#I haven’t watched many of her films but I sat there thoroughly entertained

[paarksunghoon]

me after watching nosferatu:

I’m about to sound pretentious as fuck beneath the cut

Robert Eggers does a wonderful job yet again and I’m opening my horizons to that of horror, and Nosferatu was just too good. i was pleasantly surprised to see he collaborated with Jaron Blaschke again and implemented the most stunning symmetry in this film too…….everything from the film’s dark blue hue to seamless transitions between scenes was genuinely spellbinding

[protecticarus]

Hi! I just wanted to say that I love your fics, they’re absolutely amazing. Anyway... bit of an odd request but can I get an angsty fic where Dirk realizes he’s in love with Todd? (and proceeds to do nothing about it) The amount that I kin Dirk might be a little concerning, and the amount that I associate my best friend of four years with Todd (and they agree) might be a bit concerning. Especially since I just figured out... whoops, I’m in love with them! (and let me tell you it HURTS) I’m almost 100% sure feel the same they’re just not at an emotionally stable point for me to tell them. (you know, much like Todd) So I know it seems a bit silly and weird, but I think it might help me cope a bit to see Dirk in a similar situation, feel less alone

hi anon! i’m sorry you’re stuck in such a complicated situation. i hope it all works out in the end. i can definitely relate to dealing with things by reading about a similar experiences and relating to fictional characters a little too hard. just remember that what you’re feeling is valid and no pain is permanent. x

i hope this does the trick!

~

The tv screen flickered between a diverse selection of images, the sound cutting off well before a full phrase could be heard.

“I regret the day I taught you how to use the remote.” Todd told his friend from the kitchen.

“What on earth for?” Dirk absent-mindedly replied while switching the channel, yet again. He had already kicked off his shoes and was now comfortably lounging on Todd’s couch.

Todd rolled his eyes. “Definitely not because you switch the channel about 187 times a minute.” He replied.

Dirk scoffed. “Poppycock.”

“God, you’re so British.” Todd murmured. “Just pick a channel, Dirk.” He added, louder.

“Fine!” Dirk said and lifted his finger off the button. “There’s some sort of apocalypse film on, we can watch that?” He added after he registered the image of a large fire on the screen.

Todd poked his head out of the kitchen long enough to see the screen. “Hate to break it to you, Dirk, but that’s the news.” He said.

Dirk’s eyes widened. “Bloody hell!” He exclaimed.

“Yeah, the world’s going to shit. Pick something else.” Todd told him.

“You just told me to stop changing the ch-“

“Just pick something other than the news, Dirk, Jesus.” Todd interrupted.

Finally after a few more channel jumps, Dirk settled on a rerun episode of Friends.

Soon, Todd sat down next to him on the couch and handed him a cup. “Here.”

Dirk furrowed his brows. “What’s this?” He asked.

“Your tea.” Todd said, already focusing on the tv.

“You made me tea?” Dirk asked.

“Yeah, you usually drink tea at this time of day, right?” Todd replied, his eyes never leaving the screen.

“Y-Yes, I suppose I do.” Dirk replied. He had no idea that Todd had taken notice of his tea drinking habits. “What kind of tea is it?” Dirk asked.

Todd scoffed. “That one- you know, your favorite one.” He replied.

Dirk lifted the cup to his face and sniffed. It was indeed his favorite tea. “You know what my favorite tea is?”

Todd finally turned to look at him, with an amused expression on his face. “Yeah, of course. You drink it all the time.” He said and turned back towards the tv.

Dirk just turned to stare into his tea. “Thank you.” He said quietly.

“Sure.” Mumbled Todd, like it was no big deal.

But it was to Dirk.

The only time another person had made Dirk tea was when he ordered it from a barista in a coffee shop. And then he had to specifically instruct them to make it the way he liked it. But here was Todd, knowing this about Dirk, just by paying attention. By caring enough to take notice.

Dirk lifted the cup to his lips in an attempt to hide his growing smile. Todd had made him tea.

As Dirk took his first sip of the tea, he turned his eyes toward Todd, who was still watching the tv. The tea was a little weaker than Dirk himself made it and still a little too hot to really enjoy but... It was made by Todd. For Dirk.

Despite all his claims of being an asshole, Todd’s affection for those he cared about was clear as day in the little things he did. It was one of the reasons Dirk loved him.

Dirk spit some of his tea back into the cup, shocked by his own train of thought. Todd turned to look at him.

“Ew.” Said Todd. “Is it bad?” He asked.

“No! No, not at all.” Dirk hurried to reply. “Just hot.” He added.

“Oh, okay. Let it cool down.” Todd said and turned back toward the tv.

“Good idea.” Dirk said, his attention already far away from the conversation.

Obviously by ‘one of the reasons he loved Todd’ Dirk had meant ‘one of the things he loved about Todd.’ There was a clear distinction between the two. You can love things about a person without loving the person.

As soon he’d tried to tell himself this, Dirk knew the truth. He loved Todd. And not just that, oh no. He loved Amanda and Farah, sure. But he loved Todd. He was in love with Todd.

Dirk felt the sudden urge to list all the swear words he knew - which would be an extensive list - but he decided against it, as he didn’t feel like explaining this course of action to Todd.

Dirk felt dumb. How could he not have realized this before now? Clearly it was not a new development. He felt the exact same way about Todd that he had prior to this day. The same way he had felt about him for a while. Only now he knew what it was.

He would have liked to pretend he was mistaken, chalk it up to not having previous experience with being in love, but Dirk knew better. If you’d asked him a year ago what being in love felt like, he’d have shrugged his shoulders and replied with something along the lines of ‘I haven’t the slightest clue!’ and go on about his day.

But now? He knew exactly what that particular emotion was.

It was the warm tidal wave in his stomach whenever Todd laughed at something he said. It was the sudden burning in his cheeks when Todd touched him. It was the rib-cracking pain when Todd was hurt or in danger. It was the ineffable pull he felt coming from Todd, constantly begging for Dirk to come just a little bit closer.

Dirk had never given much thought to the popular idea that when you’re in love, you just know. It was incredibly cheesy. Yet, as it turns out, surprisingly accurate.

Dirk fought the urge to groan out loud. This had not been part of his plan. The plan was: befriend Todd, start a detective agency with Todd and work with Todd. That was it. Much like the little girl with the red cape from that morbid children’s story Todd had told him about, Dirk had strayed far from the assigned path.

In so many ways, Dirk was eccentric. He had never fit any ready-made mold, he had never fit any stereotype. And now here he was. In love with his best friend. What a cliché.

Dirk’s bitter musings were suddenly interrupted by a loud laugh coming from the man next to him. Dirk turned his attention to Todd, who seemed to be thoroughly amused by a woman with a turkey on her head dancing on the tv screen.

