#they just love to do some sort of performance

[ellemeditdance]

Ok, but here me out: this world is perfect, actually. I think it takes a few days for the world to notice. People would be confused about why all the work they did yesterday didn't save, but wouldn't think too much about it. You'd have several people that noticed the date not changing on their phones who are trying to figure out how to fix it but assuming it's a weird glitch. If you were mid-travel when it reset, you'd wake up and think, wow I just had the most realistic dream that we had already left. But since everyone else still has free will and is doing different things, it might take a bit before everyone catches on. But once we did? No one's going to work anymore unless they like doing their job. Money isn't real, because your bank account resets, but there's also nothing to spend money on. The food in your house doesn't expire. Nothing you buy today will be here tomorrow. Wars end because what's the point? Neither side can ever win, because any progress you make gets reset, so why not just live peacefully with each other? People who want to spend their time doing art, will do art. Only as much art as can be accomplished in a single day, but there's a sort of beauty in that, I think. Make what you can for the thrill of making, rather than because you want anyone to see it. Oral storytelling would pop off. All new music would have to be memorized and performed live. People who enjoyed their jobs handing out food at the grocery store or making the electricity work and the water run will probably keep doing those things, but for free and only when they want to. Some jobs won't exist anymore, because a lot of jobs require building on what you do from one day to the next, but we probably don't need a lot of those jobs anyway in a society where everything starts fresh every day. Someone would probably make it their personal mission to remember how many days have passed and keep track so everyone else can count time. And that one guy who wakes up every day thinking nothing has changed? He just has a memory disorder, and will hopefully be treated with love and care by those around him, as he re-adapts to his new world every day. Honestly, this is a utopia, to me.

Apparently, you are living in a time loop. Also apparently, you are the only person on Earth who DOESN'T remember the previous iterations. This is the first time you've experienced today; the rest of humanity has been stuck reliving today for years now.

[bookwormjust]

The Harmony of Chaos

(Azriel x mate reader)

The living room was a whirlwind of laughter, music, and chaos. Feyre, Nesta, and you had claimed the space for an impromptu karaoke night, the three of you singing your hearts out to some ridiculous, upbeat song. Feyre was laughing so hard she could barely hold the microphone, while Nesta, her usual cool demeanor gone, was twirling dramatically, trying to match the lyrics but completely losing track halfway through.

You stood in the middle, the self-proclaimed referee of this performance, belting out the song while trying to pull both sisters back into sync.

It was a rare moment—one where Feyre and Nesta’s often strained relationship was set aside. When you were with them, the tension that usually lingered between the Archeron sisters seemed to evaporate.

From their spot on the couch, the batboys watched the scene unfold, each of them leaning back with a quiet sort of contentment that spoke volumes. Cassian had his arms crossed, his grin wide and unrestrained as he watched Nesta. The way his eyes softened every time she laughed or rolled her eyes at your antics made it clear he was utterly smitten. He’d never seen her like this—relaxed, unguarded, and… happy.

Rhys leaned back against the armrest of the couch, his hand resting on his chin as he watched Feyre. His smile was softer, more private, but the pride in his eyes was unmistakable. To see Feyre so carefree, surrounded by people she loved, brought him a kind of peace he rarely allowed himself to feel.

And then there was Azriel. He sat quietly on the other end of the couch, his shadows subdued as his golden eyes followed your every move. There was no hiding the way he looked at you—his mate, his everything. The small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips was a rare sight, reserved for moments like this when his walls were down, and he could simply… be.

Rhys glanced at his brothers, his smile growing. “Looks like we’ve lucked out, haven’t we?” Cassian snorted, never taking his eyes off Nesta. “That’s one way to put it. I’d say the Mother decided to balance out our chaos with… them.” He gestured toward the three of you. “Balance,” Azriel murmured, his gaze still locked on you as you grabbed both Feyre and Nesta’s hands, forcing them into an uncoordinated dance.

“It’s more than that.” Rhys arched a brow at Azriel’s rare sentiment, but said nothing, choosing instead to let his brother have the moment. As the song ended in a flurry of laughter and mock bows, you turned toward the couch, grinning.

“Are you three just going to sit there, or are you going to join us?” Cassian immediately shot to his feet, his grin mischievous. “Don’t mind if I do.”

Feyre groaned, though she couldn’t hide her amusement as Cassian grabbed Nesta, spinning her in a ridiculous circle that earned him a sharp glare (and a laugh she tried to suppress). Rhys rose more gracefully, offering Feyre his hand with an exaggerated bow. “Shall we, my High Lady?” Azriel, however, remained seated, his eyes meeting yours with that quiet intensity you knew so well. You walked over to him, hands on your hips. “What about you?”

He shook his head, though his lips twitched. “I think I’ll just watch.” “Oh, no you don’t.” You grabbed his hand, pulling him to his feet despite his protests.

“This is a no-brooding zone tonight.”

He allowed himself to be dragged into the chaos, his shadows retreating as he found himself swept into the warmth of the moment. And as the night went on—filled with more music, laughter, and impromptu dances—you couldn’t help but feel it too. The warmth, the connection, the unspoken bond between all of you.

For once, everything felt right. Feyre and Nesta exchanged a rare, genuine smile, and you caught it out of the corner of your eye. You weren’t sure how it had happened, but somehow, you’d become the bridge between them—the glue that brought everyone together. And when you looked up at Azriel, his hand still in yours as he watched you with that quiet, unwavering love, you knew you’d found your place too.

[demons-art-hell]

Lore expansion on Joel's role in gbau!

Exposition: Vampires, whilst a proven fact in gbau, are still rather mystic and generally unheard of Typically, they're thought of as near exitinct, when it truth they live under the radar in secret

Those with express features such as pointed ears tend to explain it away by being Elyian (very brief overview! I will get more into how vampires function in a seperate post)

Continued under the cut

Anyway, This being the case, there is lots of prejudice towards vampires, and plenty of blatantly incorrect information, particularly of old historical and/or fictional nature

After reuniting with Grian and Mumbo (and being introduced to Scar) at an unofficial homecoming (hosted by Gem & The Scotts because they wanted to show off perform), Joel takes an interest in writing about the project they're both a part of

Whilst there, however.. He notices how strange and different Grian is

First, and most prominently, his feathers have gold bands on their edges Now, Joel isn't an expert on hybrids, let alone avians, but surely it doesn't make sense for a feather pattern to suddenly change somewhere in adulthood

Following that, not only are his wings singed gold but so are his eyes... And they seem to glow with it?

Possibly least importantly, the man isn't wearing glasses This, by itself, isn't suspicious, but knowing how Grian was in his teens, he HATED contact lenses, and Joel knows he can't see for shit without his glasses

When broached on this, Grian clams up about his wings, muttering something of it being medical, but as for his eyes, his excuse comes in the form of switching to contacts, and, while he's at it, choosing coloured ones

Joel is unsatisfied with this answer, as it doesn't explain the glow his eyes appear to have, nor does he believe Grian would ever get over hating contacts, but he doesn't press further

Later on in the night, he notices a fuss as Grian hurries out into the bathroom

When he asks, Mumbo, who'd stayed behind to make space for him to leave, responds that Grian started having sudden nose bleeds recently

Odd

This is all strange behaviour, but nothing about this sets Joel off to investigate until the day he actually goes in for his article

And sees distinct bite marks on Grian's neck Ones he flusters about and hides quickly

And the whole thing just snowballs from there

Glowing eyes in the dark? Suddenly not requiring glasses? Having 'nosebleeds' where he could be going off to do who knows what Finding someone to feed off of perhaps?

He can't explain the gold in the wings, but it sure only adds to his suspicion!

Joel begins making excuses to remain at their project's headquarters, spinning some story about wanting to make more articles as he (not so) subtly begins digging into Grian

He notes many things like how he always seem tired, sometimes even passing out around the building, and eventually scrounges up from somewhere that he changed jobs, abandoning his own project due to 'not being able to partake in the contruction' anymore

He notes how little Grian goes outside and, when he does, how little he flies compared to when he last saw him

Perhaps the sun makes him tired? Weak enough to not fly? He certainlly seems sickly enough for it

The more time passes the further into a hole he digs himself, noting how Grian appears to recover from injury too fast, how he turns to face people just a fraction too early compared to when they call him, and him knowing things he shouldn't

Such as where someone is in the building, even if Joel KNOWS he hasn't seen them all day

It gets concerning, in fact, how much he puts into this

I love conspiracy theorist Joel He's incredibly suspicious of everything Grian does now, believing it to be an evil vampire plot of some sort I will probably try and write something on the makeshift homecoming, so that I can introduce more characters and their roles/magic in this au Note on the comic: A plaster is a band aid Also I call this a homecoming, but the school system in this universe will be closer to the British schooling system than the American one. Because I don't know anything about it. It confuses me Second notes: The 'project' Grian Scar and Joel are a part of is a hermitcraft equivalent. Eventually I will get everyone moving into the area! starting with Joel convincing Lizzie they should start up a second branch of their cafe there And the project Grian worked on before the incident is a life series equivalent! Alright! Good day, good evening, good night!

