#fun fact i used to not be the biggest charmer fan

[chancheols]

Charmer skz!! Or should I say charmah

This is high praise, actually. Thank you 💕💕

Anon me a song that matches my tumblr vibe

[danzinora-switch]

Typing the Turtles (ROTTMNT) Part 3 - Leonardo

This started out as an investigation into the turtles’ insecurities, because one thing the show does so well is demonstrate that they are still teenagers. And being a teenager is a confusing experience - there’s angst, drama, exploring one’s identity, a lot of growth, and overall figuring out who you are. That’s a messy process, too! And we see this mess in our turtles: they mess up, they’re learning, they self-doubt, they have fears and insecurities, but they’re also discovering their strengths and how to overcome their inner obstacles.

So after thinking about all this way too long, here’s my psychological breakdown of each turtle (I’ll be referencing MBTI and the Enneagram a ton, but will include links for more general information on those if you don’t know what I’m talking about). 

Parts One and Two found on the links for Raph and Don.

Leo: ESTP, 3w2

The Achiever, the Entrepreneur, the Charmer, the Explorer

I’ve wanted to say this for a long time: Leo is such a 3, he is such a 3 it hurts, oh my goodness. Read this: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-3 and tell me that isn’t Leo to a T.

It took me a little longer to figure out the MBTI for him, but he has a lot of similarities with the ESTP. This does mean we need to step away from the ‘frat bro’ stereotype of ESTPs, though. They are a lot more keen than convention would suggest.

Really, a big thing with Leo is his need to be The Best. What that means, to him, is normally something physically-related. He needs to be the best at sports or performing certain moves, which we see in episodes like The Longest Fight where he bets he can pull off the impossible skateboard move, or Shell in a Cell where he asserts he can out-perform Ghostbear. Additionally, episodes like Air Turtle really showcase the ugly side of his competitiveness. But he also desires physical perfection. He is rather image-conscious, fretting about his body in Stuck on You, and routinely referring to himself as the team’s Faceman. The biggest example of this was his idea for a disguise in Hidden City Job: the Turtle Adonis. An adonis is considered the peak physical ideal, handsome and attractive to boot. If this drive doesn’t scream Enneagram Three I don’t know what does.

Leo at his worst: Leo’s competitive side can certainly get the best of him. We see this in episodes like Air Turtle, where his ‘win at all costs’ attitude starts to alienate him from the group. Raph has also described him as a ‘poor winner’ which refers to his tendency to gloat when he does beat out the competition, or was proven right (Bug Busters, The Gumbus, You Got Served, LAIR GAMES). He’s smug, gloating, and when he does lose tries to wiggle out of it through technicalities. The one time he says something isn’t a competition is after Mikey beats him at Skateball (You Got Served). And when he ‘loses’ the Lair Games, Donnie’s win comes with a catch that Leo built in.

Threes do this for approval and validation, though, and we see that underlying his need to be the team’s Champion in Minotaur Maze and Portal Jacked! “I’m nothing without them!” he cries to Hueso. “What good is a team with just a Faceman?” Threes have a need to distinguish themselves from others, to be admired, to have attention, so that they then feel valuable and worthwhile. Other people, then, are necessary. When Leo wants to get on the Wall of Champions in Minotaur Maze, his brothers factor in to his unmet needs. “...because what good is being a Champion if you can’t rub it in your brothers’ faces?” Leo doesn’t just need to be The Best… he needs others to acknowledge it, as well.

Average Leo: He���s got a practical eye for situations and the quickness to adapt and act as needed. The ESTP is known for being bold as well as perceptive. We see this in fight scenes such as Battle Nexus: New York when he is quick to determine that physical comedy is the key to making the sprite laugh and immediately changing his approach.

He also displays a remarkable amount of common sense when making decisions. In Origami Tsunami, as the guys discuss becoming heroes, he’s the one who shoots down ideas until they reach a more achievable goal: taking on paper thieves. And he’s got a point, can you imagine the turtles taking on a spine-breaker or mangler at that point in time? When everyone else is blinded by ideals concerning fixing the Mutant Menace, he’s the only one who asks “anybody down for staying home during the anti-mutant panic?” Of course, he still goes along with their adventure, because ESTP’s live in The Moment, so why not?

Something else that I want to mention is Leo’s appreciation for the Machiavellian. He has an incredibly intuitive grasp on it, and actively appreciates twists, turns, betrayals and deceptions. His love for magic probably stems from this (The Clothes Don’t Make the Turtle) and he is the only one enjoying the series of betrayals in Warren & Hypno Sitting in a Tree. Hidden City Job also expands on the fact that Leo doesn’t have a problem with betrayal, as he revels about brotherly betrayal happening all the time. He’s cool with being betrayed… just know that he can betray you back. It’s all fair game.

This can have upsides and downsides. On the upside, his understanding of trickery can lead to brilliant plans and solutions such as what we saw in Many Unhappy Returns, where he was able to outsmart Big Mama herself. On the downside, this kind of behavior is not always the best move - his family does not appreciate being left out of the loop of his schemes, or actively being manipulated as part of them (Leo’s plan in Many Unhappy Returns worked, but he still left his brothers alone and exhausted, and did not consider the emotional effect it would have on Splinter being sent back into the arena). At that point it’s no wonder he asks “why does no one trust me?” Because you tend to have an angle, ‘Nardo. Be careful how you use that.

He is also incredibly persuasive. This is partly why I feel he is a 3 wing 2, ‘The Charmer’ because he knows how to communicate to get what he wants. When used for the right reasons, we see him settle discord such as cooling the mobs in You Got Served or apologize when he knows an apology is needed (Todd Scouts, Air Turtle, Hidden City Job). We see it used neutrally (and a bit skeptically) in Many Unhappy Returns when he declares he’ll just go to see Big Mama and “turn up the Leo”. It can also be used deceptively, however. Todd Scouts shows this when Leo is the one who convinces Todd that they’re ready to kick things up a notch by going out alone… when really they just want to get away from him. He’ll also use words to get under people’s skins: dismissing Warren Stone in Stuck on You, but also pointing out Donnie’s beach ball fear in Mind Meld. He knows which words will get the responses he wants, for better or for worse.

Leo at his Best: Leo is the team’s motivator. He’s the one giving the others the pep-talks and encouragement they need to continue (Origami Tsunami, Finale: Rise). Donnie said it best after Leo’s redemption in Air Turtle: “your confidence is giving me confidence!”

Because that’s the healthy thing about Threes: they strive to reach their own full potential, which also inspires others to reach theirs. Leo doesn’t like to fail/lose, but he won’t let anyone else succumb, either. He has the most confidence in each Mad Dog’s ability. “I knew you guys could handle it!” he says in Many Unhappy Returns, and points out with amazing accuracy just what his brothers are capable of. He not only believes in himself, he believes in those around him. And he’s able to inspire them when they’re feeling down about their own abilities or not enthused about the task (see his speech about standing up for the paper men in Origami Tsunami).

This also includes encouragement and compliments in other areas. Regarding the Shell Hogs: “Donnie, these are amazing! And I know everything I say sounds sarcastic, but I’m being completely genuine this time” (Stuck on You). When Mikey isn’t sure Hypno will like him: “What? Of course he will, you’re adorable!” (Newsworthy). To Raph, “Does this place have smoke detectors? Because you’re on fire, Big Daddy!” (The Clothes Don’t Make the Turtle).

He’s also able to step in and take charge when Raph falls because he can see what action needs to be taken (that practical and observant, yet bold ESTP side coming in). When Raph gets separated in the sewers, Leo’s the one who doesn’t treat it casually and gets the others moving to find him (Man vs Sewer). When his older brother is hypnotized by Hypno in Stuck on You, he quickly reacts and tells Mikey and Donnie what the plan is and enacts it. We see this leader potential grow bit by bit, and his awareness of each individual’s role on the team allows him to step back from areas that he knows aren’t his forte: Raph can handle the ‘teamwork’ stuff, Donnie has got the technical know-how, and Mikey takes care of positive outlook for any situation. Leo can keep things fun and inspire confidence. His puns help lighten the mood, his jokes break the ice of tense situations, and he never stops believing in their own abilities, which keeps them all going (Donnie’s Gifts, Many Unhappy Returns).

Leo Relationships:

(While Leo has a competitive episode with each of his brothers: Shell in a Cell, Lair Games, and You Got Served, there is more going on than just that).

Raph: Both Leo and Raph have strong gut feelings that can be blindsided. Leo picks up immediately that Big Mama is not trustworthy while Raph is more than happy to believe her, but Leo is blinded by his fan-love for Jupiter Jim to realize that Marcus Montcrief is a crazy and suspicious adult, which Raph becomes aware of early on (Bug Busters, Jupiter Jim Ahoy!). They both can be a little too head-first when diving into plans, such as checking out the creepy bus in One Man’s Junk or doing their best to help April in Hypno: Part Deux. But they do trust each other to have each other’s backs, and there’s (thankfully!) no Leo vs Angst in this version of their characters. It really allows them to be comfortable with each other (and egg each other on with more than just missions: see the pizza pigeon in Mind Meld).

Donnie: In some ways Leo acts like a foil for Donnie. His own natural confidence counterbalances a lot of his twin’s insecurities. They butt heads over it, sure, with Donnie perhaps taking things too seriously and Leo seemingly not taking them seriously enough, but I like I said in Donnie’s typing: one’s chill and one’s uptight. There’s a ton of back and forth between them: they are the epitome of siblings fighting one minute and getting up to no good together the next (Example from The Mystic Library: Leo grooves out with Donnie’s rap one moment and tries to get him kicked off the team in the next scene). They may antagonize each other in Lair Games, Smart Lair, the beginning of Snow Day and Hidden City Job, and so much more, but also demonstrate brotherly love (and antics) in Operation: Normal, the end of Hidden City Job and Smart Lair, and, of course, Battle Nexus: New York. “For Donnie’s honor!”

Mikey: Leo sticks up for Mikey a fair amount, especially to Raph. He supports Mikey trying to open the portal in Mystic Mayhem, and going out on his first solo mission in Hot Soup: The Game. We actually need more Leo and Mikey episodes; of the two we have one is a competition episode (You Got Served), and The Gumbus has Leo tag along intent on proving Mikey wrong. It seems they like to hang out during the down time a lot, as they play in the arcade and skateboard off-screen in episodes such as Mrs. Cuddles, You Got Served, Mind Games, and Sparring Partner. And of course, we have the gripping image of Leo protecting Mikey’s shell with his own in Battle Nexus: New York. I’d really like to see them get up to more shenanigans, though. (hint, hint @nickelodeon​, @netflix​).

Ultimately, Leo is a confident, competitive turtle striving to reach his full potential. He is normally great at encouraging his brothers to do the same, and devising grand strategies, but tends to forget the emotional effects his actions can have on them, especially if he gets carried away on his quest to be The Best. He’s still learning, and these traits will likely flesh out as he grows into a more leader-like role.

For more information on the ESTP and Enneagram 3 personality types, click here:

https://www.16personalities.com/estp-personality

https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-3

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-3-wing-2

https://ih0.redbubble.net/image.155775924.2701/flat,800x800,070,f.u5.jpg

[rhywhitefang]

Blank Rune + Inner Shadow characters ranked by how much you can trust them to babysit your children

Mary Poppins is seething in envy:

- Avery; Hugger of children and literal angel. There’s no better option. No, you cannot change my mind. Your children will come back, happy, safe, and goth. They will form an unbreakable bond devils bargain of friendship

- Jademis: Smart, responsible, and nice. What better qualities for someone to take care of your kids? Not only is she capable, she actually cares about doing her job AND she will probably help your kids with their math homework also.

- Coal: Obviously an amazing choice. Not only does he have common sense and makes responsible choices, they are also fun! I can also see Coal really liking kids which makes him great for this.

- Caravel: On her own? God tier, no question. She takes her job incredibly seriously, gets attached to the kids immediately, and will defend them with her life. She will give them great food but also be responsible and also the kids will love her. Her taste in men is not her fault!

- Kester: He is literally a dad. The only reason why he’s ranked lowest in this tier is for slight overprotective tendencies, but you know what? That’s also a good thing. He would also LOVE tormenting your little ones with his dad jokes :)

- Idokras: This is a really protective person who is really enthusiastic and will do anything to keep them safe. Fun, but also strict enough to discipline them without being too harsh. The kids will have a great time!

Great tier:

- Acorn: Nice, smart, and full of great advice. Has kind of a hands-off approach which is why he’s not in the first tier, but overall a very solid choice.

- Fatima: Why is Fatima so low, you ask? She is across both stories the character with the most solid moral compass.She is responsible. She cares about their safety and wants them to be not traumatised. Perfect! But on her own, she is a bit awkward and “no fun” around kids. However!! If Oxyll joins her the pair of them instantly move up to God tier. 

- Astrid: Astrid is amazing! I don’t even have anything negative to say that put her down, she’s all around great! No complaints! Just not so extraordinary as to put her any higher, but if you chose her as your babysitter, your kids will have fun and learn some wilderness skills.

- Soleya: Probably already makes mad cash babysitting. Smart, responsible, snarky. Shame she’s not the biggest fan of children.

- Sora: Sora is a literal angel. An actual disney princess. A precious flower who is soft and nice and will take good care of your children. She can be a bit of a pushover though!

- Rhy: Canonically a great babysitter. Fun, good with children, and just all around a charmer. Maybe not the great role model, but I’ll doubt you’ll have any complaints about him. 

Decent enough:

- Oxyll: Also dad energy, but lesser efficiency than Kester. He’s more oblivious, and way less of a grip on the kids. He’s fine, but definitely not the best. Again, though, if you combine his powers with Fatima, they become god tier together. 

- Skipio: Decent enough, responsible, and will do his damnest to keep your little ruffians out of trouble. He’s gonna be strict with them, too - which is also his downside. Your kids won’t want them back.

- Tave: He’s doing his best! He’s trying! Who knows, maybe he can work himself up the tier list. For now he’s getting an E for effort. 

- Kain: A good boy! He’ll try to look out for them, but also, he’s very stupid, so emphasis on “try”

- Pan: I don’t think he’s really a “kids” kinda guy, and probably won’t know what to do with them. Still, he’ll try his best to keep them alive. 

- Agnes: Honestly, considering the fact that she’s like, what? 14? This is hella impressive. A responsible girl! I’m very proud of her!

- June: Your kids will love her! She’ll let them ride on her motorcycle, stay up past 2 am, and let them eat as many cookies as they want!

Meh Tier

- Lyn Amara: Completely uninterested in your brats. I guess if you paid her, she’d pay attention though. 

- Ash: Can be bribed into doing a good job, and depending on the kid might also grow attached enough to do it out of their own volution, but they might also not bother.

- Blake: He just wants to sit in his barrel, bro.

- Anianno: His honor demands him that he protects him from threats and he’ll definitely run head first at any large animal that tries to attack them. 

- Tilly: Stimulate your childrens creativity! Teach them valuable life lessons! Repeat after me: Murder is okay :)

- Laure: I mean, she *might* sacrifice them to her death cult but I feel like she’d be responsible about it, yaknow?

- Wren: That’s a bit too much responsibility for our anxious little bean. They will try their best though!

You Might as well have left them alone

- Allen: This is the same as leaving them alone.

- Swift: Will probably get distracted & overhwlemed. 

- Copper: Anxious chihuaha. Will cry. 

- Jakob: Oh boy... probably not the greatest idea. I mean, he’ll try his best, but I can’t see this going too well. Maybe they can write sad poetry together?

- Finn: He does nothing for them and might accidentally... drop them.

- Elvin: He’s a baby but at least not actively completely irresponsible, and has some physical capabilities? He’s really dumb tho.

- Phillip: He will ditch them half way through the night to go fight and/or make out with his boyfriend

- Prion: Too busy staring at himself in the mirror.

- Lexa: Herself a baby and also has no concept of fear or danger. Don’t.

- Kyra: Might steal their arms... but eh, too small. 

- Barnacle: Looking at his intentions and general vibe, it’s great! He is a soft cuddly sweetheart, who I can totally see liking children. He’s also a mess and a disaster and a huge pushover. Also, what do kids eat again? Here have some uhhhhhh...... leaves from outside?

Just.... Bad:

- Delta: Do you want your kids babysat by a cat?

- Liam: I mean... look at the job he did with June. He kept her alive and fed, I guess. So, congrats on achieving the bare minimum, but he’s definitely not getting any awards here. And theres you know, him being an evil shithead.

- Midas: As irresponsible as they get and also kind of a shithead. There’s a chance he might use your child as a football. 

- Mikash: He is baby, dont give him this kind of responsibility!

- Arna + Firmin: The irresponsible children squad. Why would you let them babysit your irresponsible children??

- Dareios: Canonical child hater and overall horrible person. The only reason he’s not in the shit tier is that if you payed him, your children will survive. He will treat them horribly though.

KEEP THEM AWAY FROM THE BABIES

- Artemisia: Well she might kill the kids, but unlike the rest of the people in this tier, here your kids might have a chance of survival ‘cause Misi is not that interested in them and might ignore them and do something else instead.

- Rubin: trash garbage man who will misuse your kids as “squires” for his fucked up murder tournaments

- “Ethan”: Almost the absolutel worst option. He is a terrible influence. We remind the reader that when Caravel asked him to get something to eat for the kids, he brought chips and alcohol. Awful role model, and thats not even getting into the fact that he literally murdered the two children in his care. Might not even keep your kids alive if you pay him!

- Esca: No :(

[finalgirlagatha]

reacting to heathens galore a week after the one year anniversary

uh hi guys. happy fanfic writer friday! today i’m going to be revisiting my most popular sge fic and third most popular fic overall (for reasons i do not understand) so, yeah let’s get into this 

its just trivia and cringe. also it’s long so... beware. 

i don’t understand why people like this fic. i’m going to start off with this. i know it was only a year ago but it feels so much longer and i legitimately can’t get through reading it without shriveling up into a ball and dying 

one time someone asked me, ‘why tagaphie?’ and i genuinely do not know why. the sister twist was dead to me even though this fic came out slightly after acot. i just wanted agatha to be happy. 

i hadn’t read the camelot years at the time, because i didn’t think they needed to exist 

i still don’t, not really, but moving on-

hhh why so many drug jokes. why. whyyy. 

this was drafted in 2018 and i know that doesn’t explain all the drug jokes but i was living in colorado at the time so maybe that’s it. 2018 me needed to get a grip 

yeah i hc hort as a stoner what about it? how else could you explain why he is the way he is

heres the embarrassing moment where i admit i was planning on writing one sided! hophie the entire time but the writer of the first and best horavan fic commented (i almost passed out) and i was like ‘what if... i did a thing’ 

i should’ve made this a nineties chatroom au with the ancient slang i’m using

the any1 hort uses haunts my dreams. i just want to talk :) 

teenagers are mean i’m so sorry teddy

i was not the biggest fan of tedros back then but i’ve changed i swear

chapter one haunts me  let’s move on 

bruh 

feels bad man

is it really a group chat fic if no one makes fun of the use of ‘y’all’ ? 

that link never attached and i’m noticing this now. i think it was supposed to be this tru.mp4 because roasting cowboys is funny to me

ravan gets the most dramatic anime entrance because i love him and HE CAN  

snake charmer is such a stupid username

i was going to do this thing where everyone's usernames were their circus talents but i forgot

this is uma slander and i will not stand for it

the time span between chapter four through chapter thirteen is friday to saturday.

this fic is the reason i started shipping chaddick/ravan. enemies to lovers 25k slowburn you know it 

i’m so ashamed of all the dick jokes i made. i’m like a middle school boy. 