Todd’s laugh was like music to Dirk’s ears. His stupid, predictable ears.

Dirk too tried to focus on the screen rather than Todd’s side profile, only to witness the turkey-headed woman’s shock at her companion telling her he loved her by accident. It was clearly the first time she heard this confession and the man immediately tried to backtrack and deny ever having said those three words in the first place. Nevertheless, she seemed elated at this revelation. She kept repeating ‘you love me, you love me’ excitedly.

Dirk turned his attention back to the object of his affection. For a moment he imagined what Todd’s reaction would be to hearing those words from Dirk.

He’d like to imagine that Todd would react somewhat similarly to how the woman had on the show. Surprised, but overtly happy. Dirk’s eyes suddenly felt incredibly warm. He turned his gaze at the ceiling, hoping to will the tears not to leave his eyes.

He knew his feelings would not be greeted with overt happiness. A small part of him dared to believe that Todd wouldn’t be utterly disgusted by Dirk’s feelings for him. An even smaller part of him almost sort of entertained the idea that Todd might reciprocate. But Dirk also knew that even if those things would somehow be true, they would not change the outcome.

Todd was a mess. A mess Dirk loved dearly, but a mess nonetheless. Todd still believed himself to be an asshole, tightly wound in a web of self-hatred. Amanda was still giving him the silent treatment. He had yet to come clean with his parents about the lie he’d been living. He was still getting used to said lie actually becoming reality, one pararibulitis attack at a time. His apartment still showed signs of the Rowdies’ visit all those months ago, a fact that wouldn’t get taken care of until they started making more steady money at the agency. And then there was the agency. It was up and running, but still in its early stages, still finding its legs.

No matter how he might feel, Todd was in no place to hear that his best friend was in love with him. Dirk was one of the only stable pieces of the crooked Jenga tower that was Todd’s life. Dirk didn’t dare to think what would happen if he were to compromise that structural piece. It wouldn’t be fair to Todd. He needed a friend right now.

Dirk felt like in the span of about five minutes, everything he knew had been turned upside down, yet he ended up in the same place he started at. Turns out he was in love with Todd, but this would and could not affect his actions in any way.

Dirk felt a new flavor of sadness settle on his tongue. He loved Todd, but Todd could not know. Dirk loved him, but it could not be acknowledged outside of his own head.

Suddenly Dirk felt like he might burst with the way deep longing clawed at his chest.

But as he watched Todd, smiling and comfortable on the couch next to Dirk, he decided this was a good thing, not a bad one.

Dirk might have to prioritize being Todd’s friend over his less than platonic feelings for him, but he was more than willing to do that. For Todd.

Love, in all its forms, was a good thing. And Dirk had a lot of it. He might not be able to put it into words, but much like Todd himself, Dirk could let it bleed into the things he did. He could be there for Todd, and love him, without saying so. He could love Todd, even if he never said so.

After all, Todd deserved to be loved, even if he didn’t know it yet. But Dirk would make sure that he would know. Eventually.

“Dirk, drink your tea before it gets cold, I’m not getting up to make you a new one.” Todd said suddenly.

Dirk smiled and raised his cup to his lips again.

~

if you have any ideas for fics, send me prompts! my inbox is always open! xx

[girls-scenarios]

The Silenced

Idol: Doyeon (Weki Meki)

prompt: please do a doyeon scenario where she gets casted in a drama but she needs to kiss a girl (reader). She hates it at first but then gets feelings for the reader. (Doyeon from Weki Meki. Ps. Please make it fluffy 💕)

Writer: Admin Lee

A/N: the drama that the reader and Doyeon are cast in is similar to The Silenced (a really good SK movie!!), however, in this tv-remake the title also serves as an allegory for South Korea’s treatment of the LGBT community (in general). Doyeon doesn’t know much about the plot other than the fact that it is a thriller series. Your character: Juran & Doyeon’s character: Yeondok. I’m so sorry it’s been so long since I’ve last posted :( I’m about to graduate from high school, so finals and AP exams have been keeping me busy.. I hope you can all understand! Anyways,I had a lot of fun writing this scenario! The Silenced is by far one of my favorite films, and I thought it’d be cool to put it in a sort of series-form for this request. Hope you enjoy!

Warnings: Internalized homophobia, angst

A few weeks after Weki Meki’s Crush promotions were finished, Doyeon had discovered that, after meeting with the CEO of Fantagio, she was to be cast in an upcoming drama. Specifically, a series remake of the 2015 movie, The Silenced. She remembered bits and pieces of the film, as she had seen it shortly after it was released. Needless to say, she was excited to act in something other than a rom-com, as many other female idols have done in the past.

Conversely, you were cast in a rather unconventional way. It wasn’t really a “official” audition, but apparently some employees sent out by the production company had attended a short film festival held at your university, and consequently saw your acting in one of the films. They were thoroughly impressed, and had contacted you a day or so later, asking for your interest in the project. You were quick to agree, of course, as this could be your big break in the acting industry, especially since you hadn’t yet decided to audition for an entertainment company.

So, without either of you knowing you would be side-by-side for the next few months as you filmed the first and only season of the drama, you and Doyeon went on preparing for the roles ahead of you.

-

It was nearly two weeks before the filming was scheduled to start, and you were called in for a script-reading of the first episode with the whole cast, as well as a costume fitting to ensure that everything was as good as it could be before the real work begun.

You arrived at the building and found the correct room without a hitch, and upon entering, were greeted with the director, writer, and one of the producers. They introduced themselves, let you know how excited they were for you to be involved in this project of theirs, and handed you the script along with a good-luck wish for your first big production. Then you made eye contact with Doyeon. You knew of her, of course, Weki Meki had been a group you followed and enjoyed listening to. Your face flushed and your eyes darted away, looking down at the script you had been handed moments ago. It was almost surreal to be this close to someone you admired - a celebrity at that. She, on the other hand, looked nonplussed.

Thankfully, the director clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention, and beckoned the actors over to the table nearest to him. Everyone then took their seats and buckled down for the reading of the pilot episode.

-

It was nearly a month into filming; three episodes down, and fortunately your relationship with Doyeon was improving quickly. Filming side-by-side proved to be a good catalyst for the betterment of your chemistry both on-set and off. You had discovered that the cold-looking idol you had met on the reading day was nothing like the Doyeon you knew now. Her façade was now thoroughly broken through, and it gave way to a bubbly, goofy, laid-back girl who always knew what to do to make someone laugh. She relaxed you, and you did the same for her. The dynamic shared between the two of you allowed a sense of peace whenever filming a particularly tough scene, and you were grateful for it.

