#spring break speed-run event

[cinnawonbabe]

ATTENTION, PLEASE! (1)

pairings: professor!heeseung x student fem!reader

warnings: teacher x student relationship, forbidden affairs, smut, oral, both receiving, anal play, praise and spankings, legal age gap

overview: y/n was just like any other college girl, crushing on the young and attractive literature professor at the university she attended. one day she’s asked to come back after class and things get a little steamy. who knew being a teacher’s pet was fun?

taglist 🏷️: @nayeoniiz @mheretoreadff @deobitifull @riribelle @jakeswifez @yohanabanana @fkarchve @1013club @rizz00 @kpopjackie @isagistar @wheretheheckis-ssaki @freaky-enhamadswriter @manuosorioh

SORRY IF YOU ASKED FOR A TAG AND DIDN’T GET IT. I COULDN’T TAG MOST BECAUSE YOUR ACCOUNT WAS NOT POPPING UP FOR ME. PLEASE ENJOY! IF THIS DOES WELL AND GET 400 NOTES, I’LL POST A PART TWO!!

it was the first day back from spring break and to say y/n was excited was an understatement. she was overjoyed to see her friends again. while she was getting ready for her first class of the day, literature, and finishing the last touches to her makeup, her friend winter called. y/n answered, putting the phone on speaker so she could multitask talking and finishing getting herself ready.

"girl where are you? class is about to start," winter whisper-yelled through the phone. y/n checked the time, seeing that she was in fact behind schedule.

"fuck, i'm gonna be late," she said, rushing to put her shoes on. after making sure her uniform was neat, she grabbed her bag and phone before running out the door.

"and who are you trying to look cute for?" winter joked with a laugh upon y/n switching the call over to a facetime.

"no one. i just felt the need to dress up today. is the professor there?" she answered while speed walking over to the building her class was held in.

"no. they haven't arrived yet, so you're lucky for once," winter said with a laugh. "hurry though, i saved you a spot," she added and y/n hummed in response as she approached the building.

she made her way inside, picking up her pace so she wouldn't be that late, but ultimately made it to class.

"fucking finally. you're here," winter laughed, taking her bag off the seat next to her for y/n to sit in. "still no professor?" y/n asked and winter shrugged not knowing herself.

you know, after 15 minutes, if a teacher hasn't arrived to class after the set time has passed, class is canceled?" one male student in the back stated.

y/n turned back to see it was one of the football players. most students got to talking with excitement as it was getting close to that 15 minute mark while others were upset that they didn't get to see the professor today, y/n was one of the students who was pretty bummed out.

just when some students were packing up their supplies, the classroom door opened up.

professor lee heeseung rushed in class. "sorry for the wait guys. i was in an important staff meeting about the fair we're having for the homecoming events next week and we kind of got carried away." he said in between breaths.

he took off his blazer and set it down on the podium that was situated in the front of the room. he rolled up his sleeves. "anyone else feeling a bit hot or is that just me?" he asked, chuckling to himself.

all the girls, including y/n, couldn't help but stare at him. watching him intently.

he has to know what he's doing. he just knows how attractive he is. y/n thought to herself.

"no it's hot in here sir. me and my friends think the air conditioning unit has stopped working." one female student stated.

heeseung nodded his head in acknowledgement, "oh i see. i'll have to make a complaint about that later. let me write that down so i don't forget." he said walking over to his desk situated in the corner of the room.

he pulled out a sticky notepad from one of his drawers and grabbed a pen from the cuphold on the desk and scribbled a mental note to himself there.

"okay, considering i was way behind my schedule. i'm going to give you all a break and just let you either stay here to make up work or you can just leave. it's completely up to you all." heeseung said, looking around the classroom after he placed the notepad back on his desk.

most students didn't hesitate to collect their things and bid heeseung goodbye or thank him for his kindness.

of course he smiled and bid those goodbye before turning his attention back to the few students that did decide to stay. which consisted of a two male students, one being a literature major and the other that just so happened to be asleep and the rest we girls that just wanted an excuse to stare at the professor.

"assuming that you all are here for help and to catch up on work so feel free to ask me any questions, okay?" he said once more before heading back to his desk.

y/n watched his backside as he headed to his desk and wondered what his back muscles looked like under his dress shirt. once he sat down he looked back towards the class, catching y/n stare. she imma looked down in embarrassment and busied herself with her studies, not catching the little smirk that made his way on his face.

y/n felt movement beside her and looked over to see her seatmate fixing herself up before calling out to the professor. "professor lee? i need help on one of the older assignments you gave. can you give me a but of assistance with it?" y/n heard her ask.

he nodded and signaled for her to come to his desk and so she did. getting up from her seat, swaying her hips purposely in the process.

she bent over his desk, showing her cleavage to him as she placed her paper down for 'help'.

that's usually how things goes. most girls go out there way to get his attention but from all the things y/n has seen, it doesn't seem to work. he wasn't phased by it and just gave her the help she needed before he sent her back to her seat.

another girl failed. y/n of course hasn't. in fact, she never tried to because she was too scared and too shy to even hold a conversation or even ask him for help but that never stopped him from trying to talk to her.

he had taken an interest in calling on her sometimes for questions she never volunteers herself from.

usually that would end up with her stuttering to answer it or having her frozen from being put on the spot.

after a while of sitting in a somewhat silent classroom, heeseung cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "attention everyone class is just about over and my next class will be here soon." he stated, looking at his wristwatch.

everyone packed up their things and headed out of the class. y/n was just about to leave before she was stopped by heeseung's voice suddenly calling out to her.

y/n stopped where she was near the classroom door, turning to him as he sat at his desk. "yes, professor lee?" she asked. he motioned for her to come to him, waving his hand in a signaling gesture. she was hesitant at first, she wasn't sure if she should or not. she swallowed her own pride and made her way over to him.

"so i wanted to talk to you to see if you'd like to help me later with gathering things for the art and theatre club. they'll be doing most of the creative work and i promised the directors that i'll head to the storage area in the left wing and get the supplies they needed. i can't do it myself, so would you like to help a poor old man like me?" he asked with pleading eyes.

y/n was a bit speechless as to why he chose her out of all people. he wants me to help him? she thought to herself. there was no way out of all the girls in this class, he chose her. she stood there unresponsive for a bit, lost in her own thoughts. it began to worry him a little bit from her sudden quietness. "it's okay if you don't want to i can always just ask-" he couldn't finish his sentence as y/n interrupted him with a slightly raised voice. "no!"

she realized the tone and volume of her voice and felt hot from the embarrassment. she didn’t notice the change in his demeanor, a slight smirk appearing on his face knowing his plan was working.

"uhm i meant no it's okay professor lee, i can help you. i don't mind at all!" she stated a bit too eagerly.

she mentally cursed at herself because of it but nonetheless, heeseung didn't seem to mind. "great!! just meet me back here around 7pm, okay?" he smiled softly, causing y/n’s heart to flutter. he definitely knows the effect he has on her.

she nodded her head in agreement before flashing him a small smile in return. “yes sir,��� she retorted before walking out the classroom door. she was lost in her thoughts once again, geeking over the fact that he wanted alone time with her. this was truly a dream come true.

her thoughts soon interrupted by her best friend winter spooking her, “hey!” winter yelled a little bit as she approached her. y/n grabbed her chest as she calmed herself down. “my bad, didn’t mean to scare you,” winter joked before bursting out into a fit of giggles, earning a slap on the arm from her friend. “that’s not funny win,” y/n stated, rolling her eyes playfully as she walked off with winter following close behind her. “so what was that all about?” she asked, jumping in her face as she interrogated her. y/n gently pushed her back, smiling wide as the scene replayed in her mind. even though it just happened moments prior to this conversation, she couldn’t help but reminisce about how he chose her. winter nudged her, bringing her back to reality. “soooo are you going to tell me why hot stuff over there held you back?” she questioned again but y/n only giggled in response, causing her bestie to groan at in annoyance. “its nothing really, he just wants me to help him with something for theatre class and i told him i would,” she replied honestly.

winter stared at her intensely, looking for any glimmer of doubt. she was trying to see if she was lying to her or not. y/n stared back at her clueless as to why her best friend was seemingly trying to intimidate her for some reason. is she jealous? she thought. ultimately, winter shrugged it off. i guess she was being truthful. “well good luck and make sure you use a condom, i’m not ready to be an auntie just yet,” she laughed, nudging her friend. y/n’s eyes widened upon hearing those words leave her mouth. before she could smack her friend, winter took off running, satisfied with the reaction she got from her bestie. y/n followed shortly behind, yelling out threats to her friend as she did so.

