#once again thinking of the Triple Goddess playing a game to get everyone in the right place in the right frame of mind to bring about the

[kateis-cakeis]

I might make a bigger post with quotes about this eventually, but there really is something about how the Vates, Osgar, the Disir, Finna, they all talk about Camelot's downfall as a part of the prophecy. Not only that, but they all know how close it is, especially Finna (due to the Catha guarding the information that says just that for hundreds of years).

And I can't help but think about how Camelot was never really threatened? Like sure, if they failed at Camlann it could have fallen, but there's something about it as if... Camelot’s ruin was a destiny that could be thwarted and prevented, while Arthur’s death, which was what everyone was trying to stop (even the Disir arguably) was a fate so bound to the earth, so true, that any move to prevent it was a step closer to it happening.

Except, as much as Camelot was saved, it doesn’t survive forever. It becomes a legend, and Merlin lives to the modern day – a modern day that presumedly reflects our own.

Which brings me to an alternative interpretation: As Camelot flowers, the seeds of her destruction are being sown – because one day it will be no more.

I think much of the prophecies in BBC Merlin are simply talking about the wrong time. They think they know, but they have no idea of the larger scope of it all. Sure, uniting Albion, Arthur’s downfall, Mordred’s, Morgana’s, they were set for a certain time. But Camelot’s destruction? Hell, returning magic?

Maybe the prophecies were talking about a different age, and the seers across the centuries just got it wrong. We don’t even know how much it was known that Merlin was immortal, sure it says it in the name Emrys, but nobody talks about it until Balinor does in the Crystal Cave.

It seems as if the interpreters of the prophecy hoped that it would happen in the time when Emrys and the Once and Future King were born, but what if it was just that? Hope? What if it was always meant for the modern day we know now?

What if… even those who thought they knew, like Alator, like Finna, had no idea? What if the Disir were simply playing their part to ensure Arthur’s downfall would be right on time? What if the tragedy that followed was just to arrive at a better time, at a time where Camelot’s destruction came and went, at a time where magic is needed most?

It’s just the continued assertion that Camelot will fall from everyone knowledgeable about the prophecy in Series 5… it makes me think it’s talking about a future they cannot conceive of. And if that’s the case, then what else was never meant to happen in their time?

[feedbackest]

if i haven’t made it clear by now Breath of the Wild is one of my favorite games of all time even if i’ve only had it like a week and a half. obviously it has its problems but when it hits it’s an overwhelming sense of joy and, not to be overdramatic, but pure euphoria that i don’t think i’ve gotten from any video game since playing the original kingdom hearts as a young child. there’s one moment that decided this for me, botw spoilers under the cut

so i was still very early in the game (i think i maybe had 5 health total and 1 extra stamina thing) when i decide to take a peek at my local map (which is about 3 areas total at this point) and notice a location called purifier lake. purifier huh? must be something pretty interesting, like that’s no geographic name, it has meaning. on a whim, i decide to check it out. i place a map marker and get moving. as i start to neat the basin, i notice there’s a cobble pathway, a stone arch at the entrance. further vindicated in my suspicion that there’s something interesting in the area, i walk in, and no more than 5 seconds into the basin i lay eyes on my first lynel. at this point everyone has their “first lynel” story, but most people experience it along the zora questline, being led to expect a tough battle at mount polymus. i had no such buildup; as far as i knew this was just some special area that might contain some secrets. i notch an arrow, take a shot, and in no time the beast has turned around and begun firing lightning rounds at me. not willing to turn back after coming this far, i fight the damn thing and, at the expense of all the fairies i was holding and most of my weapons, i defeat it. after being impressed by its loot (a triple shot bow!? how powerful) i move towards the actual lake itself which, aside from a hinox (something i had encountered before already) and some ore, didnt have much i cared about. still high off of both of my victories, i take notice of a secluded, snowy area directly adjacent--lanayru snowfield

on a whim, i decide to investigate. after all, i brought a sweater, i had some leftover spicy food, what could be the harm?

i enter the snowfield, and this time spot no lynel. i get attacked by some wolves, spend some time poking around collecting mushrooms, before i make my way to the back of the field and notice a pathway that appears to head up the mountain. once again invested and intrigued, i investigate. i spend somewhere in the realm of half an hour slowly fighting my way up the mountain, fending off the weird ice-spitting lizards i had never seen before, along with some frozen chuchus and icy bats. i expected something at the top. not too much, really i was just looking for a shrine and maybe a cool weapon. that’s what i had experienced elsewhere in the game thus far--make your way into a somewhat difficult area and you’ll find a shrine, it’s how the game worked. i finally reach the summit, breaking into some of my last reserves of spicy peppers, and first notice the text flash across the bottom of the screen--”spring of wisdom”--next i notice a goddess statue sitting serenely in a small pool of water. then my vision drifts upward

the last thing i spot is a giant, beautiful dragon: the spirit of wisdom, nayru, corrupted by ganon’s demonic influence, according to the voice of the goddess. the dragon is sick, and i need to save it. nothing i knew about the game could have prepared me for this. none of my limited legend of zelda lore knowledge included any mention of dragons, i certainly didn’t expect to see any in this game, but here one was, staring me in the face, tasking me with curing it so it may once again serve its role

words cannot encapsulate the feeling of sheer awe and amazement when, in the next section, i found myself climbing to the very top of the mountain to catch the dragon’s updraft so i could fly about it so i could drop down to shoot arrows at the evil eyes of ganon spotted along the beast in midair slow motion, the rush of excitement and, moreover, the pure beauty of the whole ordeal. it was at precisely at this moment that i thought “this is one of the greatest games of all time”. i can say with complete confidence that never before left me genuinely awestruck and breathless the same way that moment did. it was spectacular and already i’m mildly upset that i can’t experience it for the first time again

after cleansing the dragon i simply had to collect one of its scales and offer it to the goddess hylia to free the dragon once and for all. this revealed the shrine i had come to the top of the mountain for. i didn’t care. the game could’ve given me nothing more in compensation than the experience alone. that admixture of discovery, amazement, and unbridled beauty are something i believe that no media other than video games can deliver on, and this is the first time i’ve had them delivered in such an effective and affecting manner. breath of the wild is the game that i’ve been wanting to play for years

[mrkwonandmrchoibabygirl]

50 DARKER SHADES OF KWON JI YONG PT.7

Description:Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Kwon Ji Yong, Y/N Y/L/N has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seoul publishing house.But desire for Jiyong still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement,Y/N cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Y/N learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.While Jiyong wrestles with his inner demons, Jiyong must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life. (let me know what you think in the ask box!)

Genre:Smut/Angst/Fluff

Rated:NC-17

Pairing: G-Dragon x Reader

Wordcount:8,882

(remember this is and edit of the original book called fifty shades darker thanks!)

Masterlist

Holy shit, did I really just do that? It must be the alcohol. I’ve had champagne plus four glasses of four different wines. I glance up at Jiyong, who’s busy applauding. Crap, he’s going to be so angry, and we’ve been getting along so well. My subconscious has finally decided to make an appearance, and she’s wearing her Edvard Munch The Scream face. Jiyong leans over to me, a large, fake smile plastered across his face. He kisses my cheek and then moves closer to whisper in my ear in a very cold, controlled voice. “I don’t know whether to worship at your feet or spank the living shit out of you.” Oh, I know what I want right now. I gaze up at him, blinking through my mask. I just wish I could read what’s in his eyes. “I’ll take option two, please,” I whisper frantically as the applause dies down. His lips part as he inhales sharply. Oh, that chiseled mouth—I want it on me, now. I ache for him. He gives me a radiant sincere smile that leaves me breathless. “Suffering, are you? We’ll have to see what we can do about that,” he murmurs as he runs his fingers along my jaw. His touch resonates deep, deep inside where that ache has spawned and grown. I want to jump him right here, right now, but we sit back to watch the auction of the next lot. I can barely sit still. Jiyong drapes an arm around my shoulders, his thumb rhythmically stroking my back, sending delicious tingles down my spine. His free hand clasps mine, bringing it to his lips, then letting it rest on his lap. Slowly and surreptitiously, so I don’t realize his game until it’s too late, he eases my hand up his leg and against his erection. I gasp, and my eyes dart in panic around the table, but all eyes are fixed on the stage. Thank heavens for my mask. Taking full advantage, I slowly caress him, letting my fingers explore. Jiyong keeps his hand over mine, hiding my bold fingers, while his thumb skates softly over the nape of my neck. His mouth opens as he gasps softly, and it’s the only reaction I can see to my inexperienced touch. But it means so much. He wants me. Everything south of my navel contracts. This is becoming unbearable. A week by Lake Adriana in Montana is the final lot for auction. Of course Mr. and Dr.Kwon have a house in Montana, and the bidding escalates rapidly, but I am barely aware of it. I feel him growing beneath my fingers, and it makes me feel so powerful. “Sold, for one hundred ten thousand dollars!” the MC declares victoriously. The whole room bursts into applause, and reluctantly I follow as does Jiyong, ruining our fun. He turns to me and his lips twitch. “Ready?” he mouths over the rapturous cheering.