[euniexenoblade]

Favorite Music of 2024

You've been beaten over the head with every music reviewer's best of 2024 lists, so I'm not going to make this super long or robust. My top ten list, though it may have some surprises, will not be that shocking. But, I do hope that somewhere in this post you discover something new. There's a lot of music out there, be open minded and try new stuff.

That all said, here's my top ten releases of 2024:

10 - She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She by Chelsea Wolfe

When I first heard this back in February I was pretty disappointed. I'm a huge fan of Wolfe, her album Apokalypsis is tied for my favorite album of all time, but as she's gotten away from the sound of that album, I've become less and less interested in her work. The more she gets into doom metal and adjacent genres, the more I feel like her work isn't as original or as interesting as when she was a nobody ethereal wave goth rock musician. Her team up with Converge for Bloodmoon I did sort of refute this though, showing that Wolfe is definitely great in these intense metal genres.

When I first heard She Reaches Out I was surprised it didn't channel the sludge metal of Bloodmoon or the doom concepts of Hiss Spun. I didn't feel as captivated as I had with her previous works. But, as time went on, I would find myself coming back to She Reaches Out, and with each new listen I found myself noticing little things I hadn't before. Ultimately, this was an album I had rejected for not being what I wanted it to be, instead of actually listening to what it has to offer. Frankly, this is probably one of Wolfe's best albums. If you've never listened to her work, this is probably a very good place to start, it's easy to listen to and at 42 minutes it doesn't overstay it's welcome.

Favorite Songs: Dusk, House of Self-Undoing & The Liminal

09 - TANGK by Idles

Much like the previous album, Tangk took some time for me to appreciate - and seeing Idles perform the majority of it live helped tremendously. Idles being this 'leftist punk band that's also not a punk band and makes songs I have a hard time describing to people' have put out so many intense, intelligent, silly, complex albums that coming into Tangk it feels almost like a slowdown. Compared to Joy As An Act of Resistance or Crawler, this album feels slow, or quieter. And described by members as songs about love, it just feels like there's less going on.

But, as I listened to it more and more you find there's such pretty instrumentation on this album. The piano, the synthesizers, the word play, there's so much here to love. It's not the most hard hitting punk album ever, but it's a fantastic listen. And considering it's my most listened to album of 2024, it has to be included on this list. Idles has succeeded at not being pigeonholed as a "punk band," and it's fantastic.

Favorite Songs: Dancer, Grace & Hall and Oats

08 - I Lay Down My Life For You by JPEGMAFIA

Ok, legit, if you took Jpeg off these tracks and made an instrumental version of the album, it'd be so fucking awesome. I'd listen to it just as much. I adore the music and samples on this album. This album might have the best beats of any hip hop album this year. It's such a good fucking album.

And thankfully, Jpeg is great on top of that music. I'm not the rap expert here, so take my opinions with a grain of salt, but I truly believe that Jpeg is one of the best in rap right now, top 5. Possibly top 3. I don't have much more to say, this album is great beginning to end.

Favorite Songs: Sin miedo, Exmilitary & JPEGUltra!

07 - Chromakopia by Tyler, The Creator

Tyler is easily in the top 3. Yeah, Kendrick's number one, that's fine. But Tyler is absolutely one of the best there is right now. Whether you're getting his insightful deconstruction of himself and others like in his song Take Your Mask Off or you're getting his silly lyrics like in Sticky, Tyler is creating some of the best music and best bars in the industry. Beginning to end Chromakopia is an impressive piece of art. No one else is making music that sounds like Tyler, go listen to him.

Favorite Songs: Take Your Mask Off, Like Him & Thought I Was Dead

06 - Soul Kiss by Frost Children and Haru Nemuri

Haru Nemuri? The Japanese noise pop artist I adore? Collaborating with Frost Children, the indie trans hyperpop duo? What?!

Two totally different artists from two different worlds came together and made an EP that absolutely blew my tits off. Soul Kiss is only 19 minutes long and it's one of the best releases of the year. Please just listen to it.

Favorite Songs: Burn, Bad Thing & Daijoubu Desu

05 - You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To by Knocked Loose

I've heard so god damn much metalcore in my life, and despite a soft spot in for heart for the genre, it's very rare that a band can do something different or new within it. I also would never think to compliment a straight edge album, people in that group tend to have a weird sense of superiority, a holier-than-thou attitude towards everyone else. Yet, sometimes people come out of it being incredibly great people (or at least entertaining).

You Won't Go etc. is an anti-Church album. At times I questioned if Knocked Loose was a Christian band (boooo) but after actually looking at lyrics I realized that I can't actually discern that. The lyrics are definitely anti-Christian Church though. If they are are bunch of Jesus freaks, then they're really digging through their identities of such on this album and questioning what shape their faith takes (or perhaps losing it). It's honestly a nice theme that's thoroughly embedded in the album. It doesn't feel preachy or annoying, but angry and introspective.

And, of course, all this information is just toppings for the beauty of the music. This goes hard, full of interesting riffs, great vocals (none of them clean, by the way), and it sounds magnificent. It's actually really short too, so easy to digest.

Favorite Songs: Suffocate (featuring Poppy), Sit and Mourn & Don't Reach for Me

04 - “NO TITLE AS OF 13 FEBRUARY 2024 28,340 DEAD” by Godspeed You! Black Emperor

It's no surprise that GY!BE would make one of the best albums of the year, they're post rock legends by this point. The surprise is that they're great people who want to bring attention to the genocide in Palestine.

For many decades the people of Palestine have been under a brutal assault by the Israeli government. At the time of the new GY!BE the death toll was 28,340 - mostly children; a year later and the death toll is a staggering 45,936 - mostly children, mostly civilians. You can not call yourself an anarchist or a communist or a "leftist" or "anti-war" and support Israel's actions. Even now with a ceasefire, Israel continues to kill the innocent.

Help out if you can, plenty of people need help. Maybe check out the aforementioned album if you're a fan of post rock.

Favorite Songs: Raindrops Cast in Lead, Pale Spectator Takes Photographs & Babies in a Thundercloud

03 - Laughingfish by Black Dresses

Anyone that knows me or has paid attention to any of my 'best of the year' lists would have seen this coming. Black Dresses is one of my all-time favorite groups and I love all their work. And since this is supposedly their final hurrah, the girls apparently breaking up and ending the project (for the second or third time so who knows I guess), this album feels especially raw, aggressive, sad, and melancholic.

If you've never listened to Black Dresses before, please go do it. Whether this album or another. They were a trans woman duo that made some of the best electro-industrial music ever and if that genre interests you then you'll adore their whole discography.

Favorite Songs: It's Probably Fine, Zero Fantasy & Wounded Animal

02 - GNX by Kendrick Lamar

You knew it was on this list somewhere.

2024 was definitely the year of Kendrick Lamar. GNX doesn't hit the incredible heights of To Pimp a Butterfly, but it's catchy and entertaining. There's nothing I can say about this album that hasn't been said by a million music reviewers, so I'm just gonna be shallow. It sounds good. Squabble Up and TV Off are fun and Luther is phenomenal. I love the way SZA and Lamar duet on Luther, it sounds beautiful. The only real negative I can think of is that the music to the titular GNX is dogshit. Like, he had to know it's dogshit, so I'm sure it's a decision he made on purpose for some reason, but the art of it is lost on me. Honestly, my hate for that beat is the only thing putting this at number two. GNX is probably the spiritual album of the year. Probably.

Favorite Songs: Squabble Up, Luther & TV Off

01 - Monarch of Monsters by Vylet Pony

OK WAIT BEFORE YOU JUST SCROLL PAST ROLLING YOUR EYES

Yes, Vylet is the trans lesbian MLP edm and synthpop musician. Yes, she makes brony music (pegasister music?). But this album is so much more than that. Abandoning her usual style of edm or synthpop, she instead has created a marvelous alternative rock album (I've seen it both described as noise rock and progressive rock, both are true) with the lyrical equivalent of an existential crisis.