__________________________

time seemed to have moved on so fast. it was already 7pm and y/n was making her way back to professor heeseung’s classroom. i hope this doesn’t look suspicious. she was having second thoughts. maybe this was a bad idea. she didn’t want to get caught up in something that wasn’t true, even though she wished it was. she didn’t want people to think she was having a secret affair with her teacher, but then again she didn’t actually mind it at all. she longed for him to caress her ever so gently. she wanted to feel his lips against her own but who didn’t? every girl on campus wanted a piece of him but can you blame them? he’s in his late twenties teaching hormonal nineteen and twenty year olds. a lot of his students were fresh out of highschool so seeing a young professor was like winning the lottery.

eventually she made it towards his classroom door, peering inside. it was dark and the only form of light was coming from the hallway where she stood. she scanned the room as best as she could but there was no sign of him. maybe he had forgotten. as she was about to walk away she ran face first into something or someone. she looked up and was face to face with heeseung himself. oh god. she thought. a light blush painted her face as she realized how close they were so she took a few steps back. “sorry, i should’ve been paying more attention to where i was going,” she apologized, her eyes averting her vision everywhere but his.

the view was astonishing to him. their slight height difference boosted his ego. it empowered him. he knew exactly what he what he was doing. y/n was timid and kept to herself. she wasn’t like the other girls he taught.

everyday a female student would force themselves onto him any chance he got. he was used to all the attention he gotten. he may not have shown it but he did enjoy it. so it was weird that y/n never seemed to try. he knew she found him attractive but she never seem to give him the time of day. so he started making moves. calling on her during class even though she never raised her hand, taking initiative to talk to her after class whenever he could because he knew it made her heart race. the innocence she portrayed had drawn her in. it was something he had to obtain, more so, alter it. he wanted her to be his, to hold, to control. that’s exactly how they ended up here. he falsified the ‘i need help’ teacher act. he knew she would fall for it. she was oblivious to it all.

he stared at her for a moment before he spoke, “it’s okay, i was just heading in,” he stated before moving passed her and towards the door. he unlocked it and entered the room, holding the door open for her. “are you joining me still?” he asked tenderly, his voice soft and sweet. it made her heart skip a beat. he was pure gold to her. a soft hearted, well-mannered, absolutely beautiful, educated and elegant man was spending alone time with her. she was head over heels for him.

she hummed in response and followed in right behind him. upon entering he closed the door, discreetly locking it without her noticing and flicked on the lights. “i hope you don’t mind, i have to gather up a few paperwork before we head that way, is that fine?” he asked, making his way towards his desk. he sat down, picking up groups of scattered papers that sat disorganized on his desk. he neated placed them into piles before putting them in his briefcase that he brought with him. y/n walked closer, gazing over at him. she watched

him quietly, fiddling with her fingers as she did so. she couldn’t help but think about what winter said earlier. imagining her professor fucking her on this desk right now.

images of him pounding into her core flushed her mind, making her core leak from the slight horniness that had taken over her. she was so lost in thought she couldn’t hear heeseung calling out to her. he then cleared his throat, finally gaining her attention. she looked up at him, face flustered. she looked absolutely stunning to him; no, beautiful actually. he wanted to ruin her. “you’re one of my best students?” he asked, getting up from his seat and walked over to the front of his desk where he leaned up against it.

she was dumbfounded, “i am?” she asked innocently, her brows furrowed slightly in confusion. heeseung found it adorable, she really didn’t have a clue in the world. “precisely. you’ve never been the type to throw yourself at me. that’s what i like about you,” he continued, making her all flustered again. he truly was enjoying this moment right now. “i’m just not the kind of girl. you’re my teacher not a love interest,” she said truthfully, but he didn’t like that response. he knew better than that and so did she. they both wanted each other more than anything right now.

he began to loosen his tie, then slowly unbuttoned his dress shirt. “is that really how you feel?” he asked, finally pulling his shirt open, revealing his toned abdomen. she stared in awe as she watched him strip in front of her. his shirt sliding off his shoulder and falling to the ground. her eyes trailed down his figure. he was a sight to see that’s for sure. she noticed a tent forming in his pants and she audibly gasped unintentionally. a smirk appeared on his lips. gotcha. he thought.

she didn’t know how to react in this very moment. what was she supposed to do? her very attractive literature teacher was standing shirtless in front of her. that’s every girl on campus dream and yet here she was living it.

“i-i don’t know if this is appropriate professor,” she stuttered, averting her gaze towards the floor. she stared at her sneakers until another pair of shoes came into view. she froze. too scared to look up now knowing how close he was to her. he took his hand and gently tilted her head upward so they were facing each other. she gulped, now meeting eyes with a different side of her professor. and truth be told, she was enjoying every second of it. “i want you more than anything right now,” he said, disregarding her previous statement of whether this was appropriate between the two. he didn’t care. nine years wasn’t that big of an age gap for him. she was nineteen and he was twenty- eight years old. how bad could this be?

he looked her in her eyes, searching for any sign he needed to know what his next move was. there it was, like a flicker. he smiled mischievously, pondering his next move but was surprised by her crashing her lips onto his.

she kissed him hungrily. she couldn’t hold it any longer. she needed him right now.

heeseung snaked his arm around her, grabbing her thighs to signal her to jump. she did, jumping into his embrace and wrapping her legs around his waist as their lips danced in one another.

he carried her to his desking, next faltering this kiss. he sat her on the edge, slipping his tongue in her mouth and explore every crevice of it. she moaned into the kiss, sucking on his tongue as he fiddled with the hem of her shirt. he broke the kiss, pulling her shirt over her head, taking it off and tossing it on the floor.

y/n took that time to catch her breath before he smashed his lips back on to hers. she grabbed his belt loosening it up but before she could pull them down he stopped her, grabbing ahold of her hands, “not so fast baby, lets take it slow.”

she whined, disappointed and desperate. he laughed, placing a small and shirt kiss on her lips. he unclipped her bra, sliding it off her. her breasts we plumped and perky. just how he liked them. he attached his mouth to one breast, sucking and swirling his tongue around her nipple. she bit back a few moans that threatened to slip out. she felt elastic. she knew what they were doing was so wrong but it felt so right. the adrenaline rush she got from this turned her on more. at any given moment they could be caught by anyone, a dean, a security guard, or a fellow student passing by.

she didn’t care at all, it thrilled her actually. fueling her desires even more. she watched and he alternated between each of her breast, leaving love bites all over her chest before proceeding to kiss down to the hem of her skirt, he didn’t care to take those off, he wanted to fuck her in her cute little uniform skirt so he pushed them up to get a better view of her leaking core.

a small chuckle left his lips upon seeing how soaked her panties were just from them kissing. she felt a little embarrassed hearing him laugh and tried to shut her legs but he stopped her from doing so. “don’t hide baby, she’s beautiful. let’s she was she looks like without these in the way,” he reassured her, sliding her pantines to the side to get a better look and her dripping core.

her little cunt made him go crazy. he looked up at her as he licked between her flaps. the warmth of his tongue sent shivers down her spine. he placed small kisses on her clit, edging her on. he wanted to tease her and have her begging for more.

y/n was too impatient and grabbed a fistful of his hair, shoving his face into her leaky cunt, heeseung obliged, giving her what she wanted. he began to eat her out, sucking on her clit and flicking his tongue in a way that made her toes curl. soft moans escape her mouth but she didn’t care. everything felt so good right now. place her legs above his shoulders and started to slowly grind against his face. the pleasure building up as she felt ecstatic. she threw her head back, moaning loudly as she continued to hump his face. he watched her as she got closer to her climax, he took two of his digits and plunged them deep into her pretty little cunt.

a loud gasp was heard from her, feeling his fingers deep inside him. he thrusted them faster, curling them as he hit her sweet spot, earning beautiful moans from y/n. he absolutely loved it. he was marking what was rightfully his. he continued his pace as she grew closer to her climax. he sucked a little harder on her clit, humming, sending vibrations to her core. a familiar pit grew in her stomach.

she was close, so so close and couldn’t contain it any longer. she screamed, forgetting where she was for a moment. her back arching as she squirted into his mouth, causing him to choke a little bit as her juices hit the back of his throat. she rode out her orgasm and she grinded on his face more before falling back onto his desk breathless.

heeseung stood up, dropping his pants to the floor as he looked down at her tired little figure laying on his desk. “we’re not finished yet, angel,” he said, stroking his long and thick member in his hand. she looked up, her eyes widened. there was no way in hell that was going to fit in her. “can daddy have some head baby?” he asked softly and she nodded, getting off his desk and kneeling before him. he cooed, watching her doe eyes stare up at him. he was loving this view of her better. she parted her lips slightly as he began to slap his cock against her face.

