what? I completely forgot I already have dinner plans.” He seemed frustrated with himself, realizing that he might not get the evening he was planning with the brunette. 

Emmy tilted her head, wondering why he had predetermined dinner plans during his time at the hot springs. Her brows were furrowed together, “With who?”

Leedo’s eyes widened, not expecting her to ask that question and seeing the small pout on her lips. “Oh, just an investor.” Emmy’s features did not soften as she curled her brow over her forehead, wondering why he would meet with an investor at a resort in the mountains. Before she could dwell any further on the subject, Leedo grabbed her hand gently, resting it in his large palm. “Maybe after we can meet somewhere?” His voice was hopeful.

Despite the numerous red flags waving in her face, Emmy continued with the seductive facade, “I would love to.” She bit her lip as Leedo grinned, feeling suddenly nervous as Jungkook’s remark about the type of guy Leedo was replayed in her head. While ultimately she didn’t care, it bothered her to know Jungkook had leverage over her and might gain the audacity to say “I told you so.” She shook him from her mind, setting up her new plan of action to take advantage of Leedo during their after-dinner rendezvous.

—

After an afternoon of hacking the Nordic spa’s clientele profiles, Jade was finally able to track Leedo’s reservations for an appointment for a Swedish massage the following day. She felt pride seeping through her limbs as she informed Emmy and Ruby of his whereabouts and how she would be the only person fit to handle this part of the hustle. 

Jade had a vast knowledge of random skills, something she easily picked up over her youth which allowed her to be the perfect brain of their operations. Tomorrow, she would pose as Leedo’s masseuse while tonight was dedicated to her enjoying some of the amenities that Emmy and Ruby have had plenty of time to enjoy. 

The eldest of the trio happily hummed to herself as she strolled through the main facilities, passing the saunas as she sought out one of the themed steam rooms. Through her extensive knowledge of the spa and its services, she discovered a lunar steam room that offered a pleasant benefit of infusing the steam with eucalyptus for the ultimate relaxation. Jade knew that this amenity was a popular one, waiting till the dinner hours of the evening to enjoy it in hopes of getting the entirety of the room to herself.

She shuffled through the back hallways, finally reaching a locker room designated for the lunar steam room. She hung the fluffy robe onto one of the hooks near the closest locker to the small door leading into the darkened room. She took a soothing breath, enjoying the cool air before her body would sweat out all of the built-up toxins invading her pores. 

Jade swiftly moved to pull open the door leading to the steam room, turning the dial on the wall to activate the steam as she walked through a thin-tiled hallway leading to another door that revealed a small dark-tiled room with two benches facing each other. The room had blue fluorescent lighting lining the edges of the floor and ceiling. It cast the perfect tranquil environment as the soothing fragrance of eucalyptus invaded her nostrils. 

She took a deep breath, relishing in the sensation of feeling her sinuses become uncongested alongside the clean aroma. She was pleasantly surprised to see that the room was completely abandoned, allowing her to pick her spot, and settle for the back corner near one of the steam ducts. She sat upon the warm tile, feeling her body relax as she leaned back against the wall, letting her limbs soften from the comfort of the steam. 

Jade utilized the opportunity to let any pent-up emotions escape her mind as she enjoyed a moment alone without her two youngest intruding on her life. While she loved her friends and partners, she also needed an occasional break from their constant teasing and pestering. 

After a few minutes of solitude and tranquility, she heard the soft click of the door as another spa patron entered to enjoy the benefits of the scented steam. Jade glanced up to notice a man’s physique walking toward the opposite corner of the room, seeking out a spot close to the steam ducts just as she had.  Jade suddenly felt nervous to be sharing such an intimate area with a random man, biting her lip nervously as she adjusted herself on the bench.

Her eyes took in the sight of his chiseled muscles, noticing a tattoo on his ribcage as he turned to sit across from her. Her pupils widened as the sight of his back graced her with an image of a tattoo running down the length of his spine, beautifully displaying the phases of the moon as her eyes glazed over the ink between the flex of his shoulder blades. With the darkness of the room, she wasn’t able to notice many of his features until he finally took a seat on the bench across from her, his eyes flashing up to meet her stare. 

Jade gasped at the unexpected reveal, watching Jimin’s eyes widen in surprise from seeing one of his adversaries casually sitting across from him. She let a sigh escape her lips with a soft groan, knowing the last thing she wanted to deal with was one of the men in his trio, especially since she was admiring his tattoos. 

Her mind quickly flashed back to their dalliance at the male strip club in Australia, realizing that she had been far too flustered to observe his tattoos properly. Now all of a sudden she was admiring his ink and drooling over his physique. She shook her head in annoyance, taking a soothing breath to calm herself. 

Jimin observed her irritation, settling on the bench calmly as he leaned back to enjoy the warm vapor. “I didn’t realize that was you.” He offered, wondering if she would get up and storm off from his presence. To his surprise, Jade continued to loung about on the bench, refusing to let his presence bother her. 

“Sure.” Jade spoke softly, refusing to make much eye contact with him as she switched her gaze onto the blue lighting that lined the floor beneath the benches. She felt her stubborn and defensive nature kicking in, refusing to budge from her seat just as Jimin seemed set on maintaining his position across from her to enjoy the spa. 

A deafening silence fell upon them as they heard nothing but the gentle hiss of the steam seeping out into the room as their lungs were consumed with the clean fragrance. Jade was purposefully avoiding looking in Jimin’s direction, feeling her heart race in her chest as the heat wrapped around her, causing her to become flustered. 

Jimin on the other hand was intently glancing over her figure, admiring the way her bikini exposed her physique to him. This was the first time he had ever seen the brains of their female counterparts dressed in such little clothing, leaving little to his imagination as he chewed on the inside of his cheek. 

As the steam got his blood pumping, he couldn’t help but let his mind wander to memories he shared with the brunette, recalling their kiss in Jennie’s mansion to avoid the guards and the sensation of her lips molding over his abdomen during the body shot in Australia. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t fight the twitch of his member as his imagination dangerously took over, his eyes devouring the sight of her body, wishing she would join him on his side of the bench. 

He took a soothing breath to try and tame his raging desires, feeling the heat only bother him further as he adjusted in his seat. “So…” Jimin finally spoke, gripping the edge of the bench with his hands as he leaned forward slightly to make conversation. “What exactly is your job in seducing Mr. Kim?”

Jade blinked in surprise at his question, shifting her gaze back to find his dark eyes piercing into her. She felt herself sink under his gaze, nervously stumbling over her words as she tried to find something to say. Obviously, she didn’t want to brag about being his masseuse tomorrow. It would give him exactly the information he was searching for. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” She answered plainly, hoping to end the conversation. 

The corner of Jimin’s mouth pulled into a flirtatious smirk, exposing his teeth as a small laugh escaped his smile. “Let’s hope you left the flirting to your partners.” He teased, lifting his eyebrows suggestively as he bit his lip. “I mean, don’t get me wrong,” He continued, looking through her as if she was transparent. “You’re flirting back at Napa Valley was cute and all, but your little gems are far better at getting a man’s attention.”