At the end of this past episode, your character - who was struggling with tuberculosis - had been making strides in her recovery due to the medicine she was being administered. Doyeon’s character, at first a serious, speculative girl, had now opened up; even going as far as breaking the rules to bring your character outside of the confines of the manor they were living in for a breath of fresh air and an adventure through the forest surrounding the area.

Today, the filming for the fourth episode had begun.

Just before you were to begin filming, the director had approached you about a twist he had wanted to put on the series.

“(Y/N), I know I haven’t talked to you about this before, but I’ve been mulling it over for a while… I want to add a little more to the girls’ relationship, you know? When I was going over the original movie, the undertones - intentional or not - that their dynamic has makes me think that they would work really well as ‘more-than-friends’ if you get what I’m saying. It’s be a really fresh perspective to get out in the mainstream media, don’t you agree?”

At first, you were taken a bit aback, but within seconds everything sort of clicked. After taking take outside of work to watch the movie yourself, you could now look back and completely see where the director was coming from. And though he had phrased it like a question, you had realized that it would be in your best interest to comply. However, this was not to say you weren’t happy to do it, this could be a huge step in the right direction.

“Yes, completely. I’d be more than happy to do it! Have you talked with Doyeon about it?”

“I’m just about to bring it up with her. I’ll see you on set!” He replied, leaving you to finish getting ready.

-

The scene began in a room tucked away from most everyone’s eyes at the boarding school, and it was you and Doyeon’s characters who sat together under the dim light of an old lamp, sitting close together on a quilt.

“I’m getting better,” you began with a hopeful tone, nudging the other girl with your elbow. “Maybe I’ll be picked to go to Japan with you when the examination comes. Everyone knows it’s a given that you’ll go.”

Doyeon’s character stayed silent, picking at one of many red flowers that sat in a vase in front of her.

“Wouldn’t that be fun?” Your character continued, prodding the other again.

To this she nodded, yet her focus was diverted to the petal she clutched between her fingers.

“Yeondok.. Is something bothering you?”

“No, not at all,” She replied with a light lilt to her voice, looking at you with a soft expression as she brought the petal to your lips. “It’d be great to go with you.”

To this you moved even closer to her, intertwining your fingers while chewing on the petal thoughtfully. She turned to face you, looking into your eyes for a moment with a sense of nervousness you hadn’t seen thus far. Her hand now felt clammy as she clutched yours tighter, swallowing the lump in her throat. You knew it was in the script that she had to kiss you, but she wasn’t making any move to. So, to prevent having to re-film, you brought your free hand up to her cheek, stroking it with your thumb gently as you attempted to calm her down, hoping it would seem natural on-screen.

“Yeondok,” You began, your voice barely audible as you brought your face closer to hers. With your lips now mere centimeters apart, Doyeon seems to have finally gotten the nerves to take the reigns. She kisses you and your eyes flutter closed before she breaks it unceremoniously moments later. Doyeon stands and walks off-set without warning, giving no time for the director to properly cut the scene.

“Doyeon!” You called after her, but your voice fell on deaf ears as she stormed off.

-

It’s been days since that scene was filmed, you’ve attempted to talk to Doyeon multiple times about what had happened, but every time you had approached her, she somehow managed to avoid you each time. It eventually came to the point where your chemistry on set was being affected, so the director suggested that you both have a heart-to-heart for the sake of the show.

-

“Doyeon, please, I don’t know what I did wrong. If you’ll actually talk to me about it, I’m sure we can work this out and finish the show with no problems.. But I just need you to talk to me.”

She turned to you, expression unreadable.

“I- I don’t…I think I like you,” Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she stumbled over her words, and her voice was shaky. “But,” she continued. “My career, my family.. I can’t be a lesbian.”

“Doyeon,” You started softly, attempting to hide the surprise in your voice at her revelation. “There’s nothing wrong with how you’re feeling, you know that, right?”

She shook her head, not meeting your eyes. “I’m scared.”

Your brows furrowed as you frowned, reaching out a hand to rest on Doyeon’s shoulder. She flinched at this, and you almost pulled away, but she put her own hand on top of yours.

“It’s going to take time for me to figure all of this out.. Will you be here for me?” She asked you, her tone almost desperate.

“Always.”

[imagine-loki]

Irked

Title: Irked

Author lokilover9

Chapter 2

Original Imagine: Imagine due to having highly effective telekinesis, Tony Stark seeks you out and hires you. Loki’s been forced to live there by Odin and help on missions when needed, making penance to Midgardians. Prior to moving into the Tower, you learn of his superior and arrogant attitude and upon being introduced, immediately dislike him. Particularly because he looks at you like your his next meal.

Warnings: None

Until the Avengers returned, Shandi spent the rest of her time in her apartment unpacking and relaxing, purposely avoiding Loki. Obeying Tony’s orders, he quietly kept to himself and refrained from entertaining any company. When Tony asked if he’d bothered her at all, Shandi said no and he was pleased. By request of Odin, Thor then returned to Asgard for two weeks, Steve was busy setting up the new gym he recently bought and hanging with his new girlfriend and Tony and Pepper were tied up temporarily with small events in and out of town.

This left Clint and Natasha who willingly showed Shandi around. Although they were an item, she never felt like a third wheel and the dynamics between them often kept her laughing. One night while in Nats apartment watching movies, she went to make popcorn and Clint went to the washroom. Shortly after, Shandi heard a kerfuffle from behind and looked to see Clint on his ass with a large empty bowl landing on the floor and popcorn scattered around him.

“Nat, what the fuck?”

“Do not grope the titskies when we have company or yes, I will drop kick your sorry ass to the floor. Clean this up while I make more?”

Nat turned towards the kitchen as Clint stood and Shandi laughed when he contorted himself into the shape of the hunchback of Notre Dame, altered his voice and followed closely behind her.

“Yes master, is there anything else you desire master?”

She turned and gave him a look. “You know where the dustpan and broom are.”

Still holding the same demeanor, he turned in another direction. “Right away. Will I be waxing your back hair after master?”

“No, but keep it up and I’ll be waxing something you least expect in your sleep.”

Clint straightened and glanced at Shandi with widened eyes. “I guess I’d better get on it then.”

Shandi joined Nat in the kitchen.

“So how do you like living here so far?”

“It’s different. It’s like living in a massive apartment building with your co workers. Not that I mind, except one insists on being a dick sometimes.”

“You don’t have to take his shit Shandi. If he’s giving you that much of a problem, you can go to Tony.”

“He’s not outwardly and I do my best to avoid him. It’s just the way he looks at me all the time, like I’m a piece of meat. It gives me the creeps.”

“Loki looks at all attractive women that way and in general, gives most people the creeps. It’s why Tony makes him go in disguise on missions. Last time he made him wear a headpiece that had him appear bald and forced him to wear a fake beard and mustache with a baseball cap. Then he had him dress up like a pizza delivery guy and deliver 10 pizzas to 17 screaming six year olds at birthday party.”

“What was that mission for?” Asked Shandi.

“Tony told him once inside, to look around for signs of smuggled weapons in a suspected secret area of the basement. Once he arrived and brought in all the pizzas, Tony appeared and hugged the birthday girl who affectionately called him uncle Tony. Loki knew he’d been had then and although pissed, left quietly for the kids sakes.”

Shandi laughed. “What possessed Tony to do that?”

“Loki thinks us Midgardians are beneath him. He believes us primitive and uncivilized in comparison and Tony wanted to irritate the snob in him.”

“Ouch.”

“Yeah, I think the worst part of it though was the itchy and elevated rash he received from the fake beard and moustache. Nothing here cured it, so Thor had to return to Asgard for something. Loki was miserable as hell and let everyone know it too. Thor had a chat with Tony and asked him not to instigate him again and he hasn’t since. I think that’s why he ignored Tony’s orders of not bringing Escorts into the building, just to aggravate him back.”

Shandi was shocked. “He sleeps with hookers? That’s nasty!”

By this point, Clint had cleaned up the popcorn and went to sit in the living room upon hearing their conversation.

“Is it?” Nat asked, placing another bag in the microwave. “The agencies that supply them don’t hire women working for their next fix whom are just as, if not more, unfairly misjudged by society. Regardless, Tony had me investigate the one Loki deals with and they service only the highly elite. The women are in perfect health, come from all walks of life and are all stunningly beautiful. Tony is right though. They may have signed a discreteness agreement, but that could be ignored if one became disgruntled. Should word travel beyond its doors Loki was a client, you never know who a woman he requested may secretly be working for. He was thoughtlessly endangering us all.”

“Why do you assume thoughtlessly?�� Shandi asked.

Nat looked her straight in the eyes. “Naivety on his part. He fails to think any Midgardian could be intelligent enough to outsmart him.”

“But Nat, he’s a God. It’s common knowledge they’re more intelligent than us.”

“In many ways yes, but he’s still male. I’ve been in my line of work since very young and witnessed many political leaders and other high ranking men outsmarted by beautiful women. On some occasions, after the women were thoroughly investigated and without the men getting laid.”

Shandi was dumbfounded and although curious, didn’t push the issue for fear of asking Nat some compromising questions that may offend her. Not only did she like her, but getting on her bad side would be highly unwise, especially if they needed to work together.

When the popcorn finished, they reentered the living room and Shandi burst into laughter causing the remote to fly from Clints hand. It landed on the floor and the batteries scattered.

“Oops, oh shit.”

Natasha rolled her eyes as he crawled about gathering them, shoved them back in and quickly returned the movie to the horror film they’d all been watching. “Seriously? I leave you alone for ten minutes while I chat with our company and you switch to porn?”

“Okay, in my defence, you were gone longer than ten minutes and it wasn’t like I did it right away. Shandi, I apologize and sincerely hope I haven’t offended you.”

Shandi struggled not to keep laughing. “Nope, it’s all good.”

Clint turned his attentions back to Nat. “Honestly woman, you’re like a fucking ninja. Can’t you walk like a normal person so I know when you’re coming?”

“Why? Then I’d miss all the ways you keep getting into trouble.”

The next time Shandi interacted with Loki, she entered the pool at night to find him swimming and hesitated to get in.

Loki raised his brows. “I was here first, so you cannot be offended that I am.”

“Who said I was? If you use one side of the pool while I use the other, we shouldn’t have a problem. As long as your eyes remain in your head.”

“I see. Now who’s flattering themselves?”

She stared at him unamused with a towel hanging around her shoulders so to appease her, Loki swam to the pools opposite side and turned away. “Does that help? I’m not even looking.” He smirked when she dropped it as little did she realize, he could see her reflection in the floor to ceiling windows at her end of the pool. Silently observing her, he waited until she was submerged before swimming again.

Back and forth the two did laps, passing each other without incident until Loki stepped out and headed for the diving board. Shandi reached the edge of the shallow end and had just kicked off when spotting him sauntering towards its end and took in a mouthful of water. She turned away coughing and Loki laughed.

“Maybe I’m not the only one that should keep their eyes in their head?” Diving in, he swam to the shallow end and hopped out near the furthest corner with a huge grin. “Goodnight Shandi.” Walking away, his grin widened while observing her in the window eyeing him from the ground up. “Nice swimming with you.” At the exit, he turned abruptly and slipped her a cheeky wink, smiling at the sudden flush in her cheeks as she quickly looked away. After the door closed, he turned invisible and watched her through a curved slit in it’s design. She expelled a flustered huff, knocking down a pile of floating devices and jumped out to put them back. One kept falling from the top and frustrated, she kicked it into the pool.

Loki whispered to himself. “My my, such temper Darling. I had no idea I affected you that much. Maybe I should up my game a little.”

The next afternoon Shandi was coming from the library after a friendly chat with Steve. She was carrying some books on yoga and exercise he’d recommended, when something caught the corner of her eye. Wearing dark sunglasses and a smirk, his hair not a lock out of place, black leather 501’s, black leather knee high boots and shirtless, Loki was heading towards her from down the hall on her left. The swag in his shoulders carried a masculine sensuality that was captivating enough, but his lean torso and how his pants sat just above his hips, lured her gaze lower and she smacked head on into Clint. Her books went flying and she landed on her ass, red faced and stunned.

“Whoa, Shandi! Are you alright?”

She glanced in Loki’s direction and he was gone. There were no doors he could have entered and her mouth hung ajar. ‘What the hell?’ She thought.

“Shandi?” Said Clint, offering a hand to her. She took it and once standing, he knelt down to gather her books. Then her breathing deepened and when looking up to see her frowning at something behind him, he turned to see Loki coming towards them. Wearing sneakers, gym shorts and a loose fitted t shirt, he looked sweaty and was carrying a water bottle and a small towel on one shoulder. When he reached a few feet away, Shandi narrowed her eyes more and raised a finger at him. “I..do not..like you.” She then stormed off, leaving her books with Clint.

Appearing perplexed, Loki stared at her as she walked away.

“Obviously you’ve offended her.” Said Clint. “What did you do?”

“You’re guess is as good as mine.”

“Right.”

Loki looked him in the eyes. “I’m serious man. I haven’t seen her since last night at the pool.”

“And nothing happened?” Clint asked.

“Nothing, we got along fine.”

“Maybe I should take these books to her and ask then?”

Loki gestured in Shandis direction. “Please do, I’m truly baffled.” Shrugging it off, he walked away and once around the corner, snickered to himself.

Clint, highly suspicious of the interaction, went to Nat and revealed what he’d observed. Shortly after, she delivered the books and lured from Shandi what prevailed.

“Didn’t Tony tell you he’s a master of illusions?”

“Yeah, but is he ‘that good?’”

“Heads up Shandi, it’s one of his specialties.”

“Then why did Tony force him to wear a disguise at that birthday party?”

“So he’d know it was him coming into the house. Tony did tell you he can clone himself too, yes?”

Shandis eyes widened. “Wh..what? No he didn’t and how the hell does anyone do that?”

Nat sighed. “Dick head, it’s another unique specialty of Loki’s.” She thought for a minute, then a sly little smile appeared on her face. “Are you doing anything tomorrow night?”

“It’s not like I have any friends here Nat, so no.”

“Yes you do beautiful and this one has a plan.”

[loki-subterfuge]

IRKED - CHAPTER 2 Until the Avengers returned, Shandi spent the rest of her time in her apartment unpacking and relaxing, purposely avoiding Loki. Obeying Tony's orders, he quietly kept to himself and refrained from entertaining any company. When Tony asked if he’d bothered her at all, Shandi said no and he was pleased. By request of Odin, Thor then returned to Asgard for two weeks, Steve was busy setting up the new gym he recently bought and hanging with his new girlfriend and Tony and Pepper were tied up temporarily with small events in and out of town. This left Clint and Natasha who willingly showed Shandi around. Although they were an item, she never felt like a third wheel and the dynamics between them often kept her laughing. One night while in Nats apartment watching movies, she went to make popcorn and Clint went to the washroom. Shortly after, Shandi heard a kerfuffle from behind and looked to see Clint on his ass with a large empty bowl landing on the floor and popcorn scattered around him. “Nat, what the fuck?” “Do not grope the titskies when we have company or yes, I will drop kick your sorry ass to the floor. Clean this up while I make more?” Nat turned towards the kitchen as Clint stood and Shandi laughed when he contorted himself into the shape of the hunchback of Notre Dame, altered his voice and followed closely behind her. “Yes master, is there anything else you desire master?” She turned and gave him a look. “You know where the dustpan and broom are.” Still holding the same demeanor, he turned in another direction. “Right away. Will I be waxing your back hair after master?” “No, but keep it up and I'll be waxing something you least expect in your sleep.” Clint straightened and glanced at Shandi with widened eyes. “I guess I'd better get on it then.” Shandi joined Nat in the kitchen. “So how do you like living here so far?” “It's different. It's like living in a massive apartment building with your co workers. Not that I mind, except one insists on being a dick sometimes.” “You don't have to take his shit Shandi. If he's giving you that much of a problem, you can go to Tony.” “He's not outwardly and I do my best to avoid him. It's just the way he looks at me all the time, like I'm a piece of meat. It gives me the creeps.” “Loki looks at all attractive women that way and in general, gives most people the creeps. It's why Tony makes him go in disguise on missions. Last time he made him wear a headpiece that had him appear bald and forced him to wear a fake beard and mustache with a baseball cap. Then he had him dress up like a pizza delivery guy and deliver 10 pizzas to 17 screaming six year olds at birthday party.” “What was that mission for?” Asked Shandi. “Tony told him once inside, to look around for signs of smuggled weapons in a suspected secret area of the basement. Once he arrived and brought in all the pizzas, Tony appeared and hugged the birthday girl who affectionately called him uncle Tony. Loki knew he'd been had then and although pissed, left quietly for the kids sakes.” Shandi laughed. “What possessed Tony to do that?” “Loki thinks us Midgardians are beneath him. He believes us primitive and uncivilized in comparison and Tony wanted to irritate the snob in him.” “Ouch.” “Yeah, I think the worst part of it though was the itchy and elevated rash he received from the fake beard and moustache. Nothing here cured it, so Thor had to return to Asgard for something. Loki was miserable as hell and let everyone know it too. Thor had a chat with Tony and asked him not to instigate him again and he hasn't since. I think that's why he ignored Tony's orders of not bringing escorts into the building, just to aggravate him back.” Shandi was shocked. “He sleeps with hookers? That's nasty!” By this point, Clint had cleaned up the popcorn and went to sit in the living room upon hearing their conversation. “Is it?” Nat asked, placing another bag in the microwave. “The agencies that supply them don't hire women working for their next fix whom are just as, if not more, unfairly misjudged by society. Regardless, Tony had me investigate the one Loki deals with and they service only the highly elite. The women are in perfect health, come from all walks of life and are all stunningly beautiful. Tony is right though. They may have signed a discreteness agreement, but that could be ignored if one became disgruntled. Should word travel beyond its doors Loki was a client, you never know who a woman he requested may secretly be working for. He was thoughtlessly endangering us all.” “Why do you assume thoughtlessly?” Shandi asked. Nat looked her straight in the eyes. “Naivety on his part. He fails to think any Midgardian could be intelligent enough to outsmart him.” “But Nat, he's a God. It's common knowledge they're more intelligent than us.” “In many ways yes, but he’s still male. I've been in my line of work since very young and witnessed many political leaders and other high ranking men outsmarted by beautiful women. On some occasions, after the women were thoroughly investigated and without the men getting laid.” Shandi was dumbfounded and although curious, didn't push the issue for fear of asking Nat some compromising questions that may offend her. Not only did she like her, but getting on her bad side would be highly unwise, especially if they needed to work together. When the popcorn finished, they re entered the living room and Shandi burst into laughter causing the remote to fly from Clints hand. It landed on the floor and the batteries scattered. “Oops, oh shit.” Natasha rolled her eyes as he crawled about gathering them, shoved them back in and quickly returned the movie to the horror film they'd all been watching. “Seriously? I leave you alone for ten minutes while I chat with our company and you switch to porn?” “Okay, in my defence, you were gone longer than ten minutes and it wasn't like I did it right away. Shandi, I apologize and sincerely hope I haven't offended you.” Shandi struggled not to keep laughing. “Nope, it's all good.” Clint turned his attentions back to Nat. “Honestly woman, you're like a fucking ninja. Can't you walk like a normal person so I know when you're coming?” “Why? Then I'd miss all the ways you keep getting into trouble.” The next time Shandi interacted with Loki, she entered the pool at night to find him swimming and hesitated to get in. Loki raised his brows. “I was here first, so you cannot be offended that I am.” “Who said I was? If you use one side of the pool while I use the other, we shouldn't have a problem. As long as your eyes remain in your head.” “I see. Now who's flattering themselves?” She stared at him unamused with a towel hanging around her shoulders so to appease her, Loki swam to the pools opposite side and turned away. “Does that help? I'm not even looking.” He smirked when she dropped it as little did she realize, he could see her reflection in the floor to ceiling windows at her end of the pool. Silently observing her, he waited until she was submerged before swimming again. Back and forth the two did laps, passing each other without incident until Loki stepped out and headed for the diving board. Shandi reached the edge of the shallow end and had just kicked off when spotting him sauntering towards its end and took in a mouthful of water. She turned away coughing and Loki laughed. “Maybe I'm not the only one that should keep their eyes in their head?” Diving in, he swam to the shallow end and hopped out near the furthest corner with a huge grin. “Goodnight Shandi.” Walking away, his grin widened while observing her in the window eyeing him from the ground up. “Nice swimming with you.” At the exit, he turned abruptly and slipped her a cheeky wink, smiling at the sudden flush in her cheeks as she quickly looked away. After the door closed, he turned invisible and watched her through a curved slit in it's design. She expelled a flustered huff, knocking down a pile of floating devices and jumped out to put them back. One kept falling from the top and frustrated she kicked it into the pool. Loki whispered to himself. “My my, such temper Darling. I had no idea I affected you that much. Maybe I should up my game a little.” The next afternoon Shandi was coming from the library after a friendly chat with Steve. She was carrying some books on yoga and exercise he'd recommended, when something caught the corner of her eye. Wearing dark sunglasses and a sly smirk, his hair not a lock out of place, black leather 501’s, black leather knee high boots and shirtless, Loki was heading towards her from down the hall on her left. The swag in his shoulders carried a masculine sensuality that was captivating enough, but his lean torso and how his pants sat just above his hips, lured her gaze lower and she smacked head on into Clint. Her books went flying and she landed on her ass, red faced and stunned. “Whoa, Shandi! Are you alright?” She glanced in Loki's direction and he was gone. There were no doors he could have entered and her mouth hung ajar. ‘What the hell?’ She thought. “Shandi?” Said Clint, offering a hand to her. She took it and once standing, he knelt down to gather her books. Then her breathing deepened and when looking up to see her frowning at something behind him, he turned to see Loki coming towards them. Wearing sneakers, gym shorts and a loose fitted t shirt, he looked sweaty and was carrying a water bottle and a small towel on one shoulder. When he reached a few feet away, Shandi narrowed her eyes more and raised a finger at him. “I..do not..like you.” She then stormed off, leaving her books with Clint. Appearing perplexed, Loki watched her walked away. “Obviously you've offended her.” Said Clint. “What did you do?” “You're guess is as good as mine.” “Right.” Loki looked him in the eyes. “I'm serious man. I haven't seen her since last night at the pool.” “And nothing happened?” Clint asked. “Nothing, we got along fine.” “Maybe I should take these books to her and ask then?” Loki gestured in Shandis direction. “Please do, I'm truly baffled.” Shrugging it off, he walked away and once around the corner, snickered to himself. Clint, highly suspicious of the interaction, went to Nat and revealed what he'd observed. Shortly after, she delivered the books and lured from Shandi what prevailed. “Didn't Tony tell you he's a master of illusions?” “Yeah, but is he ‘that good?’” “Heads up Shandi, it's one of his specialties.” “Then why did Tony force him to wear a disguise at that birthday party?” “So he'd know it was him coming into the house. Tony did tell you he can clone himself too, yes?” Shandis eyes widened. “Wh..what? No he didn't and how the hell does anyone do that?” Nat sighed. “Dick head, it's another unique specialty of Loki's.” She thought for a minute, then a sly little smile appeared on her face. “Are you doing anything tomorrow night?” “It's not like I have any friends here Nat, so no.” “Yes you do beautiful and this one has a plan.”

[hidden-giggles]

Story Time! A large compilation of IRL stories

So that “True Tickling Story Asks racked up a fair few requests, a great many of them repeats. The only people I can tag for this response are @crispysoultimemachine, @undermyfeather, and @lettheworldtickleyou. For all y’all anons, I hope you see these! Some overlap, so I may double up, don’t hate me?

Also shoutout to my FAVORITE Halloween film of all time Rocky Horror Picture Show. Oh the filth it involves. If you haven’t been to a live showing, go. I just went to another one and it just doesn’t get old. Pop that Rocky Cherry!

And so it begins! Click to see my adventures below the cut. Featured below, thought perhaps combined will be: 7. A time tickling went on longer than you wanted it to 8. A time someone held down your feet and tickled them 11. The most intense unintentional tickling you’ve ever endured 12. The most embarrassing tickling experience you’ve ever had 13. A time you were tickled in front of people 17. A time you tried to get yourself tickled 20. Your most ticklish pedicure 22. A time you were tickled in a public setting 24. A time you were asked to take off your shoes and it made you legitimately nervous 30. A time someone pulled your shoes off and tickled your feet 32. A time you tickled someone only to bait them into tickling you back

You’ve decided to brave this novel of a post? Well bless your heart. A portion of this will be out of order and covering parts of an 8 hour adventure with this asshole Josh I’m embarrassingly fond of. If you’re reading this, and I’m sure you are, try not to read into this too much or get too pleased. I’ll find a way to achieve revenge and you know it.

And so, starting this saga are numbers 7, 8, 12, 13, 22, and 30.

This summer in Paris, I had the pleasure of hanging out with Josh and showing him some of the sights around the 1st, 4th, and 12th arrondissements (sections of the city) and ordering the stuff we wanted in French. Bless his American heart 😛 But my foyer (dorm I guess?) was women only, and we weren’t about to bug his roommate, so for some 8 hours, we wandered some of my favorite and familiar parts of the city! Which also involved a lot, and I mean a lot of public play that flustered the hell out of me the entire time. And it was fun! But sometimes super duper embarrassing. For the first 45 minutes or so, we were chilling on the banks of the Seine in the 4th arr., just across the way from the islands in the center. We had some prosecco (Italian version of champagne), we relaxed, we chatted, totally surrounded by the dozens of other people doing the same on the grass and in the bars behind us. That did not, however, stop him from making me giggle like mad from head to toe, and I mean that literally. In a number of positions too, the worst of which involved me between his legs and leaning back, his thighs pinning my hands completely. He could reach everything, and I just about reached peak pitch in giggles. And then the ass made it worse. You see, my mouth ran rampant in France. I could say whatever I wanted in English because the kids didn’t know enough to be corrupted and only a portion of the adults knew enough English to understand. Even fewer cared. So when I begged calmly requested he cease fire, I was told to ask in French. The language people actually understood across the board. If people weren’t staring before (they were and it was so much worse knowing that), they were much more aware when I was, 1, begging en francais and 2, not getting my promised pause until a bit longer afterwards because he claimed he couldn’t understand me. I thought I might die, either from overheating with my massive blush or lack of breath for giggling and squealing myself to death. Oh god was I embarrassed, more than ever before, and more thoroughly played like a gosh darn fiddle. So I suppose the beginning of the evening covers numbers 7, 12, 13, and 22. Time skip like 4 hours. Apparently humans require food to function. I must have forgotten to read the “How to be Normal” manual because I had some bread at maybe 8 a.m. and then I didn’t really eat. But I had tea so I was totally hydrated! This is kind of common, my tum just doesn’t hold too much. But Josh, bless him, was less than pleased upon discovering that at midnight. And what’s open in Paris at midnight? Well, in the 1st arr. by the Hotel de Ville, it’s McDo, or McDonald’s. Bet y’all didn’t expect a cultural lesson with a tickling story, did you? And so, at midnight in the center of Paris in early August, we sat in a mostly empty McDonald’s munching on fries. And suddenly, my leg isn’t sitting still but rather being lifted, and shifted, and settled in his lap under the table. And my flip flop is coming off. And my heart stops. Oh god no no no no no, we are in an eating establishment, however casual it may be, being kicked out for disrupting the peace and being less than totally sanitary was not on my to-do list of rules I wanted to break while abroad (don’t follow my lead, learn from my example guys). I tried to pull my foot away, to put it back on the floor even without my shoe, but no such luck. I ankle was held tightly in place, I was stuck, even as his fingers started wiggling over my arches. I was biting my tongue, squeezing my eyes shut, shaking my leg and curling my toes, and I was still a squealing little mess. I begged, desperately, and after a short period of time I secured out exit from the restaurant and got my shoe back for the moment. But oh was I a nervous, flustered little thing. And that’s 8 and 30 for you! This doesn’t cover the entirety of the evening, and I don’t intend to, but those are some snippets to cover my bases!

On 24, I’m thankful to say I don’t recall being explicitly instructed to remove my shoes for any purpose that gave me reason to fear. If my shoes come off, it’s usually of my own volition and conception both.

Numbers 17 and 32 are another combination because I both attempted and succeeded, naturally. I have this nasty tendency to get what I want. Oops 😘🤗 It was a casual day last year in my dorm, and I was in a lounge watching a movie with a couple friends. One was a sister/good friend, the other a a good guy friend. Both knew I was sensitive, but my sister totally isn't when she doesn't want to be (like WTF I still don't know how she controls it?!). However, my dear friend totally is. It's super adorable. I didn't start it, but I totally didn't stop her when she starting poking at his stomach and he started squirming and trying to catch her hands. I was initially staying out of it because I didn't have a death wish, but he was between the two of us and it was just too easy because he couldn't fight the both of us, at least not well. Eventually I got the threat: "You're way worse than me! Keep doing that and you WILL get it back ten times as bad." It was effective for a bit, getting me to stop. And then a little poke. And then a couple more. Casual, spaced out, sneaky. No repercussions. I thought I had escaped, which felt like both victory and defeat. My sister had to go to some meeting, so it was just me and my friend. There was about 30 seconds of silence, just watching whatever movie was on - I couldn't tell you for the life of me what it was. And then: "Okay this has been a long time coming." I've never seen him move that quickly, but his arms shot out and his hands were tickling my stomach and sides before I had time to move or block. And oh was he right, I did get it ten times worse than I gave. For like 15 minutes. Of course he was terribly pleased the entire time I was writhing and squealing - apparently I make entertaining noises and he continues to point that out. It was the worst great kind of thing to happen on a lazy Saturday.

I know I'm totally and completely out of order on these, but hey, why not go with number 11 now? It was a girl's night, with PJs and cookie dough and pizza and I may or may not have been a little tipsy. It was just a little teeny tiny bit of a floaty feeling, I swear! But now I must regrettably inform you, darling reader, how sensitive I can be. Not always! But sometimes it's really bad. So picture this: I'm lounging on the couch, surrounded by my three or four friends, and one casually comments she likes my toenail polish color. Which would be fine and dandy—I was pretty fond of my signature OPI Big Apple Red too—if she didn't touch it. She didn't touch my skin, or even near it. She rubbed the polish on my big toe nail. And I still squeaked, my eyes wide as saucers, my toes curled, and biting my lip hard. Everyone in the room stopped and looked at me, most surprised and a little quizzical. "Are you really that ticklish? Oh my god." And so she did it again, and I jumped. And again, repeatedly, and I started squirming and trying to hold back giggles. And then she touched my toes and arches and I lost any sense of what was going on except for the fact that my friends were figuring out, some for the first time, how outrageously ticklish I am and having fun with it. I squirmed so much, desperate for an end to my embarrassed and unavoidable giggling, that I didn't realize it stopped until my feet were very warm. I opened my eyes. I had literally shoved my feet underneath my friend while she was sitting because her as was protecting them. It was shocking and hilarious enough that she did stop, but the damage had been done. All too many people know about how sensitive I am.

And finally, number 20 is about a pedicure. Which I've already written about. Fairly extensively throughout my blog. No offense, but if you want it you’re welcome to go searching because I’ve written a ton here already. Cool beans?

Thanks for tuning in! If you're interested in me verbalizing any of these experiences, feel free to check out my commission guidelines as they currently stand and pop onto my Ko-Fi with your request! Or just message me your business proposal, direct and upfront about your intentions in my DMs or inbox.

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Ken Jeong opens up about his career path from the medical field into comedy acting, his recent roles, and representation in Hollywood

Comedian, actor, and former physician Ken Jeong spoke with Business Insider last week about his partnership with Heineken 0.0, the company's non-alcoholic beer, for National First Responders Day. 

Jeong is known for his comedic roles in movies like "The Hangover," "Pineapple Express," and "Knocked Up." He also recently starred in the blockbuster movie "Crazy Rich Asians," the first major Hollywood movie with an all-Asian cast in 25 years.

Ken Jeong has become a recognizable face in Hollywood over the past decade — with a long list of roles in comedies like "The Hangover" and "Knocked Up," to a recent Netflix stand-up special and a role in the blockbuster film "Crazy Rich Asians." 

What is less known about Jeong is how he actually transitioned into acting from studying and practicing medicine, and began following his passion by doing stand-up while in medical school. 

Jeong's recent roles in "Crazy Rich Asians" and the ABC sitcom "Fresh Off the Boat" feature all-Asian or majority-Asian casts, and have been credited with redefining the way Asian characters and actors are portrayed in Hollywood. 

Business Insider sat down with Jeong to talk about his transition from being a doctor to a Hollywood actor, his recent roles and representation in Hollywood, his family, and how he's choosing to honor those in the medical field by partnering with Heineken for National First Responders Day.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. 

Isabella Paoletto: Can you talk a little bit about your partnership with Heineken, your role, and why you decided to do it?

Ken Jeong: Yes, I am celebrating First Responders Day, and I used to be a physician, and as a medical professional I know first-hand the importance of first responders. They are the most valuable team [and] part of the healthcare team because if I'm admitting a patient into a hospital, they're the ones taking in the patient to the ER, giving me information, you know, "28 year old male with shortness of breath, pain, coughing," and they're giving me all the necessary tools for me to make the diagnosis — and at the same time they're saving that patient's life. They've stabilized that patient. 

So to me, they have to assess and they have to save, and they never get the credit they deserve. And for me that that's why this cause is near and dear to my heart, because they deserve the most recognition of all of us, and I can't think of a better way to partner up with Heineken 0.0 and just honestly for National First Responders Day, alcohol-free beer, so right call when you're on call.

Paoletto: So, my grandpa actually used to be a doctor and said that he would drink non-alcoholic beer when he was on call. Did you often drink non-alcoholic beer, or have colleagues who did when they were on call?

Jeong: I definitely had colleagues that did, and I think it's a very, very healthy way to decompress when you're on call and you can't drink alcohol, and that's so cool that your grandfather did that. Our campaign represents really your grandfather and what he does —  it's like when you're on call, you want to decompress, but you want to do it, obviously, in a way that that makes sense as the right call when you're on call.

Paoletto: I wanted to talk a little bit about your transition from the medical field into acting. Why did you decide to make that career change?

Jeong: I always had a passion for performing, so even when I was in college. I was pre-med. Yeah, a lot of people don't know this, but I was doing a lot of theater as well and I had gotten bitten by the acting bug in college. I never did any acting in high school or anything like that. I didn't know I even had it in me to perform. So, I was definitely a late bloomer, and I didn't know where I was going to go with this. All I knew was I just had a deep, deep love of performing. I felt like I had an aptitude for it, but more importantly, I had a passion for it.

I had a very complicated life, you know, or at least in my head I did, where I was in medicine, on a medical track, and it was a very, very heavy time because I basically had two loves and two passions and how to reconcile that? The only advice I could give is just don't ever think about the end result. Doesn't matter. There is probably a parallel universe out there where a guy like me is a physician and maybe just doing some stand-up comedy on the side. I was incredibly happy doing that, you know.

Paoletto: I know your wife is also a physician. How does she feel about you working with Heineken for National First Responders Day?

Jeong: Oh yeah, no, I run everything by my wife and she was definitely very much in favor for it, and she saw the campaign and everybody in that like campaign ad, they're all real life first responders. And I surprised these first responders, they didn't know it was me.

So, it was a really cool experience. So to me, my wife's been very supportive of it, and I even showed her the end product as well. We're partners, you know, I could not do this without her. She again is another unsung hero.

Paoletto: You also have two daughters, around 12 years old. Have they seen any of your work? Are there any roles of yours that they hate or love?

Jeong: It's so funny, they love "Community." They love every episode of "Community," and they don't like my character, like when they see my character, it's like they want to fast forward it, and even my daughters actually ask me, "Am I insulting you if you're not my favorite 'Community' character or if we watch episodes that don't feature you?," you know?

I think you bring up a good point, though, if you're a child of an entertainer. Yeah, I know I probably won't make them laugh as much because they're just annoyed by me anyway, so I think you know, familiarity breeds contempt. You know, that's something I heartily accepted. Yeah, that's just part of the deal.

Paoletto: How has the transition to fame been for your family?

Jeong: Well, they can't make eye contact ever, especially in private, you know that. [laughs]. And I have a Fortress of Solitude that I built in the house that's just for me. But other than that, I think my wife has done the most amazing job of just kind of, and I'm on board with this too, that we tell our kids, "Look, I have an odd job, and the job is just slightly different but the principles of life is the same."

Let's say I was still practicing medicine full-time, to me how we are trying to raise our children, raise a family, it's exactly the same. We just, we want them to pursue what they want to do. We want them to be disciplined at what they do, we want them to excel in school, but we also want them to follow their passions, whether it be in academics or in the arts or in athletics, whatever it is. 

I think my legacy as a parent is encouraging my kids to think outside of the box. My whole livelihood is thinking outside the box and not doing something that's typical, and I want my family, I want my kids to embrace their uniqueness, even if it's something no one else does, or no one else thinks you can do.

Paoletto: So, your Netflix standup recently came out and you've been in many great comedies, you know, "The Hangover" and "Pineapple Express." Do you plan on continuing to focus on comedy, or do you see yourself transitioning out of comedy into different types of roles?

Jeong: That's a great question. I would love to do — again I don't think of the end product like, "Oh, I have to do a period piece, or I have to do a drama" — but I would love to do a period piece, and I would love to do a drama. 

I always just try to find a way to maximize whatever opportunity I have before me, but I also, I don't want to limit myself to those things that I haven't done. There might be some things similar to what I've done before that I can find some unique form of joy. So to me, I just want to find a way to just maximize the joy of whatever scenario. Like I never thought in a million years I would do a show like "The Masked Singer," to do a panel show, that's never been in the cards for me, and it's the best decision I ever made. You know, it's my mom's favorite show in Korea because it's based on the Korean show with the same name, and I'm having the most fun, ever, like I'm thoroughly enjoying every second of it. 

What I'm learning as I get older, it's just you know, man, it's just nothing wrong with going with the flow and finding enjoyment and opportunity and happiness there because you'll get it, and you'll get happiness in the most unexpected places.

Paoletto: You've also recently starred in "Crazy Rich Asians" and you've been in "Fresh Off the Boat," which have both done a lot to redefine previous stereotypes of Asian characters in Hollywood. In your personal experience, do you see more representation in the industry? Do you see the roles changing and becoming more diverse for people of color?

Jeong: Well, I think first of all, "Fresh Off the Boat" is one of the most important shows on television for Asian-Americans, and if it wasn't for that show, I wouldn't have my own sitcom, "Dr. Ken," that was on for two years. I created that show, and that was my big mission was to have more representation. 

And then "Crazy Rich Asians," man, that just to me, that may be the most important movie I've ever done because it wasn't about me — it was about my kids' future. It was about, really, the future of Asian Americans in entertainment. And because of that film, you have Awkwafina just crushing it right now. You have Gemma Chan, Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Ronny Chieng, and now even outside the "Crazy Rich Asians" circle, you have Ali Wong, who I think for my money is the best Asian-American comic right now, and she did a movie with one of my best friends, Randall park, for Netflix, "Always Be My Maybe." 

There's more representation than ever, but we still have a long ways to go. I mean, also Bowen Yang of "SNL." He's the first Chinese American cast member. He's a dear friend, and he's my favorite member of "SNL." He's just crushing it right now. He's just so funny, and I I watch the show because of him. So the representation, it is getting better. We still have a long ways to go, but it's getting better and better, and it's exciting.

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source https://www.businessinsider.com/ken-jeong-interview-career-path-representation-in-hollywood