“open your mouth wide baby,” he instructed and she obliged, parting her lips more as s

he slid his cock right in. his breath hitched in his throat. the warmth of her mouth engulfing his seven inches did something to him. he let her take control, watching her bob her head on his thickness, taking every inch and girth of his cock. “yes baby. just like that. you’re doing so good for me,” he praised, encouraging her more. she forced herself to deep throat him, gagging as she did. he grunted at the feeling of her throat hugging his member, her gagging made the feeling even better.

her eyes started to brim with tears as his cock hit the back of her throat, drool dripping down her chin.

she took her hand and stroked him while sucking him off. this pleasure alone could’ve made him cum but he was determined to last. he grabbed her by her hair, pulling her off him to keeping him for cumming then and there. she winced from the harsh grip but didn’t stop it. she liked how rough he was getting. it turned her on even more.

he bent down crashing his lips onto hers. he didn’t care that she just had his cock in his mouth, he was a real man like that. kissing her hard and tasting himself on her before he pulled back. “open your fucking mouth!” he exclaimed, and she did without hesitation. he spit in her mouth and she swallowed it so effortlessly. “you like that my nasty little slut?” he asked and she whined in response.

he slipped his cock back into her mouth, fucking her throat hard, she choked out a cry around his member. he didn’t care. he kept fucking her mouth hard and deep, moaning loudly. “fuck just like that baby,” he said once more. he felt his climax coming soon so he pulled right back out. “bend over my desk,” he ordered. she got up slowly, her legs wobbling a bit. he couldn’t help but laugh, “don’t laugh,” she pouted and he cooed at her, he helped her lay her stomach flat onto his desk, her bottom side completely exposed.

he bit his lip at the sight in front of him, rubbing his hands against her firmly plumped ass cheeks. he needed to mark them. he took his big hand and smack down on her ass hard, causing a scream of pain and pleasure from y/n. this was all so new to her. she never knew she’d like being treat like a fuck toy by her hot professor. he brought a side of her she didn’t know she possessed. he lashed at her ass a few times, the classroom echoing from skin slapping and cries coming from y/n. who knew being a teacher's pet could be so fun.

handprints now decorated her ass and he was more that pleased to know that it was because of him. only he could have her like this.

he positioned himself at the entrance of her core, “spread for me baby,” he told her softly. she reached back, grabbing her ass cheeks and spread them open; giving him more access to come right on in. he spat between her crack, using his dick to wipe it down towards her cunt before sliding the tip in. they both moaned out in pleasure upon contact.

she felt every bit of his cock slide into her tight little cunt before he bellowed out. his whole member filled her to the brim. he sat there for a moment, letting her adjust to his size before he began to move. slowly thrusting in and out of her, he pace precise and steady.

the desk began to squeak against the floor as he thrusted harder than before, yelps of pleasure falling from her lips. he was digging into her guts. it felt like his tip was touching the inside of her stomach. her moans encouraging him to go harder. he dugges his cock deeper into her, her ass clapping against his skin. the room filled with the sounds of them fucking. he hoped they wouldn’t get caught but parts of him did. he wanted people to see the whore he was making out of her. he wanted people to know who she belonged to. he felt her wet cunt hug his girth, bringing both of them to their high, he fucked her harder, sliding his thumb in her ass. she screamed once more from the unexpected intrusion. fuck. he thought.

the pleasure was becoming too much for her, she couldn’t handle it any longer. both her holes were filled, a sensation she never knew she needed. “fuck baby i’m gonna cum,” he said and she could only moan out incoherent nonsense in response. that drove him nuts. he picked up his pace, fucking her to her climax. she cried out loud as the pleasure was unbearable and came hard once again.

this drove heeseung to his climax as well, cumming deep and hard into her. they hadn’t worn a condom. his cum filling her deep and oozing out with every little thrust he gave before him finally pulled out. he placed a kiss on her back before watching his thick load spill right out of her cunt. he didn’t care that they didn’t play it safe. to be honest, baby didn’t sound that bad to him. she was stuck with him regardless.

he reached over to the tissue box on his desk and began to clean her up and help her get dressed before dressing himself. she sat back up on his desk, her makeup ruined from all the sweat and tears she indured with getting her brains fuck out.

“you’re mine princess, got it?” he stated, pulling her close. she tiredly hummed in response, too warn out to say a word. a small smile formed on both of their faces before they snuck back out and went their separate ways.

the next day rolled around and y/n was heading to class where she met up with winter. “so how was it?” winter asked, and y/n furrowed her brows. “how was what?” she asked and winter laughed.

“how was it when you sucked his dick?” she joked, causing y/n to freeze. how did she know? did someone see us? she thought. winter nudged her friend. “i’m just joking god. i know nothing happened. you don’t have it in you to do something of that nature,” winter assured her, causing her to relax again. she didn’t know after all. y/n laughed, “i don’t think i could ever do anything like that,” she lied.

their conversation was cut short upon professor heeseung entering the class room. “good morning everyone!” he greeted, and most of them greeted back. him and y/n locked eyes momentarily, causing her to blush and look away before he began today’s lesson.

winter grew a little suspicious of that little encounter but said nothing.

if only she knew what was to come in the near future.

THE END!!

[haveihitanerve]

Okay but bruce being so against touch is like- enormously hilarious to me- especially because in canon he hates touch; except when its from his family. So just imagine-

Brucie Wayne at a gala, awkwardly going for a handshake instead of a hug. The crowd is cringing Brucie Wayne, half running backwards in an attempt to get away from a woman who is trying to get handsy at a dinner Brucie Wayne, tripping a waiter into another man who tried to wrap his arm around bruce (jason and dick will never let him live it down. Neither will alfred, but for different reasons)

Batman, ignoring Hal jordan when he asks for a high five Batman, dodging supermans super speed hugs like they're the plague Batman, glaring at anyone who gets too close at meetings and not so subtly moving away

But then….

Bruce, walking into a gala with one or many of his kids sitting on his shoulders Bruce, not hesitating to pick up his shorter kids when they are at an event and cant see Bruce, strolling into a WE meeting with two kids latched onto each leg

Batman, on a mission and Nightwing uses his shoulders as a spring board. Despite not giving warning and coming from behind, batman doesn't even twitch Batman, working side by side with Red Hood, when the vigilante laughs and elbows him in the stomach. Batman just smiles faintly and keeps working Batman, sitting and talking in a meeting when Spoiler limps in and unelegantly flops into his lap. He doesn't even flinch, just situates her better and keeps talking Batman, chatting with wonder woman when orphan just appears behind him, so quietly superman doesn't detect her, and taps batmans shoulder. Instead of jumping away or breaking her arm, he just pats the hand back absentmindedly. The league watches wide eyed Batman, calling Red Robin in for information and the young vigilante refusing to leave until the bat gives him his goodbye hug Batman, slinging an arm around Batgirls shoulder to whisper in her ear during a mission that makes her laugh Batman, walking into a JL meeting with Robin attached to the front of his suit like a koala, wrapping a supporting arm around his sidekick. 