If you're unfamiliar with Vylet's work (that's fair), she often writes up these albums with intense lore and characters, there's an entire fan wiki just to keep track of all her works and their characters and lore. But, all of that pales in comparison to Monarch of Monsters, it literally comes with a novella when you buy it on bandcamp. There's no easy way to explain this album, it's topic matter spans from trauma, to suicide, to love, the zoomed out look at it being that the traumatized can themselves become the abuser, or at the least grow into something they hate to see in the mirror. All this over music that seems inspired by Swans, Black Country New Road, and The Mars Volta. From power pop songs that you can dance to, to the 22 minute Sludge that feels so depressing, overwhelming, dark, suffocating you with it's sorrow (a good thing, somehow) - the song equivalent of an inescapable dread.

This album is outstanding, and it feels nice to put such an underrated artist on this pedestal so more people might listen to her. There was no other album like Monarch of Monsters this past year, hell there has been no album like this in the 2020s so far. Please give it a try. Brony music can be good sometimes (I am now tarred and feathered).

Favorite Songs: The Heretic (Woe is Me), Sludge, & Pest

For my full top 50 list, click the read more.

Monarch of Monsters by Vylet Pony

GNX by Kendrick Lamar

Laughingfish by Black Dresses

"No Title as of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead" by Godspeed You! Black Emperor

You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To by Knocked Loose

Soul Kiss by Frost Children & Haru Nemuri

Chromakopia by Tyler, The Creator

I Lay Down My Life For You by Jpegmafia

Tangk by IDLES

She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out by Chelsea Wolfe

Songs of a Lost World by The Cure

The New Sound by Geordie Greep

No Name by Jack White

Bright Future by Adrianne Lenker

A Lonely Sinner by Samlrc

Where Do the Butterflies Go by Dude Central

Absolute Elsewhere by Blood Incantation

SMILE! :D by Porter Robinson

Imaginal Disk by Magdalena Bay

13" Frank Beltrame Italian Stiletto With Bison Horn Grips by Xiu Xiu

I Saw the TV Glow OST

This Ain't the Way You Go Out by Lucy Rose

Sky Hundred by Parannoul

Brat by Charli XCX

Night Palace by Mount Eerie

Everything is Longing by Sonagi

No Hands by Joey Valence & Brae

Assembling Symbols Into My Own Poetry by Alice Longyu Gao

Hotel la Rut by Joanna Wang

For the Rest of Your Life by twikipedia

Scattersun by Fax Gang & Parannoul

Shinbangumi by Ginger Root

Bando Stone and the New World by Childish Gambino

Girl With No Face by Allie X

Digital Nightmare by TWRP

未成線上 by Ai Higuchi

Negative Spaces by Poppy

シューティング スター (Shooting Star) by Various Artists (Hello!Project tribute)

Praegustator by Kid Dakota

放生会 by Sheena Ringo

Unbound by Chelsea Wolfe

The Great American Bar Scene by Zach Bryan

Fission by Dead Poet Society

Moonbow by The Fever Haze

Concrete Jungle (The OST) by Bad Omens

Slash-&-Burn by Daoko

Bucchigiri Tokyo by Hanabie.

Lost Corner by Kenshi Yonezu

High School Musical by Crystal Tea

Hole In My Head by Laura Jane Grace

[moonsdrs]

۶ৎ── ANSWER AS YOUR DRSELF (60s fame ver.)

what is your name? — mary-lynn michelle hendrix.

favorite food? — any sort of pasta dishes. especially my mom's spaghetti

you can only choose one movie to watch for the rest of your life, which is it? — hm..i don't particularly watch any movies these days. maybe the wizard of oz?

what is your birthday? — nov 24, 1943

what is a song you will always have a place for in your heart? — two sleepy people by hoagy carmichael

favorite color, go! — purple!

name the most important thing to you. — my rings. my hands cannot be bare for more than a few moments and they are like my good luck charms.

favorite memory? — bringing jimi to the studio for the first time to record my first album. we had a lot of fun and he helped write some of my best hits from it.

least favorite memory? — summer. summer in general. i hate summer.

someone you dislike? — i don't have anyone i dislike at all...at least not currently.

in a crowded room, who would you look for first? — michael, of course.

best music genre? — r&b and rock.

a topic you defend with your life. — artist protection and freedom of creation.

a character you relate to. — minnie mouse

picture your room, is it messy? — it's neat and organized with a bedside table that is messy. you touch it to fix it up, then it's just not right. yes i need my glasses to be beside my glasses case not inside of it and yes the cup of two day old half drunken water does need to stay right there too.

gun to your head, are you funny? — no, i'm mary-ly- *gun goes off*

fruit platter or candy platter? — fruit platter but there cannot be mangos or melons of any kind.

sugar, sour or spice? — sugar

what's your aesthetic? — a little bit of everything depending on my mood.

who in your dr would you not be surprised they came out as a shifter? — my little sister, pharoah and maybe elvis presley (or priscilla)

what's your hogwarts house? — what's a hogwarts house? (moon note. she'd be a hufflepuff.)

ambivert, introvert or extrovert? — an introvert who thinks she's an ambivert.

best school subject? — english

where can someone find you when you're sad? — in my room or anywhere secluded, probably alone listening to the vinyl or curled up on michael's lap ranting to him about it.

who are you? — well- i'm kinda sad you're asking me this when i told you twice that i'm mary-lynn. have you been listening to me at all or am i talking to the void?

someone's music you don't enjoy? — hm..i don't really know. i just listen to music i know i already like.

have you had a near death experience? — no, and i plan to keep it that way.

who was your first love? do you regret it? — michael, my sweet lover boy. only thing i regret is not making my move the moment i knew him. 5 months without him down the drain when that whole time we could've already been kissing.

has there been anyone famous you didn't like? — no...i usually just stick to myself and whoever i am introduced to. i am never met with people of whose nature i already don't like.

do you enjoy your fanbase? — of course! they are the best fanbase in the entire world (they are holding me at gunpoint as i write this)

least favorite interview? — anyone where they start getting very pushy and invasive. like guys can i talk about my music instead of which monkee is the better kisser?

fsvorite instrument? — to play is the bass guitar. to hear is the trumpet and/or euphonium

do you perform live? where did you last perform live? — of course i perform live. what performer doesn't? i last performed live at a spring festival alongside my brother, jimi.

what's your favorite song you've made? — it's not a song i released but i have writing creds for ain't too proud to beg!

SHIFTING EXCERSISE ── answer as your dr self .✦

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

what is your name?

favourite food?

you can only choose one movie to watch for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

what is your birthday?

what is a song you will always have a place for in your heart?

favourite colour, go!

name the most important thing to you.

favourite memory?

least favourite memory?

someone you dislike?

in a crowded room, who would you look for first?

best music genre?

a topic you defend with your life

a character you relate to?

picture your room, is it organised or messy?

gun to your head... are you funny?

fruit platter or candy platter?

sugar, sour or spice?

whats your aesthetic?

who in your dr would you not be surprised if they came out as a shifter?

whats your hogwarts house?

ambivert, introvert, or extravert?

best school subject?

where can someone find you when youre sad?

who are you?

someones music you dont enjoy?

have you had a near death experience?

who was your first love? do you regret it?

questions for specific drs ★彡

(fame dr) has there ever been someone famous you didnt like?

(fame dr) do you enjoy your fanbase?

(fame dr) what are you famous for?

(fame dr) least favourite interview?

(pjo dr) whats your cabin number?

(pjo dr) favourite and least favourite god?

(pjo dr) least favourite camper?

(harry potter dr) best and worst teacher? why?

(harry potter dr) blood status?

(harry potter dr) what house are you in? whats your favourite house?

(harry potter dr) in time of need, would you ever use a unforgivable curse?

(band/singer dr) favourite instrument?

(band/singer dr) do you preform live? where did you last preform?

(band/singer dr) whats your favourite song you made?

happy shifting!!

⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ -> apologies if i didn't get your specific dr in here :-(

ᓚ₍ ^. .^₎ . . .

[jbaileyfansite]

Interview with The Guardian (2025)

The actor Jonathan Bailey sits at a large table in an otherwise empty room: charcoal cable knit sweater, loose pinstripe trousers, hair neatly coiffed. He is chewing gum, sipping coffee, talking through his recent career, and a certain serendipity that has rendered him reflective. At 36, he’s fresh from his turn as likely-lad love interest Fiyero in Hollywood’s blockbuster adaptation of Wicked; as a child, seeing the stage show was a milestone for him. “I remember thinking Fiyero was such a good part.” Later this year he will star in Jurassic World Rebirth alongside Mahershala Ali and Scarlett Johansson. “I saw the original Jurassic Park with my family, aged six, at the cinema,” he says. “It was the first time we all went together to something like that. It was seminal, but so rare for us.”

