#fame game

[nix-whythisfilm]

Mini Series that can be watched over a long weekend

Fame Game (2022)

A thriller starring Madhuri Dixit as Anamika, this mini-series was dark and eye-opening from so many perspectives. The show is available on Netflix with just 8 episodes and can be called her significant break on the OTT Platform after her films Kalank and Maja Maa. The series has an air of mystery and an eerie aura throughout. While each secret unravels in every episode, the morose story behind the lives of celebrities is apparent. It is obvious how they have tried to highlight the truth behind the facade they have to carry as a celebrity, along with appearing as a picture-perfect family.

Though I was excited by the prospect of watching Madhuri Dixit on the small screen along with numerous talented actors, I was taken aback by the somberness of the show and how clearly the difference in their lives is showcased. Even the trailer tries to set the reality and the onscreen life of the actress in the show, but it was so much more intricate than one can imagine. While the show is colourful and engages the audience throughout, the end is a little unceremonious. And yet, it makes sense considering the points they established throughout the show.

A Suitable Boy (2020)

The show features the life of a literature student post-independence and the various challenges she faced while forced to make tough decisions for her life. The storyline is based on Vikram Seth's book of the same name and is available on Netflix with just 7 episodes. While the show revolves around Lata, it also pivots into the lives of various youngsters around her, who are her cousins and family friends. In a country that has just recovered from a massive change in government and is on the precipice of significant changes for the future, this show allows us into the minds of individuals in that area wrestling with their own mindsets and expectations.

Having started the show with no expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by the little details that were ingrained into the aesthetics and their lives which makes it so much more insightful into the lives of individuals nearly 8 decades ago. With numerous shows today segregating individuals as either modern or traditional, Lata was a surprising blend of both. Her mind was progressive with expectations above and beyond for her life, while she also stayed constant in her culture and values that would impact her personally. Though her choice of the groom at the end of the show surprised me, it also made sense for the woman she was and the position she was in. Though she had numerous instigators in her life trying to push her into making decisions that they would like, Lata braved the world and made a choice that was her own which struck a chord in me.

The End of the F…ing World (2017)

Seeing the alarming title of the show, I had steered clear of it to avoid answering my parents if discovered watching it by chance for a very long time. This miniseries based on a novel of the same name is available on Netflix and comprises 16 short episodes. While the show starts off on a peachy note, it takes us on a journey with the teenager, James, who firmly believes he is a psychopath. Having conducted his own experiments on himself to confirm his suspicions, his perspective and direction change when he meets Alyssa. While quirky and impulsive on her own, Alyssa convinces James to take a journey to find her estranged father which entails a series of trials.

Funny in its own way and challenging to our monotonous perspective, this show gets to us all. After finally watching it at the beginning of the pandemic, this show stole my heart and made me wish I had a companion as they both had each other in their bizarre situations. While the beginning is as alarming as its title, the show progresses into their minds episode by episode and giving us an insight into how people make their decisions and how life changes so unsuspectingly. With short episodes that barely tire us, it is an amusing watch, all things considered.

Unorthodox (2020)

With no idea what the show was like or what it was about, this miniseries was a shocking revelation into a world existing in a famed city that we all know of. Prominently set in New York and Germany, this show features the story of a Hasidic Jewish girl who flees her community to start a new life. Being introduced to it through a random Netflix suggestion, this show changed my mind in a matter of 4 episodes. A tale that is daunting to those of us living in a comfortable community, this show is a wake-up call on how we choose to educate ourselves and be a part of global platforms.

While the story was unsettling to watch, it was nearly impossible to imagine the control that a community has over you if not checked often. While communities and religion were formed to help humanity to regulate the chaos that we are in and to tackle the world, this show puts a perspective on the amount of power our faith can give to individuals who wield power in any given community. Blind faith has never been the answer and yet is still the most expected commodity out of any individual in any situation. The show at the end of the day shows us the courage of a girl too young in a world that is too large, trying to sway her in every other direction to control her life.

Bombay Begums (2021)

Narrating a tale of four women and a young girl this mini-series puts a perspective on the working of the world and the challenges that are a part of a woman's life, no matter their age, caste, position or power. It starts with Rani and Shai, who are a part of a prominent family in the banking world. Then moves to Fatima and Ayesha, two of the employees in the same organization, and eventually Lily, who is fighting her own war. All the women live in modern Mumbai and fight against struggles that nearly any woman in India or maybe other places also faces. The dialogues hit home as the story moves in an unpredictable direction leaving us with a sharp sting of reality over 6 episodes.

While expecting a show full of politics and deception, the show actually delivered a narrative that was far too real and outstanding. While the show is strictly feminist by nature, it also does not predispose to a narrative that favours women in any way. Though some may call the show dramatic and over the top with the choices some of them make, I believe we all have the power to make those same choices and find realities that might be far more solemn than what is shown here.

Hymn of Death (2018)

A melancholic drama set in the colonial era in Japan-Korea, this show has a way to find a place in your heart, based on the real story of the dramatist Woojin and the soprano Simdeok who had an ill-fated relationship. Having found each other in Japan during their studies amid the Japanese invasion, the two slowly grow a bond with each other. During the many trials they both face, they seem to have fate on their side as they keep finding each other every time. Being set in an era where life was hard and fighting to hold on to their passions was harder, these two find an end to their troubles in each other's presence.