WHY DID I LAUGH THIS IS SO BAD JSHDJJSHD

“im 🙋‍♂️not 🙅‍♂️emo🤬🕶️ i just like🥰😍 a lot of music💽.”- Hort Scourie, 2019

a friend of mine actually told me this once and i have never moved on 

chaddick ships hortrix 😔👏 good for him but wrong universe buddy 

gd i hate it here

reena is my self insert 

this whole fucking chapter is my last two braincells talking to each other during a math test 

chapter six is like a fever dream and i don’t like it, lets move on

my titles authors notes increasingly get more chaotic as the story progresses. chapter seven ‘you all flatter this old woman with your comments, bless you all’  bruh what was i on

nick is such a sweetheart tbh i love him

chaddick=fergie was such a big brain comparison 

i HATE that attack helicopter joke so much i was dreading it 

sorry about chapter eight lemme help you out 

b r u h

i swear this should have been a nineties au 

actually me

i didn’t want to me reminded of the fact that i used to listen to garage rock unironically. but now i am and oh man am i glad someone introduced me to better bands. the song i linked is not as much as a banger as i thought it was back then. 

a woman with taste. ska band coven au? anyone? no? okay. 

I RICKROLLED MYSELF JHSJFHJS WTF I WAS LIKE ‘Oh boy what did i do now” AND KSDJKSHD WHY 

we’re halfway through and i think i’m going to cry this is very accurate to irl groupchats but that doesn’t mean i have to like it 

my jokes peaked here 

chaddick in chapter eleven: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI4LMWI5o8k

@crackedpepper​ this is for you. i wrote this for you before i even knew you. 

yes, yes he did just type tick tok. 

anyways, i’m gonna stop halfway because i forgot how long this was and i need to recover. part two may be in the making. Have a lovely day. very sorry about this 

overall verdict: being pushed down memory lane in a barrel of nails and awkward jokes 

[franciegummstarstruck]

My new JG holiday fanfic, “Fun in Acapulco” 🌞🎅🌲🌶

It was mid-December in 1964- Judy Garland was taking her final bows at the prestigious London Palladium. 

 Judy and her eldest daughter, Liza were performing there in concert for a solid week. Miss Garland's English audience showered the mother and daughter team with love, admiration, and rousing applause. Let's face it, London adored Judy. And it was a mutual love affair. Miss Show Business beloved her British fans. And she developed many good, close friendships with a few devotees who were founders of Judy's biggest fan club based in England.

 Christmas was just around the corner and Judy and Liza flew back to New York to relax for a few days. After the twosome settled into their suite at the Regency Hotel on 61st Street in Manhattan, Judy telephoned her younger children Lorna and Joey. They were staying with their dad, Sid Luft in California since her London concert tour.  To Judy's shock, Sid's attorney answered the phone at her soon-to-be her ex-husband's Los Angeles residence. He callously told her that there was a court ruling stating that Sid had full custody rights of the children. And that he had taken Lorna and Joe to Palm Springs for the holidays. He added that the children wanted to be with their dad for Christmas. Judy briskly hung up the phone and informed Liza of the current situation.

 "That louse has kidnapped the children."

 "What's goin on Mama?"  Liza sympathetically asked. She couldn't help but see Judy's peeved expression on her face.

 "Sid. He got the damned Santa Monica court to rule in his favor about keeping Lorna and Joe away from me, that's what!" Judy exclaimed.

 "Oh, no. How could he do this to you Mama...and right before Christmas!" Liza uttered.

 "Because darling,  Sid Luft is a devious, heartless human being. This is his way of getting back at me for divorcing him." Judy quipped, lighting a cigarette.

 Liza shook her head. 

"But, he's not going to get away with it. I'm calling my attorney."

 Just then, as Judy reached for the phone..it started to ring. She abruptly answered the call, thinking it may be Sid on the other line.

 "Hello, who's is this?" 

"Hello Judy, it's Lana." a soft voice perkily replied.

 "Lana...Oh my goodness.. it's lovely to hear from you. Darling, how are you?" Judy warmly spoke up. 

"I'm doing well, thank you. My agent told me sweetie that you and Liza were in New York. And it just so happens that I'm in Manhattan too for a few days, so I thought I'd give you a ring to say hello and ask if you both would like to spend Christmas with me and Cheryl in Acapulco.. that is if you don't already have other plans?"

 Judy’s luscious brown eyes widened. 

“Acapulco? That sounds marvelous darling. I really didn’t have big plans for Christmas this year, Liza and I are so beat from our London concerts engagements.  And my younger children are spending the holidays with their father...’’

 “So, is that a yes? Oh, Judy you’ll love Mexico this time of year. You and I can relax on the beach and Cheryl and Liza can shop and boy-watch.” Lana giggled. 

“That does sound like the kind of vacation Liza would enjoy."  Judy replied with a chuckle.

 “Wonderful!” Lana said. 

“But, I’m not sure if I should go. My press agent may have some interviews lined up for me here in New York..’’ Judy expressed. 

“Oh, Judy all work and no play isn’t healthy..” Lana quickly remarked.

 Liza, over hearing the conversation in the room.. sprinted over to her mother and rambled in a whisper, “Say yes Mama! It’ll be fun! I've never been to Acapulco!" 

Judy flashed a motherly eye roll. 

"Letting Liza out in Mexico could be disastrous." Judy mused. 

However, she never could say ‘No’ to her children, so Judy accepted Lana’s invitation. 

“Alright, you’ve convinced me girlfriend. And my teenage daughter." 

"Great! I'll pick you both up on my way to the airport a week from today!" Lana cheerfully replied. 

"Ok, darling. Marvelous."

 "Till then love. Bye."

 "Bye-bye" Judy uttered before hanging up the phone.

 By now, Liza was dancing around the room with a broad smile on her pretty face.

 "Ok, darling we have lots to do before we take off for Mexico. I have to call my business manager, agents, and have my hair done." Judy declared.

 Liza nodded, then in a burst of enthusiasm exclaimed, "And I have to pack my French bikini!" 

The airline flight to Mexico was a glorious one for all three ladies. No turbulence and the stewardesses kept plying them with tasty desserts and asking for autographs. It helped Judy take her mind off the fact that Lorna and Joey wouldn’t be spending Christmas with her and Liza. And the minute the girls stepped off the jet, there was a sleek, black limousine waiting there for them on the tarmac. 

“Thank Goodness, I brought my sunnies with me. It’s so bright and warm here!’’ Judy vocalized, slipping on a dark pair of cat eye shades. 

Lana grinned. “Sunnies?’’ 

“You know, sunglasses.” Judy matter-of- factly replied.  

“Oh, I see. Now, I recall that’s what the British call em don’t they? Well, you can’t live without them down here darling. It’s year around sunshine south of the border.” Lana said with a giggle, putting on her large tortoise print shades.

 “I’m not used to it. I’ve been living in England for too long I guess. Mr. Sun doesn’t make an appearance there..”

 Lana and Liza chuckled, following Judy into the town car. 

  Lana was the perfect hostess. The moment Judy and Liza entered the gorgeous beach villa in Acapulco they were showered with attention and shown a good time. The striking blonde actress gifted them with colorful sombreros, embroidered Mexican dresses, and beautiful Mexican opal necklaces. The coral and white stucco home was decked out with hanging Christmas lights and boasted an enormous, sparkling swimming pool with cabanas. And it was only a short walk to the pristine ocean.

 Lana enjoyed showing the girls around town and took them to a quaint outside marketplace where they splurged on ice cream and taquitos And they browsed at a few street art vendors. Judy bought a colorful canvas for 1,000 pesos from a local artist because the children in the painting reminded her of Lorna and Joey.

 Lana’s 21-year-old daughter Cheryl drove Liza around Acapulco and the two enjoyed taco bar lunches in town while Judy and Lana lounged on the quiet white sandy beach soaking up the plentiful sunshine. 

The villa’s living room was filled with an array of bright festive flowers and  there was a beautiful garland draped on top of the colorful Spanish tile fireplace. She ordered a gigantic white Christmas tree which almost touched the ceiling! Cheryl and Liza decorated the tree while listening to Elvis records on the stereo. 

On Christmas Eve, Lana threw a small dinner party for a few close friends who were visiting the region. Noel Coward, Ava Gardner, and Ricardo Montalban were among the tight guest list, as was 28-year-old actor Robert Redford. Judy had met him and Elizabeth Ashley backstage after their performance in the Broadway hit play, Barefoot in the Park the year before in New York.  The strawberry-blond actor wasn't very talkative nor overtly receptive to Judy but his eyes were  fixed on her all evening. He didn’t seem to  take notice of the other beautiful ladies, including the villa’s charming hostess. Which was especially odd, because Lana Turner made a spectacular entrance. Glamorously dressed in a tight-fitting, very chic Edith Head original frock along with several diamond bracelets adorning her wrists. 

 Lady charmer Noel complimented her fine taste in clothes and the spicy rum cocktails that were on hand. Ricardo asked Judy to dance while a little mariachi band played outside on the patio. And Liza sang a favorite Broadway show tune at the piano. Before long, everybody was singing Christmas carols and sipping eggnog. And Judy was asked to sing, 🎶Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas🎶 Then, Ms. Turner’s guests were served an elegant authentic Mexican dinner in the villa’s dining room by the best black-tie caterers in town. After dinner, everyone went back into the living room to talk and play records. 

At one point, Judy excused herself and took off for the guest room to repair a nylon tear. Entering the room, she was utterly surprised to see Robert Redford reclining on top of the bed in the room with a wine glass in his hand.  

“Hi. I’ve just been sitting here thinking of you.” he composedly voiced. 

"Oh My Goodness..you startled me dear!" Judy replied with an uneasy giggle. 

Robert slid off the bed like a stealth cougar and placed his glass on a nearby table.

 "I want to make love to you." the handsome young man directly uttered.

 “What?" Judy gasped.

Robert let out a haughty little laugh. 

"You act like I’m the first guy that’s ever said that to you at a Hollywood party.” 

‘‘Well, it’s been a-while.’‘ Judy quipped. 

 Robert burst out in laughter. 

“First of all, we’re not in Hollywood and secondly, I don’t make it a habit to make love to strange men at dinner parties.” Judy saucily retorted. 

Robert smirked and quickly maneuvered over to Judy, while unfastening his cuff links. 

"But, we're not strangers. Don't you remember, we met in New York last year.. backstage after my performance in "Barefoot in the Park?" 

"Yes, I  remember. But, I still don't know you well enough to accept your hasty invitation. Not to say that I'm not flattered..."Judy said in a teasing manner. 

"So, you're turning me down?" 

"I'm sorry darling, but I do find you resistible." Judy said playfully fastening his necktie. 

"Me? You've got to be kidding. Why I'm the hottest young star in show business." he exclaimed in a joking way. 

Judy just grinned, seeing through Robert's star complex facade. 

 "Well, I guess I better go now. It's getting late and did you know there's still a party going on out there?" Robert bantered. 

 Judy chuckled  watching the young man make his way out of her bedroom.  

"Merry Christmas darling." she added. 

"You know, you're a woman of high values." he stated looking back and then quietly walked out of the room.

 Judy didn't say a word to anyone about the little episode between Robert and herself. She spent the rest of the evening yakking with Lana and Ava about clothes and ex-husbands. Young Mr. Redford left the swaray early and sped off in his little red sports car. 

The next day, Christmas day ..Judy slept in till 1 p.m. Liza and Cheryl spent the day relaxing on the beach with Lana and later Judy joined them. That evening, the ladies feasted on a tamale pie that Judy baked out of leftovers in the fridge and watched an old Christmas movie on television. 

 The following day, Lana drove Judy and Liza back to the airport. The gals exchanged hugs and said their 'goodbyes' before Ms. Garland and Liza scooted off into the terminal to catch their flight. While they were hurrying over to the correct gate, Judy's suitcase buckle snapped open and everything inside spilled out on the floor. A good-looking kindhearted passerby went over to assist Judy in need. 

“Here let me help you senora.” he politely said in a thick South American accent. 

“Thank you so much. It’s the first time this has ever happened to me.” Judy anxiously replied. 

The brown eyed man knelt down and helped Judy put her belongings back into her luggage. And then, the gentleman took off a luggage strap he had on his suitcase and wrapped it around her baggage. 

‘’I’m sure that will hold everything together now.” he uttered. 

 Judy graciously thanked him and took some money out of her purse to repay him for his kindness. 

“Please, there’s no need to repay me. It was my pleasure to help a pretty lady in distress.’’ 

“You’re very sweet. Thank you again.’’ 

The handsome stranger flashed a big, buoyant smile.

Judy and Liza brightly smiled back at him and then continued on their way to their flight’s boarding gate. 

“What a lovely man..” Judy said looking back.

‘’Yes, and don’t you think he looks a little like Gene Kelly?’’ Liza bubbly interjected.

Judy chuckled. 

“Yes, darling.. he does!" 

Liza nodded, clutching her satchel. "Well, they say everyone has a double."

                                                The End

©KristenRaeJohnson

[aion-rsa]

Superman & Lois Episode 3 Review: The Perks of Not Being a Wallflower

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This Superman & Lois review contains spoilers.

Superman and Lois Episode 3

“Morrissey’s a xenophobic has-been.”

This one line, delivered with deadpan perfection by Alex Garfin’s Jordan Kent pretty much sums up why Superman & Lois episode 3 is so good. Wait, really? Yes, stay with me for a minute…

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I loved the first two episodes of Superman & Lois. There’s no question about that. But there was a very slight nagging feeling in the back of my mind, that maybe this show was going to be a little too serious for its own good. That maybe in the process of making Jonathan and Jordan Kent as believable as possible, and as “relatable” (god, I hate that word) to young audiences as they needed to be, that the show would end up trying just a little too hard, get a little more wrapped up in its “family drama, but with Superman” high concept than it strictly needed to, and maybe forget to lighten up every now and then. I could excuse it in those first two episodes, which play like one feature length pilot when watched together, and which had a lot of work to do to get us to buy this very different take on the Man of Steel, but I wasn’t sure if the tone would sustain over a longer stretch of episodes.

And then along comes “The Perks of Not Being a Wallflower” to put those fears at ease. To be absolutely clear, this is absolutely not a drastic change in tone from what has come before. But now that we’ve gotten to know the Kents and their neighbors and classmates, and that the Smallville setting feels very much like the natural setting of the show, there’s a little more fun to be had. No, this isn’t suddenly The Flash and STAR Labs with a team of folks cracking wise at every opportunity, and it’s certainly not my beloved Legends of Tomorrow, but the humor is here, it’s subtle, and it works at every opportunity.

The opening scene with the family trying to paint the old Kent home is a charmer, a moment broken by Clark hearing a bridge collapsing in China which he speeds off to save. It’s another near-cinematic action sequence for this show, but the special effects aren’t really what sell this scene, it’s the moment of terror to relief to pure joy of a single fisherman as he realizes he’s witnessing Superman hold up a bridge…and Superman’s wordless interaction with him is equally joyful. This is something that simply hasn’t been done in live action interpretations of Superman since the Christopher Reeve years, and I honestly rank those few seconds with Supes and the fisherman as one of the best screen moments in the character’s history.

This episode is full of moments like that, even though Tyler Hoechlin once again spends most of his screentime as Clark rather than Superman. But even there, this is certainly Hoechlin’s finest performance as the character so far, bouncing effortlessly between Man of Steel to “Clark the superpowered dad dealing with problems new even to him” to “Clark who has to act like there’s nothing special about him.”

I worry slightly that Elizabeth Tulloch’s Lois Lane still doesn’t quite have enough to do as they build her Morgan Edge investigation through the Smallville Gazette. In every other aspect, moving the family to Smallville has worked, particular in regards to exploring completely new facets of the Clark/Superman dynamic, but Lois so far feels a little out of place. On the other hand, I should probably be thankful that they aren’t trying to “do a journalism” the way it’s so often been portrayed on Supergirl or The Flash, and maybe the slow burn is the more prudent move here. Anyway, it doesn’t change the fact that Tulloch is a delight in every scene, and she is quickly becoming the definitive screen Lois for me.

But the real highlights for this episode come in the form of Jonathan and Jordan, the two characters I was most skeptical about going into this show. I’ll confess, despite some terrific comics by the likes of Peter Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Dan Jurgens, Brian Michael Bendis, Ivan Reis, and others in recent years, I’ve never been the biggest fan of the “Superman as dad” concept. I tend to like my Superman stories a little more unencumbered (or some might say traditional, but whatever). But Jordan Elsass’ Jonathan and Alex Garfin’s Jordan are just so darn likeable, and the story being written for them so compelling, that I can’t really complain.

The idea that Jordan would try out for the football team despite his burgeoning powers seems a ridiculous one, and I honestly thought that sequence was going to be revealed as a daydream (similar to Clark’s in the first episode of Smallville). But it’s real, and it doesn’t go quite where I thought it would. Jordan excels at football…as it turns out, he’s a bit more powered up than Jor-El suspected last episode. You’d naturally expect this to lead to friction with Jonathan, who has yet to get the hang of his new team, and for a brief period it does, but then the show does something unexpected.

This isn’t about football going to Jordan’s head or even about him “getting even” with the guys who have been bullying him. Instead, it’s the first time he’s felt part of something. After absolutely leveling Sarah Cushing’s boyfriend (well…ex-boyfriend now) on the field, he offers his hand and apologizes for that awkward kiss at the Shuster Mines. Jonathan, meanwhile, sees the good the team is doing for his brother and advocates for him with a Clark who is understandably annoyed that his son is using his powers to gain an advantage on the football field.

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I know, I know, this all sounds far weightier than the Morrissey joke I quoted at the start of this, but it all unfolds with a little charm, and some surprisingly light touches here and there. Jonathan and Jordan reacting to an incredibly awkward moment with Sarah and Lana, Clark overdoing his “dorky, eager dad” routine, and other little touches just make this feel like the show is settling into a rhythm with these characters and getting more comfortable being playful.

It’s perhaps a little worrisome that Wolé  Parks’ mysterious Captain Luthor is nowhere to be seen this episode, with the only superhuman punch-up coming in the form of guest star Daniel Cudmore’s mysterious, nameless goon who makes the mistake of trying to take out Lois during her investigation. That leads to a really sharp (but quick) punch-up between him and Superman, with a terrific sequence where Superman freezes him with super-breath before delivering a perfect uppercut that would look right at home in a comic panel. If this show continues to work out creative ways to use Superman’s powers the way they have with Barry on The Flash, I think we’re gonna have some real fun in the coming episodes.

But then there’s that ending. As Lois asks, why DOES Morgan Edge have someone with super powers working for him? More than one, apparently, as Cudmore’s mysterious baddie is vaporized by a woman with heat vision named…Larr. So far, the formula for Superman & Lois seems to be to give us a family drama heavy episode, punctuated by moments of cinematic action, and then to close with a mind-bendingly cool reveal. Well, if they insist, who am I to argue?

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There’s not a ton of DC or Superman Easter eggs this episode, so I don’t think it’s necessarily worth its own post. But, here’s what I’ve got…

The bridge collapse scene does faintly call to mind Superman saving the Golden Gate Bridge during the earthquake in Superman: The Movie.

Jonathan telling Clark that “if you’re not actually allowed to be special” etc feels like a subtle nod to teenage Clark telling Jonathan Kent in Superman: The Movie that he could excel on the football field if he wanted to, which Jonathan forbids, saying that Clark isn’t here to “show off.” But that Clark’s answer was a philosophical “is a bird showing off when he flies?”

Cudmore’s nameless character is apparently “Subjekt-11” a designation which calls to mind “Subjekt-17” an alien raised by the Soviets to make Superman’s life miserable in Kurt Busiek and Carlos Pacheco’s incredibly underrated run on the Superman comics.

