#but just cast everyone as drag queens doing elevated performances

[marklikely]

the joker movies both could have really been something but they either need to get 60% smarter or 10% sillier to work.

[thebiasrekkers]

Shadow’s Birthright | MYG

Chapter 06: Convergence

Plot: Riding in on thunder and lightning, two princes are born. But a crown cannot be shared. It can only be worn by one and one alone. The hands of man have separated the brothers, allowing one to live in wealth and comfort inside the palace while the other grows up among commoners. But Fate cannot be destroyed by the hands of man. A shared destiny reunites the brothers; one to become a king who descends into madness and the other will rise as a dragon whose journey has only just begun in order to claim a crown he does not desire to have.

Rating: NC-17 // NSFW

Genre: series | historical!au | fantasy!au | angst | romance | drama | tragedy

Pairing: Min Yoongi (Lee Yoon) x Female OC (Kalina Shuri)

Warnings: Historical setting, caste system, magic/sorcery, graphic violence, disturbing graphic images, religious tones, angst, slow burn, smut

Previous Chapters: Prologue 01 02 03 04 05

Links: FAQ || BTS Masterlist || Admin E’s AO3 || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

Word Count: 4,065

Tag List: @luxekook, @pinkpjmin, @btsaudge, @flowerwrites06, @stillcopingxx, @taevkimchi, @aroseforyoongi, @vivpurple7, @happilystrongthroughthedark, @sw33tnight, @nikkitane, @mini-coop25, @shrimpmsg, @ggukkieland​

AN: Sorry this took me so long. Life decided it wanted to kick me in the face repeatedly. But I did warn everyone this was going to take a little time with the updates. Please be patient with me. I promise you that it will be worth the wait. If you would like to be added to the tag list, feel free to drop me a line!

P.S. Please bear in mind that while the historical accuracy will be mostly correct, I am setting this in a time period in Joseon history where there was no such thing as a king who had a twin brother. Obviously that’s where the fiction/creative freedom is going to come in. Everything else will be period accurate, trust and believe.

© thebiasrekkers (Admin E). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

“Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.” - John F. Kennedy

Yoon greeted his parents with the Crown Princess at his side. They both bowed deeply as they heard the King and Queen laugh in delight. The Royal Consorts also received bows from the Crown Prince and Princess. Finally, they turned and were given bows from the princesses and princes of the Royal Court. The officials and guards, as well as the rest of the palace staff, were present for the opening ceremony to celebrate Crown Prince Yoon’s first international liaison. 

When they were finally dismissed, Yoon took his seat next to the Crown Princess, waiting for food and wine to be served. Various voices of praise and congratulations were given to Yoon, to which he simply nodded his head politely and smiled while returning his own charming forms of gratitude. He allowed the Crown Princess to serve him a cup of wine and he, in turn, also served her. Merriment and good cheer surrounded the palace.

It made Yoon sick to his stomach.

The conversation he had with his Father-In-Law still didn’t sit well with him. At his own behest, he politely reminded Minister Jang that he should keep his small-minded ambitions to himself. He didn’t need to drag the Crown Princess into his mess. Regardless of his own personal feelings, Yoon held a deep amount of respect for his Princess. Jang Chae-Ok had no ambitions or selfish desires for wanting to be Crown Princess. She was simply a childhood friend to Yoon who always remained faithfully at his side. 

The Crown Princess was not blind to his relationship with Kalina. But she also did not question it. It was from this show of her character alone that Yoon promised he would not take a Royal Consort when he became King. He owed her that much for her understanding.

“I wish that I could accompany you, Your Highness.” The Crown Princess’s voice was sad, matching her expression. 

He reached out to grasp her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “It will be a long journey. It is no place for a Crown Princess.” Yoon smiled. “I will be back before you realize I’m gone.”

She sighed. “I will miss you greatly.” She placed her hand over his. “Do be careful.”

“I will, Crown Princess.”

A loud gong resounded, drawing everyone’s attention. All conversation hushed as the head of the Artisan school approached. He bowed deeply while the others waited with anticipation for his announcement. 

“Members of the Royal Court! We are here to celebrate the Crown Prince’s upcoming journey. We wish him great fortune but before he traverses out in the world, we want to be able to ease his worries and give him memories to hold on to as he travels to Ming. Things that he will be able to keep close to his heart and treasure if he should ever become homesick.” 

Yoon smiled, despite his own internal dark thoughts. He loved his country. He loved his people. The skills they mastered in order to have these small moments to showcase their talents were clearly battles within their own houses. Some performers and artists had better skills than others, hence why they were allowed to appear at the forefront. Others were still in training to be able to climb up in the ranks along the way. 

He secretly admired the drive that pushed these individuals along. Everyone had dreams, goals, and ambitions. People’s reasons for doing anything were threads that bonded everyone together to achieve common goals. No matter how small or big, they were to be appreciated. Even if one could not voice these appreciations aloud. 

The Chief Artisan gave a wide gesture, spinning on his heels as the performers made their way into the grand courtyard. “We hope that our performers, both within the palace walls, and those who have managed to make their ways from the streets, will be able to soothe your soul.”

Everyone applauded as Senior Artisan stepped away, allowing for the in house performers to showcase everything they’ve practiced for days. Curiously, Yoon hummed to himself at the mention of street performers entering the palace. If they were skilled enough to gain the court’s attention, there was a good chance they would be given slots to enter the performance schools within the palace halls. It would be a golden opportunity to change their livelihoods for the better.

He was keen to see just what they were made of.

“I can’t believe you’re making me do this.”

Jimin clicked his tongue against the back of his teeth, silencing Taehyung’s whining. “Hyung-nim is filling in for Namjoon Hyung-nim.” His eyes narrowed. “Surely you don’t expect him to wear the dress, do you?”

Taehyung pouted. “No, but still!”

“Besides,” Hoseok cut in, patting Taehyung’s shoulders roughly, “we all memorized multiple parts in case something happens. We only had time for Hyung-nim to learn one. Stop being difficult.”

Yoongi smirked, shaking his head while readjusting the waistband to his costume. The large rosary that hung from his neck was heavy and the boots were a little bit cumbersome, but bearable. He would be able to switch his shoes out when it came time for the tightrope routine. Jungkook and Seokjin fawned over him, making sure he looked as proper as he could in performance gear. 

Namjoon appeared, holding out a red and black demon mask to him. “I gave it some new paint earlier so it should be dry now.”

Taking the mask from him, Yoongi cradled it in his hands. “Thank you, Namjoon-ah.” He scratched at the cloth headband. “What will you be doing during the performance?”

“I’ll be narrating and helping the musicians out. Percussion, mostly.” 

“I see.” Yoongi eyed the mask, taking note of the large white fangs protruding from the mouth carved into the wood. 

Because of the depth of the role, he wouldn’t be able to take his mask off during the entire performance. Beneficial for him, but he hated that Namjoon wouldn’t be getting any credit. Yoongi knew how hard they all must have been preparing for this particular performance. A small measure of guilt wormed its way into his heart, but Namjoon’s laugh brought him out of his thoughts. 

“Now I feel even more terrible, Hyung-nim.” Yoongi saw the concerned look on Namjoon’s face, even though he was smiling. “Seriously, you’re doing me a favor. I feel bad enough. If you keep looking like that, I’ll think I’m completely worthless.”

“I’m sorry, Namjoon-ah.” Clearing his throat, he nodded. “You’re right. I shouldn’t be feeling like this.”

“Thank the heavens you’re wearing a mask.” Taehyung pushed his headband up a little more. “Otherwise the audience is going to think you’re guilty of some crime.”

“It’s just nerves.” Jimin flashed Yoongi a reassuring smile. “Right, Hyung-nim?”

All he could do was give a small smile. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“Hayan Geutop Troupe?” An unfamiliar voice pulled all of their attention. They saw someone dressed in official robes motioning toward them. “You’re up next.”

No one could hide their excitement. This was the first time any of them would be entering the palace. Each of them were given temporary passes to gain access. Once inside, they all made sure they were looking their best. The sound of joyful laughter and music rumbled through the courtyard, causing Yoongi’s heartbeat to elevate with excitement.

“Hyung-nim!” Jungkook gently nudged Yoongi’s back. “Your mask! Don’t forget to put it on!”

“Oh. Right.” Yoongi slid the large Demon mask over his head, making sure the cloth headwrap covered every part of his neck from view except the front. 

The sound of loud drums rang out through the courtyard. It was a little bit difficult to breathe with the mask on, but not impossible. If anything, Yoongi was more concerned with the mask falling off by accident. But Hoseok assured him that the bands were secured and redesigned to fit his head perfectly. It wouldn’t come off unless he pulled it off himself.

Admittedly, his nerves were a little frayed. Being around so many people at once, as well as so much noise, was teetering him toward sensory overload. But he continued to remind himself that he had a job to do. He just needed to get through the performance and then he could continue exploring the Crown City to his heart’s content. They were set to ride back out to the mountains at first light.

He hoped the shops would still be open before the lanterns were lit.

The large drum was hit, signaling for everyone to settle down. Yoongi took another breath, waiting for their group to be announced in front of the Royal Court. His vision was limited through the small holes in his mask - the rest of the world shadowed on either side of him. He could hear his own breath in his ears as he tried to peer out in front of him. But he wasn’t sure what he was even looking for. There was a strange pull at his heart; a feeling he couldn’t quite explain. 

Like someone was calling to him.

No. Like multiple people were calling to him.

“Members of the Royal Court! I present to you a troupe of young performers who hail from the outskirts of the Crown City!” The Chief Artisan looked in their direction as some of the students in the palace artisan school helped to set up their stage. “The White Tower Troupe!”

There was a round of polite applause from all the members of the royal court. The other troupe members were helping to set up the first scene for their skit. Yoongi waited patiently, even though he offered to help. Taehyung and Hoseok insisted that he stand back and focus on the performance. It wouldn’t take them long to get the set pieces ready. Once everything was put together, Namjoon walked gently forward and bowed deeply to the Royal family seated at the large banquet table.

“Please forgive our lack of eloquence, Your Majesties, as we attempt to regale you with a story. It is one I am sure you are all familiar with, but allow us to perform it for you just the same.” He flicked out the large fan in his hand, a picture of a blue sky and a green field painted on it. “We humbly present to you...the Tale of Green Pearl and the Demon!”

Yoon felt Chae-Ok grab his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. He cast a sidelong glance in her direction, noting the soft pink flush that tinted her cheeks. He knew it wasn’t from the wine but more from her excitement. He smiled as she met his gaze.