Bruce, a walking junglegym for any and all of his kids

[edamameimei]

where we say goodbye

"but i'm letting go, i'm giving up the ghost. but don't get me wrong, i'll always love you, that's why i wrote you this very last song."

pairing: idol!huh yunjin x dream academy!reader synopsis: yunjin broke up with you and left you and everything behind in new york. years later, you meet each other again and the ghost that haunts you both becomes harder to ignore. tags: mostly angst with a bit of fluff here and there. CW: lots of swearing, kissing. an: just want to put out there that this is not a REAL portrayal of the people mentioned in this fic. all events are fictional and are for entertainment purposes only. wc: 6972

⏯ now playing: oceans and engines - niki

“I bet you can’t make that jump.” 

You looked up at Jen, confused. You weren’t sure what she was referring to. You were sitting on the rooftop of your school, waiting for the sun to set. It was your thing. If one or the other didn’t have an activity after school, you would meet on the roof to watch the sunset together. You always thought it was silly but Jen thought it was a great bonding activity. 

You were also in love with Jennifer Huh and would have done anything for her, but that was a whole different story. 

You walked toward the girl and placed your hands on her shoulders. You peered over the ledge with curious eyes. The jump she referred to was the roof of your gymnasium. There was a gap between the main building and the gym, and below was an alleyway where students would hang out and skip class. In theory, the gap wasn’t extraordinarily huge. It was small enough that you considered taking on the challenge. 

“What would I get if I did it?” You teased, squeezing her shoulders playfully. You knew she didn’t mean it. You knew that Jen would never make a bet like this if it meant you could get hurt. You were too precious to the older girl. Jen looked up at you and rolled her eyes in response, she leaned against you, smiling as she felt you wrap your arms around her shoulders. 

“I’ll kiss you.” It was a joke. Honestly, it was. You both always joked around like this. It was playful, flirty banter between two friends. Jen heard you hum in response. She widened her eyes once she felt your arms removed from her shoulders. Suddenly, your presence was gone. Jen spun around quickly to see you jogging to the other side of the building. You turned around and smiled– that stupid smile. You pointed at her, winking. You shouted, “Say less,” and prepared yourself, taking a deep breath. 

Jen crossed her arms, not believing you would do it. Her brows furrowed as you started running toward the other side, picking up speed. The Korean girl waited for you to slow down, but you kept the same pace. Jen widened her eyes and watched you get closer. She gasped, “Y/n L/n!” Before you could even step foot on the ledge, the older girl grabbed your arm, pulling you into her arms tightly, as if scared you’d try to jump from the ledge again. 

“You fucking idiot.” She whispered into your chest, clutching at your shirt. “You fucking scared me.” You chuckled and held her back, just as tightly. You ran your fingers through her hair, whispering an apology. You stood together for a while, the sun finally setting in the distance. You decided to break the silence first. “I guess I really wanted that kiss.” Jen snorted in response, pulling away slightly to look up at you. She swatted at your shoulder and scoffed, “I was joking.” 

“Well, I’m not,” You challenged. Jen looked for any signs of joking on your face, but there was nothing. She glanced at your lips and looked back up at you. There was a small smile playing on your lips. You pressed your forehead against hers, your lips were centimeters apart. You whispered, “Don’t keep me waiting, Jennifer Huh.” 

You were 15 when you kissed her for the first time. It was a spring day and the flowers bloomed beautifully. 

There were a lot of differences between Los Angeles and New York City. 

But the one difference that mattered to you most was that it had no trace of your ex. 

You often told your friends from high school that you wanted a change in scenery. It wasn’t a lie, necessarily. After living in New York your whole life, the yearning to live somewhere warmer became stronger as the years passed. But what ultimately solidified your decision was that there were no remnants of your ex on the West Coast. 

(Everywhere you went in New York, it reminded you of the Korean girl. Days where you had to take the subway were worse. You often thought about her hand in yours, her head on your shoulder. You kept a pair of wired headphones just so you two could share. These daydreams plagued you to the point where you would miss your stop and get off on hers instead). 

In Los Angeles, you like to think you’re a completely different person. It took you a while to figure out who that person was, but now it’s someone without Jennifer Huh. However, you found it much more difficult once the girl debuted. Your friends, who were avid K-Pop fans, loved Le Sserafim. One of them even shared they were a “Yunjin Bias” (whatever that means, you try not to let it bother you when you glance at their phone case and see a picture of your ex staring at you, tauntingly). But you decide to keep it a secret. One, it was rather embarrassing for you to share that your ex is now a well-known celebrity while you were still a broke, college student. And two, you prefer not to discuss your old relationship. It was a wound that hadn’t closed and that was even more ridiculous to admit. 

It had been at least a year, maybe two. You weren’t sure, you stopped counting. 

You’re at lunch with your friends when they present the flyer they saw on TikTok the day before. It was an audition call for a project created by a music company in Korea and another company in Los Angeles. Hybe x Geffen Records. The Korean company sounded familiar and you wonder if it was one that Jen mentioned when she first started pursuing her career as an idol. You look at your friends who all give you knowing looks, silently telling you to go for it. 

(You imagine Jen squeezing your hand, leaning close to you to whisper, “Only if you’re sure.”)

That night, you take a shot at the audition. It’s not like you were expecting much to begin with. 

You stood in front of Jen’s house, box in hand. Your hands were slightly shaking. You stood there, waiting, knowing what was to come when the door opens. You’ve stood at this front door many times before. This time, unfortunately, maybe the last. 

The door suddenly swung open to reveal the Korean girl. You began to feel nervous, seeing Jen right in front of you. You hadn’t seen her in weeks. After the breakup, you hadn’t exchanged many words until recently. She sent you a text earlier in the week, asking for the stuff she has left at your house throughout the years. These items included band T-shirts, hoodies, jewelry, books, sketchbooks, and other random items. 

Things you never thought you’d part from. 

You handed her the box, trying to keep your composure. Jen took it slowly, not daring to look up at your face. She knew if she did, she would take everything back. She would stay in New York and leave behind everything she has ever worked for. You looked at her, secretly wishing she would. You had so much to say. So much to tell Jen. You wanted to tell her about the cute dog you saw on the walk here. You wanted to tell her how you got accepted to another university. You had so much to say, but you knew it wouldn’t matter anymore. 

You were broken up. And that’s all there was to it. 

Jen took a deep breath, knowing if she stayed longer in front of you, she would want to know how your day went. She would begin to ask minuscule questions just so you would stay longer. She knew herself too well. Jen finally looked up at you, smiling softly. She broke the silence between you two, knowing it was the least she could do. 

“I… Wish you the best.” It was only five words. But it hit you a lot harder than you expected it to. 

(The night you broke up, you begged her for at least a chance to try. They did long distance before so who is to say they couldn’t again? But Jen told you this time was different. This time, she couldn’t risk it).  

You looked at Jen with a softness in your eyes you kept reserved for her and her only. You closed your eyes, taking a deep breath. You opened them to see Jen, for what may be the last time. You memorized the way her hair fell below her shoulders, the little mole below her eye, and the one on her chin. You took a mental picture of the way Jen looked at you. She doesn’t say it, but you knew. 

She loved you. But now she had to let you go. 

You took a shaky breath and smiled. You couldn’t stand here all day even if you wanted to. You could have stayed here forever. You could have sat outside Jen’s door, waiting for her to come home for years if it meant she would one day. She would still have her Jen smile and soft brown eyes. But instead, you stuffed your hands in your pockets. You took one more glance at the girl and nodded.

“You too.”

Huh Yunjin would have never thought this would be her life now. 

She would have never thought the risk of moving to Korea would be like this. She only saw these things happening in her dreams. The millions of fans, the people genuinely listening to her original songs, the success… It was everything and so much more than she anticipated. She would be lying if there wasn’t a cost. She gave up everything for this amount of love and support from all over the world. She worked so hard. So hard to the point where the exhaustion would become too much. She remembers how often she went to seek comfort from her older members. All the tears she shed to get to this point. But it was all worth it. 

She likes to think it was. 

She arrived at the Hybe building with her members, feeling anxious for their meeting. She hated being called to the conference room, especially if it was to meet with their Head Executive. She never knew what to expect. She always walked into the room with a sense of dread that the news would be disbandment. She always expects it to be a nonsensical rumor created by Knetizens. She always prepares herself for the bad news. 

They sit in the big, intimidating conference room along with their managers. In front of them are the Executives of Source Music. Yunjin always felt so small compared to them. She knew they had the power to do anything, to control her entire life. But Yunjin hates thinking that way. After all, they were the ones who selected her to debut. She watches as their Head Executive smiles at them and Yunjin can’t help but sigh in relief. It’s good news, that’s the most she knows right now. 