And this month, Bailey will star in Richard II at the Bridge Theatre, directed by Nicholas Hytner. Bailey is its protagonist. It is another example of full-circle career moment. In 2013, he appeared on stage in Hytner’s Othello. Same playwright, same director, same city – Bailey can’t help but consider all that’s changed in the intervening years. “Back then I was too young,” he says. “I came into the rehearsal process not mature or confident enough.”

Landing the role of Cassio, one of Othello’s lieutenants, had been so important to him then. “I didn’t go to drama school,” he says, “and there was a common belief that if you hadn’t, you wouldn’t be able to do classical texts, or perform in the big theatres. There are all these stories we are born into that we have to unpick. For me, one of those was how limited I felt.”

Bailey remembers the day that changed. “It was late December,” he says, “and I was walking along London’s South Bank.” He was on his way to the National Theatre to meet Hytner for a callback. “I’d worked so hard and for so many reasons it felt…” He cuts himself off, then goes on, “Working at the National was beyond my wildest dreams.”

Bailey performed the two scenes he’d prepared. Then, Hytner unexpectedly suggested a third, which Bailey hadn’t rehearsed. “I’m not very good at just reading and going,” he says. “I can’t really come up with… Anyway, I went with instincts. He offered me the job in the room. It was a defining moment in my career.”

All sorts of opportunities followed for Bailey: American Psycho at the Almeida; Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s TV debut Crashing; King Lear opposite Ian McKellen; BBC satirical sitcom W1A. He was made very famous for playing a leading Lothario in Bridgerton, the Netflix behemoth. “Now being back with Nick,” he says. “I have a much fuller and more cherished understanding of him as a human as well as a director. Getting back into a room with him now, with all that’s happening, just felt obvious.” Hytner’s praise for Bailey is just as high: “He can speak Shakespeare like it’s his first language… The stage is his element.”

It’s Wednesday lunchtime, early January, in a central London studio space. We’re meeting halfway through five weeks of Richard II rehearsals in full swing a few floors below us. He’s sitting at a large table. In front of him is a bulky script covered in yellow highlights. “It’s only half,” he says, flicking through, playful panic in his voice. “Not only that, I’ve thinned it, and taken out the scenes I’m not in, which feels very Richard II.”

It’s Bailey’s first stage production since 2022. Through Bridgerton, he has been exposed to a global audience. But theatre is where it all began. “So returning to the stage, now, just felt so right. And I don’t think I’ve changed at all, even if certain things around me have.” It has taken some adjustment, this new level of “Black Mirror-esque” notoriety that he’s experiencing. It’s why he likes the intimacy of these rehearsals, after months spent on sprawling film sets. And he’s enjoying being based in London for an extended period, close to friends and family.

Bailey is charming, handsome and self-effacing as we talk, but doesn’t seem entirely at ease. That gum chewing is fervent now; he’s fiddling with what’s in front of him. He habitually self-edits as he speaks. There’s a vagueness that, at times, feels purposeful. At regular intervals, he simply stops mid-sentence.

Take the play itself. “It’s such an incredible, searing interrogation of power, government and monarchy…” he says. “You have someone with the cast-iron right to rule, who is absolutely unfit to lead, emotionally underdeveloped… And Shakespeare wrote to be played, not published. There are so many references and nuances to what an Elizabethan audience would have understood… It’s about translating it from that, and delivering it to a modern audience, so the effect hopefully has the same vivid fervency and front-footedness especially politically and especially in this instance with monarchy and leadership.”

It sounds interesting. So where is he turning to for inspiration for his tyrannical overlord? I ask. Trump? King Charles? The Saudis?

“That’s for the viewer to see. I have very clear ideas and I hope the audience will, too…”

He won’t be drawn. I’m curious as to why. He shakes his head.

“You’ll have to come and see it.”

Later, over email, Hytner is more forthright: “The play wonders what happens when an entirely legitimate leader is set on ruining the country he leads. No good options. Submit or resist – either way you end up with chaos.”

Ahead of Wicked’s late-November release, there was a preview screening in Sydney. “It was part of this massive press tour, but for me it only lasted two weeks. The girls are incredible,” Bailey says of his co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, plugging the project for months on end. “And they’re still at it, still shining.”

In Oz, Bailey went along with one of his sisters and her two daughters in tow. It was the first time he’d sat back and watched the film properly. “I was so overwhelmed,” he says. “Even now, it makes me quite emotional. If there was the purest form of joy I had as a kid, it was singing and dancing.”

His family was based between Reading and Oxford. Bailey has three older sisters. As a child, he’d be dropped at basketball club at the local village hall. “From outside, I could see my sister’s ballet lessons through the window. I wanted to be in there with them. I’d go and wait at the back of their class in my Velcro trainers.” He enrolled. “I was obsessed and loved it. Dancing and singing felt like a vocation.”

Music also filled the family home. By the time Bailey was 10, his sisters would go out clubbing. “The next morning, they’d come back, and I’d get them, hungover, to do impressions of their different friends dancing.” It was a family affair. “We loved 90s club classics. Me, Mum, Dad and my sisters went through a phase of going into the new room – we had an extension, then called it that for 20 years – and we’d put on vinyls and dance, all of us.”

One day, he stopped. “I don’t know what happened,” he says, “for whatever reason, I didn’t confidently carry through the dancing. I got self-conscious in my teens that it was signalling something else. It just didn’t feel… I probably just knew it was better to be playing rugby than dancing. I became really self-conscious. There weren’t other dudes dancing.” One teacher called Bailey a “fairy” in front of his entire class. “In your teenage years it’s so raw. You lose your skin. And there are certain things in life,” he says, “that allow people to think they know something about you, and those assumptions mean you stop doing something you love. You curb or you police yourself. You don’t make the joke, or say the quip. You don’t stand up and advocate for yourself or your friends. And you start to slowly crumple. That’s purely on the basis of this idea of signalling. These stereotypes.”

One becomes fearful, he continues, of the immense hurt that others can cause. “Even more pain than binding yourself up slowly and creating a space of safety and refuge in your own mind or heart. That’s where it gets dangerous and people stop doing the things they’re supposed to. And how brilliant that we…” He pauses, surprised, concerned even – it seems – by how much he’s sharing. “It’s a scary time, isn’t it. On the one hand, I do think there’s such a… People are so much more open-minded about what defines masculinity now. What defines heterosexuality. What defines gender. But on the other hand, there’s a swing, obviously, towards… Anyway, that one will have to be a dot-dot-dot for you.”

It’s not that Bailey dropped performing as a child, only that things took off in a different direction. Back in ballet class, there’d been a callout from the Royal Shakespeare Company. “They needed young boys to play Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol.” He was seven years old. “My parents weren’t sure. It was so outside their world.” His mum worked in the NHS. “And Dad was a DJ, basically, in Piccadilly Circus at [70s nightclub] Snoopys.” But a child actor? “It’s a big ask, from a kid. I was really protected by them, but they gave me this opportunity.” He was cast, and continued to be through school. “It was extraordinary, really. I didn’t miss any lessons. By 13, I’d done three productions for the RSC, and a stint in the West End. All before I hit puberty.” Then came his first Shakespeare production: Prince Arthur in King John at the Barbican with the RSC. “I was 12 or 13, and that set me on another course. ‘Fuck, OK, you can also do this.’” The memories are visceral, even now: “The sickly, sweet smell of fake blood. Dry ice. All those senses. I was taken. That’s maybe where my creative juices were channelled more, over singing and dancing.”

He has worked solidly since his teenage years. Bridgerton, though, catapulted him to stardom. Afterwards, says Bailey, “I was contending with how things would change in my life.” The press introduction, a growing, global fandom, interest in his personal life and sexuality… “On one hand,” he says, “the success of Bridgerton, being able to play that role, and for who I am not to affect people’s perceptions; the love story between a man and a woman.” He pauses, again. Oh, actually.” Some nervous laughter. “It’s just, I’m cautious. I’m who I am and always will be. It’s an extraordinary thing to see and hear the word ‘gay’ next to your name all the time. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of, but it’s also not something anyone else would be defined by. So to go straight from Bridgerton, where inevitably that was talked about, to do a series like Fellow Travellers? It came along like some sort of beacon.”

Fellow Travellers, a Showtime series in which Bailey and Matt Bomer star, follows the romance between two American politicos, from the 1950s to 1980s. Production started as series one of Bridgerton started streaming. Among a predominantly queer central cast, cocooned on set, Bailey’s sexuality was entirely un-noteworthy. “All with our own experiences,” he says, “coming together. And learning about the history… The men who endured and experienced such horrendous and extraordinary things.”