“Yes,” I mouth back. “Y/N!” Mia calls. “It’s time!” What? No. Not again! “Time for what?” “The First Dance Auction. Come on!” She stands and holds out her hand. I glance at Jiyong , who is, I think, scowling at Mia, and I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, but it’s laughter that wins. I succumb to a cathartic bubble of schoolgirl giggles, as we are thwarted once more by the tall, pink powerhouse that is Mia Kwon. Jiyong peers at me, and after a beat, there’s a ghost of a smile on his lips. “The first dance will be with me, okay? And it won’t be on the dance floor,” he murmurs lasciviously into my ear. My giggles subside as anticipation fans the flames of my need. Oh yes! My inner goddess performs a perfect triple Salchow in her ice skates. “I look forward to it.” I lean over and plant a soft, chaste kiss on his mouth. Glancing around, I realize that our fellow guests at the table are astonished. Of course, they’ve never seen Jiyong with a date before. He smiles broadly. And he looks … happy. “Come on, Y/N,” Mia nags. Taking her outstretched hand, I follow her onto the stage, where ten more young women have assembled, and I note with vague unease that Lily is one of them. “Gentlemen, the highlight of the evening!” the MC booms over the babble of voices. “The moment you’ve all been waiting for! These twelve lovely ladies have all agreed to auction their first dance to the highest bidder!” Oh no. I blush from head to toe. I hadn’t realized what this meant. How humiliating! “It’s for a good cause,” Mia hisses at me, sensing my discomfort. “Besides, Jiyong will win.” She rolls her eyes. “I can’t imagine him letting anyone outbid him. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you all evening.” Yes, focus on the good cause, and Jiyong is bound to win. Let’s face it, he’s not short of a dime or two. But it means spending more money on you! my subconscious snarls at me. But I don’t want to dance with anyone else—I can’t dance with anyone else—and it’s not spending money on me, he’s donating it to the charity. Like the $24,000 he’s already spent? My subconscious narrows her eyes. Shit. I seem to have gotten away with my impulsive bid. Why am I arguing with myself? “Now, gentlemen, pray gather around, and take a good look at what could be yours for the first dance. Twelve comely and compliant wenches.” Jeez! I feel like I’m in a meat market. I watch, horrified, as at least twenty men make their way to the stage area, Jiyong included, moving with easy grace between the tables and pausing to say a few hellos on the way. Once the bidders are assembled, the MC begins. “Ladies and gentlemen, in the tradition of the masquerade we shall maintain the mystery behind the masks and stick to first names only. First up we have the lovely Jada.” Jada is giggling like a schoolgirl, too. Maybe I won’t be so out of place. She’s dressed head to foot in navy taffeta with a matching mask. Two young men step forward expectantly. Lucky Jada. “Jada speaks fluent Japanese, is a qualified fighter pilot, and an Olympic gymnast … hmm.” The MC winks. “Gentlemen, what am I bid?” Jada gapes, astounded at the MC; obviously, he’s talking complete garbage. She grins shyly back at the two contenders. “A thousand bucks!” one calls. Very quickly the bidding escalates to $5,000. “Going once … going twice … sold!” the MC declares loudly, “to the gentleman in the mask!” And of course, all the men are wearing masks so there are hoots of laughter, applause, and cheering. Jada beams at her purchaser and quickly exits the stage. “See? This is fun!” whispers Mia. “I hope Jiyong wins you, though … We don’t want a brawl,” she adds. “Brawl?” I answer horrified. “Oh yes. He was very hotheaded when he was younger.” She shudders. Jiyong brawling? Refined, sophisticated, likes-Tudor-choral-music Jiyong? I can’t see it. The MC distracts me with his next introduction—a young woman in red, with long jet-black hair. “Gentlemen, may I present the wonderful Mariah. What are we going to do about Mariah? She’s an experienced matador, plays the cello to concert standard, and she’s a champion pole-vaulter … how about that, gentlemen? What am I bid, please, for a dance with the delightful Mariah?” Mariah glares at the MC and someone yells, very loudly, “Three thousand dollars!” It’s a masked man with blond hair and beard. There is one counterbid, but Mariah sells for $4,000. Jiyong is watching me like a hawk. Brawler Trevelyan-Kwon—who would have known? “How long ago?” I ask Mia. She glances at me, nonplussed. “How long ago was Jiyong brawling?” “Early teens. Drove my parents crazy, coming home with cut lips and black eyes. He was expelled from two schools. He inflicted some serious damage on his opponents.” I gape at her. “Hasn’t he told you?” She sighs. “He got quite a bad rep among my friends. He was really persona non grata for a few years. But it stopped when he was about fifteen or sixteen.” She shrugs. Holy fuck. Another piece of the jigsaw falls into place. “So, what am I bid for the gorgeous Jill?” “Four thousand dollars,” a deep voice calls from the left side. Jill squeals in delight. I stop paying attention to the auction. So Jiyong was in that kind of trouble at school, fighting. I wonder why. I stare at him. Lily is watching us closely. “And now, allow me to introduce the beautiful Y/N.” Oh, shit, that’s me. I glance nervously at Mia, and she shoos me center stage. Fortunately I don’t fall over, but stand embarrassed as hell on display for everyone. When I look at Jiyong, he’s smirking at me. The bastard. “Beautiful Y/N plays six musical instruments, speaks fluent Mandarin, and is keen on yoga … well, gentlemen—” Before he can even finish his sentence Jiyong interrupts him, glaring at the MC through his mask. “Ten thousand dollars.” I hear Lily’s gasp of disbelief behind me. Oh, fuck. “Fifteen.” What? We all turn as one to a tall, impeccably dressed man standing to the left of the stage. I blink at Fifty. Shit, what will he make of this? But he’s scratching his chin and giving the stranger an ironic smile. It’s obvious Jiyong knows him. The stranger nods politely at Jiyong. “Well, gentlemen! We have high rollers in the house this evening.” The MC’s excitement emanates through his harlequin mask as he turns to beam at Jiyong. This is a great show, but it’s at my expense. I want to wail. “Twenty,” counters Jiyong quietly. The babble of the crowd has died. Everyone is staring at me, Jiyong, and Mr. Mysterious by the stage. “Twenty-five,” the stranger says. Could this be any more embarrassing? Jiyong stares at him impassively, but he’s amused. All eyes are on Jiyong. What’s he going to do? My heart is in my mouth. I feel sick. “One hundred thousand dollars,” he says, his voice ringing clear and loud through the tent. “What the fuck?” Lily hisses audibly behind me, and a general gasp of dismay and amusement ripples through the crowd. The stranger holds his hands up in defeat, laughing, and Jiyong smirks at him. From the corner of my eye, I can see Mia bouncing up and down with glee. “One hundred thousand dollars for the lovely Y/N! Going once … going twice …” The MC stares at the stranger, who shakes his head with mock regret and bows chivalrously. “Sold!” the MC cries out triumphantly. In a deafening round of applause and cheering, Jiyong steps forward to take my hand and help me from the stage. He gazes at me with an amused grin as I make my way down, kisses the back of my hand then tucks it into the crook of his arm, and leads me toward the tent’s exit. “Who was that?” I ask. He gazes down at me. “Someone you can meet later. Right now, I want to show you something. We have about thirty minutes until the First Dance Auction finishes. Then we have to be back on the dance floor so that I can enjoy that dance I’ve paid for.” “A very expensive dance,” I mutter disapprovingly. “I’m sure it’ll be worth every single cent.” He smiles down at me wickedly. Oh, he has a glorious smile, and the ache is back, blossoming in my body. We’re out on the lawn. I thought we would be heading to the boathouse, but disappointingly we seem to be heading for the dance floor where the big band is now setting up. There are at least twenty musicians, and a few guests are milling about, furtively smoking—but since most of the action is back in the tent, we don’t attract too much attention. Jiyong leads me to the rear of the house and opens a French window leading into a large comfortable sitting room that I’ve not seen before. He walks through the deserted hall toward the sweeping staircase with its elegant, polished wooden balustrade. Taking my hand from the crook of his arm, he leads me up to the second floor and up another flight of stairs to the third. Opening a white door, he ushers me into one of the bedrooms. “This was my room,” he says quietly, standing by the door and locking it behind him. It’s large, stark, and sparsely furnished. The walls are white, as is the furniture; a double bed, a desk and chair, shelves crammed with books and lined with various trophies for kickboxing, by the look of them. The walls are hung with movie posters: The Matrix, Fight Club, The Truman Show, and two framed posters featuring kickboxers. One is named Guiseppe DeNatale—I’ve never heard of him. But what catches my eye is the white bulletin board above the desk, studded with myriad photographs, Mariners pennants, and ticket stubs. It’s a slice of young Jiyong. My eyes come back to the magnificent man now standing in the center of the room. He looks at me darkly, brooding and sexy. “I’ve never brought a girl in here,” he murmurs. “Never?” I whisper. He shakes his head. I swallow convulsively, and the ache that has been bothering me for the last couple of hours is roaring now, raw and wanting. Seeing him standing there on the royal blue carpet in that mask … it’s beyond erotic. I want him. Now. Any way I can get him. I have to resist launching myself at him and ripping his clothes off. He waltzes over to me slowly. “We don’t have long, Y/N, and the way I’m feeling right this moment, we won’t need long. Turn around. Let me get you out of that dress.” I turn and stare at the door, grateful that he’s locked it. Bending down he whispers softly in my ear, “Keep the mask on.” I groan as my body clenches in response. He’s not even touched me yet. He grasps the top of my dress, his fingers sliding against my skin, and the touch reverberates through my body. In one swift move, he opens the zipper. Holding my dress, he helps me to step out of it, then turns and drapes it artfully over the back of a chair. Removing his jacket, he places it over my dress. He pauses, and stares at me for a moment, drinking me in. I’m in the basque and matching panties, and I revel in his sensuous gaze. “You know, Y/N,” he says softly as he stalks toward me, undoing his bow tie so it hangs from either side of his neck, then undoing the top three buttons of his shirt. “I was so mad when you bought my auction lot. All manner of ideas ran through my head. I had to remind myself that punishment is off the menu. But then you volunteered.” He gazes down at me through his mask. “Why did you do that?” he whispers. “Volunteer? I don’t know. Frustration … too much alcohol … worthy cause,” I mutter meekly, shrugging. Maybe to get his attention? I needed him then. I need him more now. The ache is worse, and I know he can soothe it, calm this roaring, salivating beast in me with the beast in him. His mouth presses into a line, and he slowly licks his upper lip. I want that tongue on me. “I vowed to myself I would not spank you again, even if you begged me.” “Please,” I beg. “But then I realized you’re probably very uncomfortable at the moment, and it’s not something you’re used to.” He smirks knowingly at me, arrogant bastard, but I don’t care because he’s absolutely right. “Yes,” I breathe. “So, there might be a certain … latitude. If I do this, you must promise me one thing.” “Anything.” “You will safe-word if you need to, and I will just make love to you, okay?” “Yes.” I’m panting. I want his hands on me. He swallows, then takes my hand, and moves toward the bed. Throwing the duvet aside, he sits down, grabs a pillow, and places it beside him. He gazes up at me standing beside him and suddenly tugs hard on my hand so that I fall across his lap. He shifts slightly so my body is resting on the bed, my chest on the pillow, my face to one side. Leaning over, he sweeps my hair over my shoulder and runs his fingers through the plume of feathers on my mask. “Put your hands behind your back,” he murmurs. Oh! He removes his bow tie and uses it to quickly bind my wrists so that my hands are tied behind me, resting in the small of my back. “You really want this, Y/N?” I close my eyes. This is the first time since I met him that I really want this. I need it. “Yes,” I whisper. “Why?” he asks softly as he caresses my behind with his palm. I groan as soon as his hand makes contact with my skin. I don’t know why … You tell me not to overthink. After a day like today—arguing about the money, Leila, Mrs. Robinson, the dossier on me, the road map, this lavish party, the masks, the alcohol, the silver balls, the auction … I want this. “Do I need a reason?” “No, baby, you don’t,” he says. “I’m just trying to understand you.” His left hand curls around my waist, holding me in place as his palm leaves my behind and lands hard, just above the junction of my thighs. The pain connects directly with the ache in my belly Oh, man … I moan loudly. He hits me again, in exactly the same place. I groan again. “Two,” he murmurs. “We’ll go with twelve.” Oh my! This feels different than the last time—so carnal, so … necessary. He caresses my behind with his long-fingered hands, and I’m helpless, trussed up and pressed into the mattress, at his mercy, and of my own free will. He hits me again, slightly to the side, and again, to the other side, then pauses as he slowly peels my panties down and pulls them off. He gently trails his palm across my behind again before continuing my spanking—each stinging smack taking the edge off my need—or fueling it—I don’t know. I surrender myself to the rhythm of blows, absorbing each one, savoring each one. “Twelve,” he murmurs his voice low and harsh. He caresses my behind again and trails his fingers down toward my sex and slowly sinks two fingers inside me, moving them in a circle, around and around and around, torturing me. I moan loudly as my body takes over, and I come and come, convulsing around his fingers. It’s so intense, unexpected, and quick. “That’s right, baby,” he murmurs appreciatively. He unties my wrists, keeping his fingers inside me as I lie panting and spent over him. “I’ve not finished with you yet, Anastasia,” he says and shifts without removing his fingers. He eases my knees onto the floor so that now I’m leaning over the bed. He kneels on the floor behind me and undoes his zipper. He slides his fingers out of me, and I hear the familiar tear of a foil packet. “Open your legs,” he growls, and I comply. He strokes my behind and eases into me. “This is going to be quick, baby,” he murmurs and grabbing my hips, he eases out then slams into me. “Ah!” I cry out, but the fullness is heavenly. He’s hitting the bellyache square on, again and again, eradicating it with each sharp, sweet thrust. The feeling is mindblowing, just what I need. I push back to meet him, thrust for thrust. “Ana, no,” he grunts, trying to still me. But I want him too much, and I grind against him, matching him thrust for thrust. “Ana, shit,” he hisses as he comes, and the tortured sound sets me off again, spiraling into a healing orgasm that goes on and on and wrings me out and leaves me spent and breathless. Jiyong bends and kisses my shoulder, then pulls out of me. Placing his arms around me, he rests his head in the middle of my back, and we lie like this, both kneeling at the bedside, for what? Seconds? Minutes, even, as our breathing calms. My bellyache has disappeared, and all I feel is a soothing, satisfying serenity. Jiyong stirs and kisses my back. “I believe you owe me a dance, Miss Y/L/N,” he murmurs. “Hmm,” I respond, savoring the absence of achiness and basking in the afterglow. He sits back on his heels and pulls me off the bed onto his lap. “We don’t have long. Come on.” He kisses my hair and forces me to stand. I grumble but sit back down on the bed and collect my panties from the floor and scoop them on. Lazily I walk to the chair to retrieve my dress. I note with dispassionate interest that I did not remove my shoes during our illicit tryst. Jiyong is tying his bow tie, having finished straightening himself and the bed. As I slip my dress back on, I check out the photographs on the bulletin board. Jiyong as a sullen teen was gorgeous even then: with Taeyang and Mia on the ski slopes; on his own in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe serving as a giveaway to his location; in London; New York; the Grand Canyon; Sydney Opera House; even the Great Wall of China. Master Kwon was well traveled at a young age. There are ticket stubs to various concerts: U2, Metallica, the Verve, Sheryl Crow, the New York Philharmonic performing Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet—what an eclectic mix! And in the corner, there’s a passport-sized photograph of a young woman. It’s in black and white. She looks familiar, but for the life of me, I can’t place her. Not Mrs. Robinson, thank heavens. “Who’s this?” I ask. “No one of consequence,” he mutters as he slips on his jacket and straightens his bow tie. “Shall I zip you up?” “Please. Then why is she on your bulletin board?” “An oversight on my part. How’s my tie?” He raises his chin like a small boy, and I grin and straighten it for him. “Now it’s perfect.” “Like you,” he murmurs and grabs me, kissing me passionately. “Feeling better?” “Much, thank you, Mr. Kwon.” “The pleasure was all mine, Miss Y/L/N.” THE GUESTS ARE ASSEMBLING on the dance floor. Jiyong grins at me—we’ve made it just in time —and he leads me onto the checkered floor. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the first dance. Mr. and Dr. Kwon, are you ready?” Carrick nods in agreement, his arms around Gi-ran. “Ladies and gentlemen of the First Dance Auction, are you ready?” We all nod in agreement. Mia is with someone I don’t recognize. I wonder what happened to Sean? “Then we shall begin. Take it away, Sam!” A young man strolls onto the stage amid warm applause, turns to the band behind him, and snaps his fingers. The familiar strains of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” fill the air. Jiyong smiles down at me, takes me in his arms, and starts to move. Oh, he dances so well, making it easy to follow. We grin at each other like idiots as he whirls me around the dance floor. “I love this song,” Jiyong murmurs, gazing down at me. “Seems very fitting.” He’s no longer grinning, but serious. “You’re under my skin, too,” I respond. “Or you were in your bedroom.” He purses his lips but he’s unable to hide his amusement. “Miss Y/L/N,” he admonishes me teasingly, “I had no idea you could be so crude.” “Mr. Kwon, neither did I. I think it’s all my recent experiences. They’ve been an education.” “For both of us.” Jiyong is serious again, and it could just be the two of us and the band. We are in our own private bubble. As the song finishes we both applaud. Sam the singer bows graciously and introduces his band. “May I cut in?” I recognize the man who bid on me at the auction. Jiyong grudgingly lets me go, but he’s amused, too. “Be my guest. Y/N, this is John Flynn. John, Y/N.” Shit! Jiyong grins and wanders off to one side of the dance floor. “How do you do, Y/N?” Dr. Flynn says smoothly, and I realize he’s British. “Hello,” I stutter. The band strikes up another song, and Dr. Flynn pulls me into his arms. He’s much younger than I imagined, though I can’t see his face. He’s wearing a mask similar to Jiyong’s. He’s tall, but not as tall as Jiyong, and he doesn’t move with Christian’s easy grace. What do I say to him? Why is Jiyong so fucked-up? Why did he bid on me? It’s the only thing I want to ask him, but somehow that seems rude. “I’m glad to finally meet you, Y/N. Are you enjoying yourself?” he asks. “I was,” I whisper. “Oh. I hope I’m not responsible for your change of heart.” He gives me a brief, warm smile that puts me a little more at ease. “Dr. Flynn, you’re the shrink. You tell me.” He grins. “That’s the problem, isn’t it? The shrink bit?” I giggle. “I’m worried what I might reveal, so I’m a little self-conscious and intimidated. And really I only want to ask you about Jiyong.” He smiles. “First, this is a party so I’m not on duty,” he whispers conspiratorially. “And second, I really can’t talk to you about Jiyong. Besides,” he teases, “we’d need until Christmas.” I gasp in shock. “That’s a doctor’s joke, Y/N.” I flush, embarrassed, and then feel slightly resentful. He’s making a joke at Jiyong’s expense. “You’ve just confirmed what I’ve been saying to Jiyong … that you’re an expensive charlatan,” I admonish him. Dr. Flynn snorts with laughter. “You could be on to something there.” “You’re British?” “Yes. Originally from London.” “How did you find yourself here?” “Happy circumstance.” “You don’t give much away, do you?” “There’s not much to give away. I’m really a very dull person.” “That’s very self-deprecating.” “It’s a British trait. Part of our national character.” “Oh.” “And I could accuse you of the same, Y/N .” “That I’m a dull person, too, Dr. Flynn?” He snorts. “No, Y/N. That you don’t give much away.” “There’s not much to give away.” I smile. “I sincerely doubt that.” He unexpectedly frowns. I flush, but the music finishes and Jiyong is once more by my side. Dr. Flynn releases me. “It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Y/N.” He gives me his warm smile again, and I feel that I’ve passed some kind of hidden test. “John.” Jiyong nods at him. “ Jiyong .” Dr. Flynn returns his nod, turns on his heel, and disappears through the crowd. Jiyong pulls me into his arms for the next dance. “He’s much younger than I expected,” I murmur to him. “And terribly indiscreet.” Jiyong cocks his head to one side. “Indiscreet?” “Oh yes, he told me everything,” I tease. Jiyong tenses. “Well, in that case, I’ll get your bag. I’m sure you want nothing more to do with me,” he says softly. I stop. “He didn’t tell me anything!” My voice fills with panic. Jiyong blinks before relief floods his face. He pulls me into his arms again. “Then let’s enjoy this dance.” He beams down at me, reassuring me, and then spins me around. Why would he think that I’d want to leave? It makes no sense. We dance for two more numbers, and I realize I need the restroom. “I won’t be long.” As I make my way to the powder room, I remember I have left my purse on the dinner table, so I head down to the tent. When I enter, it’s still lit but quite deserted, except for a couple at the other end, who really ought to get a room! I reach for my bag. “ Y/N?” A soft voice startles me, and I turn to see a woman dressed in a long, tight, black velvet gown. Her mask is unique. It covers her face to her nose but also covers her hair. It’s stunning, with elaborate gold filigree. “I’m so glad you’re on your own,” she says softly. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you all evening.” “I’m sorry, I don’t know who you are.” She pulls the mask from her face and releases her hair. Shit! It’s Mrs. Robinson. “I’m sorry, I startled you.” I gape at her. Holy cow—what the fuck does this woman want? I don’t know what the social conventions are for meeting known molesters of children. She’s smiling sweetly and gesturing for me to sit at the table. And because I am lacking any sphere of reference, I do as she asks out of stunned politeness, grateful that I am still wearing my mask. “I’ll be brief, Y/N. I know what you think of me … Jiyong’s told me.” I gaze at her impassively, giving nothing away, but I’m pleased that she knows. It saves me telling her, and she’s cutting to the chase. Part of me is beyond intrigued as to what she could have to say. She pauses, glancing over my shoulder. “Taylor’s watching us.” I peek around to see him scanning the tent by the doorway. Sawyer is with him. They are looking anywhere but at us. “Look, we don’t have long,” she says hurriedly. “It must be obvious to you that Jiyong is in love with you. I have never seen him like this, ever.” She emphasizes the last word. What? Loves me? No. Why is she telling me? To reassure me? I don’t understand. “He won’t tell you because he probably doesn’t realize it himself, notwithstanding what I’ve said to him, but that’s Jiyong. He’s not very attuned to any positive feelings and emotions he may have. He dwells far too much on the negative. But then, you’ve probably worked that out for yourself. He doesn’t think he’s worthy.” I am reeling. Jiyong loves me? He hasn’t said it, and this woman has told him that’s how he feels? How bizarre. A hundred images dance through my head: the iPad, the gliding, flying to see me, all his actions, his possessiveness, $100,000 for a dance. Is this love? And hearing it from this woman, having her confirm it for me is, frankly, unwelcome. I’d rather hear it from him. My heart constricts. He feels unworthy? Why? “I’ve never seen him so happy, and it’s obvious that you have feelings for him, too.” A brief smile flits across her lips. “That’s great, and I wish you both the best of everything. But what I wanted to say is if you hurt him again, I will find you, lady, and it won’t be pleasant when I do.” She stares at me, ice-cold blue eyes boring into my skull, trying to get under my mask. Her threat is so astonishing, so off the wall, that an involuntary, disbelieving giggle escapes me. Of all the things she could say to me, this is the least expected. “You think this is funny, Y/N?” she splutters in dismay. “You didn’t see him last Saturday.” My face falls and darkens. The thought of Jiyong unhappy is not a palatable one, and last Saturday I left him. He must have gone to her. The idea makes me queasy. Why am I sitting here, listening to this shit from her, of all people? I slowly rise, gazing at her intently. “I’m laughing at your audacity, Mrs. Lincoln. Jiyong and I have nothing to do with you. And if I do leave him and you come looking for me, I’ll be waiting—don’t doubt it. And maybe I’ll give you a taste of your own medicine on behalf of the fifteen-year-old child you molested and probably fucked up even more than he already was.” Her mouth falls open. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have better things to do than waste my time with you.” I turn on my heel, adrenaline and anger coursing through my body, and stalk toward the entrance of the tent where Taylor is standing just as Jiyong arrives, looking flustered and worried. “There you are,” he mutters, then frowns when he sees Chaerin. I stride past him, saying nothing, giving him the opportunity to choose—her or me. He makes the right choice. “ Y/N,” he calls. I stop and face him as he catches up with me. “What’s wrong?” He gazes down at me, concern etched on his face. “Why don’t you ask your ex?” I hiss acidly. His mouth twists and his eyes frost. “I’m asking you,” he says, his voice soft but with an undertone of something far more menacing. We glare at each other. Okay, I can see this will end in a fight if I don’t tell him. “She’s threatening to come after me if I hurt you again—probably with a whip,” I snap at him. Relief flashes across his face, his mouth softening with humor. “Surely the irony of that isn’t lost on you?” he says, and I can tell he’s trying hard to stifle his amusement. “This isn’t funny, Jiyong!” “No, you’re right. I’ll talk to her.” He adopts his serious face, though he’s still suppressing his amusement. “You will do no such thing.” I cross my arms, my anger spiking again. He blinks at me, surprised by my outburst. “Look, I know you’re tied up with her financially, forgive the pun, but—” I stop. What am I asking him to do? Give her up? Stop seeing her? Can I do that? “I need the restroom.” I glare up at him, my mouth set in a grim line. He sighs and cocks his head to one side. Could he look any hotter? Is it the mask or just him? “Please don’t be mad. I didn’t know she was here. She said she wasn’t coming.” His tone is placating as if he’s talking to a child. Reaching up he runs his thumb along my pouting bottom lip. “Don’t let Chaerin ruin our evening, please, Y/N. She’s really old news.” “Old” being the operative word, I think uncharitably, as he tips my chin up and gently grazes his lips against mine. I sigh in agreement, blinking up at him. He straightens and takes my elbow. “I’ll accompany you to the powder room so you don’t get interrupted again.” He leads me across the lawn toward the luxurious temporary restrooms. Mia said they had been delivered for the occasion, but I had no idea they came in deluxe versions. “I’ll wait here for you, baby,” he murmurs. When I come out, my mood has moderated. I have decided not to let Mrs. Robinson blight my evening because that’s probably what she wants. Jiyong is on the phone some distance away and out of earshot of the few people laughing and chatting nearby. As I get closer, I can hear him. He’s very terse. “Why did you change your mind? I thought we’d agreed. Well, leave her alone … This is the first regular relationship I’ve ever had, and I don’t want you jeopardizing it through some misplaced concern for me. Leave. Her. Alone. I mean it, Chaerin.” He pauses, listening. “No, of course not.” He frowns deeply as he says this. Glancing up, he sees me regarding him. “I have to go. Good night.” He presses the off button. I cock my head to one side and raise an eyebrow at him. Why is he phoning her? “How’s the old news?” “Cranky,” he replies sardonically. “Do you want to dance some more? Or would you like to go?” He glances at his watch. “The fireworks start in five minutes.” “I love fireworks.” “We’ll stay and watch them, then.” He puts his arms around me and pulls me close. “Don’t let her come between us, please.” “She cares about you,” I mutter. “Yes, and I her … as a friend.” “I think it’s more than a friendship to her.” His brow furrows. “ Y/N, Chaerin and I … it’s complicated. We have a shared history. But it is just that, history. As I’ve said to you time and time again, she’s a good friend. That’s all. Please, forget about her.” He kisses my hair, and in the interest of not ruining our evening, I let it go. I am just trying to understand. We wander hand in hand back to the dance floor. The band is still in full swing. “ Y/N .” I turn to find Carrick standing behind us. “I wondered if you’d do me the honor of the next dance.” Carrick holds his hand out to me. Jiyong shrugs and smiles, releasing my hand, and I let Carrick lead me onto the dance floor. Sam the bandleader launches into “Come Fly with Me,” and Carrick puts his arm around my waist and gently whirls me into the throng. “I wanted to thank you for the generous contribution to our charity, Y/N.” From his tone, I suspect this is his roundabout way of asking whether I can afford it. “Mr. Kwon—” “Call me Carrick, please, Y/N .” “I’m delighted to be able to contribute. I unexpectedly came into some money. I don’t need it. And it’s such a worthy cause.” He smiles down at me, and I seize the opportunity for some innocent inquiries. Carpe diem, my subconscious hisses from behind her hand. “ Jiyong told me a little about his past, so I think it’s appropriate to support your work,” I add, hoping that this might encourage Carrick to give me a small insight into the mystery that is his son. Carrick is surprised. “Did he? That’s unusual. You certainly have had a very positive effect on him, Y/N. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so, so … buoyant.” I flush. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” “Well, in my limited experience, he’s a very unusual man,” I murmur. “He is,” Carrick agrees quietly. “ Jiyong ’s early childhood sounds hideously traumatic, from what he’s told me.” Carrick frowns, and I worry if I’ve overstepped the mark. “My wife was the doctor on duty when the police brought him in. He was skin and bones, and badly dehydrated. He wouldn’t speak.” Carrick frowns again, lost in the awful memory, despite the up-tempo music surrounding us. “In fact, he didn’t speak for nearly two years. It was playing the piano that eventually brought him out of himself. Oh, and Mia’s arrival, of course.” He smiles down at me fondly. “He plays beautifully. And he’s accomplished so much, you must be very proud of him.” I sound distracted. Holy Shit. Didn’t speak for two years. “Immensely so. He’s a very determined, very capable, very bright young man. But between you and me, Y/N , it’s seeing him like he is this evening—carefree, acting his age—that’s the real thrill for his mother and me. We were both commenting on it today. I believe we have you to thank for that.” I think I blush to my roots. What am I supposed to say to this? “He’s always been such a loner. We never thought we’d see him with anyone. Whatever you’re doing, please don’t stop. We’d like to see him happy.” He stops suddenly, as if he’s overstepped the mark. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” I shake my head. “I’d like to see him happy, too,” I mutter, unsure of what else to say. “Well, I’m very glad you came this evening. It’s been a real pleasure seeing the two of you together.” As the final strains of “Come Fly with Me” fade away, Carrick releases me and bows, and I curtsy, mirroring his civility. “That’s enough dancing with old men.” Jiyong is at my side again. Carrick laughs. “Less of the ‘old,’ son. I’ve been known to have my moments.” Carrick winks at me playfully and saunters into the crowd. “I think my dad likes you,” Christian mutters as he watches his father mingle with the crowd. “What’s not to like?” I peek coquettishly up at him through my lashes. “Good point well made, Miss Y/L/N.” He pulls me into an embrace as the band starts to play “It Had to Be You.” “Dance with me,” he whispers seductively. “With pleasure, Mr. Kwon.” I smile in response, and he sweeps me across the dance floor once more. AT MIDNIGHT WE STROLL down toward the shore between the tent and the boathouse where the other partygoers are gathered to watch the fireworks. The MC, back in charge, has permitted the removal of masks, the better to see the display. Jiyong has his arm around me, but I’m aware that Taylor and Sawyer are close by, probably because we’re in the crowd now. They are looking anywhere but at the dockside where two technicians dressed in black are making their final preparations. Seeing Taylor reminds me of Leila. Perhaps she’s here. Shit. The thought chills my blood, and I huddle closer to Jiyong. He gazes down at me as he pulls me closer. “You okay, baby? Cold?” “I’m fine.” I glance quickly behind us and see the other two security guys, whose names I forget, standing close by. Moving me in front of him, Jiyong puts both his arms around me over my shoulders. Suddenly a stirring classical soundtrack booms over the dock and two rockets soar into the air, exploding with a deafening bang over the bay, lighting it all in a dazzling canopy of sparkling orange and white that’s reflected in a glittering shower over the still calm water of the bay. My jaw drops as several more rockets fire into the air and explode in a kaleidoscope of color. I can’t recall ever seeing a display this impressive, except perhaps on television, and it never looks this good on TV. It’s all in time to the music. Volley after volley, bang after bang, and light after light as the crowd answers with gasps and oohs and ahs. It is out of this world. On the pontoon in the bay several silver fountains of light shoot up twenty feet in the air, changing color through blue, red, orange, and back to silver—and yet more rockets explode as the music reaches its crescendo. My face is beginning to ache from the ridiculous grin of wonder plastered across it. I glance at Fifty, and he’s the same, marveling like a child at the sensational show. For the finale a volley of six rockets shoot into the dark and explode simultaneously, bathing us in a glorious golden light as the crowd erupts into frantic, enthusiastic applause. “Ladies and gentlemen,” the MC calls out as the cheers and whistles fade. “Just one note to add at the end of this wonderful evening; your generosity has raised a total of one million eight hundred and fifty-three thousand dollars!” Spontaneous applause erupts again, and out on the pontoon, a message lights up in silver streams of sparks forming the words “Thank You from Coping Together,” sparkling and shimmering over the water. “Oh, Jiyong … that was wonderful.” I grin up at him and he bends down to kiss me. “Time to go,” he murmurs, a broad smile on his beautiful face, and his words hold so much promise. Suddenly, I feel very tired. He glances up again, and Taylor is close, the crowd dispersing around us. They don’t speak but something passes between them. “Stay with me a moment. Taylor wants us to wait while the crowd disperses.” Oh. “I think that fireworks display probably aged him a hundred years,” he adds. “Doesn’t he like fireworks?” Jiyong gazes down at me fondly and shakes his head but doesn’t elaborate. “So, Aspen,” he says, and I know he’s trying to distract me from something. It works. “Oh … I haven’t paid for my bid,” I gasp. “You can send a check. I have the address.” “You were really mad.” “Yes, I was.” I grin. “I blame you and your toys.” “You were quite overcome, Miss Y/L/N. A most satisfactory outcome if I recall.” He smiles salaciously. “Incidentally, where are they?” “The silver balls? In my bag.” “I’d like them back. They are far too potent a device to be left in your innocent hands.” “Worried I might be quite overcome again, maybe with somebody else?” His eyes glitter dangerously. “I hope that’s not going to happen,” he says, a cool edge to his voice. “But no, Y/N . I want all your pleasure.” Whoa. “Don’t you trust me?” “Implicitly. Now, can I have them back?” “I’ll think about it.” He narrows his eyes at me. There’s music once more from the dance floor but it’s a DJ playing a thumping dance number, the bass pounding out a relentless beat. “Do you want to dance?” “I’m really tired, Jiyong. I’d like to go, if that’s okay.” Jiyong glances at Taylor, who nods, and we set off toward the house, following a couple of drunken guests. I’m grateful when Jiyong takes my hand—my feet are aching from the dizzying height and tight confinement of my shoes. Mia comes bounding up to us. “You’re not going, are you? The real music’s just beginning. Come on, Y/N .” She grabs my hand. “Mia,” Jiyong admonishes her. “ Y/N’stired. We’re going home. Besides, we have a big day tomorrow.” We do? Mia pouts but surprisingly doesn’t push Jiyong. “You must come by sometime next week. Maybe we can hit the mall?” “Sure, Mia.” I grin, though in the back of my mind I’m wondering how since I have to work for a living. She gives me a quick kiss then hugs Jiyong fiercely, taking us both by surprise. More astoundingly still, she places her hands directly on the lapels of his jacket, and he just gazes down at her, indulgently. “I like seeing you this happy,” she says sweetly and kisses him on the cheek. “Bye. You guys have fun.” She skips off toward her waiting friends—among them Lily, who looks even more sour-faced without her mask. I wonder idly where Sean is. “We’ll say good night to my parents before we leave. Come.” Jiyong leads me through a gaggle of guests to Gi-ran and Carrick, who wish us fond and warm farewells. “Please do come again, Y/N, it’s been lovely having you here,” says Gi-ran kindly. I am a little overwhelmed by both her and Carrick’s reaction. Fortunately, Gi-ra’s parents have retired for the evening, so at least I am spared their enthusiasm. In a relaxed, weary silence, Jiyong and I walk hand in hand to the front of the house, where countless cars are lined up waiting to collect guests. I glance up at Fifty. He looks happy. It’s a real pleasure to see him this way, though I suspect it’s unusual after such an extraordinary day. “Are you warm enough?” he asks. “Yes, thank you.” I clasp my satin wrap. “I really enjoyed this evening, Y/N. Thank you.” “Me too, some parts more than others.” I grin. He grins and nods, then his brow creases. “Don’t bite your lip,” he warns in a way that makes my blood sing. “What did you mean about a big day tomorrow?” I ask to distract myself. “Dr. Greene is coming to sort you out. Plus, I have a surprise for you.” “Dr. Greene!” I halt. “Yes.” “Why?” “Because I hate condoms,” he says quietly. His eyes glint in the soft light from the paper lanterns, gauging my reaction. “It’s my body,” I mutter, annoyed that he hasn’t asked me. “It’s mine, too,” he whispers. I gaze up at him as various guests pass by, ignoring us. He looks so earnest. Yes, my body is his … he knows it better than I do. I reach up, and he flinches ever so slightly but stays still. Grasping the corner of his bow tie, I pull so it unravels, revealing the top button of his shirt. Gently I undo it. “You look hot like this,” I whisper. Actually he looks hot all the time, but really hot like this. He smiles. “I need to get you home. Come.” At the car, Sawyer hands Jiyong an envelope. He frowns at it and glances at me as Taylor ushers me into the car. Taylor looks relieved for some reason. Jiyong climbs in and hands me the envelope, unopened, as Taylor and Sawyer take their seats in the front. “It’s addressed to you. One of the staff gave it to Sawyer. No doubt from yet another ensnared heart.” Jiyong’s mouth twists. It’s obvious this is an unpleasant concept to him. I stare at the note. Who is this from? Ripping it open, I read it quickly in the dim light. Holy shit, it’s from her! Why won’t she leave me alone? I may have misjudged you. And you have definitely misjudged me. Call me if you need to fill in any of the blanks—we could have lunch. Jiyong doesn’t want me talking to you, but I would be more than happy to help. Don’t get me wrong, I approve, believe me—but so help me, if you hurt him … He’s been hurt enough. Call me: (206) 279-6261 Mrs. Robinson Fuck, she’s signed it Mrs. Robinson! He told her. The bastard. “You told her?” “Told who, what?” “That I call her Mrs. Robinson,” I snap. “It’s from Chaerin?” Jiyong is shocked. “This is ridiculous,” he grumbles, running a hand through his hair, and I can tell he’s irritated. “I’ll deal with her tomorrow. Or Monday,” he mutters bitterly. And though I’m ashamed to admit it, a very small part of me is pleased. My subconscious nods sagely. Chaerin is pissing him off, and this can only be good—surely. I decide to say nothing for now but stash her note in my bag, and in a gesture guaranteed to lighten his mood, I hand him back the balls. “Until next time,” I murmur. He glances at me, and it’s hard to see his face in the dark, but I think he’s smirking. He reaches for my hand and squeezes it. I gaze out of the window into the darkness, reflecting on this long day. I’ve learned so much about him, gleaned many missing details—the salons, the road map, his childhood—but there’s still much more to discover. And what about Mrs. R? Yes, she cares for him, and deeply, it would appear. I can see that, and he cares for her—but not in the same way. I don’t know what to think anymore. All this information is making my head hurt. JIYONG WAKES ME JUST as we pull up outside Escala. “Do I need to carry you in?” he asks gently. I shake my head sleepily. No way. As we stand in the elevator, I lean against him, putting my head against his shoulder. Sawyer stands in front of us, shifting uncomfortably. “It’s been a long day, eh, Y/N?” I nod. “Tired?” I nod. “You’re not very talkative.” I nod and he grins. “Come. I’ll put you to bed.” He takes my hand as we exit the elevator, but we stop in the foyer when Sawyer holds up his hand. In that split second, I am instantly wide awake. Sawyer talks into his sleeve. I had no idea that he was wearing a radio. “Will do, T,” he says and turns to face us. “Mr. Kwon, the tires on Ms. Y/L/N’s Audi have been slashed and paint thrown all over it.” Holy shit. My car! Who would do that? And I know the answer as soon as the question materializes in my mind. Leila. I glance up at Jiyong , and he blanches. “Taylor is concerned that the perp may have entered the apartment and may still be there. He wants to make sure.” “I see,” Jiyong whispers. “What’s Taylor’s plan?” “He’s coming up in the service elevator with Ryan and Reynolds. They’ll do a sweep, then give us the all clear. I’m to wait with you, sir.” “Thank you, Sawyer.” Jiyong tightens his arm around me. “This day just gets better and better,” he sighs bitterly, nuzzling my hair. “Listen, I can’t stand here and wait. Sawyer, take care of Miss Y/L/N. Don’t let her in until you have the all clear. I am sure Taylor is overreacting. She can’t get into the apartment.” What? “No, Jiyong —you have to stay with me,” I plead. Jiyong releases me. “Do as you’re told, Y/N. Wait here.” No! “Sawyer?” Jiyong says. Sawyer opens the foyer door to let Jiyong enter the apartment then shuts the door behind him and stands in front of it, staring impassively down at me. Holy shit. Jiyong! All manner of horrific outcomes run through my mind, but all I can do is stand and wait.