Honestly, Jimin had found her flirting quite endearing, enjoying her innocence and naive nature. It was one of the things that drew him to her versus the two younger females of her trio, not to mention the shape of her body that was lusciously displayed for his viewing pleasure. Of course, he would never let her know that he was attracted to her, which is why he used his teasing as a way to settle his stirring arousal. He leaned back, feeling the warmth of the steam further enhance his flirtatious nature, his body becoming sweltered in heat. 

Jade’s skin flushed a deeper shade of red as the heat and embarrassment pooled in her cheeks. How dare he? Of course, she wasn’t as confident and shameless as Emmy and Ruby, however she wasn’t a complete waste in seducing men. “Ha, men are so easy. They don’t think with their brains.” She added with a little bark, feeling belittled as Jimin chuckled at her comment. 

“Please, you’re too naive.” Jimin countered, shaking his head as he offered her another flirtatious smirk. “You’re cute though, I’ll admit that.” 

Jade felt her body tremble, infuriated that someone like Jimin would think such a thing of her. She was insulted and dejected and it was bothering her more than she cared to admit. She usually didn’t care about proving someone wrong. She didn’t know if it was the building heat between them or his insufferable teasing, but she suddenly felt the urge to put him in his place. 

She quickly thought to herself, wondering what Emmy would do in a situation like this? Jimin left her flustered multiple times in the past. It was her turn to return the favor and leave him speechless. Her mind suddenly settled on a thought, internally cringing as she contemplated executing the action. She took one more glance toward Jimin, seeing his tantalizing smile as his eyes drank in the sight of her. His smug expression caused her sanity to snap as she reached behind her back, tugging the string of her bikini top as she plucked the fabric from her torso. 

Jimin’s smirk quickly vanished from his face as a dumbfounded expression replaced his cheeky demeanor. Jimin could hardly catch his breath, admiring the way Jade’s perky mounds stood proudly before him, leaving him oogling over her body. “Fucking shit…” He whispered, feeling his mind go fuzzy from the heat and the salacious sight explicitly laid out before him. 

Jade grinned proudly as she tossed the fabric of her top over her shoulder, cocking her hip out to the side as she relished in the way Jimin’s jaw practically dropped to the floor. “All I need are these and I’ll win over any man.” She argued, standing tall as she shot him a teasing smile. “You got something, right there.” She spoke confidently as she gestured to the corner of her mouth. 

Jimin blinked out of his trance as he watched Jade strut back out of the steam room, pulling the door open to lead back toward the locker room. Jimin felt himself exhale as she stepped out, not realizing that he was holding his breath to avoid acting upon his thoughts. He sunk back on the bench, running his hands through his hair to push the damp strands back as he tried to calm his hardening length.  

Meanwhile, Jade made her way out of the steam room, feeling the cold air snap her out of her delusional confidence as she quickly realized that she was bare-chested for everyone to see. “What the hell, Jade.” She scolded herself, rapidly replacing her top back onto her torso to conceal herself. She shook her head from her sudden rash decision, cringing as she went to retrieve her robe from the locker. 

While her mind swirled with all of her insecurities, she couldn’t help but feel her pride swell from the reaction plastered on Jimin’s face as she left him completely speechless. She glanced back at the door of the steam room, watching Jimin stumbling out to cool off as she swiftly moved out of the locker room into the hallway, glancing back over her shoulder with a smirk as she pinched her robe closed to go find Emmy and Ruby. 

—

Emmy shivered as she stood in the plummeting temperatures of the Yukon, waiting for Leedo to hopefully show up just like they planned. She was bundled up in a coat with the freezing cold air that surrounded her as she stood in the darkness. Steam drifted from the springs along the resort, soothing the stiff ache in her muscles from being subjected to the frigid environment. 

The forest beyond the main property creaked and cooed, the nocturnal wildlife creeping in the shadows around the perimeter of the area. Emmy inhaled the refreshing air through her lungs before exhaling between her rounded lips, debating if she should cut her losses at this point since she had been waiting for about half an hour. 

She wondered what could be keeping him so long, considering how eager he seemed for her company. Was Jungkook right? Was he hooking up with other women during his stay? Or did his meeting run long? Emmy shook her head, frustrated that her thoughts drifted back to the bain of her existence. 

“There you are!” She heard from behind her, snapping her head in the direction of the voice to see Leedo jogging towards her. She instantly noticed that he seemed out of breath as if he was in a hurry to get there and freshly showered. She found it slightly odd considering he was supposed to be at dinner, but ignored the little voice in her subconscious steering her away from her target. Steal his information and get out, the money would follow. 

Her impatience melted as he approached her, replacing the stony expression with a more inviting smile. “I was wondering if you were still going to show up.” She cocked her hip to the side, accentuating the shape of her body as much as possible under the bulky coat. 

Leedo finally caught his breath, standing close to her warmth as he collected her gently in his arms. His touch was light, but invasive as he towered over her. “Sorry about that. My meeting ran longer than expected.”

Emmy noticed the flicker in his demeanor as he lied, but continued on her conquest. Whether he was truthful or not, she still planned to rob him blind. She ran her fingers up his torso, walking her fingertips along his sternum until she could tug on the collar of his jacket. Her eyelashes fluttered as she stood on her toes, brushing their lips together. “I’m just glad you made it.”

“Me too.” She heard him groan deep in his throat and knew she had him under her spell. His hands held her around the waist, molding her body to his frame. “So, what did you exactly have in mind?”

Emmy giggled, slipping from his arms and slowly walking off the deck onto a small path that led into the forest. She looked over her shoulder, flashing him a dazzling smile. “You’ll just have to follow me and see…” Her words were ominous, but her tone was full of sexual promise. Leedo had no issue or hesitance in following the flirtatious brunette in the middle of the night. 

She navigated them down the path toward small private pools that would allow them plenty of privacy from other guests of the resort and any offensive obstacles. The atmosphere was mostly dark, but the subtle illumination of the occasional lantern helped guide Emmy toward the pools while Leedo enjoyed the view from behind. She glanced over her shoulder as they approached the pools, noticing her target was focused on her assets. She sighed contently, feeling a rush course through her veins from his undivided attention. 

“Here we are.” She announced, spinning on her heel to present herself in front of Leedo with the scenery of the tranquil pool displayed behind her. Dim light and the moon’s face reflected off the steaming water as she pulled him into her. “Let’s go for a little swim.” She cooed.

Leedo suddenly seemed sheepish, glancing around as if he was being watched. “I thought maybe we could go to your room instead.” He suggested.

Emmy internally cringed at the notion, slightly irritated that he was unintentionally ruining her plans. She cleared her throat, hoping her emotions were masked behind her seductive smile as she stepped into him. “Are you sure that’s what you want?” She looked up at him behind her eyelashes, moving her hands over her coat and slowly peeling the fabric away from her body. Her skin instantly bristled when exposed to the climate, the only thing keeping her warm was his close proximity and the bathing suit she wore underneath. 