Simultaneously, he was inundated with requests from charities following Bridgerton’s success. “I felt frozen by wanting to help.” The sheer scale of what was being asked and what he might do with his platform, connections and cash felt overwhelming. So, he founded the Shameless Fund. “Raising cash and erasing shame to support the global LGBTQ+ community. We’re giving grants this year. I’m so proud of it. It was all in theory. It seems so obvious and clear. We’ve raised a lot of money for initiatives that need cash and a platform. “And the thing is,” he says, “I can’t be a mouthpiece. I’m an actor.” As is clear through our conversation so far, he’s impassioned and engaged, but being outspoken doesn’t always feel comfortable. It must be challenging, I say. So many eyes and ears pointed in his direction. “The noise is turned up,” he says. “And when it’s about your family, or your identity… And nobody is going to question that headline, in a different outlet with their own agenda. That’s what’s left and it isn’t true. That’s why I’m really protective. I’ve seen something so specific about my identity be twisted. Ultimately you want peace within yourself, because the world is wild enough as it is. It’s too important now, with rights being stripped away. What’s so obviously looming…” Back to Wicked, I suggest.

“OK,” he says, relieved, “so I was doing Cock [his West End stint in Mike Bartlett’s comedy about sexual identity] and I knew a film of Wicked was happening.” In the dressing room before curtain up one night, Bailey recorded a self-tape. “As I was singing, doing a karaoke version of [Fiyero’s big number] Dancing Through Life, I got called to stage on the Tannoy. Fuck it, I just sent it.” There were some positive noises. “Then the dates didn’t look to be working out. Wicked said they couldn’t be sure about what they wanted…” Bailey made other plans. Then, out the blue, dates shifted: the part was his. The months that followed were hectic: during one stretch, while juggling Fellow Travellers, Bridgerton and Wicked, he was filming for 34 days straight.

“I’d come from set, sleep on a flight, go straight to a Bridgerton ball, then the next day be dancing with Ari and Cynthia. Everyone else for Wicked had three months of rehearsal. I had three days.” There’s a knock at the door: Bailey is being summoned back down to rehearsals. “The conclusion to that,” he says, “is Wicked happened and I’m so proud. Before I knew it I was Dancing Through Life…” Suffice to say, he’s thrilled to be.

Richard II is at the Bridge Theatre until 10 May, bridgetheatre.co.uk

Source

[gamerbot-22]

Spending Valentine's Day with the Trigang!

GIF by the-princess-cinnamon

TW/CW: Written with a combination of traits from across Trigun versions, written with the idea that they and reader are in a relationship (separately), lots of pet names!!! (Mayfly, Angel, Honey, Sweetheart), I am aiming to make y'all's teeth rot on how sweet these are, barely proofread and I appreciate spellchecks!

Characters Included: Vash the Stampede, Nicholas D. Wolfwood, Meryl Stryfe, Milly Thompson, Millions Knives/Nai

Recommended Listening: my love, mine all mine . a short playlist

A/N: Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I hope you all are having a wonderful day, whether you have a partner to spend it with, a friend, or just your lovely self <3

Likes and Reblogs appreciated (reblogs > likes) and Requests are Open! It’s all under the cut!

Dividers in this post were made by @/strangergraphics ☆

🥀 Vash the Stampede

GIF by kvroko

He is the most lovesick man in the world on this day, let me tell you.

You wake up and see him in bed next to you just absolutely whipped. He wraps an arm around your waist and nuzzles in close and his first words are "Happy Valentine's, Mayfly..." before just drowning you in kisses.

Originally the plan was he would get up and make you breakfast in bed but he got all caught up in being close to you. So you're making breakfast together! It turns out nice, even if you two struggle to get it right.

There's not really flowers on Gunsmoke, but he knows what they look like. So you get a drawing of all sorts of flowers, with meanings only half-remembered from books he used to pour over as a kid.

If you got him anything it takes all of his effort not to fall apart on you. (Please get him something sweet, he deserves it!!)

He wants to take you dancing so baaaad. Like serious bad. There is nothing he loves more than getting to just be close to you and spin you around.

Vash spends all day trying to find a place to take you dancing, but it's a little hard to do that when you're an outlaw and an outlaw's partner. The effort is there but it just doesn't pan out.

But you know? There's something special about slow dancing with Vash by the fire out in the desert while he hums a song to you under the stars <333

🍭 Nicholas D. Wolfwood

GIF by mine-loves

I don't think Valentine's Day had been on his radar in a very very long time, so it's probably either day of or immediately upon waking up where he realizes "Oh shit, I need to do something--"

You're about halfway through the morning thinking that you're not getting anything from him when he nearly goes ass over teakettle rushing over to you. He has a half-crushed box of sweets in one hand and a bottle of something bubbly in the other and the most embarrassed look on his face.

He mumbles out a "Sorry, Angel, I almost forgot--" and holds both gifts out to you with his head bowed, like a shy kid or a nervous dog. But you take them in your hands and give him a kiss on the cheek and he doesn't feel as bad.

You two end up sharing, and while the sweets and drinks might be cheap, the time isn't. Hell, maybe you two even end up feeding each other like those sappy couples in those newspaper ads.

He's not a man of flowery words, but he did learn a lot about the saints as a kid. I don't think Wolfwood would frame it as a gift or anything, but when there's a quiet moment he tells you the story of St. Valentine if you're willing to listen.

"He used to perform weddin's for people 'n secret," he tells you, one arm wrapped around your shoulders. "People weren't too big on the Man Upstairs back in the day, so what he was doin' was pretty dangerous. Didn't stop him, though. Or the people he married."

Then he turns his head away from you to save some face. He doesn't want to put too many ideas in either of your heads, but... the idea is kinda nice. For the future.

Once he gets past the nerves though, you get all the kisses you could want. From the crown of your head to your eyelids to your cheeks to your lips. He has a new favorite holiday <333

📸 Meryl Stryfe

GIF by mine-loves

"Ah, honey! My birthday was yesterday! You already got me a gift; you didn't have to get me anything, really!"

She says that, but honestly she's really happy that you would go out of her way to give her a gift a second day in a row. Like! You didn't have to!! But you did!!!

So she takes it and gives you a kiss and when she pulls away her face is so pink. It's precious, and with her soft cheeks she looks a bit like a sweet all on her own.

And you get such a nice gift in turn. I think she's the type to get you something to wear or decorate yourself with, so she gives you this really beautiful pendant on a chain to wear either around your neck or wrapped tight around your wrist.

She also does her damndest to have a nice dinner reservation lined up, if you're in a part of Gunsmoke that allows. She wants to get all dolled up with you and just have a nice evening in whatever luxury an insurance agent/newspaper reporter's salary can get you.

And after dinner, if you still have energy, maybe you can go to a show together! Surely somebody has to be doing something on a stage nearby, right? And if they serve food too, you can share a dessert while you listen.

I think you two end up at a comedy show and have a great time, either laughing until your sides get sore or sharing some amused-if-sympathetic if the person on stage is floundering.

By the end of the night, Meryl's pretty beat and ready to just prop herself up in bed with you. I don't think she even makes it out of her clothes, she just lays her head on your chest and drifts off on the spot <333

💼 Milly Thompson

Breakfast! In! Bed! For! Her! Sweetheart!!!

You get the absolute gentlest wake-up call. She puts her hand on your shoulder, kisses your temple, and chimes "Good morning, sweetheart! Happy Valentine's!"

While you eat she gives you her big plan for the day: Nothing! She just wants to stay in with you and relax all day. And she seems so genuinely excited for that it's nigh impossible to tell her no, especially when she assures you that she still has special things to do in mind.

Once you're both ready to be up and out of bed, she gets the radio tuned to you guys' favorite music station so there's a nice backdrop to all your activities.

Then you spend the whole day just. Making things together. Poetry, stories, silly songs for just the two of you, and all the while there's that lovely music playing and a batch of cookies in the oven for later.

And once the cookies are done and cooled, it's time to ice them! You have so much fun mixing colours and making all these pretty patterns that look absolutely nothing like the book you're using for reference.

At first, Milly is a little upset she's not as good as the pictures, but you help her realized two very important things: no one else could make patterns exactly like she is, and they'll taste delicious either way!

Your evening is spent feeding each other cookies and going over all the things you've made together, and when you kiss each other goodnight you both taste like icing <333

🔪 Millions Knives/Nai

WE'RE PLAYING IN THE SPACE HE'S HERE TOO!! Nai lovers I see you and I love you!!! /p You deserve some time with your man on the holiday, too!

