#If the Stormy actor thing is true

[slenderverse-pride-parade]

Scrolling through the WF tag, I just wanted to add that as someone who recently came out as Nonbinary, enby Lee, Stormy and Steph makes me extremely happy, and I'm going to roll with that concept now. VIVA MIS TRANSGENEROS!!!!!

OKAY so for all the trans headcanons I have in the slenderverse, my favorites are:

Shaun being a trans woman

Jeff being a trans guy

Evan being genderfluid or just generally transfem

Vinny being bigender

Patrick being genderqueer

These are the ones that I'm the most passionate about. Under the cut, I have thoughts on All the slenderverse characters I like

Okay so here's all the trans or related headcanons I like and have seen, in general:

Marble Hornets:

Jay: I like both transmasc and transfem headcanons for this one

Alex: Transfem, I'm obsessed with the Lexi stuff, but transmasc Alex is nice too

Tim: I literally rock with anything. I've seen two-spirit Tim put along native Tim headcanons a few times, which I think is really neat!

I can also see Jessica as transfem

EverymanHYBRID:

Vinny: Bigender

Jeff: Trans guy or transmasc agender

Evan: Genderfluid or strictly transfem

Steph: Nonbinary or transfem?

HABIT: Agender / does not give a shit

MLAndersen0:

Michael: Trans guy or agender, I like them both

Patrick: Genderqueer

Shaun: Trans woman

Stormy: Nonbinary (isn't the actor nonbinary too?)

Whisperedfaith:

Sean: Trans guy

Lexx: Trans woman

Lee: Nonbinary fuckery is going on here

Also as an aside I'm aware Milo's actor (from tribetwelve) is a trans woman, so. That's cool!

And of course how can we forget miss Valeria being a real life, extremely cool trans creator. I decree Stan is trans now as well, viva la revolución

[zalrb]

If you don’t mind me asking, why does loumand work for you a bit more than loustat

I don't mind at all! Loumand works for me more because a) the show allowed me to see in scene that their relationship is more fucked up than initially presented whereas Loustat is more me liking the idea of them because season 1 is mostly dialogue and b) I also find it more sinister just more subtle.

So, Loustat is supposed to be this volatile, stormy, all-consuming vortex of a relationship but like I've been saying, I think that's mostly in dialogue that makes me go, I want to see this (including the push pull of sentiments like "I wanted him dead, I wanted him all to myself" "I wanted to be the man" because those lines are voiceovers over Louis' face and while I think Jacob Anderson is a good actor, he doesn't provide the nuance needed for me to see the hatred, love, desire, resentment in his expression for those lines to really get me when it’s just on his face) along with a few key moments -- such as having hate sex in Antoinette's apartment, the reveal of what actually happened when they turned Claudia into a vampire -- that make me go, it should be this all the time.

It's supposed to be insanity and chaos, it's supposed to be this rollercoaster of emotion, like when Louis says "that's Lestat" where he says lies and lies and then says something real, I thought to myself, is that Lestat? Did we really see this before? They are way too contained for me, which is partly why I like making vids for them because I can edit things to be as chaotic as I believe they're supposed to be. I hear them talk about what their dynamic is more than I actually see it, so watching it I get frustrated because it should be more.

Loumand isn't supposed to be insanity and chaos, they are supposed to be light and flirty and then calming and stable and I see that in their interactions

but I also see the other part of why Louis is attracted to his relationship with Armand. Armand is extremely powerful but Louis is in control, he can tell him to take his clothes off and read while he fucks him and Armand will love it

Louis sets the pace, Louis leads.

Or so he thinks.

The show portrayed Armand as somewhat passive and docile for a 500 year old vampire in charge of a coven. We get a sense of his power and what he can do but he only seems to react to potential conflict, which he says

and then we get 2x05 and we get to see what he's like when he's angry and his, "Oh, he's fine. You're fine. This is fine. We're all fine" while torturing Daniel to hurt Louis

and him interrogating Daniel because he's hurt that Louis called him boring,

besides being more interesting to me than something like Lestat bringing soldiers to the house in a temper tantrum because I find Armand's calculated punishment way more insidious (which isn’t to downplay Lestat’s abuse), I am shown that this relationship isn't quite right and Armand isn't toothless.

Not to mention, he doesn't tell Louis that Lestat said "I love you" so if he's withholding that,

combined with what happened with the photos

combined with the fact that Armand had been hovering around the interview from the beginning pretending to be someone else,we're left wondering if this is true

and then when we get to Armand's role in Claudia's death, we're left questioning whether or not this supremely powerful vampire really was as powerless to stop it as he tells us he was

and while Armand's love may be sincere, his protection of Louis may be sincere, is he also maybe emotionally manipulating him to stay?

It's ironic that Louis says this

when it's quite clear that he does need these things and the way Armand even interacts with him in that very fight is him doing the things Louis says he doesn't need.

I'm along for the ride with Loumand and left wondering who is in control, who is manipulating who, and find that the show actually illustrates the subtleties and power shifts etc in more than just moments.

[gabzilla-z]

ok quick thoughts, spoilers behind the cut.

Pros:

Halle. HALLE. H a l l e. Her voice, her face, her mannerisms. They took what made Ariel special in the animated movie and built on it and she was the perfect person to pull it off.

Her beauty was distracting.

So glad they finally got a singer for a live action, I couldn’t take another B&B autotuned disaster.

Made me want to get to the nearest rock and play mermaid ngl.

I had my doubts with Jonah but he did a great job with Eric, played the shy, kinda awkward potato prince charming to perfection. Loved that they expanded his backstory and his interest in adventure and the sea. Also A+ for the movie knowing he had a white shirt on while surrounded by water and using every chance it had to drench him.

Eric still being caring and worried about Ariel even under Ursula’s spell? 10/10 no notes.

He came to chew bubblegum and be dreamy and he was all out of bubblegum.

Halle and Jonah’s chemistry was insane, I need them to do ten movies making eyes at each other.

Seriously the movie could have been 2 hours of them interacting in that library and it would have been money well spent.

or just two hours of them being cute smol and tol in a boat idc

TRUE LOVE INDEED

Can’t wait for this movie to be out in D+ so I can reblog all the gifs.

Part of Your World and all reprises were ofc gorgeous. Vanessa’s Trick is haunting and exactly what one would want for a siren song. For the First Time is gorgeous and underrated, felt very Broadway-esque. Eric’s song was corny but in a good way.

The rest of the songs are adequate but are not as good as the original ones.

Gotta said, song aside, the Kiss the Girl scene was more endearing in this version. When she helps him figure out her name?

Melissa was good as Ursula and made the character her own, though I think she was not as scary as she could have been. Better than I expected, though.

The actress that plays Vanessa knew she had 5 minutes to make an impression and used them to the fullest. Delightful.

Cons:

The CGI felt unfinished and so did the color grading/lighting. I edited all the movie images in this post (just played with the saturation and the contrast) and I’m mediocre at best. HIRE TUMBLR EDITORS, DISNEY.

Halle deserved to wear more outfits, I can't believe Disney missed an opportunity to sell more dolls. Would have given her a dress for each day on land and the water dress. Mouse, I thought you liked money.

we could have had it all

Wanted more of her sisters tbh. And less Triton, Javier phoned it in imo. I know Triton and Ariel’s relationship is an important part of the original movie but idk if it was his half assed acting or me wanting more of the sisters, but I wasn’t moved.

Flounder's weird character design was saved by his stellar voice actor and Sebastian grew on me, he was hilarious. Scuttlefina was tolerable but gosh she’s always playing the same character, stop casting her in everything.

Less I say about Scuttlebutt the better. Kids are probably gonna love it, though.

The ending was kinda weird? It felt rushed and the battle with Ursula was disappointing. Which is a surprise because the OTHER stormy scene at night was wonderfully done. 

Up to Ursula taking Ariel back to the ocean it felt really cohesive but the second Triton appears to save her it was like they were trying to speed things up and it got... weird.

Didn’t mind Ariel being the one that killed Ursula, after everything she put her through.

Cannot believe the movie robbed us of Jonah screaming “I lost her once, I’m not gonna lose her again!”

Overall it was a well paced (up to the finale), entertaining, charming movie. Despite its faults, the only Disney live action I want to rewatch (outside MAYBE Cinderella).

8/10 Justice for the foam dress.

[travellingwiththedead]

Ok, trying for some more coherent thoughts about iwtv s2e7 behind the read more (spoilers, obviously):

You know shit's about to go down when basically all of s1 is in the recap

Santiago the little shit is loving this. Oh Ben Daniels is so perfect.

Dang, Sam Reid, you have no right to look this good (his hair's on point, this can't actually be Louis' POV LOL xD). Also, Lestat looks so very pissed off when he comes on stage. Doesn't want to be there, indeed.

"He was as much of a captive as we were." uh-huh, sure, Jan. Come on, Louis, you don't really believe that?

And Armand can go "I couldn't prevent it" all he wants, he definitely could have prevented it at any stage before they were actually on the stage and maybe even when the play already started. He was the coven master and could have legally put Santiago down for the mutiny he was brewing, which Armand was very aware of. But he didn't.

So those theorising they'd make Lestat's first dirt nap longer to account for the time changes were right. He did really nap like 100 years before Marius dug him back up.

Oooooh Lestat /hates/ Santiago.

Santiago and vampire Sam trying way too hard to make Louis look like a predator with their little play about Louis hunting Lestat instead. Pff, boys, no one would ever buy that.

Lestat moves like a wind up toy sometimes, or maybe I'm imagining things, but once again, the acting from everyone in this episode is so, so good. Give everyone involved in this show all the awards!

Lestat tearing down that homophobic soldier is *chef's kiss* but also, if he was strong enough to get himself up there and back down so quickly, read his mind, and later get into the mind of the guy with his loneliness, how are we supposed to believe he's weak and being controlled/forced to do this play? Over all I don't see how they'll do the whole "Lestat came to beg Armand for his blood to get healed" thing with Lestat not being all that bad off, in the end.

Santiago fumbling his lines xD

I'd say with the revisited flash backs to Claudia's turning and to the fight in s1e5 the truth lies somewhere between the two accounts. Louis said the trial's retelling of Claudia's turning was more right, sure, but as with all eye witness accounts, they are never 100% true. So yeah, somewhere between the accounts lies the truth.

LOL Real Rashid's entrance there is so good. We needed something to break all that tension. Thank you, Real Rashid, I hope they don't eat you for it xD (or, you know, for being a Talamasca spy in their home...)

See, i said it, Lestat looking damn near pristine all through that fight in s1e5 was a hint. No one looks that good after crashing through walls. They fought, because rage had been simmering for 7 years and it finally boiled over. They beat each other up and Lestat went too far. Now can we finally stop having the same discourse over this thing again and again and again? (Also I just love the foresight in this show, how they showed us the dent in Louis' coffin in s1 but we only get an explanation for it in s2. Awards, for every last person working on this show, now!)

Lestat's talk about how he broke Louis: Sam Reid, the actor you are. Dang, so good.

"One more round in the stormy romance of you two!" You tell them, Claudia. Oh girl, you deserved so much better.

So was Louis aiming that cup of blood at Armand or at the wall? Because Armand definitely had to move out of the way at least a little.

I do wonder, did they make sure Madeleine was so out of it for most of the trial because they hoped she'd stay with the coven if she didn't have much of an idea what was going on? Or did they do the same thing to her as to Louis and Claudia and she was just more susceptible because she's weaker?

Her choosing Claudia again, even if it means death, is all Claudia ever wanted. Dang, these bi ladies are giving me all the feels.

Claudia telling the audience she's gonna go full on murder ghost on all their arses: iconic. Also you can't tell me Lestat didn't look proud as hell right there. That's his daughter, never going down without a fight, never giving in.

Claudia and Madeleine in the sun is so heartbreaking :( Claudia holding Madeleine like movie!Madeleine held movie!Claudia. Ladies, you deserved better. Fuck these vampires.

And Louis, in that rock filled coffin, feeling them both die :( Claudia because he can read her mind, and Madeleine because he made her. (And they helpfully labelled the fucking door so Armand will know which one to pull Louis out of when he "rescues" him.....)

Can not wait for Louis to go full on Blade on the coven's collective arses next episode.

[stedes-incredible-library]

Mod A fav list

The OFMD Trucker AU by Harley_Quinn09876 [E], 85k

Stede Bonnet is getting divorced, which is actually a very good thing, but quite honestly he has no idea what to do with himself, he doesn't know what he wants, or what he likes... So on a whim, he abandons his life and heads out on a directionless road trip that is partly an escape, and partly an attempt at self discovery. One stormy night, one car accident, and subsequent rescue by a dashing trucker later, Stede is starting to get an idea of what, or at least who, he really rather likes. Or, that OFMD Modern Trucker AU that no one asked for but that I COULD NOT get out of my head

Water Flowing Underground by @gaypiratebrainrot [E], 22k

Actors and long-time friends Stede Bonnet and Edward Teach shoot the second season of their television show about the historical Gentleman Pirate Rhys Darby and Taika "Blackbeard" Waititi. Things do not go as planned.

kissing is what lovers do (and we're not lovers) by @afterism [E]

A vaguely canon-compliant friends-with-benefits scenario where they've been having sex since episode five but still don't kiss until episode nine, because they're both idiots who don't talk it through as a crew.

An Extremely Fun, Memorable, Deeply Cool Adventure by @ofmd-alsaurus [E]

Edward might be the one with the experience, but Stede is the one with the imagination. OR Stede invents cocksucking. Ed is scandalized and intrigued.

your name like a boat by @mia-ugly and @soft-october-night [E], 39k canon setting plus soulmarks

Sailors call them watermarks. A gift from the sea, a name or symbol written on your chest, meant to guide you to your own true love. But Stede Bonnet's mark doesn't look like anything at all. Not really. And it certainly doesn't look like 'Edward' or 'Teach' or 'Blackbeard' or a black beard and that's fine. Completely fine. Ed's absolutely fine with it.

Transformative Work by @mia-ugly and @pinehutch [E], 41k

"I heard you’re a writer,” Blackbeard says. There’s a sudden rustling sound as Blackbeard kicks something across the floor. Frenchie bends down to retrieve it, and sees that it’s a notebook. Wide and empty, like that one Lucius used to carry around with him. “Write us a better ending then.” (Captain Blackbeard has heard about Frenchie’s ‘bit of fanfiction.’ He asks him to write a better ending for his and Stede’s story. Frenchie tries his best but soon other people want to tell the story the way it should have gone, including Fang, Lucius, Ivan, Jim, and ultimately Ed. In the act of surviving and telling stories together, relationships are considered, examined, and developed. Meanwhile, a ship trailing seagulls grows closer and closer on the horizon.)

weather the storm by @one-more-page [E], 10k timeloop

Ed wakes up on the day Stede comes back over and over and over again.

somewhere in time by @one-more-page [M], 16k canon vibes and AU vibes

Stede goes overboard during a storm and watches his life with Ed in a dozen different timelines.

#gentlebeard is trending! by regional_catastrophe [T], 41k

In which Stede accidentally convinces the pirating world that Gentlebeard (or Blackbonnet or Stedward; there's a poll) is canon, reunites his crew, and gets his boyfriend back.

i'm yours, you know by @andillwriteyouatragedy [T], 9k

stede saves his crew, draws a duel, and reunites with the love of his life, though he's certain he's going to die every step of the way.

our blood is thicker than storms and saltwater by @andillwriteyouatragedy [M], 11k

"No!” Ed screams instinctively. He doesn’t know what’s happened, but he knows he’s heard a gunshot, and he knows Stede’s hands are slipping out of his, and he knows, a second later, that Stede’s let go of the railing to fall into the sea below. Somebody grabs onto Ed’s shoulder, but he wrenches them off of him without a second thought. He wrestles his boots off, then his weapons, but he doesn’t care to tear off anything else— there isn’t time for it, not now, not when— “Captain, don’t!” Frenchie shouts behind him. Ed ignores him. The Revenge doesn’t have a captain if Stede Bonnet’s not on board.

Bones Adrift by Skrifores [E], 42k

The Revenge spots a drifting, seemingly abandoned ship. Is it haunted, overrun by demons, or full of vampire-mermaids? Probably none of the above, Ed and Stede think, though some of the crew have different ideas. There does seem to be something wrong about that ship though. It warrants some investigation. This is a ghost story/horror genre (not too scary) multi-chapter story set in the wonderful Co-Captains time before everything went to hell.

Changing Tides by annabagnell and songlin [E], 37k

Stede Bonnet proudly took credit for every pound his lover gained. He was more right than he knew.

Stede Bonnet's Guide to Sexual Failure (and How to Overcome It) by @thetardigrape [E], 6k

Ed and Stede haven't fucked, but not for lack of trying. aka 5 times Ed and Stede didn't manage to fuck, and 1 time they did.

In Favor with Their Stars by @mxmollusca [M], 62k

Ed is an engineer aboard the Revenge, an interplanetary research vessel on a multi-year mission to study Jupiter's moon Europa. An accident requires that Ed awaken from cryostasis over six months early, and finds his only companion to be Stede, the ship's onboard AI. They develop an unconventional friendship, but is it possible to have more? This is classic mutual pining with a sci-fi twist, inspired by all of my favorite stories about the nature of personhood.

one little room an everywhere by @stedebonntits [T], 18k

Instead of running off to sea, Stede runs off to become a lighthouse keeper. It's uneventful, repetitive, and strangely soothing. Until the storm. Until Stede finds the man shipwrecked on the rocks below. Maybe it's what they both needed.

Down Where It's Wetter and Darling It's Better (WAS (Wet Ass Squssy)) by @zombee and @ghostalservice [E], 24k

When Ed hears Izzy's caught something strange in his net, he expects maybe a two-headed swordfish or a weird duck. But what he's found seems a little too human for Ed's taste. A Free Willy/Shape of Water/Little Mermaid/Tentacle AU.

your name like a boat by @mia-ugly and @soft-october-night [E], 39k

Sailors call them watermarks. A gift from the sea, a name or symbol written on your chest, meant to guide you to your own true love. But Stede Bonnet's mark doesn't look like anything at all. Not really. And it certainly doesn't look like 'Edward' or 'Teach' or 'Blackbeard' or a black beard and that's fine. Completely fine. Ed's absolutely fine with it.

if you get the time, the number is still mine by @one-more-page [M], 25k

A series of phone calls as Stede and Ed go from childhood friends, to adults who can't connect, to something more.

[gunsatthaphan]

~ Monthly BL Breakdown: April 2023 ~  

🌼 Happy May!!! 🐝

Disclaimer: ALL shows can be streamed here or here, as well as on Youtube and other platforms. For more info on where to watch what, check out this post!

New breakdowns are coming at the end of every month - feel free to add stuff! -> previous breakdowns

What came out this month? (green = seen/currently watching)

🌟 Bokura no Shokutaku (Our Dining Table) - April 6th (Japan)

🌟 My Beautiful Man: Eternal - April 7th (Japan)

🌟 Eien No Kinou: Complete Edition - April 13th (Japan) 

🌟 Naked Dining - April 14th (Japan)

🌟 Midnight Love - April 15th (Thailand)

🌟 My Story - April 15th (Philippines)

🌟 Step by Step - April 18th (Thailand) ❌(dropped)

🌟 Our Skyy 2 - April 19th (Thailand) ✅

🌟 The Promise: Part 2 - April 19th (Thailand)

🌟 Midnight Love - April 22nd (Thailand)

🌟 Stormy Honeymoon - April 22nd (Vietnam) 

🌟 The Day I Loved You - April 26th (Philippines) 

🌟 Happy Merry Ending - April 27th (South Korea) 

🌟 Love Syndrome III (Uncut Version) - April 29th (Thailand) 

🌟 La Pluie - April 29th (Thailand) ✅

Monthly likes/dislikes

❣️ Our Skyy 2 - Absolutely loving it so far!!! It’s exactly the kind of lighthearted chaos I was hoping for and especially the NLMG episodes were so much fun to watch. Once again proves that PP just work in a comedy setting. ngl these 2 episodes were better than the entirety of the 12 episodes of the main show for me lmao 🤷🏼‍♀️ The SIMM episodes were a bit strange plot-wise lmao but JD’s chemistry saved the day for sure. Very excited for what’s to come!! 

👎🏻 A Shoulder To Cry On - I was very disappointed by this one. It was my first time dipping my toes back into the kbl world after TMS and I was hopeful as I read good reviews but my god it was so bad. it had a solid start but then the plot started reaching and it got weirder with every episode. and not to mention the lack of intimacy like I get they probably didn’t do it because of kpop or whatever but why even cast them to begin with then??? I have zero understanding for things like that. This was a bromance and I hated it lmao. bye.

New series & movie announcements

🎥 Colorful Melody - Date TBA (Thailand)

🎥 Forever Yours - Date TBA (Philippines)

🎥 Rule No.1: Don't Be Too Emotional (novel adaption) - Date TBA (Thailand)

🎥 Night Dream - Date TBA (Thailand) 

🎥 Deep Night - Date TBA (Thailand) 

🎥 Khemjira Will Survive (novel adaption) - Date TBA (Thailand)

🎥 Let’s Eat Together - coming June 2nd (Japan) 

🎥 VIP Only - Date TBA (Taiwan) 

🎥 I Can’t Reach You (manga adaption) - Date TBA (Japan) 

🎥 The Bartender - Date TBA (Cambodia) 

🎥 Love Supremacy Zone - Date TBA (South Korea) 

🎥 Aedan The Series - Date TBA (Philippines) 

Other news from the BL world

❗️ Workshops for the upcoming GMMTV BL Dangerous Romance have started. Filming is scheduled to start next month.  

❗️ The upcoming Domundi Thai BL Naughty Babe is officially in production. Shooting will commence soon.  

❗️ The upcoming WabiSabi Thai BL Absolute Zero (dir. New Siwaj) has started filming. 

❗️ The company StarHunter announced their lineup for 2023:

City of Stars (BL)

True Moon (BL)

Sunset Vibes (BL, starring MosBank)

The Taste of Fresh Milk (BL)

Big Dragon the Movie (BL)

Love Senior (GL) -> this will be StarHunter’s first GL drama.

❗️ A movie version for the Korean BL Where Your Eyes Linger (re-edited version) was announced. Details such as plot + air date are still unknown. 

❗️ After a supposed casting sheet was leaked in a video, rumors sparked that GeminiFourth will get replaced by ViewJune as the side couple in the upcoming Thai GL 23.5. The actresses were also seen in the workshops to Dangerous Romance, along with Papang and Pepper, creating further rumors about the 2 pairs being side couples in the show along with Marc and Pawin. Nothing is confirmed. 

❗️ Actors Billkin and PP (I Told Sunset About You) have registered a joint production company called BKPP Entertainment. It will be managed by Billkin, PP, Bell Supol, Panut (Billkin's dad) and Sureerat (PP's mom). Details about possible productions (film or music) are still unknown. 

❗️ Actors Bas Suradej and Copter Panuwat have left Starhunter Entertainment, which resulted in Copter and costar Kimmon parting ways as an on-screen pair. Their upcoming show Boy Never Smiles will still air as scheduled. 

❗️ Actor Yacht Patsit has dropped out of the Korean idol program FANTASY BOYS due to a chronic illness. He will resume his acting career in Thailand. 