[thunderhel]

I am not sure if this can be done in 500 words BUT..would love a Zimbits where Bitty meets Bob and Alicia

I have owed you this for almost six months so I just sat down and did it all in one go and there are 5000x mistakes but here we go. I love Alicia.

For the Monster Haus AU, featuring JötunnJack and Bob, Witch Bitty, and Demi-goddess Alicia.

“You’ve met them like, at least ten times Bittle.”

Bitty resisted the urge to roll his eyes the entire way back into his skull. This was not the first time this exact argument had been had over the past week, and as neither side seemed ready to concede or accept any credibility in the other’s argument, it was highly possible it would be had again before they reached their destination.

“Yes, Jack, but not as your boyfriend,” Bitty explained for at least the fifth time. “And not at your house. Like, your actual house that you grew up in.” Bitty frowned, doing his best not to play with the edges of the Saran wrap covering the top of his latest masterpiece. At least, it had better be a masterpiece. He had been working for days on his newest recipe of chilled pie. It was a chocolate and pecan cheesecake, with just a hint -or possibly a full cup- of acceptance and positive charm added in.

Bitty was certain it was not enough.

From the diver’s side Jack huffed a small laugh, the window fogging for just a moment as his cold breath passed over the glass. “You’ll be fine, Bittle. They already love you.”

Bitty heaved out a breath, preparing for another volley of arguments but Jack reached over the console to grip his hand and for just a moment he forgot what he was going to say.

The fact that Jack had taken his hand was only part of the reason. A very small part of the reason, actually.

“Mother of God.”

Bitty had known Jack lived in a mansion up in the woods of Quebec. He had known that. He had also known, through multiple stories of Jack’s childhood home, that just as much of the structure was made of ice as it was of wood, but accepting the reality of an ice castle existing anywhere, much less a place where he would one day come across it, was much different in person than in theory.

“Well, my mother’s mother was a god, so…grandson of a god, really?” Jack teased with a half smile, his dark eyes bright as they pulled up the driveway.

It was hard to look at, Bitty decided quickly. The sun was bright on the ice, reflecting the world back at him, wonky and distorted. It looked like a sprawling woodland manor that was slowly being infected with a plague of ice for the past few decades. Perhaps infected was a harsh word, it didn’t seem the house minded the encroaching cold very much.

Jack heaved their bags on his shoulder as Bitty closed the passenger side door behind him, eyes locked on the impossible structure rising up before him. It was a lot of take in, from the high wooden logs that made a fortress of the front, to the icy spirals that rose up above what may have once been a roof to continue in their own design of ostentatious towers, like icicles flipped upside down. On one side of the house, the woods continued on in a never ending line, the trees enormous and snow dusted, and something deep in Bitty’s gut told him they were not safe to travel alone. The other side of the property opened up into sprawling field of snow. Bitty could just make out two creatures that looked like horses with far too many legs pawing at a frozen lake before a movement on the porch drew his attention away.

Standing between two columns made of sheer ice stood Bob and Alicia Zimmermann. The door behind them was enormous, far taller than necessary even for a frost giant, with elaborate sigils carved into the old wood. It looked like the entrance to Valhalla itself, with two gods waiting to take him home.

The jarring fact that he had referred to Vallhalla as home in his head almost overshadowed his nervousness at re-meeting his boyfriend’s parents. Examining his religious priorities would have to wait.

“Hello!” Bitty greeted, lifting the pie in his hands in a vague gesture of offering as he grinned up at the Zimmermanns, trying not to let his nerves eat him from the inside out. He had baked muffins of pure confidence that morning, and he could feel the spells fighting a battle with his anxiety in his gut. Or maybe that was the bananas. He really hoped it was the confidence. 

“Hello, Eric!” Alicia grinned. Her smile was wide and white, and the sweater she wore looked old and comfortable. So much about her reminded Bitty of his own mother, though he thought both women would be flustered to be told so. Despite the imposing fortress behind her, everything about Alicia was warm and inviting.

Except her eyes.

“Don’t look her directly in the eyes,” Lardo had told him over a year ago, when the Zimmermann’s had come to visit. “I’m not kidding man, don’t do it. Try to look at the lines instead.”