There was a hitch in his throat as she revealed her body, stepping away from him to retreat into the warm waters. He began salivating as she stood waist-deep in the pool before undoing the strings of her bikini top. “Fuck…” He whispered under his breath as her nipples instantly hardened from the cold air.

She twirled the article around her finger, letting the fabric wrap around her wrist as she lowered herself into the water. “Come on in.” She crooked her finger, drawing him in as he scurried to remove his clothes. He huffed when the temperatures hit his bare skin, pushing through the discomfort until he dipped his whole body into the pool.

Emmy hummed contently as she swam to him, crawling into his lap as his arms wrapped around her naked torso. His hands supported her ass, letting her core press against his member which slowly came to life after the flash freeze of getting undressed. “This is much better.” She cooed, curling her arms around his neck and tossing her bikini top onto the edge of the rocks surrounding them. 

There was a rumble of approval, “Yeah.” Leedo reached up to cup her cheek, bringing their lips together while dragging her over his naked thighs. Emmy could feel his dick prodding against her thigh as she fell into his kiss, pushing back harder so that he was close to the rocks. 

Emmy clawed at his scalp, digging her nails through the roots of his hair as his hands squeezed the swell of her ass, fingers teasing the seam of her bottoms. She adjusted her legs, sitting up higher on his waist as she pulled his head back, hovering over him as she slipped her tongue over his lip. She ignored the pit in her stomach when she felt smooth skin instead of the familiar cool metal, pushing forward to intoxicate her victim. 

Leedo parted his lips, accepting her tongue as it flicked against his own while his back muscles flexed against the smooth rocks. His hands moved up her spine, massaging her body under his strong palms as her breasts sat heavily against his chest.  The adrenaline running through his veins went rampant as he became more aggressive in his actions, his hands working harder on her body as his teeth nicked at her bottom lip. 

Emmy pulled back from his assault, shivers rattling her core at the sensations he was inducing. She panted for breath as his lips eagerly sucked at the skin of her neck, trailing down to her ample breasts. His arms raised her higher, his teeth latching over one of her pert nipples as she cried out into the night air.  Her senses buzzed with excitement as the crisp breeze swept over her skin while Leedo warmed her with his tongue. 

Her legs tightened around his middle as he devoured her supple flesh, Emmy stealing the opportunity to sneak his phone into her belongings haphazardly strewn on the forest ground. Keeping one hand against Leedo’s head, she used the other to reach into his discarded pants to shimmy the device from his pocket. She yelped when he abruptly switched to her other bud, the cold snapping against the one he left abandoned. Her hand clutched the device as her body adjusted to the change, moving slowly to hide it amongst her clothing. 

Just before she could slip it into her pile, the phone vibrated loudly as the face lit up to display the picture of a beautiful woman. Emmy gasped as she tossed the phone away, only able to notice that the caller's identification was labeled as Claudia. Leedo pushed Emmy away, urgently moving to retrieve his device. He didn’t seem to realize that it was lying on the ground as he was too concerned with seeing the name of the caller. “Shit!” He cursed, hopping out of the warm pool and quickly gathering his things. 

Emmy curled her eyebrow, curious as to why he seemed to be leaving when she was so close to getting what she needed. “What’s wrong?”

Leedo stopped, holding his clothes against his naked frame despite the chill creeping over his wet body. His eyes were wide and the phone continued to go off as he tried to think of an excuse. What surprised her was the laugh that escaped his throat as he played the whole thing off. “Nothing’s wrong, I just…It’s getting late so I should probably head back.”

As he started getting dressed, the phone finally stopped vibrating. He let out a sigh of relief as he pulled his pants up. Emmy leaned up on the rocks, batting her eyelashes up at him, “Are you sure you can’t stay?”

Leedo glanced down, nervously biting his nail as he looked at the tops of her breasts peaking out from the surface of the water. She picked up on his hesitation, anticipating that maybe he would change his mind again, but his phone started vibrating again. “Damn, I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

Emmy pouted, watching him quickly throw his clothes back on, unconcerned with the disheveled appearance as he bid his goodbyes. She collapsed against the rock, feeling defeated and slightly rejected when he hurried back up the path without even making sure she made it back to the main resort. She groaned, thinking back on what Jungkook mentioned earlier. “I hate when he’s right.”

—

Ruby had her eye on the prize while approaching the entrance of the spa with her partner in crime, Emmy. “I can’t wait for this to be over.” She chattered from the cold air outside as Emmy grabbed the door handle. Ruby made it very apparent that she preferred warm weather over the frigid cold of the Yukon. She knew the second they were done with their catch, they would be heading back to the heat of Las Vegas.

Emmy chuckled, embracing the crisp breeze that blew by before they stepped inside the facility. “Come on, we’re at a hot spring. What’s there to complain about?” She peered over at her lean counterpart with a smirk tucked at her lips. 

Ruby only glared back, impatient with the sarcasm oozing from her friend. “Just get us checked in so I can do my job.” Emmy only chuckled as she stepped up toward the counter, settling the reservation that Jade arranged for them. 

Ruby stole an opportunity to look at her phone, reviewing the message Jade sent right as Leedo got settled into his appointment. The message confirmed his room number and the opportune time for Ruby to sneak in to steal his things. After ensuring she had the correct information, she began to pace the lobby taking slow methodical steps to avoid raising suspicion as she surveyed the layout. To her delight, only a couple of rooms were visible from the lobby before there was a sharp turn in the corridor. 

Emmy continued to talk to the receptionist as Ruby spotted the cameras placed in the main lobby and down the hall, hoping Jade accommodated for their footage during their appointment. “Ruby!” The sharp whisper of Emmy snatched her attention. “We can go to the room now.” She acknowledged, seeming impatient after waiting for her friend to stop scoping the place out. 

Ruby made a noise of mild surprise, acting aloof as she followed the youngest in their group. Emmy turned the corner, out of the view of the receptionist and Ruby grinned at the ease of the situation. “Perfect.” She muttered to herself noticing their room was just down the hall from Leedo’s.

Emmy opened the door, revealing a gray stone room highlighted by soft lighting over the small vanity and embedded like stars in the ceiling. Two luxurious massage tables were settled in the middle, covered with silk sheets, matching towels, and a decorative lotus flower. Emmy quickly swept over the room, noticing a discreet closet hidden just by the door. “This is where we put our things.” She mentioned, opening the closet to reveal a clean set of towels for them to use.

She handed one of the rolled-up towels to Ruby, sharing a knowing look as they went to their respective corners before dressing down for their treatment. “You know, we should do these more often.” Ruby commented, pulling her shirt over her head. 

Emmy paused, turning her head to speak in Ruby’s direction as she held her shirt at her waist. “Yeah, you’re probably right. I bet Jade would enjoy it.” She added, knowing their intellectual rarely relaxed. None of them did really, but even when they weren’t on a job, their friend was constantly doing research and tying up loose ends. 