Sharon Powell may not be a character from the comics, but the folks at Kryptonsite used their X-Ray vision to point out that the actress who plays her, Jill Teed, was known for portraying Maggie Sawyer on Smallville!

Tyler Hoechlin finally gets to talk a little baseball on this show. Before going into acting, he was a baseball prodigy.

It seems that’s Morgan Edge’s right hand woman, “Leslie Larr” vaporizing our mysterious baddie. The closest I can find to her is a “Lesla Larr” who was an obscure Supergirl villain. THAT version of Larr hailed from Kandor (post shrinking) and she made Supergirl’s life miserable from time to time. I don’t expect this version of the character to have too much in common with her comics counterpart, but it seems like “evil Kryptonians” are definitely gonna be a thing on this show going forward.

The post Superman & Lois Episode 3 Review: The Perks of Not Being a Wallflower appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[daesungfmd]

hwang daesung   /   the enthusiast!

the esfp is often the life of the party, entertaining and engaging others with humor and enthusiasm. they notice whether other people are having fun and do their best to create a good time for all. esfps are generally friendly and likable, but can be hard to get close to; although they tend to be very open, they are reluctant to be serious or to talk about anything negative. they live in the moment, which can upset other people who feel that the esfp’s life should be more organized. the reality is that the esfp is confident in their ability to go with the flow and get themselves out of any potential trouble they might get themselves into. the esfp also likes to push their limits to see just how much they can get away with. the esfp feels that it’s easier to apologize than it is to get permission, and because of their curious nature, they are constantly apologizing for their actions. luckily, they have enough charm to keep most people from being mad at them for very long. (truity.com, personalitygrowth.com)

aesthetic 1  &  headcanon 2.

it took a hot minute for daesung to fully grow into his personality because his surroundings earlier on in life kept him from reaching his full potential, but once he finally settled and got comfortable........ Oh, Man.

once he realized just how good it feels to make others laugh, he was always trying to crack some witty joke or put on a show to amuse a crowd, even if the amusement came at his own expense.

but he’s a pretty sensitive guy, so there were definitely times when he got his feelings hurt because he was made into a joke rather than making jokes and........ that wasn’t so fun, but overall, he liked the aspect of entertaining better than performing or any other part of being an idol. hence why it was impossible to get him to shut tf up on variety shows, built up a bit of a reputation for being a blabbermouth, attention-seeker, having no manners, etc but it was (mostly) excused because he was young, fresh and excitable.

the characteristic mischief of an esfp was always kind of there, even as a child, but reached its strongest form once impulse debuted and daesung was constantly searching for a way to bend the rules / step over the boundaries set by managers. learned to be sneaky and always!!!! have an excuse prepared in case he got caught.

obv his respect for his members and fans outweighs his curiosity/blind trust that things will turn out okay because....... if it weren’t for them, he definitely would’ve gotten into a big scandal by now.

the mischief also took a lighter form of irritating the ever-living hell out of his groupmates and close friends for fun when he was a little younger. had a lot of energy to spare, of course he used it in the wrong ways and probably came Very close to making some people hate him fdhvbhdjsf but he’s a charmer! tends to push his luck until it breaks and then get to repairing it immediately. knows when to stop, but like...... barely.

flights / long drives with him were definitely absolute hell in the first few years. sorry to the impulse members who had to either listen to him talk for Hours or wear headphones to shut him out. man’s got a lot to say!

also used to argue for fun, but would back down if it got too serious/heated and be like “damn my bad i didn’t mean it like that </3″

it doesn’t take much to make daesung happy. he looks for the bright side, finds little pieces of happiness in the most mundane things. sees a cloud that looks like a dog or something?...... damn, his day is made!

so he kind of ~seems~ high maintenance at times but i promise he isn’t.

super curious about the world around him, likes to meet new people and experience new things. he was a ~little~ more strict with himself when he lived with impulse, but now that he lives alone, he rarely spends his free time at home. likes to do extensive research on new attractions/seasonal events/lesser known corners of seoul/etc so he’s always got something planned for off-days. 

if he can’t find anything fun to do on his own, then he’ll just call up someone in his extensive social circle to hang out for a while. ofc there are days when he prefers to be alone/at home, but they’re...... very rare. he requires a lot of day-to-day excitement and social interaction.

speaking of his social circle..... he has really good social skills most of the time, can usually read a room and figure out what is or isn’t appropriate. he will always be the guy who’s trying to crack a joke, but he knows when he needs to contain his energy / knows when someone’s comfortable enough with him for him to just let it out. doesn’t have a lot of enemies because he never goes looking for trouble, per se. one of his biggest priorities in life is making friends, so it reflects in how he treats people. now that he’s a little older, his energy is a bit different from what it used to be, anyway. can appreciate a chill night in way better than he could years ago.

avoided direct conflict very hard when he was a trainee/rookie. it was impossible to trick him into shit-talking anyone else, took more than his fair share of scoldings from managers/trainers/etc because he had no backbone. bold enough to do things he wasn’t supposed to do, not quite bold enough to defend himself. doormat. he’s become a lot better about speaking up in the past few years, but sometimes he takes it too far???? once he’s pushed too hard, he tends to Blow Up and hurt feelings. doesn’t necessarily mean yelling, though; he’s really, really good at appearing calm while saying everything he’s been bottling up and aiming to hurt.

most of the time, though, he still prefers to avoid conflict. will say/do whatever he has to to get out of the situation and then will move on immediately.

has always been social, but no matter how well you think you know him, chances are you’ve only seen the surface. stems from that desire to stay light-hearted and avoid more serious conversations. he’s good with listening to and dealing with other peoples’ problems, and in some ways, he’s good at dealing with his own problems, but..... he has a tendency to make things harder for himself by never admitting when he’s going through a tough time / carrying all the weight and dealing with it himself. doesn’t want to give anyone any reasons to think he isn’t always optimistic/happy.

even though everyone clearly has bad days????? but he is who he is. head empty.

so he typically only shares the sides of himself that he views as good/desirable and shoves everything else into a locked safe. doesn’t mean that what you see is fake, because it definitely isn’t, just means that there’s a whoooole lot more to daesung than people think there is.

at the same time, it isn’t that hard to unlock the metaphorical safe. especially nowadays, he’s becoming more comfortable with the fact that he’s human. he’s happy to share more of himself if he thinks he’s sharing it with someone who actually cares, but he rarely finds people who he thinks would want to know him in his entirety because let’s be real....... there are a few sides of him that are a bit yucky.

including a bitter side that holds onto grudges for literal decades and a lazy side of him that leeches off of everyone around him, but if you’re only seeing it at a surface level, his gratitude and happiness dull the edges  <3333 of course i’ll let you buy this for me/cook for me/run my errands/whatever else <3333 why not omg <3333 wow i really owe you one <3333 (meanwhile hardly anyone ever gets anything from him in return Other than that gratitude lmao)

kinda skates by on handouts tbh? like....... he lives alone, yeah, but he feels like he could not function on his own. this is also subconsciously a small part of the reason why he’s so social. makes sure he’s always meeting new people and keeping them interested so that he never finds himself alone / “helpless”. tends to gravitate towards people who have something to offer him.

but he ~can~ function on his own, he just doesn’t want to. likes to be reminded that people care about him, which is why he’s constantly either making new friends, hanging out with friends he already has or sweet-talking someone into doing something for him. just makes him feel....... better about himself / more secure.

to be fair!!! it’s not like daesung takes and takes and takes and is a shitty friend in return. he cares about people so, so much, especially his friends. whether you’ve known him for ten days or ten years, he’s a great person to have in your corner. his optimism, for one, is something that he’ll gladly share --- if you need reassurance that you’re doing the right thing or a reminder that good things are in your future, there’s no better person to turn to. he’s a good listener (most of the time) and his shoulders are always available to lean on, no questions asked. not the type to leave you hanging for any reason; whether you call him at 3pm on a saturday or 3am on a tuesday, he’ll make time for you. 

[jaqfms]

there's     jacques    ‘jaq’    daingerfield   !     though     on    their     socials     they     go     by     @thedangerousq     .     i     heard     he     is     originally     from     paris     ,     france     ,     but     made     the     big     move     to     los     angeles     to     join     TWENTIES     .     you     haven't     heard     about     it     ?   well     ,     apparently     their     dream     is     to     design     his     own     video     game   ,     but     they     have     no     chance   unless     they     quit     being     so     cocky     &     lazy     .     that     said     ,     those     behind     the     scenes     have     said     they     can     be     witty     &     charismatic     too.     guess     we'll     have     to     watch     and     find     out     !     ━     &    laughing     until     you     cry     ,          a     cartoon     theme     song     paired     with     a     hip     hop     beat     ,     a     juul     behind     your     ear     ,     vines     quoted     in     a     thick     french     accent     .    (     timothee     chalamet     ,     cis male     ,     he/him     )   (     pepper    ,     she/her + they/them     ,     est     ,     twenty four     )

ABOUT THE MUN.  are ya in a relationship? you think i can convince someone to do that?

hello, it’s me again. i tired myself out with haisley’s so jaq’s if going to be considerably shorter. let’s go. 

BIO.  aaaahhhhhhhhhh shhiiittttt *begins understanding things*

jacques daingerfield was born in france to two very average parents. like his mother was a teacher and his father was a financial analyst. nothing wild or crazy going on there, and to top it off he was the middle child, and well, you can tell. 

he has four siblings. he was the third kid, and well, he spent most of his childhood fighting for any kind of attention, usually by making inappropriate little jokes or you know, fart noises. yes his parents were generally exasperated with him, but that behavior made sure they paid attention to him. and honestly that was all jacques wanted. 

again, jacques had a pretty average upbringing. he went to school, he was actually pretty popular among his peers despite being so annoying (definitely very unpopular amongst his teachers for generally that class clown that sat in the back and always interrupted), and he excelled academically without really trying too much. well, in every subject but english funnily enough. jaq always struggled in english, which is why it was incredibly ironic that when his parents separated they decided to move to uk with his father. jacques was ten at the time, and he still doesn’t understand the decision.

so yes, jacques was the kid in class with the weird name and weirder accent who could barely communicate with his classmates. it didn’t take long for them to stop really trying to pronounce ‘jacques’ properly. jacques became jack without much input on his part, and by the time jacques had got enough of a handle on the english language to correct them the americanized name had already stuck. even at nine jacques was smart enough to know that insisting on the correct french pronunciation of his name just kind of made him sound like a pretentious french asshole, so instead he spun it. he embraced it. started signing all of his papers and assignments with ‘jaq’ with a q like it was his brand or something. even as a child jaq will give himself credit for being clever af. 

it actually worked pretty well honestly. the older jaq got the more he grew into himself, and the more comfortable he got with the english language. honestly a lot of how jaq learned english was through video games and youtube videos and cartoons, like those were some of his go to resources. spent a lot of time playing games with strangers and tested his english out with colourful trash talk. actually started his first ever youtube channel was basically that as just a way to practice his english a bit. all he did on there was play video games, and honesty he didn’t even show his face. the channel wasn’t that popular, but he had fun making it. 

jaq on the other hand had gained popularity by the time he was in middle school. granted, that popularity was mostly due to the fact that he had a popular older brother and sister, was french and therefore ‘cute’ (jaq didn’t pretend to understand how girls brains worked then, and he still doesn’t now) and his family always had the newest gaming system at their household, and even then it wasn’t wild popularity. but it was enough that barely anyone teased him for his thick french accent anymore, and yk what jaq would take it. he weirdly got even more popular with the guys in his grade when they found out about his youtube channel. they found it funny, and they would generally watch his videos and come tell him about their favourite parts later, ask him about how he got past a certain level or learned a certain cheat. jaq soaked up their admiration like a sponge, right into his ego. they were the beginning of jaq getting the big head he proudly sports today. 

that said for most second form jaq’s youtube channel was just a hobby. something he did for fun. like i said earlier, jaq actually did really well in school and his parents always expected him to follow in his father’s footsteps and go into something in business. after all, it would be an easy transition with both french and english under his belt. they knew he would excel. 

but then he met madi. and somehow the two started doing videos together for fun, and it quickly expanded into something a lot bigger. something that jaq wouldn’t have even dreamed of doing before. suddenly the picture perfect future he had planned for himself just seemed boring in comparison to what he and madi had going on, and so jaq easily picked that instead. his parents weren’t all that happy about it, of course, after all jaq had full scholarships to some schools just waiting for him to accept and he ignored all of them in favour of making videos of him playing games online. they still don’t understand, but jaq doesn’t really need them too. he’s happy with what he’s doing and he figures he can always go into business when he’s old and boring. 

he moved out of his parents house straight into an apartment with madi when things between them started getting really tough. they can’t really speak without the whole ‘we’re so disappointed in you’ conversation coming up so jaq doesn’t really speak to them unless he has to. both of his older siblings went into business like their parents wanted, and his younger siblings are on the same path. his little sister wants to be just like him though, and that warms his heart tbh. 

has come to TWENTIES to have a good time! wants to break into the acting industry like dylan o’brien and maybe show his parents that a ‘real’ career can come from something like this. his parents begged him not to come on this show and embarrass them so that is definitely what he’s about to do. 

HEADCANNONS. there are a lot of people who need to shut up.  not me though 

thinks he’s funny! sometimes he is

will answer to jacques, jaq, jaqi, or q! you can call him daingerfield if you want but not many people do

fun fact, made his instagram handle as a joke, much like awkwafina. was just supposed to a little dig about how many times he has to say ‘jack with a q’ whenever someone spells his name. but now the dangerous q is his brand, and just finds it really dumb and funny. 

a bit of a kleptomaniac. will swipe something he thinks is cool mostly just to do it. has very little impulse control. loves to pull pranks and generally make trouble, but not in a way that will ever actually hurt anybody because he’s not a whole idiot. not the biggest fan of cops. 

is an artist. will spray paint your walls and probably has spray painted the walls of his apartment. will doodle weird things all over napkins or receipts or whatever he can get his hands on. has drawn out little video game characters he wants to be in his future games, and actually is considering going to school for a video game programming degree just for that. the funny thing is with his grades he could probably do it. is teaching himself coding in the mean time. 

 the type of person to start drumming on the counter or desk with his hands or like pencils or pens when he’s bored. will make up fun little raps on the spot. 

incredibly intelligent but doesn’t like to talk about it. would much rather act dumb than act like he has any braincells. he doesn’t want to give anyone expectations. 

all the youtube success has definitely gone to his head in the way that?? he just thinks they’re untouchable like he cannot compute the concept of their channel failing or their future endeavors failing. definitely thinks that TWENTIES will lead to much bigger things for them. will walk into his future acting auditions like he’s the shit. 

an introvert with extrovert tendencies. needs to be by himself to chill out and recharge but can like work a room honestly. can make friends pretty much everywhere he goes. a bit of a charmer when he wants to be. 

a smoker unfortunately. also a bit of a stoner. definitely has a juul on him at all times, like i said he tends to keep it behind his ear and then be like ???? where’s my juul. 

needs glasses but refuses to wear them. is very stubborn about it tbh. does not want to get contacts because he hates the idea of putting something into his eye. so you can catch him squinting sometimes like a fool. 

one of the first things he treated himself to with his first big youtube check like outside of rent was a tattoo! it’s on his ribs and it’s just a drawing he did himself but he loves it and it was the start of an addiction. he has about five. also has a few helix and orbital piercings on his left ear. 

another muse of mine with a tiktok, but jaq just uses his to make music for the most part. will turn the mickey mouse club house theme song into bars! (if you’ve seen that tiktok,,,, ily) 

a big nerd. reads comic books. watches anime. will get very reasonably upset about the avatar the last airbender movie whenever it’s brought up.

can cook really well, but whenever he does it it’s pure chaos. like julian/brad leone in the kitchen for sure. but the food comes out tasting really good, so???

is jewish af. knows a bit of hebrew and a bit of yiddish because of his grandparents mostly. is kind of ??? a lot more lenient with things now that he’s not around his parents as often i’m ngl. 

brings his ds everywhere and you can literally catch him on the bus vaping and playing animal crossing because he hasn’t bothered to get a american license yet 

is always willing to take a picture with a subscribers and they’re always the weirdest thing. there are pictures of subscribers like pretending to stab him in the eye. prom pose pictures with subscribers. the weirder the better tbh

has gone to vidcon a few years in a row, always has the wildest time. there is video footage of him waking up in some strangers bathtub with a feather boa around his neck. it’s probably on instagram. 

is also bi af. 

WANTED CONNECTIONS.  very proud to announce that i am officially a lost cause! 

BEST FRIENDS.

A BROMANCE. 

FWB/EWB.

EXES. 

FANS OF HIS YOUTUBE VIDEOS. 

and here’s his wanted tag, i forgot to do the same for haisley so here is her wanted tag. 

and many more, y’all this took so long and i’m so tired but like this and i will slide into your dms for plots!

[hearts-hunger]

“D’you need a pencil, love?”

Part Four || Masterlist

Summary: Roger, Brian, and Freddie take you out to one of their favorite restaurants, and lots of fluff ensues as you get to know them.

Pairings: College!Roger x Reader

Word Count: 5k (damn I really went off with this one laddios)

Warnings: Smoking? Dunno if that needs a warning but it’s there in case!

A/N: As long as this one is, I’m really proud of it and excited for you to read it because it’s so cute. Like, the fluffy sweetness is enough to send you into a diabetic coma. Thank you all so much for your lovely comments! It’s so encouraging to know you guys like this. I hope you like this part! ♥

The four of you chatted the whole ride, butting into each other’s conversations and keeping up a running commentary on the songs that came on the radio while you all belted the choruses. You learned that Freddie was studying fashion design at Ealing Art College and that he’d been a fan of Smile’s ever since Tim had dragged him to their first show.

“Freddie’s our biggest fan,” Brian joked.

“It’s true, though,” Freddie said. “Not that it says much, because you really don’t have that many followers. The masses don’t appreciate true talent.”

“Y/N appreciates it though, don’t you, love?” Roger said.

“Definitely,” you agreed. “Now you’ve got a grand total of two fans.”

Freddie laughed. “We’ll be the presidents of the fan club, won’t we?” His eyes swept over your outfit. “I do like your style, my dear, it’s very bohemian.”

“Oh, thanks,” you said with a smile. “The shirt’s actually Roger’s.”

“It looks much better on you than it ever has on him,” Freddie said smartly. You grinned as Roger gave a huff of indignation.

“You’re going to argue with me?” Freddie asked him.

“Well, no, but - ”

“You’re very pretty, Rog, but I’m afraid she’s got you beat.”

Roger laughed. “I agree,” he said easily. “She’s got most beat.”

You felt heat rise to your face, glowing with his compliment.

“You’ve got her blushing, Rog, bless her,” Freddie said affectionately. “Don’t let him fool you, Y/N. He comes across as very cocky but he means what he says.”

Roger met your eyes in the rearview mirror, his own showing his smile. “Fred’s right, you know.”

You smiled back, and for a second, it was as if it were only you and Roger in the car. There was something between you, a connection that had been made in these last few hours that you weren’t sure you’d ever be able to break.

“Of course I’m right,” Freddie said. “I know you better than anybody, dear. I’m the one who has to live with you, after all.”

You looked over at Freddie. “You two live together?”

“We’re flatmates,” Freddie told you. “And business partners.”

“Do I want to know what kind of business?” you teased.

Roger laughed. “What kind of shady stuff d’you reckon I’m involved in, love?”

“Nothing, I hope,” you said with a laugh. “I’m going out to the other side of London with you, after all.”