“Oh, I love this story!” She looked back out toward the courtyard. “I’m interested to see how they will tell it.”

“As am I.”

The bass drum resounded through the large space just as the troupe finished setting up for the first scene. The narrator who spoke walked off to the sidelines and took a seat on a plush cushion that was provided for him. Silence draped over everyone present as the actors moved to their positions. 

“Many years ago, there was a humble man who lived a humble life. He had a humble trade and a humble wife. The wife bore him two children. A son named White Fang and a daughter named Green Pearl.”

Yoon watched as the narrator spoke about each character. One by one, they all appeared - their faces concealed with wooden masks painted in eloquent designs. Lingering off to the side was an actor clothed in black, red and gold garbs - a demon mask covering his face. Yoon felt his heart beating a little faster as he gazed at the person, unsure of why this strange sensation was lurching in his chest. 

The narrator slapped his stick against the small drum cradled in his lap. “As the seasons changed and the children grew older, the father became ill. The wife sent for what physicians they could afford and the old apothecary said that there was nothing he could do. The wife was distraught, unsure of what would become of her or her children should her husband leave this world for his journey to the afterlife.”

“Seobang-nim! You cannot leave us like this!” The wife sobbed beside the husband, cradling his hand between her palms. “What are we to do without you? How are we supposed to live?!”

“Don’t worry, Mother,” said White Fang as he placed his hand over his mother’s, “I will find a way to cure Father. I will travel across foreign lands until I can find the medicine that will save Father’s life!”

Again, the narrator struck the drum. “White Fang left to search for a cure for his ailing father, leaving his mother and sister behind.”

Yoon watched the person portraying Green Pearl moving toward the backdrop meant to pose as a wide open field. A lone tree stood off in the distance where she clasped her hands together and prayed. 

“Gods of Heaven, I beseech you! Please help my father. Please find a way to help him get better!” cried Green Pearl as she lowered her head, all but sobbing into her hands.

Heavy drums beat softly, signaling an ominous transition. Yoon watched as the actor portraying the demon slowly moved forward, until he was mere feet from the Royal Banquet table. The Demon whipped his head around to face the Royal family, causing everyone to lean back and gasp. 

All except Yoon.

Maybe it was the optical illusion of the mask, but he swore that the demon was looking directly at him. His heartbeat escalated, a soft thunder against his chest, and he waited for the demon to speak. There was a line here. Yoon remembered it. A line where the demon spoke to the audience of his wicked scheme.

But the demon said nothing. All he did was stare. Had the actor forgotten his lines?

“A demon heard Green Pearl’s cries, intrigued by her earnest wailings.”

The narrator cut through the silence. This seemed to wake the demon up, causing him to swiftly shuffle back a few steps as he threw his arm out in a dramatic flourish. 

“The sweet sound of sorrow nourishes my heart,” the Demon exclaimed, curling his shoulders forward. He pressed a hand against his face, fingers gliding over the white fangs on the mask. “It is the sound of easy prey. How I have longed to devour such a miserable soul!”

He heard the Crown Princess gasp as the Demon ran forward, leaping into the air and landing on the tightrope with amazing ease. Yoon quirked a brow, internally admiring the actor’s swiftness and balancing abilities. The Demon leaned forward, slinging his legs out until he was hanging upside down from the rope. 

Green Pearl took a sharp intake of breath, clutching at the front of her dress. “W-Who goes there?”

“A humble and curious Demon. But nevermind me, Sweet Child.” The Demon spoke in a cooing and sweet voice. “What seems to be ailing you? What causes you to mourn so?”

“My father is ill and there is no way to save him. My brother has left to travel in hopes of finding medicine to cure him.” Green Pearl turned away from the Demon, looking off in the distance. “I mourn for my family and what is to become of them should my father pass.”

The Demon laughed, swinging his body so that he was now sitting upright on the tightrope. He rested a hand on his knee and leaned forward, drawing Green Pearl’s attention once more. “This is a simple problem with a simple solution.”

“It is anything but simple!”

“Oh, but it is!” The Demon hopped onto the rope, bouncing up and down in a playful manner. “Because I know how to save your ailing father!”

Green Pearl stepped toward the tree, her hand reaching up toward the Demon but she was far out of his reach. “What do you know? Please, tell me how to save my father!”

The Demon bounced on the rope a few more times before dismounting, landing just a few feet away from her. He placed his hands behind his back and paced, not really bothering to stray too far from her but not coming too close. “There is a flower that grows in the western mountains. It is said that creating a potion from this flower can cure any illness.” He spun on his heels just as Green Pearl tried to approach him, causing her to halt in her steps. “But it is an arduous journey. Many have died trying to claim this flower.”

“Can you guide me to this mountain?” 

The Demon circled her, his steps slow and measured. “What will you give me if I decide to lend you my aid?”

“Whatever you wish to claim from me, Sir!” Green Pearl fell to her knees. “No boon is too great when it comes to saving the life of my father!”

The Demon knelt down before Green Pearl, lifting her face to meet his. “You will become my bride. That is the price you must pay if you wish to obtain my help.”

“If marrying a demon is the trade we are making, then I would marry you a thousand times.” 

The Demon pulled Green Pearl up onto her feet, a hearty laugh bursting from his chest. “Then come! Let us be off! The day grows shorter and the journey will be that much harder for you when the night comes.”

A gong and more heavy drums rang out as the Demon and Green Pearl exited the stage. Troupe members hurried to change the set backdrop to suit the next scene transition. 

“So Green Pearl and the Demon hurried toward the Western Mountains. The journey was, indeed, arduous. Many perils crossed their paths, but the Demon protected Green Pearl every step of the way. The harshest trek, however, was the path leading up toward the mountains. Wild animals impeded their path. Even the cold mountain winds attempted to blow the two off the krags so they would plummet to their deaths.”

With each scene change, a linen drape with a painted landscape was swapped. The serene music fit the pacing of each scene and the narrator’s strong voice pushed the actors to continue through the skit. Yoon knew this tale very well. Yet watching it unfold in this manner made the story seem brand new. He was particularly drawn to the Demon, unable to shake the tremors in his heart as the masked performer’s moves seemed fluid and natural.

“Finally, Green Pearl and the Demon reached the top of the mountain peaks. There was the mythical flower the Demon mentioned. It was a rich purple in pigment, the stem a soft green and nestled among a cluster of clovers. In the snow and cold temperature, there was no way that any vegetation should have flourished, let alone this single flower.”

Green Pearl reached for the flower, preparing to dig it up from the earth. Suddenly, she was stopped by the Demon’s harsh pull at her wrist. “W-What are you doing?!”

“Do not forget your promise to me, dear Child.” He pulled her flush against him. “You are to be my bride the moment your father is well. And not a minute later.”

“I haven’t forgotten our deal, Demon!” Green Pearl pushed away from him. “We must hurry back quickly!”

A soft bell tinkling sound issued from a row of wind chimes. The Demon laughed, grasping onto Green Pearl and jumping up toward the tightrope. Everyone watching sucked in their breaths as a stream of dark blue fabric followed after them. The Demon dragged Green Pearl behind him as the actors portrayed him using his powers to help them travel quickly. The two actors almost appeared to float across the thick line of rope.

“The Demon used his powers to transport Green Pearl and himself down the mountain. When they reached the foot of the mountain, they instantly moved through the fields. Within minutes, they were back in Green Pearl’s humble village. He safely brought her home and Green Pearl wasted no time preparing the flower into a medicinal tonic for her father.”

Green Pearl appeared next to her mother, holding out a wooden bowl. “This tonic will help Father. Please, we must hurry!”

The Wife started to feed the potion to the ailing Husband. In minutes, he started to rise up from his bed. He held his wife’s hands and she threw herself into his arms. 

“Husband! You are well!” she cried as her husband held her close. 

He laughed, stroking her back. “Yes, I am well, Pu-in. But tell me, what has helped me come back from the gates of the Underworld?”

“I traveled far to retrieve a flower that is said to cure any illness.” Green Pearl hugged her father’s neck.

“A flower?” He tilted his head to the side. “How did you come to learn of this flower?”

Green Pearl lowered her head. “A Demon told me. He guided me to the Western Mountains and I plucked the flower from the highest peak.”

Both the husband and wife looked at each other, clutching at their chests. The father reached out for his daughter’s hands. “You foolish girl! How could you make an agreement with a demon?!”

“Don’t you know that a deal with a demon only breeds disaster?!” The mother shook Green Pearl’s shoulders. “You have sold your soul to the Underworld!”

Green Pearl pulled herself away from her family. “I’m sorry!” She ran out of the house where the Demon was waiting for her. “We must hurry!”

The Demon grabbed her hand in his. “Let us leave this place!”

“Stop right there, you foul trickster!” The Father appeared, brandishing a wheat sickle. “Release my daughter, this instant!”

The Demon laughed. “The deal has been made, Human! You cannot break the contract!” 

The sound of a gong exploded over the courtyard, causing the Demon to gasp. When he looked down, there was a sword plunged through his stomach. As he turned, the assailant stepped forward to push the blade through his gut even further. The Demon reached out with a bloodied hand toward the one who attacked him. 

“B-Brother!”

White Fang ripped the sword from the Demon’s body, causing the Demon to fall to his knees. His head hung low and Green Pearl was instantly at the Demon’s side. He finally collapsed to the ground and Green Pearl clung to his shivering form. 

“What have you done?!” she screamed as the Demon continued to tremble in her arms. “Why did you strike him?!”

“It was a Demon, Green Pearl!” White Fang dropped the sword from his hand and the satchel from his back. “They only breed misfortune!”

“Y-You fool,” sputtered the Demon, “I would have given her a good life.” A trembling arm lifted as he pointed at White Fang. “Because of your actions, you have now condemned your sister to death.”

“What?!” White Fang dropped to his knees. The husband and wife hurried forward. “What lies do you speak, Demon?”

The Demon turned to look up at Green Pearl. “I will not be able to give you a life you deserve.” He touched the side of her face. “But I will be able to stay with you in the Afterlife. Always.”

“I am sorry for the cruel nature of man! Forgive me!” Green Pearl sobbed, burying her face in the Demon’s shoulder. “I will see you on the other side.”

And then the Demon’s hand fell limply to the ground. Seconds later, Green Pearl collapsed next to him.

Silence filled the courtyard. No one spoke. Hardly anyone took a moment to breathe, Yoon included. 

It was broken the minute that the King began to clap. The Queen soon followed until everyone at the Royal Banquet table rose from their seats and applauded. Yoon was still stunned, but he, too, clapped. The actors remained where they were - unmoving. However, the narrator stepped forward and bowed deeply to them. The tragic scene remained, but the story’s message still lingered in the air. 