He begins to speak. His voice is positive and uplifting. He praises the group for their achievements. He tells them that their most recent comeback was better than their last. He continues his praises, telling them to continue their hard work. To keep ‘fighting.’ Yunjin rolls her eyes internally at his monologue, wanting him to get to the point. Finally, he announces they will be guest coaches for the survival show they have been working on for the last year and a half. It was a collaboration project between Hybe and Geffen Records. Yunjin knew about this project but she hadn’t realized its launch date was coming so soon. It has been kept under wraps for some time and since training was being held in Los Angeles, Yunjin and the rest of her members heard virtually no updates since auditions were announced. He talks about the final 20 contestants chosen for the competition. He explains that Dream Academy was finally becoming a reality. 

Yunjin lights up at this news, excited to finally know something about the ‘Global Girl Group’ project. They begin passing out folders, containing a photo of the contestant and their biography. The folders contain their audition scores and current ranks as of the completion of their training. 

Yunjin studies each and every profile, her heart warm at the thought of all of them sharing one thing in common: wanting to be a star. She loves the diversity of this concept, her eyes twinkling every time she sees a contestant from another country such as Switzerland or Venezuela. She takes her time with each folder, making room in her head to remember who they were. She passes along another folder to Chaewon and is handed one right after. She glances down at the photo, her smile faltering. It was a photo of you in the gray Dream Academy uniform. Your hair is held up with a little black bow and you smile widely at the camera, the dimple in your cheek present. The Korean girl shakily opens the folder, being presented with the information she already knew. 

(Y/n L/n

Hometown: New York City, USA

Age: 21)

She stares at it, her breath caught in her throat. She never thought she would ever see you again. 

(She thinks about the time you two sat on the floor of the dance studio in New York. She listened to you as you talked about how you didn’t feel good enough. She held your hand as she listened to you talk about how you were scared of never being able to be bigger than this. She remembers holding you in her arms while you cried. She remembers kissing you, trying to soothe your worries. She remembers your shy smile. Your cheeks were flushed and your eyes glistened under the big light. Yunjin remembers resting her forehead against yours, your noses brushing against each other. You held her hand. You tell her, “I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”)

Yunjin feels a hand on her shoulder. She looks at Chaewon, trying to remain nonchalant. The older girl giggles and nudges Yunjin playfully. “Are you already in love with one of them? Hurry up and pass it over!” Yunjin slides the folder to her leader slowly, her heart beating rapidly. She is then handed another contestant’s profile but Yunjin can’t help but feel stuck. She’s in a place she hasn’t been in years. 

(That same night, you walked Yunjin home. You kissed Yunjin goodnight, and before you left, you told Yunjin, “I love you.”)

(Yunjin said, “I love you too.”) 

You don’t think you would have survived training and development without Sophia by your side the entire time. 

The Filipina became a source of comfort for you when you first arrived at the dorms. You had no idea what to expect. You remember stories Jen would tell you about her experiences as a trainee in the idol industry and what she had to go through when she did Produce 48. After hearing all the stress she went through, all the horror stories, you never thought you’d willingly put yourself through the same thing. Jen would have called you crazy. Then again, Jen also told you she gave up on her dream of being a K-Pop idol. And look how that ended up. You have to admit, the bitterness still eats you alive some days. 

You lay on the couch in one of the lounges, eyes closed, with headphones over your ears. During your 30-minute break, you let your body take the rest it has been begging for. The last few weeks have been so exhausting. There were moments when you felt you must have fooled yourself into thinking this was what you wanted. Was being a pop star worth it? You only ever saw yourself as a dancer. To be a singer as well? That was Jen. She was always the performer and you were just there. And admittedly, that’s how you liked it. As you rest, your mind drifts off and you feel a hand on your shoulder. 

(For a moment, you imagine it’s Jen. She’d lean down and kiss your forehead gently. She would weave her hands through your hair and tell you about her day. As she talks, you would take her hand, absentmindedly playing with her fingers. Lazily do the ‘secret’ handshake you two made up in middle school).

But as you open your eyes, you see Sophia instead. She smiles down at you, a crinkle in her eyes. She’s probably happy to see you’re taking a real break. She gestures for you to make room on the couch to which you happily oblige. You sit up, scooting over and she takes the spot next to you. She lays against the armrest, placing her legs on your lap. You lean against the couch and glance at her, smiling tiredly. “I think we’re gonna need a sweet treat after this,” Sophia says with a yawn. You nod in response, your hands on her legs. “I’m down. Should we ask Megan or Marquise if they wanna come?” She shakes her head, a twinkle in her eyes as she looks at you. “I was kind of hoping it would be just us?” You tilt your head at her question. Usually, Sophia would be more than happy to allow one of the other girls to join your outing. It was strange to hear her decline that prospect. 

However, your heart leaps at the thought of spending time with the Filipina alone. For a second, you forget about your ex. The way Sophia’s soft skin feels under your fingertips, how she pulls back her bottom lip with her teeth, looking at you for an answer. Of course, you’re okay with it being just you and her. 

It’s a nice change of pace for you. 

“Y/n…” You’re 16. It was a December in New York. 

“Y/n… Wake up.” Jen was visiting from Korea.  

“Y/n L/n!” And it was also your one-year anniversary. 

You shifted in your sleep, groaning at the sound of Jen’s voice. You heard her chuckle, her hand on your cheek. You slowly opened your eyes and saw Jen smiling down at you, excitement in her eyes. She leaned down, kissing you gently. Your eyes fluttered close, reaching out to place your hand on the back of her neck, pulling her closer. After a few minutes, she pulled away, giggling softly. “We should go to the park today! Or go to that new bookstore downtown…?” She spoke animatedly and it caused you to chuckle, pulling her back down with you onto the bed. You wrapped your arms around your girlfriend, kissing the top of her head. “We can do whatever you want, baby.” Jen pouted in response, laying her head on your chest. “What do you wanna do? It’s OUR day, you know?” She raised her hand and you know what she wanted. 

You smiled widely, doing your ‘secret’ handshake. You both giggled as you did so, the handshake muscle memory. You were convinced you could do it with your eyes closed, maybe in your sleep. 

After it was done, Jen laced your fingers together, pulling your hands to her chest. She looked up at you with a twinkle in her eyes. You sighed dramatically, leaning your head back against the pillow. “How about… Bookstore then the park?” You felt Jen nod against your chest. “I like the way you think, baby.” She snuggled closer to you, a content sigh leaving her lips. It wasn’t often when your girlfriend visited, but you were glad she made the time to do so, especially for your anniversary. You knew she was training hard and the fact she loved you this much– to get on a plane and see you, made you feel so lucky. You held her tighter and whispered, “I love you.” She kissed your cheek, whispering back, “I love you too, Y/n. Always.” 

Yunjin feels her heart drop when she and the other members run into the practice room to surprise the Dream Academy contestants. She knew who would be standing there amongst the other girls. But she doesn’t expect you to be the first person she sees. She feels frozen in place, her eyes connecting with yours. Everyone is excitedly greeting each other but you only see each other.

It’s not a figment of each other’s imagination. This was real life. 

(Yunjin remembers walking into the dance studio back in New York. She sees you, breathing heavily with your hands on your hips. You look at her and smile warmly. It was a smile meant just for her and she knew that). 

Yunjin watches as one of the other contestants– Sophia grabs your hand and pulls you excitedly back into their lineup. The Korean girl forgets where she is for a moment. She shakes her head and puts a smile on her face. She knew the cameras were rolling and there was a character that needed to be played. She walks toward her members, taking a deep breath. She takes a moment to look at the Dream Academy contestants. “I know all of your names!” Yunjin finds herself saying. The girls in front of her squeal excitedly at her admission (she notices how you look at the ground). After initial greetings, Yunjin lists everyone’s names. She goes slowly, not wanting to slip up. She is grateful you were last in the lineup because once her eyes land on you again, her breath hitches. 

(Memories of you and her lying on her bedroom floor resurface in her mind. You two often looked up at her ceiling full of glow-in-the-dark stars and talked about anything and everything. She thinks about your favorite color. She thinks about the playlist you made her full of your favorite songs. She thinks about the letters you used to write her). 