Ruby laughed, thinking of their more reserved friend getting a massage. “What if we hire a male masseuse?” The two women stopped, looking back at each other with a knowing look before busting out in laughter. “She’d die.” She chuckled, her body shaking from the rapid movement of her diaphragm. 

“It’s going on my bucket list.” Emmy wiped a fake tear as images of Jade becoming even more tense during a massage rather than relaxing played in her head. “I wonder how she’s surviving with Leedo?”

Ruby continued dressing down, readjusting her view as she shimmied her pants down her legs. “As long as she’s keeping him distracted, it doesn’t matter.” She stepped out of her clothing before wrapping the towel around her body and gathering the bundle in her arms. “Ready?” She asked.

Emmy quickly shuffled her things together, standing upright and turning on her heel. “Yep!” She moved back over to the closet, placing their things in the cubby. “You’ve got your phone, right?” 

She glanced back at Ruby who gently patted her hip, “I got it right here.” When she pressed against the towel, there was an unnatural rectangular shape hidden beneath the fabric. Ruby had tucked the device into the waistband of her underwear so that she could scan Leedo’s information. 

Emmy grinned as she shut the door, moving to hop on the massage table. “Oh my god, I need these sheets on my bed.” She smoothed the fabric with her palm, savoring the silk material beneath her fingertips. 

Ruby sat on her own massage table, touching the sheets in response to Emmy’s comment. She nodded in agreement, laying down across the expanse of the surface to relish in the luxurious comfort. 

Suddenly there was a knock on the door to which Emmy called out, “Come in.”

A woman slowly peeked her head inside, smiling as she noticed the two women on the tables. She stepped further into the room, “Hello, my name is Olivia and this is JK. We’ll be treating you today.” She moved to the side, allowing a familiar man to slip into the door before the door was closed behind him. 

Ruby whipped her head towards Emmy, watching her jaw drop as Jungkook leaned against the door. Her shock quickly wore off as she narrowed her eyes sharply in his direction. Ruby bit her lip to keep from laughing as Jungkook continued to stare back, undeterred by her heated glare. 

Emmy stopped listening to Olivia as she began going over the procedure for the massage. Her focus was intent on burning a hole through Jungkook’s skull, hoping to watch him crumble where he stood. His eyes never left her, staring at her just intently as if challenging each other to look away. 

“Are you ready to get started?” Olivia asked, glancing around the room. She noticed the tension between her partner and the client almost immediately. “Is there an issue?” She wondered, hoping their new transfer wasn’t making the guest uncomfortable.

Emmy shook her head, fixing the stony expression on her face as she smiled back at the female masseuse. “Nope.” She placed a strong emphasis on the p sound as her eyes flickered toward Jungkook.

Olivia seemed apprehensive, but slowly gestured toward the tables, suggesting the women lay face down to start their session. Emmy curled her tongue over the front of her teeth as Jungkook looked at her, waiting to approach. She made a noise of irritation before getting on her back and taking rigid breaths through her nose. 

She peeked over at Ruby who seemed thoroughly amused by her predicament while Olivia adjusted her onto the table. Emmy pressed her lips firmly together as she glanced back up to see a smirking Jungkook hovering above her head. “Just relax…” He cooed, reaching toward the small table just beside him to grab a bottle of massage oil. 

Emmy narrowed her eyes, fighting every urge in her body to tell him to fuck off. The only thing that kept her restrained was the kind employee working on Ruby’s shoulders. She watched intently as he rubbed the oil in his hands lathering his palms until they were smooth to the touch. Once he was satisfied he leaned down by her head, his lips just by her ear. “Are you ready, baby girl?” He kept his voice low to avoid any suspicion.

Emmy turned her head, letting their noses brush as her eyes were level with his lips from their unusual position. “Your move.” She dared.

He chuckled, standing up once again as he gently placed his hands on her shoulders. Under his touch, her muscles became taught as the feeling of vulnerability started to sink in. “You’re so tense.” He dragged his palms down her arms before bringing them back up again, noticing the movement of her body against his ministrations. “I can’t imagine why.”

Emmy mocked him with her facial expressions, mimicking him poorly as he rubbed his hands over her upper body. She inhaled sharply when his motions moved to her chest, dragging across the top of her breasts. “Don’t get any ideas.” She hissed between her teeth.

Jungkook merely hummed, smoothing his palms over the shape of her curves, running along the path of her torso as his gaze fixated on the supple mounds. He leaned over the table, hovering his waist above her head as his hands dragged up along the towel covering her and came all the way back up to her neck. Emmy moaned as his fingers massaged the roots of her scalp, closing her eyes while he sent jolts of electricity down her spine. His deep chuckle caused her to snap her eyes up at him. “That felt good, huh?”

Emmy bitterly turned her head away, seeking Ruby out. Her friend seemed lost in her own world as she puddled into the hands of the female masseuse. Emmy ignored Jungkook’s deliberate attempts to bring her attention back to him as he pressed firmly against her joints and muscles. Olivia moved to Ruby’s side, working along her arms as Jungkook seemed to follow suit. She lightly snapped her fingers, trying to get Ruby’s attention.

Jungkook noticed what she was trying to do and maneuvered himself to block her view, taking her hand in his as he began applying pressure to her knuckles. He grinned mischievously as he released small pops from the motions, switching his technique as he dragged his hands around her limb, softening the tension.

She huffed in response, turning her head in the other direction. She heard Jungkook scoff, gently resting her hand back on the massage table. She nearly cracked her neck when she felt his hands on her thighs, adjusting her leg so that he could knead the flesh with large, warm hands. She clutched the fabric of her towel to fight the overwhelming pleasure she got from feeling his hands on her body.

She glanced down at him long enough to see the proud smirk on his face before she dropped her head back to the table. Her emotions were conflicting as she convinced herself that she should hate how he was making her feel, but arguably, he shouldn’t be bothering her at all. Regardless, his touch being so close to her intimacy did well to remind her of how he felt between her legs, and she wasn’t happy about it. 

“I’m sorry, but is there a bathroom I can use?” Ruby asked aloud.

This grabbed the attention of everyone in the room, Olivia pausing in her service to glance at her client. She hesitated, unprepared for the interruption as she pulled her hands away from Ruby. “Uh, yes. It’s just around the corner, out in the hallway.”

“Thank you!” Ruby made a theatrical exit from the room, squeezing her legs together as if she could barely hold it. 

Jungkook continued moving his hands along Emmy’s body, unapologetically looking at Olivia as if her simply standing there was throwing off his technique. The woman became uncomfortable under his stare and quickly looked away, noticing that they could use a new bottle of massage oil. “I’ll be right back.” She muttered, quickly leaving the room with Emmy at the mercy of Jungkook.

The second the door was closed, Emmy sat up to slap his hands away from her body while he gave her leg a firm tug. “Turn over.” He demanded.