“Brian wouldn’t let anything happen to you,” Freddie said. “Would you, Brian?”

“No, I certainly would not,” Brian said. “You’re perfectly safe with us, Y/N, on my honor.”

“I know,” you assured them with a smile. “I’m only teasing.” It really hadn’t occurred to you to be nervous, which was odd considering you were an anxious person by nature. Normally you’d never have guessed you’d be out with three guys at this time of night. But you were enjoying yourself, and Roger and his mates had been nothing short of gentlemen with you. You’d decided to let go of the anxiety that usually held you back and just go with it.

“So what is this honest line of work you’re in?” you asked Roger.

“Freddie and I have a stall in Kensington Market,” he said.

“Oh, I actually know where that is,” you said excitedly. It was one of the few places you’d been in your journeys around London. “What do you sell?”

“Oh, loads of things,” Freddie supplied. “The most fashionable clothes you can imagine, darling. Roger, you’ve got to bing her by so I can try her in that blue shawl, you know, the one with the beading?”

Freddie studied your face with the intensity of an artist looking at a canvas. “It’d look simply divine with your eye color. You’ve got the prettiest eyes, you know.”

You blushed. “Thanks.”

“You’re stealing all my lines, Fred!” Roger complained.

Freddie grinned. “Oh, do say you’ll come by, darling,” he said to you. “We’ll have a ball dressing you up, and Roger can compliment you until he’s blue in the face.”

You laughed. “I’d love to.”

Roger slowed the van as he looked around the crowded London street for somewhere to park; he found a spot and expertly maneuvered parallel parking.

“Good lord, we’re seven bloody blocks away,” Freddie said as you all got out, looking down the busy street. “You really know how to find a good spot, don’t you, Roger?”

Roger laughed. “If you’d been paying any attention at all, you’d have seen that there weren’t any spots closer. I know you’re a diva, Fred, but you’re going to have to walk like the rest of us commoners.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, dear,” Freddie said with a wave of his hand. “You’re rather more of a blonde knight in shining armor in the grand scheme of my kingdom.”

“And what am I in this feudal system?” Brian asked as you started walking.

“You can be the bard,” Freddie said. “Very highly valued in the court.”

“And Y/N’s the queen?” Roger offered.

Freddie looked pleased that Roger and Brian were in on the game. “Right you are, Roger.” He gave you a mischievous smile. “I’m usually the Queen, as they well know, but I humbly cede the throne to you, my dear. I’ll be the court jester and wear silly hats and play the fool for everybody’s pleasure.”

“You’ll be good at that, won’t you?” Brian teased.

“Keep talking like that and I’ll have you demoted to pageboy, Mr. May,” Freddie said.

“Alright, ok,” Brian said with a laugh. “Actually, I wanted to ask you your opinion about one of the songs, since we tried out what you said last time and I think it really worked well...”

Freddie moved closer to Brian as they chatted, both of them going ahead and leaving you and Roger walking behind them. Without Freddie and Brian’s company, there was a companionable silence between the two of you for a moment.

“D’you mind if I smoke?” he asked.

“No, go ahead,” you said. You watched as he fished a lighter and a slightly flattened carton of Marlboro Red cigarettes out of his pocket.

“Want one?” he asked you, holding one between his teeth.

“No, thanks,” you said. He put the carton back in his pocket and lit his cigarette, giving a contented sigh as he took a drag.

“Does this kill the magic for you?” he asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Knowing that I smoke,” he said. “I’ve met girls who really don’t like it.”

You shrugged. “I don’t mind. I’ve smoked before, so it doesn’t bother me.” In fact, if you were honest with yourself, it was kind of attractive in a bad-boy rocker sort of way.

“And here I thought you were a goody two-shoes,” he teased.

You laughed. “I don’t know where you got that idea. I’m out with you instead of studying, aren’t I?”

“Yeah, but you were actually paying attention in class this morning,” he said with a smile. “I was too busy being distracted by you.”

You blushed. “Everybody was distracted by me,” you said. “I came in late and disrupted the whole class.”

“Maybe,” he conceded. “But that was only for a second. You’ve had me absolutely mad since you sat down next to me, and I don’t reckon you’ll let up anytime soon.”

You looked up at him and saw his shy smile; you couldn’t help one of your own.

“You’re quite the charmer, Roger Taylor,” you said. “You do this with all the girls?”

He met your eyes, studying you with a thoughtful expression. “No,” he said simply. “But you seem to think I do.”

You felt a flush of embarrassment. “No I don’t,” you lied.

He gave you a gentle smile. “Yeah, you do,” he said. He took a drag of his cigarette, breathing out a stream of sweet-smelling smoke into the cool night air.

“And that’s ok,” he continued. “I’m not accusing you or angry or anything. We’ve only just met, so it’s natural you’re hedging. But I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove that I really do mean everything I say. Especially the stuff you didn’t think anyone would say about you.”

You took a breath. “You honestly, really want to keep hanging out with me? Like, past tonight?”

He laughed. “Yeah, I do,” he said. “I really like you, Y/N. I wouldn’t have asked you out tonight if I didn’t, and I wouldn’t be planning how to ask to see you tomorrow if I hadn’t had fun with you tonight.”

“You want to see me tomorrow?”

“Mmh, if you’re free. And if you also want to see me.”

“I do,” you said earnestly. “And... I’m sorry if I offended you. I don’t mean to brush off your compliments or make it seem like I don’t think you’re being honest.”

You twisted your fingers together like you did when you were nervous. “I just... I’ve never had a guy say such sweet things about me,” you confessed. “Much less like me enough to want to ask me out again. And you’re not just any guy, either - you’re talented and smart and handsome and funny, and you like me, and you asked me out on two dates in one day, and you want to see me again tomorrow, and - ”

You cut yourself off, your cheeks red. You tucked your hair behind your ear. “Um, sorry, that was kind of...” Clingy? Insane? Way too much? All of the above?

Roger cleared his throat, his cheeks an endearing pink.

“No, don’t apologize,” he said softly. “I, ah... don’t really know what to say.”

You bit your lip, pleased that he’d liked what you said.

“You don’t have to say anything,” you said. “But since we’re practicing trusting one another, you should know that I also mean what I say.”

“Fair enough,” he said with a smile.

You smiled back at him, feeling a warm glow in your chest. How could a guy you’d only just met make you feel so at home beside him?

“Alright, lovebirds,” Brian’s voice broke in. You and Roger shared a nervous laugh as you looked away from each other, the spell broken but the warmth still there. You came up to where Brian and Freddie were standing, F. Cooke’s green storefront spilling light out onto the street from the big windows. Roger dropped his cigarette onto the sidewalk and put it out with his heel.

“Have yourselves a nice chat, darlings?” Freddie teased.

“Better than yours,” Roger said, holding the door open for you. You went inside the quaint little restaurant, followed by the boys; you could see right off why they liked it, with its unassuming air and the charming aesthetic you guessed hadn’t been updated in the last decade. Fats Domino’s “Ain’t That a Shame” played softly from a jukebox in the corner.

“Actually our conversation was very productive,” Brian told Roger as the four of you packed into a wooden booth by the window, you and Brian on the inside. “Freddie’s got some great ideas for the set.”

“I’m always badgering them with my ideas,” Freddie told you. “It’s a wonder they’ve put up with me for this long.”

“Your ideas are always good,” Brian said; you could tell he meant it. “I dunno why Tim doesn’t think so, but Roger and I do, don’t we, Rog?”

“Absolutely, mate,” Roger assured Freddie. “Keep ‘em coming. The set could use a little pick-me-up.”

“You flatter me, darlings,” Freddie said, a bit bashful. “Come on, Rog, let’s get your girl something to eat before she decides never to come out with us again.”

Roger turned to you. “I would ask you what you want, but basically what they’ve got here is pies and mash. Does that sound ok?”

“Yeah,” you said, kind of unsure as to what exactly pies and mash consisted of, but you weren’t picky. “Do you want me to give you cash, or - ?”

“No, absolutely not,” Roger said. “I’ve got it. Well, we’ve got it. We usually pool the tab.”

“I can’t let you buy me dinner, too,” you said. “Not when you already paid for coffee earlier.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Roger assured you sweetly. “It’s my pleasure.”

“And mine,” Brian said.

Freddie grinned. “Mine too. Call it a date of friendship, darling. We’re taking you out as a way of celebrating your debut into the group.”

You gave them a smile. “Okay,” you agreed. “Thank you.”

“Good girl,” Freddie said. He took the ten pound note that Brian offered him as he stood with Roger to order.

“I’ll get us some jellied eel, too,” Freddie said. “Just a small one.”

“You hate jellied eel,” Brian reminded him.

“I know,” Freddie said. “But Y/N can’t come to F. Cooke’s and not try it. Besides, Roger likes it, don’t you, darling?”

“Makes for terrible-tasting kisses,” Roger joked. “But you’re right, Y/N does have to try it.”

You didn’t know why you felt a little flustered at his mention of kissing; it was probably just an offhand joke. But if his imagination was anything like yours, maybe he had been considering the possibility of sharing a kiss at the end of the night.

“You don’t actually have to if you don’t want to,” Roger told you.

You blushed, not sure what he was referring to. “Have to what?”

“Try the jellied eel,” he clarified. “It’s an... acquired taste, let’s say.”

“Oh,” you said, mildly embarrassed that you’d thought for a second he was talking about kissing you. “Um, it sounds horrible, quite frankly, but Freddie’s right. I should get the whole experience.”

“Atta girl,” Roger said with a smile. “Won’t be a minute.”

Freddie and Roger went over to the counter to order, leaving you and Brian in the booth.

“Am I in your way?” he asked, shifting his legs. “I know I’ve got the longest legs out of us, but Freddie insists on being on the outside.”

You smiled. “No, you’re fine.”

“Feel free to tell me to move,” he said. “Or just move me out of the way yourself, I don’t mind. Fred and Rog do it often enough.”

You laughed. “How long have you all been friends?”

Brian looked thoughtful. “I’ve known Roger for over a year now, and Tim brought Freddie to one of the shows a few months after that. But it feels like we’ve known each other for a lot longer. We get on really well.”

“Are you all close with Tim, too?” you asked.

Brian shrugged. “I mean, I am - I went to secondary school with him, and before Roger came on we used to be a band called ‘1984’ with a few of our school mates.”

“1984, huh?” you said. “Are you a big George Orwell fan?”

He smiled. “Yeah, when we read it in school it blew our minds.”

“It freaked me out,” you admitted.

“Oh, me too,” he said with a laugh. “It’s absolutely bonkers, and being the impressionable kids we were, we decided that it would be a great name for a band. Roger’s gold, though - I wanted a real Ginger Baker kind of drummer, and Rog’s knocked it off the charts.”

“Sorry,” you said, a little embarrassed, “who’s Ginger Baker?”

“Drummer for Cream,” Brian said. “They did, um - ” His hands went naturally as if he was holding a guitar, his fingers making chord shapes as he hummed a riff.

“Oh, ‘Sunshine of Your Love,’ right?” you asked, recognizing the tune.

“Yeah, exactly,” he said, pleased you’d gotten it. “What kind of music d’you like?”

“My favorite’s the Beatles,” you said. “I could listen to them all day.”

“Who couldn’t?” he agreed. “We got a lot of inspiration from Sgt. Pepper, actually. George has got this really unique style of playing that I love, really sharp and crisp, you know?”

You smiled. “I don’t know a ton about music from the technical side,” you said, “but I thought you guys had a different sound than what people usually have. I really liked it. Your solo on, um - ”

You racked your brain for what he’d said the title of the song was.

“How did it go?” Brian asked patiently.

“Um, it started off with ‘yesterday, my life was in ruin’ - ”

His whole fact lit up with his smile. “‘Doing Alright’,” he said. “That’s what it’s called. You liked that one?”

“Yeah,” you enthused. “Your solo was really cool. I mean, you were great the whole time, but you played that part so fast and you didn’t mess it up at all and it was really impressive.”

You could see you’d made him blush. “Thank you,” he said sincerely. “I’m glad you liked it. I don’t think I’ve perfected it yet, but it’s slowly getting there.”

“What’s getting there?”

You and Brian looked up to see Freddie and Roger come over, bearing several plates of food. They set them in the middle of the table and got in the booth next to you.

“My solo on ‘Doing Alright’,” Brian said, starting to distribute the food. “Y/N was saying how much she liked it.”

“As well she should,” Roger said. “It sounds better and better every night.”

He put a plate in front of you and you saw that pies and mash wasn’t anything exotic - it was a meat pie and mashed potatoes in parsley sauce, and it smelled delicious.

“What d’you think?” Roger asked as you all dug into your food.

“Mmh,” you said around a bite. “Wonderful.”

You were all quiet for a few minutes as you ate, a Buddy Holly song filling the space between you.

“So what are you studying, darling?” Freddie asked you after a minute. “You’re at Imperial with these two, right?”

“I am,” you said. “I’m studying history. Roger and I have a chemistry class together.”

“Chemistry, hm?” Freddie teased. “Seems appropriate.”

You gave a shy laugh. “I forgot my pencil bag at my apartment,” you said, “and Roger was kind enough to lend me a pen.”

“I’m surprised Roger was so prepared for class,” Brian said.

“Shut it,” Roger said with a laugh. “I’m prepared sometimes.”

“Not usually,” Brian told you.

You laughed. “Well, we’ve already made plans to study together, so hopefully we can keep each other accountable. In that class, at least.”

“Ooh, a study date?” Freddie said. “Very sweet. I like it.”

“You know, I’m glad you said that, Fred,” Roger said sarcastically. “I was hoping you’d like it, as I’d planned on asking you to come too.”

“Don’t be silly,” Freddie said. “I’m at an art school for a reason, darling. I’d rather do anything else than study chemistry.”

“That’s too bad,” you said. “Roger and I were really hoping you’d come along.”

Freddie laughed. “Now I know you’re really making fun. But I rather like having you come out with us, darling, and as far as I’m concerned you’re welcome whenever you like.”

“Same here,” Brian said around a bite.

You smiled at them. You liked spending time with them too, and you liked the thought of being friends and doing this like this with them.

“Thanks for having me,” you said. “I’ve had a lot of fun tonight.”

“Oh, the fun’s only just beginning,” Roger said, clinking his spoon on the side of the bowl. “I think it’s time to try the jellied eel.”

You took a good look at the contents of the bowl and tried to keep your thoughts to yourself about it; no such luck, as all three of them started to laugh.

“Her face says it all, Rog,” Brian said. “You’re really going to have her try it?”

“Only if she wants to,” Roger said. He looked to you, amusement in his expression. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“I’m considering taking you up on that,” you said. It looked about as appealing as it sounded, but maybe it tasted better than it looked.

“Here, we’ll all have some,” Roger said.

You laughed at Freddie’s slightly horrified expression. “You were the one who said I had to have the whole experience, Freddie.”

“And you do, darling, but I’ve already had mine and that should make me exempt from ever having to do it again.”

“Oh, don’t be such a spoilsport,” Brian said. “If I’m having some, you’re having some.”

True to his word, Brian was the first to spoon a bite of the jello into his mouth. You all watched him expectantly for his verdict.

“Not as bad as I remember it, actually,” he said, surprised. “Okay, Fred, your turn.”

“Lord help me,” Freddie said, shaking his head. He took a bite and his displeasure was unmistakable, making you laugh.

“It’s not really that bad, is it?” you asked him.

He looked doubtful as he took a swig of his drink. “Doesn’t matter, you can’t back out now.”

Roger laughed. “D’you want to go next, or should I?”

“You go,” you said. “And you can tell me your honest opinion.”

Roger took a bite, giving you an amused smile as he did. “I think it tastes good, but obviously opinions vary from person to person.”

“I’m kind of scared, based on the intensity of Freddie’s reaction,” you joked.

“Well, do you like eel?” Freddie asked.

“This will be my first time trying eel, as a matter of fact,” you said.

“Consider this your christening,” Roger said, scooping up a bite with his spoon and holding it out for you. “I’d give you the spoon but I don’t trust you.”

You rolled your eyes and gave him an affectionately exasperated look. “Alright, let’s have it.”

You leaned forward and Roger fed you the bite; you immediately felt that Freddie has been right.

“You hate it, don’t you?” Roger asked, his face bright with amusement.

You swallowed. “It’s... interesting.”

He laughed. “You hate it.”

“I’m with you, darling,” Freddie said. “But now you’ve had the F. Cooke’s experience, and unless a certain astrophysicist decides to make you try it again, you’ve fulfilled your duty.”

“Don’t worry, Fred,” Brian teased affectionately. “I save such petty challenges for you and you only.”

Freddie snorted. “Charmed, I’m sure.”

You nudged Roger’s shoulder lightly with your own. “Sorry, can I get by you? I need to wash my hands.”

“Sure thing, love,” he said, standing and stepping aside so you could get out of the booth. “Loo’s right around that corner.”

You looked where he indicated and did indeed see a sign for the bathroom. You left the boys at the table teasing each other about the jellied eel and went through the door to the ladies’.

You looked at your reflection as you washed your hands, noticing the rosy pink in your cheeks and the smile that wouldn’t seem to go away. You hadn’t dreamed your day would turn out so wonderfully, with the affections of a sweet guy and two new friends to call your own. It was something straight out of one of your romance novels, and Roger had already talked about seeing you again. You were fairly glowing with how lovely the day had been.

When you came out, you saw that the plates had been taken away. You glanced at the clock on the wall; it was already past ten. It wasn’t that late, all things considered, but it was still a school night.

“You’ve got classes early tomorrow, don’t you?” Roger asked, guessing what you were thinking about.

“Unfortunately,” you said apologetically.

Roger stood, followed by Freddie and Brian. “Well, I guess we should get you home, then. Can’t have you rushing in late tomorrow, can we?” he said with a wink.

You smiled. “I would prefer to avoid that,” you agreed, going through the door he held open for you into the chilly night air. You snuggled further into Roger’s shirt, thankful again that he’d let you borrow it.

“Though, who knows?” you teased. “I might get to borrow a pen from a pretty stranger.”

“Better not,” Roger said. “I expect you to have my pen on your person at all times so you’ll never be caught unprepared. What kind of guy would I be if I let some other bloke rescue my girl?”

You felt a rush of warmth at that. His girl? You felt you might melt right there in the middle of the sidewalk.

He looked mildly panicked. “Sorry if that was a little forward,” he said quickly. “I didn’t mean - ”

“No, it’s alright,” you assured him. “It’s... more than alright, actually.”

He started to say something but Freddie cut him off.

“Listen here, you two, you’re very sweet, but it’s bloody freezing out here.”

You and Roger laughed.

“You’re a demanding one, aren’t you?” Roger said. “Come on, then.”

The four of you started the walk back to the van, your pace quickened by the cold. Roger lit another cigarette and you asked him for a drag.

“You can have your own, if you want,” he said.

“No, thanks,” you said. “I mostly want to get the taste of jellied eel out of my mouth.”

He laughed then, his smile lighting up his face as he handed you the cigarette. You took it from him and took a few quick drags, tasting the sweetness of the smoke fill your mouth.

“You’re not half bad at that,” he said when you handed it back, the smoke swirling in front of you as you exhaled.

“My dad smokes,” you said. “He caught me sneaking one time and instead of getting me in trouble he taught me how to do it without choking to death.”

“Your dad sounds pretty cool,” he said.

“He is, actually,” you said with a smile. You thought of him and your family, all the way across the ocean.

“You miss him a lot, don’t you?” Roger asked, his voice gentle.

You nodded. “Yeah, sometimes I get pretty homesick. But it gets easier, especially when I’m with my friends.”