Even a Demon was deserving of love and a person could see beyond the surface to one’s true heart.

But when promises were broken, a terrible fate would await. 

[hello-there]

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[totallypathet]

Okay so I have watched the 2 premiers twice now, and I have FEELINGS about the season 12 cast!

Before we get into it, let's address Sh***y P** real quick: we do not stand for abusers in this house, I hope she never works again and that she ends up in jail.

Now that's out of the way, in alphabetical order:

1. Aiden Zhane

I see potential! I loved her spring look, and her Fosse performance was on point. Her makeup could use a little finessing, but I definitely see where she's coming from. Having said all that, she's already got herself involved in a world of drama. Her comments about the Atalnta drag scene I found really odd, because it's just not true? Weird. Her comments about trans people and specifically trans women doing drag... hmm. On one hand, I appreciate that she apologised, and it seemed fairly genuine - as did her message about all forms of drag being valid. On the other hand, there was a defensive tone, and there seemed like a lot of "I've learned, I've grown, that was a long time ago" and I kind if feel like... 2018 wasn't that long ago girl. You were already 26/27, it's not like you were a teenager making stupid comments. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but also I'm not a trans woman and I dont do drag, so my opinion doesn't mean much!

2. Brita

Whenever I hear her name I feel thirsty 😂😂 I'm kind of underwhelmed so far, her entrance look was okay, both her mini challenge looks were alright, and her rap challenge look was a bit meh. The look she wanted to wear for the challenge (posted on her insta) was stunning though. I hated hated hated hated her runway look! It looked like a disco ball version of Alexis Michelle's rainbow look from season 9. I dont have all that much else to say about her, I didn't love any of her looks, I wasnt blown away by her performance, let's see what she does next week!

3. Crystal Methyd

I. Love. Crystal. Methyd. That fall look ended me. It was so perfect, she was giving me fashion, she was giving me camp, she was giving me references, she was giving me attention to detail, she was giving me LIFE. Every look she served was incredible. I knew exactly who she was when she walked in the work room, she elevated herself in the mini challenge, she showed up for the performance in the rap (and by the way her Nicki Minaj look was perfection), and her runway look was so well executed. I adore her. Top 4 pick.

4. Dahlia Sin

I still cannot get over how much she looks like Aja! I had really high Hope's for her because she's from the Haus of Aja, but she just didn't quite measure up, which is a real shame. Her entrance look was gorgeous, her mini challenge looks were okay, her runway look was alright. Her Fosse performance was okay, I think her voice is pretty, I liked her lyrics and she can clearly dance; she just wasn't giving me the ~performance~ aspect, which is a shame. I'm hoping she gets out of her head a bit and loosens up, I think she'll do much better! She's middle of the pack for me at the moment, but if she can trust herself a bit more I think she'll be unstoppable.

5. Gigi Goode

Good morning Miss Goode! I'm blown away by Miss Gigi. I cannot wait to see what she pulls out next week! She's fashion, she's elegance, she's beautiful, she's a performer, she's personality, she's funny, she's clever, is there anything she can't do?! Her entrance look had me screaming, her mini challenge looks had me in the floor, her runway look had me gagging. The only problem for me was the rap challenge look, it was pretty horrific. I'm counting it as a blip, and her verse more than made up for it! Top 4 pick right there.

6. Heidi N Closet

Okay, I'm not in love with Heidi's name choice, but can Ru and Michelle really say that it's the worst name in drag race history?! I mean girl, Kalorie Karbdashian Williams? Really? I like Heidi so much, though. I wasn't the biggest fan of her looks, particularly the mini challenge spring look, but girl the headpiece fell off and just kept on going! I respect the fuck out of that, that's a professional right there. And anyone that is in hospital during the night and turns around the next day and delivers a performance like that?? What a trooper! I fully respect her. I just wish her hair and makeup was a little bit more polished. She could definitely be the dark horse here, anyone who discounts Heidi N Closet is making a huuuuge mistake.

7. Jackie Cox

Yaaaaaas Jackie Cox!!!! I was nervous when she walked in in that red skirt, but as soon as she pulled out her mini challenge looks I was SOLD. She has a really distinct point of view, she clearly builds characters for each look and sells you that fantasy with every walk, and that's talent. She's also hilarious and adorable as shit. Her performance was incredible as well! I. Love. Jackie. Cox. Top 4.

8. Jaida Essence Hall

So many queens come into this competition with room to grow, and things to learn (which is not at all a bad thing), but my girl Jaida is THERE. My queen is polished, she is elegant and elevated, but she also knows how to have fun! I feel like she is going to go from strength to strength in this competition. Her entrance look was gorgeous (and she made it!), her mini challenge looks were really well thought out and well executed, her performance in the Fosse number was amazing, and her runway look was so stunning. This is someone who knows exactly who she is, she knows her strengths, she knows how to play to them, and she knows exactly what she's doing. She's Top 4 right there.

9. Jan

Just Jan! I'm speechless. I adore her. She's perfection. This week was the perfect set of challenges for Jan, and she sooo should have been in the top 2! Her voice is amazing, her lyrics were perfect, and cam we talk about her tulle look?! It was so so so smart, and so well done! I would have been impressed just with the idea of the tool/tulle look, but to also have it executed so perfectly?! Gagged. Also she is just to most adorable little ray of sunshine!! She's so happy to be there and her energy is so infectious! Every time she was on screen she made me smile. So excited to see what she pulls out next week. Top. Fucking. 4.

10. Nicky Doll

La diva Francaise! Every single look she pulled should be on a Vogue cover. ESPECIALLY that fall mini challenge look I was screaming. I was so worried that her verse and performance wasn't going to be up to scratch because she might just be a "look queen" but she proved me so wrong and I was soooo happy! She's a performer, she's a fashion queen, she's a dancer, and I was so proud of her! Is she Top 4 material? Yes she is! Don't discount Miss Nicky as a look queen because she's got hidden depths.

11. Rock M Sakura

Rock M Sakura? Rock my world! She gave me everything I didnt know I needed!! She's a little fireball, she's got so much talent, and ambition, and passion and I cannot get enough. Her mini challenge looks were perfectly executed, fully realised, and fully Rock M. I feel like I know her already, and I love her so much. I'm so glad she told her story, and I hope she knows how important her story and her voice is. Her Fosse performance was really good, but i wish she hadn't put on the character - it's Rock M we love and Rock M we want! Her tulle look fully made up for it though, I loved it! I think if you're going to do tulle then fucking do tulle. And she gave me that. She's fully Top 4.

12. Widow Von Du

The Widow Von Du, where to even begin? Here entrance look was a 10. Her mini challenge looks were a 10. Her rap challenge look was a 10. Her runway look was a motherfucking 11. Her rap performance was the. Best. Performance. Of both premiers. Her lyrics were incredible, and she is so clearly a performer! I am so so impressed by Widow and I absolutely cannot wait to see what she does next! She's a superstar. Even if she doesn't win (which something really left field is going to have to happen for her not to be at least top 4), she's going to be one for the fucking history books. I think you already know I think she's Top 4.

To sum up, this is the most exciting cast (for me) yet! I can't imagine any of them going home, I think they're all amazing!!

As a side note as well, can we talk about Nicki Minaj? Shes the best guest judge that has ever been on that panel. Her critiques were thoughtful, detailed, personalised, and constructive. She really listened to their lyrics, she had something good to say about everyone and she was so sweet watching them perform! I love her.

[marquisoforder]

Mister Fahrenheit.

.

“I'm burnin' through the sky, yeah

Two hundred degrees

That's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit.”

- Don’t stop me now.

Queen

.

It was sheer luck that Magnus heard the doorbell over the deafening den of the party.

To be quite honest, he didn’t really have a reason to throw a party all of a sudden but with the news of everything happening in the world, the Mundane illness and the rumors of rogue vigilante Shadowhunters, he felt that he needed a little pick me up. Everybody needed a pick me up during these times. A little escape from the grimness of the real world. And when the word got out, swarms of Downworlders had come, each with lines of frustration, fear and uncertainty etched on to their faces; lines that disappeared once two shots of fairy gin went down and the upbeat rock music brought the now loosened limbs to the dance floor. And the influx of the guests did not cease. They kept coming in packs and twos and individually; vamps, werewolves, fairies, a couple of warlocks and one or two disgruntled mundanes who had been swept in with the crowd.

Magnus opened the door for the hundredth time that night, expecting another random face he remembered from some rave or another but couldn’t quite place, and stopped mid motion, the face staring up at him bringing back a flood of emotions and memories.

“Hello dah-ling!” The man with the mustache smiled, a quick, self-conscious flash of teeth that disappeared as soon as it came.

“Freddie,” Magnus breathed. “Freddie fucking Mercury. It has been so long.”

The man nodded but flinched visibly when the loud song playing in the party came to a louder end, enabling cheers from the throng of drunk downworlders inside.

“Come on in,” Magnus pulled him in by the hand and absent mindedly noticed how it felt a little different, a little thinner, perhaps?

“It sure is loud in here!” Magnus could faintly hear Freddie yelling as he dragged him through the throbbing crowd of swaying bodies, towards the bar in the corner of the room.

“It’s to drown the wailing of the damned.” Magnus grinned as they reached the bar and grabbed a couple of seats for them. The bartender, a fairy with shiny silver hair and striking lilac eyes (no whites at all) winked at Magnus before pouring both of them some dangerously shiny and equally slimy fairy drink that Magnus had no intentions of drinking. He left the drink alone and turned his full attention on the mundane in front of him, staring at the shiny green drink as if it had done him some personal wrong.

“What brings you here, Freddie?” Magnus smiled, laying a hand on his arm. “Surely the news of my little rave didn’t reach you all the way across the pond in England!”

“I was actually in the area,” Freddie replied, a faraway look in his eyes. “I wanted to see you. To talk to you about something. Didn’t expect to walk into a fucking rave at one A.M on a Wednesday night.”

There was a certain bitterness to his voice that made Magnus snap into sharp attention. It wasn’t ordinary for Freddie to be bitter. Sarcastic, yes. A little biting? Sure. But bitter? That was something entirely new for Freddie Mercury.

“What did you want to talk to me about?” Magnus asked gently, in the tone of a man trying to sooth a child. Freddie seemed to notice the change as a line on his forehead disappeared as he turned around to look Magnus in the eye.

“FREDDIE MERCURY?”

The Mundie was so loud his voice was almost heard over the sound of the amplified music. In any case it was loud enough to draw the attention of the crowd nearby. They descended on the celebrity like a bunch of starved paparazzi, asking for autographs, touching his jacket sleeve, (fairies. No consideration for personal space.) clamoring for a song and just generally yelling to get his attention.

Freddie looked half dead as he stared at Magnus for one long moment, but as he turned back to face the crowd of fans his countenance underwent a complete change. His eyes lit up with an energy that was hard to fake and the corners of his mouth tugged upwards into a smirk that dripped confidence.

It was like watching someone cast a glamor over themselves. A mask being pulled over the true visage. A curtain of bright happiness closing over a tragedy on stage.

Freddie stood up and beamed, talking to some people and signing things for others. Voices yelled and begged for a song. The dance floor gradually emptied as everyone gravitated towards the attraction of the night. Magnus felt the first light grasps of an oncoming headache.

“Freddie, give us a song!”

“Mr. Mercury can you sign my T shirt?”

“Sing something!”

“Freddie!”

“Freddie Mercury!”

“Freddie!”

The young performer turned to Magnus and nodded. It was all the initiative he needed to wave his bejeweled hand in a sweeping motion. He watched with disinterest as the familiar blue sparks flew and a grand piano appeared on an elevated stage in the middle of the dance floor. Freddie made his way to the beauty with a light spring in his step and ran a teasing hand over the keyboard before settling down. He hesitated for a moment before his fingers started the complicated dance across the keyboard, and a familiar tune filled the air.

“Tonight I’m gonna have myself, a real good time…” The hauntingly beautiful voice rang out and the bodies all around Magnus started swaying to the rhythm, almost as if an enchantment had been casted over all of them. Then again Magnus supposed Freddie’s voice was a magic of its own kind.

The tune picked up the pace and Magnus watched in fascination as Freddie’s long skillful fingers waltzed across the piano keys, the movement every bit as feverish as the gleam in his eyes. Magnus knew something was wrong. He felt it in his bones as he watched the young man perform, effortlessly exuding waves of uncontained enthusiasm that seemed to make the very air around him drunk. When Magnus let his body move to the rhythm it was like setting a bird free. His heart beat in his throat as his body found an output to all the frustration, pent up feelings and foreboding he had felt in the past weeks.

So he danced, hips swaying to the rhythm as he just let go. He had acquired an eager partner from the crowd though he had no idea how she came to be in his arms. Yet it was relieving. To be in the arms of a stranger, without a care in the world about what has happened or might happen. For that infinite moment, Magnus was Mr. Fahrenheit, with all the reckless abandon of a shooting star and the chaotic energy of a racing car passing by.

When the song came to its soothing end, made even softer by Freddie’s pensive voice, Magnus felt tears prick at his eyes. He did not know why, but everyone in the room seemed to be frozen in place, as if a prophet had revealed a dark and lovely Truth that left them entranced.

Freddie got up and bowed. The room erupted in cheers. But Freddie payed no mind as he made his direct way to Magnus and grabbed his hand.

“Come with me,” He said and dragged the dazed warlock towards the bedroom. His feverish eyes shone with a desperation that Magnus had seen before countless times on many faces.

It was a drowning man’s last cry for help.

Realization dawned on Magnus with the brutal force of a thousand meteors. Even as he was pulled into the room and the door closed behind them, he knew what Freddie was going to say.

“I’ve got it. The sickness. AIDS.” The blow was no less gentle after all the time Magnus had heard those words. “But you can make it better right, Magnus?” That was always the hardest. He couldn’t. He couldn’t make it better. The Angel knows he had tried. But there was a limit to what he could do in healing magic. Even Catarina, who was adept at healing had not figured out way to cure this demented illness. It was akin to a curse in its cruelty. And no man or warlock alive could make it better.

“Magnus?” The man pleaded, his eyes big and luminous on his face. “Please you have to!”

Magnus sat down on his bed, helpless, sad and bitter. It wasn’t fair. He had helplessly watched innocent men and women die and he had to watch yet another friend succumb to that terrible, wasting disease.

“Freddie, I’m sorry...” He spoke softly, as one would do when they take away a man’s last hope at life. “I cannot cure you. It is beyond my abilities.”

He watched as Hope drained out of Freddie’s face, leaving a trail of anger, desperation and frustration that finally turned into defeated acceptance. It was hard for Magnus to watch. Here was a man once so full of life he had brought stadiums full of people to their feet dancing with nothing but his voice. This was a man who had danced the night away with Magnus in countless parties, a man he had shared stories, sorrows and drunken kisses with. He was Freddie. And he was dying. But there was nothing Magnus could do.

So he did the only thing he could do; something so small and trivial in the face of what he wished he could do. He got up and walked over to the hunching man and engulfed him in a hug. As if on cue Freddie broke down in deep sobs that shook his frame and left him wheezing.

They stood there, the man and the warlock, in each other’s arms, buried deep in thoughts about how the other deserved so much better than what life gave them. And they stayed like that, in an embrace they both dreaded might be their last, for a long long time.

.

@shinyun--jung oh wait, did I forget to mention the Freddie fic was angst?

[cwnerd12]

Morning, David’s phone rings. David, lying in a comfortable-looking bed, a cast no longer on his arm, groans, rubs his face, and grabs his phone from the side table. He answers it, “Hello?” Monique’s voice, “I need you to bail me out.” David, “What? You aren’t supposed to be arrested any more!” Monique, “Oh, I’m allowed to perform drag, but the police are always there, and the moment one titty pops out, it’s an allegedly obscene performance.” David, “I am busy today. Jack’s coming home!” Monique, “It will only take you a few minutes to drop by the police station. I know you have the money, and I will still pay you back.” David, “All right, fine, I’ll be there.” He ends the conversation.

David opens the front door of his new apartment, perfectly prepared for Jack to come home to it. On the other side stands his new security detail, Randy, wearing his AFG jacket. Randy, “Good morning, sir.” David, “We have errands to run today.” Randy, “What kind of errands?” David, “Getting ready for Jack’s party, and some business I have to tend to.” Randy, “How are we getting ready for Jack’s party.” David, “We’re just picking a few things up-” He’s interrupted when the next door down opens, and Michele, wearing medical scrubs and carrying a stack of textbooks, walks out with her new security detail, Genevieve, in tow. Genevieve looks well-put together and professional in a pressed suit and tight bun, while Randy looks shabby in his old jacket and cargo pants. Michelle hurries down the hallway towards the elevators and David hurries after her, “Hey, Michelle!” She casts him an annoyed look, and says curtly, “David.” David, “Just making sure, you are coming to the party tonight, right? I mean, Jack will be pretty pissed if you don’t make it.” Michelle, “I’m volunteering at the clinic, and it usually keeps me late, but yes, I will try to make it to Jack’s party.” The elevator dings and the door slides open. They both get in, Genevieve and Randy following. David reaches to press the ground floor button, but Michelle gets it. They stand awkwardly in silence for a moment. Genevieve casts Randy a judgmental stare. David, “I finally finished getting the apartment ready a few days ago. I think Jack’s gonna love it. I worked really hard to make it into a place where he can be happy.” Michelle, “Yeah, that’s nice.” The door dings open, and Michelle and David step out into a parking garage. David, “How long are you going to stay mad at me, Michelle?” Michelle, “Until you find a way to un-fuck that girl.” Genevieve unlocks a large, shiny black security SUV. David, “Jack forgives me!” Michelle, “Yeah, well, Jack’s a lot more forgiving than I am.” David, “Come on!” Michelle opens the passenger door of the SUV, “I’m coming to your party. You can’t complain.” She gets in. David, “Michelle!” He looks on in dismay as the SUV backs out of the spot and drives away. Randy comes up behind him, “So what kind of errands are we running today?”

Inside a police station, David stands at the front desk with Randy behind him while a cop inspects his ID. Cop, “Soooo… the man who wants to be king is here to pick up a queen.” David, “Monique is an artist trying to make a living, and can you just go get her, please?” Cop, “Fine.” He goes back into the holding area, and comes out with Monique, her wig lopsided and her heels in her hand. Monique, “Thank you, David.” David, “Don’t worry about it.” They go outside. David, “Do you have cab money?” Monique, “No, I can get an Uber.” David, “I don’t mind taking you back to your apartment.” Monique, “You already bailed me out.” David, “Please?” Monique, “Fine. Twist my arm.” They walk down the block towards the parking lot. David, “I don’t get it. You’re able to legally perform, now, and everyone knows who you are. How are you making less money than you were before?” Monique, “Cops. They come, they keep an eye on everything. Bust anyone doing something they don’t like. Used to be much freer when they weren’t around.” David, “I’ll talk to Reinhardt.” Monique, “Oh, bitch, please, you really think he’s gonna pay any attention to you?” David, “He does.” Monique, “As long as the AFG has control over the MSS building, he’s got nothing to do. Besides, this is Shiloh PD, not MSS.” David, “Reinhardt can still pull a few favors, okay?” Monique, “Can and will are two different things.” Behind them, Randy says, “Shit.” Down the street, a paparazzo snaps pictures. Randy looks at David, “You might want to think carefully about what we’re gonna do for the rest of the day.”

David follows Monique down the hallway of a shitty apartment building. Monique, “You don’t have to follow me to my door.” David, “I thought I’d drop in and say hi to Shay.” Monique reaches her door and unlocks it, “All right. You have a good day, David.” David, “Oh, did you get a chance to finish Jack’s gift?” Monique, “Yes, don’t you worry about that. I’ll have it wrapped in time for the party.” David, “Thanks!” Monique enters her apartment, and shuts the door behind her. David sighs and looks at the closed door. He walks down the hallway, and knocks on another door. Shay answers, “What? Oh, hey, David.” David, “I had to bail Monique out this morning.” Shay, “Again?” David, “Yeah.” Shay, “You know this is against the amnesty terms, right?” David, “Talk about it with Abby.” Shay, “You know it’s only a matter of time before Abner declares the amnesty invalid, right?” David, “Abner knows that the AFG stands ready to defend itself. Besides, you’ve seen the numbers, you know he’s not going to go picking fights with us while he’s still fighting Gath and Ammon.” Shay, “He will.” David sighs with annoyance, “Look, I’m not dealign with that today, okay? Jack is coming home, to the beautiful apartment I put together for him, and everything’s gonna be really nice! That’s all I’m focusing on!” Shay, “Well, when you’re ready to focus on what the rest of us are focusing on. I’ll see you later tonight, okay?” David sighs, “Yeah, I’ll see you later, I guess.” Shay shuts the door. David turns around and gestures to Randy, “Come on.”

Outside the apartment building, the paparazzo has been joined by another one. They snap wildly as David and Randy get into the SUV.

In another shitty apartment building, Jessie answers the door to David and Randy. David, “Hey, Mom.” Jessie, “Come in, come in, I want to show you what I’ve done!” David follows her into a small, shabby apartment, where seven immaculate pies lie on the kitchen counter. Jessie, “Is seven pies enough?” David gawks, “Oh my god, Mom!” Jessie, “You said Jack likes chocolate, right? I made a french silk pie, which I’ve never done before, but I think it turned out fine!” David, “There isn’t going to be that many people there!” Jessie, “Oh, everyone loves pie!” David, “Yeah, but it’s just a small homecoming party! Not a coronation ball!” Jessie, “I don’t think you’ve ever complained about having too much pie.” David, “Yeah, well, that was before I had to figure out how to fit all these pies into the back of my car, along with the rest of the catering, without spilling.” Jessie, “I’ll bring the pies!” David, “You don’t have a car!” Jessie, “I’ll take an uber!” David sighs and sits down, “All right, I give up! You can bring the pies!” Jessie sits down across from him, “I knew you’d relent. I was worried that crummy little oven in there wouldn’t be able to handle it, but it did just fine.” David looks around the tiny apartment, “Mom, you have to let me get you a nicer apartment. Jack’s still a prince, and he owns CrossGen! He has all this money, it needs to go to something good!” Jessie, “I’m perfectly happy here. I don’t like taking money I haven’t earned.” David, “Mom, you have earned it!” Jessie, “I don’t like just sitting around. I like having a job.” David, “Bagging groceries part time?” Jessie, “I meet people! Sometimes they recognize me as your mom!” David, “You deserve better, Mom.” Jessie, “Well, what else am I supposed to do? Without the farm to run and boys to look after, I’m useless! Bagging groceries is better than just sitting around and watching TV all day.” David, “All right. I should know better than to argue with you.” Jessie, “Oh, David. How are you doing?” David, “I’m fine.” Jessie, “Have you been talking to that doctor?” David, “Yes, and he says I’m doing really well.” Jessie sighs, “I just worry about you, baby.” David, “I’m actually doing well. It’s pretty amazing what ending a war can do for your mental health.” Jessie, “You aren’t disappointed, are you?” David, “What? I’m with Jack! I never wanted to be king in the first place, I’m perfectly happy!” Jessie, “All right. I’m your mother, I can’t help but worry.” David, “You don’t need to worry about me any more, Mom.” Jessie, “That never stopped me.”

Back in the SUV, Randy says, “Where to next?” David, “Picking up some catering for the party.” Randy, “I’ll take you back to the apartment and get someone to pick it up for you.” David, “What? The deli’s just up ahead, it’ll be much easier just to get it.” Randy glances in his rearview mirror where a small cluster of paparazzi now snaps pictures, “We’ve got paps on us, man.” David, “I’m just picking up some sandwich trays! How boring can you get?!” Randy, “Really, we should just head back.” David, “No! I am not going to let those assholes harass me out of a nice, normal life!” Randy, “It’s not about-” David cuts him off, “I am not so pretentious I can’t go buy my own food, okay?! I want to be able to live my life and enjoy it! It’s enough that I have to go everywhere with a security detail-” he catches himself and calms down, “I mean, I know you’re just doing your job and you’re ready to jump in front of a bullet for me and all, but it’s kind of a lot to get used to.” Randy shakes his head, "Whatever you say, man.”

David goes up to the counter of a deli. A girl, Leslie, counts money at the cash register. David, “Hi, I’m here to pick up an order for David.” Leslie doesn’t look up, “Yeah, hang on,” she looks up, “Oh, shit! Oh, fuck! Sorry!” David, “It’s okay.” Leslie, “I’m sorry it’s just… the guy I had a crush on in high school was in the AFG… He got killed at Nob. So it’s kind of crazy to see you here.” David, “Can I just get my food, please?” Leslie, “Oh, yeah, sorry!” She hurries to the back. David stands there awkwardly, while other people try not to stare at him. Leslie hurries back, holding three stacked food plates. Leslie, “Okay, one regular sandwich plate, one kosher sandwich plate, a cheese plate, and a fruit and veggie plate, right?” David, “Yeah.” He hands Leslie his card. Leslie, “So… What you got planned?” David, “Just a little get-together.” A co-worker speaks up behind Leslie, “Prince Jack is leaving the hospital!” Leslie, “Oh, seriously? Aaaw! Oh my god, you two have such a sweet story! You make me believe in true love!” David, “Are you gonna give me my card back?” Leslie, “Sorry!” She hands him his card. He sticks it back in his wallet. Leslie, “Can I get a selfie?” Before David can answer, she turns around and snags a selfie. In the background, Randy laughs. David, exasperated, “I have to get going.” He grabs the food and hurries out.

As David tries to load the trays of food into the SUV, a crowd of paparazzi snap his picture.

In his apartment, David navigates how to fit the food into a very full fridge. Behind him, Abby says, “So she just fucking made seven pies?” David, “That’s Mom for you. You and Michelle can take some of the leftovers. I know you both hate cooking.” He shuts the fridge door. Abby, “Okay, so when am I supposed to start getting shit out of the fridge?” David, “I dunno, when people start showing up, I guess.” Abby, “Are you sure Jack will be up for a party?” David, “Well, we’re not exactly throwing a massive rager. We don’t even have alcohol, Jack can’t drink any more, that causes seizures! Besides, if getting out of the hospital after five months doesn’t warrant a party, what does?” Abby, “Alright, alright…” she thinks for a moment, “So, are you sure that you’re ready for all this?” David, “Yeah. It’s just a party.” Abby, “No, I mean like, Jack being home. Taking care of him.” David, “Absolutely. I’m ready to devote my life to just Jack. I want this.” Abby nods apprehensively, “Okay.” David, “What?” Abby, hesitant, “Michelle is worried that Jack’s gonna come home, and whenever he has a seizure, you’re gonna have a huge panic attack like you did at the hospital.” David, “That only happened once. I didn’t know what was going on!” Abby, “Yeah, Michelle said you’d say that. She said she told you about his seizures and exactly what happens, and you still freaked out.” David, “I’m not gonna freak out again, okay? I’m prepared this time, and I’ve been working with Dr. Othman. Besides, it’s not the seizures that I worry about, it’s the headaches. He’ll get up after a seizure, the headaches knock him flat.”  There’s a knock at the door. David looks at his watch, “Shit, it’s early!” Abby, “It might be Frankie. He’s not great with clocks.” David goes over to the door and answers it. Beth stands on the other side, behind Randy. Randy, “She says she knows you but won’t tell me her name.” David, “Oh, shit.” Beth, “It’s nice to see you, too, David.” Randy, “So you do know her?” David, “Yes.” Abby looks over at the door, “Oh. Fuck. Yeah, I’m getting out of here. Good luck, David” She awkwardly slides past David and Beth and disappears. David, to Randy, “Let her in.” Beth steps into the apartment, and David shuts the door. David, “What- what are you doing here?” Beth, “I was in town. I wanted to see you.” David, “Um, Jack is coming home today, so if you want to say anything to me, you’re gonna have to make it quick.” Beth, “Yeah, I know. And don’t worry.” She looks around at the lux decor, “This is nice.” David, “Yeah. Jack… Jack has a lot of money.” Beth sits down and looks around. David, “So, um, where- where have you been? I tried asking around after Council, everyone said you’d left.” Beth, “I went back to Carmel.” David, “Okay. Wh- what are you doing here?” Beth looks David square in the eye, “David, you got me pregnant.” David sinks down into a chair, numb with shock, “I- I… What?! I- I always used protection!” Beth, “Yeah, you never did check the expiration date on those condoms, did you?” David gapes at her, still utterly stunned. Beth, “I had an abortion two days ago. It’s why I’m here in Shiloh.” David’s heart shatters. He tries to swallow the hard lump in his throat, but it won’t go down, “Wh- Why are you telling me this?” Beth, “I thought you deserved to know. You deserve to know that I could have ruined you, but I didn’t.” David, “I- thank you. I think.” Beth, “I thought about it. I really did. I could make your infidelity known to the whole world. But I don’t want that. I joined the AFG because I wanted to take my place in history. I don’t want that place to forever be the girl who fucked David Shepherd.” David, “Beth, I am sorry.” Beth, “Yeah, well, tell that to Ryan.” David, “If you loved him so much why the fuck did you sleep with me?!” Beth shakes her head, “You really have no idea, do you? The way you affect people. What people will just blindly give to you. How easy it is to fall in love with you.” David, “I have said from the very beginning that I love Jack.” Beth, “Your mouth said that. Your dick said something else.” David stares, silenced. Beth, “So it looks like you get what you want. Fuck everyone else, right? Who cares what all they sacrificed for? You’re fine. You have your boyfriend and a nice apartment, and you don’t have to worry about being king,” she sniffs, “I’m going back to Carmel. I hope I never see you again,” She stands up, “I’m lucky. I get to walk away. You don’t get to ruin my life completely.” She leaves. David sits by himself, stunned and silent. After a few long moments, Abby enters, “David, what the fuck was that?” David, “Nothing.” Abby, “Seriously? Nothing?” David shakes his head, “Trust me, you don’t want to know.”

Sundown, back in the SUV, David stares morosely out the passenger window as Randy drives. Randy, “Hey, listen-” David, “Not now, okay? I mean, I’m trying not to be an asshole, but I’m feeling a little overwhelmed right now.” Randy sighs, “Sure thing.”

David walks into the lobby of the rehab center, where Jack’s suit-wearing palace security team waits for him. The lead guy says into his earpiece, “Boyfriend is here.” David, “Where’s Jack? I want to get out of here.” Guy, “In his room. We have a few last-minute changes in the plan we need to make.” David, “We’re just going home, how complicated does it have to be?” Guy, “Our orders are to bring the prince to his new residence without him being seen.” David rolls his eyes, “Whatever. Just let me go see him.”

Guy leads David down a hallway. One of the doors is open. Jack waits sitting in a wheelchair in a room full of security guys. He sees David coming and smiles brilliantly, “Hey, babe!” David smiles back at him, and kisses him on the cheek, “Hi, Jack.” He stands up and looks at Jack’s security guys, “Can I have a moment alone with him, please?” The guys leave the room, and David shuts the door. He moves a seat over beside Jack’s wheelchair and sits down. Jack, sensing something’s up, “What?” David sighs, “Um, Beth showed up.” Jack knits his brow in concern. David, “It’s okay, I she’s…. she’s not pregnant. She, um. She had an abortion.” Jack doesn’t say anything. David, “I thought it would be better telling you than not telling you. She- she said she never wanted to see me again, and I believe her, so, hopefully that’s something we don’t have to worry about in the future.” Again, Jack doesn’t say anything. David sighs heavily, “Are you okay?” Jack, “Yeah.” David, “Are you mad at me?” Jack, “No.” David, “You’re allowed to be mad at me.” Jack, impatiently, “Home.” David, “I kinda wish you’d be mad at me.” Jack, “Home!” David, “Okay.” David gets up and opens the door. He says to to the security guy out there, “We’re ready to go.” Security guy, “It’ll still take a few minutes. We’ve got a few delays.”

Out in the lobby of the rehab center, Jack’s lead security guy strains to keep his patience as he explains to David, “We were anticipating a discreet exit, but our plans relied entirely on keeping the date of the prince’s release secret. Right now, there’s an army of paparazzi all eagerly awaiting their chance to snap a picture of you two leaving.” David, “What? Did somebody leak something?” Behind Security Guy, Randy speaks up, trying not to laugh, “They knew Jack was getting out soon and then they saw you bringing home a bunch of catering and realized there’s only one reason you’d be bringing home a bunch of catering.” David, “Oh.” Security guy, “Now we have to arrange three decoy vehicles so we can get you home safely!” Every single one of Jack’s security guys give David a dirty look. Randy, “I tried to warn you, man.”

David sits scrunched down in the back of an SUV, where he can’t be photographed. Jack lays down across the seats, his head in David’s laugh. David, “Oh my god, I’m such an idiot. This is all my fault.” Jack laughs. David, “It is my fault!” He looks up at the window above his head, which flashes with camera flashes. Jack reaches up and snakes his hand around the back of David’s head. He pulls him down and kisses him on the lips. David sighs and looks him in the eyes. Jack smiles at him. David, “I’m bringing you home.” Jack, “Home.”

[glitterandrocketfuel]

YBC Hot Takes: Death Valley

This one took me a while! As the story comes closer to the final confrontations, the plots are getting more complex, and more characters make their appearance as Patrick works through the understanding that "solo career" doesn't mean you're only answerable to or influenced by yourself.

Sacrificed in a crime of passion and despair by a demonic Patrick caught in brainwashed hallucinations, Joe takes a journey to the underworld, while Pete and Andy are stymied by the authorities and rescued by a mysterious double-agent. 

Death Valley - When you Walk Through Hell, You Come Out On Fire

Cutting off your creative instincts isn't as easy as depriving it of oxygen. Creativity is an extremophile, and it can survive in adverse conditions because humans are stubborn that way, and creative humans, even moreso. Let's go down into the Underworld below the cut to learn what happens when the Devil meets Joesus...

Patrick's Creative Spark is set free to ascend to the Good Place. But wait--not quite--because while Patrick thought he'd severed that part of him, these ties run deep, and they constantly renew themselves. The kid-herald (fan) hijacks his elevator to heaven and the room is filled with ruddy, infernal light as Joe is pulled down and away from the light.

Cut back to the real world. The first symbol we see is the heavy-looking, official-looking ring of (jailer's) keys on the hip of a (gatekeeper) cop. All the tools of an arrest--the fingerprinting, the mugshot. Yes, we can giggle at the sloppy way they hung the height chart because we all know Patrick is not that tall, but then again, this is a distorted point of view where all your vital statistics are scrutinized and over-analyzed and under the microscope and let's not forget how Celebrity makes those in its spotlight Larger Than Life (including their shortcomings and weaknesses).

The clumsy hook that his Confidence (Pete) jury-rigged onto the stump of his hand is forcibly removed (his tool is taken away, as incomplete a substitute as it was) and his still-wounded stump is fingerprinted. Ridiculous on the surface, but underneath, this is a sort of bastardized stigmata exposed to be poked and prodded and manhandled by the gatekeepers as he is incarcerated and categorized and chained.

In the dark and shadowy interrogation room, his Integrity and Confidence await cross-examination from the gatekeepers. Locked away from the outside world, where their freedom is curtailed by the gatekeepers and dependent on how they interact with those gatekeepers. As they're trying to make a case to the skeptical inquisitors, the zombie-like, broken Patrick (devoid of his Creativity and cut off from his Integrity and his Confidence) shuffles in chains towards the holding cell where the gatekeepers lock him up into a little, pre-defined prison box and leave him there.

Meanwhile, Joe has descended into a hellishly-lit room filled with all sorts of distracting temptations of the senses--scantily-clad dancing girls in high heels, ostentatiously-decorated walls and luxurious furnishings, and refreshments served with cleavage and a smile.

I feel like it's important to note here that Joe is extremely happy having a frosted donut and more interested in a swig and a smoke than, say, motorboating the generous and available cleavages here.

It's one of the consistent trademarks of the Fall Out Boy video aesthetic that these guys are Awkward Around Girls and in point of fact, the women in their videos, even when they're cast in objectified roles, are never themselves objectified, and almost always, the hallmarks of objectification are trope-subverted and played for laughs, gender-flipped, or lampooned outright.

Just as he's partaken, Joe looks up to see the rock god of sinners himself, Tommy Lee, descending the stairs.

Here we can say that Joe turned his focus to his metal band during the hiatus and all the trappings of Hell resemble the 80's metal aesthetic (right down to the donuts as an obscure Van Halen/David Lee Roth reference), but since this is about Patrick and his walk through the Valley of the Shadow of I Miss My Band, Joe as Patrick's Creative Spark, cut off from Patrick himself, wounded by rejection and criticism and failure, has gone to ground in the underworld.

It's important to note here that in most mythologies, the Walk Through the Underworld is not, in fact, a final destination, but rather the journey that must be taken by a god or hero in order to unlock their greatest powers to their full potential. And indeed, it's a walk down a dark tunnel to meet the scariest devil in the underworld--your own bad self.

Tommy Lee, rock legend and fallen god is Joe's future metal self, distilled into the base elements of rock and roll, recursively defined in human shape. Tommy Lee is what happens when there's no direction, no boundary, no guidance placed on that creative urge, where it follows its distractions, sometimes to dizzying heights, but sometimes getting lost in itself until it becomes self-indulgent and inwardly directed and exists only to serve its own ego (kiss the ring, Joe. Get the tattoo that shows the blind/dead smiley with the horns instead of the crown and pyramid).

Back in the jail cell, boxed in by the industry gatekeepers who penalize you when you don't fit into the neat little boxes, Patrick's a caged animal, observed through a small mirror (reflection) by another, unseen inmate for the briefest of moments.

His Integrity and Confidence are not giving the answers the gatekeepers want, and they're getting angry. But a small ray of hope comes in the form of a cryptic note slid under the door, referencing she who wears the crown but is no princess.

In terms of the Parts of Patrick, Patrick is hemmed in by the expectations of the industry, the pressures bearing down on him over performance expectations, and a dwindling financial investment (he said he was never in danger of going broke, but we all know that if you've ever been poor in America, you never really shake the feeling that you're always one disaster away from going right back there).

He's stifled (choked) his Creativity and it's gone to ground in a self-indulgent downward spiral.

His Confidence and Integrity aren't enough to impress the Gatekeepers, but they aren't out of the game entirely. It turns out that the industry has chewed up and spit out others.

Patrick's core selves can learn from their forebears by listening to a woman who wore a crown, but was never a princess. Ladies and gentlefans, I'd like to introduce you to Queen Courtney Love. If anyone had reason to want to torch the music industry and fans, it's the Widow Cobain, the Scarlet Woman, the Trash Queen who took the haterade spewed at her by an industry and a public that blamed her for a tragedy that wasn't her fault, and not only did she accept it, she wore it like a crown. Through it all, she made music of it, mocking the celebrity culture, mocking their caricatures of her and playing so far into the trope that she came out the other side.

Seriously, Hole put out amazing girlpunk and made such great videos and so much of it was underrated and overshadowed by Courtney Love's tabloid drama (echoing the situation of someone else we know, hmmm?).

In this interpretation, though, Courtney severed from her other Selves and failed to reunite. Much like Patrick, she became a slave to the Cult and eventually, its leader. Her Spark, the part of her that was never spoiled from the outside, is instead working to sabotage the cult from within and reaching out to other sparks like Confidence, but she really connects with Integrity--of keeping yourself in the face of the caricature everyone else throws back at you (this is an important internal step for Patrick as he leaves behind the particular malleability of youth in an industry that has no use for malleable grown-ups).

Pete and Andy arrive at the mystery woman's garage (band) hideout. She reveals the extent of the conspiracy that took hold of Patrick and her status as a double-agent in the anti-music cult. She instructs Pete and Andy in the cult's inner workings, gives them targets, then arms them (with really crazy-cool instrument-weapons). As she's pondering the reach of the cult, Andy returns for a stolen moment of affection before departing once more.

Back in the Underworld, Patrick's Creativity is indulging in all the vices including the perception-altering (and let us all just love these little muffins because in the middle of all the gyratin' wimmin, Joe exchanges his best smoochies with his French bulldog).

He's jamming with the Prince of Darkness and shredding with the rock god and plumbing the intricacies of an unbridled, unbound state of existence. Two charming ladies are particularly attentive when Joe takes his unholy communion and descends further into distorted perception. In this tableau thus far, the party has been Joe, Tommy Lee, and a lot of ladies, with a few Men In Suits looking on from the balconies. But one of Joe's ladies gives a Look that can't be accidental and the situation changes.

Into this altered-state of decadence come the sobering (literally, maybe?) Men In Suits. One of whom trades a girl a hot dog (What kind of Hot Dog Hell is this? Nevermind, we're just going with "it's Fall Out Boy"). The change in atmosphere reveals the ladies to be heralds hovering protectively around Joe as he begins to sober up while the party takes a subtle turn.

Meanwhile, Patrick's cell is approached by the gatekeeper again, only this time flanked by two familiar Vixens, one bearing Patrick's hook. As his cell is opened, his Creativity is dragged back out of the Underworld by the heralds.

Patrick is terrified of the Vixens, but the gatekeepers and Vixens are working together--both seek to turn Patrick into a tool for their own ends, and as long as he's separated from his soul-parts, he's powerless to do anything to stop them.

Patrick's Confidence has been armed with knowledge of the moving parts (and let's be honest--Pete has always been very cognizant of the moving parts of fame, celebrity, attention, and buzz, and how they affect your reception and others' perceptions) and the weapon to cut through the bullshit.

His Integrity has Connected with a kindred spirit that provides him with a roadmap that just might lead him out of the darkness.

Finally, having spent enough time down there licking its wounds and dulling its pain, Patrick's Creative Spark is called out of the Underworld. He has seen his own indulgences taken to the extreme--he's been warned--but by the same token, that time spent away from the slings and arrows of the world has allowed his Creative Spark to emerge with new perspective and even greater power for having walked through Hell and come out on fire.

[hello-there]

Communities are a new way to connect with the people on Tumblr who care about the things you care about! Browse Communities to find the perfect one for your interests or create a new one and invite your friends and mutuals!

[waffletoast215]

It’s time for an updated Three Tail cast pic! This one introduces their rival band (whose name I still haven’t come up with yet). 

I’m including character bios for everyone in the photo just to keep it up to speed, but I’ll put them under the cut. 

Background Texture From: https://www.pixiv.net/member.php?id=3090998

Characters from left to right: Chico Perla, Aku Maka, Ji-Ku Maka (Olives sitting on his head), Kento Shimura (Lentils sitting on his shoulder), Sai Fuji and Je-Muzu Masamoto. 

Character Bios: Three Tail

Ji-Ku Maka: Multi-talented yet self absorbed, Ji-Ku is a popular guy. His fame goes to his head, so he tends to brag a lot. He’s optimistic, energetic and can be childish. He even likes to flirt with his fans sometimes. He tends to be airheaded and he’ll often make bad decisions because he doesn’t think them through. Because of this he tends to get on the nerves of his younger brother, Aku. 

He’s an extrovert who can’t live without attention, which is part of why he loves being an idol. He doesn’t understand it when people aren’t interested in him. Also, don’t mention to him that he’s short: he hates that. He tends to have a short temper at times, but deep down he’s a nice guy. He likes to sing the most, but can also play the guitar. 

Aku Maka: The opposite of his older brother Ji-Ku, Aku is introverted, pessimistic and not very confident. If he’s under pressure he can even suddenly start stuttering, or lower his voice so that it sounds much quieter. Despite being an idol, he can get easily flustered when all eyes are on him. However, he’s also the smartest member of the group, and he’s a nerd for music, video games, and pop culture in general. He tries to hide this because he wants his fans to think he’s more “cool”; his main obsession is fashion, and he constantly seeks out clothes that will help him maintain a “cool” image. 

Even though sometimes he can doubt his own work, he’s overjoyed when his fans are happy, and deep down, a part of him is proud of himself, even if he might not realize it sometimes. As a result of his pessimism and insecurity, he has a tendency to be very snarky, especially to Ji-Ku, who often annoys him. 

He can sing, and he can even play the piano. Performing slowly but surely is getting him out of his shell. He has an alter ego as a drag queen, which he adopted to not only try out more fashions but mainly to help him conquer his stage fright. 

Sai Fuji: Sai first ran into Ji-Ku and Aku when they first moved to Sekyuo, and he’s been their best friend and third band member ever since. He’s a reliable and loyal guy who is usually the most calm and logical member of the group; when Ji-Ku and Aku get into scuffles he’ll be the one who stops the fighting. However, he hides a nasty jealousy problem, mainly because he’s a fox within a nation that just adores cats, and he’s less popular than Ji-Ku and Aku are. His jealousy can make him act almost bratty as a result sometimes, and he could even lose his cool and burst into a crying fit if it gets too extreme. However, he’s usually very nice and will go out of his way to do things for people. 

He has a habit of getting easily smitten for handsome men, and as a result he can be easily influenced or even pushed around by his crushes at time. He often gets bashful, however, and refuses to admit if he has a crush on someone. He has had playful crushes on both Ji-Ku and Je-Muzu in the past among others, but truthfully he’s easily enamored by anybody in a boyband, as he’s been a fan of boybands since he was a kid, and to this day is still a walking encyclopedia of boyband trivia. Despite his strong emotions, none of his crushes ever actually mean anything however, and he’s okay with just being everyone’s friend. 

When Ji-Ku and Aku get into their antics he’ll try his best to stop them; however stern lectures don’t usually work on them, so he rarely gets through. Sometimes he’ll even join them, albeit reluctantly at first. Although they frustrate him, he really does care about them and would probably be alone without them.

He likes to sing but also can play guitar/bass.

Olives: A very bossy cat who’s the group’s manager, and often times their songwriter and producer, too. She’s very honest and is never afraid to say what she thinks. She tries to be imposing in order to make up for her small stature, since people don’t take her seriously; she wants to be a legend and considered an important player in the music industry. She has an affinity for “hip” or street fashions, since she thinks they make her look more formidable. Sometimes she makes the guys do things simply because she has that authority and she loves having people at her whim. She might just hide a caring side for them, though. 

Being a cat, sometimes she likes to use her cute charm to her advantage. She can be cute one minute, but loud and scathing the next. Most of the public isn’t even aware of just how vile her attitude can get. 

Although it may not be obvious at first glance, Olives is actually quite smart and experienced, and is great at giving advice to anyone who gets on her good side. She even went to college, although she was easily distracted whenever a teacher used a laser pointer.  

She and the boys get on each other’s nerves frequently. However, over time she learns to be less harsh towards them as they melt her once-cold heart. 

The Rivals (Band Name Still Unknown)

Kento Shimura: He’s half scorpion and, true to his species, has plenty of sting as a result of his mischievousness and wit. He has a “bad boy” image, and presents himself as being edgy. He likes to play tricks on people because he loves feeling like he’s got the upper hand, and he even likes to use his tail to hang upside down and surprise people. He’s prone to making sassy quips. He’s quite pretentious, stubborn, and can even hiss when provoked; this personality leads to him often being at odds with Ji-Ku, his main rival.

Although he maintains a tough image in public, truthfully he doesn’t like how people are often scared of him due to his being part scorpion. Out of the public eye, he likes to write poetry and is also a fan of traditional tea ceremonies. He’s quite confident and proud of his work, but he doesn’t boast explicitly like Ji-Ku does; however, when challenged he always feels a need to assert his superiority. 

 He’s a great singer, and is surprisingly adept at playing an acoustic guitar, despite what his hardcore image might suggest.

Chico Perla: A chihuahua boy of foreign ancestry. He’s one of the few people shorter than Ji-Ku, but he doesn’t mind. Although he appears to be a child at first glance, he’s only small as a result of his species. However he acts just like a child; he’s very jumpy, fun-loving and adventurous. Because of his constant energy, he usually needs to be supervised, as he has a tendency to break things. He also tends to talk a lot, regardless of people want to listen. Because of his cute, childish appearance, he tends to get things handed to him, and is often taken aback when he isn’t entitled to things.

Not only does he sing, but he loves to act, especially in Broadway-style musicals. His bandmates don’t really understand his love for musicals and theater, but they support him regardless. He also can play drums.

Je-Muzu Masamoto: A close friend of Chico’s and usually the one who attempts to keep him out of trouble. Je-Muzu tends to have “bro”-ish tendencies due to his love of exercising and his obsession with looking at cars, despite the fact that he often doesn’t actually understand how they work. Behind his “bro”-ish exterior however, his main passion is zen culture, and he’s quite knowledgeable about incense and chakras. This allows him to maintain a cool head, even in chaos (most of the time). He even has a miniature zen rock garden he likes to care for, but he has to be careful with it since he’s so strong, he sometimes accidentally breaks the rake and has to buy a new one. He’s also quite the outdoors-man, especially compared to Kento and Chico. 

He tends to be proud, especially of his strength, and often can’t relate to other people’s situations; he means well, though, and will try his best to be a protective guardian when called upon. He has a powerful voice, but can also play the piano and keyboard. 

Lentils: The band’s manager, a very tiny Scorpion who is close to Kento. However, they’re nothing alike; Lentils desires nothing more than to be loved and to be seen as “cute”. Unlike Olives, she’s soft spoken, polite, and friendly, and she never wants to offend anybody or step on anyone’s toes. She gets quite sad when she sees people shriek and run away from her in fear, though, and she wishes people wouldn’t judge her just because she’s a scorpion. 

Just like Olives, she went to college, and she’s very book smart. She’s quite the talented songwriter and producer as well. She has trouble at social gatherings, though, mainly because she’s so small she often has to raise her voice and elevate herself in order to get noticed. She has difficulty even handing out her business card unless Kento holds her in his palms so she can make eye contact with people. 

Despite being a manger she is easily manipulated and a pushover due to her wanting to fit in more than anything else. 

[demitgibbs]

An Interview with Drag Superstar Latrice Royale

I moved to South Florida 21 years ago and after a few months I met Latrice Royale, and we have been friends ever since. I have seen her at her lowest and now at her highest as a much sought after entertainer (Drag Race and All-Stars alumni) around the globe, and the one thing I can tell you is that she is the same person I met 21 years ago. Her heart and soul are the same, and that’s when you know you have a special person. What better time to run this interview than on Pride weekend to show Latrice how very proud we are of her. It was a real pleasure to sit down with my friend for this Hotspots exclusive interview.

Now that you are married, how has life changed for you?

It’s all gotten better. Finding someone that you can really grow with is the most rewarding thing to have happened to me. We’ve actually found that we’re trying to be better for one another. I’m living my best life.

View this post on Instagram

  Happy New Year! We made it! Happy 6 Year Anniversary! Happy 3 Month Wedding Anniversary! Happy 2019!!! I Love my #Husband @christopherlhamblin so much!!!🥰🤗

A post shared by Latrice Royale (@latriceroyale) on Dec 31, 2018 at 11:14pm PST

What’s ahead for Latrice?

The sky is the limit. I’ve already been part of some amazing projects that are going to come out later this year. I’m pursuing acting for more scripted television and theatre. And of course continuing to grow my businesses and my work within the community.

Speaking of the work you’re doing with the community, what drove you to do the work you do?

It’s my passion to work with people that drives my contributions to the community. I believe it’s important to get involved with matters of the heart. I found myself getting involved with the movement toward Marriage Equality, Amendment Four, as well as local community issues. I’ve always been a champion for equality and what’s right!

Another way you have been giving back is with your pageant Mr. and Miss Pride South Florida, how did that come to be?

As you know I’m an old pageant girl at heart. I wanted to bring the pageant back to give a platform and opportunity for growth for each individual that participates. Pride South Florida Pageantry is unlike any other system. We offer an opportunity to actually compete in a “national pageant” environment. It is held in a proper theatre at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. We want all of our contestants to feel like kings and queens. And the winners are signed to an international management company. All for the elevation of the art!

RELATED:

You mentioned your interest in going more into television and theatre, can you tell us more about that?

I’m glad you asked! LOL. I just got done working on a new project that I’m very excited about! I am acting and even served as a consultant to the writing staff, which was a whole new direction for me altogether, but that made it one of the most amazing experiences. After getting incredible feedback from my performance during filming, I can’t wait for you all to see it later this year.

I noticed by your schedule you’re very busy, how do you balance your work with your marriage?

Well I have to tell ya, it takes a lot of patience, communication and understanding! I am blessed to have a loving husband that gets it! It’s not easy; we make sacrifices for our marriage to build stability for our future. Unfortunately, we have to work because we are NOT rich! LOL. Even though we are apart from each other, having a partner with common goals is the key to our success.

I’ve noticed that part of your company has moved into production, could you tell us how that came about?

We already were producing the Pride South Florida Pageant and I had already worked with Peaches Christ, who had written “Mister Act” as a vehicle for me to star in. Therefore, when the idea came up to bring that show to Florida, we felt this would be a great opportunity for the community to be involved. We cast all local talent, including the Pride South Florida Royalty, to create one amazing production. We love bringing a taste of San Francisco to South Florida and will definitely be bringing more Peaches Christ to our lives.

If you’re on the road all the time how do you manage to produce these theatre shows?

Ah ha! That’s the magic of having a husband with a theatre background! Christopher is the wheelhouse that makes it all possible. He works really hard making sure that everyone feels valued for their time and effort while keeping the engine full steam ahead. We actually could not pull it off without his work. Like I said, it’s good to have a husband that gets it.

With Pride Season on the horizon, tell us your thoughts on Pride?

I’ve always said that Pride is my favorite time of year. Although we celebrate Pride Season, I’m a firm believer that “Pride” is a lifestyle! I celebrate Pride every day of my life. Knowing who I am and what I stand for, not only within my community but worldwide, is what makes me proud of who I am. I’ve been through a lot and I’ve seen even more. If I can continue to help others see the beauty and potential within themselves, then my job is done. Happy Pride and remember to be the best YOU that YOU can be!

For more information about Latrice or to purchase any of her merchandise (check it out, its fierce) go to LatriceRoyale.com.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2019/02/21/an-interview-with-drag-superstar-latrice-royale/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/182960263145

[hotspotsmagazine]

An Interview with Drag Superstar Latrice Royale

I moved to South Florida 21 years ago and after a few months I met Latrice Royale, and we have been friends ever since. I have seen her at her lowest and now at her highest as a much sought after entertainer (Drag Race and All-Stars alumni) around the globe, and the one thing I can tell you is that she is the same person I met 21 years ago. Her heart and soul are the same, and that’s when you know you have a special person. What better time to run this interview than on Pride weekend to show Latrice how very proud we are of her. It was a real pleasure to sit down with my friend for this Hotspots exclusive interview.

Now that you are married, how has life changed for you?

It’s all gotten better. Finding someone that you can really grow with is the most rewarding thing to have happened to me. We’ve actually found that we’re trying to be better for one another. I’m living my best life.

  View this post on Instagram

  Happy New Year! We made it! Happy 6 Year Anniversary! Happy 3 Month Wedding Anniversary! Happy 2019!!! I Love my #Husband @christopherlhamblin so much!!!🥰🤗

A post shared by Latrice Royale (@latriceroyale) on Dec 31, 2018 at 11:14pm PST

What’s ahead for Latrice?

The sky is the limit. I’ve already been part of some amazing projects that are going to come out later this year. I’m pursuing acting for more scripted television and theatre. And of course continuing to grow my businesses and my work within the community.

Speaking of the work you’re doing with the community, what drove you to do the work you do?

It’s my passion to work with people that drives my contributions to the community. I believe it’s important to get involved with matters of the heart. I found myself getting involved with the movement toward Marriage Equality, Amendment Four, as well as local community issues. I’ve always been a champion for equality and what’s right!

Another way you have been giving back is with your pageant Mr. and Miss Pride South Florida, how did that come to be?

As you know I’m an old pageant girl at heart. I wanted to bring the pageant back to give a platform and opportunity for growth for each individual that participates. Pride South Florida Pageantry is unlike any other system. We offer an opportunity to actually compete in a “national pageant” environment. It is held in a proper theatre at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. We want all of our contestants to feel like kings and queens. And the winners are signed to an international management company. All for the elevation of the art!

RELATED:

You mentioned your interest in going more into television and theatre, can you tell us more about that?

I’m glad you asked! LOL. I just got done working on a new project that I’m very excited about! I am acting and even served as a consultant to the writing staff, which was a whole new direction for me altogether, but that made it one of the most amazing experiences. After getting incredible feedback from my performance during filming, I can’t wait for you all to see it later this year.

I noticed by your schedule you’re very busy, how do you balance your work with your marriage?

Well I have to tell ya, it takes a lot of patience, communication and understanding! I am blessed to have a loving husband that gets it! It’s not easy; we make sacrifices for our marriage to build stability for our future. Unfortunately, we have to work because we are NOT rich! LOL. Even though we are apart from each other, having a partner with common goals is the key to our success.

I’ve noticed that part of your company has moved into production, could you tell us how that came about?

We already were producing the Pride South Florida Pageant and I had already worked with Peaches Christ, who had written “Mister Act” as a vehicle for me to star in. Therefore, when the idea came up to bring that show to Florida, we felt this would be a great opportunity for the community to be involved. We cast all local talent, including the Pride South Florida Royalty, to create one amazing production. We love bringing a taste of San Francisco to South Florida and will definitely be bringing more Peaches Christ to our lives.

If you’re on the road all the time how do you manage to produce these theatre shows?

Ah ha! That’s the magic of having a husband with a theatre background! Christopher is the wheelhouse that makes it all possible. He works really hard making sure that everyone feels valued for their time and effort while keeping the engine full steam ahead. We actually could not pull it off without his work. Like I said, it’s good to have a husband that gets it.

With Pride Season on the horizon, tell us your thoughts on Pride?

I’ve always said that Pride is my favorite time of year. Although we celebrate Pride Season, I’m a firm believer that “Pride” is a lifestyle! I celebrate Pride every day of my life. Knowing who I am and what I stand for, not only within my community but worldwide, is what makes me proud of who I am. I’ve been through a lot and I’ve seen even more. If I can continue to help others see the beauty and potential within themselves, then my job is done. Happy Pride and remember to be the best YOU that YOU can be!

For more information about Latrice or to purchase any of her merchandise (check it out, its fierce) go to LatriceRoyale.com.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2019/02/21/an-interview-with-drag-superstar-latrice-royale/

[fabianigiraneza]

WAR ON EVERYONE

War on Everyone is a profoundly conflicting anachronism. It is a 2017 buddy cop comedic-action film from the English/Irish filmmaker John Michael McDonagh and stars Alexander Skarsgard and Michael Pena as corrupt police officers, with Theo James and Tessa Thompson in supporting roles. It has moments of incredible grace, lovely comedic beats and a cast of talented actors. However, it bafflingly includes numerous offensive lines and retrograde ideas. It is truly feast or famine.

Any film that has Tessa Thompson and Alexander Skarsgard in significant roles is well worth seeking out. They are such charismatic performers that they elevate the material they’re working with in interesting ways. War on Everyone pairs them off in a compelling romance that really highlights the lighter, fun aspects of their on-screen personas and accentuates their preternatural beauty. They are given the opportunity here to really shine and they exhibit fabulous chemistry. At one point, Thompson and Skarsgard launch into a delightful choreographed dance to a Glen Campbell song that made me wish Damien Chazelle had instead cast them in La La Land.

 The film has many exciting elements. It successfully marries the lightness of the comedy with more violent sequences. Thoughtful philosophical quandaries are pondered, and there is a particularly delightful reference to Robert Mapplethorpe that hints at a deep well of intelligence the script draws from. Skarsgard and Pena employ a winning dynamic as the bad-boy cops. The music choices and cinematography are artful and lyrical in unexpected but gorgeous ways.

There are times when War on Everyone feels like it is grappling with large ideas. Feminism and sexuality come up for discussion organically during character interactions. The cast is refreshingly diverse which allows for multiple interracial couplings to exist. RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Derrick Barry is even featured in two fantastic scenes as the transgender girlfriend of a suspect played by Malcolm Barrett - an important instance of queer representation in a major motion picture that deserves to be lauded.

All of this, however, is soured by the racism and homophobia that litters the film.

A character uses the word “chink” more than once to describe Asian people. A group of Japanese characters are referred to as “Japs” and then subjected to an outrageously offensive impression of a Japanese accent. Pena’s character thinks “negro” is an appropriate term to call black people until finally he is told to use “African American”. After Skarsgard embarrasses himself attempting to play tennis, his two doubles opponents across the net who are dressed in niqabs gather their heads in apparent discussion of his lack of skill so he retaliates with “Alright, no need for a fucking jihad here!”

I was left particularly uncomfortable by War on Everyone’s take on homosexuality. As the title suggests, the film adopts a take-no-prisoners approach by swinging at everything and everyone. The tone heavily telegraphs that no topic is off the table but, in doing so, the film sometimes punches down instead of punching up.

As illustrated in The Celluloid Closet, cinema has struggled since the very beginning of the medium to depict queer characters in authentic ways, and has contributed to the ignorance and fear at the core of homophobia in society. War on Everyone unwittingly reveals itself as dated in the way it presents a main villain played by Theo James who is bisexual, British, cowardly, drug addicted and A PAEDOPHILE. The kitchen sink of evil, if ever there was one. He also has a redheaded henchman who is laughably effete in case the film’s disdain of non-heteronomativity was somehow unclear.

To wit, the cops’ informant (Barrett) is a weak, double-crossing liar so of course he is given a transgender girlfriend. The film makes sure to play for laughs the introduction of Kimberly as played by drag queen Barry. As a final kicker in this feature-length exercise in bad taste, the word “faggot” is tossed around.

I almost wish writer-director McDonagh had been working within the confines set by a larger movie studio with more at stake. They could have reigned in his more unacceptable inclinations whilst keeping the film’s backbone intact. This project had the potential to be as exciting a mix of comedy and action as 2015’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E but it is instead ultimately ruined by poor decisions.

In case one wasn’t already put off by the racism and homophobia, War on Everyone makes sure to spring further hurdles to enjoyment: a strip club scene just when women seemed safe from disgusting objectification, a quip about domestic abuse, a sustained theme of police brutality. This is all wrapped up in a muddled plot that limps to an unsatisfying climax.

I wanted to love a film that seemingly possessed so many appealing qualities, chief among them Alexander Skarsgard and Tessa Thompson. But I was ultimately disappointed by its digressions into vileness.