He had truly believed she had been joking, until he had met Alicia. She had all the appearances of a human woman, except the impenetrable blackness that rested where her eyes were supposed to be. They were outlined by jagged black lines that extended out across her eyebrows and down her cheekbones, like aftershocks on her face from whatever had happened to her sockets. Jack had told him she was born like that, but Bitty wasn’t sure he could believe that. He also wasn’t sure that if he actually did stare at her eyes, that he wouldn’t come out a different person for having looked too long.

It had been a while since Alicia’s eyes or Bob Zimmermann’s incredible height or pale blue skin had unnerved Bitty, but it was hard not to see everything in a very new and suddenly threatening light as he hoped very hard they liked him. Or still liked him, whatever the standing may be.

All of this took only a second to contemplate before Alicia was engulfing him in her arms in a tight and familiar hug. He had been right, he sweater was very soft against his face.

“We are so happy you two could finally make it up here for a weekend.”

“Yeah, we were beginning to think you two were going to elope without us ever having dinner together!” Bob teased, taking the steps in two easy strides to stand behind his wife. Jack made some noise of protest at the jest, but it was lost as Alicia overtook Bitty’s attention again.

“Oh, and what is this?” Alicia removed herself from Bitty, looking -or at least Bitty assumed she was looking- to the pie Bitty had carefully protected during the embrace.

“Bittle made you both a pie,” Jack told her before Bitty could speak. His hand was heavy and comforting on Bitty’s shoulder.

Alicia grinned, the heavy cracks around her eyes crinkling, like she hadn’t all ready known Bitty would bring a pie. Everyone knew Bitty would bring a pie to any situation, but her elation made Bitty feel like a weight had been taken off of his chest.

“It’s a chilled dark chocolate and pecan, Jack told me how much you love dark chocolate and I know Jack loves pecans and can’t handle anything too hot, and I thought Bob-uh, Mr. Bob, I mean, Mr. Zimmermann-”

When Bob Zimmermann laughed, it sounded like an avalanche. “Bob is fine,” he told Bitty, before leaning in conspiratorially. If Bitty hadn’t remembered to triple his warming spells, he thought he might have lost part of his face to frostbite at the proximity. “Mr. Bob is my father.”

And just like that, Bitty and Bob were laughing as Alicia and Jack groaned, all awkwardness dissipating. Bob clapped him on the shoulder and steered him inside and Alicia took the pie from his hands as she demanded to hear every detail of their trip.

The inside of the house was no less unusual than the outside, with slippery staircases that seemed to go no where, ornate armchairs that didn’t look like they were actually made for sitting, and the gigantic head of a moose with six eyes and branches for antlers mounted on the mantle above a roaring fireplace with scenes of battle playing out in the smoke.

Except Jack had told Bitty all about his childhood home. About playing hide and seek with his mother in the icy rooms that closed themselves off from time to time at the tops of the icy stairs. About curling up in those regal looking chairs to read any history book he could get his hands on. About racing those creatures outside with too many legs until he felt like he couldn’t feel his own.

All of those memories, those late night confessions and offhanded comments of Jack’s raced through Bitty’s mind as they retired to the living room after dinner. Alicia sat on a couch big enough for ten people, her bare feet curled under her and her black eyes reflecting the dancing firelight as she laughed at Bob’s antics. He was retelling old hockey stories, and as he spoke the warriors that battled in the smoke turned themselves into hockey players, skating above the fire on imaginary ice in a brutally close game. The moose head above the mantle twitched an ear, stretching its long neck down to mouth quietly at the animal cracker offering in Bitty’s hand.

Jack’s laugh rumbled in his chest, the warmth of his boyfriend pressed up against him cutting through any cold the mansion had to offer. Bitty wasn’t sure if Jack was laughing at his father’s story, or at Bitty’s awkward interaction with the living moose head, but he didn’t really think it mattered when he met Jack’s eye. It especially didn’t matter when Jack pressed a cold kiss to his cheek, and though Bob and Alicia both saw, neither said a word about it, but their smiles looked just a tiniest bit bigger.

Bitty decided then and there, pressed against his boyfriend as Bad Bob Zimmermann retold stories of hockey days with men made of smoke, with Alicia teasing him, and a sentient mounted moose head pushing against his hand for more treats, that if this was what Valhalla was like, where everything was strange and surreal, but everything was bright and full of love, than maybe it was better than Heaven anyway.

[artificialqueens]

Bloom Ch. 2 (biadore)- Taurus's Splattered C*nt

A/N- We’re back back back back back again! Your favourite triple threat is back. Sorry for the wait, we hope you continue to enjoy this story and feel free to leave feedback. Thanks for all the love and support!

I just want to put it out there that our group chat gives me life. I have learned so far that Taurus and I are going to get married and move in with C*nt and Mrs. C*nt to mooch off of them. Also, Taurus is a ninja spy and has a really hot voice, and both of them are really freaking pretty and it’s not fair because I’m a toe (YOU ARE NOT A TOE YOU ARE AN ETHREAL GODDESS OF THE OCEAN -C*nt [She’s lying. I’m a toe. -Splatt]). That is all. Love you two ladies! That’s all. Hope you all enjoy! (C*nt and Taurus didn’t know what to put for an author’s note so I got to write it! Yay!)

Danny’s alarm woke him up at 6.30am. He had always been something of a night owl, so these early starts and the Drag Race production schedule were absolute hell on earth. The only way he could make sure he wouldn’t knock his alarm off and sleep through was by starting it an hour early and setting four alarms, so invariably, by the time he finally dragged himself out of bed and into the bathroom to get ready for the day ahead, he was grouchy.

He was half-asleep leaving his room, running late and desperate for a coffee. He couldn’t get into Adore’s mindset without coffee, so he was grateful to find Trinity waiting with a large coffee for him at the minibus, which seemed to bring him back to life after a few sips. He was beginning to feel a bit more alive, a bit more like Adore.

Adore. It occurred to him as he got into the minibus that he didn’t know anyone’s boy names, and everyone only knew him as Adore, except for Laganja. It seemed weird, now that they’d all been through a few challenges together, that they only knew each other by their drag names. He felt like they should all at least try to get to know each other, and no one else seemed to be taking initiative to start a conversation.

“What’s everyone’s boy name?” Danny asked, breaking the sleepy silence.

“What do you think my name is?” Roy challenged, raising an eyebrow.

Danny smirked and then studied the older man. He honestly had no idea what his name could be. He could see that he was of Hispanic origin, so maybe he had a Hispanic name?

“Um. I don’t know, Pablo?” Danny guessed the first Hispanic name to pop into his head with a shrug.

Roy cackled loudly, his distinct laugh magnified even louder in the shuttle. Danny frowned, feeling incredibly stupid, yet strangely endeared by the man’s laugh.

“Pablo?! You got me bitch, you got me.” Roy laughed.

“Well what is it? The suspense is killing me!” Shane asked, grinning.

“It’s Roy.”

Roy. Danny felt his heart flutter as the name echoed in the back of his mind. It was a hell of a lot better then Pablo. Looking at him, Danny realized the name actually fit him perfectly.

Roy was looking at the young man intrigued now. He realized didn’t know his name either, and really had no clue but his heart was fluttering at the anticipation of finding out.

“So what’s yours then?”

“Well if it’s like a formal setting then it’s Daniel, but I usually just go by Danny.”

Danny. The name made Roy’s heart skip a beat. What a bizarre feeling, he really wasn’t understanding the weird pull he was experiencing towards him but he decided to ignore it. Danny smiled at him and he swore he could feel his nerves settle. Despite the unbreakable, confident front Roy had been putting up, he was nervous everyday. He never knew what to expect when he re-entered that work room.

“I’m Shane!” Shane exclaimed breaking the weird tension between the two of them.

“Well I wasn’t expecting that!” Danny laughed.

“What were you expecting?” Shane replied, curious as to what name people thought he looked like.

“I dunno, Shane is such a macho name, I would’ve thought you’d be more like a Jamie or something.” Danny responded.

“Excuse me, I’m very macho.” Shane said sassily, wagging his head with his hands on his hips.

Darienne burst out laughing. “The oldest living twink in history, everyone. I’m Greg, by the way.”

Dela piped up. “Guys, this may come as a shock to you all… but I’m Ben.”

The bus broke into a chorus of laughter, and soon everyone was trying to guess each other’s names. Danny made a mental note of everyone’s names - Trinity was Josh, Milk was Dan, like him, Joslyn was Patrick, and he already knew Laganja was Jay from before. It was nice knowing everyone’s real names, it felt like he automatically knew everyone a little better.

Adore caught Bianca’s eye. Roy’s eye. That was kind of a hot name, now Danny thought about it. Roy. It seemed strong and masculine, which was funny, considering Roy was a man who wore dresses, but now Danny took a moment to look at him properly, he was quite manly out of drag. And loathe as Danny was to admit it, he was pretty.

Danny blushed - he’d gotten completely lost in his own mind and didn’t realise he was still staring at Roy. Roy was wondering why Adore - Danny - kept staring at him. It was making him uncomfortable, in a weird way. Uncomfortable, but not bad-uncomfortable. All of a sudden, Danny whipped his head around, turning back to face the front of the van. He didn’t talk the rest of the journey. Roy wondered what his deal was, what was going on in his mind. Danny.

The minibus pulled up to the studio, and they all piled into the workroom, ready and excited for another challenge. Adore was feeling better than she had going into any other challenge - she’d done well in the musical and the Snatch Game, and felt like things were finally starting to go her way after the disastrous first couple of challenges. She felt like the Snatch Game and the musical really let her shine on her own terms as opposed to being dragged down by trying to lead a team. She was excited to see what the day would bring, speculating with everyone what the day might bring, and hoping for an individual challenge.

“I’m not a group person, I’m more of a Beyoncé myself.” she said, looking around.

“At least Beyoncé’s dresses hit the floor.” Bianca said with a smirk. She couldn’t pass up that chance for a read.

Adore smiled. Bianca had always made fun of her, but it didn’t hurt as much this time, it felt more fun. “So do your tits.” she said in response, making Bianca laugh unexpectedly. Adore could really hold her own in a war of words, she was quicker and wittier than Bianca had initially given her credit for.

Ru came in, and Bianca immediately saw the glasses, and knew it was time for the reading challenge. She knew that this would be a fairly easy mini challenge to win, especially since back home she was dubbed the queen of mean.

“Bianca, you’re first.” Ru announced.

Bianca strode up to the front with ease, and started reading her sisters to absolute filth. When she got to Adore, she paused. There was so much she could read her for, it was almost too easy. But for some reason she really didn’t have the desire to be overly mean to her.

“Adore.”

Adore covered her eyes and shuddered in anticipation. This bitch was going to take her to church with her insults, she just knew it.

“I know what you got on your SAT’s.” Bianca started, grinning.

Adore looked around the room confused. She didn’t know where she was taking this. Didn’t she know she went to continuation school?

“What?” Adore finally asked.

“Ketchup!”

Ru cackled loudly, the other queens roaring with laughter as well and Adore smiled. Well, that wasn’t nearly as bad as what she was expecting. She didn’t know what exactly Bianca would say, but she was happy it wasn’t something cruel, and there was no way that a lot of her reads would make it on air for how off-color they were. After Bianca finished, the other queens all took their turn reading each other. Adore had done a pretty decent job at reading her sisters, she knew she did good once she heard Bianca’s distinct laugh echo throughout the set after she read Laganja. She was proud of herself for that one. Laganja had been just starting to get on her nerves, and Adore had a sneaking feeling that the other girls felt the same way. Adore also noticed a weird energy between BenDelaCreme and Darienne, and both of them ended up saying pretty nasty reads to each other. If Adore was honest, she didn’t think they were really reading each other so much as just trying to hurt the other person.

Darienne was determined the winner of the mini challenge, and Ru announced the main challenge of the day: a rap challenge. Since Darienne won, she got to pick her team.

“Who’s got a fast mouth…” Darienne pondered. “Bianca! Come here.”

Bianca joined Darienne and waited the rest of her team. She was curious to see who all she would pick. The next person she chose was Laganja, and although she understood why, she internally rolled her eyes at the choice since she was a pain in the ass 99% of the time. She was surprised Darienne didn’t choose BenDeLaCreme, since she had already won 2 main challenges and was proving herself to be a pretty fierce competitor. But, there was obviously some sort of rivalry there.

“Well of course I have to have my two idols, Adore Delano and Courtney Act!” Darienne exclaimed.

The two younger queens glided over to form their team and left Bianca wondering confused. Idols? She knew Courtney was on Australian Idol, but didn’t remember seeing Adore on any tv show.

The leftover queens formed the other group, and they all split up to begin writing their verse for their team. Each queen had to write a rap, and then star in a music video. This was going to be one of the more challenging tasks that Bianca has had to do, especially since she can’t really dance and she had never really tried to rap, but maybe she could play up the comedic aspect of it and at least be safe.

Adore had this challenge in the bag. Rapping and dancing? It was like her YouTube videos all over again. She let the words flow out of her onto the paper, and soon enough she had a pretty good rap written. She hoped the judges would like it as much as she did.

“How is your rap coming along?” Courtney asked, looking at Adore’s page curiously.

“Good! I’m finished. Do you guys want to hear it?” Danny asked.

“Sure mawma.” Laganja nodded.

Adore read out her rap and felt like it was absolutely perfect. When she looked up from her page after she was done, the other queens nodded and smiled with encouragement.

“That’s really good.” Bianca smiled. Adore beamed, happy that she had impressed Bianca yet again and thanked her. Soon they were all finished writing, Darienne had a bit of trouble writing her verse, but the queens all pitched in and helped to write something that would hopefully keep their team safe.

After that, they started changing and got ready to film the challenge. Once they had made it to the filming area, Darienne started to get really nervous which worried Bianca. It could fuck up their whole vibe if the team leader didn’t do well. It was, after all, a group challenge. If one person fucked up, everyone could go down.