“Well, now you’ve got us three,” Roger said. “And you can count on us if you ever need a distraction from getting too homesick, or anything else.”

You smiled up at him. “Thanks, Roger,” you said. “That really means a lot to me.”

“Sure thing, love,” he said sweetly. He put out his cigarette as you all got in the van again, your ride home consisting of more jokes and more laughter and more singing along to whatever wasn’t on the BBC. You directed Roger to your flat, and he pulled off at the walkway leading up to the house where you rented a room with your friend Sadie.

“Thanks for driving me back,” you said, getting out of the van.

“Of course,” Roger said, getting out too. “But I’m walking you in, just to check you’re safely squared away.”

“Goodnight, boys,” you called in to Brian and Freddie.

“Goodnight, darling,” Freddie said.

“‘Night, Y/N,” Brian said.

You smiled as Roger came around the front of the van and joined you, walking a little closer together up to your door than was technically necessary.

He stopped on the second to last stair; on the porch, you were almost the same height as him. You didn’t say anything for a moment, his lovely blue eyes meeting yours with an endearing shyness.

“I had a wonderful time tonight,” he said.

“Me too,” you said, meaning it. “I’m glad I forgot my pen this morning.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, me too. You’re...” He hesitated, his smile bashful. “I don’t even have the right word for you, Y/N. You’re the most incredible girl I’ve ever met.”

You smiled, feeling butterflies. “You’re not so bad yourself, Roger Taylor.”

His lips parted into a perfect bow as he looked over your face. ��Can I... I mean, could I kiss you?”

You couldn’t help your grin. “Sure.”

He smiled back at you before leaning in, his gentle kiss tasting of Marlboro Reds. His mouth was every bit as soft as you’d imagined, and his contented little sigh nearly made you lightheaded with happiness.

He pulled back after a moment, his cheeks adorably pink. He gave you a sweet smile.

“Can I see you tomorrow?” he asked.

You bit your lip, still feeling his on yours. “I’d love to. Would you change your mind if I asked to study?”

He laughed. “Not if you don’t mind studying at Kensington Market,” he said. “I told Fred I’d be there at some point, and that way we can kill two birds with one stone. And Freddie can dress you up during our study breaks.”

You smiled. “Okay,” you agreed. “I only have two classes tomorrow, so I’ll be done by noon.”

“Works for me,” he said. “We’ll get some lunch too, that way you won’t have to go another day with me being a complete idiot and forgetting to feed you.”

You laughed. “Only if you let me buy this time.”

“If you insist,” he said. “Though I have to warn you, if we go for a fourth date, it’s going to be my duty as a gentleman to pick up the tab.”

“You’re already planning a fourth date?” you teased, secretly pleased by the idea.

He gave you a smile with such affection in it that it nearly took your breath away.

“I’m already planning a fortieth date, love,” he said gently. He leaned close and kissed you again, chastely. “Sleep well. See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow,” you echoed, a bit dazed with how enamored of him you were.

He flashed you a smile as he started back down the steps, heading to where Freddie and Brian were surely waiting to tease him for the whole ride home. You remembered you were still wearing his shirt and had a moment of panic.

“Wait!” you called. He turned and looked up at you, searching your face.

“I’m still wearing your shirt,” you told him.

He grinned. “Keep it. One less shirt is a small price to pay for getting to kiss you, love.”

You couldn’t help your smile, remembering that he’d said nearly the same thing about losing a pen only to gain you. You blew him a kiss; he reached up and pretended to catch it.

“Now you’ve got something of mine, too,” you said. “Goodnight, Roger.”

He looked at you with an adoration that made your whole body warm. “Goodnight, love.”

You looked over him one last time before you unlocked the door and went inside, your heartbeat loud in the quiet of the house. You put a hand to your mouth and felt your smile, certain that this had been the best night of your life.

Read Part Five!

taglist: @onceuponadetectivedemigod @somekindofroger @dashlilymark @rebelrebelyourefaceisamess @roger-taylor-owns-my-wigg @crushthewiredlove @marvel-lously @rogertayolr ♥

[sorayaadventures-blog]

Saigon’s Sultry Lively Streets

Change of profession! I became a snake charmer in Vietnam… or the snake was charming me? Either way, it was an adventure. But, don’t tell my mom because she has a huge fear of snakes!

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City was once the capital of a French colony and of the independent republic of South Vietnam. As the largest city in Vietnam (with a population of over 8 million), I found the streets of this hot and humid city filled with street vendors, people, bicycles, cars and endless motorbikes. Some of the worn-out motorbikes would carry as many as 5 people on it – mother, father, two children and a baby! Impressive and shocking!

After settling into my hotel, the Nothern Hotel, I set out to explore the city and quickly noticed how much I stood out. I was one of the very few Westerners wandering the streets and I looked funny trying to dodge the motorbikes that would cruise along the sidewalks as if they were streets too. Speaking with the locals was certainly a challenge as English was not widely spoken, which made my exploration of the surroundings all that more interesting and challenging! 

Somehow, I found my way back to the hotel and made my first friend of the trip. It was an older guy who told me about the cooking class he signed up for. I was intrigued so I signed up too! Vietnamese food was one of my biggest draw to this exotic country. 

The next day, I showed up at the cutest cooking school, called Grain, ready to whip it up.

The teacher, David, made me look way better than I’m used to in the kitchen: we prepared delectable pumpkin flowers filled with prawns,

a refreshing chicken salad paired with a glass of white wine,

and steamed seabass in a banana leaf.

A self-proclaimed dessert fiend, the next step was crucial - dessert consisted of a delicious coconut flan and coffee sweetened up with condensed milk. (Fun fact: Vietnam is the 2nd largest exporter of coffee world-wide). Looking back, David’s cooking class at Grain was by far my favorite activity in Ho Chi Minh. Even if you do not squeeze a cooking class into your schedule, don’t hesitate to hit up one of the food markets or one the city’s many fine restaurants where you take in the delicious fresh scents of mint, cilantro, lemongrass, bird’s eye chili, ginger, lime, and basil. 

After the fun Grain cooking class, the next portion of my Vietnam trip consisted of a very serious history lesson, especially for an American. On separate days, I visited the War Remnants Museum and the haunting Cu Chi Tunnels used by the Viet-Cong in the 1960’s. If you’re a history buff, make these part of your itinerary.  

During my visit of the War Remnants Museum, there were 2 images that struck a chord and left a lasting impression on me. First, is the photograph below where you see a smiling young girl holding her father’s hand through a cage-like enclosure. During the war, this 21-year-old girl was contaminated by Agent Orange, condemning her to a life behind these bars; the devastating consequences of Agent Orange caused a deformity, which makes her chew and swallow anything within her grasp. This was just one of many shattering images displayed along the museum’s walls.

As a big believer of the motto “make love not war,” it is always hard for me to imagine what could possibly land countries in a situation with such unnecessary losses of sacred lives. From the simple chart below, I quickly learned how drastic the effects of the Vietnam War was on this small country; compared to the Korean War for example, the Vietnam War ended with almost double the amount of deaths, 3 times the amount of wounded people, and expended over 5 times the amount of bombs and artillery shells. 

After taking in the damaging aspects of Vietnam’s recent war history, I headed to Can Tho (the 2nd largest city in South Vietnam) to drift through the city’s floating markets. There, I found, mud-colored rivers decorated with shabby wooden boats that were full of tasty local fruits and vegetables.

Happy to partake in a lighter activity than the day before, I enjoyed observing the hard-working Vietnamese ladies and men, in their adorable triangle straw hats, as they whisked by us tourists in hopes of making a big sale.

To wrap up… although I found it challenging to get around the country because of the transportation difficulties (as Vietnam’s infrastructure still has a long way to go), to meet locals (due to the language barrier) and the 2 cities I chose to visit aren’t particularly known for being pretty to look at, I applaud Vietnam’s fresh cuisine and am now an even bigger fan of their food. When I get the chance to return, I will take the opportunity to explore the country’s more traditional beautiful cities and areas, such as Hanoi, Hoi An and Ha Long Bay.

Next week, I take you over to the unforgettable land of temples... 

[itsrileyanne]

riley anne blair is the newest evergreen eagle! they’re eighteen years old from beverly hills, california joining us at evergreen to study psychology and art therapy. have you heard champagne problems by taylor swift? it reminds me of them because they’re so kindhearted and adventurous, but also super finicky at times. i hope we catch them around campus soon!

although not explained in absolute depth, please note the following triggers: death, car accident, underage drinking, drug abuse, sexual assault.

wanted connections | relationships | full navigation

BIRTH NAME: riley anne blair

FACECLAIM: zendaya

BIRTHDAY: september 1st

STAR SIGN: pisces

HEIGHT:  5’10”

HOMETOWN: beverly hills, california

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: bisexual, leaning more towards women

MAJOR: psychology with a concentration in art therapy

OCCUPATION: pageant girl, model

SPORTS: volleyball (outside hitter, blocker)

POSITIVE TRAITS: confident, outgoing, charismatic, alluring, personable, humorous

NEGATIVE TRAITS: an overachiever, perfectionist, manipulative, untrusting, secretive, a bit arrogant, blunt, outspoken

ILLICIT ALCHOL/DRUG  USAGE:  definitely partakes in some underage drinking. has a bit of a drug problem due to her anxiety and depression, and past experiences; pretty good at hiding it though!!

PRE-EXISTING CONNECTIONS: ollie & nico blair’s half sister

BACKSTORY !

being the result of a messy affair, riley started off her life being raised by a single mother. while she never met her father, both her mother and grandmother have always been very transparent as to where she comes from. however, while she knows that there’s a potential of having half siblings floating around in the universe, she doesn’t know about ollie and/or nico.

her mother was her best friend; riley spent much of her early years constantly seeking and wanting to be by her mothers side, even as she entered her teenage years. her mother died tragically in a car accident when riley was only 13 years old, officially making her an orphan. she was forced to move in with her overly religious grandmother, a bitter old white woman who had never been the biggest fan of riley (lords only knows why). she never really paid much attention to riley, so the girl was basically forced to raise herself. the only time she would pretend to care was only during pageant season, when riley brought in good money to the household.

riley grew up in a world filled with dresses, jewels, makeup, and overly heated hair. that, and ballet. she had expressed her love or fashion and dressing up at a very young age, and so her mother decided to put her into the pageant life. it was meant to be a hobby at first, to get riley involved in something that would allow her to make friends at a young age, but it quickly grew into something she did competitively. and she was good!!! she was talented, classy, sophisticated, and quite the charmer. judges loved her, but as judges grew more and more fond of her, it came harder and harder for her to make real friends. other girls in pageants hated her, and kids at school teased and poked fun at the fact that she was involved in this. because of this, she grew up pretty much in isolation from others emotionally, which only added onto her natural shy/timid personality.

while growing up a bit more on the girly side, she found her passion in high school: volleyball. just as she was a natural at being pretty and dancing, she was just as much of a natural at hitting a ball down to the ground. she made all state as a sophomore, and it’s only been up since then. she’s at monarch on a full athletic scholarship. she still does modeling on the side as a way to make money, but she’s slowly giving up on the pageant life. she still dances, but more as a hobby now.

her struggles with mental health began at a very young age. while most people assumed it began the moment she lost her mom, it really began after she was sexually assaulted by a trusted adult at the age of 15, and after her grandmother didn’t believe her when she spoke up. she dabbles in different drugs as a means to cope. nobody would ever expect it, but it’s always the quiet ones you have to look out for! ask me how she gets away with the random drug testing athletes have to go through.

PERSONALITY !

a bit more on the shy & timid side. but also, she knows how to hold a conversation…but basically gives off the “only speaks when spoken to” vibes

pretty laid back, which is the complete opposite of what one might assume a pageant queen would be. she tries to not worry too much about life, but ultimately fails

pretty good about keeping her struggles with mental health hidden, but her love for psychology came from her own experiences, and inspiration from her psych APRN

pretty ambitious, will go after what she wants despite the consequences

seeks approval from everyone. kinda a side effect after years of trying to please someone who just couldn’t be pleased

loves to travel!! she’s definitely a wanderer and loves to find different places

plant mom, loves nature

still a fashionista…that’ll never go away

[paperdoll-hearts]

Jamie Chung, Robbie amell, Chris pine

Jamie Chung

I have never seen Jamie played until I was able to write against her as Professor Virginia Cho played by @undermyanumbrella . And let me tell you it’s been a great experience. Ginny is such a real character. She’s one who I feel is very relatable in the way she carries herself and the way she deals with things in her life. Anum has done such a beautiful job in writing a very balanced character. Ginny is responisble to the point where she can take too much on, but it’s only because of the caring heart that she has. While her work is very important to her it’s the people and how she loves them that defines her. And she loves hard. She’s incredibly giving in so many ways. In her time.. If you need her she’s there… In the physical act… She leaves little gifts and notes that are so thoughtful. She could be broken hearted and completely spent, but she’d always be there for someone who needs it. What I love about this fact is that one of her biggest gifts can also be one of her biggest faults because while she is taking care of everyone she doesn’t always let someone take care of her. The ship I have with her has proven that. I think what I also love in the contrast of being responsible that doesn’t mean she’s uptight. No, she is fun and can be a sarastic thing at times. I’ve just always loved the fact that she dances too. It speaks to the passion and needing to just let go while she dances while having to hold everything together in her life. Needless to say I’m a fan of the character.

Robbie Amell

I had seen Robbie used in rps before, but they all left me with no impression at all. Just very bland. Well, that changed when @onehopthistime brought Brennan Winters into my life. He is such a loveable goofball. At first introduction with the character, you might think oh he’s just the hot funny dude, but Rose has done such a great job in giving him a lot more depth and giving him things that you wouldn’t expect but in a way that completely works. Rose is by far one of the best female writers I have come across that writes male characters so it feels like they are males and not just a guy written by a girl. Brennan just has that sincere feeling when writing against him. He gives off this carefree vibe, because he has such a casual way in his conversations with people, but yet he cares deeply almost to a fault. When someone matters to him it’s known. He’s so genuine in his wanting to get to know people. To see the little things that a lot of people may not automatically think about. When I think of Brennan I just think of this big heart. That’s what guides him. He is so passionate that it can almost be overwhelming but at the same time that passion can be contagious. While, don’t get me wrong I like playing the closed-off male, Brennan is refreshing in the fact that he is the opposite, which I find rare in roleplays with males. He’ll tell you what he is feeling even if that means breaking his own heart, and for that I’d also mark the character as brave. I’ve been able to write against him as a brother connection and a romantic connection, and each way it’s just so cool to see how the core of that character is played out so perfectly.

Chris Pine

Since I’ve had a few experiences with The Pine as an opposite I’d like to bring up another character Parker Bailey. I didn’t rp with this character of Eric’s long but he left an impact on me. Parker came off as this charmer but really was a completely selfess character. While acting as the flirt he rarely took woman’s attention as he was more dedicated to his ill mother. While having this huge burden though he gave off such a carefree vibe that more wasn’t just him closing off people from what he was going through, but was more an outlet to needing to feel like just a single young guy. While I think it was only for a couple months that I wrote against him, Parker was a well thought out character that Eric played out just as wonderfully.

[bughead-fic-request]

I would like to thank @leaalda for making these amazing banners.

This is an effort to spread the word about all fan fiction writers in our little fandom. If you would like to be featured or nominate a writer, please contact me. Please reblog this post if you can and check out some of @itstenafterfour work!

1. First things first, if someone wanted to read your stories where can they find them.

Either on tumblr, or AO3. I prefer people reading them on AO3 though.

2. Tell us a little about yourself.

Okay, here goes. I’ve never been too great at talking about myself in a positive light but I’ll do my best here.

My real name and age are something I keep very private from this blog. There’s a real sharp divide between this blog and my real life.

You guys have taken to calling me Ten, and it’s growing on me. So that’s my name now — I’m Ten. I’m starting to like it more than my real (and unusual) name.

Anyway about me…I’m a serial procrastinator, dog mom to a tiny yorkie, and I like to think I give good advice, as tons of you guys have told me so when I help with problems over anon. I live in Canada, and I’m the author to about 12 (I think?) fics by now, which is more than I ever would if everyone hadn’t been so receptive and nice.

I don’t know if you’ll find this an interesting fact or a sad one, but I do tons of my writing in the hospital. I’m there a lot as I’ve got a plethora of health issues, and it gives me something to do with my time there, and makes it that much more tolerable. For that, I say thank YOU all for reading.

3. What do you never leave home without?

My laptop. It’s always in a sling case so I can write wherever I go.

4. Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I am worse than a night owl, I’m like a 4 AM owl. If there was a poster child for bad sleep schedules, it would be me.

5. If you could live in any fictional world which one would you choose and why?

God, I don’t trust fictional worlds. They’re all horrible in their own ways, and I wouldn’t last a day.

If I could live anywhere (and have wifi,) I’d live on the island of Themyscira from Wonder Woman.

6. Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met.

Um, does Brendon Urie noticing me on a livestream count?

But nah, I did meet Dan and Phil during their live show tour. I’ve been watching their videos for years, so it was a big deal to me. Still wild to me how tall they are.

7. What are some of your favorite movies/TV?

Okay, I am so bad with movies, I rarely watch them. But I do watch plenty of TV shows — here’s just a couple of the ones I enjoyed: Brooklyn Nine Nine (you guys KNOW how much I love this show), 13 Reasons Why (I know there’s controversy surrounding it but I think that save for a few scenes it was done well), Stranger Things, Chuck, the old Twin Peaks, Teen Wolf, Flashpoint, Your Lie In April (a fantastic anime) and I just started The Bold Type.

8. What are some of your favorite bands/musicians?

I listen to SO MUCH RANDOM STUFF. My spotify has about 10 or so different playlists and they all have different vibes. I guess right now I’ve been into The Cab, Blackbear, Porter Robinson, and The Neighbourhood, but that’s probably going to change in like, two days. I’m also currently in love with the songs Shelter by Madeon and Porter Robinson, and Only by RY X.

9. Favorite Books?

I feel like such a fake. I love reading but I rarely read books. I guess my all time favourite would have to be Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. (The movie’s also fantastic!)

10. Favorite Food?

I eat SO MUCH ICE CREAM. It’s insane.

11. Biggest pet peeve?

If someone is directly next to me when I’m on my laptop. First off, I feel super constrained if I can’t move my elbows freely as I type, and second, I hate it when anyone stares down my screen trying to see what I’m doing on my laptop.

12. What did you want to be when you were little? What do you want to be now?

When I was little, I wanted to be an artist. Now, I just want to find some direction in life, whatever it may be. The medical field interests me, but i’m not sure if it’s something I could really do as a career.

13. What are your biggest fears? Do you have any strange fears?

Biggest fears? Why is it that now I’m asked this and I blank out? To quote Jughead Jones,

“Fear of the unknown, fear of facing it alone. Fear that those closest to us are the monsters.”

Make of that what you will.

14. When you are on your deathbed what would be the one you’d regret not doing?

I’d regret not being more confident in myself, for sure.

Okay… lets talk about your writing!

15. Which is your favorite of the fics you've written for the Bughead fandom?

Oh gosh, this is a tough one! But if I had to pick, then it’s a tie between The Ninety-Ninth Precinct (it was fun mixing two shows I love, and writing a more light and breezy Bughead.) and A Perfect Place To Start. You guys seemed to like that one.

16. Which was the hardest to write, in terms of plot?

Smut is always tough for me, so anything that escalates beyond making out is always a bit of a challenge for me, so The Snake Charmer and Before The Moment’s Gone were hard.

17. How do you come up with the ideas for you fic(s)? Do you people watch? Listen to music? Get inspired by TV/movies?

My ideas come from all over the place. Some from music, some from movies and TV shows I just have to twist into an au. Others come from the prompts you guys send me.