Emmy flared up, her eyes blazing as she tried to crawl away from his hold. “Let go of me.”

Jungkook dragged her to the edge of the table, forcing himself between her legs as he caged her against his stature. “I’ll give you one more chance. Turn around on your own or I’ll make you.”

Her head was tipped back to look up into his impatient stare, “I’d like to see you-”

She was abruptly cut off when Jungkook stepped away from her, using her arm as leverage to get her to spin around before pushing her over the massage table. She gasped as his palm smacked across her ass, the sting lingering as his hands gripped her thighs and pushed her up onto the silk sheets. She collapsed from his quick movements, her torso smothered onto the table while his hands run up her thighs and cupped her ass. He applied pressure to slide her body into position, letting her face rest on the pillow.

He gave her another slap to the backside once her body slumped into the massage table in defeat. “Girls who don’t listen get punished, baby girl. “ He tutted, replacing his firm touch with gentle kneading as he worked the underside of her thighs, playing with the plump flesh like dough. 

Emmy’s blood tingled with excitement as his fingers traced the inner parts of her thigh, nearly brushing her underwear, but her spite forced her legs to snap shut. Jungkook only chuckled, prying them back apart. “Relax. Are you worried I’ll feel how wet you are?” Emmy tried to scoff until he spread her legs apart, skimming his knuckle across the crotch of her panties. “Guess I need to warm you up some more.”

“You don’t need to do shit.” He spanked her again, his hand lingering as he squeezed the swell of her ass. “Asshole.” She groaned, smothering her frustration in the pillow as he manipulated her body. 

“I think you just need to get laid…especially after your fail last night.” Jungkook laughed as her body became rigid with his confession.

She twisted her body to the side, just enough to look at him, “You were spying on me?”

Jungkook turned her back on her belly, slipping his hand under her towel and pushing her panties away from his destination. “I was watching him, you were an added bonus. I did appreciate your little show in the pool. I always enjoy seeing the girls.” His fingertips played with her folds, slipping through the moisture that was spilling from her pussy. 

Emmy keened when his index brushed over her sensitive clit, clutching the edge of the table in the same way she clung to her sanity. She refused to let this man get the best of her despite how good he made her feel. “Fuck.” She cursed, biting her lip as her body involuntarily moved against his hand. She was pent up, pissed, and wanted to take it all out on him.

“God, you’re lucky I can’t fuck you right now.” He moved his hand to brush her entrance, probing the hole with his fingertips. “I could just slip inside so easy…” He pushed two fingers in, gliding them along her walls. “I miss how good you feel.” He groaned, one hand squeezing her thigh as the other worked to pump his fingers in and out of her dripping core. 

“I hate you.” She muttered, her words slurring from the pleasure that overtook her. Her body was so responsive to his touch, and his voice alone had her under a spell. However, the way he talked to her practically enslaved her, rattled in his seductive chains to do with her as he pleased. She weakly allowed him to commandeer her actions, giving him access to her needs and desires with every thrust of his hand. 

She panted when his fingers curled inside her, hitting a spot that shot straight through her limbs. His pace picked up, causing Emmy to curl in on herself, writhing in pleasure as she was exposed to his treatment. Her ears buzzed as blood rushed to her head, unaware of the footsteps just outside the door. It wasn’t until Jungkook abruptly pulled away that Emmy realized they were nearly caught by Olivia. 

Jungkook swiftly wiped his fingers on the silk sheet, making sure to return to the routine of a Swedish massage. “Is she still in the bathroom?” The female masseuse asked, surprised that Ruby had not returned after being away for several minutes. 

Jungkook silently shook his head, biting his lip as he watched Emmy crumble from the interruption. Emmy mustered a shaky, “No,” before melting into the silk. His chest swelled with pride, the pit that seemed to grow in his stomach now filled with a warmth that stirred down to his groin. Even though she continued to fight him, he could certainly boast that she wanted him sexually despite her best efforts. He was determined to break her down, time and time again. 

Olivia sighed, moving to check the restroom, but gasped when she opened the door to see Ruby sheepishly standing outside in the hall with her knuckles raised to knock against the surface. “Sorry…I forgot which room we were in.” Olivia looked unamused but fixed the smile on her face as she allowed Ruby to return to her massage table to finish her session.

—

Emmy impatiently tapped her fingers across the lacquer of the dining table, looking across at Ruby who seemed just as bored. “What’s taking her so long?” Ruby focused on her nails, inspecting the cuticles.

Emmy looked out the large windows of the cafe, searching for the familiar brunette that insisted she needed to finish covering their asses from the day prior. “I don’t know.” Her view was somewhat obscured since the windows faced one of the main pools and they were a fair distance from the entrance.  She sighed, resting her cheek against her palm as her stomach grumbled. “She better hurry up, I’m starving.”

Ruby held up her menu, reading the descriptions of food, and groaned, “Same.”

There was a small clatter that broke through the quiet ambiance, drawing the two female’s attention toward an erratic woman shuffling between the tables. They instantly recognized their brainiac as she clambered into the chair next to Emmy. “Sorry, it was very difficult to hack the cameras after Leedo’s deep tissue massage.” Jade flexed her hands, wincing as the soreness in her knuckles flared. “It was like rubbing down a rock.” She complained, after spending nearly an hour the day before keeping Leedo relaxed while Ruby robbed him blind. 

Emmy hummed with mischief, “How was that?” She could only imagine Jade struggling to keep her composure with someone as handsome as Leedo would simply make her nervous by being in the same proximity, let alone being almost naked. 

Jade was oblivious to her teasing, “I don’t know how people do that every day. The technique is exhausting.”

“Of course, that’s what you focused on.” Emmy commented, sarcasm dripping from her lips as she softly shook her head in disbelief. Ruby giggled as Emmy’s expression turned deadpan.

“Did you give him a happy ending?” Ruby continued to laugh as Jade glanced across the table, her face horrified. 

“Ew, no!” Jade was stunned as the two women busted into laughter. She reimagined her predicament from the spa day, dwelling on the empty flirting that fell from his lips that she ignored as she kept her attention on fulfilling his massage and making sure Ruby was able to do her part of the mission. “He was a sleaze though so it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s gotten one before.”

“Right? He had the worst pick-up lines.” Emmy chimed in. The girls shared a moment, mocking their most recent victim. They relished in the victories plenty of times, but it was always extra special to know they were fucking over someone deserving like the obvious womanizer Leedo was. “At least now he can buy us lunch.”

Ruby was eager to order their food, bothering Jade to look over the menu so they could wave down a waiter. After a moment, Jade picked out her meal and was able to submit their request to be made. This would be their last experience at the resort before they decided on their next destination, and a hearty lunch was deserved after a job well done. 

Ruby finally pulled out the variety of cards she pulled from Leedo’s wallet, slipping them across the table to Jade. “Which one should we use?” She asked.