The queens went in to film the video, and Bianca was up first. Adore watched as she nailed the rapping portion with one take. She was incredibly talented, Adore hadn’t seen one thing Bianca couldn’t do. Adore was up next, she stumbled a couple of times but finally got it after the third try. She was proud of the last take, and walked back to her place in the background feeling confident. Courtney had breezed through her lines and choreography, and Laganja struggled a little bit but got the job done.

When Darienne had stepped up to do her lines, she immediately started fucking up. Bianca held her breath worried, she had yet to be in the bottom and if Darienne didn’t get her shit together, her dismal performance could drag her down with her. Bianca didn’t look as fishy as Courtney and Adore, she didn’t realize that she needed to dress as girly as they had. Even though she nailed the challenge, if the judges were to determine a bottom two from their group it would most likely be her and Darienne just because Bianca was a lot more butch. She had seen Darienne lip sync, she was incredible. Bianca most likely would get sent home if she were to go up against her.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, Darienne got a good enough take for the final cut of the song. Bianca was crossing her fingers that it would be good enough to keep her safe. Adore was also nervous, because she had been the leader for the movie challenge, and got a lot of shit for how poorly she had led her team during that challenge. So Darienne not doing good, could take away from her performance today and cost her a potential win.

————————–

Afterwards, they headed back to the workroom and started getting ready for their runway. The theme tonight was “Crazy Sexy Cool” which was to highlight their favorite body parts.

“What body part are you highlighting tonight Adore?” Courtney asked scanning Adore’s outfit. It was a sheer lace dress that left little to the imagination when she turned around, showing a more cheeky look.

“My ass, duh!” Adore exclaimed, turning around and bending over.

Bianca caught herself gazing at Adore’s ass a little too long. It really was the one of the best asses she had ever seen.

“What about you Courtney?” Adore asked.

“Well I love my whole body, so I’m just going to go out in a bra and underwear underneath this blanket.” Courtney shrugged.

Bianca raised an eyebrow, unimpressed with the outfit choice. Courtney’s looks were starting to get repetitive, she was either wearing something to show off her body or something that she had worn a million times over in Australia. She idly wondered how the judges would react, but she had to hand it to her for playing on her strengths. Courtney definitely had a gorgeous body, but the judges didn’t necessarily want to see that week after week.

“I don’t have washboard abs or a great ass, so I just decided on my eyes.” Bianca shrugged, pointing at the gemstones around her eyes.

Adore felt her heart skip a beat as Bianca told her she had a great ass. She really did have a nice butt, she would have to thank her mom the next time they talked. Adore studied Bianca’s eyes, and noticed she hadn’t put the harsh white line for the first time. She actually thought her eyes were much prettier without it, not even realized how unique in color they were. They were a dark amber color, like salted caramel in the light but deep and chocolatey otherwise. It was different, and Adore found herself staring at them for a second before she looked away quickly.

After they all walked the runway, Adore was excited. She had loved this challenge, and couldn’t wait to see how they’d done. Now that she was doing well in challenges, she was really starting to enjoy the competition, and the fact that she was finally getting along well with everybody made it even better. The rap videos were shown, and Adore fucking loved the song. She was so excited to have been a part of it, and thought she nailed it, and when Ru told her she had won the challenge, she felt ecstatic.

Finally, she had won a challenge.

Finally, she felt validated.

She felt worthy of being there.

After the elimination, the queens headed back to the work room to de-drag, and Bianca was enjoying the view in front of her. Adore’s hips swayed back and forth as she walked towards her station, her ass visible through the black lace pulled tight over her thong bodysuit. Adore joked about having a hog body, but from what Bianca could see, it was more of a hot body. Bianca felt a tight ass deserved at least a compliment, even if that ass was attached to Adore Delano.

“Great job on winning your first challenge Adore! The view walking back here wasn’t too bad either.” Bianca winked.

Adore stared at her in disbelief, processing what Bianca had just said. She was shocked that she would even pay her a compliment, especially with the way they had been clashing lately, and she was especially surprised by the brazenness of the complement. Was Bianca… flirting with her?

Bianca read the shock on Adore’s face, and berated herself. “Oh great, I stepped over the friend line and she thinks I’m a pedophile.”, she thought to herself.

“Thanks. You did really good too.” Adore smiled as she began to de-drag. That complement felt good coming from someone as hard to impress as Bianca. She felt elation fill her heart, especially now that her competitors were starting to look at her in a different light. She was excited for tomorrow.

————

The next day, the queens realised the competition was getting tighter as they were down to the top 8. The cliques had already been determined, but rivalries had also bloomed. In particular Laganja and Adore were having a hard time getting along, especially after the argument in Untucked where Laganja claimed that Adore had ‘come for her’. Bianca had recognised Laganja’s ridiculous behaviour then, and stood up for Adore.

Meanwhile, Bianca was becoming irritated with Trinity and her excuses. Last night, she had asked her what she was successful at doing since she literally complained about every challenge. Bianca could tell she had annoyed Trinity with the question, but she hoped at least she’d stop complaining. This ended up making the tension between the two of them unbearable, especially when Trinity couldn’t even answer the question.

Ru announced the main challenge, but this time had a calculating look in his eye. Adore felt a weariness fall over her as she awaited the announcement. The energy she was getting from Ru was weird, and had a feeling today’s challenge was going to be harder than it seemed.

“I will be putting you guys into pairs.” Ru smiled.

Shit.

“Adore you will be paired up with Laganja today. Darienne with BenDeLaCreme, Bianca with Trinity, and Courtney you will be with Joslyn.” Adore saw what Ru was doing. He’d paired up all of the queens who’d argued in the past, obviously to try stir the pot. That fucker.

For the first time in this competition, Bianca felt her heart weigh heavy. Trinity did not have a good track record with speaking, and that was the whole premise of this challenge. That, and they had literally just gotten into it yesterday. If Trinity were to drag her down into the bottom with her, she wouldn’t be able to win that lip sync. It would be a catastrophe.

———————–

Bianca was starting to hear Adore’s voice raise as she talked with Laganja at the table across the room.

“I didn’t come for you girl! What the fuck are you even talking about?!” Adore exclaimed frustrated.

“Oh god, not this shit again. Just drop it Laganja, if she really ‘came for you’ you’d actually remember what Adore said especially since you won’t drop me ruining your fucking moment.” Bianca snapped.

Laganja’s jaw dropped and Adore had to fight to keep the smirk from creeping up her face. When Laganja went back to taking notes, Adore mouthed thank you to Bianca and smiled shyly. Bianca was really starting to grow on her. They had gotten off to a rocky start, but Bianca was fair and level-headed. Adore would never have expected that Bianca would actually stick up for her. She could actually be really sweet, once you weren’t on the wrong side of her.

Bianca returned her full attention to helping Trinity with the ad challenge. As they started to work together, Bianca realized it wasn’t necessarily Trinity’s speech that was the problem, even though that’s what the judges had been reading her for, it was her confidence. When Trinity was feeling confident about what she was saying, the words came out loud and clear. Bianca just kept encouraging her to be confident in what she was rehearsing, it was all she could really do at that point.

The queens went to another part of the set and filmed their ad campaigns. Adore thought she had done well, but Laganja had definitely struggled a little bit which was worrisome. She hoped that she would end up safe at the very least. Bianca was really impressed with Trinity, and thought that they were going to win the challenge based on how smooth it had gone. She thought their ad was pretty funny in the end. Trinity had really stepped up for this challenge, and she was really happy to see that.

After they returned from filming, the queens started getting ready for the runway and Bianca pulled Trinity aside and away from the cameras.

“I just wanted to say, that I’m so proud of you. You worked your ass off today and it showed.” Bianca encouraged.

“Thanks girl. Do you think we’re going to win?” Trinity asked hopefully.

“I don’t know kid, but I think we have a pretty good shot.”

———————–

They all finished getting ready and walked the runway in their black and white eleganza looks. Once they stood on stage, Adore crossed her arms nervously as she watched all of the advertisements. Despite Laganja having quite a few hiccups during filming, the ad had turned out great. She also really liked Bianca and Trinity’s, it was pretty funny and she was very surprised at how well Trinity had done.

Darienne and BenDeLaCreme’s ad was weird to say the least, Bianca observed. They were most likely going to be in the bottom tonight, which was unfortunate because she really liked both of them. She thought Adore and Laganja’s was funny, but it was clear Laganja was uncomfortable and Adore had carried the pair. The ad was totally Adore’s sense of humour, and while it was definitely good, she thought her and Trinity had worked together better. Courtney’s ad was very middle of the pack, but her runway was cute which made up for it at least in Bianca’s mind.

“The winners of this main challenge are..”

Bianca held her breath. She really hoped it was her and Trinity.

“Adore and Laganja.”

What? Are you serious? This could not be happening! Bianca threw her arms down angrily and huffed frustrated. Adore carried Laganja through that entire challenge, and because of that she didn’t think that they deserved the win. Laganja also looked like a wreck on the runway, which angered Bianca even more.

Michelle made a snide comment about their win, and the judges announced that they needed to deliberate. It took everything in Bianca not to stomp all the way back to the Untucked lounge. She definitely needed a drink after that.

Once they all settled into the lounge, a heavy overwhelming energy filled Adore. Someone was pissed about her win, she could feel it. It was almost too much to bear, she sipped her drink quicker than usual and leaned back on the couch.

“First win, mama!” Laganja squawked.

“Please, you did not deserve that win.” Bianca snapped.

“Excuse me? Why not?” Adore asked as she sat up straighter.

“Laganja, really? You got read for your runway look, and you were completely outshined by Adore. It was so obvious she wrote the whole fucking thing. Pair, my ass.”

“So you’re trying to invalidate our win?” Adore snapped.

“Okay Bianca, if you don’t think we should’ve won who do you think should have?” Laganja asked.

“Personally, I think it should’ve been us.”

“Oh hell no-” Adore started.

“Adore, wait.” Courtney interrupted. “Maybe what Bianca is trying to say is, that it should’ve been a tie. I think you guys both did well.”

“Shut up Courtney, don’t speak for me. That’s not what I’m saying. We should’ve won.” Bianca argued annoyed.

Adore grabbed another drink from the tray slyly and started sipping on it even quicker than the first one as she watched Courtney and Bianca argue. She was surprised that Courtney was sticking up for her against Bianca, considering those two were usually bosom buddies. Adore realized that Courtney was looking really attractive in her black and white eleganza look. She scooted her leg a little bit closer to her as Courtney spoke with Bianca and felt the buzz going to her head from the cocktail.

Bianca was getting really annoyed with Courtney. It was clear that Adore basically did all of the work and Laganja sailed through the challenge on her coattails. It was irritating that she was even suggesting the possibility of a tie between the two of them. Trinity had worked her ass off, and wasn’t even getting recognized for how well she did in the challenge.

“Okay, okay maybe I didn’t do as well as Adore. But at least my nails are better.” LaGanja flicked her nails, trying too hard to seem relevant in Adore’s shadow.

“Bitch they’re all tangled!” Adore laughed, brushing up against Courtney ever so slightly. Instead of moving away though, she stayed enjoying the contact from the younger queen. Adore was a very attractive queen, Courtney thought, and she was not opposed to receiving attention from her. Danny was pretty hot out of drag. She liked where this was going.

Eventually Trinity made the decision to move to the silver lounge, taking some of the other girls with her. This left Darienne, Bianca, Adore, and Courtney alone in the gold bar where Adore had managed to sneak a few more drinks. While Bianca and Darienne threw shade, Adore caught Courtney’s eye and felt an unexpected spark. Courtney had really beautiful eyes, Adore realized as she stared deeply into them. She felt her chest warm at the sight of her lips and blushed, smiling as she remembered it wasn’t just them in the room.

Bianca glanced over at Courtney and Adore eye fucking on the couch and felt a sharp pang of rage fill her even more. So this was why Courtney was defending Adore’s main challenge win, it was because she clearly wanted to fuck her. She was irritated that Adore was flirting back with her, and decided that she would just ignore the both of them for the rest of the night.

They got the call to go back to the main stage, where DeLa and Darienne were determined the bottom and neither one ended up getting sent home. The tension throughout the workroom afterward as they de-dragged was intense.

Roy was over it at this point, and just wanted to go home so he was thankful when the shuttle finally pulled up. He usually sat with Shane on the bus, but tonight he didn’t want to be anywhere near him so he took Josh’s hand and dragged him to the back of the shuttle.

Shane raised an eyebrow at Roy sitting with Josh tonight, but shrugged when he realized that he could just sit with Danny and flirt with him some more. Now Adore was in boy form, as Danny, the flirting was even more fun. Shane always felt more flirty as his boy self. Once they all boarded and the conversations enveloped the other queens, Shane leaned a little closer to Danny.

“How have you been dealing with not getting any trade? I’ve been so horny just sitting in my room all by myself.” Shane murmured.

“Girl don’t even get me started it’s so hard!” Danny exclaimed.

Shane smiled faintly, although slightly disappointed that Danny didn’t get the hint and they sat in silence for the rest of the way back.

Roy completely disregarded both Danny and Shane, and went straight to her room near the end of the hallway. Danny rolled his eyes as he hesitated by her door. Today had been extra stressful and Danny really needed something more than a good night’s sleep to help him relax. He noticed Shane had been idling at his door as well. Danny looked around and noticed they were the only two in the hallway. Perfect.

“Hey Court?”

“Yes?”

“Wanna fuck?”

Shane smiled flirtatiously.

“Sure.” he said, grabbing Danny’s face and kissing him.