18. Idea that you always wanted to write but could never make work?

Anything where you’ve got a hotter or more confident version of either Betty or Jughead. If I’m honest with you, it’s hard for me to write anything where I don’t see myself in the characters or relate to them. I’ve tried to do a hotter Jughead, but it always ends up with him being the sardonic dork he is because I can’t write characters I don’t connect to. And as a quiet outsider-type myself writing sexy confident characters is a challenge because they just don’t resonate with me in a way I could write them.

19. Least favorite plot point/chapter/moment you’ve written?

Um, I’m not sure I’ve got one, really. Anything I don’t like gets scrapped and never sees the light of day, so I’m actually pretty okay with what I’ve put out.

20. Favorite plot point/chapter/moment you’ve written?

Okay, so my favourite scene was writing Betty warming up to Jughead’s motorcycle in A Perfect Place to Start. It was fun to see that progression from her thinking it’s a cliché to enjoying riding on it and cheering.

21.Favorite character to write?

I always enjoy writing Betty, because I connect with her character. I feel like she’s one of those characters I can really understand, I know why she feels the way she does and I can relate to that. And like I said, I can only write characters that I see myself in, so I can draw on my own experiences.

22. Favorite line or lines of dialogue that you've written?

I could never narrow it down to just a line, but if I can say a section it’s this excerpt from a ficlet I did:

Her cheeks and lips were a warm, rosy, invited shade of red, and every one of her breaths came out a breathy swirl of white in the cold November air. Her lips were curled up into a smile. She looked like a work of art, painted by the finest artist with the most beautiful array of pigments he’d ever seen. Jughead wanted nothing more than to meet her lips and kiss her over and over again until the lines on her forehead, marking her confusion and bitterness over what he’d known was a horrible day disappeared.

23. Best comment/review you’ve ever received?

Every single positive review makes my day. Any comment from @jandjsalmon, who basically defines the gold standard for fic comments. I couldn’t even pick one.

24. How do you handle bad reviews or comments?

Horribly. I’ve cried before.

I am a self destructive writer, and when I pour so much work into a fic sheerly because of how much I doubt myself already, so it hurts like hell to get mean comments. I always skim and delete as fast as I can before my eyes can focus on it too much and read and internalize it, but what does stay in my mind stays for weeks.

25. If you could change anything in any of your stories, what would it be?

I guess to make my dialogue better. I’m great at descriptions but I always feel like my dialogue falls short.

26. What is your favorite story you’ve ever written? Any fandom?

What I listed above, those two for Bughead. definitely. And I have one fic for b99 (it’s a special request from a friend) over on my AO3 which I’m very proud of.

27. What are you reading right now? Both fan fiction and general fiction?

I’m not reading anything in real life right now, but in terms of fic I’m currently digging Wicked Games by @charlesbbass (and not just because Ari’s my best friend on this site and I’ve had some exclusive access to the plot, but because it’s insanely well written!) and By Mere Happenstance by @it-happened-one-starry-night. This slow burn is setting me on fire and I’m living for it.

28. Do you have an advice for writers that want to get into this fandom but might be scared?

Whatever you put out there, I promise there will be an audience for at least one person. Whatever you publish, at least one person will read it, I swear to you. For each positive comment is 10 people who read the fic and were too scared to leave one. So write, and popularity just happens. You worry about writing for now, and I promise you, readers will follow suit. I believe in you.

[didiletyouknooow]

33. Right On Time

Hey, 

another new chapter of Josh & Eileen! Thank you for reading and giving me feedback. ;)  _______

The following weeks were all about forgetting the sadness. I took so much overtime at work that I barely was at home. I felt a bit lonely there so I avoided too much free time. But this doesn’t mean that I didn’t spend some great evenings on my balcony with a drink in my hand to watch the sunset. Yes you can say I pretty much started to love my single life. I watched so many romantic comedies in the last weeks but they were all so cliché and cheesy that I immediately had to watch at least two episodes of “Californication” afterwards to feel better. I loved Hank Moody. Every morning Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” woke me up and it kind of became my mantra in the last weeks. I really tried to enjoy life and I guess with every passing day I did it a bit more. Adam and I became good mates and even friends over the last weeks. It felt good to finally know someone at work. I finally had someone who I could talk to. We shared some interest with each other �� except of surfing. He was a big surfing fan but I wasn’t. I was a bit afraid of the waves. But since he was living in LA he often went surfing. He suggested teaching me how to do it some day but I didn’t want to.

 I sometimes thought about the night in Cologne I shared with Josh. He told me some good advice about loosing someone and I was thankful that I met him that day. I still didn’t know why I didn’t want to kiss him but maybe I had to move on with my life. In the end it wouldn’t work out with us because our lives were so different. I even watched the TV show they did in Brussels on Youtube and it felt a bit weird. One night before, we were sleeping in the same bed and now he was still on the other side of the world while I was back in LA, back in my every day life as a teacher.

There were some students who asked me if I could get them some tickets for the extra show the Chilis would do in December. But I had to disappoint them. It didn’t feel weird anymore that some of my students obviously knew about my relationship with Josh. It was totally okay for me and I felt fine with it. I just didn’t want to talk about it.

 Sure I was still missing my grandma. I cried a lot after coming back to LA but nearly one month after her passing I felt a bit better and stronger. I looked ahead into the future and I think for the first time in my life I didn’t had to worry about anything. After loosing someone you loved all the other problems seem to be so small – and they are! I didn’t question myself why my last two relationships didn’t work out. Why I felt so heartbroken after Josh called it quits although our relationship didn’t even last one year. But it was how I was feeling about it and I learned that it was totally okay to feel sad and heartbroken. Even if we would’ve dated only for three months it would be okay. Love isn’t always the same. Feelings aren’t always the same. Sometimes you fall for someone really quickly and deeply and sometimes you need your time. I experienced both of it and it broke my heart twice.

Next year I would turn 30 and for the first time in my life I didn’t have any plan how my life would be like in one year. Maybe I was still living in LA but maybe not? Maybe I would move to San Francisco or Chicago or Seattle next year? Or what about New York? I always loved this city and when I was a teen I always wanted to live there some day. But then I moved to San Francisco for one year, later came back to LA, moved to Berlin, came back, moved to Berlin again, moved back. Now I was in LA and I didn’t want to leave – at least not now. But who knows what happens a year from now? It’s a long time. I think I’ve learned in the last year that you can’t plan your life. It just happens.

But I also have to say that for the first time in my life I kind of fell in love with LA again. It felt like the long time friend you know from your school days and after 20 years you meet again and realize that he’s the cutest and greatest and hottest guy in the world! This was LA for me at the moment. I often went for a walk outside totally on my own. I started to love it. I liked being on my own – outside of my apartment. But when I was at home I often caught me feeling a bit lonely and sad. But I guess it would go away someday.

______

I had a date with my brother this afternoon. In one week it would be Halloween and the city was decorated with all this crazy Halloween stuff. But Marc wanted to take me to Venice so we drove to Venice. I mean….why not????

“What a beautiful day” he smiled while we were walking through the boardwalk in Venice. We bought some ice cream and sat down at the beach. The sun was about to go down in a while. “Are you feeling better?” Marc wanted to know. “Yes….actually I’m feeling very good. I often think about grandma and the time we spent together in the last months. I also regret it that I didn’t spend more time with her but I think it’s just life. You can’t control everything” “Absolutely!” he was looking at his ice cream. I had the feeling that he wanted to tell me something. “Eileen” he then said and that was the moment I knew he was about to tell me a very important fact about his life. Would he marry Maggie? Would they move into a bigger house? Maybe he won the lottery? “Yes brother?” I grinned. “I’m going to be a dad….again” he said with a big smile on his face. “Maggie is pregnant” “Noooo way….are you kidding me? How great is that?” I was psyched for him. “No I’m not….she really is” “Congratulations! When is the due date?” “In April next year” he told me. “Wow….I’m so happy for you two!” I said while hugging him. “Wait….but this means that….did it happen during our vacation in Oceanside?” “Maybe” he grinned. “Ehhhhwwwww brother I don’t want to know that you have sex. You’re my brother” I laughed. “Tzzzz” he grinned. “I always told you, you can talk to me about your sex life but you never did it” “I know….” “Why?” “Because I don’t want to???” “What’s wrong? Are you prude?” “No….I’m not prude. I just don’t wanna talk about it with my brother” “I mean….I already know a lot” “What….why???” “I was always friends with your boyfriends” “What the fuck Marc! Did anyone tell you something?” “No” he laughed. “Just kidding!” “Ohhhh you’re jerk!” I slapped his shoulder. “But honestly….we can talk about it if you want. If you have any problems with guys just come to me and talk to me okay? You don’t have to bottle up everything” “I know….thank you” “So what happened in New  Orleans?” he asked me directly. What? Why did he ask? Did he know something?

“I saw it in your face when I picked you up from the airport. Something happened there. It looked like you wore the same clothes from one night prior” “You’re right….how do you know?” “Believe me….I had a lot of one night stands” “Ugh….well you’re right. I met a guy in a bar” “Was it good?” “Well….not really...” “Okay then it was the wrong guy or you aren’t the type of girl for doing something like that” “I think the letter. I’m not very into this casual thing” “You prefer rockstars” he laughed. “Tzzzzzz no!” I said angry and slapped him again. “Ouch” “You know why I did it!” “Yes….and it was just a joke” he kept smiling. “I know you’re not that kind of girl who falls for rock stars. You just fall for nice guys” “And Josh was a nice guy….I bet he still is. Although his love life seemed to went a bit crazy in the last months” “How do you know?” “Anthony told me. Josh seems to have many hook ups and now he’s with this blonde 22year old actress and tattoo model” “Well….if he wants to. But I guess no one of them can beat my sister” Marc smiled at me and we started laughing. “You’re such a flatterer” I laughed. “I am!” Marc said. “But….honestly, doesn’t it bother you that he’s with such a girl now?” “Not really….it did and maybe one part of me still thinks and asks how he can do it. But I don’t care anymore. If he’s happy, he should go for it and be happy. Maybe one day he wakes up and realizes that she doesn’t give him what he needs” “And what does he need?” “Attention” I joked. “No….uhm what does he need….hm….” “A girl who is into music” Marc suggested. “No” “What….no?” “No…he doesn’t need a girl, he needs a woman who is into music!” “Oh…okay, yeah you’re right” he chuckled. “He needs deep conversations sometimes, he likes to philosophy about certain topics, you have to understand his passion for his job, you have to deal with him being away very often, you have to handle his quirks” “Sounds a bit complicated” “Yeah…in some parts of life he’s very complicate but at the same time he’s the biggest charmer whom I get to know. He always knew what I wanted. It was so crazy!” “But I think he has to grow up! From what you’ve told me I think he didn’t really behaved like a grown up when breaking up with you.” “Yes…he was in a weird mood at that time I think he still is. Maybe he needs these strange times, these experiences. I mean after all we don’t know how we would behave as a rockstar” “I lived like a rock star when I was in Australia” “Yeah of course you did” I laughed at him. “Honestly! All these girls admired me because I was the hot surf teacher from California. You can’t imagine how many girls gave me their numbers. If I wanted I could have had dated a new girl every day” “Seven girls a week?” “YES!” He grinned. “But I bet you didn’t” “No I didn’t” “You only dated 6 girls a week” “Tzzz….sister….you know me” he joked.

“But honestly….I lived this lifestyle. Sure I didn’t have so much money like a rock star but all these girls went to our beach parties and they admired David and me. David was the other surf teacher you know….so we had a lot of fun. But some day you’re lying in your bed with a stranger and you don’t even know her name and well….I realized that it doesn’t give me anything. It doesn’t give you love, closeness, emotions, trust. I always had to deal with my problems on my own. I had a lot of girls but no one to talk to. Besides of David but….you know what I mean” “Yeah….I know” I said. “But Josh has a kind of relationship with this young actress who is like the opposite of me” “What about his ex? Didn’t you tell me she is an opposite as well?” “Kind of….she’s a bit freaky. But in the end they shared so many interests. Josh and her and me and her. She’s into music, arts, literature. I watched some interviews with this actress….she doesn’t seem to be interested in all these thinks he likes” “Well….sometimes you prefer someone who is different than you” “Maybe…” “And sometimes men doesn’t care so much about the age difference. If the girl is hot, it’s okay.” “Really? Is it so easy for you guys?” “Sometimes it is….” “Okay Marc….how old was the youngest girl you hooked up with?” “You don’t wanna know” “Oh yes, I want to know it!” I said with a loud voice. “Well….okay uhm….I think she was 18” “WHAT THE FUCK MARC IF MOM WOULD KNOW ABOUT IT!” I screamed. I was shocked. My brother was 32 and dated teenage girls? “I was 30….yeas I’m not that proud of this part of my life…” “But she wanted to do it?” “Eileen…..I don’t force someone to hook up with me! She definitely wanted it and it was nice…” “Nice….” “Yeah it was nice….we met a few times but then I ended it” “And what about her? How did she react?” “Hm….I don’t know” “Come on Marc! You know! I see it in your eyes!” “Okay….well” he sighed. “I think she was heartbroken. She was very in love with me” “Because she’s a teenager! Girls at 18 fall in love more quickly than guys over 30! I mean….did you even had feelings for her?” “Not really….I mean she was hot and nice but we didn’t really had a connection” “Oh well….men! I can only repeat myself with saying this but….sometimes men only think with their lower parts, am I right?” “Sometimes” he grinned. “But what’s so exciting about hooking up with a teenager? Imagine she was 17!” “She was 18!” ”Yeah but what if she lied to you?” “No….I saw her passport when she subscribed for a surfing class” he grinned. “Marc….you’re disgusting and I mean it!” “I know….as I told you, I’m not very proud of it” “Don’t let Maggie ever know about it! She would freak out!” “Well….Maggie and I met the same way” “Yes but she’s much older than these teenage girls” “I know….” “So maybe it’s the attraction by a complete opposite of oneself that let men do these crazy things” “Think about uncle Karl and aunt Marie. She’s 25 years younger than him!” “I know….I always found it weird but they also look very cute together. I mean he’s 80 and she’s 55….” I said. “But she was 33 when he met him. Not 18!” “Look! Sometimes you can’t control with whom you fall in love with” “Yes” I sighed. “But do you really think you can fall in love with an 18 year old girl if you’re a grown up man? Can she fall in love with you?” “No” he laughed. “Unless she would blow my mind but….no. I have Maggie and Noel and soon we’re four people in our little family so I stop thinking about it” “I’m glad you didn’t impregnate such a young girl. It would have destroyed both of your lives! This poor girl….I want to protect her from someone like you!” “Eileeen” Marc rolled his eyes. “It’s just the truth!” “Okay….” He said. “Good for you and good for the girl. I hope she found a real boyfriend afterwards” “Maybe she did”

“However….” I sighed. “What I wanted to say is….Josh should be happy. That’s what I wish him and if he’s happy at the moment, everything’s fine although I don’t know why he kissed me in Cologne” “He KISSED you?” Marc asked completely surprised. “Yeah he did but I pushed him away” “What the fuck Eileen! You didn’t tell me!” “I don’t think it’s important. It’s over. I’m over it. I moved on with my life and I guess so did he. It was only these emotions we had on this day….it was strange, thou. But I don’t want it anymore. I’m over him”

 _____

It was almost Halloween when I was driving through El Sereno. We had a Halloween party at school and afterwards I drove a mate home. She did the same for me some weeks ago and she also substituted me in class when I was at my granny’s funeral so driving her home was the least I could do.

On my way back home I stopped at a supermarket in El Sereno to buy some things. I was so exhausted from the week that the only thing I wanted to do was driving home, eating pizza and watching a stupid movie. I was walking through the market to buy the things I wanted – most of all I needed chocolate and wine – when I heard a familiar voice.

  “Yes I know” the male voice said. “Jonathan, please, it’s just an hour or so. I can’t do that I mean, look at my foot” seems like he was talking on the phone.

When I went to the freezer compartment I saw him standing a few metres away from me. I only saw his back, he couldn’t see me.

“Please, don’t say that. I helped you very often. It’s just….my guitars and pedals and all this stuff. I need them at home right now. But I can’t drive at the moment as you might guess”

  While Josh was talking I looked at him. I saw a cast on his right foot and he was walking with crutches. What happened to him? When I saw him turning around I pretended to open the freezer compartment. In the corner of my eye I kept watching him. He still didn’t see me because he turned around again. He tried to take something out of the freezer but he couldn’t. I was watching at him for such a long time until an older lady told me “Maybe you should help the guy instead of watching him!” Her voice was very angry and I was afraid she would hit me with her cane. So I went a few steps towards Josh and opened the freezer. “May I help you?” I asked him, the older lady was still looking at me. Josh turned around and looked at me without saying anything. “Look uhm, Jonathan….I have to hang up now okay? I call you later, bye” he said and put his phone away. “Hey” he smiled. “Hey….” I smiled back. “Uhm, should I, well, should I help you?” I repeated my question. Josh looked at me with a questioning face. “I mean with the freezer and the pizza” I told him. “Oh, yeah. Of course. This would be nice” he laughed. “Which one do you want?” I asked him while looking at the frozen pizzas. “Salami? Diavolo?” “Okay” I said and took two pizzas. “Thanks! Give it to me I can take them” Josh said and now I was looking at him with a questioning face. How did he want to carry them while he was walking with crutches? “No…I take them” I let him know and without saying anything else we were walking to the checkstand.  

When we left the supermarket Josh thanked me for helping him. “So I think I can do the rest on my own” he said and wanted to say goodbye and started even walking away. “Josh!” I said. “Should I drive you home?” “No….you don’t have to. I can walk. It’s only 15 minutes” “Yeah maybe without crutches” “20 minutes” “Come one, don’t be so silly, I drive you, okay?” “Hmmm, I think I don’t have a choice, have I?” “No!” 

So I drove him to his house. It was strange coming back to this place where we shared the first half of the year together. I remembered the last time I was here, I was looking for Josh and ended up crying on Eric’s shoulder. “Thanks for driving me” he said while leaving the car. I opened the trunk and took out his groceries. “Let me carry them into your kitchen” I let him know and he knew that he couldn’t say anything against it. So he opened the door and I followed him into his kitchen. While walking through the hall I was looking to the left and the right and it all felt so familiar to me but at the same time it also felt very foreign. “So….just put it on the floor” Josh let me know as he opened the fridge and started putting some groceries into it. “What happened?” I asked him. “What do you mean?” I pointed at his foot. “Oh well…it was a silly accident” “Again?��� “Yes again” he sighed. “I was playing basketball with the Dots and…yeah I jumped and I didn’t know how but suddenly I had the feeling that I broke my foot again.” “You did?” “Just slightly broken” “Wow….I’m always wondering how people can do such things.” I said. “Sport ist Mord!” “Uh?” “Sports is murder” I laughed. “Yeah, you’re right” Josh agreed laughing.

For some time we were standing in his kitchen. Him putting the groceries into his fridge and me watching him. What a strange situation. Maybe I should go. But just right before I wanted to say goodbye and leave Josh said something. “What about you? Are you feeling better?” I was wondering what he was talking about. “Because of granny” helped me along. “Oh right” it came to my head. “Yes, I’m feeling much better now” “That’s good to hear. I know it sounds odd but time heals” “I know” I took the pizzas and gave it to him while we were talking. “Hey uhm….are you hungry?” he asked and pointed at the pizzas. “Slightly” “What about having pizza? See it as return for driving me home” he said. “Pizza again?” I laughed and was referring to some weeks ago when we were eating pizza in his hotel room. “Hm…okay why not?”