I don't think he would really mention the holiday or observe it in any special way, but like...

If he's playing his piano and you come in and be quiet, he won't stop. Even when he sees you sitting on the floor or leaning against the piano out of the corner of his eyes.

He has that one piece he plays all of the time, Visitation of a Calamity/Memory of a Piano, but it's not the only one he knows. After he's finished with that one for this bout of practice, he shifts into another one.

It's calming by some definition. It's still very powerful, and it reverberates off the ceiling and in your ribs, but it doesn't feel like the usual posturing that the other piece evokes.

It's sweeping still, but less a torrent and more a breeze that catches the folds of your clothes and the air from your lungs. It feels a little like flying, you think.

He doesn't say a word to you until he finishes the suite, then without even looking at you, he asks "Is there something you needed me for?"

And I mean... is there? <333

[basic-x-witch]

Stories From The Scarlet Crypt

The Star of The Scarlet Crypt

This story contains nsft themes

The lights in the lounge were dimmed as the sound of light jazz echoed throughout. Men of all sorts sat on the velvet sofas and arm chairs, drinking their preferred brand of poison and smoking their cigarettes. It was a full house, but that was expected on nights like tonight. When she was set to perform, Rook, the star of The Scarlet Crypt. 

The Crypt was a prestigious gentlemen's club in downtown London, and Rook had been their leading lady for almost three years now. As she peeked through the red velvet curtains to survey the crowd, she couldn’t help but smile when her eyes caught a glimps of her favorite regular.

Emmrich Volkarin.

He was sitting in the same spot he always was when he came to see her. Just slightly left of center stage, in one of the arm chairs with his usual glass of red. He was always such a gentleman to all the ladys who worked the floor of the lounge, but he seemed to have a soft spot for Rook. One of the other girls had told her once back stage that she had noticed that a lot of the time he never came unless Rook was scheduled to preform. 

“You’re on in 5 Rook,” one of the stage hands reminded her in passing. Rook nodded and removed her dressing robe that covered her costume. Tonight she was scheduled to sing rather then do one of her racier burlesque routines. Which she honestly preferred some nights, not that she didn’t enjoy the showman ship of doing burlesque, she loved it in fact. She just loved singing more, and if this was how she was going to get the opportunity to do it in front of a crowd then she wouldn’t complain. 

Rook is quick to check herself in the full sized mirror, fixing her costume slightly before heading to her starting spot behind the curtain. She was wearing a beautiful outfit that her friend and flatmate Lace had helped her sew. It was a skin tight, floor length white dress with a flared bottom and a slight train. On the front of the dress was a cascade of opulent string of pearls, that had been positioned on the dress to mimic the look of the human ribcage. 

The filler jazz music began to fade and the lights dimmed even more, signaling that the show was about to begin. The lounge was quite with anticipation, and then a single spot light shown center stage to reveal Rook in all her glory. The band began to play a jazz rendition of the song ‘Die for you’ by The Weeknd, and then the lounge was filled with the sound of Rook's melodic voice as she began to sing.

Emmrich’s eyes never left her beautiful form as she sang, her voice was enchanting. He smiled as he noticed her eyes kept flickering in his direction as she sang the chorus of the song. As much as he was loving her performance, as he always did, he was anticipating its end. Eagerly thinking about the proposition he wanted to discuss with her, during their usaul alone time in one of the VIP private lounge rooms. 

As Rook belted out the last few notes the music began to fade out with her voice, and the crowd erupted into wild mix of  wolf whistles and roaring applause. Rook took a bow and blew kisses into the crowd. One such kiss was aimed directly at Mr. Volkarin with an added wink. She then exited the stage to go freshen up before it was her time to work the floor. 

Back in her dressing room she changed out of her show dress, in favor of a little black lingerie number, and the matching black evening gloves. She reapplied her raspberry red lipstick and a bit more powder, fixed her hair and put on some matching red bottom heels. She posed in the mirror a few times and smiled at her reflection. She grabbed her black feathered robe and slipped it on before exiting her dressing room.

As Rook stepped onto the floor of the lounge she noticed that Emmrich was no longer sitting in his usual seat. She had a hunch that she knew where he had vanished too, and as if to confirm her suspicions one of the bouncers who went by Viper walked up to her. 

“Hey Asher, can I help you with something hun?” She asked with a sweet lilting tone.

“Rook you know the rules…I’m Viper while on duty..” he huffed softly, this clearly wasn’t the first time he had needed to remind her to use his moniker rather then his real name. “Anyway, you got a VIP room booked with your name, room 4.”

“Thank you for the heads up Ash- Viper, sorry. Thank you Viper.” She smiled and heads towards the bar to grab a bottle of their finest deep red Merlot and two glasses. Once the wine was acquired she makes her way to lounge room number 4, she balances everything in one hand long enough to wrap her hand against the door three times.

“Come on in.” She smiles as she heard his handsome but subtle French accent sound from inside. 

She turns the handle to pop the door open, she then re-adjusted the wine bottle in her hands and pushed the door open with her ass. Turning into the room once the door was open all the way. She makes eye contact with Emmrich as she enters. There he sat on the spacious velvet chaise, the sleeves of his white dress shirt rolled up to his elbows. His jacket draped over the arm of the chaise, and the first three buttons of his shirt were already undone. 

“Well it looks like you’ve already made yourself comfortable, Mr. Volkarin.” She teases as she walks over and sets the wine and glasses on the glass coffee table. “I brought a Merlot, I know it’s your favorite.” 

“Rook please, how many times do I need to tell you that you can just call me Emmrich.” He says with a smile. 

“At least once more, sir.” She taunts. She goes to pour them both a glass of the Merlot, standing right in front of Emmrich, and purposefully sticking out her rear as she bends over to pour the wine. Emmrich smirks, sitting up and reaching out to take hold of her hips. He rubbed small circles against her soft flesh through her robe. 

Rook giggles softly as she turns slowly, his hands still resting on her hips as he guides her forward. She obliges and straddles his lap, handing him his glass of wine. “I’ve missed you, it feels like you haven’t come to see me in quite some time..” she pouts.

“Apologies my dear, but it’s exam week at the university, so I’ve been stretched a bit thin.” He explained as he went to take a sip from his glass. A smirk curls at the corners of Emmrich's lips as Rook straddles his lap, the sultry pout on her lips and the gleam in her eyes only fueling the growing hunger in his gaze. He takes a sip from his glass of wine, the dark liquid staining his lips as he looks up at her, his eyes glinting with a mixture of affection and hunger. "But here I am now, darling. All yours for the evening."

“And what a pleasure it is to have my favorite patron back to see me.” She coos, her free hand trailing down his chest. Emmrich lets out a low, amused hum, his fingers tightening ever so slightly on her thigh in response. The touch sends a shiver of pleasure down his spine, his eyes darkening with desire.

"Flattery will get you everywhere, darling," he murmurs, his voice low and smooth as he leans in closer to her. "Especially when it comes from your sweet lips."

He runs his hand slowly up her thigh, the touch lingering as he gently tugs her closer to him. Rook carefully, slowly shimmies out of her sheer robe, letting it fall to the floor. Leaving her in the black lingerie set.  “I did however request you here for a reason, my dear. Other than to just admire your beauty up close and personal.” He mused softly.

“Oh and what might that be?” She asks. Emmrich takes another sip of his wine, his eyes slowly raking over her body as he sets the glass aside.

"Why, I have a special request, of course." He replies, his voice a low purr. He gently lifts her chin with his finger, his touch firm but gentle, forcing her to meet his gaze. "And it's one I'm sure you'll be more than happy to fulfill. You see, I would like to offer you the opportunity to be my sugar baby.”

“Your sugar baby?” The woman repeated, slightly shocked but not disagreeing with the idea. Emmrich nods, a smirk playing on his lips as he watches her reaction.

"That's right, darling. You see, I have what one might call a... preference for younger women,such as yourself. And I'm willing to compensate you handsomely for your time and companionship." He reaches out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his touch lingering on her skin. "You'd have access to luxury, money, and all the finer things in life. All I ask in return is your loyalty and willingness to be mine, both in public and in private."

“Mr. Volkarin, I don’t know what to say.” Rook blinks, as Emmrich chuckles softly, his eyes filled with amusement at her stunned expression.

"There's no need to be speechless, darling. Take your time to consider it. It's a rather significant proposition after all." He runs his fingers lightly down her neck, tracing the curve of her collarbone before coming to rest on her shoulder. "But I assure you, the benefits would be well worth it. You'd have a life of luxury, and you'd never want for anything. I'll provide you with everything you could possibly desire, my sweet little songbird."