“And you’re…. Y/n.” 

You become hyperaware of the cameras on you. You bite your lip, nodding your head. 

(Jen lays with you, her head on your chest. She plays with your fingers and whispers, “I don’t wanna leave you again.” You chuckle, pausing the movie playing on your TV. You look down at her, your free hand tracing her jaw gently. “I know… But we’ll be okay.” Jen sighs, content with your answer. She whispers again, her eyes fluttering close, “We’ll be okay.”)

Since you were young, dancing was always your passion. 

It was the one thing you felt good at. You enjoyed the praise given to you by coaches, dance teachers, and your peers. But as you got older, you became more self-conscious. You were always filled with anxiety, unsure of yourself. You never felt good enough for anything. 

That was until Jennifer Huh entered your life. 

You were 13 when she began attending the same dance studio as you and at first, you were somewhat jealous of the older girl. She excelled at every lesson and adapted well to the stress that came with being a dancer. You were convinced Jen was your competitor. However, as you packed your bag after a hard day of practice, you heard sniffling behind you. You turned and saw Jen, hunched over her bag, shoulders shaking. Your eyes softened when you saw the girl. You walked to her, reaching out to touch her shoulder. She jumped slightly, not realizing there was someone else in the room still. You retract your hand, looking away sheepishly. “Sorry. I just. Are you okay?” 

Jen wiped her eyes before turning around, doing her best to plaster on a smile. But the quiver of her lips revealed her true feelings. She leaned against the wall, looking down at her shoes. “Today sucked,” she said through a quiet laugh. She wiped away the remaining tears on her cheeks and looked at you. There was a hint of admiration in her eyes. “You did really well though… I’m kind of jealous.” It was your turn to laugh. You shook your head, giving her a gentle smile. “Are you kidding? I’m jealous of you.” She tilted her head, a curious look in her eyes. She extended her hand out to you, her eyes, hopeful. “I think we should be friends.” 

You grabbed her hand, shaking it firmly. “I think we should.” You stood there together in silence. Hands still connected, your gaze unbroken. Jen laughed, covering her mouth with her free hand. You laughed as well, feeling lighter as the tension in the room dissipated. Jen squeezed your hand, her tone playful as she spoke, “Let’s make a handshake,” she pulled away from you, raising her hands in front of her as if to brainstorm. You laughed again, throwing your head back. Jen noted the dimple on your cheek, the way your nose scrunched up. You looked at her, raising your hands as well, and nodded. Your cheeks were hurting so much because you couldn’t stop smiling. “Okay. Sure. Let’s do it.” 

That night, your mother scolded you for getting home so late. But you wanted the handshake to be perfect. You wanted more time with the older girl. 

Having Jen– Or Yunjin around makes Mission 2 nearly impossible for you. 

After that surprise meeting with Yunjin and the rest of the Le Sserafim girls, you couldn’t help but feel an aching in your heart. It was something that you tried so hard to push away but the ghost of your relationship with the girl haunts you at random times. 

(Her hand intertwined with yours as you walk down Manhattan. You remember how she always loved Brooklyn during the holidays. In the summertime, you two would sneak away to Queens for a weekend. Those photos sit at the bottom of your dresser in your apartment). 

Yunjin would often come around to check on how you were all doing. It irritated you. So much so, that every time the Korean girl walked into the room, you’d excuse yourself, making a beeline toward the bathroom. You knew you weren’t being fair. But you couldn’t afford to keep fucking up. Even Sophia notices your lack of focus during practice. She addresses it with you a week before the performance and the conversation brings you to tears. As Sophia held you in her arms, you kept your eyes shut, sobbing loudly. 

(You imagine Jen’s arms around you. She whispers into your hair and tells you that she’s sorry. For a moment, you forgive her. If it somehow lessens the pain, you would forgive her over and over again). 

Yunjin decides to pay all the Dream Academy contestants another visit before they begin recording their performances for Mission 2. 

She sees you lying on the floor while your groupmates sit against the wall, waiting to be called. She smiles softly and wonders if you are asleep. 

(She thinks about how easy it was for you to sleep anywhere. Even on the cold floor of the dance studio). 

Her smile falls when she watches Sophia scoot closer to you, picking your head up so you can rest your head in her lap. She sees Sophia’s hand run through your hair, gently so she won’t ruin the hairstylist’s work. Yunjin takes a deep breath, putting on a faux smile as she walks up to you and your group. They all light up at her presence, immediately standing up to greet her. Sophia stays where she is, not wanting to disturb your slumber. The idol looks down at your sleeping form and wishes to be in Sophia’s position. She looks back up, giving the girls a thumbs up. “How are you guys feeling about today?” They all respond with excitement in their voices, a tint of nervousness to their tone. 

You open your eyes to the sound of her voice. You look up, your eyes adjusting to the bright light. You sit up from Sophia’s lap, rubbing your eyes. Sophia stands up, extending her hand out to you. You grab it and allow her to help you up. You keep your hand in hers as you look at Jen– Yunjin. The Korean girl looks at you, her eyes pleading with you to stay just this once. But you can’t help the bitterness festering inside. How dare she ask you to stay? You look away, biting your lip as you hear Sophia begin talking with Yunjin about their performance. 

At some point, the conversation shifts. You don’t realize until Yunjin asks you something, her question making the bitterness grow tenfold. “Y/n… You’re from New York, right?” You don’t look at her, your brows furrowing at her attempt at being friendly. 

(And Yunjin knows it’s stupid because, how can she pretend not to know any of these things already? How can she pretend she doesn’t know the person right in front of her? As if she didn’t know you like the back of her hand at one point in her life).

“Yep.” You try to say it casually, but it comes out much harsher than you intended. Sophia squeezes your hand and looks at you with a questioning glance. Yunjin notices the tone in your voice but she continues, wanting to show you that she is at least trying. “Me too,” she responds and you simply shrug, murmuring, “I know,” under your breath. There is an awkward tension in the room and you can’t bring yourself to care that everyone else can feel it. It pisses you off that Yunjin is attempting conversation with you. And expects you to play along? It was too much for you to handle, especially right before a performance that could make or break your debut. 

“What was your favorite thing about New York?” The question catches you by surprise. You look at her, your eyes wide. You let go of Sophia’s hand and take a deep breath. There were a million things you loved about New York. But they were all ruined. And the way you look at Yunjin tells her that. 

You excuse yourself, telling everyone there was a part of the choreography you needed to focus on before being called to go next. 

“How about Boston?” You looked at Jen briefly before glancing at the pamphlet in her hands. You wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to you. “Why Boston?” You found yourself asking. It was close to home, but Jen never mentioned the city to you. You knew she desired to move somewhere farther away and Massachusetts was only a train ride away. You heard her sigh, placing the pamphlet on the coffee table. She pulled herself away from you and you noticed the annoyed look on her face. You frowned because deep down, you knew why she was settling for Boston. 

It was because she felt lost. She was crushed.

After Produce 48, Jen tried her best to continue her training. However, the Korean girl grew tired of the constant evaluations and repeated rejections. She often called you in the middle of the night, crying about how lonely she felt on her journey. After another year of trying, Jen decided to move back to the States and pretend nothing ever happened. When she came back, you were ecstatic to see your girlfriend again. You were finally together at last and this time, for good. But you knew it had taken a toll on Jen. She used to be so bubbly, so carefree. Her loud voice could be heard from across the room, her laugh recognizable amongst a crowd of people. But now, she was more quiet, preferring to keep to herself. There were days when she wouldn’t speak to anyone, not even you. 

And admittedly, it had taken a toll on your relationship as well. 

You watched Jen walk to her school bag which sat next to the front door. She picked it up, keeping her eyes on the floor. You knew she was hurting inside and you wished you could do something about it. You get up from the couch and walk to her, reaching out to her. But she shook her head, stepping away from you as she put her bag over her shoulders. “Boston has a good business program, let’s just do that.” You opened your mouth to say something but she didn’t give you a chance to do so before walking out the door. 

Once you’ve changed out of your performance outfit, you exit the room, your nerves all over the place. You ignore everyone’s eyes on you as you feel the anxiety building in your body. You pull your hoodie over your head, pulling the strings tightly. You look down and try to calm yourself down with every step you take. 