 So Josh put on the oven and offered me something to drink. We started talking a bit about the last weeks and he told me how weird the TV show was they were doing the day after the funeral. “The people were so crazy! The audience was ‘whooooing’ all the time. It annoyed me so much! But I couldn’t leave. We had to play two songs. But most of the time Anthony and Flea were talking so I was just sitting there thinking ‘what the hell am I doing here?’. It was so crazy. Plus, I didn’t understand my translater in the ear. I always heard “Na oui encore je ponse cherie blablabla” It was so weird” he told me laughing. I missed that he was telling me such stories. “Sounds crazy” “It was! I was so happy when I was home again!” “How long is the touring break?” “We don’t tour anymore” he said. “We finished the tour. We only do a special concert in December in Staples Center” “Oh okay” I said. “So, you’re happy being home again?” “Yes definitely! After touring for like almost three years I can finally sleep in my own bed for more than just two weeks” “Sounds good”

Josh took the pizza out of the oven and promptly burned his finger. He never leans it I thought and started to laugh. “Don’t laugh at me!” he complained. “I’m not laughing” I said while hiding my laugh but I couldn’t. “Tzz, sure you’re laughing” “Sorry” I said and pursed my lips. I followed Josh into the living room carrying our pizzas. He was tuning on the TV. “Should we watch a film?” he asked me while sitting down. “It’s Halloween season….let’s see what Netflix has to offer” he grinned. We ended up watching some horrorfilm and ate our pizza.

It was strange sitting next to Josh in his house. I remembered what we were doing on his sofa and….okay I had to stop thinking about it. It started to drive me crazy. It wasn’t that I had still feelings for him. I guess I was kind of over it….at least I thought I was. I didn’t know if it was true or if it was only self protection. But when I saw him today my heart didn’t start beating very fast and I didn’t feel the tension I usually felt when I saw him. Like it was dead. Maybe I was too unemotional since my granny died. I didn’t know. “Do you like the film?” Josh asked and ended my thoughts about him and my feelings. “Yeah, it’s quite funny” I said. “Hm funny? Eileen, it’s a horror film!” he laughed. “Yes but I think it’s funny….some scenes are so unrealistic” “I think you’re the first woman I know who says something like that about a horror film” “So you’re watching horror films more often with other girls?” “Sometimes” he chuckled. “And what’s at the back of your mind?” “N….nothing?” he looked at me questioning. “Just kidding Josh!” I laughed. “Just kidding” “Okay….didn’t sound to me like kidding” “Anyway, I have to leave now. It’s late and I have to get up early tomorrow”  

“Tomorrow is Saturday” Josh noted. “I know” “Why do you have to get up early?” “Because I’m going to Joshua Tree with a friend” “Oh….so early?” “Yes, he wants to go there in the morning because it’s so beautiful and later you have the whole day ahead of you” “He?” Josh asked. “Yes Adam….he’s a new mate from work” “A friend?” “Yes a friend” I said laughing. “What is so strange? Am I not allowed to have a male friend?” “Sure, you can have as many male friends as you like to” Josh chuckled. “I was just wondering….he takes you to Joshua Tree early in the morning so you have the whole day ahead of you afterwards?” “Yes….he said he has some more plans we can do” “Wow, such a gentleman” “No….he’s just nice. A cool pal” “Are you sure?” “What do you mean?” “Are you sure that he’s only a pal? I mean….that he thinks the same?” “Yes….why should he think differently….” “Because to me it sounds like a date” “A date????” I was looking kind of shocked when Josh said this word. A date? Really? Did Adam saw it as a date? No I didn’t think so. We just liked each other very much and we got along with each other very well so we spent some time together. What’s wrong with it? “So for you it’s obviously not a date” Josh laughed. “No…I mean, we’re just friends.” I told him. “I don’t want to date anyone at the moment” Silence. I felt his gaze on me.

“Well….maybe you should ask him how he sees it” Josh finally said. “Really? We just get along very well. He’s such a nice guy. I don’t think he gets his hopes up” “Well….you’ll see tomorrow I guess” Josh laughed. “Yeah I think I do. Anyway” I sighed. “It’s a bit weird talking with my ex boyfriend about dating” I said looking to the floor. We were already standing in his hall and I put on my jacket. He was still holding his gaze on me while I was looking away. But then there was one question on my mind I couldn’t hide. “What about you? Are you dating someone?” I asked him. “Well” he said and ruffled his hair. “Not really…let’s say I’m seeing someone” “Ah, okay” “Nothing too serious. We just get along very well” “Okay” “Yeah….” he said. “But” I had the feeling he wanted to tell me something but he didn’t. “Whatever, I have to go now! Thanks for the pizza!” “You’re welcome! Thanks for driving me home!” Josh smiled and hugged me. It was so strange that we finally hugged each other again. The last time we saw each other he wanted to kiss me….okay he did kiss me! “And have fun at your date or whatever it is tomorrow….” “Thanks.” I said and left.

  While I was driving home I was thinking about the evening. It was very strange seeing him again and spending time with him in his house. It felt so good to me because I knew his house, I knew his sofa, I knew his kitchen, I knew like every room in this house. But I also had the feeling that there was one thing in the house I didn’t know: Josh. I didn’t know much about his life anymore. He kind of changed. I noticed it. I noticed it when we met in Cologne some weeks ago but today he showed me that I was right. He was much colder, he even seemed to be a bit shy again. I really couldn’t believe that this guy was dating the blonde extrovert actress. But maybe he liked women like her? I didn’t know. Maybe his type of girls changed over the past months.

When I arrived at my apartment I saw that Lara texted me. She wanted to skype. Well this was the perfect moment I guess. So I took my wine and called her – I couldn’t sleep at all right now.

“So we were watching a movie like nothing happened. We didn’t even talk about it….it’s like an unspoken secret between us. No one has the guts to talk about it and now we behave like friends. It’s so strange” I told Lara. “But it didn’t feel strange hanging around with him as friends?”# “No….not at all. I felt very comfortable. Like always when I was with him. He was very nice but also a bit shy and….then he reacted very strange when I told him about Adam” “You told him about Adam? Wow” Lara was laughing. “What’s wrong with it?” “You told your ex about meeting a new guy….this must be very hard for him. Not only if he maybe has still feelings for you. Even if he’s over it I guess it must be hard to hear it from you that there is a new guy” “He definitely has no feelings for me! He hooked up with this actress!” “Yeah but did he tell you about her?” “No…he only mentioned that he’s seeing someone” “See….he doesn’t want you to know what he’s doing. There are plenty of theories why he could act like that but…believe me…he only wants you to know that there are other women who are attracted to him but….he also wants you to know that no one is as serious as you were” “Lara! This sounds ridiculous! I don’t think that men ever think about what they tell us and what they don’t tell us and how it could trigger us” “Believe me….some men do. Even more than we think” “Hmmm….I don’t know. Josh was never a guy who acted like that” “You told me he changed. Maybe he also changed his behaviour towards women” “Ugh….I think I don’t wanna talk about it anymore. I’m done with it” I said ruffling my hair and drinking my wine. “Okay, if you say so” “I do….I mean I didn’t even think about him in the last weeks” “That’s a good sign” “It is!” 

Lara and I kept talking for one more hour until I finally fell asleep.

 ______

 My so called “date” with Adam the next day wasn’t what Josh thought it would be. We met and drove to Joshua Tree and enjoyed a long walk through the desert of the national park. It was quite nice, we talked a lot and had lots of fun. Sure we even took some pictures – the weather was perfect! But that’s it. Afterwards when we came back to LA we had some burger in a nice burger restaurant in Echo Park before he drove me back home. I left the car before he could even say something. I only thanked him for the beautiful day and wished him a nice weekend.

In the following weeks we acted like normal friends and mates at work although I have to admit that I noticed that Adam looked at me very often when we were working in the faculty lounge or when we were having lunch break. Maybe Josh was right and he wanted more?

It was almost Thanksgiving when Adam and I were preparing a party at the school. It was late in the afternoon and we were the last ones to leave work.

“So Eileen, what are you doing on Thanksgiving?” he asked me. “I’m going to a dinner party. Some friends invited me” I told him while searching for my keys in my bag. “What about you?” “Oh well….I thought maybe we two could have dinner together. Since you know my family lives in Britain and they don’t celebrate thanksgiving….but yeah sure, you already have plans” “Yes, my family usually doesn’t really celebrate thanksgiving that much so this year I’m celebrating with my friends” “Okay….but” he said and I noticed that his voice sounded a bit disappointed. “What about having dinner in general. I mean like….real dinner. Like a date”

There it was. This word I was afraid of since Josh broke up with me. I didn’t want to date new guys. At least that’s what I told me in the last months. I liked being on my own, being single. I was friends with it. But now there was Adam and he looked kind of cute how he was standing right in front of me. I liked him, I liked him very much. But I didn’t think that it was more than just friends. But on the other hand….what about trying? I often ran away from my feelings and from guys who wanted to date me just because the guy had a weird nose or an annoying voice. I was such a pussy. “Uhm….sure, why….why not?” “Cool, what about next week?” “Yeah, of course” “Sounds great. I’ll pick you up from home and then I will surprise you with the greatest Mexican food you’ve ever had!” he smiled at me and hugged me goodbye. I saw him walking to his car, opening the door grinning. He kind of made a fist bump when he thought I couldn’t see it. But I did. Well, what have I done?

_______   “You really agreed?” Lara asked me. We were skyping again because tomorrow would be Thanksgiving and I had to show her my dress. It turned out that Josh would also show up at Molly’s and Eric’s thanksgiving dinner. Molly texted me yesterday and even apologized. I told her that she doesn’t have to apologize because I know that Josh is still their friend. I would show up anyway. She didn’t know if he would be on his own or bring a date. He didn’t tell Eric. So I had to be prepared for everything. Whether he was on his own or with Chloe – or even someone else? – I wanted to look good. So yesterday I did a shopping trip after work was over and now I presented every dress and look to Lara. “Yes I agreed going on a date with Adam” I told Lara while wearing the first dress. “And he really asked you out? For a real date?” “Yes a real date” I said while also putting on my shoes. “Wow, I didn’t think you would do it anytime soon” “What do you mean?” “Dating a new guy” “Lara” I said laughing. “It’s just a date. Nothing special. We have dinner and that’s it” “Yeah but a date is a date and to me it seems that Adam is a bit into you” “You don’t even know him!” “But from what you’re telling me” “I don’t know. He’s nice and friendly and I didn’t want to reject him” “Wow, if I would’ve dated every guy I didn’t want to reject I would’ve spent my last years with dates” “You know what I mean….we’re already friends. I can’t reject friends” “But he’s only a guy. Think about that” “No he isn’t. He’s a friend” “So you’re dating a friend?” “LARA!” I screamed. “This leads into nothing. Can we please stop talking about it and instead discussing my dresses?” “Sure” she said and in the next twenty minutes she reviewed every dress and look I chose.

“I would go with the black dress” “Really? But it’s just….black” “Yes and black is always sexy” “Hm….I thought about this grey dress with the dark red jacket?” “No….please. Believe me. If you really want to show your ex what he’s missing while he’s showing up with his new young chick than please choose the black dress” “Okay…if you say so” “I do” “Well” I sighed and sat down at my bed which was full of clothes. “I don’t even know if I should show up there” “Why???” “What if he’s not on his own?” “Yeah could be but….first, what’s the matter? Second, you even know about his girl, don’t you?” “I do….but I don’t know how I feel if I see him with another girl. I only know her by stalking her social media which is ridiculous” “Honey” Lara sighed. “I know it’s hard to see an ex with a new girlfriend but believe me, you’ll survive it. And it would be so stupid to avoid the dinner just because Josh is there with a young girl” “Yeah, you’re right…” “So please, wear that dress, put on some sexy heels and have fun! Maybe you’ll get to know someone new there? Just be flirty, have fun. And if you have enough, leave. It’s totally okay. But don’t disappoint your friends. No guy is worth it. And if Josh shows up with that bitch be yourself, because that’s what he liked, right? He should see what he’s missing and if you’re wearing this sexy dress he’ll definitely see what he’s missing! Oh and don’t get drunk too much and don’t end up with him in bed. Just a warning” Lara told me. “As if” I laughed ironic. “But thanks for your advice” “You’re welcome. And after thanksgiving you’ll have fun on your date with Adam!” she winked at me. “Yeah….maybe. Let’s see”

 So the next day was the day. Thanksgiving. Eric and Molly invited me to their dinner and if I was honest, I was very nervous. I knew I would meet Josh which wasn’t that surprising since he was still their friend. Besides, I have already met him two times since we split and we acted like friends. So there wasn’t anything I should be afraid of – except of him bringing a date. I have to admit that I checked Chloe’s Instagram before I left home. Shame on me.

The last pic she posted showed her having dinner and cocktails with some girlfriends in San Diego. It was two days ago. I didn’t know if maybe she was already back in LA or still in San Diego. The last pic which was kind of related to Josh was two weeks ago when she posted a pic out of his car. It didn’t show him or anything else fans of the Chilis could notice but I knew it was his car. I drove in it many times. And now she was sitting on the passenger seat where I was sitting for many hours back then when we were driving through the city together. It was my seat. Well no Eileen, I thought, this is ridiculous. You don’t own the man, you don’t own the seat.

I arrived at the Gardner’s house a bit late – I already called them Gardners because if it was up to me they would marry soon. Molly opened the door and welcomed me with a hug. She was smiling all over her face. I had the feeling there was something special happening this evening besides the dinner they prepared. “Wow it smells so good!” I said while entering their house. “I did my best for the best tapas. I hope every one likes them!” Molly said excited. She seemed so nervous, I didn’t see her acting like this before. There had to be something special happening! “Do you wanna have a drink?” she asked me and I followed her into the kitchen to get an Aperol Spritz. “By the way, he is here” Molly told me whispering. I looked at her with a questioning face. It’s like my brain was on a rest. “Josh” she helped me out. “Okay….it’s totally fine. I’m fine with it. We’re friends I guess. We even met each other some weeks ago” I told her. Not to mention the weird night in Cologne. I didn’t tell Molly about it. “He’s on his own! No date!” I didn’t want to smile but I couldn’t stop it. Hearing this information really calmed me down a bit. So he was on his own, without a date. Without Chloe. Maybe I was right and she was still in San Diego? I followed Molly into the living room where the others were sitting at the big table chatting. I welcomed everyone, hugged Eric and finally hugged Josh. It was a bit weird but I felt comfortable in my dress. “So now that everyone is here we want to thank you for coming and having this dinner with us. But there is one tiny little thing we want to celebrate with you today….” Molly delivered a little speech to Josh, me and the other eight guests. “We’re going to marry next year!” she said and showed us her engagement ring. “Eric proposed two weeks ago when we were in Mexico!” she told us and looked like the happiest girl on earth. I looked at Eric who was standing next to his fiancé with a big smile on his face. Everyone was applauding. They kissed each other for quite some time. In the corner of my eye I looked at Josh. He was looking at the couple but soon changed his view at me.

So after their engagement-surprise we finally had dinner. Molly made so many tapas and they were all so delicious! I ate so much that I had the feeling my dress would crack. I guess I would entertain everyone if this would happen.

After dinner I went into the kitchen to get me a new drink. The mood was a bit more casual after dinner, some people were standing on the balcony smoking and chatting, others were sitting down at the sofa watching photo’s of Eric’s and Molly’s vacation. When I entered the kitchen I saw Josh leaning at the countertop, a glass of whisky in his hands. “So seems like the Gardners are getting serious” I said while I got me a new drink. “I didn’t even know it. Eric didn’t tell me” Josh answered. “Really?” “No….when they came back from their vacation last week he was only smiling all over his face which was a bit strange but I thought ‘okay he had a great vacation’. I didn’t expect this surprise! They really kept it a secret” “Very romantic” I heard myself saying. Ups, maybe I shouldn’t say something like that to my ex? Josh remained silent and looked into his glass. I had the feeling that maybe now we should have a short talk about our situation. Just to feel better about all of this. 

“Josh?” ”Hm?” He looked up to me. “Is everything okay between us? I mean…are we….friends?” He was still looking at me and it seemed like he didn’t know what to answer. But after a few seconds of an awkward silence between us he said “Yes, for sure!” “I’m glad! I thought maybe we should clarify it” “Yeah you’re right. But….I agree with you. We’re friends so….I’m glad you’re my friend” he smiled and we shook hands as a joke. Okay, I didn’t know if I should feel happy we talked about it – it took us like ten seconds to clarify that we’re friends? - or if I should feel awkward because there was still something happening between us that let me think that we couldn’t just be friends?

“How’s work?” he asked me and changed the topic. I told him about the last weeks, the Halloween party and how fun it was teaching the kids. “Seems like you’re loving your job” “Yes….every day I’m more and more loving my job. I never thought that I would say something like that one day” “It’s great. It’s important to do something that makes you happy and that fulfils you” “Yeah, definitely” I smiled back at him. “Hey there you are!” it was Eric who interrupted our conversation. “Everyone was asking where you two are! So I said I’m looking for them and I found you!” he laughed. Seems like Eric was a bit drunk. We followed him back into the living room where the others were listening to some music and were chatting. We sat down at the couch and I talked with Molly for a while. Eric was offering us more and more drinks and after an hour I felt a bit tipsy.

The dinner party was pretty much fun. I talked with a lot of people and had a great time. Molly exclusively told me the whole story about their proposal – Eric asked her when they were having dinner at the beach watching the sunset. She seemed so happy and I was curious about their wedding next year. It was almost 2am when the last guests – me included – left the dinner party. I was standing in the hall looking at my phone to call me a cab.

“Are you calling a cab?” Eric asked me. “Yeah. I don’t wanna walk” I joked. I think I would walk like more than two hours! “Maybe you can share a cab with Josh. He also wanted to call a cab.” He said. “Hey Josh, are you calling a cab?” When Eric said these words Molly was looking at him with a gesture in her eyes. It was obvious that she wanted to tell him ‘No way are these two people sharing a cab since they’re both so drunk!’. But Eric didn’t understand and went to Josh to talk to him. “It’s okay. I can handle it” I let her know. “What are you talking about?” she asked me surprised. “Your look at Eric a few seconds ago? It looked as if you wanted to tell him that Josh and I shouldn’t share a cab!” I laughed. “But I can handle it!” “No….no I didn’t want to tell him this information telepathic!” she denied. “It’s okay” I smiled at her. In this moment Eric and Josh came back to us. “You wanna call a cab?” Josh asked me and I nodded. “Maybe it can bring me home, too. I mean it’s just ten minutes from here” “Yeah, for sure” I said and called a cab. Half an hour later it arrived. So we hugged the Gardners goodbye and went to the cab.

“Where should I drive you?” the cab driver asked us. “First just a few blocks from here” Josh told him his address. “And afterwards you bring home this beautiful lady to Silverlake. Safely!” “Sure I will” the cab driver answered. “Since she’s a bit drunk please wait until she opened her door and you can see the lights turning on in the first floor!” Josh kept talking. “Of course I will!” I had to giggle when I heard Josh talking. My head was a bit spinning due to the alcohol I had. Maybe it was a bit too much. We were passing the dark streets of El Sereno when I was feeling very tired. Although we were only driving for like five minutes with five minutes to go I suddenly felt so tired like never before. It was definitely the alcohol! I noticed how my head was falling to the right directly on Josh’s shoulder. When this happened I freaked out a bit. Now I was awake again.

Josh looked at me with a smile on his face. Although it was so dark in the car I could see his face smiling. I didn’t know what happened and why and maybe it was one drink too much but suddenly I felt my lips on mine. I kissed him….wait….Did I really start to kiss him? Yes and he kissed me back. It felt so familiar, I missed his lips so much. His hands touched my face and I felt goosebumps all over my body.