She would be lying if she said that the offer didn’t tempt her greatly, she was currently living in a tiny flat in east London with her roommate Lace. And while she did make a decent amount of money working here at the gentleman’s lounge, she could always use the extra cash. Emmrich can see the conflict in her eyes, the temptation warring with her reservations. He watches her closely, his gaze observant and calculating.

"I can tell you're considering it," he says, his voice low and smooth. "There's a hunger in your eyes, a yearning for more. And I can provide that, my dear. You'd never have to worry about money again. You'd live in comfort, enjoy all the finer things in life, and be mine." He leans in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispers, "Isn't that what you want, Rook? To be mine and only mine?"

“You’re not implying that I’d have to stop working at the lounge are you?” She asked. Emmrich chuckled softly, pulling back to look at her with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"No, darling. I'm not that much of a controlling man. You're free to continue working here, of course. But I would prefer that you spend your free time with me, not entertaining other patrons." He runs his fingers down her arm, his touch light and possessive. "I want you all to myself, my sweet little bird. I'm willing to share you with others when it comes to work, but outside of that... you’d belong to me."

“Mr. Volkarin, I'm flattered that I’ve caught your eye.” She coos.

Emmrich's smirk widens, his gaze darkening with satisfaction. "Oh, you've more than just caught my eye, darling. You've captivated me. There's something about you that I find utterly irresistible." He reaches out to brush a strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering as he cups her cheek. "You're like a siren, luring me in with your beauty and charm. And I have no intention of resisting the temptation."

“Technically I’m not supposed to do this, but I think I’ll make an exception for you, love.” She says with a sultry smile as she sets her glass of wine down. She shifts her body and positions herself on the floor between Emmrich’s legs. Emmrich's breath hitches as she moves between his legs, a low growl rumbling in his chest at the sight of her on her knees before him.

"And why is that, darling?" he asks, his voice rough with desire. "Why make an exception for me?"

“Let’s call it an early payment for what I’ll owe you later, what with you being my sugar daddy and all that.” She smirks as she undoes his belt and work open his pants. Emmrich's eyes darken further, a mix of desire and approval in his gaze as he watches her work.

"Such a good girl, willing to pay your dues early." he murmurs, his voice rough with need but light with amusment. He reaches out to run his fingers through her hair, gently but firmly guiding her closer to him. As she finally releases his cock from its confinds, Rook pauses for a moment, taken aback by its size. He was long, but slender. A bit thicker towards the base of the shaft and was protruding from a thick forest of salt and pepper curls. Emmrich smirks at her reaction, a hint of smugness in his eyes as he watches her take in the sight of him.

"Impressed, darling?" he asks, his voice low and filled with confidence. "You can touch it, you know. I don't bite... unless you want me to."

Rook takes one of her gloved hands, bringing it to her mouth. She takes the fabric covering her middle finger into her teeth gingerly, and slowly pulls the glove off. With her newly freed hand she gently wraps her fingers around his shaft, pressing a languid kiss against the tip, leaving it stained by her lipstick. Emmrich lets out a low, guttural moan at the feeling of her lips against his skin, his fingers tightening in her hair as he fights to control himself.

"God, you look so good on your knees for me," he growls, his eyes fixated on her every move. "So beautiful and eager to please."

She looks up at him through fluttering lashes, she was going to enjoy making this man unravel with her mouth alone. Emmrich can't help but be captivated by her gaze, the mixture of innocence and sin in her eyes sending a shiver of desire down his spine. His body tensing with anticipation as he waits for her to continue.

"You're a minx, you know that?" he mutters, his voice rough with lust. "Teasing me like this, driving me crazy with just a look."

“That’s the idea sir~” she teased sweetly as she peppered his length with kisses.Emmrich lets out a shaky exhale, his control slipping further with each kiss she presses against his skin.

"Such a cheeky little thing," he growls, his eyes locked on her as she teases him mercilessly. "You're going to be the death of me, darling."

Rook sticks out her tongue, starting from the base, glides it painstakingly, slowing up the entire length of his shaft up to the tip. Her soft tongue lingers there for a moment before she incases the head of is cock in her plush lips, taking him into her mouth. Emmrich's breath hitches as her lips wrap around him, a low, guttural moan escaping his throat. His fingers tighten further in her hair, holding her in place as she takes him deeper into her mouth.

"Fuck... that's it, sweetheart," he rasps, his voice strained with pleasure. "Take me deeper. Just like that."

And she is more than happy to oblige, her tongue swirling around his girth as she slowly starts bobbing her head, finding a good pace.Emmrich's head falls back against the couch, his eyes fluttering shut as he loses himself in the sensation of her mouth around him.

"You're so good at this," he groans, his hips bucking slightly in response to her movements. "Your mouth feels incredible, darling."

Rook moans softly against him, the vibrations adding a new sensation to the mix. The vibrations from her moan send a jolt of pleasure through Emmrich's body, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he fights to keep control.

"God, yes... do that again," he growls, his voice rough with need. "Make those pretty little sounds for me, darling."

The woman starts to lose herself in the pleasure as well, she hungrily takes him deeper into her mouth. His tip pressing against the back of her throat as she slowly starts to deep throat him. Emmrich's control snaps at the feeling of her throat constricting around him, a deep, guttural moan escaping his lips as he looks down at her.

"That's it... good girl," he praises. "Take me all the way in, baby. I want to feel your throat around me."

Tears prick her eyes at the sensation, but she was no novice. She holds her place, teasing him with her tongue as she allows her throat to adjust. Emmrich watches her through half-lidded eyes, a mix of awe and lust in his gaze as he sees the way she takes him. He bites his lip slightly as he notices the ruby red ring that had formed around the base of his shaft, her lipstick staining his skin. 

"You're such a good little cockslut, aren't you?" he murmurs, his voice low and rough. "Taking me so deep without a hint of complaint. You love having me in your mouth, don't you, darling?"

She hums in agreement as she looks up at him with her lust filled eyes.Emmrich's eyes darken further at the sight of her, his chest heaving with each ragged breath.

"Such a perfect little mouth," he groans, his fingers gently massaging her scalp as he struggles to maintain control. "I could stay like this forever, buried in your sweet throat."

As she felt her throat adjust she starts to move her head again, this time picking a slightly faster pace than before. The sensation of his cock hitting the back of her throat was heaven. The heavy weight of him on her tongue mixed with his unique taste sent her senses into overdrive. Emmrich's grip on her hair tightens further, his body tensing with each thrust of her head. He can feel himself nearing the edge, the heat pooling in his lower abdomen intensifying with every movement of her tongue.

"You're driving me crazy, darling," he growls, his voice rough with need. "I'm not going to last much longer like this... you feel too damn good."

This only incentivizes her to continue. She wanted him to unravel in her mouth, she wanted to taste him. To paint her throat white with his seed. So she continued her movements with expert precision and grace. Emmrich can feel his control slipping further and further away, his body wracked with pleasure as he struggles to hold on.

"Fuck, I'm going to cum," he warns through gritted teeth, his hips bucking against her mouth involuntarily. "I'm so close... don't stop, baby."

She wouldn’t stop for anything, she was enjoying this too much to ever stop. She could feel his cock twitching in her mouth as she hummed happily against him. Emmrich's body tenses, his muscles straining as he reaches the peak of his pleasure. With a low, guttural groan, he spills himself into her mouth, his release hot and thick against her tongue. Rook's eyes widen in surprise as she feels him climax, but the surprise quickly turns into something more sinful. She sucks greedily, as she swallows down every last drop of his release. Emmrich lets out a strangled moan as he watches her swallow his cum, the sight of her eagerly taking everything he has to give nearly sending him into overstimulation.

"Fuck, darling... you're going to be the death of me," he gasps, his chest heaving as he tries to catch his breath. "You took it all like a good little girl."

Rook released his length from her mouth with a wet pop, a small strand of cum and saliva connecting them. The woman pants softly, attempting to introduce a sufficient amount of oxygen back into her lungs. Emmrich watches her with a mix of satisfaction and adoration, his eyes roving over her flushed face and swollen lips.

"You look so beautiful like this, darling," he murmurs, his voice rough with afterglow. "On your knees, breathless having just indulged in my cum."

She licks her lips, her eyes still a bit hazy with lust. “If I agree to your proposition, and you become my sugar daddy. Will I get to do this whenever I want?” She asked. Emmrich chuckles, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he looks down at her.

"Whenever you want, darling," he replies, his voice low and husky. "As long as you're mine, you can have me whenever and however you please."