Damn, Jennifer Huh for making you feel this way again.

You open the exit door, hurriedly walking outside. You can feel the rain seeping through your hoodie but you don’t care. You just needed to leave. You needed to get away from Jen. You continue speed walking with no destination in mind. Suddenly, a hand grabs your arm, pulling you back. You snatch your arm from the person’s grasp and turn around, eyes wide. 

You see Jen looking at you, her eyes glistening with tears. 

“I’m not letting you walk away from this!” Her voice breaks a bit, but she isn’t backing down. You’re going to hear her, even if it takes hours. You only scoff and turn back around, walking again. Jen follows you, determined. “You can’t keep fucking ignoring this!” Jen yells at you, the tears finally streaming down her face. She watches as you stop in your tracks and turn around, pointing a finger at her. 

“What do you want me to do, Jen!” You yell back, looking Jen in the eyes. You continue, your tone harsh. “Did you expect me to play along? Pretend you didn’t break my fucking heart? Is that what the cameras wanted?”  Your voice drips with sarcasm and you expect Jen to back down but she doesn’t, your words only fuel her fire. 

“At least acknowledge my existence, Y/n. Everyone thinks you fucking hate me!” She points at herself, shaking her head frantically. “And I know that’s not true.” Jen’s voice breaks and she looks at you, her eyes pleading. She doesn’t care how wet her clothes are becoming because of the rain, she needs to say this. You step closer to her, your eyes hardening. “How would you know that?” She bites her lip, not knowing what to say. She looks away and you scoff, groaning in frustration. “Why does it matter?!” You yell and Jen pushes you in response. You stumble back a bit, your eyes wide at the action. 

“It fucking matters because I spent years thinking you do! And now that you’re here I’m starting to think I was right!” You sigh, throwing your hands up in frustration. You place them on your head, looking around. You try to keep your composure but you can feel your bottom lip begin to quiver. 

(You’re back to that day. Jen tells you she can no longer be in a relationship with you. She begs you to understand, to let her go. But you never understood. And you never let her go).

You place your arms back at your sides, looking at Jen. Tears fall freely from your eyes. “Well, I didn’t even think you cared, Jen! You have! Millions of fucking people who know your goddamn name!” You step even closer to the girl, your brow furrowed with irritation. You shout, “Millions! And you give a fuck about what I think?! There are people who collect pictures of your face for God’s sake! Why are we having this fucking conversation?!” Jen swats at your shoulder, her anger becoming blinding, “Because your opinion is the only one that fucking matters to me!” Jen screams back, admitting the truth she has kept inside. You feel your heart racing, glaring at Jen. You scream, venom in your tone, “It didn’t fucking matter when you broke up with me!” 

“Of course it mattered, are you fucking serious?!” Jen pushes you again, angry at you for even considering for a second that she didn’t think about you when she made the decision, so angry at you for suggesting that it was for any malicious reasoning. Thunder begins to roar in the distance, a reflection of the current conversation between you and the older girl. You laugh bitterly, shaking your head. You look at the girl and point your finger at her once again. 

“You basically told me I was holding you back from following your dreams, Jen!” You get closer to her face, whispering angrily, “You told me that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and you couldn’t let anything get in the way of it. So, no, it didn’t fucking matter then. It doesn’t fucking matter now.” You step away from her, your eyes narrowed and you breathe heavily. You were tired of the conversation. You take one last glance at Jen before turning away, walking away with the last bit of dignity you had left. 

“I went to Boston after I debuted!”  

You freeze. You almost didn’t hear Jen’s words. You turn back around, confused, “What did you say?” She looks down at the ground, her lip trembling as she speaks again, “I went to Boston after I debuted because I thought you’d be there.” She closes her eyes tightly. 

(She remembers how desperate she was. The ghost of your relationship lingered in everything she did. It was there when she arrived in Korea for the second time. It told her to rest every time she felt too exhausted to move. She felt it hold her hand as she spoke to Featnots for the first time. And once her activities were over, the ghost watched her book the first flight to Boston). 

“Why… Why did you go to Boston?” There’s a silence. The rain begins to lighten up, slowly calming down after the storm. For a long time, Jen didn’t know why she went to Boston. She didn’t understand why she went to old high school friends who went to college in Boston to ask where you were now. But as she stands in front of you, after no contact whatsoever, she begins to realize the reason. She looks up at you and smiles sadly. 

“I missed you.” You close your eyes, taking a shaky breath. You process the words Jen just said. You process the fact that Jen came looking for you. Even after achieving her dreams, she still missed you. You walk towards Jen, immediately pulling her into a tight hug. She hugs you back, her voice breaking as she speaks again, “Everyone told me you went to Los Angeles instead.” You nod and hear her laugh weakly. She whispers, “I took that as a sign. Maybe we were exactly where we needed to be.” 

You nod again, holding her even tighter. 

(You imagine you were 15 again. You pretend it was another day with her after school and the only thing that worried you was missing the subway).

“I think you’re right.” 

Jen hugged you at the airport before she left for Korea for the first time. 

It was a bittersweet moment, but you knew it was everything she ever wanted. It was all she could talk about. You loved Jen so much and were willing to brave the distance if it meant she would be happy. When she told you about Pledis and the survival show she would be appearing on, it made you nervous for the older girl. You knew Jen would do anything for her dreams, but you didn’t realize it was to this extent. A survival show? That sounded insane. But you believed in her, you always did. And you vowed to be there every step of the way. 

Before leaving, she kissed you like a promise. You did your handshake as if in slow motion, giggling softly when she purposefully messed up so you two could have more time. She took one more glance at you, her eyes twinkling. “We’ll be okay, right?” You nodded, linking your pinky with hers before speaking softly, “Everything will be okay. I promise.” 

It was your last day in Korea. You (surprisingly) survived Mission 2 and now it was time to move forward in the competition. Before leaving, you accept Yunjin’s invitation for coffee before going to the airport. You sit across from her in the booth and feel a warmth spread throughout your body when she smiles at you. Even after all this time, despite growing older, she was still Jennifer Huh from New York. The mole on her chin was removed and her hair was much lighter, but it didn’t erase who she was to you. 

She was your first love. And you were her’s. 

Yunjin looks at you with sincerity in her eyes as says, “I hope you debut.” It was a simple statement. Four words but it still meant everything to you. You can’t help but chuckle, realizing you’re now in her shoes. You hold your hand up, smiling playfully. “Do you remember?” She scoffs at your question, raising her hand, knowing exactly what you were talking about. “I know it better than my own choreography.” 

The handshake was perfect, as if time never passed. You hold onto her hand and the ghost that lingered uncomfortably slowly went away. It left quietly, leaving the door cracked just in case. As you let go of her hand, you imagine yourself closing the door. You smile softly at Yunjin and she returns it. 

“Goodbye, Yunjin.” 

(She stands at the doorway of her childhood home in New York. She waves goodbye before shutting the door). 

“Goodbye, Y/n.” 

a/n: angst is back i am so sorry LOL lmk what you guys think! consider this my debut in le sserafim fic writing. inbox is always open for thoughts and everything else :)

requests are open

[lenoide]

Chemtrails Over the Yacht Club Collection 18+ | Toto Wolff x reader, age gap, smut operator, clear daddy issues (this fic is inspired by Lana del Rey, duh), and yacht culture.

Summary: Toto Wolff is a name often mentioned at the Yacht Club, where you work after classes. For some reason, you have always pictured him as an old crank like the usual members, not this foxy man who arrives at the reception making your knees quiver.  The entire staff goes frenetic as he, one of the Club's most important clients, chooses to spend his spring break there without previous notice. You pray to the Gods that you don't cross lines with him since your entire livehood depends on this job, and you really want to graduate college. Author's note: This was supposed to be a one-shot but was way too long, so I split it into two chapters. I hope you enjoy them. By the way, this version of Toto has questionable morals.

< Masterlist | Next chapter >

1 - Dark but just a game

As the sun rises over the Mediterranean Sea, you find yourself running across the streets of Monaco at full speed, like a mad girl, your ponytail swaying behind you like a pendulum, sprinting as fast as you are able all the way from the bus stop to the iconic doorway stairs to Monaco's most prestigious, exclusive, and expensive Yacht Club. 