“We’re here guys!” the cab driver interrupted our romantic kiss on the back seat. “You can continue making out in the house!” We immediately stopped kissing and Josh paid the cab driver. Then he opened the door and left the car. I saw him stopping right in front of the car. He turned around and looked at me. I didn’t know what to do or what to say I think I only acted automatically. Suddenly I noticed Josh’s arm pulling me out of the car. “Sorry mister, but you don’t have to bring the lady home” Josh told the cab driver. “Thanks for bringing us! Have a nice day!” he said. “I knew it when I saw you two for the first time” the cab driver laughed. Josh thanked him again and closed the door until he paid attention to me again. He took my hand and pulled me closer to kiss again. I didn’t know how but anyhow we went to his door which he opened very quickly – almost without stopping kissing.

It didn’t take us long to finally went into his bedroom. We fell to his bed where we continued. First we were only kissing, without doing anything else but then I took off his shirt to show him that I wanted more. I definitely wanted it. I didn’t know if the daytime-sober-Eileen would want it but the drunken-night-Eileen definitely wanted it! “Are you sure?” Josh asked me. “I’m 29 years old. I’m a bit drunk and I’m sure that I want to have sex with you. Now” I let him know and pulled him closer to me.

Although I was a bit tipsy I felt every moment of this night. It felt like coming home again. It was so familiar to me. Every step we took was known. We knew what we had to do. But at the same time it was new to me. I never had sex with an ex before.

____

  I woke up with heavy headache. Ouch. The alcohol last night was definitely too much! Or was I too old for having a few drinks? I turned around to the other side of the bed. A few brown stands of hair were appearing on the pillow. Wait a minute….I wasn’t at home? In my apartment???? I took a look under my blanket and it told me that I was definitely NOT at home in my bed on my own. There was a naked man next to me and….oh fuck.

It was the moment I noticed who was lying next to me. Yes it happened. We did it. It happened. Lara warned me doing it and I joked about it that it would be the least that could happen. Well, seems like I was wrong. It happened.  

I was hiding my face in my hands when I noticed that Josh woke up. He put the blanket away and looked at me. “Good morning!” I heard him saying, still hiding my face in my hands. “What’s wrong with you?” “Nothing” I said. “And why are you hiding your face?” “I….I don’t know” I answered when Josh was taking my hands away from my face. I closed my eyes. “Eileen, you don’t have to do that” he told me. “But…I….did it really happen?” “Yes….it did” he said and smiled at me. “Wow” “What’s wrong? Didn’t you enjoy it?” he asked me and I noticed a bit of fear in his voice. “Of course I did but….I was so drunk” “No you weren’t” he laughed. “I was! My head is hurting so much!” “But to me you didn’t really look very drunk last night” “Uff….I have to get up. I….I have to get home and” “And what?” he asked me holding my hand. He didn’t want me to leave the bed. “Please stay for a while. I could make us some breakfast” Josh said. I thought about it for a few seconds – at least I pretended to do it because my head was spinning around the fact that I just had sex with my ex last night. Something that mustn’t happen! “Well….okay” I said. Josh kissed my bow and then he was the one leaving the bed. I watched him how he went to his wardrobe to put on some boxers and finally left the room. I felt so paralyzed I think I couldn’t move.

Eileen, I said to myself, why are you behaving like a little girl? It’s not that you’ve never seen him naked before! You did for like nine months! He’s no stranger to you! So please pull yourself together! He seems to be very cool with the situation and so should you. It happens sometimes. Having sex with your ex is totally normal nowadays. Nothing to think about very intensively. Lara did it so many times. So maybe you should calm down, get out of bed and go downstairs to him in the kitchen and just act like a cool emancipated young woman! So I left the bed and searched for my panties. Then I put on one of Josh’s shirt like I often did in the past and went downstairs. He was busy making pancakes and I watched him cooking for like a minute. He looked so cute while making them….

“Oh there you are!” he said surprised when I hemmed. “Yeah here I am” I laughed. “Sit down, I hope you like it. I have also jelly and a bit maple syrup” he told me. “Wow, you’re very prepared” I joked. “I’m always prepared” “For having a lady visitor over night?” I laughed. Josh was looking at me with a weird face. Obviously he didn’t like my joke. “You know me” he said. Yeah I knew him. At least I thought I knew some parts of him. But I also thought he would never date someone like Chloe. What was the matter with her? “It tastes very good!” I changed the topic and spoke with my mouth full. “Thanks” he smiled at me. While we were having breakfast we barely talk. Maybe he was also thinking about what happened last night? “Do you wanna have one more?” Josh asked. “No thanks, I’m very sated” “Good to hear it” he grinned and put the dishes away. “Do you want another tea?” “Yeah, why not” So I had another tea while Josh was drinking his coffee. We were looking at each other but I couldn’t stand his gaze. “Look Josh” I finally started the talk. “What happened last night was great but….you know, it was just one-off, right? I mean, we were both a bit drunk and….it happened. Things happen. So it’s not a big deal, isn’t it?” I looked at him waiting for him to answer. But he was still looking into his coffee, saying nothing. “Yeah” he finally said. “I think it was just an on-off. Although it was very great” “It was!” I agreed with him and took another sip of my tea. He chuckled and looked back into his coffee. I had the feeling he felt very shy talking about it. “So…we’re still friends? Nothing changed?” “No….” he finally said looking into my eyes. “Nothing changed. It was just….sex” “Exactly!!” I said and put my cup into the dishwasher. “I’m gonna leave now. Thanks for the breakfast! I just have to search for my clothes and…” I was telling him while going upstairs again to collect my clothes. 

“You can take these” he said and gave me one of his sweatpants. I noticed that it was the same he offered me when I spent the night at his apartment in Berlin where we had our first kiss. “Thanks” I took it. “Should I drive you?” he asked. “No….I can call me cab. I mean, that’s what I was supposed to do last night” I joked. “Don’t be silly throwing your money into cabs. I can drive you” Josh said and took his jacket and put his shoes on. I think this time I didn’t have a choice.

We didn’t speak during the whole drive to my home. When we arrived I looked at him and thought about what to say. “Thank you” was the first thing that came to my mind. “You’re welcome” “And thanks for the breakfast” “Sure” “And….yeah, since we’re friends again maybe we see each other in the next weeks. We text or so” I told him while opening the door. “Yeah we do” he said looking at me. I hugged him goodbye and finally left his car. When I arrived at my door I turned around and waved at him but Josh started his car to drive away.

_______

[itsiotrecords-blog]

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If there’s one thing we all like to do, it’s complain about celebrities. Sometimes, we complain about their behavior; sometimes, we complain about their money; sometimes, we complain about their horrible sense of fashion (and the awful trends they set); or sometimes, we just complain about their fame. One thing that people definitely love to do is complain about the tipping habits of the stars. Hollywood (and Broadway, for that matter) is always rife with gossip about which reality starlet didn’t leave a tip, or which NFL superstar left $5 on a $500 lobster meal. It happens all of the time. I mean, there’s a reason why NBA legend Scottie Pippen, a Hall of Famer, six-time champion, and second fiddle to Michael Jordan (a man who earned almost $110 million in his career) was referred to as “No-Tipping Pippen” during his time in Chicago because he was a truly terrible tipper and no one ever let him forget it — that’s what happens when you’re a celeb. But, fortunately for us all, and for the news services and entertainment magazines that love human interest and uplifting stories just as much as they love dirt, there are also plenty of celebs out there who are great tippers. I’m not talking great tippers in the way you and I might be, leaving a 25% tip on a $100 check at the local steakhouse because we had a really fun even out. No, I’m talking about the way people with real bank can roll when they want to, flashing wads of cash for pizza delivery boys, baristas, and bartenders. Read on to see who in the entertainment world has been a great tipper in the past and just exactly what they gave.

#1 Charlize Theron – $100 for a $4 Smoothie Sometimes, a celebrity becomes known for being a good tipper even if they didn’t necessarily intend to be one. Now, I’m not saying Charlize Theron isn’t a good tipper in general; I’ve never heard any stories that make me think she’s an evil person or anything like that. But check out this story, and you can decide whether she would have done the same if she had her money with her originally. It seems that Charlize had a hankering for a frozen smoothie or something recently, so she popped into a Pinkberry (a place I myself have never popped into and probably never will) in Hollywood and grabbed a $4 cup of frozen goodness. The only problem was that Charlize didn’t have any cash. She promised to be right back if the counter person let her go with her treat, and the employee did. Charlize did come back about 30 minutes later — with a $100 bill in hand for the employee. Now that’s thanking someone!

#2 Bill Murray – The Coolest Guy in Hollywood I suppose it’s no surprise that Bill Murray would be a great tipper. After all, he appears to be one of the coolest guys to ever hit Hollywood. He also appears to be one of the most down-to-earth dudes who have never forgotten what it’s like to toil in obscurity. If you don’t believe me, you should check out the video of Murray hanging out at a Chicago house party last fall while his beloved Cubs made their incredible run to the World Series championship (yeah, that’s fellow Superfan Eddie Vedder there also). So anyway, what does a regular guy who makes it big do when he’s out on the town? He tips big, if not outrageously. He recently left about a $75 tip on a $60 bill at a local bar. The best part is that Murray is known for doing stuff like this all the time, not just once.

#3 Taylor Swift – $500 Tip Plus Concert Tickets for a Meal On the other hand, it came as a great surprise to me that T-Swift would be such an awesome tipper. Who knew? She completely seems like the type who, if given bad or even mediocre service, would rip the waiter or waitress publicly and maybe even write a song about what a jerk they were to her. Alright, I exaggerate, but “America’s Sweetheart” has developed a reputation as being somewhat of a ‘B,’ so you just never know. It turns out, though, that Tay Tay can be a real queen when she wants to. After a meal at a Philadelphia restaurant a few years back, she left a $500 tip. $500 is a very decent chunk of change. Not only that, but when she found out that the chef’s kid was a huge fan of hers, she gave him two tickets to her concert in town. Wow — that sounds like something Bill Murray would do!

#4 Brad Pitt – $800 for Sushi…in Berlin It just doesn’t seem like a surprise to hear that Brad Pitt is a good tipper. Notice I didn’t say anything about his old flame Angelina Jolie — she seems like the type who might stick you with the butter knife if you didn’t provide perfect service. OK, I jest. But Brad, for all of his well-documented marital issues over the years, really does seem like a plainspoken, normal, genuinely friendly star. There have been varied reports as to his generosity as a tipper over the years but none more remarkable than one from just a few years ago. It seems Brad and Angie really enjoyed a Japanese sushi meal they had in Berlin (yes — sushi in Berlin; we live in a small world these days). In fact, Brad was so pleased, he left an $800 tip and thanked the staff for their service. No word has come out on whether Angie approved.

#5 Ellen DeGeneres – Tipped The Pizza Guy $1000 At The 2014 Oscars Ellen sure seems like someone who enjoys giving a good tip. Am I right or am I right? After all, everyone knows how generous she can be on her hit daytime TV show The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Not only did she come up with the Christmas-themed “Twelve Days of Giveaways,” where everyone in her audience gets tons of really pricey freebies, but she even expanded that initiative to a spring giveaway as well. So sure, we all know Ellen is pretty cool. But how cool is she for real, I ask you? Well, apparently, she is all that all the time, too. A case in point occurred during her bit at the 2014 Oscars when Ellen tipped a pizza delivery guy $1,000 for bringing her and the other stars a few slices. No, I don’t know how many pizzas he actually delivered, but it would have to be like $7,000 to justify a tip that size — that’s hundreds of pizzas. Somehow, I think Ellen’s tip was based on generosity, not quantity… Well, and a bit of publicity, too.

#6 David Beckham – 1000 Percent of $100 Equals? Good old Becks has all the money in the world, all the fame in the world, every major soccer championship that matters, a movie named after him (Bend It Like Beckham) and a hot wife who was once a Spice Girl. So it’s really no wonder that he supposedly enjoys being a good guy when he’s out on the town. Hard work, talent, and a little bit of luck gave him a life many people would envy — why not share? That’s exactly what he did a few seasons ago when he was still playing for the LA Galaxy of MLS. Beckham brought a few teammates into a restaurant called Joxer Daily’s Pub for a few beers and apps. The bill came to $100. I bet you can guess how much of a tip Becks left the astounded waitress. That’s right — he added one more zero to the total for the tip and left an amazing 1,000% tip of… $1,000.

#7 Jessica Simpson – Leaves Big Tip, Plus Handwritten Notes. Jessica has been in the public eye for a long time now and has always been someone that pretty much nobody has any problem making fun of, regardless of how hot she is. However, nobody has ever accused her of being mean or uncool, as far as I know. In fact, Jessica seems pretty nice as a person, something that’s supported by her tipping actions. Way back in 2011, Simpson was dining at New York City’s Lavo restaurant and was obviously moved to excess by her meal. She left a $300 tip. Her check was $500, which means Jess gave her waitress a staggering 60% tip. Not only that — she also left a cool note that said, “You were amazing and make this world a better place. Love, Jess.” Hmm, it’s known that she had a dinner of veal parm, fried Oreos, and Macallan. I wonder if the scotch had anything to do with the tip???

#8 Russell Crowe – $800 and a Guitar Solo This one is probably going to come as a shocker to most of you readers out there. I know it did to me — not because Russell isn’t an awesome actor — he’s been in a ton of seminal movies like L.A. Confidential, A Beautiful Mind, Gladiator (for which he won a Best Actor Oscar), and The Insider (for which he should have won a Best Actor Oscar), to name just a few. The man has serious talent. He also seems to have a serious knack for getting into trouble publicly, especially with the paparazzi. Perhaps that’s the key right there — he gets into trouble when he’s hounded. When he’s left alone except for good service, as apparently happened at The Carew Inn in Wales in 2009 while he was filming Robin Hood, Russell can be quite a charmer. Not only did the superstar leave a tip of nearly $800 to his servers there, but he also pulled out a guitar and sang for the wait staff. Now that’s service with a smile.

#9 Amy Schumer – $1000 on a $77 Bill Her tips might not be the absolute largest on this list, but there’s a reason Amy Schumer is pretty high up this list: because she keeps on giving great tips. It’s not a one-time deal with her. Some celebrities never forget their roots, which makes it easier for them to remember the little guy. Back when she was a struggling New York City actress, Amy bartended and waited tables to make ends meet, so she knows firsthand what the life is all about. Maybe that’s why she once left an $80 tip on a tiny bill with a handwritten note that said, “I’ve been there; I get it. You guys are great.” Not only that, but just last year, while attending everyone’s favorite musical Hamilton, she left a $1,000 tip for the bartenders working the lobby during intermission. That’s right — $1,000. Her total bill you ask? $77. Now that’s classy.

#10 Dr. Dre – Shocker of the Year Some guys work hard to make their bones and never seem to forget their own origin story, rewarding the “little guy” later in their lives. Three years ago, thanks to his massive Beats by Dr. Dre empire and his success as a producer, the infamous Dr. Dre became a billionaire, joining the ranks of some very exclusive celebrities indeed. For perspective, Taylor Swift and Adele combined don’t make one billionaire — at least not yet. So what do you do when you become a billionaire? Well, in June 2014, Dre first bought Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen’s old mansion for $40 million. Then, I assume, to celebrate his new status, the hip-hop mogul went out to party at the Hollywood watering hole Skybar. He must have had himself a damn good evening because at the end of it, rather than dropping the mic, he dropped a $5,000 tip on the unsuspecting wait staff. Now that, my friends, is what’s called in his business as fronting!

#11 Johnny Depp – $4000 for Wine! Everyone knows that Johnny Depp is one of the coolest celebrities out there (well, everyone except for Amber Heard, it turns out). I mean, the guy makes both monster franchise hit movies and cool offbeat ones, he plays in a band called “Hollywood Vampires” with Joe Perry and Alice Cooper, and he has all of the coolest tattoos money can buy. Apparently, money can buy some other things, too — things like absolute notoriety for being an awesome tipper. It seems that Johnny has long been known to be an excellent tipper, but one incident in Chicago takes the cake (or wine, as the case may be). Johnny was there filming the movie Public Enemies and spent many an evening at the Chicago steakhouse institution Gibson’s. On one of his last nights there, he and friends consumed a ton of $500 bottles of wine and left in a good mood. He left his server in an even better mood since he tipped the lucky guy $4,000! Yup, that’s three zeroes.

#12 Charles Barkley – $25K for Blackjack Dealer If there’s one thing you can count on with Charles Barkley, it’s that he’s not shy at all about speaking his mind whether you agree with him or not. So we have this next tipping story on good authority — Sir Charles himself. In 2014, during an appearance on The Conan O’Brien Show, Charles told Conan that he thought it was important for stars and celebs to tip well. Basically, he said, if you’re in that position, use it for good. To prove his point, he brought up a $25,000 tip he once left to a blackjack dealer after he had won $700,000. The best part of his story, however, is that Charles felt a little bit guilty about not tipping more. I’m not sure he needs to though. In fact, I’m pretty sure that blackjack dealer would let him shoot at his table again any old time. Nothing but net, Charles — nothing but net!

#13 Paris Hilton – $47K Tip at Nightclub Here’s another celebrity whom everyone likes to gang up on, whether it be for her awful sex tape, her terrible reality show excesses, her weird choice of “career” as a DJ, or her actual excesses of wealth. If you’ve ever seen the pictures of the dog house she “built” her $13,000 Pomeranian, then you know just how wasteful and decadent Paris seems to the real world. But get this: in 2014, Paris decided to party with some friends at New York City nightclub Marquee. And oh, what a party it was, as they bought $100,000 worth of champagne (Cristal, mostly) and spent almost another $100,000 on many, many bottles of Grey Goose and Patron. I’m assuming that they shared it out — Grey Goose isn’t that expensive. Anyway, when it came time to pay the bar bill, Paris surprised everyone by putting down a massive $47,000 tip. It seems an evening with Paris might be worth it after all!

#14 Jay Z – 50K on $250,000 Bill Here’s the deal with rappers, producers, DJs, MCs and the whole hip-hop community in general: not only do they usually really like to party, but they also really like their bling, and they really, really like to show how flush with cash they are. It should be zero surprise then to note that Jay Z, who is pretty much the most successful guy in that industry ever, would like to throw his money around. I mean, just check out any one of his videos for proof! In real life, Jay Z was once partying with his crew in a Miami nightclub. When I say “partying,” please remember that the very rich are very different from you and me. Jay Z dropped over $250,000 on champagne at this nightclub. So what do you do when you run up a quarter-of-a-million-dollar bar tab? Well, you tip the bartenders $50,000, of course. Yup, you read that right — $50,000 on a freaking bar tip.

#15 Nicolas Cage (Sort Of…) Alright, alright… maybe I lied just a little bit here. Nic Cage himself wasn’t actually the one delivered the largest tip to a waitress that anyone has ever heard about. All he did was play the guy in the movie based on this real-life story. I mean, I’m willing to bet that there are some crazy tipping stories out there about the man who played Ghost Rider, both good and bad, but this one is just a case of him and Bridget Fonda making a true story more famous than it ever would have been otherwise. What really happened is that Yonkers cop Robert Cunningham, a regular at a joint called South Pizzeria, offered to split any winnings from a lottery ticket with his usual waitress, Phyllis Penzo. Each of them chose three numbers and forgot about it for a few days. That is, until their Pick-Six turned into a $6-million winner. And yes, Bob did the right thing without even thinking about it, splitting the ticket with Phyllis. She walked away with a $3 million tip, the largest in history.

Source: TheRichest