With no idea what the show was about, this mini-series left my heart broken on how unimaginable the world was over a century ago for people in their youths. While the story is primarily about their relationship and its trajectory afterwards, it also sheds light on the expectations that were laid on the individuals of that time, the expected familial duties concerning their own economic situations, the hidden impacts of the invasion and companionship that has nothing to do with romance. Hymn of death might have a poetic tragic ending, but it is still priceless for the stories illuminated through the tale of these two lovers.

Kingdom (2019)

A dynamic series of 12 episodes set in medieval-era Korea, it is a thriller-horror show ruled by politics. A falling nation with the King in hiding and people starving, the story is led by the prince in search of the truth of what is happening in the palace. But with each layer he strips off and every morsel of truth he discovers, he finds that humanity is scarce when it comes to people saving themselves. Released around the same time as the covid pandemic this show features a pandemic of its own kind and the way the people of a small country deal with a disease that spreads ruthlessly and takes lives like a reaper.

With so many influential opinions on the show from critics and on social media, this show was everything and more. It is brisk and strikes down its story clearly. While there was much left in the dark, the story went from a perspective to focus on the bigger picture with every episode. The strong characters and the realistic circumstances keep us on the edge of our seats. As the story swerved into a whirlwind with so many details and brilliant visual direction, it is absolutely binge-worthy and gripping till the end.

Sweet Home (2020)

Another Korean mini-series focussed on a monster outbreak set in modern Korea, this show is imaginative and dark with plenty of gore. While the show is not for the light-hearted, the characters stand out for their uniqueness and will to fight against everything to hold on to their humanity in dire situations. Based on a webtoon of the same name, the show initially focuses on Hyunsoo, a young adult plagued with dark thoughts who moves into a shady apartment with plans of killing himself. With 10 episodes, all spanning 50 minutes, this show is ingenious and a hidden gem.

Even though I had been hesitating to watch the show after hearing about the gore, the show became a surprising favourite. With characters that seem too real and the concept of evolution thrown at us with this perspective, this show can be easily overlooked due to its disturbing visuals. Like any apocalypse story, this show has characters with some stereotypes, but the way they all are shown in their realities and their hidden vulnerabilities makes us attached to them all one by one.

Squid Game (2021)

Well-known for featuring chilling games and the authenticity of people's lives, this show deserved every bit of fame that came in its direction. Known for taking the internet by wildfire, the story features individuals with financial debts being recruited to play children's games, much like gambling, to get rid of their debt if they get to the final game and win it. Sounding simple enough to nearly all the participants, the show starts somberly, initially focussing on the life of Seong Gi-hun. But only once they enter the game do they all realize the reality and risks of the game. With 9 episodes and another upcoming season, this show is bound to keep any audience on the edge of their seat.

Having avoided plenty of shows because it was overrated, this show left me appalled, yet it made sense. While in the end, the character says if he was given the choice again, he would have chosen differently; I believe the realities of their lives often make people make hard choices that they would probably make again despite claiming otherwise. The show exposes capitalism and elite culture around the world from a perspective of a middle-aged man. With unnerving characters, all of whom are fighting for survival, this show is savage and yet enlightening.

My Name (2021)

Featuring the story of a young girl who loses her father to a criminal while being a crime lord himself, it goes on to show the woman she raises herself to bring justice to her father's death. The show is set in urban Korea, where the hidden crime world is exposed and how she has to work through the ranks to get what she wants. While the show has plenty of action and violence, it keeps the core story constant throughout as she makes her way into the world. With numerous characters looking to use her in their own ways and make her a pawn to the existing social structures, Jiwoo finds her own people to help her through her journey.

Unconventional and insightful, this show takes us into the misogynistic world of crime where we quickly find ourselves waiting for Jiwoo to find the truth and her peace. Through the 8 episodes, it is obvious how incredibly hardworking and single-minded she is about her goals. Two things the show evidently focuses on are the way the people around you shape you as the person you are and the comfort necessary for an individual to stay human. Refreshing with a female protagonist who isn't delicate and a complex antagonist, this show is sure to leave an imprint in the mind of any audience.

[jess-moloney]

Starting years ago it's obvious that Jess's goal is and always has been to become famous for doing little to no work to earn that fame. In 2017 she started a fitness blog with a total of 6 posts before she discontinued it. More than likely because it was not giving her the instant gratification and fame that she was seeking.

Within these posts, you can find quite a bit of problematic statements. One of the biggest red flags is what she has to say about food and her relationship with it.