Emmy curiously looked over, trying to see the type of bank cards he had in his wallet, but noticed Jade flipping through them oddly. Her brow furrowed as she lifted her gaze to the confusion on Jade’s face. “What’s wrong?”

The techy turned the cards in her direction, displaying the logos and cardholder name, wordlessly Emmy was stunned to read the name Claudia Laurent on a MasterCard. Jade flipped through the rest, showing Emmy that all the cards had the same name. “All his cards are in a woman’s name.” Jade finally shared with Ruby.

Ruby’s eyebrows shot up over her forehead, “What? How is that possible?” The girls shared a look of confusion, each one coming up with their own scenario. “Do you think he stole them too?”

Emmy scoffed, “Please that man has only one thing on his mind and money isn’t it.”

Jade chewed her lip in thought, running different possibilities in her head. “That’s the only logical explanation though…right?”

Emmy vaguely remembered the name on his phone and went to share that particular detail with her friends until a boisterous voice cut through the atmosphere. “Claudia!” Emmy instantly recognized the name as she turned her head to see Jungkook approaching a middle-aged woman dressed in expensive furs. 

She nudged her elbow against Jade’s ribs, gesturing towards the scene Jungkook was making as he kissed each cheek of this supposed Claudia. The trio of women watched intently as Jungkook proceeded to charm this woman, his hands holding her close to him gently. Emmy rolled her eyes as Claudia ate his flirtatious mannerisms, falling into his hands easily just like all the others he preyed on. 

“I’ll see you tonight for dinner.” He cooed, tipping her chin up with his finger before delivering a wink. Claudia seemed beside herself as this man swept her off her feet before leaving the cafe, glancing back at the ever-handsome Jungkook until she turned the corner and was no longer seen. Jungkook relaxed once she was gone, his gaze instantly locking with Emmy as he moved across the restaurant. 

“Shit.” Jade cursed, stashing the cards away in her small purse as he approached their table. 

Just as they disappeared, Jungkook smacked his hands onto the surface of their table with a shit-eating grin on his face. “Hello, ladies. What a lovely surprise!” His whole demeanor screamed that he was looking to cause them trouble and this put the girls on high alert as they leaned away from his looming presence. 

“What could you possibly want now?” Emmy droned, agitated by all the obstacles he added to their once smooth plan. 

Jungkook feigned hurt, placing a hand to his chest as if her words wounded him. “I was just coming to see my favorite gems.” He winked at Ruby who continued to show indifference. He waited for a response in return, but only received an eye roll from Emmy. “Well, actually I did want to let you in on a little secret.” He placed his hands on the chair Ruby was sitting on, looking at her expectantly. “Do you mind if I borrow this seat?”

“Yep.” She obnoxiously popped the p sound in the same way Emmy did it the day before. 

Jungkook chuckled, amused by the shared trait with his klepto Barbie, and glanced behind him for a spare chair that was convenient for him to grab. He reached across the walkway to pull a chair across the floor, allowing the legs to drag loudly against the tile. Emmy went to argue as he settled into their table, but Jungkook stopped her with his hand raised. “I’ll just be a minute.”

Jade looked between the pair as Emmy regrettably backed down, looking back to Jungkook out of curiosity. Jungkook only ever approached them if he had one of his men with him, but this time he was boldly challenging all three on his own. She had a bad feeling that this had something to do with their score, and he seemed all too confident for it to be in their favor. 

Jungkook grinned as he rested his elbows on the table, smiling at the girls individually. “I just want to say, good job. You really outdid yourself this time.” His tone was not lost on them as they recognized his attempt at a playful jab. “However, I recommend using those cards fast because the proper owner will be canceling them very shortly.”

He noticed the shared look between the three women, confusion slowly morphing over their expressions. He chuckled at their endearing pouts, “Did you see that lovely woman I was talking to? That’s Claudia Laurent, the proud account holder of the credit cards you stole.” Their uncertainty began to fade as they realized Jungkook seemed too all aware of their current dilemma.  “She was also involved with our good friend, Leedo.”

There was a silence as the women digested the information, a blanket of understanding falling over them. “Was?” Jade noticed the emphasis he placed on the past tense of their relationship.

Jungkook smirked at her, “Yeah, apparently our sugar baby was flirting with every pair of legs so he got cut off.” He pulled a false pout over his lips in mockery. “What a shame. Sorry girls, I guess you weren’t that special and you were going after the wrong person.”

Emmy clicked her tongue, irritated as he laughed in their faces. “Are you done?” She snapped. She glared at him, hoping that her stare would drive him away, but instead, he smiled back at her like the cat that caught the canary. 

“Yep.” He grinned, mimicking the two women’s mannerisms as he pushed back in his chair, creating the awful dragging sound as he stood up from the table. “I’ll let you enjoy your lunch.” He winked, his eyes never leaving Emmy as he proudly walked away.

The table was quiet as Ruby and Jade flicked their eyes towards Emmy to gauge her temper. They noticed her jaw was clenched as she burned a hole through the backrest of the chair Jungkook once sat in. Jade slipped the card from her purse again and showed it to Ruby. “Should we try this one?”

“If it works, I’m getting food to-go and dessert,” Ruby added, grabbing the drink menu. “Maybe some mimosas for the road. They’ll keep me warm till we get to Vegas.”

Jade smiled sheepishly, playing with her hands nervously as she avoided looking up at the heat enthusiast. “Um…about that…”

“Bitch, you better be joking.”

[ninadove]

Find the words 📝✨

An ask game proposed by @bittersweetresilience! The goal is to find specific words in our fics or WIPs, and share the corresponding snippets.

Without further ado, I give you my time machine the result of years of blorbo rotation:

1. Water

The water is warm against her skin — the polar opposite of the Tailtean rain, which stabbed through her cape and all the way to her bones.

“It was my responsibility.” Edelgard reaches for the pilled cloth, before Byleth gets a chance to do so. “When I started this war, I knew very well that it would end up with one of us killing the other.”

The truth is that she would do it again, over and over, as many times as required. Ever since the Holy Tomb, she has not regretted a single decision.

Enemy (FE3H)

A rare heavy angst piece from me but it’s OK, because I’m not particularly attached to Dimitri.

2. Shadow

“We don't have much time.”

Silver scratched Felix’s skin: cold, polished, foreign.

He knew better than to take the risk; knew, beyond the shadow of a doubt, what fate awaited on the other end of his trickery. But the fake ring was well-crafted, and Uncle was stupid, and he felt his amok’s absence like a phantom pain — burning its way up his arm, nestling into his chest.

“This again?” Trixx’s pout was expected; it did not make it any kinder. “Come on, Félix, we’ve combed through the entire mention. There’s no point.”

“Yes, there is.” Logging into the tablet was child’s play, a well-oiled routine. “I’ve come too far to give up now.”

The roof of his mouth had been left bitter from too many orders: some forced down his throat, some swallowed with a smile. He needed to wash away the aftertaste, to know this had not all been in vain.