She smiles as she slowly gets up from her spot on the floor. Emmrich watches her stand, his eyes roving over her body with a possessive hunger.

"Come here, darling," he beckons, patting his lap. "I want to hold you."

She obliged happily, straddling his lap once more after grabbing her wine. Emmrich's hands immediately find their way to her hips, holding her in place as she settles on his lap. He leans back against the couch, pulling her flush against his chest.

"Much better," he murmurs, his breath warm against her ear. "I like having you close like this."

“Mr. Volkarin, may I ask a question?” Her voice was soft as she spoke.

Emmrich chuckled at her formality, his fingers tracing idle patterns on her hip.

"Of course, darling," he replied, his voice warm and indulgent. "You can ask me anything."

“Why me..?”

Emmrich tilts his head, a hint of curiosity in his eyes as he regards her.

"What do you mean, darling?" he asks, his fingers stilling their movement on her hip. "Why you, what?"

“There are plenty of beautiful women here, skinnier, women. Why would you want me when you could easily have one of them.” She says softly looking down at her plump figure, she wasn’t what most would call fat by any means, but she certainly wasn’t skinny either. Emmrich's expression softens, his eyes tracing over her curves with an appreciative gaze.

"Darling, you're selling yourself short," he murmurs, his hand moving to cup her cheek. "You're absolutely gorgeous, every inch of you."

He gently tilts her head up to meet his gaze, his thumb tracing along her jawline.

"I don't want any other woman. I want you, just the way you are. Your curves, your softness... they drive me wild."

Rook couldn’t help but smile at his words. Emmrich grins in return, his thumb brushing over her lower lip.

"Seeing you straddling me like this, your body pressed against mine... it's like a dream come true," he murmurs, his voice low and seductive. "Your curves fit so perfectly against me, like you were made for me."

“You’re such a sweet talker.” She teases with a light laugh. Emmrich chuckles, his hands sliding down to grip her hips once more.

"Only when it comes to you, darling," he replies, a playful glint in his eyes. "I can't help myself. Your body is a work of art, and I intend to worship every inch of it."

Rook notices the time, having caught a glimpse at Emmrich’s watch, 11:05, she had another set in twenty five minutes. Emmrich notices her gaze flicker to his watch, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

"Darling, what's the time?" he asks, his fingers drumming idly against her hip.

“It’s nearly time for my next performance, meaning I should get going.” She said softly with a pout. Emmrich sighs, a mixture of disappointment and understanding in his expression.

"Damn, I was hoping we could spend a bit more time together," he grumbles, his grip on her hips tightening slightly. "But I suppose duty calls, hm?"

She nods, taking a long sip of her wine. “Find me after, yes?”

Emmrich's eyes darken at her suggestion, a possessive gleam in his gaze.

"Absolutely, darling," he replies, his voice firm. "I'll be watching you from the front row. And afterwards... I expect to have you all to myself."

“It’s a deal.” She says sweetly as she gets off his lap and makes her way to the door, robe and discarded glove in hand.

Emmrich watches her walk away, his eyes drinking in the sight of her curves as she moves. He can't help but feel a pang of disappointment as she leaves, but the thought of seeing her again later fuels his desire.

"I'll see you soon, darling," he calls out after her, his voice filled with anticipation. She blows him a kiss before disappearing. Emmrich catches the kiss in his hand, a soft smile on his face as he watches her go. He settles back against the couch, already counting down the minutes until her performance.

[novelconcepts]

i'm the same anon who asked abt the tattoo, so. you can be as controversial as you want, but could i ask why taivan is not as prominent/noticeable in comparison to shaunahat, or fanon ships? like, your opinion. because, genuinely, as much as i see their scenes and ppl cheering for them, idk, it's not as HARD and LOUD if that makes sense. thank you in advance!

I dunno about controversial--I'm never actively trying to be a shit-starter, I just. My honest take is twofold. One, people are definitely being steered by racism. I mean, I see that just in the way Jasmin is constantly under fire no matter what she does or says. This is a biracial Black queer person (noticed recently she's operating with she/they pronouns, playing in the gender sandbox, and good for them) who is clearly always working so hard to better their world and be a voice for the various minority groups she inhabits, and I feel like I'm just constantly seeing people be awful to and about them. Like, constantly finding excuses to set her aside, or send her the worst messages in the world, and I'm just like. Let this person live, for the love of Christ. The inability to not take unearned ownership of someone else's journey is...insane to me, but I feel like I see it constantly with her. So to have Taissa be this incredibly complex Black woman who is not always likeable, not soft and sweet and constantly striving for other people's approval--yeah, I'm not surprised the fandom ignores her. Furious! Always furious about it! But not surprised.

Van, too, gets set aside an awful lot, and that's obviously not about racism (although the interracial couple aspect is there). I think people are...so volatile about Van in ways that will never make sense to me. Half the time people are calling her a villain, the other half they're calling her boring, and in both cases, those people are just not watching the same show I am. Liv's performance is so nuanced and so carefully escalated, and Lauren is following suit; there is so much going on with this character, with Taissa's character, with their growth together and apart, and...yeah, I dunno, man. I think it's a lot of what Tai says onscreen in season one. They're not what people expect, or what people want them to be, so they get written off as "boring" or less appealing than the noncanon ships. Some of it is the racism, some is the complicated nature of gender and Van's butch qualities, and none of it makes sense to me because those aspects are so much of what I love about Taivan as a ship. Like. They are so real, so multifaceted, so good and so toxic for one another at the same time, and they are played by 3/4ths (at least, I don't know Ambrose's life) openly, proudly queer actors. DUDE. For me, that's the fucking dream.

THAT SAID. My other thought is a lot simpler. And that's just: what happens in canon belongs to the writers, and we get to share it. What happens in fanon belongs solely to fandom. The fanon interpretations of characters can be worlds away from the actuality of those characters onscreen, and I think there's a freedom there that a lot of people really love. Subtext has been the bread and butter of queer audiences for so long that I think a lot of viewers just naturally feel more comfortable in that space, reading between lines and making up the necessary filler as they go. It doesn't hurt that a lot of these characters are white and/or conventionally attractive, but I think it's more to do with...not needing to put the canon of it all at the forefront. Like I love Jackie/Shauna, I love Lottie/Nat, I live for Shauna/Lottie--but they're all subtextual relationships, to various degrees, and so I can just sort of...do whatever with them in stories, so long as I'm feeling the characters out. I personally have a preference for writing fic as close as I can to existing character profile/voice, but that's not for everyone, and I've noticed a lot of the fanon-born ships are...not simpler, necessarily, but simplified. Which, in turn, makes them more palatable. I dunno. I get it! I do. But I will never understand throwing aside the canon queer ship in favor of subtext. That just...ain't my bag.

And then I guess there's a third, less prominent idea of like. Who's the main character of the show? If you had to boil it all down, it's Shauna. She's the POV character, if we have one, from the start. So not only do you have the freedom of fan interpretation, but she's front and center a lot of the time just by the nature of the narrative. And then Natalie is probably the next "main" character, so...that speaks for a lot of the louder ships, I suppose. I'd really love to see more attention on Taissa for the same reason, since she's been at the front from the beginning, but...see above, i guess.

[bandzboy]

from my twitter since i also wanted to post this here

[eats-a-berry]

i wasn't sure exactly what i thought adult gideon should be doing, but i DO quite like the triple combination of cowboy-biker, drag queen, and used car salesman at the same time. she's always a busy person!

[sciderman]

Do any of the boys wear jewelry?

Wade seems like the type to have those grandma box full of jewelry but Peter would probably have one pair of earrings for the occasion?? 

they're too broke for any kind of jewellery save for the edible kind

[bumblingbabooshka]

[TUVOKTOBER: Day 9] Ballet with the Captain.

[slippery-minghus]

oof

[vaguely-concerned]

peter benson as henry vi adding a mirthless little laugh after the second half of 'may god forgive my sins, and pardon thee', as if to add on the sentiment of lmao fat chance!! on his way out, was such an inspired choice hfkjdsah. also very sad of course. (in the 1965 version henry seems so genuine when he says that, and it's just like... what a quiet triumph it is, in the middle of black despair, that what's gentle and good in him somehow survived through everything right to the end. he's lost everything, but it hasn't changed who he fundamentally is. and what other victory can we hope for in this life when it comes right down to it. while in the 1983 version there is the sense that something has broken inside him with this last blow, with the death of his son.)

[bloodstained-moon]

kid at julies school who can see ghosts but also wasnt at the assembly and thinks julies band just randomly shows up sometimes and that everyone collectively agreed to Not Talk About It (due to the Dead Mom)