"I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with food. I eat because I have to, not because I enjoy it – and no, I have never had an eating disorder." - Jess Moloney [Source]

This statement is indicative of two things. The first very clearly being an eating disorder (or disordered eating) as well as absolute denial that she could have an eating disorder or problem with food, immediately after. This pattern of saying something problematic and then following it up with some justification for why it's actually not problematic has quite a history if you bother to read what is written in her posts. If she can't own up to her mistakes, faults, or flaws and is quick to dismiss them as something normal then she is at the very least immature and at the very worst a gaslighter, as well as a narcissist. Especially with statements like this:

Interviewer: What do you do when you hit a wall? I’ve never hit a wall. Interviewer: Come again…? I swear to God. I know I sound like such a c*nt but it’s true. I’ve never hit a wall because I’ve never told myself: I can’t do it. [Source]

Moving on from this and continuing with her fame-hungry ploy from way before she got involved with Jamie, we can see her first attempt to get any sort of recognition (and probably money) was her sucking up to Nike, constantly, as if they owed her a brand deal for the 6 blog posts she made, a few Instagram posts, and the fact that she completed 4-5 marathons (and was training for Iron Man).

She praises them as being an inspiration/motivation to her for continuing her training for Iron Man and also praises them for making her look good when she works out because looking good while working out is important to her (for some odd reason that I suppose has nothing to do with being very egotistical).

Her very last post says that she was injured and had to stop training for Iron Man. That post also goes on to say that it wasn't a bad enough injury to make her stop running for good and she intended to keep training, keep going, and keep running marathons so she could maybe try again to compete in Iron Man. Then she just stopped posting about that at all and her blog was never updated again. Running marathons (even though she wasn't winning awards or a star at it), is still something that takes a lot of talent and perseverance. Why did she stop? Was this not bringing her the instant gratification and recognition she was seeking? She may have been athletic but she was no better at it than any other average person doing the same exact thing. Why did she go so hard for Nike or think she was deserving of recognition for the bare minimum effort she put into trying to market them in the first place?

Moving on you can see this post on her Instagram. For someone who has continually bragged about being an agent for various things like PR and celebrity/talent management, this was her version of advertising a product. One where she does not say what the product is, show herself using it, show the item clearly, or even say why she uses it. One of the comments even believed she was holding up vibrators, not hair straighteners. I suppose it's not surprising that this company never asked her to promote anything again because she had no idea how to do it properly in the first place. This begs the question as to how and why she was ever involved in a job working with high-profile clients at a prominent management agency.

Until she got involved with Jamie, her account had fairly low traffic and engagement. Even her posts about Machine Gun Kelly fell flat most of the time, only ever garnering a couple hundred likes. An article from Distractify says that at the time that article was written, she had 28K followers on IG. Since then, it has doubled and is directly a result of her posting about Jamie and being involved with Jamie.

As previously mentioned, it's very doubtful she's had consistent (or any) employment since 2019. Jamie is her only claim to fame and cash cow. Yet still, as hungry for fame as she seems to be she also doesn't appear to want to do any work to get this fame. She wants it to be handed to her on a silver platter for just existing and being involved with Jamie romantically.

Someone with any sort of business savvy or knowledge in PR (as she claims to have) would know how to use this attention she was getting for being with Jamie to turn it into something much bigger. If she had any marketable skills, drive, or determination, she would be posting original content on her IG account. She could be posting fashion tips, makeup tutorials, vlogs, or even advice on how to get into her line of work. She could post behind-the-scenes photos at her alleged job or photoshoots she attends. Yet, she opts to do none of that and build her account around 90% stolen material that she vaguely tries to take credit for, posts of her with Jamie, and her poor promotion of Ice Studios that 90% of the time the people and companies tagged don't even seem to acknowledge that she exists.

It appears that Jess wants fame, believes she deserves fame, but also doesn't believe she should have to do any real hard work to get it. She also seems to think she's special as she is and doesn't need to hone any talent or skills or make herself anywhere near interesting. That because she's with Jamie and because she posts on Instagram people should just like her, give her money, make her famous, and offer her brand deals. Her utter incompetency in any field she claims to be in shows how self-entitled she is and the way she clings to Jamie to steal his portion of the spotlight makes it even more obvious what her intentions behind this relationship always have been.

[wallflowerglitter]

[hoshizoralone]

reflection

[goldensunset]

people who go through the main tags of big and tumultuous fandoms looking for new fresh good posts to reblog are essential to any circle. they’re like true hunter gatherers leaving the safety of settlement and braving the unknown wilderness to find food for the flock. they risk their lives every day and will come back with a few scratches at best and severe psychological damage at worst

[redzombie]

Raya Lucaria & Mensis exchange program when

[enlitment]

[canon-gabriel-quotes]

WEAR HEADPHONES.

Transcript:

Forgive me, Father.

I'm trying to deliver judgement...

But this STUPID FUCKING PUSSY keeps getting wet.

Audio source

Got name dropped exactly 1 minute after that... Yeah that's fair.

[faeriefully]

if I see another post about how Hunger Games is a critique on capitalist society I am going to scream— the Capitol literally controls all the production from the districts— there is no freedom of the market. The closest there is to an actual capitalist market is the black market. PANEM IS NOT RUN ON CAPITALISM

[cypric-rat-hyperfixation]

many laypeople wonder: what's the difference between autism and adhd? allow me (Bachelor of psychology) to illuminate

💠💎💠💎💠

really autistic pictures of rats

really adhd pictures of rats

hope this helps

[lavendorii]

long-term nuclear waste warning messages/subnautica

[skylightangels]

Happy birthday to my main girl Katniss!