The blueprints were silent as always, but he would make them talk.

Kill the Lights (Dog and Fox Senticousins WIP)

3. Yesterday

“So are we going in or what?”

Emmy walked up the door with tense shoulders and fiery eyes — as if she was trying to intimidate the handle.

It did not move an inch.

“There’s a puzzle on the lock,” she growled. “Something about a watch that’s lost its markings.”

“That’s… peculiar.”

“In the world we live in?” Flora chimed in, very rightly so. “I’d be more surprised if there wasn’t some kind of riddle for us to solve!”

“Not that.” Clive rested his chin in his palm, scanning his surroundings with journalistic precision. “Why would the owners close down in the middle of the afternoon, on a week day? I don’t even see a sign.”

“It’s an antique clockshop in a deserted part of town,” Emmy groaned, squinting at the instructions with resigned diligence. “It’s probably abandoned.”

“No chance. The paint is pristine — I could almost believe it opened yesterday.”

Flora scratched her head, rebellious strands escaping from her carefully tied ribbon.

“Maybe they just really like puzzles.”

The Lucky Ones (Professor Layton role reversal WIP)

Thank you for the tag, Sunny! ☀️

@dragongutsixofficial, @paracosmicat and anyone who might be tempted: your words are time, embrace and sibling. If you can’t find these, how about ocean, sun and myth?

[alyssalikestoreadbooks]

Rules For Rule Breaking - Talia Tucker

"Winter Park and Bobby Bae are Korean American high school juniors whose families have been friends since the kids were making crayon art. They, however, are repulsed by each other.

Winter is MIT-bound, comfortable keeping people at arm’s length, and known by others as responsible, though she has a desire to let loose. This probably comes from her rebel grandmother, who is constantly pushing boundaries and encouraging Winter to do so as well. Winter’s best friend is moving abroad and won’t be attending college at all, and Winter’s wrestling with what it means to be left behind. Bobby is as Type-A, anxious, and risk-averse as you can get. He’s also been recently dumped, which has him feeling disoriented and untethered.

That’s why, when Winter’s and Bobby’s parents insist that they go on a northeast college campus tour together, both teens find reasons to accept even though the thought of being stuck in a car together for 700 miles sounds unbearable. What awaits them is a journey of self-discovery where the only rule on their road trip is to break all the rules. At first, this happens in hilariously calculated ways (using lists and reason and logic!), but they soon abandon that, challenging each other to dares in Virginia, getting high and wandering around Philly for food—and battling the subsequent digestive distress—and crashing a party in Cambridge. And, of course, realizing that they’re perfect together."

Listen Date - July 2024

Length - 304 pages

Genre - Romance, Contemporary, Teenager

Rating - 7/10

Stars - ★★★☆☆

Notes - I think the dynamic between Winter and Bobby is really cute, and the way they're rivals is a good set up for the rest of the book. I love the Korean culture, and everything i’m learning about it through this book. Bobby getting broken up with made sense, and sets the theme for the road trip. Emmy deciding not to go to college is also nice, because it shows that college just isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Bobby getting high for the first time was a funny scene, and him tripping out was such a mood. Me too, Bobby, me too. The itinerary mocking is very amusing to me, and i love how frenemies Bobby and Winter’s relationship is. I also like how every chapter starts off with a rule, and the chapters go on the show how they break them. It’s perfect. The smoking scenes were also really cute, and i love how Bobby and Winter interact with each other. Them as friends makes a lot of sense, and i love this sort of dynamic where they’re able to get alone when they let their walls down. I like the conversation Bobby has with Winter about not atoning for his families wrong doings. Him blaming himself for his parents actions is really poignant and Winter being there for him as a best friend was sweet. The flirting in New York scene was so sugary sweet and I loved it so much. They’re SO made for each other. Bobby’s confession was so sweet and the reveal that he’s been pining the entire time is so adorable. The party and kiss was so perfect and i was waiting the entire time for them to just GO FOR IT!!! Rivals To Dating!!!!!! The cops coming to break up the party that Winter and Bobby go to was really smart and i like how the lie was played out with Jaqueline pretending to be their parents. The argument between the two because of Jaqueline in also smart and i like how Winter freaks out about the change. Bobby freaking out about his culture is realistic, and his parents hiding it from him is wrong. He should be allowed a chance to connect with his culture, even if his parents dont want to themselves. Winter trying to avoid Bobby is sad. They deserve to be together and happy. The crying at the derms office was so relatable and reminded me of Never Have I Ever (Iykyk). Winter trying to distance herself from Bobby but failing massively was cute, and i like the way they finally get together with her grandma and her friends telling Winter to seize the moment and she does. The entire bingo scene was great and i loved the competitiveness that fueled their rivalry to begin with. i LOVE the ending where they finally get in trouble for all the rules they’re breaking, and their relationship in general is so cute and wholesome.  

[destinyc1020]

Sorry in advance for the long ask

Do you think the rumor about SM4 being released in the summer of 2025 is fake? We've been hearing that for the past 2 years but I'm under the impression he hasn't sign up for anything yet and I think he should at least do other movies before coming back as Peter Parker (same for Z as 'MJ') it seemed like something he was planning to do anyway so I really don't get why so many tomdayas here are so apprehensive about him filming a 4th movie so soon. Is that because they don't care much about his acting career outside of Marvel or because they're too greedy for more "tomdaya" content? 🤔 Sorry to bring this to your blog I just find REALLY hard to discuss this topic with them because anyone ends up being called an anti if you don't agree with their opinions.

And as for Z, I don't get why the same group of fans want her to be back as well, but don't like the idea of her shooting Euphoria S3 so soon (you know, the show that gave her TWO Emmys).

All I want to say is, another trilogy demands a huge commitment and if he wants more freedom in his career choices... well he knows the sacrifices.

IMO We don't need another trilogy (let alone 2 more lol) and I think Tomdayas need to calm down and stop being so greedy for content to the point they starting to see these two (especially Tom) not as humans with plenty of other choices, IYKWIM.

I love T/Z acting together, but they're not machines. Some of these fans are too damn greedy (I hate to repeat that, but it's true)

Hey Anon! 👋🏾😃 No worries about the long ask. Long asks don't scare me lol.

Now to unpack all of this.....

Do you think the rumor about SM4 being released in the summer of 2025 is fake? We've been hearing that for the past 2 years but I'm under the impression he hasn't sign up for anything yet

I mean...Rumors are just rumors. Films get rumors all the time. 🤷🏾‍♀️ Right now, all we've been getting are possible projected time frames that they might want to release SM4. But of course, things can change all the time.

Honestly? At THIS point, I wouldn't even worry too much about release years until the film has actually been filmed. Let's first work on seeing the film being filmed FIRST, and THEN we can worry about the release date/year. Sound good? 😊

I think he should at least do other movies before coming back as Peter Parker (same for Z as 'MJ')

Well, that's exactly what he's going to be doing?? He has to film Astaire the biopic. He also filmed TCR. To me, Tom HAS been filming other things before coming back as Peter Parker. We also don't know what he might have after the FA biopic either.

