#drug test chic

[writehaven]

Do I Need a Drug Test for Court in South Florida? What to Know Before You Go

If you've recently been told by a judge, probation officer, or attorney that you need a court-ordered drug test in South Florida, you're not alone — and you're definitely not stuck figuring it out on your own. Every week, people across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties walk into IDENTICO for fast, reliable, and legally recognized drug and alcohol testing services.

Whether it's related to probation, parole, DUI, child custody, or family law, a court-ordered drug test isn’t something you can delay — and showing up unprepared could cost you more than time. From knowing which test is required (EtG, 10-panel, hair, urine, or saliva) to understanding what documents to bring, how fast you’ll get your results, and where to go, this guide breaks it all down with zero fluff.

And here's the good news: IDENTICO offers walk-in testing Monday through Friday at our convenient West Park location, right off I-95. No appointment needed. We’re also open by appointment on weekends if you’re in a crunch.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:

Why Florida courts order drug and alcohol tests

What kind of tests are most commonly required

What you need to bring with you

How soon you’ll get your results

Why IDENTICO is South Florida’s trusted testing site

Let’s make your next step a confident one — starting with the facts that matter most.

Why the Court Orders Drug and Alcohol Tests

Florida courts don’t just hand out drug test orders randomly. These tests serve as a tool for accountability, safety, and compliance — especially when children, rehabilitation, or criminal behavior are involved.

Here are some of the most common reasons a court might require you to take a drug test:

DUI or DWI cases: To verify sobriety or compliance with court-ordered rehab

Probation and parole compliance: Random, scheduled, or post-incident testing

Child custody and family court matters: To demonstrate fitness as a parent

Divorce cases with substance abuse allegations

Adoption or guardianship approvals

Employment disputes or workplace-related legal claims

📌 IMPORTANT: Missing a court-ordered drug test or submitting a test from a non-approved provider can lead to serious consequences, including fines, delayed cases, or arrest.

Most Common Court-Ordered Drug Tests (And What They Detect)

Not all drug tests are created equal. Depending on your case, your court paperwork or probation officer might specify the specimen type and panel required. If you're unsure, IDENTICO’s staff can help you interpret your documentation.

🔹 Urine Drug Testing

This is the most commonly ordered type. IDENTICO offers:

5-Panel Instant or Lab-Based

10-Panel (w/ Oxycodone or Fentanyl options)

EtG Alcohol Urine Test – detects alcohol use up to 80 hours prior

🔹 Hair Drug Testing

Offers a 90-day window of detection

Highly reliable for long-term drug use

Often used in custody and dependency court cases

🔹 Nail Drug Testing

Similar to hair testing in detection length (up to 6 months)

Useful if hair sample isn’t available or allowed

🔹 Oral Fluid (Saliva) Testing

Detects very recent usage (within 24–48 hours)

Less invasive and sometimes used for parole or probation cases

🔹 Breath Alcohol Testing

Immediate results for current intoxication

Used in DUI, post-incident, or suspicion-based testing

🎯 Need a combination? IDENTICO also provides comprehensive multi-panel drug and alcohol testing options, tailored for court use.

What You Need to Bring for Your Court-Ordered Drug Test

Don’t walk in unprepared. Here’s what to bring with you to your appointment:

✅ Government-issued photo ID (must be unexpired)

✅ Court or probation paperwork or referral form

✅ Chain of custody forms, if provided

✅ Business card or contact info of your probation/parole officer

✅ Payment: Debit/credit card or exact cash

📸 IDENTICO also captures your photo digitally, which is transmitted alongside your test results if required by the court or Clearinghouse.

How Long Do Court Drug Test Results Take?

Test processing times depend on whether the test is instant or lab-based:Test TypeResult TurnaroundUrine (5-panel Instant)Same dayUrine (10-panel Lab)1–3 business daysEtG Alcohol (Lab)1–3 business daysHair / Nail (Lab)3–5 business daysBreath Alcohol TestImmediate

You’ll receive a court-admissible result complete with chain of custody documentation and lab certification when applicable.

Walk In or Book Ahead? Here’s How IDENTICO Works

IDENTICO is designed to make legal testing stress-free — no appointments required for weekdays.

📍 IDENTICO Drug & DNA Testing Center Address: 4012 SW 18th Street, West Park, FL 33023 Phone: (954) 239-8590

🕘 Walk-in Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:15 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM 🗓️ Weekend Appointments: Available by prepayment only ($40 convenience fee applies)

We're located just 5 minutes off I-95, with easy access from Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens, Aventura, Pembroke Pines, and surrounding cities​.

Why People Trust IDENTICO for Court-Ordered Testing

IDENTICO isn’t a pop-up lab or shipping center. We’re South Florida’s go-to for legal testing — certified, efficient, and fully compliant with state and federal standards.

Here’s why IDENTICO stands out:

✔️ Court-admissible results

✔️ Fully licensed and FDLE-authorized

✔️ We test using FBI-certified live scan equipment

✔️ Quick turnaround with accurate lab processing

✔️ We accept walk-ins — no long waits or red tape

✔️ Private, secure, and judgment-free testing environment

✔️ Over a decade of experience serving attorneys, caseworkers, and the public

We also use HID Guardian 200 Tenprint Scanners and biometric software from iTouch Biometrics — ensuring your samples meet every legal requirement​.

FAQs About Court Drug Testing in South Florida

1. What type of drug test is required by Florida courts?

Florida courts commonly require urine drug tests, but the exact type depends on your case and the instructions from your probation officer, judge, or attorney. Most often, individuals are asked to complete:

5-panel or 10-panel urine drug tests (to detect substances like marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines),

EtG alcohol tests (which detect alcohol use up to 80 hours prior),

or hair and nail testing for longer detection windows.

For child custody cases, family law, or court proceedings involving minors, hair and nail tests are often used to establish patterns of use over time. Always check your paperwork or call IDENTICO with your court’s requirements — we’ll help make sure you take the correct, court-approved test.

2. Can I walk in for a court-ordered drug test, or do I need an appointment?

IDENTICO offers walk-in court drug testing Monday through Friday at our West Park, Florida location — no appointment needed. That means you can come in as soon as you’re ready without waiting for scheduling.

Walk-in hours:

Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:15 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:15 PM

Weekend testing is also available, but requires a prepaid appointment and includes a $40 weekend convenience fee. Call us before Friday at 3:00 PM to lock in a weekend slot. Our goal is to help you meet your deadline without delay.

3. How soon will I receive my drug test results for court?

Turnaround time depends on the type of test you take:

Instant urine tests: Same-day results

Lab-based urine, EtG alcohol, oral fluid tests: 1–3 business days

Hair and nail testing: 3–5 business days

Breath alcohol test: Immediate results provided on-site

IDENTICO partners with accredited laboratories and uses official chain-of-custody documentation, ensuring your results are court-admissible. If your case is urgent, let us know — we can help expedite where possible.

4. What documents do I need to bring to my drug test appointment?

To complete a court-ordered drug or alcohol test, IDENTICO requires:

✅ A valid, government-issued photo ID (Florida driver’s license, passport, etc.)

✅ Court paperwork, probation officer referral, or chain-of-custody form

✅ Your probation officer’s name, agency, or business card

✅ Payment via debit/credit card or exact cash

If you were issued a case number or OCA/ORI number, bring that too. Our team will verify everything before testing begins so your results are properly submitted to the right agency or court.

5. Are IDENTICO’s drug test results accepted by courts in South Florida?

Yes — IDENTICO is FDLE-authorized, uses FBI-certified biometric equipment, and provides forensically defensible results that are accepted in Florida courts.

We serve clients involved with:

Broward County Court

Miami-Dade County Court

Palm Beach County Court

Parole & Probation Departments

Family and Dependency Court

Our tests meet legal chain-of-custody protocols and are designed specifically for court, legal, and compliance use. Whether you need an EtG alcohol test for DUI, a hair test for custody, or a nail drug test for probation compliance, IDENTICO provides fast, certified, court-ready results.

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Stay Compliant, and Let IDENTICO Handle the Rest

When the court says you need a drug or alcohol test, there’s no room for guesswork. Whether you're dealing with probation, parole, a child custody battle, or a DUI, your next steps matter — and fast, accurate testing from a trusted South Florida provider can make all the difference.

At IDENTICO, we don’t just collect samples — we provide court-admissible results, handle chain-of-custody documentation, and guide you through the process with care and professionalism. We serve people just like you every day from Hollywood, Miramar, West Park, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and beyond.

🔹 Walk in today – no appointment needed 🔹 Get results fast, with affordable pricing 🔹 Meet your legal obligations without delay or confusion

Need help understanding your court order or which test to take? Just give us a call at (954) 239-8590 or stop by our office during business hours. We’re here to make this part of the process as smooth as possible — so you can move forward with confidence.

[alexissimsblog]

930 Medina Studios 3br/1ba

A simple apartment reno for my "and they were roommates" savefile. Originally home to Austin Wentworth—the flat is now shared by him and two other buddies of his from high school/college.

I wanted to keep it simple, dark colors + greens with splashes of white/cream to fit all of their individual styles. I meant for this to be somewhat of a bachelor pad/hangout spot for their friend group so big open windows to let that natural light in was a must. Honestly, Medina Studios has some of the best lighting in San Myshuno.

Which is why I always have the lights off. There is one light in the living room but its a low light so it doesn't overshadow that natural sunlight :)

Download info under cut! ❥

PACKS NEEDED

growing together, highschool years, seasons, and bathroom clutter kit!

CC NEEDED

house of harlix - orjanic part 1

pierisim - MCM all parts

myshunosun - 2023 tranquil bedroom

clutter cat - sunny sundae part 1 (small candle)

sixam - artz living room (plant small)

novvvas - rahat set (eucalyptus plant)

myshunosun - 2022 dawn living

pierisim - david's apartment part 1

myshunosun - 2023 vanity nook

kaiso - rusti.co living

rvsn - back that glass up

harrie - coastal part 5

harrie - octave part 1

myshunosun - 2022 lottie

harrie - Kichen (nectar glasses)

pierisim - living room mini kit

charlypancakes - insomnia

Madame Ria - Basic Luxe Kitchen (plant 01 Fig)

rvsn - on cloud wine bottle

littledica - H&B wall curved tv

littledica - delicato lounge (focused on you wall light)

rvsn - sip sip hooray bar cart

redheadsims - nintendo switch

charlypancakes - miscellanea stuff pack

harrie - kwatei part 1

littledica - eco kitchen (ceramic farmer sink)

*after some testing please note that the update is causing the ceramic farmer sink from the eco kitchen collection to behave strangely for me. if you are also unable to wash dishes with it, please feel free to change it! :)

nickname - playstation 5

peacemaker - hamptons retreat

taurus design - lilith chilling area part 1

charlypancakes - lighthouse

pierisim - tilable kitchen

awingedllama - nostalgia living

sixam - home office (wall screen projector)

peacemaker - hudson bathroom (dynamic hamper)

myshunosun - luna bedroom

syb - fitness (boxing gloves floor)

syb - fitness (medicine ball)

peacemaker - kitayama bedroom

rusticsims- simple kind of modular life

MTS teknikah - amy's garden plants

syb - crossfit (gym bag)

zulf and hakrabr - lets get fit

syb - traveller

illogicalsims - home office

felixandre - florence part 3 (simowa luggage)

sixam - boho bathroom (botanical beauty stool)

house of harlix - bafroom

littledica - chic bathroom

pierisim - winter garden part 2 (i believe with the new update the windows will show up so yay)

OPTIONAL PACKAGES

zulf - bathroom kit becomes functional

basemental drugs - for ashtray

DOWNLOAD OPTIONS

EA ID: midsapphire

[omg-im-such-a-masochist]

The Twelve Disciples Ch. 1

Summary: Pepper Davis is not unknown to the mob world, she’s well aware of the benefits and dangers of this business, but what she’s about to find out is how dangerous it can be for one to stay in between a brother rivalry.

Pairings: Matt Jackson x OFC Pepper x Nick Jackson

Extra thank you to @writtingrose for being the beta for this first chapter

Warnings: +18

Tags: @theworldofotps , @writtingrose , @letsgivethisonemoreshot , @aerynscrichton , @daddyhausen , @melissahausen , @unoficialy-married-to-ace-austin , @sophiewolfheart-blog , @sultryfandoms , @new-zealand-chic , @crowleysqueenofhell , @thealliasylum , @legit9thlunaticwarrior , @baysexuality , @josiewrites , @seeingstarks , @irish-newzealand-idian-dutch , @whenimakeitshine1234 , @moxkindagirl , @sunshinevirus , @im-just-a-mississippi-girl , @tahiri-veyla

The gun nozzle ghosted over Pepper’s shoulder. Her intense gaze was fixed on the ocean outside their bedroom glass door. Nature seemed to mimic the chaotic rumble of emotions that was instilled in her the minute she heard the clicking noise of the gun being cocked behind her head.

This was madness, a silent suicide note. She knew the risks of his plan when she agreed to it. She knew her life would change forever as soon as she stepped foot inside his house. The only thing she wasn’t expecting was to die like this, by his hands. But then again, what else could she expect from him?

Three years earlier…

The 12-D aka The Twelve Disciples were the biggest and oldest mob family in the West Coast area of the United States. Currently being ruled by their third generation, they were vastly known for their fortune and success in drug trafficking as well as prostitution and contraband. The family had partnerships all over Europe and Asia and gained their well-respected fame by being ruthless, merciless, and discreet in their business.

Their symbol was a shiny golden cross, with a crown of thorns at its base, symbolizing their victory over their enemies.

Their symbol was printed all over their products: drug packaging, guns, and even tattooed on their prostitute’s left temple. This was the silent sign and warranty that one was acquiring an authentic 12-D product.

Even though the family was involved in drug trafficking, none of its members consumed any kind of drug or alcohol and that was an important quality one should have before becoming a member of 12-D.

All of this sounded crazy to Pepper’s ears, and she remembered mocking Matt about it when they first met.

“What kind of drug lord doesn’t taste his own product?” She teased with a wicked grin as Matt’s face grew serious “One who doesn’t wish to end his own empire” He took a sip of his Perrier and pulled her closer to his embrace “My goal is to make other people addicted to my product, not myself. Grandpa used to say that a man who uses his own product is a fool. For he will either become his biggest client or his own bankrupt’. We have the right people to perform a quality test if you will, but neither I nor my family have used any of our stuff. And that includes you, little dove. I want a lover, a girlfriend, a friend. Someone I can talk to, not the burden of a potential client who’s looking for some free sample, are we clear?”

“I can still drink wine during dinner though, right?” Was her teasing comeback as Matt only chuckled and answered “Yes, you can, dovey” Before pulling her head down for a kiss.

One year later…

“I don’t know, Matt. It sounds too dangerous” Pepper’s uncertainty could be easily picked up by Matt’s ears, which made him turn around to face the balcony, where she was currently looking for a lighter for her cigarette inside her handbag.

“You know I don’t like when you smoke. That’s not good for you” He stated, reaching into his pocket and fishing a lighter out of the fabric. Matt lit up her cigarette for her, and Pepper blew the smoke in the opposite direction of his face. “Well, too bad. Blame it on your stupid plan” Her hand shook as the white filter rested between her fore and middle fingers. Her brown eyes stared out the shore, watching the seagulls hunting their late afternoon snack before the sun went down.

“This is our last chance to finally take Nick out of the business, dovey. This will be beneficial to all of us in the future! For us to take full control of everything, we need to annihilate Nick for good” Matt’s hand cupped Pepper’s cheek, softly turning her face around so she could face him. “Help me, dovey. You’re the only one I can count on. Please, help me with this. Help me build our own empire”.

Pepper couldn’t believe she was agreeing to this madness. But when she found herself nodding back at Matt, she knew it was too late to go back now.

Now it was the time. In a week she would officially become Nick’s new personal translator and interpreter and she would have exactly six months to ruin his part of the business enough that Matt can take control as well as make him fall in love with her.

In a week she would cut off all ties with Matt and they wouldn’t know each other anymore.

In a week Pepper’s life would change drastically to the craziest and most irreparable nightmare she has ever lived.

In a week, Pepper would follow Dante’s steps up the Mount of Purgatorio, except unlike the character, she wouldn’t have Virgil guiding her through the path.

She would have nothing more than a vicious blue-eyed brother-in-law that was capable of the most horrid things. And that’s what she was afraid of, that instead of climbing up the Mount of Purgatorio towards the Paradiso, she would instead climb down back to Inferno. A place she would never want to go back to again.

One Week Later…

Pepper checked her makeup in the rearview mirror one last time before finally stepping out of the car. She took a deep breath in to calm down her nerves a bit, the intense scent of recently cut grass made her head spin and her stomach turn - all thanks to the crippling fear that successfully installed itself within her as she rang the imposing mansion’s doorbell.

A kind middle-aged woman greeted Pepper and quickly showed her the way inside the house, towards Nick’s office. The white marble floor echoed the sound of Pepper’s heels across the enormous living room, until the women stopped at the dark, imposing wooden office door.

The older woman knocked twice before announcing their presence.

“Mr. Jackson, your guest has arrived”

Pepper’s eyes were met by the stern blue orbs that softened upon her view. Nick abruptly ended his phone call with a sigh and motioned for Pepper to take a seat in front of him before offering her a handshake.

“Would you like anything to drink? Water, coffee..?”

“No, thank you, sir”

With a quick glance at the older woman who stood by the door, Nick smiled “That would be all, Flo. Thank you”.

Once the elderly woman closed the door, Nick began “So, Mrs.” He took a swift look at the folder beneath his palm “Davis”. The new last name still took Pepper off guard from time to time, even though that’s all everyone called her for the past week - including Matt.

“I’ve heard wonderful things about you! Do you mind telling me a bit of your experience?”

“Yes, sir. I have a bachelor’s degree in both foreign language and business. I have worked for several multinational corporations in America as well as internationally. I also have over five years of active experience in the field”.

“And how discreet would you judge yourself to be, Mrs. Davis?”

”Discreet enough to perform my job without disturbing your business” She answered firmly “None of this is new to me, sir. I have worked with a few acquaintances of yours in the past, which is from whom I presume you took my references from”

“And why would you presume that?” Nick asked with a subtle smirk

“Because, and I say this with utter respect, Mr. Jackson. This is an illicit field, sir. I doubt you would call a company like TransPerfect to ask for my references”.

“Fair enough” Nick chuckled, undoubtedly amused and satisfied with Pepper’s professional yet brutally honest answer. “And remind me again which languages are you fluent in, please?

“Yes, sir. I’m perfectly fluent in a total of seven languages and they would be: Arabic, Spanish, Italian, Russian, French, German, and of course English. I also risk some Japanese and Danish here and there but they’re not listed as official languages in my file because I don’t have a proper degree in them”

“Wow, that’s pretty impressive” Nick’s voice was filled with genuine admiration as he continued “If you agree with my proposition” He swiftly pushed the contract towards Pepper “You’ll have a schedule of 40 hours per week, divided equally between 6 days, which will give you a day off. You’re free to choose which day of the week is best for your day off as well as if you desire to live in a house or loft apartment we provide for our staff. Your salary would be equivalent to 250k per year-”. The enormous quantity made Pepper choke with surprise, causing a small cackle to leave Nick’s lips. But she managed to keep her cool while he finished explaining “If there’s a need for you to work overtime, that will also be paid aside from your monthly salary, and if for some reason I need your services during your day off, you’ll also receive extra for it as well as having another day of the week free and paid to fulfill for your lost day off”. He looked over at Pepper with a sly smile “Is everything ok?”

“Yeah,” She choked out “It’s a very generous offer, sir. And a lot to take in so suddenly”

“I understand. That’s why I’d like you to take your copy of the contract to further analyze it. Feel free to show it to a lawyer of your trust if you’d like to do so, but one thing I’ll ask is for you to stay in one of my hotels, at least until we have finished discussing your possible hiring. It’s for secrecy reasons”.

“Yes, of course”

“Great!” For some strange reason, Nick’s smile had a subtle hint of malice behind it “My contact - as well as my lawyer’s - is inside the contract in case you need further clarification and I’ll see you in, let’s say, three days?”

Pepper only nodded back before taking Nick’s hand in a goodbye handshake.

“Thank you for your understanding, Mrs. Davis. I’ll have a driver take you to the hotel”

“Thank you, sir. Have a lovely afternoon”

“So do you” Nick gave her a final goodbye as she left his home office door.

As she sat in the backseat of the comfortable Bentley, Pepper couldn’t shake the feeling that something felt incredibly wrong. She didn’t know what had made her so uncomfortable, but she would later find out, in the future, that this bad feeling was a silent omen for the tragedy that was yet to come.

[redangeldragnet1982]

my reading list +_+

🍀=currently reading

🐩On the Road- Kerouac

🐩From Bauhaus to Our House- Tom Wolfe

🐩The Subterraneans- Jack Kerouac

🐩The Electric Koolaid Acid Test- Tom Wolfe

🐩 The Kite Runner- Khaled Hosseini

🐩 Naked Lunch- William Burroughs

🐩 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest- Ken Kesey

🐩 Doctor Rat- William Kotzwinkle

🐩 The Picture of Dorian Grey- Oscar Wilde

🐩 Still Life With Woodpecker- Tom Robbins

🐩The Dharma Bums- Kerouac

🐩Slaughterhouse Five- Kurt Vonnegut

🐩The Cat Inside- Burroughs

🐩The Wild Boys- Burroughs

🐩The Fall- Albert Camus

🐩 Dr. Sax- Kerouac

🐩 Another Roadside Attraction- Tom Robbins

🐩 Breakfast of Champions- Vonnegut

🐩 The Sirens of Titan- Vonnegut

🐩 Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates- Tom Robbins

🐩 Timequake- Vonnegut

🐩 Slapstick or Lonesome no More- Vonnegut

🐩 The Kandy Kolored Tangerine Flake Streamline Baby- Tom Wolfe

🐩Satori in Paris- Kerouac

🐩Mother night- vonnegut

🍀 Totem and Taboo- Freud

🍀 Society of the Spectacle- guy debord

🐩 Even Cowgirls Get the Blues- Tom Robbins

🐩 Queer- William Burroughs

🍀Junkie- William Burroughs

🐩 Player Piano- Vonnegut

🍀 the situationists and the city

🍀 the great shark hunt- hunter s Thompson

🐩 On Dreams- Freud

🍀 Woolgathering- Patti Smith

🐩 Leonardo da Vinci and a Memory of His Childhood- Freud

🐩 Diary of a Genius- Dalí

🐩 Radical Chic & Mau-mauing the Flak Catchers- Tom Wolfe

🐩The Pump House Gang- Tom Wolfe

🐩Me Talk Pretty One Day- David Sedaris

🐩Small Scale Subversion: Mail Art & Artistamps- John Held Jr.

🐩 With William Burroughs- Victor Bockris

🐩 Frank Lloyd Wright's Furnishings- Carla Lind

🐩 Mauve Gloves and Madmen, Clutter and Vine- Tom wolfe

🐩The Hasheesh Eaters- Fitz Hugh Ludlow

🐩Illuminations- Rimbaud

🐩A Season In Hell- Rimbaud

🐩The Color Out Of Space- HP Lovecraft

🐩Suspiria de Profundis- Thomas De Quincy

🐩The Poetics Of Space- Gaston Bachelard

🐩The World As Will And Representation- Arthur Schopenhauer

🐩Correspondences- Charles Baudelair

🐩Les Champs Magnetiques- André Breton + Philippe Soupault.

🐩Geek Love- Katherine Dunn

🐩 Visions of Cody- Kerouac

🐩Scattered Poems- Kerouac

🐩The Holy Goof- William Plummer

🐩 Learning from Las Vegas- Robert Venturi

🐩 Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture- Robert Venturi

🐩 Desolation Angels- Jack Kerouac

🐩Drugs are nice- Lisa Crystal Carver

[ghostjelliess]

My proudest moment of 2023:

I went back to MI for my cousin's wedding in November (we'll call her cousin A). I was supposed to go back in the summer but a surgery got moved up, so I couldn't go back until the post-op check-up, and that got moved at the last minute to the day before my flight, and involved a small but unexpected procedure. So I trudged back to a place I left immediately at 18 with a whole bag of drugs (amox and Ibuprofen mostly).

I knew I was going back as a kind of personal test. I've worked a lot on myself in the past few years and I hadn't seen my family in a while. I talk to my sisters all the time, but only one of us gets along with our parents. My older sister came home with me and all us sisters stayed at a sister's house. It was a sister party!

My fiance did not come with me, because I wanted to see how well I've recovered, and because he had work stuff, and we made a fun list of reasons he didn't come for the wedding reception. He has great taste and helped me, who is normally at my desk in flannels and a hoodie, hair in a bun, pick out the baddiest of baddie mafia chic outfits. It was a country wedding at the gun club I've been to a million times, and I flew in from Boston in strappy heels, a silk bustier top, and the perfect black pantsuit. I got so many drunk compliments from aunts and uncles that I really look like an East Coast girl now, I genuinely looked like I walked out of a Pinterest cover pin for some Wattpad GL story. My favorite part was when I told them my fiance picked out the outfit and the aunts got jealous cus their husbands would NEVER and the favorite uncles gave that approving nod cus they already liked him (we're going in 13 years), or my sister whining that I'm not allowed to out bi- her when I'm already engaged.

Okay, you've got the scene. I'm chatting with sisters and their girlfriends/husbands, and cousins, and we get sent to the home-made buffet line. One of my younger sisters is in front of me, I'm signing the guest book with her and her quiet husband, talking about hockey. We're squished in the narrow space between the long banquet tables and the guest book table, waiting our turn to enter the narrow doorway into the next room with the buffet. From the other end of the hall, cousin B begins walking our way.

Cousin B is the brother of cousin A, the only grandson out of 15 grandkids. He is my mother's godson. He [sa] @ssaulted me when I was 14 and I found out two years later that he @ssaulted my sister as well (the one standing in front of me). My family handled it poorly as parents (great as siblings, tbh). My dad holds a quiet grudge, my mom and everyone else in that family pretends nothing happened. When my fiance first met my mom's family, cousin B still tried to talk to me. I was like a deer in headlights. I was taking MMA classes and I was judging whether I could take him, we're a football family, but it was my Dziadzia's birthday. My fiance offered to punch him in the parking lot if I wanted (honestly, the sweetest thing he could have said at the time, and when I said no, he dropped it and offered to take me to another restaurant instead, what a guy). In college freshman year, my mom, fully aware of the assaults, was supposed to pick me up, but cancelled last minute and said Cousin B was on his way home from his own school and would be passing through to pick me up. I didn't speak a word, I was livid. Cousin A has said she thought my sister was being dramatic about the past, and when my sister invited cousin A and B to her wedding, she called me to explain that it was her choice and that she saw her forgiveness as a freedom, but she still got choked up and I think my mom convinced her. When I told her I am more spiteful and not inviting them to mine, she said "good." When cousin B tried speaking to me at the bar at her wedding, I was still trapped in those convenient social expectations and I didn't want to make a scene, I took my wines and left, but I felt sick. Shameless, all of them. I hated the pretending.

I knew cousin B was going to be there, with his wife and kids, the favorite because he was the only male in a traditional Midwest country family. I knew and my fiance knew, and I was dressed for the moment. Cousin B was walking toward us, that stupid plastic pretender smile on his face, empty cup in hand, and my sister's shy husband did the cutest thing. He stepped back just a few inches, so she was directly beside him, no longer in the direct line of sight, I dunno, it was cute. I don't see them much, so those little things mean a lot.

Unsmiling, I looked directly at cousin B, up, down, unimpressed. I didn't mean to, this was not a planned encounter, but apparently my expression was scary, like a dare my sister said, a psycho challenge, the "manifestation of the thumbs down emoji" according to another sister. I was disgusted and I did not hide it. I no longer belonged to the pretenders.

Cousin B stopped in his tracks, shuffled back a step, looked at his cup, back at me still staring, down at his cup, then turned and walked back to the dark side of the room, weaving awkwardly between the long empty tables with no excuses. I was not pretending, so he had no power. There was no shame in his face, but there was a hint of fear, and all I thought was good.

I told my fiance later that night, so proud of all the ways I no longer fit there, even though some were uncomfortable and others were sad. He said that's why it's called a power suit, and also that's why sometimes I'm scary to strangers. It's not always because I studied dead people, sometimes it's because I look like I could kill them and get away with it if I didn't hate having sticky hands so much. That's more or less a direct quote, and also one of many reasons why he is my fiance even though I think weddings are dumb.

It was still a rough trip. I found lots of cracks to fix. Coming back to Boston, I was all moody for three weeks, acclimating back to the direct communication and struggling against the ease of reading midwesterners so used to pretending. I still have a habit of hiding instead of pretending, but damn if that unmasking didn't feel good. Here's to more moments of uncomfortable authenticity in 2024, use those expressions, be the thumbs down emoji, boo people in public when they're mean, don't smile when you don't want to. I don't want to punch my cousin anymore, because laughing in his face was so much better, but I wouldn't hesitate to do it if he showed up at my wedding uninvited or walked toward my sister like that again. I may be balancing on the high road for now, but when you take away that pretender barricade, it's pretty easy to jump over the edge, slide down the ravine, and uppercut a loser still reliving his HS football glory days, and that's the kind of freedom and power I'm bringing into this year.

[vileintcnt]

muse masterlist

this is going to be a huge post I'll add to as muses change where I just have a little bit about each muse and a few very generic plot ideas/concepts I have for each one that can be tweaked/built upon. you'll find them under the cut! :)

cassidy bardot ; influencer, vixen, disloyal, party girl, obnoxious, bitchy -> meet her match, give me cat and mouse, give me 'try not to fall in love', give me dad's employee, give me older married men

blaire bardot ; ice skater, strong-minded, competitive, innocent -> give me hockey players(!!), give me 'highest bidder gets a date', give me rivalry, give me smug assholes who she'd HATE, give me enemies to lovers, give me competitors who set off her bicuriosity

nola dempsey ; erotic novelist, charismatic, assertive, aloof -> tbc.

lana gilbert ; supermodel, party girl, luxurious, spoilt, dinner parties, vacations in the hamptons -> give me wild rich people truth or dare, give me billionaire sugar daddies, give me mile high club, give me married men, give me country club employees

natalie abbot ; trophy wife, lonely, hopeless romantic, husband-loathing -> give me harrison/charlotte's friends hitting on her, give me her trying to find her youth in a nightclub and your muse hitting on her, give me flashback threads, give me gala events, give me cheating on her husband

luxe farrow ; scream queen, charismatic, quick-witted, ruthless -> give me on set sexual tension, give me casting call, give me celebrity couples, give me SECRET celebrity couples

remi windsor ; professional ballerina, calculated, competitive, bored easily, bratty, intelligent -> give me all the older men, exclusively, give me married husbands, give me professors, give me politicians, give me parents friends, give me creeps/stalkers

valentina ferreira ; socialite, bitch, manipulative, gaslighter, troublemaker -> give me like sorority girl hazing plots, give me secretly in love with her best friend, give me cocky frat bros, give me sk8r boy

vivian greer ; investigative journalist. hardheaded, defensive, determined -> tbc.

charlotte abbot ; debutante. ditsy, flirtatious, oblivious, materialistic -> I want older men taking advantage of how airhead she is oop, bimbofication, give me date auctions, give me metalhead boys who know how to F U C K lmfao

brandy vega ; magazine director. impatient, confident, forward, dominant -> gimme interns that are in love with her, give me affairs with younger men, give me flings abroad

sawyer devlin ; farmers daughter. naive, innocent, adventurous, bashful -> i want city boys/girls to turn her life inside out, i want sneaking off the farm to go to a dive bar and meet older men, i want farm hands/working tourists flirting with her and making her all blushy and nervous, i want priests testing her faith, i want cute slowburn with the muse who works the coffeeshop she visits when her and her dad run the farmers market

luz montoya ; influencer. flirtatious, wildchild, materialistic -> tbc.

billie buffet ; ranch hand. cocky, sarcastic, wild, hands-on, impatient -> city boys/girls who have no idea how to work on a ranch being teased by billie, billie taking them to the nearest dive bar, lets fuck in the back of this random guys pickup at the bar vibes, sneaking around on the ranch, come with me i know a spot vibes

margot fletcher ; guitarist. manipulative, dorky, sarcastic, stoner -> omg I want moms give me all of the moms, I want margot convincing mothers that they’re goddesses who should leave their husbands, give me doting fans that she can seduce, give me best friends that fall into margot’s arms when their boyfriends are mean

layla fontaine ; singer. sultry, mysterious, chic, inherently sad, flirtatious, wise -> give me older male music producers that she immediately falls in love with, give me older men she can call daddy and write songs about, give me rockstars she would have grown up listening to that she can do drugs with now she’s famous

bowie romero ; rockstars daughter. angry, party girl, defensive, toxic, hopeless romantic -> I want all of the toxic relationships, give me Bowie smashing plates above their head give me flirting with other people in front of each other to piss each other off, give me ripping the hair out of any girl who dares look at her partner, give me best friends who like to talk shit about boys and then go down on each other

dixie gallagher ; waitress/illustrator. sarcastic, melancholy, irritable -> tbc.

martha rossi ; groupie. obsessive, shy, virginal, adventurous, soft -> okay I rlly want rockstars taking advantage of this sweet thing, give me her being handed her first joint/line, give me why don’t you come join me on the tour bus vibes, give me secret relationships give me her being sheltered from the press and growing more and more confident

penelope quinn ; singer. wild, upfront, party girl, suggestive, daring -> i want her to ruin the lives of sweet sensitive muses, give me all of the innocence for her corruption, give me nervous babbling as she sits on their lap give me all of the shy innocent shit, like peaches WILL talk your muses through it

claudia jagger ; tattoo artist/succubus+vampire au. creepy, seductive, hyper-sexual, excitable -> give me everyone susceptible to falling in love with a woman who’s excited to kill you ❤️ like i want her biting thighs mid sex and exposing herself as a vampire meanwhile they just thought she was a lil weird, give me priests omggg, like literally her demonic ass swaying a priest from the church i live

vanessa guerra ; crime wife. passionate, deviant, glamorous, suggestive -> give me bodyguards, give me her husbands biggest rivals, let her light their cigars and perch on their laps, or even like rp as her husband just give me debauch and dangerous, i want her being shown how to fire a gun i want ‘baby he looked at me wrong. kill him.’ vibes

bunny brandt ; ghostface. calculated, mean, condescending, sarcastic -> give me camp slasher vibes, give me omg it looks like we’re the last ones alive that’s so crazy wanna make out and grope each other before i reveal i killed everyone, give me summers working in dingy amusement parks/arcades, give me girls so infatuated and scared that they wanna help bunny with her fucked up ghostface plans

candace jackson ; pageant queen. ditsy, religious, flirtatious, naive -> okay i want pageant judges i want slimy agents i want priests i want older men i want mechanics with dad bods and i want graphic beer bottle experiences and just filthy bimbofication slutty threads for her oop

sofia dewi ; professional thief. manipulative, possessive, cocky -> tbc.

min-jae 'MJ' choi ; professional thief. cunning, irascible, violent -> tbc.

duffy boone ; waitress. shy, inexperienced, wanting, daydreamer, sweet -> I want cute slowburn shit pls, sneaking around so her strict dad doesn’t find out, picking her up on a motorbike to take her on a date, giving her all her firsts, getting her high for the first time just idk cute shit pls ty

farrah stanley ; stripper. materialistic, confident, seductive, bratty, mischievous -> “sorry I don’t have any money, I’ll make it up to you!”, give me rich men coming to the strip club, give me unexpected romance with a best friend she always thought wasn’t interested but has secretly been jacking off to her like his whole life, give me sorry can I borrow your shower? just debauch porn plots basically, I want her to catch her best friends dad jacking it into her panties, or omg is that my friends dad on the other side of this glory hole?

agatha underwood ; bartender. blunt, cocky, manipulative, klepto -> I want someone to be the Clyde to her Bonnie, rob a bank with her, get a gun together and go full robbers music video style, give me planning out the theft in a shitty diner, give me being so in love that they’re willing to die for each other, give me seedy motels hiding out, but also give me the kind of arguing the devil would hide away from, give me accidentally killing someone and having to go on the run, give me disguises and stealing cars and just all that good shit yk?

cam fonseca ; DJ/videographer. anxious, stoner, inexperienced, awkward -> give me them trying to read whether or not someone’s flirting with them and being totally clueless, give me rich girls who are mean to them but secretly wanna be fucked by them, give me skater boy best friends who don’t know how to make the first move, give me lazily touching themselves while they watch a shit movie after getting high just because

tallulah gunn ; chef. snappy, sarcastic, teasing, career-driven -> yes chef kink confirmed give me chef sex, give me fucking in the alleyway behind the restaurant, give me her being desperately in love with her best friend and cooking him amazing meals and telling him he needs to take care of himself meanwhile she loves taking care of him and wants him to notice herrrr, give me her best friend catching her masturbating, give me her restaurant regular who always shows up after the restaurants closed so that she can cook him things off menu, give me her sucking her patisserie professors finger clean

cherilyn langley ; burlesque dancer. charming, excitable, cluttered, party girl -> being in love with the guy who works bar in the club she dances and neither of them knowing it yet, give me spontaneous date nights with tinder matches where she tries and fails to cook them a nice meal in her tiny apartment so they order pizza and sit on the roof give me cute shit give me omg fire fuck and being smitten with the man in uniform who shows up, give me locked out of her apartment and finally having to properly interact with the neighbour who always smiles at her in the elevator, but also give me best friends fucking around and finding out, give me playfights that result in her being spanked and liking it wayyy too much give me omg did you just send me a nude on accident I kind of love it, give me ugh I hate my situationship, should we just fuck?

presley alden ; horse rancher. stoner, opportunist, fun -> tbc.

lola calvo ; roller derby pro/film major. awkward, antisocial, competitive, mean -> give me hot roller skater girls who wanna break through her moody exterior, give me skater boys who would like to do the same, give me rivals in her film class where arguments turn to them kissing her and her being angry at first but then being totally into it, give me popular boy/girl being super into her and her thinking she doesn’t stand a chance

barbie kilpatrick ; fashion major. ditsy, stoner, materialistic, playful -> give me one night stands that turn into multiple night stands, give me fucking in a nightclub bathroom, give me cute alt boys she can steal weed from x give me her getting super angry at a boy she thinks has hurt her friend but it turns out to be his roommate/brother and he asks her on a date omg

eloise booth ; escort/psych major. seductive, materialistic, well travelled, smart, loyal -> give me in love with her professor, give me allllll of the sugar daddies, give me men who worship the ground she walks on and taking her to see the world and give me holiday romances

harrison abbot ; hotel heir. arrogant, obnoxious, entitled, lonely, charming -> give me tipsy kisses shared with his best friends girlfriend who he's in love with, give me Harrison drunk at your muses door feeling sorry for himself, give me rich socialites partying together and fucking in limousines, give me ways for him to show off his stupid wealth, give me pretend to be my girlfriend to appease my overbearing parents, give me sneaking around his hotel at night

fitz aldridge ; f1 driver. hyper-sexual, commitment phobic, suave, flirtatious, driven -> give me all the milfs, moms best friend, teachers, girlfriends mom, all those vibes, give me brothers girlfriend give me best friends girlfriend, like the vibes are definitely adultery, I want best friends that become sexual out of nowhere and then kind of dig it and make it a routine on their nights out until it gets uncomfortable, give me him fucking the sports reporters that interview him after a race

tobias penn ; music producer. romantic, passionate, sensitive, confident -> I want secret relationships and him getting frustrated that they have to keep it quiet because he naturally wants to show her off, give me musicians new to the industry that he helps produce but ultimately falls in love with, late nights in the studio, calling each other to discuss music all the time

ted buffet ; ranch owner. stern, grumpy, bossy, reserved, hard working -> hot girls working at his ranch that he can fuck pls, give me omg you've been teasing me for so long I'm going to fucking break and fuck the shit out of you if you don't quit it, give me him blowing off steam at a bar by fucking someone in the bathroom stalls, give me best friends daughter, give me shy sweet girls that he wants to protect but neither of them can help touching themselves while thinking of the other

waylon buffet ; ranch hand. adventurous, excitable, shy, sweet, golden retriever energy -> omg city girls, show him the world pls, drag him out of his comfort zone make him dance in a bar take his virginity get him love drunk okay I want him to be obsessed, I want him thinking your muse is going to take him to the big city, either city girls coming to the ranch to work or him getting an internship in some big firm where the bosses daughter makes his eyes pop out of his head because damn girls don't look like that back on the farm with their designer shoes and skimpy dresses

roman romero ; club owner. 'bad boy' prototype, sweet, passionate, hopeless romantic, loyal -> your muses dads will HATE him, him showing up out front on a motorbike, sneaking in through your muses window, I want virginal saints who he has to go slow with and they're so desperate for each other it hurts, give me pls just the tip baby I swear, whimpering when he sees her undress vibes, I want him to literally have no interest in anyone but her and protect her from everything, I want him to get extremely jealous of anyone who looks at her a certain way, I want him breaking someones arm for flirting with her, 'apologise to the pretty lady' vibes

ravi sidhu ; lit professor. reserved, romantic, intelligent -> tbc.

sid carpenter ; bassist. flirtatious, cocky, jealous, wild -> pls I want him to have fans that give him their panties and just completely throw themselves at him?? I want him getting public head at crazy industry parties and doing drugs off of titties, I also low-key want him dating a girl who’s just as iconic as he is?? bc pls like her getting him to wear her thong while he’s performing and having pink lace sit above leather trousers is low-key highkey sexy to me it’s very rock and roll coded okay

patrick spence ; drummer. awkward, charming, gangly, dorky, stoner -> okay same as deacon except when your muses throw themselves at him I want him blushing and geeking out, I want him to fall desperately in love with someone, I want like, him and a girl he has no romantic affiliation with watching a movie together that’s kinda sexy and then just mutually deciding they need to masturbate until did you just touch my leg?? leading to fucking each other basically, I want the hot girl at the video store he’s high key obsessed with showing up at one of his concerts and him just completely wilding, I want best friends younger sister I want popular girls who would never be caught dead with him

buzz underwood ; biker. unkind, aggressive, sleazy, offensive, dangerous -> ok but like cliche porn plots give me sons girlfriend stuck in a precarious position and him taking advantage, give me filthy things with beer bottles(oop) give me taking a girl for a ride on his bike and getting roadside head give me entitlement give me free use give me sharing her with his friends ok

connor hawthorne ; law student. psychotic, toxic, manipulative, gaslighter, emotionless, murderer/stalker -> I want toxic relationships for him, I want him to lose it a little whenever they argue I want him begging and desperate for her to come back to him when they break up I want obsession I want him to want to die for your muse but then in the same breath be like the biggest asshole to them ever all the time, I want overprotective toxic jealousy I want him to get slapped and get kinda hard over it 💀

wesley loomis ; ghostface. creepy, fucked up, 'tortured soul', shy without the mask, passionate, clumsy -> pls just give me lots of cliche ghost face plots, 90s/80s slasher vibes, summer camps, mega malls, give me muses that are kinda fucked up and find ghost face sexy oop, give me climbing in your muses window and sending them photos of Wes cutting off their panties

tanner copeland ; conman. sleazy, perverted, intimidating, smug, slick -> omg give me conman vs conwoman, he doesn't expect her to con him and then dip after they fuck so he makes it his life mission to find her and do the same but they start falling in love or in the process they accidentally kill someone and have to go on the run???? and all they do is bicker but then at night when your muse snuggles up to him, he kinda likes it

donovan o’toole ; corrupt priest/demon au. manipulative, charming, snake-tongued, actor, precise -> I'm thinking the most debauch things, spanking your muses clit with the cross , let him just manipulate your sweet muses okay like, convincing them it's okay to sin, bending them over the pews, but also like, your not so sweet muses trying to seduce him and him playing the tortured soul priest act and then all of a sudden switching on them and orgasm withdrawal and edging and rghfernjk yep, ALSO in the demon au, even more debauch and spooky!!

colt campbell ; mechanic. sleazy, perverted, gruff, solitary, self-serving -> give me sorry I can't pay vibes, give me sleazy dive bars, give me neighbours who wanna fuck him showing up on his doorstep asking for 'sugar', give me sitting on his lap while he plays poker with his friends and just like, domesticated vibes oop, but also 'guys you won't believe what a pretty pussy she's got, show my friends sweetheart'

cooper ashley ; porno director. professional sleaze, 'artist', charismatic, big daddy energy -> c a s t i n g c a l l, give me X vibes with crew members thinking they wanna be in the porno and Cooper indulging by showing them how, give me him making a girl a star in the porn industry but them being in love also???

beau ashley ; drug dealer. antisocial, smug, sarcastic, 'bad boy', I hate everything mindset -> waait ugh so like, his brother is Cooper, I'm seeing Cooper always having pornstars in the house and beau being disinterested in them because he's obsessed with this one sweet girl who works in like the local diner or something and they're super conscious because he's surrounded by supermodel level women all the time but he thinks she's the most beautiful girl he's ever seen????

tomas nunez ; investigative journalist/conspiracy theorist. curious, geeky, workaholic, nervous, cute -> give me fellow journalists going on like road trips to see all the alien hot spots and report on them but also like, falling in love??? slow burn, give me women who are forward and confident and him just turning into a babbling mess because he doesn't know how to talk to women, give me stupid cliche hunting big foot shit and like, also unlocking his freaky side in an abandoned asylum or something when your muse lies in the bed and he straps them in and immediately gets hard, but also OKAY IS THIS STUPID IDK, I kind of want him to fuck a hot alien babe, because like, him teaching them everything????? idk eep

michael ostreicher ; wannabe director. dorky, playful, golden retriever, horny -> give me roommates to lovers, give me milfs, give me I shouldn't be in love with you because you're my best friends gf, give me meet cute, give me meet ugly, give me slowburn, give me bridesmaids at a friends wedding??? give me threesomes

kenzo maeda ; videographer. awkward, stoner, weirdo energy, unrealistic -> literally just give me he was a skater boy she said see you later boy vibes, popular girls who act disgusted by him in public but love him in private, give me best friends who have a crush on him and he's oblivious maybe because he's smitten by some popular blonde who hates him and the tension of him finding out and then realising the girl of his dreams has always been thereeeee idk

frankie manetti ; chef. swears all the time, short fuse, rough sex, smokes like a chimney -> yes chef kink confirmed, I kinda love the idea of milfs eating at his restaurant and then wanting to 'pay compliments to the chef' while their husband is still at the table hitting on a waitress, I want him to have a strange relationship with one of the girls who works in the restaurant, maybe his girlfriend is the waitress but him and his chef colleague share way too many looks and tender moments but then the next minute he's swearing in their face telling them that what they've cooked isn't good enough, maybe they cry and he goes to console them and they kiss and then he goes home with his waitress gf and its just like ???

silas st.james ; travel blogger. laid back, adventurous, intelligent, easily smitten -> plsssss I'm just picturing solo travellers meeting him by chance and them travelling together, falling in love and him showing her the world, but also like, him taking work at a beach club or something to fund his travelling and meeting hot moms, I want like, idk the film but they decide to get off the train together?? idk those vibes okay

[something-tofightfor]

Locked Down Part 3: The Cast

Pairing: Dieter Bravo x Female Reader

Word Count: 7,514

Rating: M. Language, mentions of COVID, some alcohol references, some sex talk / relationship talk, drug use

Summary: As the start of filming draws closer, you start getting to know more of the crew members - and one of the location scouts offers you an opportunity that you can’t refuse.

When you meet someone important to Dieter, does it make things better ... or worse? 

And how will you deal with the fact that the longer you spend in his proximity, the less able to deny your attraction to the man you become? 

Author’s note:

You are too kind to me. I’m so happy that you’ve all seemed to like this take on this man so far. With the new blurb we got today from Netflix, I know that I’m a little off with my characterization - but I’m going to keep things going down this path because I’ve already committed. So I guess this is a partial AU now. 

Catch up on parts 1 and 2! 

The day before the main cast was set to be released from isolation was a busy one for you. 

You spent the entire morning silently walking through the already built sets and rooms, documenting their appearance with both video and still images, capturing the calm before the storm. 

The green screen stage. The wardrobe rooms. Catering. Makeup and hair. Production. 

They were all empty and waiting for the arrival of the actors the following day, everything labeled and fully stocked, missing only the talent. You were thorough - making tons of notes and using your phone to record voice memos for reference, and as you sat at one of the tables in the dining hall eating your lunch, you began to organize things, figuring that it would save you time later. 

“Hey.” One of the location scouts called out your name, stopping on the other side of the table. “Guess what.” 

“Hmm?” Swallowing the final bite of your sandwich, you eyed him. “I have no -” “We’re getting out of here for a little while.” What? Food forgotten, you pushed to your feet. “They need you to do the same thing at the soundstage, too. That’s an entirely separate crew of people, so you need to take a rapid test before -” You were already looping your camera bag strap over your shoulder, lifting the remains of your lunch off of the table to toss into the trash. “It’s just a van ride into the city.” “I don’t care.” You were elated, the thought of sitting in a vehicle and driving away from the hotel for an hour or two more exciting than anything had been in weeks. “I get to see things. I get to hear new sounds, and -” The man laughed, closing his eyes. “I do need to go back to my room and grab a jacket, if that’s alright. Should probably get a spare battery, too.” Telling you to meet him in the lobby in fifteen minutes, the location scout stepped away from the table and you hurried to the elevator, heart hammering in your chest. 

The door to your room slammed behind you and you winced at the sound, letting your bag fall onto the mattress as you began to dig through the closet, searching for the jacket you hadn’t needed in weeks. As you moved, you were caught off guard by a loud knock on the wall - Dieter’s indication that he needed attention of some sort as quickly as possible. You knocked back - twice - and then made your way to the balcony, slipping the coat on as you moved.

“Everything ok? The door slammed.” He looked like he’d just woken up - his hair stood out from his head in a fluffy halo, his cheeks were covered in stubble and his outfit was what you would have called hobo chic; a pair of patterned pants and a threadbare t shirt in a color that straddled the line between purple and pink beneath the same green bathrobe he always wore. This man is worth millions of dollars and has two fucking Critics Choice Awards, a BAFTA and an Oscar, and he looks like he just rolled out of a frat house after a kegger. “Wait, why are you putting a coat on?” Dieter stepped closer, suddenly much more alert. “It’s warm here, and you’re done for the day.” Since when does he know my schedule? 

“I…” You tried to keep your expression even, not wanting to rub it in, but you couldn’t, lips spreading into a wide grin. “I get to leave, Dieter. I get to go to the main soundstage today, before any of you get there, because -” “Fucking unfair.” He groaned, smashing the heel of his hand against his face and rubbing his eye. “You gotta bag big enough to sneak me out with you?” 

“Maybe. But definitely not one big enough for that ego of yours to go, too.” He snorted at that, raising the middle finger on his free hand in a silent salute. “It’ll probably be really fast. And I have to take another test, plus wear a face shield and mask, so…” You were trying to downplay your excitement, but the truth was that you would have worn a full on Hazmat suit if it meant getting to leave the estate, even for a few minutes. “I’ll send you a picture from the car, if you want. What do you want to see? A bar? Restaurant? The set? 

“Surprise me.” He was watching you closely, a hint of a smile in his eyes. “I’m happy for you, though. You’ve been here a fuckton longer than I have, so this has to be big for you.” Assuring him that it was, you took a long breath, eyes flicking to the door. “Go. I’m sure you’re on a schedule. I have to start trying shit on, wardrobe dumped a whole ass crate of clothes on me today, and I need to make sure stuff fits.” 

“Gonna change out of that damn bathrobe for once, hmm?” He swore at you, shaking his head as he turned away, but instead of letting him go without saying anything else, you called after him. “Too bad I won’t be around to see it.” 

“Have a good time in civilization, asshole,” was all you heard before he pulled the door shut behind him once again, leaving you standing on the balcony with a smile on your face. 

It didn’t last long, though, as you realized that your fifteen minutes were close to being up - and it was time to go back to the lobby. And to freedom. Sort of. 

— 

You wouldn’t ever admit to anyone how close you’d come to crying the minute the hotel disappeared in the rearview mirror, the vehicle you were in turning down the road and toward the city center. The scout was the driver, and you were the only person in the shuttle - impractical, but necessary, according to the regulations. 

He didn’t speak much on the drive, instead turning the radio up and leaving you to stare out the window at the passing scenery, vowing to never again take traffic or a lengthy commute for granted. 

You’d been right about not needing to spend too much time in the large building, though. There were a few makeup and hair trailers in the parking lot, along with many of the same types of areas that were set up at the hotel. So you made quick work of them, sidestepping the final remaining set decorators and crew that were milling around, everyone in their PPE and focused on what they needed to do. 

You were thankful that you’d gotten out of the hotel, but you were also thankful that you’d gotten to know the layout of the soundstage before it was filled with people, because you’d never been on one as large before. It was still going to take some getting used to, but it wouldn’t be a shock the first time you stepped foot onto it during the actual shoot. It’ll help me get my job done. 

To your surprise, Dieter had sent over two different pictures while you were working, both of himself - but in different outfits. It’s his character wardrobe, you realized as you double tapped the first image to open it. He was wearing a red, puffy coat and a pair of dark jeans with hiking boots, one hand on his hip and the other holding his phone up. The other one was him in a plaid button up and a pair of khaki pants, the top fitting him well, the material’s pattern bringing out the color in his eyes. 

You typed back a reply, pointing out that the jacket was going to be perfect for the winter months, and then snapped a quick picture of the set, telling him that after being in the hotel’s rooms for so long, it felt like an arena. 

But neither of those messages were what you really wanted to say - that he looked good in both outfits, that it didn’t matter what he wore because he was always going to look great, that you couldn’t wait to see him in character and acting out the scenes he was assigned - or that it would have been more fun if he’d been there with you, making snide comments about the set decorations or the specific way that everything seemed to be meticulously organized only to go to shit the moment filming started. I’ve only known him for two weeks, and i’m not even sure we’re actually friends so that’s a no go. 

He didn’t reply, and so you tucked your phone back into your pocket, looking around for the man you’d driven over with so that you could let him know you were ready to leave. Unfortunately, you saw him through a window, the man deep in conversation in one of the production offices with an older woman. He’s going to be there a while. To pass the time, you wandered outside and into the courtyard, which was one of the approved areas on the map you’d been handed. 

What you found there stopped you in your tracks. 

You’d grown accustomed to the catering options in the hotel - gourmet style meals and snacks read and waiting at regular meal times, finger foods and buffet items while people were working. But the people here would need something too, and this … this is… Without thinking about it, you pulled your phone back out and started recording, pointing the camera at your face. “I just walked out into the courtyard, and I hit the jackpot.” Tapping on the screen, you flipped the focus around, the two trucks that were parked on the curb coming into view. “A coffee cart and a food truck. This is like I walked straight into the mall.” You flipped the camera again after zooming in on the menus and grinned. “Junk food here I come.” 

After hitting send - and making sure that the message went through - you stepped closer to the trucks, eyeing the menus and trying to convince yourself that you didn’t need to order one of everything. But before you could place your order, your phone rang, Dieter’s name on the screen. He’s gotta be so mad. You didn’t even have a chance to greet him properly after answering, and the man was speaking quickly into your ear, a plea in his voice. “I need coffee. Good coffee. And probably one of those crepes, too. And maybe a -” 

You’d never heard him sound so excited about anything, and it was all you could do to keep from laughing, a smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. “I’ll take pictures of the menus for you, how about that? And then you can tell me what to order. It’s a little bit of a drive back to the hotel, but -” “I don’t care. Get me an iced coffee then.” Assuring him that you would, you hung up quickly and snapped two pictures, sending them over. As you waited for his response, you inched closer, squinting your eyes as you contemplated your choices. 

“Do you take debit cards? I don’t have much cash on me, so -” “Everything’s included.” The girl at the coffee truck shrugged her shoulders, using one hand to adjust her mask. “We’re here for all of the crew, so as long as you’re working on the set - there’s no charge.” Oh, shit. 

“You’re going to get very used to seeing me, then.” You laughed again, eyes going back to the menu as your phone vibrated. “And I’m going to have kind of a large order right now, as long as that’s ok, because -” “Whatever you want.” The girl gestured with one hand. “That’s why we’re here.” Opening Dieter’s message, you scanned it and then turned your attention back to the employees, making your decision. 

“Ok, so this is going to be to go, and it’s going to be two orders. The first one is …” 

— 

You knocked on Dieter’s door with the toe of one boot, both of your hands too full to use anything else. It was risky - to tempt the quarantine protocol the night before he was to be released, but you’d had no other option, except setting everything on the balcony wall. But I would have had to put everything down on the floor to unlock my door first, so… The man cracked the door open, peering around the edge of it and when he saw that it was you, he flung it wide open, moving to step into the hall and toward you, both hands outstretched. “No, dont.” Though your voice was muffled by the mask you wore, you spoke clearly. “You’ve got less than 18 hours left, Dieter. Don’t risk it.” 

“But you’ve already had it, you can’t -” Stepping backwards again, you shook your head. 

“I’m not gonna be the thing that derails this production. Either you stay in that room, or I take all of this somewhere else and -” Dutifully, he took a half step backwards, both hands held out, palms toward you. “The one without the straw is yours.” Holding out the cardboard carrier, you waited until he took it from you, the man’s fingertips just out of reach as he curled them around the cup. “I put the straw into the bag with the crepe. And there’s plastic utensils and napkins in there, too.” 

“Is the burger in there? That’s what I can’t wait for, I’ve been thinking about it for the last hour and -” “It hasn’t even been an hour, Bravo. Relax.” The paper crinkled between your fingers as you stretched your arm out toward him again. “But it’s there, yes. Toppings exactly like you asked, fries extra crispy, but I requested that they leave it off the bun so it didn’t get soggy on the drive back, so there’s an extra container.” “That’s smart.” He was eyeing you carefully, surprise written all over his features. “I wouldn’t have thought of that.” “It’s a good thing I did.” Rattling the bag gently, the man blinked and returned his focus to you, taking that from your hands, too. But that time, his hand touched yours, fingers sliding along your knuckles for a brief moment as he grabbed for the bag. That’s not allowed.  “Hope you like it. The girl at the coffee place said that they’re gonna be there the whole shoot along with regular catering, so …” “What did you get?” He frowned. “That’s a small bag.” 

“It is.” You shrugged. “What’s the point if I can’t taste anything, you know?” His face fell even further, and you quickly continued, holding up your own cup. “I got a smoothie, and I can sort of taste that it’s tart, so that’s a step in the right direction.” “It’s pink. It shouldn’t be tart. I see a strawberry in there.” 

“Strawberries are tart sometimes,” you mumbled, but Dieter only rolled his eyes. “And I got a crepe too. Chocolate spread. It’s fine. I can pretend that I can taste it.” Dieter shook his head sadly, and you gestured to the door of your room. “I should go. This still feels risky. I don’t want someone to walk up here and think I’m -” 

“Thank you.” He swallowed hard, completely focused on you. “Sometimes you just need grease, you know? Can’t all be lean meat and vegetables.” 

“You’re very welcome. But if you don’t fit in your wardrobe, I had nothing to do with it.” He laughed at that, winking at you. “Have a good night, Dieter.” He replied with the same, and with your newly free hand, you unlocked your door, glancing over to see that he was still standing in his, watching you. “What?” He didn’t speak, which gave you a few seconds to look at him - taking in the man’s outfit, which was finally different - a pair of dark pajama pants and a gray t shirt, the thin fabric clinging to him in a way that the worn out one never had. Stop. Stop it. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Pushing away from the door frame, he nodded once. “I hope you’re ready for the circus.” You didn’t know how to respond, so you didn’t - stepping into your room once he’d disappeared into his. What does that even mean? 

—

You had an earlier than usual call time, but the day was marked to be a short one - you only needed to be there to document part of the cast’s initial meeting, since the rest of their day would be spent getting to know each other, which you didn’t need to be present for. During that time, you’d be attending a class with the rest of the crew while it happened so that all of you could get on the same page when it came to set etiquette and expected COVID compliance protocols.  

Actual filming wouldn’t begin for another few days, the remainder of that first week being used for wardrobe fittings, table reads and makeup tests, and you were supposed to flit between trailers and actors while that happened. It almost seemed too easy, but you were hesitant to say it out loud, because you knew that the moment you did, everything would change. Like clockwork. That’s what always happens. 

Determined to enjoy the final night before the real work began you flopped onto your stomach on the bed, flipping through channels as you finished your smoothie - and then started on the crepe. Neither were quite tasteless, but the awareness of different flavors dissipated with every bite, and it discouraged you. What if it never comes back? What if I can never taste anything ever again? You thought back to the way that Dieter had given you his robe and told you to inhale only to smell nothing, the way you’d woken up the first morning and been unable to taste your orange juice or smell the grass beneath your balcony. That’d be miserable. I’d be miserable if this was permanent.

Convincing yourself that that wouldn’t be the case, you settled in on a rerun of one of your favorite sitcoms, finally letting your mind wander - and letting the reality of your situation sink in. I’m going to be working on a movie set for the next three months, and that whole time I’m going to share a wall with Dieter Bravo. 

You grinned at the thought, reaching over to pick up your phone. In the two weeks he’d been your neighbor, you’d learned a lot about him from the conversations you’d had, but also from looking up interviews and general information. A lot of it was rumors - scandals that had been barely covered up like secret trips to rehab - but there was a lot of truth there, too. 

What he did in his spare time was of no concern to you. You knew that his Hollywood lifestyle was likely much different than the one you led, and had no reason to judge him for it or any habits he’d developed throughout the years. But I just wonder what I’m in for when we can all move around this place freely… from him and the others.

As the only non-actor in the wing you were staying in, you figured that you’d hear and see your fair share of things during the shoot, which accounted for the NDAs that you’d had to sign, but that didn’t bother you, either. It’ll be fun. You had no allusions about the casual friendship you’d struck up with Dieter lasting post-isolation period. In fact, you figured that the longer things went on, the less you’d see him off set, despite being right next door. And that’s fine. I don’t expect anything else. 

You scrolled through the man’s social media for a few minutes, hitting like on the two newest pictures he’d posted (one a throwback of filming Hunger Strike and the other a shot from his balcony looking out at the grounds of the hotel) and then - out of morbid curiosity - going to his ex Mara’s page. She was dating someone new, it looked like, and she seemed happy, but with only a few minutes of research, you found that her new boyfriend was about to release an album with his band. Figures. 

No matter what the truth was - whether or not Dieter was truly egotistical or it was an act, or if the relationship had been casual on both ends or not, the emergence of the text messages on gossip websites out of nowhere had been less than he’d deserved. No one deserves that. You found them again quickly, feeling your anger grow as you read through the woman’s words on the screen. 

No. It’s not serious. Only staying with him if he wins this award. Been my plan the whole time, he’s fucking insufferable - and old. Need someone my own age.

You didn’t know how he’d managed it, or if he’d had anything to do with it, but Mara had been dropped from her next movie shortly afterward, and with that, lost out on any chance of working with two major studios for the foreseeable future. No matter what the truth was, Dieter had clout within the industry, and that meant that there were people that were loyal to him and had no reason to promote someone that had been disloyal to him in such a public way. He’s had a long enough career, so it makes sense. 

But what didn’t make sense was the man signing on for a role in a franchise like Cliff Beasts when he had no connection to any of the first movies or the other actors. That was something that you wanted to ask him about if you got the chance, and you wondered how candid he’d be with you when - and if - he answered. The TV still droning on in the background, you kept scrolling, getting lost in random websites and linked social media profiles. 

When you decided to take a break to stretch your fingers out, you realized that it was after midnight. Oh shit. Groaning and then setting the phone down to sit up on the bed, you raised your arms above your head to stretch your back, too. I need to go to sleep. I have to be up early, and … fuck. “I just spent three hours going down the Dieter Bravo rabbit hole and there’s no fucking reason…” Covering your face with both hands, you steadied yourself with a few deep breaths. 

There was a reason, though, even if you weren’t ready to admit it out loud. At that realization you climbed out of the bed and stepped toward the balcony, phone held in your hand. You weren’t expecting Dieter to be outside - instead, you were hoping that he wasn’t, because you were in no mood to talk to him. I let myself get too close, you admitted as you flipped through to your camera, backing up and against the railing so that the illuminated top of the building and some of the moonlit clouds were visible in the frame. Let him charm me, and now look at me … I’m scrolling through his Instagram at midnight like a fucking fangirl. 

But it being so late also worked in your favor, and so you pushed your thoughts of Dieter and the way you felt about that situation to the side, instead focusing on what you could see in front of you. It was tradition for you - the night before starting a new job, you always took and posted a picture of your next assignment as a record of the start date. Even though you’d technically already started work, the following day was the first real day of production on Cliff Beasts 6, which meant it was time to take the photo. No reason to break from the norm. As you typed out a caption for the picture, you rolled your neck from side to side, chewing on your lower lip. You couldn’t give anything away, and so you chose something simple; the words ‘day one’ and the video camera emoji - and then posted. 

You stood there for a few more minutes, eyes on the sky, and then took another deep breath, imagining the way that the cooling autumn air in the English countryside would smell. It’s just a job, and you’re going to have fun. Nodding to yourself, you headed back inside without looking anywhere but at your room. If you had, you would have seen Dieter standing on his own balcony, watching you with a lopsided smile on his face and both hands stuffed into the pockets of his bathrobe. 

— 

The next two days were a whirlwind, and you kept busy for far longer than you’d thought you would during each of them. The cast were cordial to you, especially after you were introduced by the production manager to the entire room, instructions given that while you weren’t going to interfere with the shoot, you had access to all of the public areas at all times - so they should get used to seeing you and at the same time, pretend you weren’t there for the most part. 

As you made it through the morning, you heard Dieter talking with various people, catching snippets of his conversations while you moved through the room. You weren’t honing in on him, but he was loud, the way he spoke much different than the man you’d talked to for the previous two weeks. 

You made it a point to spend a few minutes with each of the main cast on the first day, though. Carol and Krystal were overly cheerful, while Lauren was a little more laid back. Dustin, Howie and Sean were all nice, but you could tell that they were wary of you and what you’d be filming. That’s fine. I’ll make it work. 

It was vanity, and you knew it. They all wanted to be sure that when you captured them on camera, you got the best parts of them, but that was fine. They’ll try hard for a couple weeks and then relax. None of them will be able to keep appearances up for an entire shoot. 

You saved Dieter for last, not wanting to interrupt him while he talked to his new co-stars, and when it was his turn, the conversation you got shocked you - as did the way it was delivered. “So it’s day one of the pandemic shoot, Mr. Bravo.” He had his arms crossed over his chest, head cocked to one side. “What are you hoping for from this whole experience?” 

“I’m hoping that I don’t have to work too hard.” He grinned, pushing the glasses up on his nose. “I’m hoping that I get along with the cast, even though I’ve never worked with any of ‘em before.” He leaned in, raising an eyebrow. “I’m also hoping that I can have some fun while I’m here now that I’m not trapped in my room anymore.” He used one hand to gesture around, lifting his shoulders in an exaggerated shrug. “We’ll see. My hopes aren’t that high. But it should be a good time” 

You talked for a few more minutes, and you were stunned that Dieter somehow managed to say nothing throughout the whole thing, the man cutting the interview short when Carol and Dustin walked by, the redhead calling out to him while waving him over. Dieter yelled back that he’d be there in a minute, thumbing in your direction as an explanation. Ouch. As you put the camera down, Dieter said your name softly, drawing your attention. 

You watched the expression on his face changing, the mask slipping slightly for a few moments, and then he spoke again, the words so quiet that you almost didn’t hear them. “You’re doing great. I’m sorry.” Before you could reply, though, he’d turned away from you, chasing after the other two and immediately launching into conversation with Dustin, his hands gesturing wildly. What the fuck was that about? 

You didn’t see him that night, even though you heard him get back to his room at around midnight, his door slamming shut and startling you from the short stack of papers you were leafing through as you typed notes into your computer. If he went outside, he didn’t make any noise, and by the time you were ready to lay down, he had his TV turned up, the sound carrying to your ears both through the wall and the slight opening in your balcony doors. 

You ate breakfast in catering the following morning, wanting to be done before most of the cast and crew were in for the day, but just as you were getting up, Krystal walked in, phone in hand. She beelined it to you, a mask hanging over one ear, and even though you scrambled to put yours back on before she was too close, she waved you off. ‘No. We’re all fine. I just wanted to ask you a favor.” A favor? I don’t even know you. But you nodded, waiting to see what she’d ask. “Um, I’m pretty big on Tik Tok, so I’m always trying to find good stuff to film, right?” 

“Yeah, that’s what I’ve heard.” She grinned, tucking her hair behind her ear. 

“Well if you get anything good of me, like when I’m on set or if I’m in the makeup trailer, can you let me know? I’m not really allowed to post much now, but it might be good for later, when we promote. And I thought -”

“I’m not using my phone to record on set.” You gestured to the camera bag that was on the table. “And all of the BTS stuff is supposed to be turned over to the people that will edit it down for the documentary.” She frowned. “But, yes. I watch things at night, just skimming, and if I find anything that I think would work, I can send it over, especially if it’s just a few seconds long.” 

“Thank you!” She beamed at you, raising her eyebrows. “You probably think it’s really stupid but without my account I wouldn’t even be here now, and I just … gotta stay on brand, right?” Right. She thanked you again and then turned to walk toward the tables where the food was, typing furiously on her phone again. Speaking of staying on brand… 

Dieter was walking into the dining room, a mask covering his mouth and nose as he spoke to a young woman wearing a face shield. You hadn’t ever seen her before, and figured that she was likely the assistant he’d mentioned, the man finally able to talk to her in person after two weeks. His eyes scanned the room and though they landed on you, he made no indication that he’d seen you, instead touching the woman’s arm and pointing at the food before pointing at his watch and then his body. 

She gave him a good-natured smile and then the two of them turned away from you and toward the food, loading their plates. Finished with your own meal, you cleaned your place and then headed out of the dining room, trying to decide where the first location was that you’d shoot for the day. The wardrobe rooms were the obvious choice, and so you turned down one hallway, following signs. 

It was an interesting process - watching the crew attempt to do their jobs while maintaining distance, and you lost count of the number of times one of the women tried to stick pins between her lips for safekeeping while she hemmed pants for Dustin and the sleeves of a shirt for Lauren. 

The same was true in the hair and makeup areas, which were set up in one of the smaller ballrooms, separated with curtains between each station for more privacy and social distancing convenience. Things were less frantic there, even though there were more people - the stylists themselves and assistants, the cast filing in and out as it was their turn, people sticking Polaroid photos into binders and others in the corners of mirror frames for future reference. 

You missed Dieter in both locations, deciding to go back onto the actual set and see what was going on there - and that’s where you found him, sitting at a small circular table with the same woman from earlier, his mask pushed down around his chin as he sipped on a cup of coffee. That time, he called your name, waving you over. 

Shouldering your camera, you made your way  to the table, checking to ensure that your mask was in place. “Hey, Mr -” “Dieter. Come on. You’ve been my next door neighbor for two weeks. We’re on a first name basis.” He raised an eyebrow, taking another sip. “Wanted you to meet my assistant, Jenna. You’re probably going to hear a lot of her coming in and out of my room.” You didn’t know how to take that - and the way he said it didn’t help matters, but you said hello and introduced yourself, the woman giving you a wide smile and raising her hand in a wave.

“It’s not like I’m monitoring your life, Dieter. I don’t keep track of what you’re doing in your room 24/7.” The woman snorted quietly, her eyes back on her phone. “But I’ll keep that in mind.”  He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted as another member of the crew stepped behind you, saying his name. 

“One of the hotel employees has a message for you Mr. Bravo. I told her you were busy, but she said it was urgent.” You stepped to the side, Dieter’s attention going from you and  to the people behind you - a younger man and the blonde from the front desk. Anika. 

“Yeah?” He reached up, thumb and forefinger gripping his earlobe. “It’s fine, I’m just sitting here.” The blonde stepped closer, hands clasped together in front of her body. You watched as he eyed her, waiting. 

“There was a delivery for you, Mr. Bravo. The courier that dropped it off said that it was urgent, and that it needed to be taken to your room right away. But you requested that we not clean your room today, and I didn’t know if -” His eyes lit up, the man breaking into a wide grin as he flattened his palms on the table. 

“Yeah, definitely. Put it in my room. I’ve been waiting for it. You’re a fuckin’ livesaver, Anika” His  eyes flicked over to you and then back to Anika, who was smiling broadly, her cheeks flushed from the slight bit of praise. “I -” “We need to go, Dieter.” His assistant tucked her phone away, giving the man a pointed look. “You’re up in a couple minutes, and we know how slow your ass is when you don’t want to do something.” Stifling a laugh at that by turning it into a cough, you took another step back. Well at least his assistant knows how to handle him well. As they both stood, you noticed a definite change in Dieter’s mood - the man notably happier, thanking the blonde again before heading toward the doorway. “Hey.” Jenna turned to look at you, warmth in her eyes. “Don’t let him fool you. He’s not really -” “Jenna!” Dieter was waiting with one hand on the door handle, his other hand on his hip. “We’ve gotta go!” The woman laughed, rolling her eyes. 

“And to think my husband was worried about me taking this job because he thought Dieter was gonna be an asshole… or try to hit on me.” You laughed with her and then watched as the two of them disappeared, leaving you with Anika and the other crew member. 

But they didn’t stick around long, and once they were gone, you decided to leave too, after scanning the room for anything that looked like it would make good media. There’s no one in here. Nothing to see. 

Your day ended soon after that, and after dropping your stuff off in your room and changing clothes, you decided to take a walk around the grounds to decompress. There were few people around, meaning that everything was quiet, and the end of your walk led you back to the area beneath your balcony, retracing the steps that Colin and the other groundskeepers took. “You look cold.” Eyes moving upward, you saw Dieter leaning against his railing, staring down at you. “Should have worn a better coat.” 

“I should have.” You agreed, squinting up at him in the fading light. “You’re dressed up.” It was true - he was in a light colored button down shirt, though the top few were undone, his hair messy bust somehow less messy than usual, and he wasn’t wearing his glasses. 

“Cast dinner tonight. The official ice breaker.” He rolled his eyes. “Good excuse to drink some expensive wine and relax.” Ah. That makes sense. “Are you supposed to come and film?” 

“I don’t know.” Shrugging up at him you wet your lips. “No one ever -” “You should.” He nodded, checking his watch. “If you come up now you can get your stuff.” “Dieter, I’m not cast. This isn’t -” “You don’t need to stay, but don’t you think that getting all of us in the same room at the same time is necessary?” Yeah, probably, but … “And I’m inviting you.” He was right - it would be good footage, and you could frame it as a comparison between the beginning of the shoot and the end. He’s smart. 

“Yeah. Alright. That’s a good idea.” Dieter smiled again, still leaning over to look at you, but he didn’t say anything else. “See you in a few minutes.” 

— 

A little more than an hour later, you were back in your room, sitting on the edge of your bed with your camera next to you. You’d kept it together during the time you were in the opulent dining room with the cast, but as soon as you’d closed the door to your room behind you, you’d lost it, the tears rolling down your cheeks. 

Some of the cast had been happy to have you there from the beginning, but it had taken some convincing from Dieter on the part of the others, the man waving off your presence as a necessary thing - and framing it in a way that made your nose wrinkle in disgust. 

“Come on, guys. If she films this, it’s a good way to show the people that watch it that from the beginning we were on board with all of this.” He’d waved his hands around, rolling his eyes. “We’re like one big fuckin’ family already or some shit.” The man paused, lifting a wine glass to hs lips and taking a long drink. “Control the narrative, am I right?” 

Lauren was the first to speak, rolling her eyes hard. “Bravo’s got a point. They’ll see what we want them to see. And you know what that is?” Carol leaned back in her chair, propping her head up with one hand. 

“Us being fake as fuck?” Everyone laughed at that, but you felt eyes on you, almost like people were waiting to see what you said in reply. “Us pretending like we aren’t already over this? Like this isn’t weird as shit? What if she says something?”

“She signed a couple NDAs, actually.” Dustin drained his wine glass, the man’s eyes boring into you. “So she can’t.” 

“Exactly!” Dieter gestured again, nudging you with his elbow. “Just make us look good,  make sure everyone fucking loves us and that’s all that matters.” 

The rest of the time you’d been in the room with them - only about twenty minutes - had been rough, every single one of them plastering fake smiles on their faces, their words and actions exaggerated as they pretended like they’d known each other for years. As their meal started to arrive, you decided it was time to go, thanking them for letting you spend a couple of minutes with all of them, and then you’d disappeared back into the hallway, hurrying past the two concierge employees at the bar in the back corner of the room and heading straight for your bedroom. 

You’d expected it - all of them to be fake to an extent, but you hadn’t known just how much they’d turn it on for the cameras, how easy it would be for them to craft personas for themselves to suit their own needs and egos. Bet it isn’t at all hard for Dieter since he’s been doing this for years. The footage was good - but it wasn’t real, and if it was any indication, you were in for a long few months. Or at least until they decide it’s not important to focus on that type of behavior anymore. 

Wiping the tears from your face, you stood up and went into the bathroom, deciding that a long, hot shower was your best option for a distraction. 

— 

It had helped. You felt much better after exiting the small, steamy room, getting dressed in your pajamas and pulling on a bathrobe of your own - one provided by the hotel. Instead of watching TV, you flipped through the pages of a book, with the breeze from outside blowing in through the open doors. It didn’t take long for you to get lost in the story, eyes scanning the pages as you devoured the content. 

A loud, harsh cough startled you some time later, your eyes going to the balcony. What;s going on? When it came again a few moments later you sat up, putting the book down and heading outside. “Dieter? You alright?” 

He was sitting in one of the chairs on his side of the wall, but he’d dragged it closer to the railing so that he could lean back, propping his feet up. “I’m fine.” He coughed again, though, turning his head to look at you - and for the first time, you realized that he was holding a joint in one hand, pinched between his fingers. “Figured you’d be out here sooner, this shit smells -” “Still can’t smell, remember?” You tapped your nose before wrinkling it. “And maybe that’s a good thing, because -” 

“Well then I’m glad you heard me cough.” He raised it to his lips and inhaled, closing his eyes. “Gettin’ kind of lonely out here.” You had no idea what time it was - or how long he’d been outside, but based on what he was wearing, you didn’t think it had been long. He’d be cold otherwise. The man was still dressed in what he’d had on for dinner, though his feet were bare and there was another button undone, exposing more of his chest. “Been two weeks since I’ve had anything to smoke, and the shit over here doesn’t fuck around.”

“How’d you get that in here?” Pulling the robe tighter over your body, you crossed your arms. “And -” “That delivery from earlier.” He grinned, coughing quietly. “That’s why I got so fuckin’ excited. Sean knows someone here, and he hooked me… well, a lot of us, up with some stuff.” Makes sense. “Been looking forward to it all goddamn day.” He was doing it again - drawing you back in and showing you what you were almost positive was the real Dieter Bravo. But why only behind closed doors? “D’you wanna smoke?” He held the joint out to you and then swore, pulling it back. “No, you can’t. Stupid to ask because we can’t share it, since that’d be like kissing each other and that’s not allowed.” No, it’s not allowed, but I wish it was. 

He rolled his eyes as he spoke, taking another short hit and immediately releasing it. Your heart was pounding as you tried to decide whether or not you were going to respond. Do I need to? He already answered the question for himself, so… You didn’t smoke often - but you’d done so in the past, both with friends at home and while on assignment, partaking in the local offerings when the opportunity came up. I don’t know what my lungs would do with it now, especially after being sick. But the fact that he’d even offered spoke volumes to you, because he hadn’t needed to. 

“Well?” Dieter wet his lips, eyes on your face. “I can roll you a separate one if you want. Be our little secret.” 

“I…” Covering your face with one hand, you thought about it. Fuck it. “Yeah. Why not?” You grinned at him, lowering your hand. “Not everyday that Dieter Bravo asks me to smoke with him, so… sure.” The man was on his feet almost as soon as you replied, carefully putting out his joint on the railing before tucking the remnants behind his ear. 

“Give me five minutes.” He winked and then walked away from you, heading back into his room without bothering to close the door behind him. I’m definitely going to see and hear some things during this shoot. 

—

[lilithfilm]

Film Review: ATHENA

I recall my first trip to Paris as an adult. I went by myself, determined to make it for one week on a budget of 100 euros. I'd managed the feat, but for the purpose of this review I recall one specific memory, which was my train ride in from DeGaulle into the 1st arrondissement. From my childhood I'd recalled the over-the-top beauty and refinement of Paris, but as an adult I saw the real Paris on that ride, the suburbs of the city made up of its various banlieu, the endless housing projects for those who could only dream of affording a hundred square feet in the heart of the city. As the train stopped at the various stations in the suburbs, the residents who hopped on and off were the furthest thing from what we in America popularly identified as being "French." There were no Paul Belmondo, Alain Delon, Anna Karina or Jean Seberg types, no chic clothes, loose cigarettes dangling or berets. This population was distinctively African and Arab of all shapes and sizes, old and young. Again, by virtue of cinema and my favorite film of all time, LA HAINE, I'd had some idea of these communities, but it was through the sheltered distance of a movie screen. To be in the thick of these communities of immigrants, colonial castoffs and refugees is to be immersed in a vibrant, profoundly intimidating energy and flow, a balance of survival and freedom from situations that could have been assumed to have been far worse. The banlieu were covered in graffiti, peppered with cornershops and connected by public works, and there was a sense of global chaos, of disparate people from all over the world trying to scratch out an existence in a country that couldn't be more different than their motherlands. I found it invigorating, scary and comforting, as they reminded me of so many of the young immigrant families that I grew up with, my own included. 

It's these memories I carried into my viewing of ATHENA, puzzlingly categorized on Netflix as an "action thriller from France." Directed by music video enfant terrible Romain Gavras (son of legendary Greek filmmaker and rabblerouser Costa Gavras), ATHENA is a powderkeg of a movie that takes place over a single day in a banlieu of the same name. All is not well - in a scenario becoming all too familiar, a young Arab boy is killed by the police, and unrest is brewing in the central blocks of Athena as its residents are growing tired of the institutionalized violence against them. The felled boy has three brothers: Abdel, a French-Algerian soldier who pleas with his community to protest peacefully. There is Karim, the younger brother who despite Abdel's requests leads a violent insurrection against the police, demanding that the identities of his brother's killers be made public, and lastly there is eldest brother Moktar, a low-level drug dealer whose only interests are the preservation of his business and trade. 

The film - shot in a series of about a dozen breathtaking single takes - weaves in and out of the banlieu as the brothers straddle between anarchy and civility. A cast of hundreds and hundreds scramble through the labyrinthine housing project seeking refuge from the onslaught of the French police cracking down on Karim's army. As this is France, there are little to no firearms, and the residents of Athena repel the police with firecrackers, household items and appliances thrown from rooftops, and molotov cocktails. As the war endures, Karim shifts his strategy to capture a single police officer, a young rookie by the name of Jerome. This strategy pushes Abdel to the breaking point, as his allegiance to his family, his community and his country as a soldier are tested. 

First and foremost, ATHENA is not an action film in the American sense. There is plenty of heart-pounding action, but none of it - zero - is done for an adrenaline rush or amusement. This action is far too relatable and real - it's like being submerged in the countless riots that come in the aftermath of police shootings - and the uncut, fluid single shots put you headfirst into real time. There isn't any time to breathe in this film, and that's completely intentional. You're in the shit with these characters, and it's impossible to not connect with their struggles and conflicts. While one might argue the characters are somewhat one-note, there needs to be a reminder that the events of this film take place over one night, and so what we know of them is the same as we would in the chaos of that moment. Even with that, I felt there was enough development to generate genuine pathos, because we've all met these type of real people in our lives. 

That said, the film carries with it a beautiful sense of surrealism, each frame a violent painting of concrete, smoke, flesh and fire. It plays out like a Greek tragedy of warriors and peasants, brothers and enemies, all against a backdrop of warfare so compellingly strange that it feels almost alien. The technical execution of ATHENA is an absolute marvel, and it contains zero CGI. Because of that I'd place it above AVATAR 2 in terms of its technical grandiose and ambition, and it is executed flawlessly. The cinematography (shot in IMAX), the haunting score, the choreography and the performances are all first rate. If we're willing to give James Cameron a billion dollar reward for his technical ambitions, then I think Romain Gavras and his crew deserve two billion. It really is that jaw-dropping of an achievement, and I don't think we'll see anything like it for quite some time. The only thing keeping this film from being an outright masterpiece is the inclusion of a harbored terrorist, a plot device that feels forced and completely unnecessary, whose existence in the film is solely to facilitate the literal explosive climax. Handled with more nuance it would have worked, but the third act renders the character to a horrible and unnecessary cliche. But because it is so unnecessary to the plot it doesn't pull anything away from the film's brutal and profound impact, especially with the incredibly unsettling twist ending. A minor quip in an otherwise powerhouse of a film that has divided film critics straight down the middle, some calling it an essential commentary on our times and others saying it is a blueprint for anarchists seeking to burn society to the ground with their unresolved rage. I agree with the former - ATHENA is a punch in the face, a commentary on anger, barbarism, civility and communal love. It is a tragedy on an epic scale, and it left me breathless. I give it a strong 8.75 out of 10, and 10 out of 10 for its technical audacity. A staggering achievement, and my only regret is not being able to see it on a big screen in the theater; the compression of streaming brutally strips the imagery of its nuance and power. It must be a magnificent experience projected in a theater with pro sound, especially this stunning one-shot sequence, one of the best I’ve ever seen. Ever. Wow.

[sisitrip]

Ivan's Hop(e)ak

We happen upon Ivan, our indefatigable romantic, impatiently waiting in the wings for his chance to take a certain someone's (Ian) blood pressure to levels requiring medical attention. Das comrades. He's on some next level shit.

But fret not, for our Russian rival is micro-dosing on his plans to dazzle his Ukrainian love-muffin with fashionable elegance and above all ... dance. *jazz hands*

Let's look closer and share in this moment with the thirstiest, the most bombastic, the utterly, dare I say, shameless Russki ever to grace the great landscape of love.

____________________________________

“Baby boy you stay on my mind…”

He sings softly to himself as he edits the video, growing excited by the prospect of his raven-haired love seeing it. 

“Fulfill my  fantasies …”

Eager, he crops the video to a nine second test run. Maybe he will share the outtake with Mikhailo in the fiery remains of his bed after another Olympian bout of lovemaking.

“I think about you all the time …”

He grins as the clip plays. The lighting is perfect. His outfit is the latest from Russia, retro-60s chic. The double-knit has him looking so bounce-a-nickel tight, how could his little spider monkey resist climbing him in lust? It is a certainty.

“I see you in my dreams …”

He sets up the TikTok post, befuddled by this new way of wooing. Drugs and the offer of sex are passé now? There must be dancing? Synch-lipping? It is all too much. Yet, his Mikhailo is worth it. 

“Baby boy, not a day goes by without my fantasies …”

He unthinkingly hits the “Post Now” button with an unseeing grin. The screen flashes “Successfully Uploaded.”

He blanches and shoots up in horror.

“Yebena mat’!”

Hopak - Ukrainian folk dance

Yebena mat' - Holy shit!

[thatbitchsimone]

every time they want to drug test me (aka want my piss) they go on and on about how they know im not doing drugs and would never suspect me of that and its just standard procedure and i know ur not like that etc etc etc and every time i just wanna look them dead in the eye and say ”im literally on heroin rn” bc like dont just assume someone is not a junkie bc of how they look like its kinda rude like just bc im not giving u heroin chic jamie king vibes doesnt mean i cant be shooting up heroin every morning like i can do anything i can be anything if u can dream it u can do it

[omg-im-such-a-masochist]

😈A DEMON, BUT ALSO A BRAT TAMER😈

Prompt: Y/N’s pregnancy has her doing some not so “Finn approved” decisions. But she will definitely become a new source of amusement to a bored Demon King.

Word count: Short-ish (maybe part 2 but idk)

Pairings: Finn x Reader x Bálor

Warnings: +18, dom x sub dynamic, clit stimulation, cursing.

Tag: @theworldofotps , @new-zealand-chic

Notes: Even though Finn was a Prince, became a Demon King and is now a Prince again, I STILL LOVE ME SOME BÁLOR, OK?! He has a special place in my heart 😍 Y’all know the drill loves,sorry for misspellings,english isn’t my first language (bla bla bla),check out my other stories if you’d like to(it would make your girl here very happy 😊)You can check out my other stories on my Masterlist and my newest story as a fixed post.Okay,now let’s get to the fun part,shall we? Hope you’ll enjoy 😉

“Irish temper in 3, 2, 1” I whispered to myself

“What the hell are you doing here, woman? Why did you traveled here? You can’t do that! You’re pregnant and supposed to be at home, resting! And not enduring a stressful situation like this! Are you listening to me, young lady?”

“Yes, sir” I salute him like a soldier

“I’m serious Y/N! You shouldn’t be mocking this situation!” He’s even angrier now

“I apologize, sir” I huffed my chest

“Goddamn it woman! What are you doing here?”

“Permission to talk, sir” I screamed

Finn sweared something in Gaelic as he rushed me a “So?”

“I missed you” I give him some puppy eyes so maybe he will go easy on me

“Nu uh, not gonna work!” He’s accent grew thicker

“Finny, please don’t be mad at me. I missed you” I weakly said

“Why didn’t you told me that yesterday? I would have talked to HR to get a couple of days off”

“But I missed you and wanted to see you now! I’m bored, lonely, six months pregnant and very horny at that house by myself. I wanted you” I pout

Finn sighed, a little bit of his anger washing away

“So you drove 4 hours just so you could see me?”

I nodded

Finn narrows his eyes before saying

“Bálor said he should spank you for such behavior”

Excitement rushed through my veins

“Will he though? ‘Cause I don’t think he can” I ask in disbelief

I knew if I pushed the right buttons my demon king would come out to the surface

“Are you testing me?” Finn’s mouth moved, but it wasn’t his voice. It was a deeper tone as his blue orbs were slightly darkening.

Ever since I got pregnant Finn became even more incredibly sweet and soft. Even when we had sex he made sure to take it slow and smooth so he wouldn’t hurt me and bless his heart for it, but that wasn’t enough! I needed more...rougher, faster, sharper and I knew Finn would refuse to give it to me, but I knew a certain King who would take me just the way I wanted.

“No, not at all! I’m just saying you’re all bark and no bite” I trailed off

A low, deep snarl left his lips and in a snap of fingers the door was closed and locked, the lights flickered and Bálor’s face was mere inches away from mine.

“I see you want to play a very dangerous game, pet” He grinned “But I would be lying if I said I didn’t missed our little games” Bálor bites the air making me jump in fright.

He chuckled “I missed you, my pet” He roamed closer, sniffing me like a dog “Finn’s seed makes your scent stronger, sweeter.. it’s inebriating you know, like a drug” His black eyes are closed, letting whatever scent he smelled on me sink in.

When Bálor opens his eyes I can see glimpses of fiery colors.. red and orange upon his irises. And he just stares at me.

“Bálor?” I murmured

“Does it make you nervous when I stare?” He chuckled

“No, why? It should?” I spat

“Where did this attitude come from, pet? Has Finn’s seed turned you into a brat now?” Pure amusement filled his voice

“No“ I huffed

“Yes it did. His seed made you so much more fun to interact with! I like that, it’s hot when you talk back. It makes things more exciting” He laughs

“You know what, Bálor? I had enough! Bring back my husband, I don’t wanna talk to you anymore. You’re no fun anyways”

Suddenly I feel two claws upon my scalp scratching it and at the same time pulling my hair forcefully

“If you’re going to act like a little brat then I’m going to treat you like a little brat, pet” He growls “Take off your clothes”

Bálor lightly shoved me away and I just froze in place from shock

“Did I stutter? Do as you’re told!” He barked

I quickly got rid of my clothes and stood there, waiting for his next order.

Taking slow predatory steps he squeezed my cheeks together, making my lips pout as two fingers fastly rubbed my clit.

“You’d better be quiet or everyone’s going to know what a naughty little slut you are.” Bálor smirked

As my eyes rolled to the back of my head...

Please let me know your thoughts on this short little story? Feedbacks are always nice and appreciated 🥰😘

[whatitis-inside]

Not gonna dwell about if Kamila (the Russian athlete that was tested positive for drugs) should or shouldn’t be allowed for competition. But it was stupid for the committee to decide that if she would get any place you get medal for. Like why would you punish other athletes to not have medal ceremony and not hear your anthem. So I’m glad the chic landed on the 4th place

[maverickstc]

* ◟⋄ ♡ ― lee juyeon, 20, cis male, he/him ╱  did you see that ? it was that FIRST YEAR, MAVERICK ST. CLAIR in the library !  you know that their parents are A TOURING ROCKSTAR and a PROFESSIONAL BALLET DANCER right, that’s kind cool.   i don’t know about you but whenever i see them i think of silky shirts half unbuttoned, modern day dionysian parties thrown on a whim, & dangling earrings dripping of opulence and the fact that people describe them as HEDONISTIC & RECKLESS just make me want to get to know them more !  ░ ▸ penned by cece ◟27 ◟cst ◟she/her.

help i’m already causing problems ily admins but one name change later and my brain is happier and ready to write so here we go. i promise mav’s intro is so much less sad than yuri’s and honestly, my own characters would probably hate each other because they’re so different but i digress. find more about this lil heathen below!

PLOTS CAN BE FOUND HERE

BACKSTORY

if you took a good look at his young parents, it’d be pretty easy to see that maverick is the product of a one night stand. two worlds collided: the fast paced grungy world of a traveling rocker and the routine perfection of the professional ballet -- and sparks flew.

a baby wasn’t in the plans but with the knowledge that she’d probably never see the father again, his mother kept the baby and put her career on pause to do so. 

despite her korean-american upbringing, the child was named with his father’s stage name as a surname and a suitably rocker chic first name to match.

he’d be a year old by the time he met his father for the first time -- a return tour bringing him back to nyc. he knew of his maverick, vaguely, and wasn’t expected to help out in any way but there was still some natural chemistry between the two and so the child support payments and infrequent visits were scheduled. 

now with more monetary support, mav’s mother returned to her work, paying for the finest child care the city could offer.

mav grew with an absentee parent upbringing which gave him no sense of authority and a penchant for mischief. acting up got him attention of his nanny’s if nothing else. but he got what he asked for and was spoiled by the hired help because, i mean, look at him.

music was in his veins and at least growing up, he wanted to be a musician. a singer. maybe a dancer at times. he wanted to be everything but his whims were fleeting and nothing lasted. 

maybe it was the flightiness of his upbringing: sometimes dad was in town, sometimes he wasn’t. nurses and nannies came and left. his mother’s mood fluctuated between doting and the undercurrent of resentment for the damper he put in her career trajectory. nothing in his life was stable so why should his interests be?

maverick instead acted on impulse (a trait that would stick with him into young adulthood). he took on momentary interests. picked up hobbies as quickly as he let them drop. he had the same approach with people, friends at school. they interested him until they didn’t and then he could always find something or someone else to replace. 

PRESENT

maverick grew into a pleasure seeker. he wanted things that made him feel good in the moment and with an expendable income coming in from both successful parents, that was never a problem. 

school wasn’t important to mav but not in a rebellious sort of way. he just didn’t care. blasé about the morality of it, he paid his way through testing and graduated an average student

given his own place at 18 (mother happy to have him out of the house) he spent money with reckless abandon, fueling whatever niche interest he had for the week. animal printed everything, high fashion, obscure sculptures. nothing was off limits.

drinking, drugs, men, women, he was never at a loss of entertainment. he became a frequent at socialite parties -- invited for his good looks, his parental ties but, most importantly, his promise of a good time.

once he started hosting parties of his own, he found his calling. like some modern day dionysus, maverick started hosting filthy parties with every kind of indulgence one could imagine. the only reason he’s been requested to attend belvedere is because some of these hazy, lascivious passion ventures were starting to last days on end and it was causing gossip. he needed some discipline and so though he wasn’t planning on uni, to belvedere he goes

PERSONALITY

in the most basic sense, mav just doesn’t care about anything? but in a chill, lazy smile, it is what it is kind of way. he’s up for whatever and will go along with his impulses so long as he sees some benefit from it.

he’s the popular type. generally known to be fun and not take life too seriously, he’s a good way to kill time. he’s also a compulsive flirter. he can and WILL weave it into any conversation if given the chance. 

i would not call him loyal but he’s still good to have around. he’s not going to ‘try’ in school here so good luck to his professors but partying will definitely follow. 

FUN FACTS

casually practices polyamory. when i said my muses would hate each other this is a main factor. mav’s out here genuinely hosting orgies and yuri’s got the reputation of a frigid virgin. 

definitely doesn’t do ‘long term’ or ‘serious’ relationships but he’ll date casually. for so long as you hold his interest he’ll enjoy the titling of a relationship but not one to enjoy limiting himself for long

has probably purchased a very illegal exotic pet on more than one occasion. was forced to return it to the zoo, sad

has natural musical talent, perfect pitch and a dancer’s flexibility but never developed anything too seriously. 

doesn’t know what he wants to do in life besides enjoy it so here we are

if you made it through both intros you deserve a cookie and i love you!

[tomorrowedblog]

Friday Releases for May 28

Friday is the busiest day of the week for new releases, so we've decided to collect them all in one place. Friday Releases for May 28 include Exodus, A Quiet Place Part II, The Kominsky Method S3, and more.

A Quiet Place Part II

A Quiet Place Part II, the new movie from John Krasinski, is out today.

Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.

Cruella

Cruella, the new movie from Craig Gillespie, is out today.

Academy Award winner Emma Stone (“La La Land”) stars in Disney’s “Cruella,” an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinemas most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil. “Cruella,” which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,” “Sense & Sensibility”). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.

Endangered Species

Endangered Species, the new movie from M.J. Bassett, is out today.

Starring Rebecca Romijn (X-MEN) and Jerry O’Connell (Showtime’s “Billions”) this gripping adventure tale unfolds beneath a brutal African sun. Jack Halsey takes his wife (Romijn), their adult kids, and a friend for a dream vacation in Kenya. But as they venture off alone into a wilderness park, their safari van is flipped over by an angry rhino, leaving them injured and desperate. Then, as two of them go in search of rescue, a bloody, vicious encounter with a leopard and a clan of hyenas incites a desperate fight for survival.

Feral State

Feral State, the new movie from Jon Carlo, is out today.

Tucked far away from the white sandy beaches and amusement parks is a Florida that few outsiders ever see. Nestled alongside the gator infested swamps and rundown trailer parks lives a charismatic grifter and self-proclaimed ‘father of the forgotten’ named Mack Monroe (Ronnie Gene Blevins.) He takes in orphans and runaways as his own, giving them the only semblance of a home they’ve ever known… but at what cost? Mack trains his ragtag gang in the art of thievery and crime, filling their vulnerable minds with vigilante gospels and together they knock off drug dealers and meth labs. Hot on their tail is Detective Ellis (AnnaLynne McCord), a tough-as-nails cop with demons of her own. Mack and the gang’s world is flipped upside down with the arrival of a mysterious young girl, who at first seems like the perfect new recruit but turns out being something far more dangerous than anyone could have imagined.

Funhouse

Funhouse, the new movie from Jason William Lee, is out today.

Down and out backup singer and celebrity ex-husband Kasper is invited to compete in the Funhouse, an online ‘Big Brother’ style reality show. To rebrand his image and tarnished reputation, Kasper reluctantly accepts the offer. Together with 7 other C-list celebrities from around the globe he will compete for the prize of 5 million dollars. At first, the Funhouse is just as the name suggests, full of wild times, budding friendships, love connections and brewing rivalries. To everyone’s surprise, the fun quickly turns into misery when the first challenge leaves one of the contestants brutally murdered.

Plan B

Plan B, the new movie from Natalie Morales, is out today.

The best trips are never planned. When a straight-laced high school student has a regrettable first sexual encounter, she and her and slacker best friend have 24 hours to hunt down a Plan B pill in America’s heartland.

Panic

Panic, the new TV series from Lauren Oliver and Adam Schroeder, is out today.

PANIC is a new Amazon Prime Video one-hour drama series, written and created by Lauren Oliver (based on her bestselling novel). It takes place in a small Texas town, where every summer the graduating seniors compete in a series of challenges, winner takes all, which they believe is their one and only chance to escape their circumstances and make their lives better. But this year, the rules have changed — the pot of money is larger than ever and the game has become even more dangerous. The players will come face to face with their deepest, darkest fears and be forced to decide how much they are willing to risk in order to win.

The Kominsky Method S3

The third season of The Kominsky Method, the TV series from Chuck Lorre, is out today.

A new chapter unfolds for Sandy as he deals with a difficult loss, a daunting financial obligation, an important reunion and a major career boost.

World’s End Club

World’s End Club, the new game from NIS America and IzanagiGames, is out today.

The “Go-Getters Club,” a group of misfit students from all over Japan, find themselves trapped in a strange theme park during a class trip. In order to unravel the mystery of their circumstances and find an escape, they must take part in a “Game of Fate” that will test their bonds of friendship!

Exodus

Exodus, the new album from DMX, is out today.

[wildwcmen]

basic information

Full Name: Francesca Mai Vu

Nickname(s): Frankie, almost exclusively

Age: 19-25

Date of Birth: December 21

Hometown: Upstate New York

Ethnicity: Vietnamese

Nationality: American

Gender: Cis Woman

Pronouns: She/Her

Religion: Unknown

Occupation: Stand Up Comedian, Actress

Language(s) Spoken: English, Vietnamese

Voice: American accent, high pitched, giggly, excited voice

physical appearance

Face Claim: Lana Condor

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Dark brown

Height: 5′3

Weight: 121 lbs

Build: Petite, rectangle body shape, slightly large chest.

Tattoos: None.

Piercings: Ears

Clothing Style: Bright colors, neons, strange attire that turns heads, heart and star shaped sunglasses, ring pops as a fashion accessory, 80-90′s chic.

Usual Expression: Laughing loudly. You hear her before you see her.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Chubby cheeks, bob length haircut

health

Sleeping Habits: She can function on any amount of sleep. Don’t test her, she’ll pull an all nighter just to prove it.

Eating Habits: GOOD FOOD !! She loves Vietnamese food, for obvious reasons. Her mother is a baker and she’s very fond of sweets, pastries, candies, etc.

Exercise Habits: She exercises daily, mostly cardio with some strength training.

Emotional Stability: 8/10

Sociability: Social butterfly!!

Drug Use: Cannabis sometimes, otherwise no.

Alcohol Use: Socially.

personality

Label: The Clown

Positive Traits: funny, outgoing, personable.

Negative Traits: crass, doesn’t take things seriously, accidentally insensitive.

Fears: Failing her comedy career, having to go to school and get a day job

Hobbies: Comedy (watching/performing), acting, bike riding, exercising

Habits: Cracking her fingers

favourites

Weather: Hot, summer weather

Colour: Bright ass orange

Music: Funky pop music

Movies: Anything comedic, even if it’s terrible ! She loves “so bad it’s good” movies.

Sport: She’s not really attached to any specific sport

Beverage: Root Beer, strawberry lemonade

Food: Che Ba Mau

Animal: Unicorns

extra

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn/Sagittarius Cusp Sun, Taurus rising, Taurus Moon

MBTI: ESTJ

Enneagram: The Challenger

Temperament: Choleric

Hogwarts House: Gryffindor/Hufflepuff

Moral Alignment: Chaotic Good

Primary Vice: Kindness

Primary Virtue: Gluttony

Element: Air

flaws

moody | short-tempered | emotionally unstable | whiny | controlling | conceited | possessive | paranoid | lies | impatient | cowardly | bitter | selfish | power-hungry | greedy | lazy | judgmental | forgetful | impulsive | spiteful | stubborn | sadistic | petty | unlucky | absent-minded | abusive | addict | aggressive | childish | callous | clingy | delusional | cocky | competitive | corrupt | cynical | cruel | depressed | deranged | egotistical | envious | insecure | insensitive | lustful | delinquent | guilt complex | reclusive | reckless | nervous | oversensitive | avoidant | restless.

strengths

honest | trustworthy | thoughtful | caring | brave | patient | selfless | ambitious | tolerant | lucky | intelligent | confident | focused | humble | generous | merciful | observant | wise | clever | charming | cheerful | optimistic | decisive | adaptive | calm | protective | proud | diligent | considerate | compassionate | good sportsmanship | friendly | empathetic | passionate | reliable | resourceful | sensible | sincere | witty | funny.

skills & hobbies

art | acting | astronomy | animals | archery | sports | beach combing | ballet | bird watching | blacksmithing | boating | calligraphy | camping | candle making | casino gambling | ceramics | racing | chess | music | cooking | crochet | weaving | exercise | swordplay | fishing | gardening | ghost hunting | ice skating | magic | engineering | building | inventing | leather-working | martial arts | meditation | origami | parkour | people watching | swimming | puppetry | pyrotechnics | quilting | reading | collecting | shopping | socializing | storytelling | writing | traveling.

human verse

Frankie didn't grow up with much money, but she grew up with a lot of love. Her father was a struggling comedian for most of his adult life, and most of the family's money came through her mother's work as a chef. Frankie's father always told her to go into anything other than comedy, not wanting her to go through the same struggles that he went through. Frankie, of course, had her own ideas. She fell in love with comedy and started performing at clubs as a teenager. It was about that time, too, that her father finally found fame. In spite of his own success, Frankie's father still encouraged her to go to college rather than immediately pursuing comedy. She eventually drops out in favor of working and does very well for herself. Having her father's name tacked onto hers certainly helps. Frankie is playful and goofy, not taking much seriously.