[bluetimeombre]

──•~❉᯽❉ Third times the charm

Tom and you met over zoom whilst auditioning for your roles in the ballad of songbirds and snakes. Instant attraction and the chemistry was off the charts, everyone could see it, even you two fools. In every interview you did, as co-stars, as best friends and finally, as a couple…

(from me: hi, sorry, I’m dying for Tom Blyth content so I made so myself. I can't bring myself to write y'/n so i'm just going with 'you.' But I wrote it so you're british, oops. This is also to make up for choosing timmy in the 'call it what you want to' series, for the tom girlies, enjoy!)

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

' How well do the stars of Ballad of songbirds and snakes know each other? - Vanity Fair. '

Tom, you and Josh sat together in the Vanity Fair studio. While Tom kept his cards close to his chest (literally), you and Josh waited anxiously. You were sure you would win though, even Josh was sure you would win. Tom and you had spent almost every day together all year. People in the studio- who had only caught a ten minute glimpse of your friendship- knew your souls were made together.

'First question,' said Tom, pulling the cards back further. 'What is my biggest fear?'

Josh slapped his knee in frustration and you slumped in your chair, laughing to yourself. You must know, surely. 'Mine is gonna be, probably, a little bit more shallow,' said Josh before you could even make a guess.

You rose your brows focusing on a specific point on the floor. 'Shallow?'

Tom rested a hand on your shoulder, giving it a squeeze. His lips were tilted in a fond smile at her concentration. 'You ok?' he laughed, 'you know this- you've got this.'

'No, I do know this, you've told me,' you say.

'You've told her?' gasped Josh.

'I've probably told you!' said Tom. He seemed completely absent minded over the fact he was still holding onto your shoulder, massaging it gently.

'Ok, I think it's- ironically- snakes. That's my guess.' Finally, you breath and cross your legs over.

'Interesting. Josh?' he asked, taking his hand from you. (Maybe eagle eyed fans would see the way his hand flexed at his side, just under the chair. And maybe twitter would blow up with the Mr Dracy like move.)

'I was gonna say mountain lions.'

You and Tom laughed. 'That's more shallow?'

'In what way is that more Shallow?' Tom laughed.

Josh gesture wildly to you. 'I thought you were gonna say something more conceptual.'

'Oh sorry,' you apologise.

Josh leant back on his chair. 'Yea, you should be.'

Tom finished writing on the card. 'So, it was my childhood fear, which I've obviously gotten over but it was-' he turned the card, revealing his scribble. 'Snakes.'

'Yes!' you cheered. 'I knew it!'

'I think it's because I used to watch a lot of Indiana Jones as a kid and because he was afraid of snakes, I think it transferred on to me,' he explained.

'Makes sense,' you shrugged.

'Cool people are afraid of snakes,' Tom agreed.

'And mountain lions,' added Josh, causing your cheeks to heat up with laughter. There was probably nobody who could be so nonchalant in how he makes you laugh.

'Point to you!' cheered Tom, holding up his hand. Quickly you high-fived him and held his hand for a flickering moment before moving on.

'What is my go-to karaoke song?'

You were safe to say, gob-smacked. You swivel in your seat, eyes wide. 'You have a go-to karaoke song?'

He stares at you, just as shocked at your surprise. 'We all do.'

'We do?' you asked. 'Then what the hell is Josh's?' you turn to him, curious.

'9 to 5, Dolly Parton,' he said, seriously. But even that got you cracking up.

'I expect one of you to know this,' said Tom, scribbling his song choice.

'Oh, no pressure then,' you said.

'We went to karaoke all the time.'

'Yes but I don't remember all the song,' you fold your arms over your chest, chewing down on your lips.

'Oh no,' Josh hunched over and you pat his back, mumbling to yourself. 'I feel like- I wanna say it was some punk-rock thing.'

'Do you want a clue?' Tom offered.

'Yes!' Josh.

'No!' You.

'Ok, not then,' said Tom, deciding.

'Wait, no, that's not fair,' Josh complained, 'I want a clue.'

Tom shrugged, holding out his arms. 'Boss said.'

'Yea I don't know why I said that,' you laugh, still thinking. You remember him singing to you, in your trailers or hanging out on set. He or you would strum a guitar and sing together. But karaoke?

'Mambo number 5,' Josh announced.

'Mambo number 5,' Tom checked.

Your brows scrunched up. 'That's punk rock?'

Josh looked at you, then remembered what he was saying. 'No, i'm gonna change mine to all the small things.'

'Ok, your guess?' asked Tom, nudging you.

'Oh I don't know,' you shrug, 'Sexy back, Justin Timberlake.'

'Close!'

'I was close?' you gasp, jumping up in your seat.

'It was,' he shows the card. 'Senorita, Justin Timberlake.'

You and Josh laughed together.

'I don't think I ever heard you sing that!' Josh argued.

'We definitely did, definitely.'

Josh shook his head, body shaking with laughter. 'I don't think I even know the words to the song.'

Tom shifted in his seat, changing cards. 'That's the point of Karaoke, they're up on the screen'

You turn to him, face screwed up and holding onto his knee. 'That's not the point of karaoke babe,' you said solemnly. It was a joke between the cast, how often you called people babe. As a brit. Sometimes you even said it in a Gemma Collins way.

'Anyway, half a point to you!'

You fist pump the air while Josh complains loudly. Whilst bickering, Tom moved on and had to repeat the question.

'What is my favourite mode of New York transportation?' he asked.

You chuckled to yourself, rubbing your head. 'That is the funniest question ever.'

Tom scoffed, his lips curling up. 'How is that a funny question?'

'I've just never known transportation to come up in one of our conversations. Imagine meeting someone and being like 'hey, guess what? my favourite mode of transport is...''

Josh laughed at the hurt look on Tom's face and your own sarcasm.

'Oh yea, what is it then?'

'Your motorcycle,' you said obviously.

'Well, you knew it didn't you,' he pointed out. The two of you bickering like a married couple. Even the crew behind the scene were blushing at you two and laughing.

'I didn't get to guess!' erupted Josh.

Tom and you laughed, holding onto each other and apologising to him.

Josh leant back in his chair, throwing his leg over his knee. 'Ok so motorcycle but i'm gonna go the extra mile and say- I think it's a Honda.'

Tom calmed down, wiping tears of laughter before showing the camera his answer. 'It is motorcyle but Josh is wrong, it's not a Honda so the point goes to you.'

You pat yourself on the back while Josh looks into the camera.

'This is what happens when you give 110%. Is this the example we want to set?'

Tom rests his hand on your back, un-consciously rubbing it. 'Ok so, point to you and Josh gets ... three quarters of a point.'

You nod your head. '75%. Have you got any points?'

Josh glared at you. He then noticed Tom's hand resting on your back. 'Why are you comforting her? i'm the loser.'

You clicked your tongue, pushing him. It was lucky you didn't notice how Tom blushed, turning back to his cards and made a mental note to keep his hands to himself.

The three of you continued down the questions:

'If I weren't an actor, what profession would I be?' Tom

'What are you? writing down a novel there?' You

'You'd definitely work with mountain lions.' Josh

'For some reason I want to say Fire man but that's not it.' You

'What is my coffee order?' Tom

'Oh, I know this, it's the same as mine. Josh, you know this?' You

'Of course not.' Josh

'What is my biggest pet peeve?' Tom

'So many things come to mind.' You

'Am I a grumpy old man to you?' Tom

'Tom has always been so relaxed and easy going, go ahead and put a point down for me.' Josh

For the next question, Tom looked pointedly at you. 'I really hope you get this. What is my hidden talent?'

Josh looked seriously at Tom, only suddenly playing the game. 'I think I know what mine is.'

'I think you should both get this,' he said, writing down the answer.

'Whistling,' you guessed simply.

Tom quipped his lips at you, head moving slightly.

'Well, I was also gonna say whistling,' Josh smirked.

Tom laughed. 'You're so full of shit.'

'I said it first, you're good at whistling. You can whistle like a disney bird,' you said, trying to win more points in flattery.

'Thank you.'

You looked into the camera. 'Tom's actually going to be playing a bird in the new Snow White movie with Rachel Zegler.'

The boys laughed.

Tom nodded, turning around the card. 'The answer is whistling.'

Josh and you shake hands and Tom started to show of his whistling skills, the familiar tune of the hunger games and holding up three fingers.

'I was- that made me nervous,' said Tom shakily.

'Yea, you were shaking,' you said.

Tom reached out for your arm, before remembering before and pulling back. 'I know, did you see my lip quivering.'

'I was nervous for you.'

'Yea, yea, yea,' agreed Tom.

Josh pretended to get out of his seat. 'I should go, i'll leave you guys to it.'

You pulled him back down while Tom moved on, asking the couple final questions. It ended with you earing 6 points, while Josh was at a lousy 2.75. But then, it was yours and Josh's turn to 'flip the script' on Tom. If he got them wrong, you guys got the points so you'd made sure to chose difficult questions.

You just hadn't expected Tom to know everything.

'Tom.'

'Yes,' he stared intently, ready for anything.

'What is my dogs name?' you smirked, thinking he wouldn't remember. Since you were on set and then traveling for press your dog was staying with your family and Tom had only met him once or twice.

'Easy. Padfoot.'

Your brows dropped and you turned away, pressing your lips into a tight line.

Tom nudged you. 'Did you think I wouldn't get it?' he asked and his jaw-dropped when you nodded. 'Of course i'd get it, I love your boy.'

'What the hell is a Padfoot?' asked Josh.

'It doesn't matter,' you waved of, trying to distract yourself from blushing. You really didn't think Tom would get it, would care enough to remember.

'It's a Harry Potter thing,' explained Tom. He stretched out his arm so it held onto the back of your chair. Not touching, right.

Josh asked his question. Tom got it right again and you were looking down at your card, wondering if it was hard enough for him.

Tom watched you set the cards down, tuck your chin into your chest and put your hands behind your chair. 'Oh no,' he chuckled.

'There is a piece of jewellery that I always wear. Now obviously i couldn't wear it whilst filming, but I had it kept in my trailer. And after we wrapped it went straight back on. The question is what piece of jewellery is it?'

Josh was laughing and trying to guess himself while Tom panicked. Every day for a year he had been around you. He'd had lunch with you, hung out in your trailer, you'd nap together and laugh together. He's seen you swimming in nothing but a lovely swim suit. He'd held your hands and you guys had even worn each others rings. How could he not know? He was beating himself up about it, all the while you smirked at him. Tom could almost excuse the fact of being a shitty friend to see how giddy it got you.

He tried to peek behind the chair but you shifted. 'Ok I don't think it's a ring because you change up your rings a lot.'

'Ok,' you hum.

Tom pulled at his lip. You weren't hiding your ears so it couldn't be an earing. That's when he remembered. Tom clicked his fingers. 'It's your locket! and it's gold!'

You sit up straight. 'How?!' Tom immediately looked to your neck- or maybe it was closer to your chest- where your locket dangled just under your shirt 'Well, I think we know who knows each other the best!'

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

Some months later, about eight, you and Tom were back at a quiz. The two of you were starring in different things. Tom's series which he stared in, 'Billy the kid' was having it's third and final debut while you staring in a adaptation of 'Malibu Rising' by Taylor Jenkins Reid for Apple Tv.

' The BFF test! ' - Glamour.

'How do you think we're gonna do?' asked Tom.

'That's not even a question Tom, we're gonna do great!' you threw a thumbs up at the camera and Tom copied you with a grin.

'Let's do this shit!' he yelled.

The crew behind the camera gasped and laughed while you hunched over, chuckling. He realised his mistake, how he wasn't supposed to swear and put his hand over his mouth.

'I am so sorry,' he apologised. Only when you caught your breath did you stand up and hold onto him. His arm wrapped around you back, holding you too.

Eventually, once you two had regained yourselves, you were asked how well you think you know each other.

'Pretty well,' you said.

'Very well,' Tom corrected.

'Very well it is, very well it is,' you said.

The crew behind the camera asked when you first met.

'Over zoom,' you said.

Tom nodded. 'it was a chemistry read for hunger games. Coriolanus and Lucy-Grey. You sang an acoustic version of Silver springs and I watched.'

'And the rest is history. Inseparable ever since,' you smile, swaying side to side while Tom watched with a fond smile. 'But seriously, it was a very lovely moment and since then, i've had a best friend in Tom.'

'Aw,' he said, throwing an arm around your shoulder and drawing you in. 'I love this girl,' he told the camera.

Eventually, once the two of you were finished with the introductions they had you stand opposite each other with a small notebook and pen. Your task: to write a compliment about each other.

Tom was already writing down his, page being filled up quickly. 'How much time you got?'

'Done,' you said, closing your notebook.

Tom looked up. 'What?'

'I'm kidding,' you assured him at his shocked and maybe slightly hurt face. 'How are you writing so much?'

'I have a lot to say about you.'

'Sappy.'

'Shut it, you love it.' Tom was focused on writing down, getting all his thoughts and a thousand unsaid words on page. He couldn't tell how you watched him with a smile and a shimmering glimmer in your eyes, but fans could, and they'd deem it the look of love.

After a moment longer of writing, you finished, looking at him. 'Ready?'

Tom finished his sentence and nodded. 'Ready.'

'Ok you go first,' you say.

'No, you go first,' he insists, the two bickering over each other. 'Ladies first.'

'Age before beauty,' you say.

Tom rolled his eyes playfully but held up his notebook. 'This is- this is nerve racking, woah,' he says, laughing.

'No, I know. I'll turn around if that helps,' you go to turn.

Tom grabs your arm. 'No, don't-' he cleared his throat, let you go and started to read. 'You are incredibly talented, that's the first one. Your acting, your voice, it's unbelievable and every time I watch you at your work, i'm in awe. As well as that, you are so dedicated to your craft, whether it's flying back and forth for your movies or not giving up until you've nailed a scene, you just- you give 110% every time and it's inspiring to watch. Not only do you make me want to be a better actor, but a better man-'

He read from his notebook, flicking through the pages as you watched, mouth covered and tears welling up in your eyes.

'You're insanely intelligent, you have such a unique style that is so you. You give confidence to others and always bring the best out in them. You're witty, you're hilarious, absolutely hilarious, I don't laugh with anyone the way I laugh with you. And you are just the most beautiful girl in the world.' Only when he had finished did he look up and see you wiping your eyes.

'Christ,' you mutter, turning away as the crew laughed.

Tom wrapped you in a bear hug, laughing and rocking you back and forth. 'You're not suppose to cry.'

'How can I not?!' you mumble into his chest. 'Ok.' you took a deep breath, calming yourself before standing back from him and looking down at your own notes. 'Well mine just seem so rubbish now,' you joke toward the camera.

'Tom. You're a talented actor. One of the most talented i've ever met, or ever seen. Watching you on the hunger games, I mean, I was speechless half the time. You're the kindest and sweetest man I know. It's no secret i've always said, men, they suck but you, you changed that. You, single-handily restored my faith in men,' you say, creating a laugh through the studio and him. 'Er, i've just listed compliments, funny, caring, talented, gorgeous, beautiful, so-so hot- I mean, the list goes on but it's not gonna be anything like you gave me.'

'It's perfect, thank you.'

You gesture to him, looking in the camera. 'He's a gentleman.'

Your next task was harder, looking into each other eyes for one minute.

'Is this gonna be like, a staring contest,' you wonder out loud as the two of you already keep your eyes on each other.

'I hope not, my eyes sting already,' says Tom. For a moment, the two of you are just there staring at each other. Your hands behind your back, his at his side as small smiles play at your lips.

'Your eyes are so blue, christ, i've never just stared at them like this before,' you compliment. 'Add that to my list.'

'Are you crying? You look like you're going to cry again?' asked Tom, peering closer at you.

'That's just me, i'm always in a state of verge of tears.'

He laughs, but keeps his eyes open and on you. After a minute, you two finally looked away, rubbing at your eyes. 'I think we were having a staring contest then,' he said.

'Yea, yea, yea, my eyes hurt.'

There was a couple extra challenges, trying to say the same word at the same time (you guys failed every time except last where you both said 'hunger games') and to mirror each others move. The last one, is a trust fall.

'Send it!' Tom pretended to fall back immediately as you lunged to catch. He didn't fall but laughed at your readiness. 'Send it!'

'Stop!' you yell.

'Ok, for real this time, you ready?' he asked, holding his arms over his chest and glancing back at you.

'I'm so scared!'

Tom looked at the camera. 'Why are you scared? i'm the one falling!'

'Ok, on the count of three,' you say, holding your arms out.

'Are you counting up or down?'

'Down. Ok, three... two...one!'

Tom fell back and you held him up, pushing his back. The two of you stumbled a bit causing Tom's eyes to widen, but you had him.

'You are heavier than you look,' you say. 'All that pure muscle.'

Tom struggled back up and then it was your turn. 'On the count of three?' he asked, arms out.

'No!' you whine. 'I hate this!'

'Trust me. Don't you trust me?'

You have your hands tucked to your side. You look into the camera. 'This is gonna send me right back to therapy.'

Tom laughs behind you but reaches over to hold onto your shoulders. 'C'mon, you can do this, i'll slowly ease you back.'

You squeeze your eyes shut and purse your lips, stifling a hum. 'That's cheating.'

Tom tuts, 'No it's not: now-' gently he held onto your shoulders and-bending at the knees- he gently eased you down, until he was crouching and until you were rocking on your heels. You took a deep breath as he held you back up. Your arms were still over your chest as your body wracked with a laugh.

'That was so dumb.'

Tom still had you in his hold, wrapping an arm around your shoulder and pulling you in.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

A year later and finally, the fans dreams came true. When the video was released, fans went crazy, thinking it was fake or a mashup of clips put together. Instead, it was true. A very real video of the two of you doing a 'couples quiz'.

'Hello!' Tom waved at the camera, before gesturing between the two of you. 'We are here today to do the-'

'Couples interview!' you finish. 'Years in the making it would seem,' you added, slapping your cards over your knee.

Tom looked at his cards. 'What is my first name?'

'Tom Keir Blyth,' you answer easily, 'not Thomas. Against popular contradiction.'

He laughed, knowing you'd call him Thomas to annoy him if you ever bickered. 'Not Thomas.'

'Call him Thomas and he'll break up with you.'

'That hasn't happened!' he told the camera, whacking you playfully with the cards a you sat across from him. 'Ok, moving on, where did I grow up?'

'Birmingham,' you say, in your best Birmingham accent.

'What was my fist film role?' he asked, smirking at the question.

You sigh, throwing your head back. 'Ok so... I don't know if it was your very first one, or maybe it was like, the second or something but you were in Robin Hood, and you played feral child number three.'

'That's exactly what I have on my card,' he said, showing it off to you.

'I'm the best girlfriend,' you sing.

Tom laughed, marvelling at you for a moment before moving onto the next question. 'Oh ok, where was our first kiss?'

You shrug, thinking it obvious. 'On set.'

Tom looked back down to his cards. 'Oh yea, I should've specified- our first kiss like as a couple, or just not on set.'

You laugh. 'Ok, cool, I was gonna say, that's an easy one. So of set, I guess, it was my hotel room. In New York, yea.'

'See, I had down-'

'You had something else down?' you gasp, leaning over in your chair.

'Yea. I had it down as the picnic, when you came to see me on set of Billy,' he explained. He remembered the day fondly. You and him, riding horses into the sandy terrain, taking a picnic down and one of his breaks and rolling around the blanket, laughing and digging fingertips into each other. Lips clashing in the heat of sun.

'But we- ok fine, that was our first kiss.'

'We did, kiss in the hotel room, you're right,' he insisted.

'No, but if you're counting first kiss as a couple then you're right, the picnic.'

'No you should still get the point because that kiss does count.'

Your exchange could've gone on forever if someone behind the camera hadn't spoken up, saying how adorable you two were, causing blushes from both of you before he moved on.

'What is my favourite thing to bring with me when I travel?' he asks.

'Me,' you say, without faltering.

'Correct!' he chucked the card behind him.

'Was it actually?'

Tom nodded. 'Yea. Well number one was you and then the second was my motorbike key.'

You roll your eyes. 'Of course it was. Thank you for putting me above the key at least.'

'Always, darling, always. What is my favourite jacket to wear?' he asked.

You thought about it, carefully and for a while. 'You don't have many but I'm trying to think which you wear the most.'

'I think you'll know it, you should get it.'

You raise your head to the ceiling, taking it more seriously than probably needed. He concentrated on you, wondering how hard you were thinking. 'The thing is- i'm thinking practicality. So like, that would be your motorbike jacket. But the one that I see you in most, and that I wear the most, is like your long, black jacket?'

'I had my motorbike jacket down, so half a point.'

'It crossed my mind!' you defended.

'It did, yes. So 50% of a point.'

You laugh. 'Not 75%.

'Who was my first celebrity crush?' he asked.

'Me,' you answer sarcastically.

Tom rose his card, covering his grin. 'Do you want to try again?'

'No,' you say. You knew what it was, you were taking the joke from him.

'Please?' he asked quietly.

You laugh at how wide his eyes were. 'Your first celebrity crush was Jennifer Anniston, ok.'

'Correct. But if I knew you back then, it would've been you.'

'Thanks, babe.'

'Ok, so I feel like you got pretty much every one of them,' said Tom, tucking his cards away.

'I feel like I did too, how ready do you feel Tom?' you asked.

Teasingly, he leant over, showing his forehead. 'See that? not a sweat. I've got this. Gimme some.'

'What are my dogs names?' you ask.

'Your oldest one is Padfoot, your youngest, the puppy dog is Moony.'

'Correct. Easy one. Ok, next, what is my favourite city?'

Tom's face dropped. 'That got harder so much quicker.'

'What? I thought this was easy.'

'Yea but it's between two. London or New York.'

'Well you've got them. I'd say right now it's New York though. Just because you're there,' you say jokingly.

'We're such a good couple.'

'The best. Lightning round. Favourite food?'

'Pizza.'

'Yes, favourite taylor swift album?'

'Folklore.'

'Easy. What is my favourite bag?'

Tom paused. 'It's a tote, your tote. Is it your waterstones one?'

Sadly, you shake your head. 'To be fair it's a new one i've got, it's my 'I heart new york one.'

Tom groaned. 'Of course it is, how did I not get that? I was literally with you when you brough it.'

'I have it with me today.'

'You do! oh my god, quickly move on before I get annoyed at myself.'

'Oh ok,' you grin down at the question and then pull a face, wondering yourself.

Tom watches, laughs and puts his hand on your knee, squeezing it affectionately. 'Are you alright? what's going on?'

'No, sorry, i'm just thinking about how to word this,' you pause and then, almost as if you weren't aware you were doing it, you hold onto his hand and ask the question. 'What is my favourite thing that you wear?'

Tom's expression matches your puzzled one. 'That I wear?'

'Yes. And I want you to take your time, think about it because you know it. And if you don't get this, we might be over,' you tell him.

Tom's jaw drops and he leans back in his chair, thinking. 'Don't say that!'

'Ok, it was a joke, sorry. But you do know this.'

Tom looks down at himself, but it was a new shirt and there was nothing special about these pants. The shoes were nice but you'd never cared for shoes. He checked his rings. You liked rings and you especially liked his rings but that couldn't have been it. 'Oh!' he almost kicked himself for not getting it sooner. 'Is it my- is it the necklace? he asks, pulling it from under his shirt.

'Yes!' you cheer, throwing the card over your shoulder and reaching over to high five him.

'I've never been so stressed in my life,' he laughed.

'So the necklace-' you start to explain to the camera as tom holds it out proudly, showing every crew and every camera as you laugh and smile at him. Never had you felt so in love. 'The necklace he wears all the time is the initial from the first letter of my name, just like-'

'Just like the Taylor Swift song,' finishes Tom, knowing how much you love it. Even now, you're smiling with teary eyes.

You had not brough it for him, but on your first anniversary Tom surprised you with it. You cried, wept. It was the first time you felt truly seen.

'I think you should sing it,' prompted Tom.

'I'm not singing it!'

'Go on! I love your voice!'

'No!'

'For me?' he asked.

You roll your eyes but don't really sing the song, you more say it: 'I want to wear his initials on a chain around my neck, not because he owns me, but because he really knows me, but obviously, it's you wearing mine so...'

'Thank you for watching our couples quiz!' Tom waves to the camera.

'All in all I think we're couple goals, yea?' you check.

'Oh, absolutely!'

And the show was all done, with you two waving. But the camera's didn't turn off quick enough to catch how Tom held your hand and kissed the inside of your palm.

Yea, absolutely in love.

[instantpansies]

crowdsourcing a 200k @hellsite-hall-of-fame x perry the platypus fanfic: part 8

at long last, i'm back to writing The Fic!! however, being an Internet Funnyman is difficult sometimes and i can't decide what should be written above the Capital Building doors!! oh golly goodness!! here's what i have right now:

this is a spoiler, sort of, but i think it's worth it for some audience participation. (also, ideally, the chapter will be out before this poll ends. i just want to scope out the general vibe.)

@hellsite-hall-of-fame @hellsite-hungergames @hellsite-hall-of-girlfriend

[hoshizoralone]

useless lesbian and her beloved children

[edgy-ella]