Zendaya too has filmed other things herself after playing MJ. She filmed "Challengers", and "Dune: Part 2". She will also have S3 of Euphoria to film as well. 🤷🏾‍♀️

I really don't get why so many tomdayas here are so apprehensive about him filming a 4th movie so soon. Is that because they don't care much about his acting career outside of Marvel or because they're too greedy for more "tomdaya" content? 🤔

Who's been "apprehensive" about Tom filming SM4 "so soon"?? 🥴 I haven't seen people being apprehensive about it. I just think fans in general (NOT just "Tomdayas" 😒) are anxiously awaiting a new Spider-Man franchise film after the last film came out in late 2021.

Let's face it, we're almost into 2024, and we STILL haven't received any firm news, dates, or casting announcements for SM4 yet, and the last movie came out in 2021. Can you blame people for wanting to see what happens in the next installment?? Especially after THAT cliffhanger??

And who's being "Greedy" about Tomdaya Content? 🥴 We already get a TON of Tomdaya content (especially THIS year, my goodness lol 😅🤣) without Tom and Zendaya even filming a SINGLE, SOLITARY THING! Let alone, needing to film SM4 for any "content". 🙄 Last I checked, we didn't get hardly ANY Tomdaya content while they were over in Atlanta filming NWH. That set was LOCKED TIGHT! Certainly not like what we've been getting now that they've been free from work. So, Idk what you're talking about Anon.

Sorry to bring this to your blog I just find REALLY hard to discuss this topic with them because anyone ends up being called an anti if you don't agree with their opinions.

"Them"...... "Their"..... 😏

You all always show yourselves in some form or fashion one way or another smh... 🤦🏾‍♀️

So, I take it Anon that YOU aren't a Tomdaya.... 😏 Look, if people are calling you an "Anti", it's probably because that's EXACTLY what you are. Anon, people aren't dumb. They can usually pick up on bs a mile away.

And as for Z, I don't get why the same group of fans want her to be back as well, but don't like the idea of her shooting Euphoria S3 so soon (you know, the show that gave her TWO Emmys).

Maybe those people just don't care for the show?? Maybe they just don't like Sam? Maybe they don't like the writing? Maybe they feel like after 2 or 3 seasons, it's best for Z to move on? Who knows?? Look, I LOVE the fact that my girl got 2 Emmys out of the show (and she might even get a 3rd!), and she has been amazing in it! It's been a growth experience for her in acting for SURE. But not everyone has to LOVE every single project their fave does. Just because that person is your fave, it doesn't mean that as a fan you HAVE to watch every single project, or even enjoy every single project your fave does. 🤷🏾‍♀️ I don't see the big deal?

All I want to say is, another trilogy demands a huge commitment and if he wants more freedom in his career choices... well he knows the sacrifices.

Whewww chiiiile....Let's just see about film #1 first. We don't know what Tom has signed on to yet.

And he's been obviously doing other work aside from SM. IDk what the problem is?

YES, SM is a huge commitment, but it's not like we've been there in the room with Tom and knowing what they've been discussing. For all we know, they could decide to film Parts 1 and 2 of SM in one whole filming phase like they did with the final Twilight movies. We don't know what they have in store honestly.

IMO We don't need another trilogy (let alone 2 more lol)

After THAT cliffhanger in NWH?? Chiiiiile...get REAL. 😒🙄

It's obvious they always intended to film another 2nd phase of the franchise/trilogy. Now, whether it will actually happen is still left to be seen, but saying "we don't need another trilogy" is dumb imo. That was what was always originally intended. If you don't like that, take it up with Marvel/Disney. 😒🙄

and I think Tomdayas need to calm down and stop being so greedy for content to the point they starting to see these two (especially Tom) not as humans with plenty of other choices, IYKWIM.

I find it so interesting how you think that it's ONLY "Tomdayas" who are wanting a SM4 film to come out. As if, Marvel fans, MCU fans, and other comic book fans (or even just regular movie-goers period) aren't interested in a second franchise. Get REAL. 🙄

Also, your assumption that Tomdaya fans only want a SM4 film JUST because we are "greedy" and want "Tomdaya Content" is really stupid if you ask me. We already get PLENTY of Tomdaya content, and we got a plethora of it during NWH press. We don't need another SM movie to come out in order to have "Tomdaya Content". 🙄

I love T/Z acting together, but they're not machines. Some of these fans are too damn greedy (I hate to repeat that, but it's true)

You've already shown what your REAL issue is Anon.... It sounds like YOU have a problem with Tomdaya Content. Oh well, sucks for you!

I don't need to say anything further. I've said more than enough.

[fearsmagazine]

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE | Official Trailer & Images

It’s Showtime!

JENNA ORTEGA as Astrid in Warner Bros. Pictures’ comedy, “BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

Beetlejuice is back!  Oscar-nominated, singular creative visionary Tim Burton and Oscar nominee and star Michael Keaton reunite for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-awaited sequel to Burton’s award-winning Beetlejuice.  

CATHERINE O’HARA as Delia in Warner Bros. Pictures’ comedy, “BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

Keaton returns to his iconic role alongside Oscar nominee Winona Ryder (Stranger Things, Little Women) as Lydia Deetz and two-time Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara (Schitt$ Creek, The Nightmare Before Christmas) as Delia Deetz, with new cast members Justin Theroux (Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, The Leftovers), Monica Bellucci (Spectre, The Matrix films), Arthur Conti (House of the Dragon) in his feature film debut, with Emmy nominee Jenna Ortega (Wednesday, Scream VI) as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, and Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe (Poor Things, At Eternity’s Gate).

MONICA BELLUCCI as Delores in Warner Bros. Pictures’ comedy, “BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

Burton, a genre unto himself, directs from a screenplay by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar (Wednesday), story by Gough & Millar and Seth Grahame-Smith (The LEGO® Batman Movie), based on characters created by Michael McDowell & Larry Wilson.  The film’s producers are David Geffen, Marc Toberoff, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Tommy Harper and Burton, with Sara Desmond, Katterli Frauenfelder, Gough, Millar, Brad Pitt, Larry Wilson, Laurence Senelick, Pete Chiappetta, Andrew Lary, Anthony Tittanegro, Grahame-Smith and David Katzenberg executive producing.

(L-R) WINONA RYDER as Lydia and MICHAEL KEATON as Beetlejuice in Warner Bros. Pictures’ comedy, “BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River.  Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened.  With trouble brewing in both realms, it's only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice's name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.

WILLEM DAFOE as Jackson in Warner Bros. Pictures’ comedy, “BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will be released only in theaters and IMAX on September 6, 2024 nationwide, and internationally beginning 4th September 2024.  It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

(L-R) WINONA RYDER as Lydia and JUSTIN THEROUX as Rory in Warner Bros. Pictures’ comedy, “BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures