#Malmö Hotel

[mitamicah]

Another great concert although something felt a tiny bit more tense than yesterday...

I blame the venue especially with how the bus was right next to the queue so the guys might have felt that they had no privacy 😅

Lots of good band member interactions on stage tho 👀 plus - but I might be wrong here - I felt like I got even more attention from Bojan today the most obvious being when he got to give my little kris corner fist bumbs but held my hand in his and winked at me 🥹

I still havent told you a lot about Malmö so this may seems a big leap but yeah I promise I will get to it possibly after getting home to a computer and being able to type a diary for myself before making one for tumblr xD

[rabbitcruiser]

The Baltic Exhibition in Malmö opened on May 15, 1914.  

[killerlookz]

heyyy💋 so could i request a fic where reader is an eurovision contestant and basically her & joost are attached to the hip. they are seen being all cuddly with each other, flirting, sitting as close to each other as possible, the cameras catching your non so secret glances.. generally acting like a couple. but when the press asks you about this whole situation, you both deny that you have something going on between you two, but deep down you know that those gestures are not so “innocent” at all🤭🤭

a/n: ooooh i love a cheeky little secret romance!! thank you for the request anon <3

Just Friends | Joost Klein

content: gn! reader, very brief allusion to sex, joost and reader are so down bad for each other its a little pathetic, mostly fluff, some angst if you look at it under a microscope. this fic contains rpf and has been tagged as such, do not continue if that makes you uncomfortable, and please block the rpf tag

word count: 2128

You sit on the edge of your hotel bed, you smile, your cheeks grow hot, letting out a small breath from your nose, replacing a genuine laugh.

Your phone sits in your lap, opened to a message

Joost Klein: When were you planning to tell me that I'm your secret lover 😓

What followed was a screenshot from some European tabloid sight, headed by: Eurovision Contestants Spotted Getting Cozy: Secret Lovers Revealed?!

Below were two grainy photos of you and Joost, taken just moments apart from each other. Taken from behind, they showed the two of you walking side by side, just outside the hotel you were staying in. It would have looked more like a friendly exchange if your hands hadn't been locked together.

You knew you'd have to explain everything eventually, that was the third headline this week that had come out about you and Joost. Another showed the two of you sharing a hug that looked a little too close for it to be friendly, in another you had a hand planted on his chest, and your head tilted back mid-laugh.

It all seemed a little ridiculous. You knew Eurovision was one of the largest events in all of Europe- but still, you couldn't have imagined how interested people would be in your personal life off the stage.

It was nothing too scandalous anyway, you and Joost had known each other prior to Eurovision. And sure, you were more casual friends, despite being from different countries, the two of you had run in similar circles with music and all. You had spent the last few years admiring each other's music, usually from afar, the times the two of you had genuinely hung out before all this were few and far between. Your conversations were usually reserved for more chaotic moments, either backstage at the end of a show or in the crowd for a musician friend the two of you had in common.

You couldn't exactly explain away all of the touchy-touchy stuff, but you never expected that you would have to, it had just always been like that, ever since you first met. Truthfully, the two of you were closer than the tabloid photos led on. But they didn't have to know that.

Hasty fingers tap at your phone screen

apparently it's so secret that i didn't know it either!

You send your response to Joost before closing your phone and tossing it somewhere on the bed. You lay back, landing on the firm mattress with a small bounce.

Your eyelids are lowered, trying your best to keep focus on the woman in front of you through heavy lids- though it seems impossible with the crisp white LEDs shining in your face.

"So, have you made any connections with any other contestants since you've been here in Malmö?" The woman asks, a curious eyebrow-raising as she guides the microphone in her hands in front of your face.

You know exactly what she wants to hear from you, the hunger is evident in her eyes, she licks her lips in desperation for a scoop, before her mouth pulls into a sly smile, it all feels so predatory. You swallow thickly, shifting a quick gaze toward the cameraman before flicking your eyes back to the reporter, who has an equally as hungry look on his face, and you realize, you are their prey.

"Yeah, absolutely," You nod, your face lights up, "I've honestly really connected with Bambi Thug, they're really bringing such a new and innovative sound to Eurovision, I really admire them for that, and don't let the makeup and costumes fool you they are an absolute sweetheart!" It wasn't a lie, Joost was not the only person you had talked to since the competition started. You did make friends while you'd been here.

The journalist loses her grin, her face now twisted with dissatisfaction.

"Anyone else?" She asks, nearly cutting you off, her microphone still stuck in your face.

"Marina has been an absolute joy too," Your smile lingers on your lips, "And Nemo- they're great too!"

"Well," The journalist starts, facing the microphone back to her, "I think we've all been hearing the rumors about some sparks flying between you and the Dutch representative, Joost Klein, is there any truth to them?"

You're a little taken back by her forwardness to just outright ask the question,

"I wasn't aware of any rumors," You furrow your eyebrows, shaking your head in vehement denial, "But Joost is great too, we've known each other for a few years now, and I've been a big fan of his music, and he's a great friend." You breathe out, silently hoping the answer is satisfactory for the journalist to cease probing any further.

"No potential for anything more than a friendship?"

"Oh no," You shake your head, nearly scoffing as the words choke out of your mouth, and you hope you're as good of an actress as you are a singer, "Again, Joost is great, but he's just my friend."

"Alright," She nods her head slowly, unsatisfied. The way the journalist's eyes linger on you makes it clear she doesn't quite believe you- but it would be inappropriate of her to ask you any more questions on the matter.

"Would you like to talk about my music now?"

"I just don't know why they're acting like we had a sex tape leak- do these people not hug their friends?" You throw your hands up, frustrated. The last two days had been nothing but interviews, but it seemed none of the interviewers were as interested in your actual Eurovision performance as they were in potentially getting the first scoop on what was "going on" between you and Joost.

"I mean that would give them something to talk about," Joost chuckles, standing at the foot of your hotel bed, he's clad in nothing but a white tank top and his underwear. The tight fabric of what little he's wearing clings to his body, leaving just about nothing to the imagination. He ruffles a hand through his already messy hair. You'd wondered what the tabloids would say if they got a whiff of this, "All press is good press"

"Are you suggesting something, Mr. Klein?" You flash a look at him, your eyes piercing his. Your words come out much harsher than you had intended them to, you couldn't help it, your frustration was evident.

Joost placed a hand behind his neck, rubbing anxiously, throwing a sheepish look in your direction as to insinuate he had been suggesting something. You knew he was only joking, but the thought of actually doing such a thing made your face hot. A light pink blush burned on your face as you stared up at him.

"You're filthy," You giggle, and your hands latch on to a pillow that sits next to you, and you fling it in Joost's direction.

He takes a step back as the pillow hits him square in the stomach, a loud thump can be heard in the room as contact between his body and the stuffed object is made. He choked out a breath of surprise, and his face winced as he grabbed his stomach in feigned agony,

"How could you," He shakes his head, "I think you broke every single one of my ribs."

"Shush," You scoff, "C'mon, get over here." You pat the bed next to you, shifting yourself over to one side.

In typical Joost fashion, he practically jumps onto the bed. He adjusts himself in such a way that his shoulder is brushing up against yours. He's warm, and you want nothing more than to crawl into his arms. It was almost pitiful the way you wanted him, completely desperate. And yet, you don't dare to act- not right now.

The room falls silent as the both of you hesitate to say anything. The room is thick with a humid tension, and words left unsaid. Your reccolection of the last few days seemed non-existent yet ever-present at the same time. Everything had left you wondering the same exact questions as every journalist who had talked to you today, what was going on between you and Joost?

"I can feel the stress radiating off of you," Joost finally speaks, "Are you okay?"

You furrow your eyebrows, looking down into your lap where your fingers are not fidgeting and intertwined. Your face twitches.

"Are you really so upset about those interviews? Do you want to stop this, I can lea-"

"No," you cut him off all too quickly, "No stay. Please." Your voice had shriveled down to nothing but a pathetic whisper. As confusing as your feelings had been, the confusion seemed to be better than not having them at all. It was hard being away from home and feeling like you were bracing the weight of the world or at least of Europe against your shoulders. Joost, at least, was a source of comfort, something to come back to.

"Okay," He nods, his head moving up and down slowly.

You'd be lying if you said you hadn't felt some sort of way about Joost before all of this. His affectionate nature with you seemed to cross all of the wires in your brain. He had always been affectionate with his close friends, not afraid to spare a hug or an arm around the shoulder when he felt like it, but with you it seemed different, especially taking into account neither of you would exactly consider the other as a "best friend."

Besides, even if you were, best friends don't usually stay up all night, lying on top of each other in some state of undress, lips hungrily pressed against one another. This whole situation had left you feeling like you were a teen again, the prickling feeling in your chest of excitement and anxiety of sneaking around to see a boy you liked. It was addicting, the adrenaline that flooded each and every inch of your body, as the two of you snuck off from the afterparties where your appearances were all but mandatory. You'd be lying if you said it didn't at least help a little to take the edge off of all the stress of the competition.

An arm snakes around your shoulder, and immediately Joost is clicking his tongue disapprovingly

"So tense," He mumbles, "Lay down, will you?" His voice is quiet, nearly pleading, and much more timid than you're used to. You feel compelled to oblige, spellbound, his soft words are like hypnosis.

Joost's arm slips from where it sits around your shoulder as you sink into the pillows below. You allow your body to relax into the support of the mattress.

A hand grazes your thigh, trailing down to your knee, Joost gives you a couple gentle taps, "Put your legs up, I'll pull down the blanket for you."

You oblige, bending your knees to pull them inward, and Joost hops off the bed for a moment, grabbing the thick white comforter in his hands from its neatly made position. You shift as he pulls it from under your body, allowing the blanket to slip down to your feet.

The bed dips as Joost crawls back to his position next to you. He reaches out to the foot of the bed, pulling the comforter up to cover the two of you.

"So," You start, rolling on your side, facing away from Joost, "Did they ask you about me?"

The blanket above you shifts as Joost adjusts himself to lie down next to you. He places a gentle hand against your hip, rubbing careful circles against the fabric that separates your skin from his. His chin rests upon your shoulder, and almost instinctively you nuzzle your cheek against his.

"Mhmm," His gentle hum vibrates against your skin, sending shivers down your spine.

"What did you say?" You ask and your teeth clench, your eyes shut tight, waiting with anticipation for his response, hoping for it to line up with yours. You could only imagine the suspicion that would arise if the two of you were to have given entirely different answers to the same question.

"I told them we're friends, just friends."

Your jaw slacks at the relief, and you let out a sigh, eyes fluttering open. But something about those words coming from his mouth, just friends, as his words graze your ears your relief is coupled with a stinging feeling in your chest, a sharp reminder of the peculiar position you had found yourself in.

"And are we," You pause, "Just friends?"

Joost picks his head up from where it rests on your shoulder, ghosting the exposed flesh of your arm with a kiss.

"Not if you don't want us to be."

a/n: i added a pt. II to this, read it here!

[misshoneyimhome]

➼｡ﾟ Love Me Harder I William Nylander

[Pilot]

Sofie Boch de Lacour's life takes an unexpected twist when she's tasked with organising her ex-fiancé's engagement party, reopening old wounds she believed had healed. At the same time, NHL star William Nylander, under constant scrutiny from the press, considers a bold fake relationship to regain his privacy. As their paths cross, an unforeseen connection develops, challenging everything they thought they knew about love and second chances.

Tropes & Warnings: William Nylander x ofc, fake relationship, no warnings

Author's note: So, this is the pilot chapter of a story I've been working on 😊 I'm not entirely sure yet how long the series will be, but it's been my little off-season project 😉 I'm a bit nervous about posting this, but without further ado, I hope you enjoy it 🌺

Please note: the season in this fic is set in 2024/25. However, I started writing it before the schedule was released, so it's entirely fictional (the schedule is based on the 2022/2023 season) 😉

Word count: 3.5K

➼｡ﾟ

“I’m a motherfucking Starboy.”

Saturday, September 13th 2024

Sofie gazed at herself in the mirror, her eyes resolute. "You can do this," she murmured, attempting to reassure herself. "It’s just another day at work, nothing more." She forced a smile, practising how she’d face him tonight.

Her outfit was flawless: a tight navy blue pencil skirt and a fine white silk blouse, epitomising her professional demeanour. Her make-up was perfectly applied, exuding confidence, and her hair was styled in an elegant French knot.

"You’ve got this!"

___

Sofie Boch de Lacour seemed to have it all - or almost, anyway.

Growing up in a cosy, welcoming home just outside Copenhagen, Denmark, with her parents and three siblings, everything seemed to be just right. There was her older sister, Amelia, a powerhouse in Economics and the epitome of a boss lady. Then there was her older brother, Charlie, a dedicated and ideal family man with his wife, Rosaline, and their two kids. And lastly, there was Nicholas, the youngest, a rising star in ice hockey for the Malmö Redhawks.

Needless to say, the parents were beyond proud, beaming at their accomplished children.

Sofie, however, was a bit different. While she did well in school, she never stood out. Her job as a Booking and Reservations Hostess at the Radisson Hotel was decent, but hardly remarkable, and her free time revolved around a small, loyal circle of friends. In short, her life was perfectly average and nothing extraordinary.

Yet, a part of her yearned for more.

Although Sofie had spent years convincing herself that she was content with her life, a part of her still wanted to stand alongside her siblings on that golden pedestal, and perhaps even start a family of her own someday. But with those achievements seeming distant, she opted instead to travel the world, seeking new horizons and fresh perspectives. So, at the age of 24, after completing her studies in Hospitality and Event Management, she volunteered in underprivileged areas and explored the grandeur of bustling cities and serene countrysides. Along the way, in far-flung corners of the world, she immersed herself in diverse cultures, music, and cuisines, encountering people whose kindness left an indelible mark. And though her journey wasn’t without challenges - unpredictable weather, miscommunication, even some precarious moments - it was all part of her grand adventure.

Towards the end of her travels, during a final stop in Canada, Sofie felt weary and craved the tranquillity of home. Yet, just as she prepared to return, fate intervened, and she crossed paths with Anthony Beaulieu — a successful Canadian in Toronto’s financial district, a few years older, and impeccably dressed as if plucked from a Vogue cover. And drawn to his success and her long-held dreams of a small family, Sofie quickly fell for him. So, within months of casual dating and sharing incredible moments near and far, she boldly decided to relocate to Toronto and live with him.

For three years, Sofie and Anthony built a life together, navigating their careers while creating cherished memories. Sofie secured a role as a Booking and Event Coordinator at the Fairmont Royal Hotel, while Anthony ascended in the world of economics and financial investments, steadily climbing the career ladder. Then, on a balmy summer evening on a beach in Greece’s most romantic setting, Anthony knelt before Sofie with a diamond ring gleaming in his hand and proposed, whisking Sofie into a fairy tale.

It was just too good to be true.

So, naturally, that dream swiftly shattered upon returning to their daily routines, where Anthony's attention gradually shifted towards another woman, claiming they shared more common interests.

And perhaps he was right. Daisy, younger than Sofie and vastly different, craved stability in her homeland, aspiring to a high-end lifestyle and the role of a stay-at-home wife - a stark contrast to Sofie's dedication to hard work and community service. While Sofie found fulfilment in helping others, Daisy revelled in luxury, only concerned with her own well-being.

Sofie naturally didn’t particularly like the woman, but she reminded herself that Daisy was simply a young woman who had faced no real challenges in life, whether financial or otherwise. She was just a woman who fell in love with an engaged man.

Heartbroken, Sofie's engagement ended just six months after the proposal. Despite this, she chose to stay in vibrant Toronto, unwilling to abandon the life she had built. Continuing her job that she enjoyed, she found solace in true friendships and shared a home with Samantha; a friend of a colleague who needed a roommate. Sofie treasured her close-knit circle, finding additional comfort as her younger brother Nicholas seized an opportunity to play hockey in Montreal.

In essence, Sofie's journey persisted. Despite setbacks, she remained steadfast in forging her own path and embracing the life she had carved out for herself.

___

Nearly a year had passed, and a day Sofie could never have anticipated arrived: the day she would be organising an engagement party for her former fiancé and his new partner. Sofie was convinced that Anthony had chosen the Fairmont Royal York Hotel deliberately to spite her, yet he insisted it was all Daisy’s preference. And using his extensive network and familiarity with hotel managers, he ensured his new love’s desires were met.

The situation was a stab to Sofie's heart. Despite having no desire to get back with Anthony and acknowledging that Daisy was indeed a better match for him, the circumstances still cut deep.

Yet, on the day of the event, Sofie maintained her professionalism impeccably. She ensured every detail was flawless, transforming the Ontario room into a scene of elegance with soft lighting and fresh flowers, perfectly capturing the joyous occasion. Her colleagues praised her for her poise and dedication, unaware of the emotional turmoil she was enduring. 

As the guests began to arrive, Sofie then retreated to a quiet corner, observing from afar. She watched Anthony and Daisy socialise with their loved ones, their happiness palpable, while she made sure the event unfolded according to plan.

As the night wore on, Sofie found herself in need of a breath of fresh air. Despite her best efforts to act professionally, a mix of anger, frustration, and hurt still lingered within her. So, stepping outside into the alley behind the hotel, she took a deep breath, the cool evening breeze a welcome relief from the heated atmosphere inside. And absent-mindedly, she leaned against the wall, closing her eyes and mentally escaping, completely lost in thought.

Meanwhile, in the Canadian Room, the Toronto MLSE Foundation was hosting their grand start-of-the-season charity event. The room was adorned with elegant decorations, shimmering lights, and lavish flower arrangements, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and celebration. It buzzed with lively conversations and laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional cheer from a successful auction bid. Servers weaved through the crowd, offering trays of gourmet hors d'oeuvres and sparkling champagne, while a live band played smooth jazz in the background, adding to the ambiance of the event.

It was a night where the worlds of sports and charity came together, offering an opportunity for the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey players to step off the ice and mingle with distinguished guests and sponsors. Amidst it all, they participated in various games and activities to raise funds for underprivileged communities.

And among the crowd of players, William Nylander was deeply engrossed in a game of air hockey. His focus was intense as he tried to outplay his usual teammate but now opponent Ryan Reaves, but luck wasn't on his side that evening. His teammate Max Domi stood beside him, offering words of encouragement and occasional teasing remarks. And behind them, their friend and teammate Auston Matthews chuckled, enjoying the friendly competition as William faced another frustrating loss.

Looking up from his game, William let out a deep sigh, catching a glimpse of a side door leading to the hallway. The need for a brief escape from the crowded room and relentless socialising tugged at him. "I'll be right back," he told his friends, excusing himself from the table. With a nod from Max and a grin from Auston, William then made his way through the throng of guests, heading towards the door for a moment of solitude.

____

William Nylander was an exceptional hockey player, a key star for the Maple Leafs whose talent earned him praise and attention throughout the 23/24 season. From the Global Series in his hometown of Stockholm to being voted into the All-Star Game in Toronto, William had become a prominent figure in the spotlight. He was even set to feature in an upcoming NHL documentary, which delved behind the scenes of the greatest league in the world - fueling William’s already blazing fame.

Hockey was even a familiar realm from childhood for William. His father, Michael, had been an NHL player, leading the family across North America as he pursued his career. Despite the constant moves, William found his home and forged his own hockey path in Toronto. And one of his greatest dreams came true at the beginning of the year when he finally signed an eight-year contract extension.

However, with great fame comes great responsibility. And in a hockey-mad city like Toronto, media scrutiny could be intense. While the players generally accepted it as part of achieving their NHL dreams, invasive media intrusion into their personal lives - fuelled by social media for views, likes, and comments - was unwelcome. Despite embracing the spotlight most of the time, none of them wanted paparazzi following them or their loved ones with sensationalised stories.

And when William suddenly found his name plastered across headlines, discussing his personal life and speculating about his relationships, it infuriated him. While he appreciated the spotlight for his hockey skills and perhaps a bit for his fashion sense, all he truly desired was recognition for his on-ice performance - as a top player who scored goals and supported his team. He resented people focusing on his health issues or spreading rumours that suggested he only reached the NHL due to his father's influence. And above all, he valued his privacy and wished his personal life to remain just that - private.

___

So, seeking what little freedom he still felt he had, William walked towards the door leading to the alley behind the hotel, lost in thought about the swirling rumours surrounding him potentially appearing on Sweden's 'Ex on the Beach.' His steps were quick and purposeful, each one echoing his frustration, as he pushed the heavy door open with a forceful shove.

"Ouch! Fucking hell!" a female voice exclaimed as the door collided with her. "What the fuck?"

William quickly looked to see a woman rubbing her head where the door had struck her. She glared up at him with a mixture of irritation and pain, her eyes narrowing and her lips pressed into a thin, angry line.

"Excuse you?" Sofie retorted sharply, still simmering with frustration and residual irritation from her ex's engagement party earlier. Her voice carried the sting of someone who had been pushed too far.

Exhausted from the relentless attention at the charity event, William felt a surge of irritation himself. He had no desire to deal with anyone, let alone a potential fan lurking outside. So, letting out a sigh, he stepped fully outside and faced the girl he had accidentally bumped into. His shoulders were tense, his jaw set in a hard line.

"Excuse me? Maybe you shouldn't be blocking the fucking door like that," he scoffed, his tone edged with weariness. "What were you even doing here? Spying on us? Hoping some player would come out and give you an autograph if you hung around long enough?"

Sofie looked at him with a curious expression, her eyebrow arching in disbelief. Who did he think he was? Crossing her arms over her chest in a defensive posture, she exuded defiance.

"First of all, I was just trying to get away from another event, and I didn’t realise I was standing in front of a door... And second, I'm not some crazy fan snooping around for a stupid autograph. Do you think you're rock stars or something?" Sofie half-laughed with a snort, a hint of contempt in her voice. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of anger and amusement, daring him to contradict her.

William was slightly taken aback. Part of him felt a small relief that she wasn’t another groupie looking to hook up with hockey players, yet he couldn’t help but be offended by her audacity to speak to him like that. Exhaustion mixed with prickling irritation, he let out another sigh.

"Well, sorry then," he muttered.

"What was that?" Sofie asked, feeling slightly irked by his dismissive tone.

"I said sorry, alright," he repeated, a touch louder and with a hint of impatience. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, a physical manifestation of his struggle to keep his temper in check.

"Well, I suppose that wasn’t so hard," Sofie retorted.

Normally, at this level of exhaustion, William would let it go, not wanting any confrontation at the moment. But her remarks struck a nerve, and he couldn’t let them slide. So, he squared his shoulders, meeting her gaze head-on.

"And what about you, then?" he responded, looking at her seriously.

"What about me?" Sofie shot back, her stance shifting slightly, as if bracing for a verbal duel.

"Shouldn’t you say you’re sorry? For standing in the way," he challenged.

Sofie raised an eyebrow and spoke mockingly, "Oh, I’m sorry, was I in your way, starboy? Oh, you’re right, I am so, so sorry," her tone dripping with sarcasm, each word a barb aimed at his ego.

And with a small huff, Sofie then turned on her heel and headed back inside, her steps deliberate and confident, leaving the self-important hockey player behind her.

William let out a huff as well, thinking she was full of herself and rolling his eyes at Sofie's departure. Then, taking a deep breath of the crisp autumn air, he savoured the moment for just a few seconds before returning to the evening's event. He simply tried to shake off the encounter and focus on getting through the rest of the night, yet the memory of her defiant eyes lingered in his mind.

___

Wednesday, October 9th

"Come on, man, let it go!" Alex's voice echoed in Swedish through the condo as he sprawled on the sofa, his feet propped up on the coffee table. "And stop reading that stuff... it's not doing you any good, believe me."

William lounged beside his brother, the setting sun casting warm tones across his spacious 28th-floor condo. He sighed deeply, his frustration evident. Yet another day brought intrusive articles delving into his personal life instead of celebrating his hockey skills. The media's relentless focus on his relationships, or lack thereof, irritated him like an insistent itch he couldn’t ignore.

"I know, I know," William responded wearily. "But it's everywhere, Alex. I can't avoid it. Every time I check my phone, there's another headline speculating about who I'm seeing or what I'm up to."

Alex Nylander, William’s younger brother and trusted confidant, understood the toll the media scrutiny was taking on William. Despite being a slightly less prominent hockey player himself, playing for the Toronto Marlies as of this season, and not receiving as much media attention, Alex had seen firsthand how fame could invade personal privacy.

"Yeah, it's tough," Alex acknowledged, glancing at his brother with a sympathetic expression. "But you can't let it get to you. They’ll always be looking for something to write about."

William exhaled heavily once more. "I know, I just can’t," he admitted. "Shit, if only I could do something to get them to stop writing about this stuff and let me focus on hockey. Why does it even matter if I see a new girl every week? Just because I have the option to hook up with anyone I want."

Alex chuckled knowingly. "Yeah, man, they're always on the lookout for the next juicy story."

William pondered Alex's words, his gaze drifting to the old framed photo of him lifting a championship trophy when he was just 12 years old. "Yeah, but it's exhausting," he confessed wearily. "I just want to play hockey."

Alex noticed his brother pause for a moment before a mischievous idea sparked in his tone. "Hey, why don’t you just say that you’re in a relationship? Tell them you’re off the market, then they won’t have anything to write about."

William considered the suggestion, remembering the backlash from previous encounters with media scrutiny. "Hmm, yeah - but then they’ll start asking questions… like who she is and all that. Remember what happened with that blonde girl last year?"

“Ah yeah, and then she couldn't wait to get her name everywhere…” Alex recalled with a disappointed grin. Another deep sigh escaped William's lips, his thoughts momentarily distracted by the sound of his dogs padding across the hardwood floor. Then during the brief silence, Alex seized the opportunity with a playful suggestion. "What if you just find someone - anyone really - and, I don't know, pretend to be in a relationship, like strike a deal with her? Then it won’t matter what they ask about. You just say that you’re in a relationship with this girl and she’ll agree - end of discussion."

William chuckled at the audacity of the idea, a slight smile appearing on his face. "What, like fake dating? That’s wild, man."

"Come on, bro, you know, like celebrities do all the time when they're tired of rumours and stalkers. They just pretend to be in a serious relationship to shut down the fake news," Alex explained.

William pondered the unconventional strategy, glancing over at his two beloved doodles lounging beside him on the sofa. The concept of a fake relationship seemed strange at first, yet oddly appealing. Perhaps it wasn’t such a bad plan after all. He could use a break from the relentless media poking. And maybe - just maybe - telling everyone he was taken would finally shut them up.

But then his mind churned with possibilities and concerns. Who could he trust enough to play such a significant role in his life, even if it was all just for show? He needed someone reliable, someone who could convincingly act as his partner in front of the cameras and, more importantly, someone who wouldn’t complicate his life further.

As he contemplated, William felt the weight of his decisions pressing down on him. "It might actually work," he murmured. "I just need to figure out who would be the right person for this."

____

Thursday, October 10th

Sofie’s heels reverberated through the lavish corridors of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, their sound muted against the polished marble floors that gleamed under the shimmering light of crystal chandeliers. The hotel's grandeur never ceased to impress her, from its lofty ceilings adorned with intricate mouldings to walls adorned with timeless artwork.

However, today, the splendour of the hotel felt less significant as Sofie made her way to her manager Cynthia Moore's office - a summons that typically heralded new challenges or demanding events. Or worse…

Pausing to gather herself, Sofie smoothed the fabric of her navy pencil skirt before lightly tapping on the door.

"Come in," Cynthia’s voice called out from inside. Sofie entered, immediately sensing a hint of tension in Cynthia’s demeanour as she looked up from her impeccably organised desk. With a graceful gesture, Cynthia invited Sofie to take a seat, her expression a blend of empathy and determined professionalism.

"Sofie, thank you for coming in at such short notice," she began, her tone gentle as she folded her hands on the desk. "So, as you may have guessed, I have a special assignment for you."

Sofie nodded with a smile, studying her manager with interest. "Of course, Cynthia. What can I do for you?" she asked, her voice steady yet tinged with curiosity.

Cynthia paused briefly, collecting her thoughts before continuing. "It involves an upcoming wedding we’re hosting here at the hotel. The client has specifically requested that you oversee the event. The entire event."

Sofie's brow furrowed in genuine surprise. "Me? But I mostly handle bookings and corporate events. I don't have much experience with weddings."

"I know," Cynthia acknowledged with a hint of regret, her gaze steady as it met Sofie's. "But this client has insisted on your involvement. And... this could be a significant opportunity for you, Sofie - an opportunity to broaden your skill set, enhance your resume, and potentially earn additional bonuses." Her expression softened momentarily, a hint of admiration in her eyes. "While I'll miss having you on my team, I want to see you grow and seize every opportunity in your career."

Sofie absorbed Cynthia’s words, contemplating the implications of this unexpected turn. Despite her uncertainty, she found comfort in Cynthia's unwavering support and belief in her capabilities.

"Well, I'm always up for new challenges," Sofie responded with a genuine smile, though a touch of apprehension lingered in her eyes. "Just one question - whose wedding are we planning?"

Cynthia took a deep breath. "It’s... Anthony Beaulieu’s wedding."

Sofie's heart sank. “Oh, fuck…”

[jokeroutsubs]

📝ENG Translation: Joker Out in Helsinki

Article written by L.P./Promo, published on Croatian website tportal on 4.3.2024, English translation by @moonlvster and IG ireena25_, Proofread by IG GBoleyn123.

PHOTO: Vita Orehek

Joker Out played two unreleased songs in Helsinki – and it caused complete uproar!

The band Joker Out began their big European 'See You Soon' tour with two sold out concerts in Helsinki.

The Finnish audience, besides having the honour of opening the band's new tour, recieved a special gift they weren't expecting – the first performance of two completely new songs that caused an unseen hysteria in the fans! The effect was even stronger because both of the songs are in Serbian and most of the audience didn't understand a single word.

"We performed two unreleased songs for the first time in Helsinki – 'Šta bih ja' ('What would I') and 'Bluza' ('Blouse'). It's not necessary to point out that Finns don't understand the Serbian language, but the reaction was as though we were playing our absolute most popular songs. We were just looking at each other and smiling. When we returned to our hotel we saw that the reaction online was the same as the one we had experienced at the concert. A group of our fans at JokerOutSubs even activated and translated both of the songs into English using video recordings. Commenters on social media are asking us to release the songs, but they will have to wait a little because we are going to record them after the tour." – stated the band enthusiastically.

In mid-February Joker Out released their new single 'Everybody's Waiting', the sucessor of their amazing 'Sunny Side Of London'. They are going to, together with 'Šta bih ja' and 'Bluza' (which is currently a working title), be featured on the band's next studio album.

Joker Out sold all the tickets for the House of Culture in Helsinki, which means there were more than 3000 fans there. Ahead of them is a long tour that continues tommorow in Tallinn, and then in Riga, Vilnius, Krakow, Berlin, Leipzig, Malmö and many more cities. This tour, called 'See You Soon', encompasses 13 countries, including France, Belgium and Italy for the first time, with 22 concerts in some legendary, world-famous concert venues, for example, the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire.

Some of their festival appearences have also been announced, which include Sea Star Festival (23rd-26th May, Umag, Croatia), EXIT (10th-14th July, Novi Sad, Serbia) and Sziget (7th-12th August, Budapest, Hungary), at which the local fans will have the chance to hear 'Everybody's Waiting', 'Šta bih ja' and 'Bluza' live for the first time!

❗ DO NOT REPOST, and if you quote, please link back to this article.

[seventh-victim]

Anita Ekberg, Kramer Hotel, Malmö, Sweden 1955 (photo: Georg Oddner)

[godtivente]

the pleasure of finally earning enough money to be able to book a spontaneous trip to what already feels like i'm going back home (to sweden), a night in a cute hotel, being able to cold dip my body in the baltic sea, see the thomas tempte exhibition, long train rides across the south, a stop in malmö and cph, all in just two days but it will be just enough for me to come back to myself, and feeling free again

[micahthemoon]

Things I did today #45 March 15 2024

Made myself doublelunch for the queue

Travelled to Malmö

Went to stay in the queue at 9.20

Went to get my hotel room around 15

Went back to hang out in the queue

Participated in JO soundcheck at 6.30 (More on mainblog soon)

Participated in two support act concerts and Joker Out concert (More on mainblog soon)

Hung out with other fans after concert (More on mainblog soon)

Met Bojan, Nace, and Jan from Joker Out (More on mainblog soon)

[charlie-rulerofhell]

So, we got a message from these two sweethearts on Telegram, where they briefly talked about their pre-ESC concert next year in Malmö, and I would have loved to share it with you all, but there's this top-secret-highly-important rule that whatever happens on the Telegram channel stays on the Telegram channel, so I found a compromise: You'll get these two very crappy screenshots up there and a translation of the German video plus a transcript of the English one down under the cut. Enjoy!

Translation:

Alright, friends, today a message from the car. Ah wait, gotta hit the break very quick, AAAH, no wait [points the camera over to Klaas], I'm not even driving haha, Klaus Granate is driving.

Sooo … If you have nothing planned yet for next year, tenth of May, and you feel like coming to Sweden … Well, there are no hotels anymore in Malmö [laughs], cause that's when the ESC is gonna take place there. But I mean, you can just sleep somewhere on the countryside, in a nice sleeping bag – we're gonna do that, too, right? [films Klaas again – Klaas: Yeah yeah, course.] Exactly. No, actually we could still find a hotel in Copenhagen, which is just across the bridge.

So we came up with an idea, we thought we'd do the following: Whenever it is somehow possible for us, time-wise and distance-wise, we will be playing a concert on the evening before the grand final in the respective ESC city, so it will always be somewhere else. We just enjoyed the time at the Eurovision Song Contest so much, that we did not want to leave this feeling or this community, and we also wanted to give something back to the community. So we want to come back to the ESC every year from now on. So one day before the grand final and one day after the semi-final – which is exactly this one Friday – we just bring our own ESC party into the respective city, in the form of a concert of course.

Or as someone wrote in a comment that we just read: trauma management [both laughing]. I was like: C'mon! Maybe we're just really up for this. Whatever, there will always be someone complaining, there will always be that ass. How does that song from Lacrimosa go? Irgendein Arsch ist immer unterwegs [literally: there will always be some ass running around]. That's how it is.

Alright, so if you don't yet know what to do on the tenth of May, just come to our – probably only – concert in Sweden next year.

***

Transcript:

So friends. I'm here with Klaus Granate in the car. So, you might have seen it already, although we haven't posted it officially yet, right now it's just within the Eurovision bubble. We're coming back to the Eurovision next year – don't be scared! We're not participating. Although we'd love to ;).

No, but we thought it might be great to do our yearly thing at Eurovision from now on, so we thought, one day before the grand final, one day after the semi-final on this Friday, where actually only Eurovision parties are happening, we bring our own Eurovision party in the form of a concert to the city where the finals are taking place, which will be Malmö next year, in Sweden. So we thought, you know, we don't really wanna leave this Eurovision community, and this way we might be able to give something back.

This might be our only show next year in Sweden. It's on May the tenth in Malmö. And yeah, presales are going superfast, the club is kinda small, so if you wanna see us in Sweden next year one day before the grand final, come to our Eurovision concert, it's gonna be a special show with some special songs.

[megtudommagyarazni]

Navigare necesse est

Szerettem hajózni. Rengeteget hajóztam, néha többet is, mint szerettem volna. 8 évet Skandináviában húztam le (ez már a kétezres évek eleje),

ugrálok itt összevissza az időben, majd szorulok ezért

ott pedig sokat kell tengeren menni. Az összes északi hajót, kompot megismertem, akkor olyan cégnél voltam, amely fő csapásiránya Franciao. volt, Bretagne, Normandia, néha Párizs, Lyon, Nantes.

Jókat lehetett kajálni, a nagy részüknél a cargo-jegyben benne volt az ingyenes kabin+étkezés. Volt, ahol külön kamionos étkezde volt, máshol a turistákkal együtt, csak 8-10 asztalra kitették a táblát: Reserved/Cargo. Többnyire svédasztalos rendszer, egy-két társaságnál a cargo-jegyre is fizetni kellett, de csak jelképes összeget, mittudomén 2 €, vagy a Stena Line-on Calais-Dover közt 2 £, ott például délelőtt full english breakfast volt, déltől steak, meg cottage pie.

A leghoszabb Kielből (D) Bergenbe (N) volt, majdnem 2 nap. Dögunalom, ettem, a kabinban tévéztem, ettem, tévéztem, aztán ettem. Még szauna sem volt, azt hiszem ColorLine volt. A legtöbbet Scandlines-al mentem, Travemünde-Malmö, este indult, reggel érkezett, vacsora-reggeli, meg a Superspeed ferry-vel, Hirtshals-Larvik közt. Náluk volt olyan svédasztal, mint egy ötcsillagos hotel éttermében, cargo-jeggyel ingyen. A legrövidebb Villa San Giovanni-Messina Szicíliába (tudod, Scylla és Charybdis közt), ott látni lehetett a túloldalt.

Na de ne maradjunk sztori, kaland nélkül ma sem.

A Fehmarn-félsziget (D) csücskéről, Puttgardenből ment a kis komp Rødbyhavnba (DK), a legdélibb dán szigetre. Scandlines, Schleswig-Holstein a hajó neve. Most látom, hogy azóta alagút lett. Rohadt viharos téli idő volt, a kikötő felé vezető úton volt még egy magas híd (Fehmarnsundbrücke), azt a polizei le is zárta a 10 t alatti rakományú kamionok előtt, nekik kiépített parkolók voltak. Nekem volt 23 tonnám, engedtek. Azért meleg volt, 15-tel sunnyogtam át, egyszer még így is megemelte a hármas tengely baloldalát egy szélroham tíz centire. A kb 40 nm-es oldalponyva fogta a szelet becsülettel. A kikötőben becsekkoltam, ahogy beálltam a megadott sávba, már jött is a hajó. Félóra múlva fent voltam az alsó cargo decken. Az egész út 40-50 perc volt, az időjárás, szél, tenger függvényében. Mozgott, dülöngélt a komp, ilyenkor a büfé is néptelen, minek együnk, ha mindjárt kijön?

Kikötés előtt pár perccel indultunk le az alsó deckre. Beülök, indítok. Az önindító azt mondta, hogy: krrrr, krrrr, nyehehe, nyehehe. Közben mindenki kiállt, jöttek a beszállók, a zsilip csukódik. Hé, még itt vagyok!

A komp indult vissza Puttgardenba. Nem húzom, mindent megpróbáltam, bekúsztam hanyatt a kocsi alá a fülkeemelő vassal, próbáltam szépen, majd csúnyán hatni a starterre, mindhiába. Közben még egyet fordultunk. A harmadik kanyarnál felhívott a kapitány a hídra, telefonáljak valakinek. Kinek, baszod?

A traktor ZH rendszámú volt, Ziar nad Hronom, leánykori nevén Garamszentkereszt, észak-Szlovákiában, ahová dedikálva voltam, az meg a svéd Jönköping, és már este volt. A kapitän a tettek hímes mezejére lépett, és felhívta egy ismerősét, aki a Lellandon volt földművelő, csupa végtelen szántóföldek, farmok, gazdaságok.

A következő kikötésnél ott is állt egy akkora Fendt traktor, mint két dieselmozdony. Rámtolatott, drótkötél, én már tudtam, hogy ebből semmi jó nem sül ki. A levegőm mind elment, hat tengelyen, 12 keréken tövig volt a légfék, 23 tonna motyó meg nyomta le. Ha meg is bír mozdítani a hajó acélpadlóján, mi lesz, ha kiérünk a betonra? Azért az első drótkötél elpattanásáig próbálkozott. Mikor a hetedik kikötésnél megláttam a Falck 600-as kamionmentő Scaniáját, már nem lehetett túl egészséges színem. A kétméteres, 140 kilós békés viking rámtolt, csatlakoztatta a levegőtöltőt, vonórudat vett elő, addig a hajó állt, se ki, se be senki. Mikor bekapcsolta a kék! lámpákat, és megmozdult a szerelvény, üdvrivalgásba törtek ki a nézők, matrózok, sofőrök.

Hét menet, bazmeg, hét, azon a viharos, háborgó északi-balti tengeren!!4

A Falck, miután a pótot letalpaltam a vám előtt, elhúzott 30-40 km-re egy műhelyhez. Ott aludtam, reggel nekiálltak, délután mehettem vissza a póthoz. Gyönyörű, enyhe, csendes napsütéses idő volt.

[panda-paco]

Come to My Hotels

Paco is happily having fun going from convention to convention all along the board. What he doesn't expect is that Thabo owns many hotels on the exact box where Paco is going. Oh no! A collab illustration. Rendered background and cards/boxes art by Thabo. Characters by Paco. This is printed in a canvas and exhibited and auctioned at the NordicFuzzCon's Art Show. All profits will be donated fully to charity, which is the Odsherred Zoo Rescue, who provide a comfortable environment where animals can retire and enjoy their lives. For those who are attending NordicFuzzCon, in Malmö, Sweden: See you there!

[mitamicah]

Okay to sum up what just happened:

I now have two weekends to plan for March

March 1-3 (4?) 2024; Joker Out playing in Helsinki where I have tickets for sunday. Maybe go see Vantaa on Saturday? Need flight tickets and a hotel OVO

March 15-16 2024; Joker Out playing in Malmö where I have an Early Access ticket which means I should probably be there as quickly I can - luckily Malmö is close enough to my parents house so I hope to get to sleep there :'D (if there's a train home after the concert that is) so no hotel needed :3

I can see myself making stickers for both of these btw so ideas are welcome x'D (I am thinking about maybe doing the three kaksin ananas lonkero for Helsinki x'D hahahahah)

[rabbitcruiser]

The Baltic Exhibition in Malmö opened on May 15, 1914.  

[alexbkrieger13]

https://www.tumblr.com/alexbkrieger13/750116076249038848/rumours-say-joost-hit-israeli-delegation-because?source=share

The only thing that's confirmed of these rumours, according to the Swedish pod Schlagerkollen, is that he hit a female cameraman from the production which means Svt. A report to the police has been filed against him. They didn't speak of any other rumours and Aftonbladet's journalists are in Malmö. Tobbe Ek had spoken to people and texted several involved parties plus the police. Had it been any other valid rumours they'd brought it up as unconfirmed.

The last journalist who saw Joost was Schlagerkollen's other female journalist. She'd spotted him at the hotel and asked him if he wanted to comment. He'd just stepped inside an elevator and said "Have a nice day".

yikes what a shit show

[kaserolly]

Just returned to my hotel room after visiting Malmö and omg that's literally the kindest and most accepting place especially for LGBTQ+ folks 😭💕 seeing the rainbow flag and also other identity flags made me so 🥹 I couldn't help but smile and get giddy at the thought of a city being so nice, where you can live as yourself and get to express yourself without caring :( <3

[tagluff23]

Dag 31! Vi vaknar upp i nordtysk småstad, Waren. Hotel am Brauhaus erbjuder givetvis ölprovning. Idag tar vi oss hem via färjan Rostock-Trelleborg och Pågatåget till Malmö. (11/4)