❗️ Kpop group SF9 members ZUHO and Kim In Sung were announced as the leads in the upcoming Korean BL Star Struck. The series will premiere on May 18th. 

❗️ The following BL actors won at this year’s Thailand Master Youth Awards:

Zee Pruk and Nunew Chawarin: People Favorites

Gemini Norawit and Fourth Nattawat: Youth Favorites

Upcoming series & movies for May

👉🏻 House of Stars - May 1st (Thailand) 

👉🏻 Love Mate - May 4th (South Korea)

👉🏻 ViAn The Series (TikTok series) - May 6th (Vietnam) 

👉🏻 My Partner (movie) - May 7th (Philippines/Hawaii) 

👉🏻 Star Struck - May 18th (South Korea) 

👉🏻 The Luminous Solution - May 27th (Thailand) 

👉🏻 Tie the Not - May 27th (Philippines)

👉🏻 Takumi-kun Series 6: Nagai Nagai Monogatari no Hajimari no Asa - May 27th (Japan) 

[cherrrysue]

hey do you have any fics where larry is in an established relationship but they’re keeping it secret for one reason or another ???

yesss here u go

Secret Relationship

the first one contained heavy amount of smut read at your own risk

We Keep Taking Turns by Ropewithnoanchor

E, 69K

The start of the On The Road Again Tour means new anxieties, this time for both Louis and Harry. Between performances, traveling, interviews, family time, and the biggest crisis their band has ever faced, they have to help each other feel better the only way they know how—through domination and submission.

[A relatively canon-compliant story of nights in hotels and bedrooms, starting in February 2015.]

Hands Clasped Tight by afirethatcannotdie

E, 44K

“What am I looking at here?” Harry asks.

“This, my friends, is a ‘proof’ Instagram account, run by your students,” Liam announces.

“It’s got all this stuff about how the two of you are together,” Niall adds.

“I heard about that,” says one of the math teachers. “Confiscated a kid’s phone today when they were looking at it. I have to say, the evidence that you’re dating is pretty damning.”

“Really,” Louis says dryly. “Do you think being married for three years might have something to do with it?”

Or the one where Harry and Louis are high school teachers and their students have been playing matchmaker for over a year. Little do they know, Harry and Louis are already married.

If You Asked Me If I Love Him (I'd Lie) by allyasavedtheday

M, 26K

So Harry and Louis might have fucked up.

The day of their wedding was the single most perfect moment of Louis’ life and every single day since where he’s been able to call Harry his husband has been nothing short of bliss. There’s just one teeny, tiny problem…

Their families don’t know they’re married.

*

Or the one where Harry and Louis eloped but neglected to mention it to anyone. Meanwhile Lottie is getting married and the only way for them to not steal her thunder is by pretending they're just friends for the weekend. Featuring Harry and Louis as terrible liars who don't know the meaning of the word platonic and some Tomlinsons and Styles's who definitely don't believe them.

Into The Midnight Sun by summerwine

E, 63K

Every day without Louis was a never ending blue Monday. Every day went without his sweetness and warmth and the radiant colours of his flame. The tenor of his voice became unfamiliar and muddled between going so long without the sound of it and getting lost with every other voice clouding Harry’s memory.

But he was here now, warming Harry’s bones with lips like summer. Every moment in his arms felt like a Sunday stroll through London. Beautiful and stormy and feeling every bit like home.

or, It's 1983, Harry embarks on his first world tour and Louis is a budding actor in LA. Life spent apart isn't easily adjustable, but somehow they make it work.

Call Answered by vondrostes

E, 249K

The day after his 27th birthday, Harry Styles attempts suicide. Louis is flown to his bedside to unravel the mystery of why he did it after a flash drive is found with a note attached, addressed to Louis. On it are a collection of 78 songs, all written for different dates from their past.

You Watched Me Sink by bananasandboots

E, 38K

They've discussed it a few times - the boyfriend thing. It's not like it's some forbidden, horrific, abandon hope all ye who talk about furthering the relationship sort of subject. They're mature adults. They're in tune with their feelings, their hearts' desires, the way those butterflies swoop in their bellies whenever they so much as hold each other's hands. They like each other. A lot. It's mutual, they know. But for now, they're just content to enjoy the simplicity of what they have, and what they have is great.

When dating in secret stops being enough, then they'll discuss that too.

Or, the one where Harry teaches Sex Ed and sneaks around with the drama teacher, and doesn't realize how out of tune he is with his true feelings until everyone else figures it out for him.

Lover Boy by brightgolden

E, 27k

“I’d love to meet your lover boy one day,” Lottie says suddenly as she pours Louis a whiskey on the rocks after their dinner. OR Where Louis wants to tell everyone about his relationship with Harry, but his boyfriend clearly thinks otherwise.

please leave a like or reblog ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚

[noisyballofvoidmuffin]

I finally started reading Good Omens (NO SPOILERS! I've already spoiled myself enough.) and this is so far (59 pages) one of the best things I've read. It's so clever and fun, and I must have left a dozen "hehe" notes on the sides of my book (in pencil. I only just started writing in books and I would die before I used any sort of ink that could seep into or smudge on the pages.).

What I can't stop thinking about though, is that one woman who named her sons, I think twins?, Crowley and Aziraphale. Because, alright, my opinions may be a tad skewed bc I started being interested bc Tumblr and tiktok have bombarded me with details about these two from the show (Tumblr also some book stuff) that gave me some preconceptions but,,,,

Lady, how did you not notice that this could be interpreted as like, romantic? They have the most 'married couple' vibes on multiple occasions.

Spoilers under the cut! I go on a gush.

They are hilarious.

"Well I'll be damned"/"It's not too bad when you get used to it"

The start of this book, ugh, and yes, I'm back to the book now, this is my book rant and I'll take it to whatever direction my brain wants to, the fucking, the song choice for the Bentley to play!! It's so clever!!

"It wasn't a dark and stormy night. / It should have been, but that's the weather for you. For every mad scientist who's had a convenient thunderstorm just on the night his Great Work is finished and lying on the slab, there have been dozens who've sat around aimlessly under the peaceful stars while Igor clocks overtime."

And later on fucking BOHEMIAN PHAPSODY PLAYS- excellent music choice btw- AND IT'S SO GOOD

They it should've been a stormy night and just the EXACT PASSAGE OF THE SONG TALKING OF THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTNING PLAYS OUT RIGHT AFTER STAN GETS OFF THE RADIO-

The pacing and detail work is just phenomenal in this book, PHENOMENAL

"For Americans and other aliens" (paraphrasing) had me chuckling out loud. Been identified an alien.

There's at least 3 doodles of snake Crowley I've drawn in the book so far.

Also the bit about this being the most repaired book? I would've died of that was any of my books, grieving, but I admire all of these people so much. The sheer DEDICATION!!

Really hoping I get this book signed at some point, even if I just about die of anxiety and embarrassment if I ever get the chance.

Also, it took me, honestly, way too long to recognize David Tennant played Crowley in the series/ the bits of the series I've been force-fed by tiktok and Tumblr. Not because I'm blind to faces (partially, maybe) but because it took a whole fucking slideshow with both Crowley and The Doctor from doctor who for me to realise it's the same DAMN ACTOR!! LIEK, I KNEW I NO GOOD AT RECOGNIZING ACTORS BETWEEN ROLES IF I HAVEN'T SEEN MULTIPLE THINGS THEY'VE BEEN ON AND REMEMBERED THEM AS THE CHARACTER THEY'VE PLAYED TO THEN MAYBE UPGRADE ONTO KNOWING THEIR NAMES LIKE CHRIS EVANS AND HUGH JACKMAN BUT COME ON! My brother was laughing at me for that. How do people just, recognize others without the set context they were in at the time?

Anyhow. Back to this BRILLIANT BOOK!!!

Crowley is like, so me coded.

Wasn't feeling Crawly, changed it to Crowley. Only man-shaped, not man.

I too, wasn't feeling my og name and changed it slightly while it's still based on the first one, and am only human-shaped.

There's too much going on in my brain and I forget my vessel is a human being at some points, purely because I don't see the vessel as who I am.

Anywho,

I have in fact just noted 'Transphobe' next to the bit where Crowley is handed the Antichrist and has to sign a damn thing like it's a post package and told "Not [Name you literally chose for yourself, A. J. Crowley], your real name." mostly for myself because I'm funny like that, and bc it's my book copy, not because I don't understand the significance of "true names" or whatever. Sigil names, now those are cool. I'd make me one if I didn't feel like it'd be more intricately connected to me and in turn more vulnerable.

This book. This book I swear-

I've had such a hard time reading printed books after so long reading only fanfics online and this? This is perfect. It reads like the most fun fanfic I've ever read.

Like that one dp x DC fic where Danny wanted a grimace shake and it was spilt on the road or sth even if he said it was mediocre.

The brilliance of Crowley's sinventions (hehe) are so good.

I have doodled 👀 over Hastur saying he tempted a priest. Because I somehow didn't expect it.

This is comedy to me. I adore it.

The footnotes too. The one about the added verses where God asks Aziraphale where his sword is 😭 and that literally everyone recognized his handwriting as the one who added them in 😭😭😭😭

This is gold, man. Exactly what I needed to get back into physical reading. My eyes could for sure use a break from my phone.

Also, the little tongue my book has as a built in bookmark? Bring that back. Bring books with that feature back. I love this thing so much. Even my school books had it when I was younger, WHERE IS IT NOW?? HAVING MY OWN BOOKMARK IS ALL FINE AND DANDY BUT THIS IS ELEGANT, AND PRETTY, AND PRACTICAL, COME ON!

End rant uwu <3 I must sleep

[cosmiccannibalcamille]

Pisces Season FORECAST

What's the deeper meaning of Pisces season in astrology? And what does it have in store for YOU this time around? Read on to find out.

     Say see-ya to the wacky and weird vibes of Aquarius season and embrace your inner escapist: the Sun has shifted into sensitive, psychic and daydreamy water sign Pisces. That’s right, it’s time to dive deep into your dreams and feelings, and let the quixotism swell! Pisces Season, which runs Feb. 18 through March 20, is a season of romanticism, daydreaming, imagination, reflection and deep feeling. It is also a season of delusion, idleness, confusion, fatigue and hypersensitivity. (Just saying.)

     During Pisces Season, your moods shift, adapt and do two or more things in one day, making it a hella emotional (but creatively fulfilling) time. So, while you’re trying to stay afloat in your own sea of feelings, you might also notice yourself: yearning to hug or be hugged, daydreaming about your life as a musician or actor (because Pisces is hella into the arts), having premonitions straight outta “That’s So Raven” or just crying a lot.

Flaunt Your Pisces Pride with These Gifts for Pisces

     Of course, the reverse might also be true, and you might find yourself ignoring your feelings and pushing yourself harder and harder towards your goals; or you might find that you’re just tired AF and in need of a nap every damn day. That’s the interesting thing about Pisces—there are essentially two versions of this fishy sign: the emotional, sensitive, intuitive and compassionate version, and the cynical, hard-edged, seemingly unemotional version. In both cases, fatigue and confusion run DEEP.

     Either way, and whichever version of the Fish you end up channeling for the next four or so weeks, you can expect some stormy and some sunny days this 2024 Pisces Season. Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter are ALL making some interesting moves—-oh, but I’m getting ahead of myself. Here’s YOUR Cosmic Weather Forecast for 2024 Pisces season:

Read YOUR Forecast for Pisces Season on The Cosmic Almanac:

[audaxprocella]

ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴜᴅɢᴇ

𝐈𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠.

Thunder rolled proudly beyond the luscious juniper mountain with a thick fog masking the valleys. The temperature was chilly, but not to the point of discomfort. Instead, I found it quite comforting and reflective of the sombre mood that I had to face. Creighton was silently driving, Joanie had her phone in her hand, undoubtedly checking reservations and accommodations because she was a perfectionist in that way. My eyes followed the droplets on the window as they zig zagged with every bump of the road. Anxious thoughts were crushing my skull. Three months on location with hardly any room to breathe. The bravado from a few days ago was gone. Scenes of physical closeness, lips touching, bodies moving together. Thud. Thud. Thud. My heart felt like it weighed a ton, locked in my chest.

As we rolled along the hills, the building came into view. The stone architecture adorned in mossy vines. Sharp points and gargoyles on top. The castle was quite simply put–breathtaking. The teary day couldn’t stun its beauty and I knew that when captured on film, it wouldn’t be done justice. Creighton pulled the car into the circular driveway and stopped at the main entrance. There were different filming crews scattered across the grounds. I stepped out of the regulated car, under the umbrella that he held for me. 

“Ms. Dubois! We’re so happy to see you’ve made it here safely.” The voice came from the main producer on site, Mr. Cole Saunders. He has worked with our director on three academy award projects and that’s what I needed for my career. Prestige and honour. “Leave your bags and the staff will get it, I need to introduce you to the rest of the cast.”

I gave a curt nod as I followed him through the foyer into one of the rooms that would serve as our working room. I smelled the notes of cedar, sage and tobacco before I saw him. I could pick out the scent of Intenso even in a crowded room. He was animatedly sitting by one of the writers, giving a bravado performance like he always does. Everyone was captivated by his presence–he was a star. A true star. A charismatic man. 

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.

【Ｆｏｕｒ　Ｙｅａｒｓ　Ａｇｏ】

Yellow fabric wrapped tightly around my body accentuating every curve of my hips and the dip in my back. Steady breaths escape me, but nothing could combat this nervous energy. After meeting prolific child star, Sean Brown, he gave me his number to call him and I … didn’t. I chickened out because I was still raw from my breakup with Professor X. Not to be deterred, I found that the next time I was on set, he sent his PA with a phone and a note saying that since I didn’t want to call him from my phone, he would give me this phone and his number was already programmed in it. It was ridiculous. I caved. 

Now, here I was sitting in a dive bar in nowhere Nevada, staring into his stormy gaze as he paid the bill. I couldn’t act as though it wasn’t incredibly insane to think that I, a young woman with $30 in her bank account, was on a date with a famous actor. A date!

“Have I told you how breathtaking you look?” His voice was assured, oozing confidence. “I bet you look even better without it on.” My heart was in my stomach. I was grateful for the fact that my cheeks were already rosy from the pink blush that I had put on today. He took my hand and pulled me closer to him in the secluded booth. His lips whispered softly against my hair, “You’ll be a better dessert than what’s on the menu.” 

He cradled my face between his hands. His forehead pressed against me, breathing me in. He smelled like cedar, sage and tobacco. His lips touched mine, stealing my breath and my heart. The stupid feeble thing.

𝐌𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞.

【Ｐｒｅｓｅｎｔ　Ｄａｙ】

“Alright everybody!” Cole spoke loudly, alerting the room of our presence. Sean’s head shot upward, his gaze immediately seeking mine. “Our leading lady has arrived. Zuri, you’ve met Sean previously, here are your other costars Clara Stone and Xavier Lyons…” 

He proceeded to introduce the writing team, other assistant producers and a few other cast members. It was a bit overwhelming but most of it was blocked by Sean’s presence. I didn’t prepare myself the best way that I could for this encounter and I knew better. 

“We’ll have a staff dinner later tonight in the family dining room. As you all know most of this site will be used for filming and there’s restrictions on filming areas. Sean and Zuri, our director requested you work with Vernon for the intimate scenes.” My head bobbed as I listened, bile threatening to surface. He rambled on for another ten minutes before dismissing us. Tentatively with a sudden lack of energy, I began to rise from my seat when Sean’s hand touched my elbow. 

“Zuri.. or should I refer to you as Ms. Dubois?” His tone was steady with his telltale charm. His fingers aimlessly grazed the pebbled skin of my arm. My eyes scanned the room to see who else was present—it was just the two of us. 

“I’d rather you not refer to me at all, Mr. Brown.” I tugged my arm away from him, increasing the distance as I made my way to the door. His hearty chuckle meshed with the scent of his cologne. 

“Why have you been giving me such a cold reception?” He was behind me in an instant, spinning me to face him with a beguiling smile. “You know that I’ve missed you. I want us to be friends again.” 

Friends? When were we ever friends?

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐭.

【Ｔｈｒｅｅ　Ｙｅａｒｓ　Ａｇｏ】

Sean’s lips trailed along my jaw, his hands were under my skirt rubbing my thighs. He was overjoyed because he finished filming the upcoming season of his show. He squeezed my ass, grinding against me. His breath was thick with vodka. 

“Baby, my girl. My precious girl.” His words were slurred as he tugged me closer to sit in his lap. We were at his house in Palm Springs. We’ve been dating for about a year now and it still doesn’t feel quite real. He was kind, sweet, and loving. The kind of man I’d always hoped to find. 

The jarring bell of my ringtone interrupted our time together. Frustrated, I grabbed the phone to answer but he took it from me and answered the call. 

"𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰, 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘡𝘶𝘳𝘪? 𝘐’𝘮 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘴. 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘮 𝘨𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨—"

Sean ended the call, the venom in his eyes was as clear as a perfectly blue sky. 

“Sean? Who wa-”

His fist connected with my jaw, my body fell backward onto the cushion. My eyes blinked rapidly, a sense of fear shackled my body. Did he? Did he just hit me? He leaned over me then hit me again and again. When he was satisfied, he smoothed his thumb over the forming bruises, clasped my jaw and forced my teary gaze to meet his. 

“Don’t cry, you’re too pretty to cry, my love.”

Four times. He hit me four times because a man that I didn’t know called me by my name. 

Z U R I. 

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐲?

【Ｐｒｅｓｅｎｔ　Ｄａｙ】

“Stop touching me.” The words were spoken with conviction. A confidence that I wasn’t quite sure I held. I pressed my hands against his chest, shoving him away from me. His brawny frame knocked the chairs behind him. His face was stunned, but the brief flicker of confusion made way to amusement. 

“Are we playing rough?” He grinned, fixing himself to stand up. His gaze darkened like it always did when he got ready to make me his punching bag. My face was impassive.. No guts. No glory. “You know..” He walked closer to me.

There was a sudden boom followed by one of the PAs rushing toward us. 

“Mr. Brown, can I steal you for a sec?”

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐛𝐮𝐭, 𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥.

I slammed the bathroom door shut, tossing my bag on the floor and immediately grabbing the small bag of coke. My skin was itching me, I wanted to rip it off. The deep panic was settling in all over me. Breathe. Zuri. Breathe. Tears streaked my cheeks. My fingers turned the knob for the tap water, filling the sink's basin. The world was closing in on me. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t see. I cut the powder into two skinny lines, sniffing them. The water in the sink was sufficient. Freezing cold. I plunged my head into the water. 

Peace. Serenity. Calm. 

Floating. Stars. Solitude.

𝐈𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈'𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈'𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭.

[little-superstar-penny]

published in an August issue of Vanity Fair, full text below the cut.

STORMY NO MORE: PENNY FORRESTER ON HER CLEAR SKIES AND NEW BEGINNINGS AWAY FROM THE SPOTLIGHT

Nestled in an enchanted forest, Swynlake is worlds away from busy Sidney Studios in Glendale, California or the old streets of Los Feliz, where Penny Forrester used to call home. The town has it's own movie magic though, found in the nooks and crannies of its idiosyncratic businesses: one beloved tea shop with cups that keep themselves warm; one cozy and cramped bookstore, said to be haunted by ghosts; and a classic English-style pub near a peaceful lake where the town's very own sea monster lives. Most of Swynlake's original buildings have stood the test of time, its crooked skyline whispering of greater mythologies than the chatter that lines the streets. Is it any wonder that Hollywood fell in love with the town for the set of an upcoming World War II movie? Is it any wonder that Penny Forrester wants to stay?

"It sounds like I'm making it up, but I really did feel at home in Swynlake immediately," says Forrester at her new (to her) cherry wood table, a piece she picked up from Swynlake's own antiques store, Whosits and Whatsits. The former Stormy and Bolt star initially refused to do any press following the announcement of her retirement. Now, we conduct the interview on her terms - no set dressing, minimal make-up, and a strict time limit with pre-approved questions. With these rules in mind, I went into the interview expecting Forrester to be tight-lipped, but she's anything but.

"What people don't realize is being a Magick in Hollywood is more isolating than anyone is allowed to say. We have to exist based on specific rules. We only have our union looking out for us. We're a small community. But in Swynlake, all of that fell away."

It was precisely Swynlake's unconventional embrace of magic that provided Forrester with her first glimpse of a life outside of Hollywood. Starring in Bolt at only 8 years old, most of her life can be traced scene-by-scene on the silver screen. Forrester later worked in two Sidney Channel series, several TV movies, and launched her own musical alter ego, Penny&thevibe, all before turning 18.

But great success often comes with great cost. Many child actors before Forrester have had similar trajectories, only to crash and burn very publicly. For many, it's drugs and alcohol. For Forrester, trouble began as soon as filming started. An early incident involving one of Swynlake's business managers, an out half-succubus woman, led to Forrester shutting production down. She made a public statement on her Twitter, the reception of which was mixed.

"I mean, for a long time, I was scared of what everyone would think of me. But I thought about my fans who write me these letters about how Stormy's bravery makes them brave. I thought, 'What am I doing? I'm being a hypocrite, living a life I don't believe in. I don't want to do this anymore.'"

Things came to a head during the final days of shooting Olive Bright. Allegedly, an animal was endangered on

the set of the Daffodil Dance, which led to Forrester quitting on the spot. Reports also say that Forrester bit the executive producer on set. If true, Forrester's Icarian fall had come.

At the mention of the incident, Forrester looks directly at me. She had been fiddling before this; many reporters before me have written about her preference for interviews on-the-go. But now, she stills, as if she is on the red carpet, preparing to give her audience the perfect shot - or to give me, in this case, the answer she has rehearsed.

"That day, I acted in the way I felt truest to myself and how I grew up," she said. "I was raised to stand up to bullies. I have always tried to be an advocate for those without a voice, especially animals. But I also failed, in a lot of ways. I learned that I don't have the tools I need to be that advocate. And that's the moment I knew I had to change that."

What could have turned into scandal was instead a personal reckoning. It didn't take long for Forrester to decide to study law, and even less time to choose Pride University. Come fall, she'll have shed the punny gadgets of Stormy and Bolt for textbooks and laptops. But she's not completely out of the spotlight.

"I need time away," said Forrester. "But I still want to express myself. It's not going to be radio silence because I suck at that. I just hope that my fans are okay with me telling my story in my way, whether that's on Instagram or in my music. I'm still figuring it out."

Before I go, Forrester insists that we go to a Swynlake staple: Hatter's Tea Shoppe. There, I order a coffee in one of their magical mugs that keep my drink at the perfect temperature. We sit and feed the birds, and someone waves hello to Penny, as if she's one of the locals. She smiles and waves back, looking perfectly at home -finally in the role she was born to play.

[cherrycheridarling]

lockscreen | t.h.

tom holland x famous!reader

warnings: none just fluff

summary: tom goes on jimmy fallon for a game of 'show me your phone'. being the oblivious child he is, tom forgets about his lockscreen.

wc: 1.4k

"Welcome back! We're here again with the star of the Spider-Man series, Tom Holland!" Jimmy's announcement drew cheers from the audience. "Tonight, we are going to be playing a game called 'Show Me Your Phone'."

Jimmy went on to explain the game to the crowd as Tom sat across from him patiently waiting. Jimmy pressed on the button first and ended up showing the world that his last photo was a selfie taken minutes ago in the washroom. That gained a lot of laughs. Then it was Tom's turn.

"I'm terrified. I don't even know what's on my phone." Tom shook his hands before firmly pushing the button. It landed on the iMessage icon. "Oh? My last text message convo?" he began to unlock his phone. Eyes skimming over his lockscreen.

"Yup, and once it's locked in, you can't touch it." Jimmy reminded him of the rules as Tom quickly skimmed through his last conversation.

Tom ran a hand down his face before chuckling, "Oh, geez. Alright, some context, I needed help picking a tie for tonight and my mate, Harrison, is nowhere near helpful."

He placed his phone in front of the camera as the conversation appeared for the audience to read.

Tom: haz what tie? red or blue?

Harrison: youre ugly either way

Tom: you look like dolores umbridge. pick a tie ffs

Harrison: mm my babe umbridge. jokes. i'd say purple

Tom: you're gross and no help at all

Harrison: have fun babe the bed is waiting for you

Tom: don't make me puke before i go on the show

Harrison: puke on me daddy

The crowd bursted out into laughter along with Jimmy as Tom covered his beet red face in embarrassment. "He is going to kill me for showing that." Tom was laughing as he spoke.

"That's hilarious! Okay, my turn." Jimmy ended up sharing a voice memo of him reminding himself to do chores around the house.

Tom wiped his hands on his pants before pushing the large button again. It landed on the lock icon. "What does that mean?"

"You have to share your lockscreen."

Tom's posture visibly stiffened at the information given. He wished he had gotten some warning before coming on the show. A caution sign telling him to erase everything on the iPhone.

His lockscreen was a memory. A keepsake. You. A piece of his heart. A reminder of happiness and the loving moments you shared with one another. It was taken a little over a year ago at Zendaya's house for a get-together with a few close friends.

You were propped up on the kitchen island, a wide smile on your face. Tom standing in between your legs with his back to your chest. Your arms wrapped around his shoulders as he tilted his head and placed a kiss on your cheek. Jacob Batalon had captured the moment. A heartwarming interaction that you had both done an outstanding job at keeping under wraps.

You had been dating for nearly two years. How you had managed to keep it hidden for such an extended amount of time was a wonder to everyone who knew, including yourselves. It wasn't that you were both set on no one ever finding out, you just never saw the need to. It was your relationship, only meant to be shared between the two of you.

Tom hoped you wouldn't be mad if the world found out, but he enjoyed the privacy and the feeling of having something that was only his. Something he didn't have to share with the globe. Tom debated on his options. Showing the picture and making headlines for the next week or refusing to do so and ruining the game while making everyone suspicious of him.

The former won.

"Okay, um." Tom nervously let out a laugh, "Surprise?"

With shaking hands, he placed his locked phone on the stand and avoided looking into the crowd as reactions varied throughout the studio. Gasps, cheers, 'aww's, even some screams. Both of his hands shielded his expression from the cameras as he allowed the audience to examine the photo.

"Oh, my god! W-what?!" Jimmy stammered, shocked what his eyes saw, "That's Y/N Y/L/N! A-are you two?" his eyes flicked from the phone to Tom.

Tom nodded slowly, "Yeah, yeah. It is and we are. Nearly two years steady." this intel drew more shocked reactions from the habitants of the studio.

"This is amazing! We love Y/N! But wow, how did no one know?!" Jimmy was still in disbelief.

Tom smiled at your name, "I may be loose-lipped with movie spoilers, but this is proof that I can keep secrets."

Jimmy's mouth was agape, "I have so many questions and you are so lucky that we are out of time."

Tom released a breath he didn't know he was holding as Jimmy said goodbye to the cameras and they stopped recording.

As Tom made his way backstage to head to his hotel, his heart began to beat out of his chest as he thought about your reaction.

-

Lounging on his hotel comforter, Tom pulled out his phone once again and clicked on your contact. m'lady. Pressing the FaceTime icon.

Your bright smile lit up the screen, illuminating his mood like the sun on a stormy day.

"Hello, lover. To what do I owe the pleasure of this late night call?" you chuckled while sitting up against the headboard of your bed, Tessa laying beside you.

Tom couldn't suppress his grin at your presence even if it was through a screen, "Hi, darling. I didn't know if you would be awake. Isn't it nearly three in the morning there?"

You nodded and pushed your glasses up on your nose, "Had to run some lines with Tess before filming tomorrow. She's a great actress." you panned the camera over to the sleeping pup.

"Sometimes I think you're only with me for my dog." he joked with a light laugh.

"Shoot. I thought I had you fooled." you teased back, "Why did you call, bum?"

He scratched the back of neck and avoided looking at the screen. That was enough for you to know that something was up.

"What part of your movie did you spoil this time?" you chuckled.

Tom shook his head with a smile, brown curls flopping on his head, "Nothing about my film, love. More or less about us." he mumbled the last bit, but you heard it.

Your shoulders tensed involuntarily, "I'm gonna need more information than that."

"We were playing a game where you have to show certain things on your phone and I had to show my lockscreen and, well, you know what my lockscreen is." his nerves grew with every second that your face stayed expressionless.

"Okay. How did they react?" you stifled a yawn.

Tom's eyebrows furrowed at your response, "Y-you're not mad?"

You chuckled, "Do you want me to be mad?"

"No, no, no." he quickly protested, "I just didn't know if you were ready to tell the world about us and I'm sorry for not informing you before making that big of a step in our relationship."

You smiled at the caring boy in your life. His thoughtfulness overpowering any negative emotions that could've surfaced. You weren't mad at all. Two years was a long time to keep a relationship hidden especially when both of the parties are well known to the public.

"No need to apologize, mi amor. It was about time everyone found out. Long overdue if you ask me. I would've appreciated a heads up, but I'm not mad." you insisted, and it was true.

Tom visibly relaxed at your words, "The audience was shocked and some gushed and screamed. Can't wait to see the headlines and news articles tomorrow."

"I can see it now: 'Spider-Man Actor, Tom Holland and Actress, Y/N Y/L/N's Hidden Love'." you spoke in a mocking voice making your boyfriend laugh.

"Can't forget; 'All the evidence of their relationship that the public overlooked'." he joked in the same tone as you both laughed together joyously.

Your laughter died down while a peaceful smile lingered on your lips, "I'm glad you had fun tonight. I should get some rest. Need to be in hair and makeup at seven."

He nodded understandingly, "Have fun on set, darling. I'll talk to you later. Goodnight, sleep tight, sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, sleep tight, sweet dreams, lover." you gave a little wave before ending the call.

[sokkastyles]

An Analysis of Consent in Yue and Sokka and Katara and Aang’s relationship

Because I’ve seen some people make some false equivalences.

So here we have our pining hero. It’s nighttime, and this show LOVES to set stormy personal confrontations between two characters at night, particularly ones dealing with the romantic department (psst, it’s the moon symbolism).

In “The Waterbending Master,” Sokka engages in a tentative courtship with Yue, who returns his affections, but sends him some mixed signals. This culminates in the moment when she suddenly bursts into tears and runs away upon witnessing Pakku talk about his arranged marriage to Kanna. Sokka then goes after her so that he can comfort her and they talk about their relationship.

In “Ember Island Players,” Aang gets increasingly angry about his onscreen portrayal in the play, until he suddenly stands up and rushes outside. Katara goes to find and comfort him, and they talk about their relationship.

Yue: What do you want from me?

Sokka: Nothing. I just want you to know, I think you're beautiful, and, I never thought a girl like you would even notice a guy like me.

Yue: You don't understand.

Yue asks Sokka what he wants, and Sokka says he wants nothing. He wants to know her, and obviously he is hoping for more, but he doesn’t impose anything on her. He is modest and humble, straightforward and honest, and doesn’t assume that she should return his affection for her.

Aang: Katara, did you really mean what you said in there?

Katara: In where? What are you talking about?

Aang: On stage, when you said I was just like a ... brother to you, and you didn't have feelings for me.

Katara: I didn't say that. An actor said that.

Aang: But it's true, isn't it? We kissed at the Invasion, and I thought we were gonna be together. But we're not.

In the scene between Aang and Katara, in contrast, Aang immediately confronts Katara and places the burden of his feelings on her. He accuses her of saying something she didn’t say and Katara at first doesn’t even know what she is being accused of. He then makes assumptions about her feelings and their relationship, putting the onus on her to be responsible for his hurt feelings. I never thought a girl like you would even notice me vs I thought we were gonna be together. 

Both Aang and Sokka misunderstand their love interests in this situation, but the difference is that Sokka makes no assumptions about Yue’s feelings, and she actually reciprocates. Aang makes accusations towards Katara and she does not reciprocate.

Sokka: No, no. See, that's the thing. I think I do understand now. You're a Princess, and I'm ... I'm just a Southern peasant.

Yue: No, Sokka ...

Sokka: It's okay. You don't have to say anything. I'll see you around, okay?

Sokka is fully prepared for Yue to say no, and tells her that it’s okay if she does. He accepts whatever reason she wants to give for turning him down, even if it’s a bad reason.

Katara: Aang, I don't know.

Aang: Why don't you know?

Katara: Because, we're in the middle of a war, and, we have other things to worry about. This isn't the right time.

Aang: Well, when is the right time?

Katara: Aang, I'm sorry, but right now I'm just a little confused.

Sokka tries to understand Yue’s perspective, while Aang can’t seem to understand Katara’s. Whereas Sokka gives Yue room to say no, Aang puts pressure on Katara, which naturally makes her feel less sure about her feelings for him and less inclined to reciprocate. You don’t have to say anything vs Why don’t you know? And I’ll see you around vs Well, when is the right time?

And then there’s the kiss.

Neither Yue nor Aang asked for consent. Both their partners are surprised. But body language and dialogue and actual clarity about what the two characters feel for each other make all the difference.

Katara’s body language during the conversation with Aang before the kiss is very closed-off and uncomfortable. She has her arms crossed, she’s fidgety, she’s turned away from Aang or only half turned towards him. And after the kiss, she pulls away immediately and looks visibly uncomfortable.

Then angry.

Katara: I just said I was confused!

Contrast that with Yue and Sokka:

Sokka: Okay, now I'm really confused. Happy, but confused.

Do we really need to explain the difference between angry confused and happy confused? Kissing Yue was clearly something Sokka wanted, and he doesn’t pull away from Yue afterwards. Contrast that with Katara immediately pulling away, putting her hand over her mouth like she’s shocked at what Aang just did, and running away in anger and hurt.

What Aang did was a violation of Katara’s consent, and is treated like one. Katara is upset afterwards, Aang reprimands himself afterwards, and they become more distant with each other afterwards until the finale when they suddenly decided they lurve each other. Yue explains to Sokka that she does like him a lot but that they can’t be together, although their feelings for each other only continue to grow from there.

Yue also shows an incredible amount of maturity when she tells Sokka that they can’t just be friends, because she has romantic feelings for him and it’s too confusing for her, and because she knows that even though Sokka is willing to be friends, he is hoping for something more. Contrast that with Aang being unwilling to accept Katara seeing him as a friend or little brother and seeing those statements as the worst thing in the world, vs his onstage actor declaring that he’s perfectly content with Katara’s friendship and that being treated like an insult.

The thing is, that this doesn’t even have to be a contest. Aang knew he was in the wrong for kissing Katara in that scene. He could have apologized, he could have decided that he was happy with being friends with Katara because his relationship with her was more important than his attraction to her. He could have made the decision that it would be too confusing and upsetting to be friends with her if he couldn’t be in a relationship with her. Imagine that playing a part in Aang’s path to enlightenment in the finale. Imagine him reaching a purer love for Katara and then Katara choosing to be with him romantically after they both have a stronger understanding of their relationship.

“Ember Island Players” just...really drops the ball in the romantic department, and craps on both Yukka and Sukka at the same time, by making a cheap joke out of Sokka’s grief over Yue.

I love Sukka, and one of the things that is great about it is that they actually communicate well and their relationship is not written as a source of drama. Most of the time. In “Ember Island Players,” though, we get this scene where Sokka shushes Suki, who obviously has no idea why Sokka is mooning (heh) over this other girl and gets offended by it, while Sokka is clearly upset. This is an especially weird scene since Sokka and Suki had a conversation about Yue and Sokka’s grief previously. Suki’s comment that she didn’t know Sokka made out with the moon spirit shows that she clearly didn’t know that Yue was the girl that he lost before. Suki is painted as a jealous, jilted caricature and Sokka’s grief is made fun of.

When I first noticed this, I looked through the transcript of the episode, because surely Sokka and Suki have a conversation about it later. They do talk later, but do they talk about this? No, they talk about Suki sneaking Sokka backstage to give jokes to his actor. Of course.

[itsallyscorner]

so, I was watching the video that came out today and I was thinking about a age gap seb x reader around his friends like Jessica or maybe chace? And they're just hanging out and they both have this lovesick look on their faces and when she leaves the room for some reason they don't waste any time addressing how in love she is with him, and sebs glad bc they were kinda wary of her at first?

Hiyaaa babes! This is my first request so woohoo🥳 Since you mentioned the video, I literally thought of the pictures that were released while they were filming 355, and now I can’t get the image of Seb in Paris because holy shit he looked good. So I’m gonna be using Jessica❤️

- This came out so long, I’m a sucker for background info and can’t get past writing a story without one💀 Enjoy!💜

💌.

Lovesick

You and Sebastian were unexpected. Literally the chances of you guys getting together were so off and you guys were at different times of your lives. He was in his late 30s, already living most of his life as a successful actor. While you were in your early 20s still in college working on your doctoral degree to become a Pharmacist (It was the only major I could think of atm because it’s the one I’m planing on lol.) You guys met at the cafe near your campus. You always went there every morning and would spot him drinking his morning coffee with his nose stuck in a new script he was reading. You two would sneak glances at each other, admiring each other from afar. Until one day when the cafe was fairly packed and you needed a place to sit. You spotted his familiar face and asked him if you could sit in the seat across from him. Obviously he agreed and you guys talked, getting to know each other the whole time. When it was time for you to leave for classes, you guys exchanged numbers and kept in touch.

Which brings us to today. You and Sebastian have been going strong for about a year now and were approaching your second year together. Though you two are as happy as can be and are still in the honeymoon phase (even after a year), the first few months of the relationship were quite rough. There was an obvious age gap between you two, it didn’t bother you two as much, but the public didn’t react too nicely about it. Your parents weren’t too fond of the idea of you dating an older man, but after getting to know him they knew his intentions with you were well. Same goes for your friends and family. When it came to his fans and the media finding about your relationship, that’s when it went to shit.

The media made Sebastian look like some creep who was going through a midlife crisis for dating someone much younger than him. A few “fans” even claimed that he were a “groomer” after pictures of you and him heavily making out on the street were released. These issues caused some bumps in the road for your relationship, though after many arguments, you two realized that the only opinions that mattered were each other’s.

Now you two were staying at a hotel in Paris. Sebastian was currently working on a big project, “The 355”, something he was very excited about. This was one of the first projects that he was really involved in, from script to screen, he played a pretty big role in this project.

You were typing up a report for your class when Sebastian entered the hotel room. He was still in his set clothes, a light blue shirt, dark jeans, and a pair of Chelsea boots. He approached the bed where you were typing and pressed a kiss to your temple.

“Hey sweetheart, how’s school going?” He greeted you as he settled himself on the bed, laying on his side.

“Meh, it’s going...but I finished my report on time. Now I just need to proofread it.” You smiled as you finished typing the last sentence of your report. When Sebastian discovered he was going to film in Paris, he immediately told you, knowing you’ve been dreaming of visiting Paris. Luckily for the both of you, your school allowed you to do online learning (it probably doesn’t work like that but just go with it) and you were able to tag along with him.

“I’m sure it’s prefect, you’re a great writer.” He complimented, you hummed in response. Turning to him you run your hand through his short hair making him lean into your touch. You loved his fluffy hair but the short hair was starting to grow on you.

Sebastian turned his head and pressed a kiss into your palm, stormy eyes gazing up at you.

“How has your day been?” You asked.

“It was good. We got through a good amount of scenes without messing up, so I’d say it was a successful day.” He answered. You smiled at his enthusiasm. Sebastian’s face always lit up when he was talking about a project and it was one of the things you admired most about him, his passion for his work.

“So, you’ve been cooped up in this damn hotel all day. Why don’t you come to dinner with me and the cast tonight? You’ve been waiting to visit Paris all your life and you haven’t even been outside this hotel for days.” He suggested. It was true, you haven’t done much but do school work, order room service, and binge watch shows on Netflix.

“Are you sure they’d want me to come? I might be intruding.” Honestly you were nervous to meet the rest of the cast. You’ve met Jessica a few times but they were brief and she seemed like she didn’t like you. Though that could just be your thoughts making you paranoid, you were still nervous to meet the people Seb worked with. You didn’t want them to think you were using him for money or to travel around the world because you weren’t. You loved Sebastian for himself, not the money and the fame, you could care less about all that.

But they were still Sebastian’s friends and you wanted to have a good first impression on them. You didn’t want them to think you were just some immature college girl who needed money to pay off her college funds.

Noticing you were drifting off, Sebastian pressed another kiss into your palm and grasps it. “You wouldn’t be intruding, Jessica actually suggested you come along.” He mentioned.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive, baby. Come on, let’s put this stuff away and get ready. We’re having dinner at the Eiffel Tower.”

“I— the Eiffel Tower?”

•

To say you were intimidated and scared shitless was an understatement. Here you were in the Eiffel Tower having dinner with some of the most talented women in Hollywood. Like seriously Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong’o, Penélope Cruz, and Diane Kruger. Of course Seb and Édgar Ramírez where there as well. Then there was you, NYC local college student. You didn’t wanna say you felt out of place, but you did. These were successful people who probably starred in some of the movies you watched growing up. Now you’re literally in the Eiffel fucking Tower having dinner with them.

Dinner was going smoothly, everyone was talking about the set, shared some funny stories, and you were keeping to yourself simply eating your steak. That was until the attention was brought to you.

“So (y/n), Sebastian mentioned you were in college, what are you studying?” Jessica asked. Everyone turned to you and you swear you felt like a deer in headlights. Seb nudged your thigh with his, a reassuring smile on his face.

“Yes I am! I’m actually taking a PharmD program at St. John Fisher to become a Pharmacist.” you answered.

“For your masters?” She followed up curiously, slightly leaning forward to you.

“No, for my doctoral degree.” You corrected her proudly. You didn’t want to come off as an ass, but you were proud of your work and you worked your ass off for it.

Everyone at the table was taken back by your response. Except Sebastian, who had a just as proud smile on his face. They knew you were in college but not studying something as serious as Pharmacy.

“St.John Fisher College? I had a cousin that went there, it’s a great college.” Lupita was the first to break the silence.

“So are you working in the field yet? For some experience?” Penélope chimed in. Sebastian snorted, “Oh she has experience, trust me.”

You chuckled as you softly smacked Seb’s bicep, “Well currently, I’m interning as a Pharmacy Tech at a hospital pharmacy. They’re thinking about making me a permanent one until I graduate so fingers crossed!”

As you answered all their questions about your personal life and your major, Sebastian couldn’t help but just admire you. Just like how you admired the way he talked about his projects, he admired the way you got lost in rambling about your soon career. The way your eyes lit up, how your hands moved while you talked, and that hint of a smile on your face. He absolutely adored every single thing about you.

Dinner continued, the last question for you about why you chose to do college in New York, which segwayed into a conversation about— well New York. As the others talked about their love for the city, Sebastian wrapped his arm around your shoulders. Your back was now pressed to his chest, both of you not listening to the conversation. You pressed a kiss to his arm and looked back at him.

“Hey you.” You hummed at him rubbing your thumb along his arm.

“Hi.” He gazed down at you with that smile that made his eyes crinkle. The moment was interrupted by your phone ringing. Quickly glancing at the contact ID, it was the hospital pharmacy you interned for.

“You should take that.” Seb whispered into your ear.

“No, Seb that’s rude. We’re at dinner, I’m sure it can wait.”

“I have a good feeling about this call, draga mea.” He coaxed you. Having a feeling that he might be right you excuse yourself from the table. When you’re gone the table goes quiet.

“Sebastian, you’ve got one hell of a girlfriend.” Penélope stated as the rest of the table agreed.

“She’s so smart! What the hell, a doctoral degree? Kudos to her because the amount of motivation I would need to even try!” Jessica followed up with an amazed look on her face.

“I think you guys are forgetting to mention how whipped they both are for each other! Those two were in their own world over there!” Lupita pointed out. The whole table laughed as Sebastian was turning red. Of course he was whipped, he knew he was.

“I love her guys, she’s, she’s something else. The spunk she has, her intelligence, she’s-,” Sebastian began to list but was cut off by Édgar, “Out of your league?”

The whole table burst into laughter as they agreed with Édgar. You were also coming back to the table after your call. Sebastian spotted you, eyes connecting to yours immediately.

“Everything alright?”

“They gave me the permanent job!”

draga mea - my darling 

[astrognossienne]

tragic beauty: lupe vélez - an analysis

“I had to play with boys, girls found me too rough.” -  Lupe Vélez  

This is an analysis I’ve wanted to cover for a while for quite a few reasons. Primarily because, in a few ways, I see myself in her and, as such, feel the need to defend her and assert her true legacy: as a pioneer. Which brings me to the main reason I wanted to do this: to correct the scurrilous rumours about her premature death cooked up by a hating ass imbecilic Aquarius whose infamous book doesn’t deserve to be named. So if you want to hear the truth about this lady, read on.

Known as the “Mexican Spitfire”, Latin bombshell Lupe Vélez was (an to an extent, still is) a much-maligned and terribly misunderstood woman. A true Cancer, she was a force of nature and unconsciously antagonized others and made them uncomfortable because of her authenticity to herself and her emotional nature. Born during a storm, she had a naturally stormy personality. She could be hilarious and charismatic one moment, and depressive and vicious the next. Instead of anyone trying to understand her, they just stuck her with the “spicy fiery Latina” stereotype, not knowing or caring what was behind it. The harshness of her life before stardom may explain some of her fearsome, yet fun, personality; she grew up with violent trauma – watching her father kill and almost be killed during the Mexican Revolution. She also is believed to have had undiagnosed bipolar disorder, which would explain her extreme moodiness and outbursts.

One of the first Latina actresses to make an impact in Hollywood, she was subjected to the racist, sexist Hollywood tropes that forever typecasted her—she was called “senorita cyclone,” and the “hot tamale”. The Hollywood press willfully misunderstood Vélez’s sex positivity and consistently portrayed her as a woman who took great pleasure in her body, and indeed, the tempestuous Vélez had numerous affairs, including a particularly torrid one with a young Gary Cooper, and a tumultuous marriage to “Tarzan” star Johnny Weissmuller. But in 1944, at age 36, she found herself pregnant with the child of a little known-actor name Harald Ramond, who would not marry her and this reality made her come undone, and like my other baby Carole Landis, she succumbed to an drug overdose. Her promiscuity, right or wrong, became part of the way her stardom was packaged and promoted. Also, the press naturally compared her to (and pitted her against) Hollywood’s only other female Mexican star—the “high-class” and elegant Dolores Del Rio. The press couldn’t even find sympathy for her even in death and a false story was printed that she drowned in the toilet after vomiting up a spicy Mexican dinner. Her death is parodied and mocked to this day. Again, she’s a true Cancer in the sense that the same imperfections that everyone else has, she is seen as less than human for having them. I hope to help right that wrong by honoring Vélez for being the trailblazer that she is. At any rate, Vélez would seem to be a prototype for contemporary female stars, from Madonna to Rihanna, who have proclaimed their pleasure in their body and their sexual liberation — a pro-sex activist before her time, doomed to suffer the rejection of a more puritanical age.

Lupe Vélez, according to astrotheme, was a Cancer sun and Leo moon. She was born María Guadalupe Villalobos Vélez in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to young upper-middle class parents. Her father, Jacobo Villalobos Reyes, was a colonel in the military, and her mother, Josefina Vélez, was an opera singer. They also had another son, John and daughter, Annette. The Villalobos family were considered prominent in San Luis Potosí and most of the male family members were college educated. The family was also financially comfortable and lived in a large home with servants. As a young girl Lupe showed an interest in performing, but her father was outraged at his daughter’s “low-class” dreams, and forbade his daughter from being in show business. All that changed during the war. Her family was in a state of upheaval—the Mexican Revolution was happening, her father had been presumed dead in the war and all their money was gone. While most of her family members were too proud to get jobs, a teenage Vélez did just that, supporting the family by working as a saleswoman in a department store. She then finagled an audition with a local theater. However, her father was indded alive and well and soon returned home from the war. Because at that time becoming an artist and coming from a well-to-do family was seen as embarrassing, her father refused to let her use his last name in theater, so she used her mother’s surname.

She proceeded to seek out venues where she could dance the then-popular “shimmy.” In 1925 she was cast in the big stage revues Mexican Rataplan and !No lo tapes! and became a big audience favourite. Her name got around to American stage star Richard Bennett (father of American film stars Constance and Joan Bennett), who was looking for a Mexican cantina singer for his new play. Lupe traveled to Hollywood but was rejected for the part for being too young. While in Hollywood, Lupe met film and stage comedienne Fanny Brice, who took a liking to Lupe because of her sparkling personality. She put in a good word for Lupe to impresario Florenz Ziegfeld (creator of the Ziegfeld’s Follies), who could use Lupe in one of his Broadway musicals. However, MGM producer Harry Rapf heard of Lupe as well, and offered her a screen test. When producer Hal Roach saw the test, he immediately signed her to a contract. Vélez soon made her major film debut in Douglas Fairbanks’ action-romance The Gaucho in 1927. The film was a huge hit and Vélez was an overnight sensation.

Along with her professional life gaining steam, so did her love life. Vélez sought out some of Hollywood’s hottest men, which wasn’t hard for a hot and sexy number like Lupe; men flocked to her like bees to honey. She was romantically linked with Gary Cooper, Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, cowboy Tom Mix, “Tarzan” actor Johnny Weissmuller, Errol Flynn, John Gilbert, Henry Wilcoxon, singer Russ Columbo, Randolph Scott, author Erich Maria Remarque (who wrote All Quiet On The Western Front and later married Paulette Goddard), Clayton “Lone Ranger” Moore, director Victor Fleming (director of Gone With The Wind), and boxers Jack Johnson and Jack Dempsey.

One of her first conquests was cowboy star Tom Mix. She also had an with newcomer Clark Gable, who cut off their romance because he was afraid Lupe would run all over town discussing their sexual secrets, which she did. Soon she had a torrid affair with comic genius Charlie Chaplin in 1928. Lupe revitalized Chaplin’s libido after he had gone through a torturous divorce from his wife. Whatever time she had for the many men in her life, that same appreciation didn’t extend to other women and she would frequently battle with the other females with whom she had to work with and would often threaten them; when she was starring in director D.W. Griffith’s Lady of the Pavements, she had to co-star with an actress named Jedda Goudall, whom she hated, and the two had a ferocious cat-fight on the set. When she made her final appearance on Broadway in the Cole Porter musical “You Never Know”, Vélez and fellow cast member Libby Holman feuded viciously. The feud came to a head during a performance where Vélez punched Holman in between curtain calls and gave her a black eye, which pretty much ended the run of the show. Vélez was territorial about the men in her life, she was vicious toward any woman who might be competition for her man or an acting role. She mocked Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn and Shirley Temple, and her arch nemesis Dolores Del Dio by doing imitations of them.

When she was cast in the film The Wolf Song in 1929, she met Gary Cooper and immediately started what would be her first widely publicized romance. Theirs was a one-sidedly volatile relationship; he would often appear in public with scratches and bruises. One time, she attacked him with a knife during a fight. He needed stitches. By the end of their time as a couple, Copper had lost 45 pounds and was physically exhausted.  He was ordered by the studio to take a vacation. As he boarded a train, Vélez shot at Cooper but missed. Lupe soon moved on to other men; she had a thing for fighters. In addition to having a brief fling with boxer Jack Dempsey, she conducted a flagrant, but secret, affair with the black boxer Jack Johnson. In those days, blacks and whites almost never conducted sexual affairs out in the open. She met Olympic swimming champion Johnny Weissmuller at the hotel where she was staying that was owned by film star Marion Davies. One problem: Weissmuller was already married. But no matter, he dumped his wife for Lupe and married her October 8, 1933 in Las Vegas. Theirs was not a happy, serene marriage, and they constantly battled, with Lupe filing for divorce several times in 1934 and changing her mind each time. Weissmuller’s patience was so strained he dumped a plate of salad on her head at Ciro’s nightclub. Finally, in 1938 she filed a petition that was finalized in 1939.

After having many hit pictures with MGM, they unceremoniously dropped her. The excuse was that the studios were no longer going to make Spanish versions of their films and there was no longer a need for Latin actresses. Vélez returned to Mexico in 1938 to star in her first Spanish-language film. Arriving in Mexico City, she was greeted by 10,000 fans. The film La Zandunga, was a critical and financial success and Vélez was slated to appear in four more Mexican films, but instead, she returned to Los Angeles. She soon went to RKO Studios and starred in the B-movie The Girl From Mexico. Despite its lowly status, the picture became a tremendous hit with audiences. RKO rushed her into another film, this time called Mexican Spitfire, playing an emotionally volatile singer named Carmelita. The 1940 film became another smash for Lupe. The Spitfire series of eight slapstick comedy films rejuvenated Lupe’s sagging career.  In late 1941, she had an affair with writer Erich Maria Remarque whose wife, actress Luise Rainer later wrote that Remarque told her “with the greatest of glee” that he found Vélez’s volatility hot.

At this same time Lupe took on another lover in the form of a French 27-year-old bit actor named Harald Ramond. He was a strong and controlling man who knew how to tame Lupe. After she discovered that she was three months pregnant, she announced her engagement to Ramond without his knowledge or consent. When he learned of her pregnancy, he refused to marry her. Deeply hurt and stunned, she felt backed into a corner; she knew her career would be ruined in Hollywood if word got out she was pregnant and unmarried. It just wasn’t done in those days. And despite her wildness, Lupe was a devout Catholic, so abortion was out of the question. She could see only one way out: suicide. On December 18, 1944, at the age of 36, Vélez swallowed 70 Seconal pills, she lay down on her pink satin pillow on her over-sized Hollywood bed and arranged herself like a movie star, with her hands folded across her chest and went into an eternal sleep. Dramatic to the end, Lupe went out of this world in glamorous style. She left a suicide note addressed to Harald, which read:

“To Harald, May God forgive you and forgive me too, but I prefer to take my life away and our baby’s before I bring him with shame or killing him. How could you, Harald, fake such a great love for me and our baby when all the time you didn’t want us?  I see no other way out for me so goodbye and good luck to you, Love Lupe.”

THAT is the truth. But the bottom line is: how she lived her life as well as the circumstances around her death are all irrelevant at the end of the day. What matters is the loss of a great multi-talented, pioneering Mexican star and a legacy unrealized and stunted by a world that wasn’t ready for her.

Next, I’ll talk about the most famous of her paramours, the yin to her yang, a perfect example of the special chemistry that Taureans and Cancers share, the strong, silent hero of the silver screen: Taurus Gary Cooper.

Stats

birthdate: July 18, 1908

major planets:

Sun: Cancer

Moon: Leo

Rising: Gemini

Mercury: Cancer

Venus: Leo

Mars: Pisces

Midheaven: Pisces

Jupiter: Virgo

Saturn: Aries

Uranus: Capricorn

Neptune: Cancer

Pluto: Gemini

Overall personality snapshot: She may have seemed at times to be a shy, vulnerable, romantic individual who only wanted to please, but underneath she had a voracious appetite for adoration and respect, and would not stop until she got it. Without a doubt, she had a very warm feeling for others, and domestic security with plenty of happy togetherness is high on her list of priorities. When it came to cooperation with others, however, she had her limits because she was profoundly individualistic and, albeit in a charming manner, she insisted on doing things her way. Ultimately the most important thing for her was believing in herself and being true to her standards and aspirations. Most of all, she needed to fulfill her creative potential, which was like an intimate companion with whom she shared her life. You nurture it, protect it, and then you show it off, and whatever walk of life you are in, you tend to be a fine performer.

This gave her a lot of self-respect and a touch of vanity as well, and her emotional sensitivity combined with her underlying imperiousness tended to impress others and made them take her seriously. She was a devoted member of her flock, and she zealously and jealously protected and promoted whomever she was devoted to. When it came to developing her own talents, however, she seemed to know that she had to pull away in order to grow into her greatest self. Others may have thought she was a bit of a show-off but that was not the case: she simply had a deep sense of the importance of her own creative talents, and she felt only half alive if she did not honour them. Although she was pretty sensitive to criticism or rebuffs, she was just as committed to honesty and personal integrity; and despite her vanity, she eventually learned to laugh at herself.

She had a very good memory and found it easy to learn subjects that interested her. She was very kind and thoughtful towards others. Her imagination was very keen, but if it got carried away, she may have experienced irrational fears. Even though she may have tried to maintain a scientific and objective outlook, her mind was actually dominated by her emotions. When it came to careers, she may have felt initially vague or confused about what she really wanted to do. She was eventually forced to give up her career of choice by events out of her control (as was evidenced by the tides turning from the “Mexican spitfire” female ideal due to the changing of the times). There was probably some element of self-sacrifice involved somewhere in her choice of career (the element of sacrifice being that she had to sacrifice her child, and ultimately her life, in relation to her reputation as an unwed mother as well as her unborn child’s reputation as an illegitimate child). She had good technical and scientific ability due to her, at times almost fanatical, attention to detail. She was also fastidious when it came to matters of health, diet and appearance. She was not afraid of work and was very resourceful and capable. She also worked well in a team. She became very annoyed if somebody else questioned the way that she operated. Her energy levels were somewhat inhibited, her self-confidence reduced, and her ambitions restricted through fear of failure. Times of strength and weakness alternated within her. Even though her decision-making ability could be ineffectual through over-caution, she often seemed to be placed in situations where a quick decision was needed. When she succeeded, it was mainly through her own efforts. She also showed a tendency towards wanting to start at the top, wanting to avoid the hard work that gets you there.

She belonged to a generation with a rational and logical attitude to life. There was a conflict between tradition and convention, and the experimental and unconventional. As an individual, she had to learn to strike a balance between the erratic and the conventional. As a member of this generation, she had the ability to come up with original ideas which could be of practical value. She was part of a very artistically talented and creative generation that wanted to escape from the demands of the world around them into a world of excitement and glamour. She was part of an emotionally sensitive generation that was extremely conscious of the domestic environment and the atmosphere surrounding her home place and home country. In fact, she could be quite nostalgic about her homeland, religion and traditions, often seeing them in a romantic light. She felt a degree of escapism from everyday reality, and was very sensitive to the moods of those around her. Bow embodied all of these Cancer Neptunian ideals. As a Gemini Plutonian, she was mentally restless and willing to examine and change old doctrines, ideas and ways of thinking. As a member of this generation, she showed an enormous amount of mental vitality, originality and perception. Traditional customs and taboos were examined and rejected for newer and more original ways of doing things. As opportunities with education expanded, she questioned more and learned more. As a member of this generation, having more than one occupation at a time would not have been unusual to her.

Love/sex life: It wasn’t easy to be passionate and emotionally explosive and also hold on to her dignity, but this was what she wanted to accomplish. She tried to conceal the pulsating softness of her sexual nature behind a façade of control and bluster. She thought that her display of strength and jolly self-confidence would hide her vulnerability and her susceptibility to virtually any sexual diversion. Of course, no one was really buying this cover up. They saw the luscious edges of her erotic hunger peeking through her disguise. That’s why they were all so anxious to be around her. The biggest problem in her sex life was how to deal with change. She loved it and she hated it. She loved following the lead of her feelings and surrendering herself to the moment. Too much consistency, even loving consistency, was apt to leave her bored and dissatisfied. But she also saw change as a threat to her sense of control and to the emotional security that she valued so highly. Because of this duality in her thinking, her reaction to changes in her sex life was abrupt, contradictory, and (horror of horrors) a little undignified.

minor asteroids and points:

North Node: Gemini

Lilith: Libra

Vertex: Scorpio

Fortune: Gemini

East Point: Gemini

Her North Node in Gemini dictated that she needed to prevent her idealism from influencing her thoughts to such a high degree. She needed to consciously develop a more clear-minded and analytical approach involving her thought processes. Her Lilith in Libra was definitely working overtime here. Relationships somehow caused her to err, and her partner choices caused much suffering.   She expressed herself through others. As a lover, she was aggressive, yet co-dependent. As a mistress, she was not above trying to cause a divorce, which she did with Johnny Weissmuller and she ultimately became fatally despondent when she found herself pregnant with a bit actor's baby. She used her good looks as a weapon to help her get ahead in the movie industry. Also, Lilith in Libra strangely enough, manifested itself as a sort of lighter female Capricorn archetype, and she pulled herself up by the bootstraps in a rather glamorous way, going to work after her father left the family unit. As such, she exhibited graceful gumption right until the very end. Her Vertex in Scorpio, 5th house dictated that she had a desire or continual need for feeling irresistible and irreplaceable on all levels of intimacy, whether spiritual, intellectual, emotional, or physical. From the fires of hell to the heights of heaven, the  further and deeper the range of interaction she could experience with another the more fulfilling. She had a childlike orientation, in all of its manifestations, toward relationships on an internal level. That implicit trust, or perhaps naivete, that was instilled in our  childhood persisted far into maturity. The concomitant explosions and  occasional tantrums when these constructs are violated also accompany  this position. She had a need for fun, creativity, and excitement in a  committed relationship, no matter how many years it has endured. She often had deep fears, typical of children, of abandonment, as well as a need for universal acceptance, no matter how she acted, which she needed her partner to respect and nurture, rather than rebuke, especially in adulthood. Her Part of Fortune in Gemini and Part of Spirit in Sagittarius dictated that her destiny lay in travel, education and communication. She was able to overcome enemies by her words and by her writing. Happiness and fulfillment came from being able to express herself fully. Her soul’s purpose lay in seeking truth, justice and fairness. She felt spiritual connections and saw the spark of the divine when she studied, broadened her mind through new philosophies, or looked for inspiration outside the home. East Point in Gemini dictated that she was often insatiably curious and loved to collect little bits of (what seemed to be useless) information and trivia. Her interests were quite varied, and she may have been somewhat scattered. Sometimes her curiosity could appear cold and callous as her level of objectivity was potentially high. There was usually an openness to learning in any situation.      

elemental dominance:

water

fire

She had high sensitivity and elevation through feelings. Her heart and  her emotions were her driving forces, and she couldn’t do anything on earth if she didn’t feel a strong effective charge. She  needed to love in order to understand, and to feel in order to take action, which caused a certain vulnerability which she should (and often did) fight against. She was dynamic and passionate, with strong leadership ability. She generated enormous warmth and vibrancy. She was exciting to be around, because she was genuinely enthusiastic and usually friendly. However, she could either be harnessed into helpful energy or flame up and cause destruction. Ultimately, she chose the latter. Confident and opinionated, she was fond of declarative statements such as “I will do  this” or “It’s this way.” When out of control—usually because she was  bored, or hadn’t been acknowledged—she was bossy, demanding, and even tyrannical. But at her best, her confidence and vision inspired others  to conquer new territory in the world, in society, and in themselves.    

modality dominance:

mutable

She wasn’t particularly interested in spearheading new ventures or dealing with the day-to-day challenges of organization and management. She excelled at performing tasks and producing outcomes. She was flexible and liked to finish things. Was also likely undependable, lacking in initiative, and disorganized. Had an itchy restlessness and an unwillingness to buckle down to the task at hand. Probably had a chronic inability to commit—to a job, a relationship, or even to a set of values.                    

house dominants:

2nd

3rd

1st

The material side of life  including money and finances, income and expenditure, and worldly goods was emphasized in her life. Also the areas of innate resources, such as her self-worth, feelings and emotions were paramount in her life. What she considered her personal security and what she desired was also paramount. Short journeys, traveling within her own country were themes  throughout her life; her immediate environment, and relationships with her siblings, neighbours and friends were of importance. The way her mental processes operated, as well as the manner and style in which she communicated was emphasized in her life. As such, much was revealed about her schooling and childhood and adolescence. Her personality, disposition and temperament is highlighted in her life. The manner in which she expressed herself and the way she approached other people is also highlighted. The way she approached new situations and circumstances contributed to show how she set about her life’s goals. The general state of her health is also shown, as well as her early childhood experiences defining the rest of her life.  

planet dominants:

Neptune

Mercury

Sun

She was of a contemplative nature, particularly receptive to ambiances, places, and people. She gladly cultivated the art of letting go, and allowed the natural unfolding of events to construct her world. She followed her inspirations, for better or for worse. She was intellectual, mentally quick, and had excellent verbal acuity. She dealt in terms of logic and reasoning. It was likely that she was left-brained. She was restless, craved movement, newness, and the bright hope of undiscovered terrains. She had vitality and creativity, as well as a strong ego and was authoritarian and powerful. She likely had strong leadership qualities, she definitely knew who she was, and she had tremendous will. She met challenges and believed in expanding her life.

sign dominants:

Cancer

Gemini

Leo

At first meeting, she seemed enigmatic, elusive. She needed roots, a place or even a state of mind that she could call  her own. She needed a safe harbor, a refuge in which to retreat for solitude. She was generally gentle and kind, unless she was hurt. Then she could become vindictive and sharp-spoken. She was affectionate, passionate, and even possessive at times. She was intuitive and was  perhaps even psychic. Experience flowed through her emotionally. She was often moody and always changeable; her interests and social circles shifted constantly. She was emotion distilled into its purest form. She ventured out to see what else was there and seized upon new ideas that expanded her community. Her innate curiosity kept her on the move. She used her rational, intellectual mind to explore and understand her personal world. She needed to answer the single burning question in her mind: why? This applied to most facets of her life, from the personal to the impersonal. This need to know sent her off to foreign countries, where her need to explore other cultures and traditions ranked high. She was changeable and often moody. This meant that she was often at odds with herself—the mind demanding one thing, the heart demanding the opposite. To someone else, this internal conflict often manifested as two very different people. She loved being the center of attention and often surrounded herself with admirers. She had an innate dramatic sense, and life was definitely her stage. Her flamboyance and personal magnetism extended to every facet of her life. She wanted to succeed and make an impact in every situation. She was, at her best, optimistic, honorable, loyal, and ambitious.      

Read more about her under the cut.

Lupe Velez was born on July 18, 1908, in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, as Maria Guadalupe Villalobos Velez. She was sent to Texas at the age of 13 to live in a convent. She later admitted that she wasn't much of a student because she was so rambunctious. She had planned to become a champion roller skater, but that would change. Life was hard for her family, and Lupe returned to Mexico to help them out financially. She worked as a salesgirl for a department store for the princely sum of $4 a week. Every week she would turn most of her salary over to her mother, but she kept a little for herself so she could take dancing lessons. With her mature shape and grand personality, she thought she could make a try at show business, which she figured was a lot more glamorous than dancing or working as a salesclerk. In 1924 Lupe started her show business career on the Mexican stage and wowed audiences with her natural beauty and talent. By 1927 she had emigrated to Hollywood, where she was discovered by Hal Roach, who cast her in a comedy with Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Douglas Fairbanks then cast her in his feature film The Gaucho (1927) with himself and wife Mary Pickford. Lupe played dramatic roles for five years before she switched to comedy. In 1933 she played the lead role of Pepper in Hot Pepper (1933). This film showcased her comedic talents and helped her to show the world her vital personality. She was delightful. In 1934 Lupe appeared in three fine comedies: Strictly Dynamite (1934), Palooka (1934) and Laughing Boy (1934). By now her popularity was such that a series of "Mexican Spitfire" films were written around her. She portrayed Carmelita Lindsay in Mexican Spitfire (1940), Mexican Spitfire Out West (1940), The Mexican Spitfire's Baby (1941) and Mexican Spitfire's Blessed Event (1943), among others. Audiences loved her in these madcap adventures, but it seemed at times that she was better known for her stormy love affairs. She married one of her lovers, Johnny Weissmuller, but the marriage only lasted five years and was filled with battles. Lupe certainly did live up to her nickname. She had a failed romance with Gary Cooper, who never wanted to wed her. By 1943 her career was waning. She went to Mexico in the hopes of jump-starting her career. She gained her best reviews yet in the Mexican version of Naná (1944). Bolstered by the success of that movie, Lupe returned to the US, where she starred in her final film as Pepita Zorita, Ladies' Day (1943). There were to be no others. On December 13, 1944, tired of yet another failed romance, with a part-time actor named Harald Maresch, and pregnant with his child, Lupe committed suicide with an overdose of Seconal. She was only 36 years old. (x)

[yuppersreppuy]

Thinking about the backlash against the 13th Doctor (Doctor Who) being a woman. The Doctor has been a non-disabled straight white male 12 times. The Doctor, from a species that can reincarnate several times in any form, somehow being a [non-disabled straight white male] each time. The DW incarnations had so much potential for diversity and the inclusion of a woman made some that angry (true, there was a same-sex, interracial romance as well. The point stands that the *announcement* of a female Doctor upset some). 12 times. It really makes me doubt the legitimacy of criticism about diversity in fiction.

Controversially, the casting of a black actress as fiery Annabeth (described as having blonde hair and stormy grey eyes, from Percy Jackson) seems forced. Contrast that with Moses Ingram's original character. Racial diversity in the Star Wars universe would make sense. Racial diversity would even make sense in the Percy Jackson universe if characters were written as POC. Another note on Star Wars: the writers gave little time for the audience to adjust to the new trilogy's characters because the focus was on the action. The targeted harassment campaign of the actors was wrong.

"What about Meg Murry from A Wrinkle in Time being cast as black?" It was Ava DuVernay's adaptation of the book, so it was her choice.

In conclusion, character writing > anything else. There should be diversity in stories. Setting matters. I am appreciative of the Stranger Things creators for their casual inclusion of gay characters, disability, blackness in a rural setting even in the time period the show is set in. You CAN create diversity in a small-town setting. (It does help that Stranger Things is meant to be an homage to 80s pop culture, so artistic license is granted with use of tropes.)

Any rumblings over anxiety because of diversity can be resolved with this- there are 2 options: peace or murder. Either get with it or be prepared to lay down one's life for...what.