Danny wrapped his arms around Shane’s waist and pulled him into his room. He couldn’t wait to relieve his tension, and Shane was cute.

[pengeluarantogelsingapuraha-blog]

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IDW has a ton of great stuff on sale this week and we have your early look at it all. Here’s the IDW Publishing Previews for 01-04-2017.

Back To The Future: Citizen Brown

Writers: Bob Gale, Erik Burnham Artist: Alan Robinson Cover Artist: Alan Robinson

Time-traveling into comics directly out of Telltale’s 2010 smash-hit episodic videogame BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE GAME! When an empty time-traveling DeLorean suddenly shows up in 1986, Marty McFly quickly learns that his friend Doctor Emmett “Doc” Brown is stranded in 1931 and possibly in mortal danger. Now it’s up to Marty to return to the past once again to save Doc and the time-space continuum!

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 120 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-793-2

Bullet points:

“Perfectly at ease in the existing Back to the Future world and true to the voices of the original characters.” – Newsarama

#gallery-0-52 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-52 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-52 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-52 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Box Office Poison Color Comics #1

Writer: Alex Robinson Artist: Alex Robinson Cover Artist: Alex Robinson

The story of Sherman, Dorothy, Ed, Stephen, Jane, and Mr. Flavor as you’ve never seen it before: IN FULL COLOR! Alex Robinson’s masterpiece of dreary jobs, comic books, love, sex, messy apartments, girlfriends (and the lack thereof), undisclosed pasts, and crusty old professionals remains one of the most delightful and whimsical comic stories—and with colorist Pat N. Lewis’ fantastic color work, BOP is ready to return to comic stands!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Winner of the Eisner Award for Talent Deserving Wider Recognition, the International Comics Festival Award for Best Debut Graphic Novel (Angouleme, France), and voted by Wizard Magazine as the best indy graphic novel of all time.

“A salute to comics, an exploration of the human condition, and a solid, absorbing, and riotously snide tale about at least half of the things that make life important.” — Tasha Robinson, The AV Club

Each issue will be presented in color for the very first time!

#gallery-0-53 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-53 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-53 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-53 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Chris Samnee’s Daredevil: Artist’s Edition HC

Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Chris Samnee Cover Artist: Chris Samnee

IDW Publishing launched the very first Artist’s Edition in 2010. It was a bold concept that to date has garnered five consecutive Eisner Awards in the category of Best Archival Project. With the release of Chris Samnee’s Daredevil Artist’s Edition we continue to stay ahead of the pack by featuring not one, not two, but THREE versions of Samnee’s gorgeous original art—we like to think of it as an Artist’s Edition triple play! This amazing collection will be presented in TWO books. The first, a hardcover featuring Daredevil Issues 23 – 27. Since these books were lettered digitally, you will see more of the Samnee’s original art than ever before! Additionally, all of Chris’ beautiful layouts will be printed here, again, scanned from the original art. The second book will be a horizontal softcover, printing all Mark Waid’s scripts—but that’s not all—Samnee’s artistic technique involves drawing thumbnail breakdowns ON the script pages themselves. Which means there are THREE versions of art presented, plus the actual script enabling you to read along with the story! Additionally, these two books will come in a handsome slipcase. You’ve heard the term “Artist’s Artist?” This will be an “Artist’s Artist’s Edition!”

HC/TPB w/slipcase • BW • $95.00 net cost item • 160 page HC + 60 page SC • 12” x 17”  HC + 17” x 12” SC• ISBN: 978-1-63140-723-9

Bullet points:

The immensely popular, critically acclaimed, and Eisner Award-winning duo of Mark Waid and Chris Samnee are showcased in their first Artist’s Edition!

TWO books, slipcased!

Disney Mysterious Melodies OGN

Writer: Bernard Cosey Artist: Bernard Cosey Cover Artist: Bernard Cosey

What was life like for Mickey before 1928… before Hollywood stardom struck? In this riveting, phantasmagorical “what-if” tale, we follow the Mouse from his humble origins—as Oswald Rabbit’s screenwriter!—through a tangled web of trains, rocket ships, and stolen Shakespeare scripts! Will a haunting tune bring Mickey and Minnie together for the first time? Will Goofy find success as a… ferryboat driver? Or will big boss Mr. Casey and relentless Pegleg Pete strike again? Award-winning Swiss cartoonist Bernard Cosey (Lost in the Alps) brings us an amazing Mouse adventure with a thoughtful, emotive twist.

HC • FC • $14.99 • 64 pages • 9.25” x 12” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-777-2

Bullet points:

Celebrated French writer/artist Bernard Cosey presents a riveting, fascinating Mickey adventure in the Floyd Gottfredson tradition!

Jump on for the second in IDW’s new series of European Mickey graphic novels—featuring cinematic storytelling and modern Disney art like you’ve never seen!

#gallery-0-54 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-54 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-54 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-54 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Donald and Mickey: The Magic Kingdom Collection

Writers: Carl Barks, Giorgio Cavazzano, Victor “Vicar” Arriagada Rios Artists: Carl Barks, Giorgio Cavazzano, Victor “Vicar” Arriagada Rios Cover Artist: Massimo Fecchi

Sixty years of Disney Parks—who knew? Now IDW is celebrating with decades of Disney’s classic Park-themed adventure comics! Carl Barks‘ Scrooge McDuck and Donald travel from the Mark Twain Riverboat to the top of the Matterhorn… then Mickey investigates the strange disappearance of the Country Bear Jamboree. And is that the real Pegleg Pete standing in for the Cast Member who plays him? “Oh, for gosh sakes!”

TPB • FC • $12.99 • 124 pages • 6” x 9” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-796-3

Bullet points:

There’s a Carl Barks story, so it’s worth it just for that.” – Multiversity Comics

#gallery-0-55 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-55 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-55 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-55 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Dragonlance: The Legend of Huma

Writer: Richard A Knaak, Brian Augustyn, Sean J. Jordan, Trampas Whitman Artist: Mike S. Miller, Rael Lyra, Mike Crowell, Joe Prado, Rod Reis, Ricardo Riamonde, Abdul Rashid, Carlos Paul, Andrea Di Vito, Laura Villari, Steve Kurth, Carsten Bradley Cover Artist: Nghia Lam

The world of Krynn is under siege by the dark goddess Takhisis. Led by the renegade wizard Galan Dracos, Takhisis’ forces of evil threaten to conquer all. The only resistance to the Dark Queen are the Knights of Solamnia and their few allies. One Knight rises from their ranks–a Knight destined to become the greatest hero of Krynn. This is his story… the Legend of Huma. Adapts the the novel by best selling author Richard A. Knaak.

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 144 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-797-0

Bullet points:

More vintage Dragonlance re-collected for today’s audience!

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G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #235: Snake In The Grass, Part 6

Writer: Larry Hama Artist: S L Gallant Cover Artist: S L Gallant

COBRA prepares for its next strike against G.I. JOE, and this time, the Real American Heroes won’t see it coming!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

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Jem and the Holograms #22

Writer: Kelly Thompson Artist: Meredith McClaren Cover Artist: Meredith McClaren

THE STINGERS part 4! Jem and The Holograms new drummer is incredible and everyone knows it—too bad she’s a spy working for The Misfits! What secrets will she discover when let into the inner sanctum of JEM?! As both The Stingers and Holograms gear up for their Masquerade Ball performances, some stars that are not so happy to be put in the corner threaten to tear it all down. Meanwhile, Shana’s new best friend in Milan may be turning into her best ENEMY?!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Get to know THE FOX!

Variant cover by Gisele Lagace!

#gallery-0-58 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-58 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-58 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-58 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

Writer: L. Frank Baum Artist: Eric Shanower Cover Artist: Eric Shanower

Both of L. Frank Baum’s classic Santa Claus tales are collected here: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus and A Kidnapped Santa Claus, with with beautiful spot illustrations and cover art by Eisner Award-winning comics creator Eric Shanower.

HC • PC • $16.99 • 144 pages • 6” x 9” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-704-8

Bullet points:

The decorated master story-teller of Oz finds new Baum tales to illustrate for today’s new audiences!

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Mickey Mouse #16

Writers: Andrea “Casty” Castellan, Jonathan Gray Artists: Lorenzo Pastrovicchio, Jack Bradbury Cover Artists: Lorenzo Pastrovicchio

“Darkenblot,” Part 1 of 3! The futuristic city of Avantgarde has an awesome robot police force—but it’s just become the Phantom Blot’s private army! Can Mickey brave high-tech horrors to stop his old foe?

FC • 40 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Beloved modern Mickey master Andrea “Casty” Castellan is back—with a pulse-pounding new tale of the Phantom Blot!

Continues this beloved series’ legacy numbering at #325!

Check out the Marco Mazzarello winter fun variant cover!

#gallery-0-60 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-60 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-60 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-60 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Vol. 11

Writers: Thom Zahler, Ted Anderson Artists: Tony Fleecs, Agnes Garbowska Cover Artist: Tony Fleecs

The Ponies go on an adventure to a newly erupted geyser. After some fun playing in the water, the ponies begin to act a bit strange, perhaps even… sinister, in “Ponies of Dark Water.” Plus, it’s election season in Ponyville and Mayor Mare looks to have the race in the bag. But when Filthy Rich throws his hat in the ring, all bets are off! Collects issues #43–47.

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 120 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-815-1

Bullet points:

What happens when good ponies turn bad?

  Optimus Prime #2

Writer: John Barber Artist: Kei Zama Cover Artist: Kei Zama

NEW CYBERTRON! A massive corkscrew-shaped space ship has drilled into Earth, bringing with it a surprising disruption to OPTIMUS PRIME’s plans. Meanwhile—ARCEE fields a dangerous offer that may be too good to resist!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Guest starring G.I. JOE!

The new world order continues as OPTIMUS PRIME struggles to bring Earth into the cosmic community!

Plus—how ORION PAX first met BUMBLEBEE!

Variant cover by Zoner!

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Powerpuff Girls: Homecoming

Writers: Haley Mancini, Jack Goldman Artist: Derek Charm Cover Artist: Derek Charm

Following the debut of their NEW hit Cartoon Network show, THE POWERPUFF GIRLS make a triumphant return to the world of comics! These stories, written by show-writers Jake Goldman and Haley Mancini, reintroduce us to the world of TOWNSVILLE, beautifully illustrated by Derek Charm. Collects issues #1–3 of the new series.

HC • FC • $12.99 • 80 pages • 6” x 9” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-829-8

Bullet points:

Smaller size and lower price for readers of all-ages!

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Ragnarök #11

Writer: Walter Simonson Artist: Walter Simonson Cover Artist: Walter Simonson

Thor Odinson and the Black Elf assassin, Regn, face off against the Lord of the Dead and his draugar in the Dark Tower, the citadel of his power that stands on the edge of Hel.

FC • 40 pages • $4.99

Bullet points:

Continuing Walter Simonson’s masterpiece!

Featuring a variant cover from Geof Darrow!

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Star Trek: Boldly Go #4

Writer: Mike Johnson Artist: Tony Shasteen Cover Artist: George Caltsoudas

Spock is gone, taken by an enemy unlike any Captain Kirk and his crew have faced before. War with the Romulan Empire is imminent. In the face of the ultimate no-win scenario, will the Federation survive? Don’t miss the all-new ongoing series set after the events of STAR TREK BEYOND!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Following the events of Star Trek Beyond!

The first arc ends HERE!

Variant cover by Marc Laming!

#gallery-0-64 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-64 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 20%; } #gallery-0-64 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-64 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Strawberry Shortcake #8

Writer: Georgia Ball Artist: Tina Franscisco Cover Artist: Valentina Pinto

The rivalry between Strawberry Shortcake and the Purple Pie Man has escalated into a hold-nothing-back race to the finish! Strawberry will need her friends, her food savvy and a little luck to stay ahead  of her ruthless competitor all the way to Big Apple City.

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

CLASSIC variant cover by Nico Peña!

#gallery-0-65 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-65 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 20%; } #gallery-0-65 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-65 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Uncle Scrooge #22

Writers: Romano Scarpa, Gorm Transgaard, Thad Komorowski, Joe Torcivia Artists: Romano Scarpa, Victor “Vicar” Arriagada Rios Cover Artist: Silvia Ziche

“The Golden Birds!” When rare, deadly giant hawks with 24-karat feathers are discovered at the South Pole, brassy business-gal Brigitta MacBridge wants to help Scrooge save them for science—so why is he fleeing in terror?

FC • 40 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Beloved Disney comics master Romano Scarpa returns with Scrooge’s most infamous love interest, Brigitta MacBridge!

Continues this beloved series’ legacy numbering at #426!

Check out the Massimo Fecchi winter fun variant cover!

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Wynonna Earp Legends: Doc Holliday #2 (of 4)

Writers: Beau Smith & Tim Rozon Artist: Chris Evenhuis Cover Artist: Chris Evenhuis

Wynonna Earp and Doc Holliday have picked up an unusual ally: a former Pinkerton by the name of Charles Siringo. But they’re gonna need Charlie’s help if Wynonna and Doc are gonna stand a chance against an enemy from Doc’s past. Beau Smith and Tim “Doc Holliday himself” Rozon put Doc through the ringer in this thrilling conclusion!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

#gallery-0-67 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-67 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-67 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-67 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Yakuza Demon Killers #3

Writer: Amit Chauhan Artist: Eli Powell Cover Artist: Eli Powell

Will Ochita’s induction lead to corruption? A contentious decision within the Yakuza hierarchy leads to Ochita being inducted as their first female member. As the Yakuza quarrel, the opportunistic demon leader Gaikotsu will set his horrific endgame into motion!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Featuring story and art from the winners of the 2015 TOP COW Talent Hunt!

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via IDW Publishing

IDW Publishing Previews for 01-04-2017

IDW has a ton of great stuff on sale this week and we have your early look at it all.

IDW Publishing Previews for 01-04-2017 IDW has a ton of great stuff on sale this week and we have your early look at it all.

[outright-geekery]

IDW has a ton of great stuff on sale this week and we have your early look at it all. Here’s the IDW Publishing Previews for 01-04-2017.

Back To The Future: Citizen Brown

Writers: Bob Gale, Erik Burnham Artist: Alan Robinson Cover Artist: Alan Robinson

Time-traveling into comics directly out of Telltale’s 2010 smash-hit episodic videogame BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE GAME! When an empty time-traveling DeLorean suddenly shows up in 1986, Marty McFly quickly learns that his friend Doctor Emmett “Doc” Brown is stranded in 1931 and possibly in mortal danger. Now it’s up to Marty to return to the past once again to save Doc and the time-space continuum!

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 120 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-793-2

Bullet points:

“Perfectly at ease in the existing Back to the Future world and true to the voices of the original characters.” – Newsarama

#gallery-0-52 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-52 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-52 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-52 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Box Office Poison Color Comics #1

Writer: Alex Robinson Artist: Alex Robinson Cover Artist: Alex Robinson

The story of Sherman, Dorothy, Ed, Stephen, Jane, and Mr. Flavor as you’ve never seen it before: IN FULL COLOR! Alex Robinson’s masterpiece of dreary jobs, comic books, love, sex, messy apartments, girlfriends (and the lack thereof), undisclosed pasts, and crusty old professionals remains one of the most delightful and whimsical comic stories—and with colorist Pat N. Lewis’ fantastic color work, BOP is ready to return to comic stands!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Winner of the Eisner Award for Talent Deserving Wider Recognition, the International Comics Festival Award for Best Debut Graphic Novel (Angouleme, France), and voted by Wizard Magazine as the best indy graphic novel of all time.

“A salute to comics, an exploration of the human condition, and a solid, absorbing, and riotously snide tale about at least half of the things that make life important.” — Tasha Robinson, The AV Club

Each issue will be presented in color for the very first time!

#gallery-0-53 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-53 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 14%; } #gallery-0-53 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-53 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Chris Samnee’s Daredevil: Artist’s Edition HC

Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Chris Samnee Cover Artist: Chris Samnee

IDW Publishing launched the very first Artist’s Edition in 2010. It was a bold concept that to date has garnered five consecutive Eisner Awards in the category of Best Archival Project. With the release of Chris Samnee’s Daredevil Artist’s Edition we continue to stay ahead of the pack by featuring not one, not two, but THREE versions of Samnee’s gorgeous original art—we like to think of it as an Artist’s Edition triple play! This amazing collection will be presented in TWO books. The first, a hardcover featuring Daredevil Issues 23 – 27. Since these books were lettered digitally, you will see more of the Samnee’s original art than ever before! Additionally, all of Chris’ beautiful layouts will be printed here, again, scanned from the original art. The second book will be a horizontal softcover, printing all Mark Waid’s scripts—but that’s not all—Samnee’s artistic technique involves drawing thumbnail breakdowns ON the script pages themselves. Which means there are THREE versions of art presented, plus the actual script enabling you to read along with the story! Additionally, these two books will come in a handsome slipcase. You’ve heard the term “Artist’s Artist?” This will be an “Artist’s Artist’s Edition!”

HC/TPB w/slipcase • BW • $95.00 net cost item • 160 page HC + 60 page SC • 12” x 17”  HC + 17” x 12” SC• ISBN: 978-1-63140-723-9

Bullet points:

The immensely popular, critically acclaimed, and Eisner Award-winning duo of Mark Waid and Chris Samnee are showcased in their first Artist’s Edition!

TWO books, slipcased!

Disney Mysterious Melodies OGN

Writer: Bernard Cosey Artist: Bernard Cosey Cover Artist: Bernard Cosey

What was life like for Mickey before 1928… before Hollywood stardom struck? In this riveting, phantasmagorical “what-if” tale, we follow the Mouse from his humble origins—as Oswald Rabbit’s screenwriter!—through a tangled web of trains, rocket ships, and stolen Shakespeare scripts! Will a haunting tune bring Mickey and Minnie together for the first time? Will Goofy find success as a… ferryboat driver? Or will big boss Mr. Casey and relentless Pegleg Pete strike again? Award-winning Swiss cartoonist Bernard Cosey (Lost in the Alps) brings us an amazing Mouse adventure with a thoughtful, emotive twist.

HC • FC • $14.99 • 64 pages • 9.25” x 12” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-777-2

Bullet points:

Celebrated French writer/artist Bernard Cosey presents a riveting, fascinating Mickey adventure in the Floyd Gottfredson tradition!

Jump on for the second in IDW’s new series of European Mickey graphic novels—featuring cinematic storytelling and modern Disney art like you’ve never seen!

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Donald and Mickey: The Magic Kingdom Collection

Writers: Carl Barks, Giorgio Cavazzano, Victor “Vicar” Arriagada Rios Artists: Carl Barks, Giorgio Cavazzano, Victor “Vicar” Arriagada Rios Cover Artist: Massimo Fecchi

Sixty years of Disney Parks—who knew? Now IDW is celebrating with decades of Disney’s classic Park-themed adventure comics! Carl Barks‘ Scrooge McDuck and Donald travel from the Mark Twain Riverboat to the top of the Matterhorn… then Mickey investigates the strange disappearance of the Country Bear Jamboree. And is that the real Pegleg Pete standing in for the Cast Member who plays him? “Oh, for gosh sakes!”

TPB • FC • $12.99 • 124 pages • 6” x 9” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-796-3

Bullet points:

There’s a Carl Barks story, so it’s worth it just for that.” – Multiversity Comics

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Dragonlance: The Legend of Huma

Writer: Richard A Knaak, Brian Augustyn, Sean J. Jordan, Trampas Whitman Artist: Mike S. Miller, Rael Lyra, Mike Crowell, Joe Prado, Rod Reis, Ricardo Riamonde, Abdul Rashid, Carlos Paul, Andrea Di Vito, Laura Villari, Steve Kurth, Carsten Bradley Cover Artist: Nghia Lam

The world of Krynn is under siege by the dark goddess Takhisis. Led by the renegade wizard Galan Dracos, Takhisis’ forces of evil threaten to conquer all. The only resistance to the Dark Queen are the Knights of Solamnia and their few allies. One Knight rises from their ranks–a Knight destined to become the greatest hero of Krynn. This is his story… the Legend of Huma. Adapts the the novel by best selling author Richard A. Knaak.

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 144 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-797-0

Bullet points:

More vintage Dragonlance re-collected for today’s audience!

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G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #235: Snake In The Grass, Part 6

Writer: Larry Hama Artist: S L Gallant Cover Artist: S L Gallant

COBRA prepares for its next strike against G.I. JOE, and this time, the Real American Heroes won’t see it coming!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

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Jem and the Holograms #22

Writer: Kelly Thompson Artist: Meredith McClaren Cover Artist: Meredith McClaren

THE STINGERS part 4! Jem and The Holograms new drummer is incredible and everyone knows it—too bad she’s a spy working for The Misfits! What secrets will she discover when let into the inner sanctum of JEM?! As both The Stingers and Holograms gear up for their Masquerade Ball performances, some stars that are not so happy to be put in the corner threaten to tear it all down. Meanwhile, Shana’s new best friend in Milan may be turning into her best ENEMY?!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Get to know THE FOX!

Variant cover by Gisele Lagace!

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The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

Writer: L. Frank Baum Artist: Eric Shanower Cover Artist: Eric Shanower

Both of L. Frank Baum’s classic Santa Claus tales are collected here: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus and A Kidnapped Santa Claus, with with beautiful spot illustrations and cover art by Eisner Award-winning comics creator Eric Shanower.

HC • PC • $16.99 • 144 pages • 6” x 9” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-704-8

Bullet points:

The decorated master story-teller of Oz finds new Baum tales to illustrate for today’s new audiences!

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Mickey Mouse #16

Writers: Andrea “Casty” Castellan, Jonathan Gray Artists: Lorenzo Pastrovicchio, Jack Bradbury Cover Artists: Lorenzo Pastrovicchio

“Darkenblot,” Part 1 of 3! The futuristic city of Avantgarde has an awesome robot police force—but it’s just become the Phantom Blot’s private army! Can Mickey brave high-tech horrors to stop his old foe?

FC • 40 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Beloved modern Mickey master Andrea “Casty” Castellan is back—with a pulse-pounding new tale of the Phantom Blot!

Continues this beloved series’ legacy numbering at #325!

Check out the Marco Mazzarello winter fun variant cover!

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My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Vol. 11

Writers: Thom Zahler, Ted Anderson Artists: Tony Fleecs, Agnes Garbowska Cover Artist: Tony Fleecs

The Ponies go on an adventure to a newly erupted geyser. After some fun playing in the water, the ponies begin to act a bit strange, perhaps even… sinister, in “Ponies of Dark Water.” Plus, it’s election season in Ponyville and Mayor Mare looks to have the race in the bag. But when Filthy Rich throws his hat in the ring, all bets are off! Collects issues #43–47.

TPB • FC • $19.99 • 120 pages • ISBN: 978-1-63140-815-1

Bullet points:

What happens when good ponies turn bad?

  Optimus Prime #2

Writer: John Barber Artist: Kei Zama Cover Artist: Kei Zama

NEW CYBERTRON! A massive corkscrew-shaped space ship has drilled into Earth, bringing with it a surprising disruption to OPTIMUS PRIME’s plans. Meanwhile—ARCEE fields a dangerous offer that may be too good to resist!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Guest starring G.I. JOE!

The new world order continues as OPTIMUS PRIME struggles to bring Earth into the cosmic community!

Plus—how ORION PAX first met BUMBLEBEE!

Variant cover by Zoner!

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Powerpuff Girls: Homecoming

Writers: Haley Mancini, Jack Goldman Artist: Derek Charm Cover Artist: Derek Charm

Following the debut of their NEW hit Cartoon Network show, THE POWERPUFF GIRLS make a triumphant return to the world of comics! These stories, written by show-writers Jake Goldman and Haley Mancini, reintroduce us to the world of TOWNSVILLE, beautifully illustrated by Derek Charm. Collects issues #1–3 of the new series.

HC • FC • $12.99 • 80 pages • 6” x 9” • ISBN: 978-1-63140-829-8

Bullet points:

Smaller size and lower price for readers of all-ages!

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Ragnarök #11

Writer: Walter Simonson Artist: Walter Simonson Cover Artist: Walter Simonson

Thor Odinson and the Black Elf assassin, Regn, face off against the Lord of the Dead and his draugar in the Dark Tower, the citadel of his power that stands on the edge of Hel.

FC • 40 pages • $4.99

Bullet points:

Continuing Walter Simonson’s masterpiece!

Featuring a variant cover from Geof Darrow!

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Star Trek: Boldly Go #4

Writer: Mike Johnson Artist: Tony Shasteen Cover Artist: George Caltsoudas

Spock is gone, taken by an enemy unlike any Captain Kirk and his crew have faced before. War with the Romulan Empire is imminent. In the face of the ultimate no-win scenario, will the Federation survive? Don’t miss the all-new ongoing series set after the events of STAR TREK BEYOND!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Following the events of Star Trek Beyond!

The first arc ends HERE!

Variant cover by Marc Laming!

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Strawberry Shortcake #8

Writer: Georgia Ball Artist: Tina Franscisco Cover Artist: Valentina Pinto

The rivalry between Strawberry Shortcake and the Purple Pie Man has escalated into a hold-nothing-back race to the finish! Strawberry will need her friends, her food savvy and a little luck to stay ahead  of her ruthless competitor all the way to Big Apple City.

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

CLASSIC variant cover by Nico Peña!

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Uncle Scrooge #22

Writers: Romano Scarpa, Gorm Transgaard, Thad Komorowski, Joe Torcivia Artists: Romano Scarpa, Victor “Vicar” Arriagada Rios Cover Artist: Silvia Ziche

“The Golden Birds!” When rare, deadly giant hawks with 24-karat feathers are discovered at the South Pole, brassy business-gal Brigitta MacBridge wants to help Scrooge save them for science—so why is he fleeing in terror?

FC • 40 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Beloved Disney comics master Romano Scarpa returns with Scrooge’s most infamous love interest, Brigitta MacBridge!

Continues this beloved series’ legacy numbering at #426!

Check out the Massimo Fecchi winter fun variant cover!

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Wynonna Earp Legends: Doc Holliday #2 (of 4)

Writers: Beau Smith & Tim Rozon Artist: Chris Evenhuis Cover Artist: Chris Evenhuis

Wynonna Earp and Doc Holliday have picked up an unusual ally: a former Pinkerton by the name of Charles Siringo. But they’re gonna need Charlie’s help if Wynonna and Doc are gonna stand a chance against an enemy from Doc’s past. Beau Smith and Tim “Doc Holliday himself” Rozon put Doc through the ringer in this thrilling conclusion!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

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Yakuza Demon Killers #3

Writer: Amit Chauhan Artist: Eli Powell Cover Artist: Eli Powell

Will Ochita’s induction lead to corruption? A contentious decision within the Yakuza hierarchy leads to Ochita being inducted as their first female member. As the Yakuza quarrel, the opportunistic demon leader Gaikotsu will set his horrific endgame into motion!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Bullet points:

Featuring story and art from the winners of the 2015 TOP COW Talent Hunt!

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via IDW Publishing

IDW Publishing Previews for 01-04-2017 IDW has a ton of great stuff on sale this week and we have your early look at it all.