To your fucking luck, you are running late because you didn't hear the many alarms set on your phone. 

Not because you are acting lazy; these past weeks have been brutal, and your body is exhausted from work, college, and tests.

As you quickly climb the marble steps, you pray you don't slip and break your nose against them. Cleaning it will be a nightmare, and you already have many chores to do that day.

The staff access is all the way down the next street, but you only have about 2 minutes left to check in on time. Either you use this shortcut or get another notice, so you risk it!

For obvious reasons, the staff isn't supposed to use the member's and guests' main entrance; the one that leads to the glamorous and iconic lobby with the front desk and stunning bar that is featured in many Architectural Digest issues due to his architectural heritage and art deco layout, but fuck it.

You would rather get a reprimand from your boss, the Members Services & Events Department director, than a salary fine. You are already biting your nails to meet this month's end.

As soon as you reach the large double gold-framed doors, you feel the fresh air of the AC hitting your pores with a sweet scent of jasmine. 

You want to make the most discreet and casual way in, trying to blend and go unnoticed between the people there and their soft hums of conversations, but Lord! Fate hates you.

As soon as you push the doors open, you feel your keys flying out of your blue short's tiny pocket. 

You don't know who to blame the most: the designers who insist on putting those stupid, almost fake pockets on women's clothes, the massive ball of keys your manager insists you carry around at work due to the old-timey tradition of the place, or you for running relentlessly.

The sound the keys make when they hit the pristine and immaculate stone floor makes you want to die; it sounds like a torpedo hitting the ground.

All the people inside there, the ones chatting on the trendy and expensive lounge pearl white sofas, the ones getting down the swirl stairs from the terrace under that beautiful chandelier and massive skylight, the people enjoying their morning by the gold leaf bar drinking their welcoming Italian soda and the expertly crafted canapés along with the hot man standing at the front desk next to your boss turn their heads following the sound, all looking straight at you now as you stand still there in the middle of the room.

The hot man has short brown hair, dark eyes, and a well-built, athletic body that could easily be spotted from a mile away. He exudes power and sexiness, and you can't help but take him in. 

"Good morning" is all you come up to say, trying to keep your composure. Fuckity fuck!

The tall man bends his body and reaches down to pick up your rusted keys, which slid near his feet.

"Good morning, kid," he greets you as he enjoys the view of an embarrassed, sweaty, and out-of-breath you, with your hair loosened up from running under the sea breeze and wind in those tiny ass blue shorts and white polo that the Club makes you wear as a uniform, with a very amused smile on his face.

Toto's voice is smooth and captivating, sending shivers down your spine as you listen to him. Your heart races and your cheeks flush with a mix of excitement and nervousness. 

You can't believe the man in front of you is talking to you so charmingly. Most members and guests are out of touch or rude towards staff.

"Thank you, s-sir," you quickly reply, grabbing the keys with a slight tremble in your voice. 

Toto's eyes twinkle with amusement as he observes your reaction. It's clear to him that his presence takes you aback, and he finds it endearing.

"Who the fuck is this specimen of a man, Jesus Christ!" You think, your brain breaking down a bit.

"Right this way, Mr. Wolff," Chloé, your boss, stands right by him.

She is almost his height and a vision of elegance and authority. Her perfectly styled curly hair and soft, evony skin glimmer as she addresses Toto in the most polite voice, stealing his attention from you.

Before looking at you with an "I'm going to murder you," look in her sharp hazel eyes as a silent warning of the impending reprimand you are getting.

You immediately recognize the last name: Wolff. He most likely is Toto Wolff, the successful businessman who owns one of the villas at the Club and has a beautiful yacht by the dock. 

You have heard his name many times before. You know he is one of the most important clients and may be spending his spring break here. 

You had no idea he was coming; no one in the crew or staff notified you about it, which is the usual when a big name is to arrive. 

But most importantly, you had no idea he looked like that; you always pictured him as an old fart. 

Damn, he is hot!

-

As you fix your wild hair in the locker room, you notice Chloé enter, and you rush to finish tightening your ponytail. 

You observe her reflection coming your way in the tiny mirror on the metallic door of your blue locker. 

"Here we go." 

You can feel Chloé's disapproval while waiting for her words, and your mind races with fears and uncertainties.

"Girl, how often do I have to remind you about the importance of punctuality in this establishment?!" Chloé's voice is like ice seeping into your core, chilling you to the bone. 

You feel a mix of panic and frustration, knowing that you have once again fallen short of Chloé's expectations; she is your most supportive person in the entire place.

You bite your lip nervously, trying to devise a plausible explanation for your delay. For the first time, you are glad the staff area of the Club is not as luxurious as the rest of the sparkling oasis venue. 

It's a bit dark in there because there are only small windows below ground level, so it is impossible to notice how pale you are right now.

"Of all days, you had to choose today! Please stop being so reckless. There will be a time when I won't be able to stand up for you and help you out! You know I love you, girl, but Raphaël is going to give us so much shit if any of the guests or Abby mention the incident to him."  

You feel a wave of self-doubt washing you over. This familiar sensation crept up whenever you faced Chloe's harsh criticisms; she's the best but a challenging and demanding boss.

She is at the top of the game, and Chloé works hard to maintain the Club's reputation and the best guest service in town. 

"I-I'm sorry, Chloé," your voice stutters as you try to form an apology, your words coming out in a quiet, shaky breath.

You are still in a whirlwind of emotions. You did your best to keep a professional demeanor in front of Toto's presence and the rest of the guests. 

But the entire incident was overwhelming, plus his aura looked like he commanded respect from people.

"At least, Mr. Wolff, laugh it off." Chloé gives you a soft and reassuring rub on the arm. "I had never seen you reach that level of redness, not even when you slipped on the deck of Ms. Basset's yacht with her birthday cake while we sang her happy birthday," Chloé starts laughing at the memory.

"Here is his clown to entertain him," you get slightly embarrassed now and joke back, but you wish.

"Talking of which," Chloé switches tones back to a boss again.

"What?" you feel your heart going wild again.

You struggle to contain your emotions as she delivers you the news with a funny expression. 

You can't believe you have been assigned to Mr. Wolff's crew, YOU, to overlook and take care of his stay.

The mere thought of being in close proximity to him sends a flurry of butterflies dancing in your stomach as excitement at the prospect of working closely with Toto until you remember who you are. Then, apprehension fills you with the challenges that lay ahead.

"WHAT?!" you let out aloud.

"Yeah, I know, we know, we all wonder if Mr. Holst is pulling some survival experiment or wants to watch you do you and surprise us with one of your biggest hits, like the one you did today. Seriously, how do these things keep happening to you?! Child, I wonder." Chloé lets out with amusement.

"OH LORD,"

-

The Yacht Club's poolside bar glistens in the sun's warm embrace. A golden hue covers the luxurious setting and trendy chairs cradle members who lounge in pricey fashion wear and fancy swimsuits. 

Laughs and chats overlap the sound of the waves against the shore. The entire pool area has the most beautiful view of Monaco's sea. 

Spring is warm enough, and the freshwater of the ocean twinkles and sparks reflections, looking perfect for diving in or jet skiing.

The long pier there is closed right now as the Waterfront crew sets up all the equipment and performs safety checks before starting their water-based activities schedule for guests.

So, most members enjoy the state-of-the-art giant pool: swimming, sunbathing, drinking cocktails, or reading from their Kindles at the moment, making the bar busier.

Today, you are helping the mixologist and bartenders at the pool and terrace bar by restocking ingredients and tracking orders on the KDS. 

Jesus, these people have crazy and quirky demands for their beverages and food! 

Your feet start hurting from running from one location to another, to the kitchen and warehouse, and up and down the staff's outdoor stairs.

But all pain is gone as you watch Toto approach the bar, wearing an unbuttoned white linen t-shirt and yellow swimming short trunks. His chest and legs look damn good under the sun.

Toto's eyes linger on you as a flashback of a phone call he had with Mr. Holst, the Club Manager and owner, his long-time friend, comes to his mind.

"Miss Y/LN?" Toto says as he reads the list of staff names sent to his email for him to review before arriving at the Club.

"Oh, yes, that one you don't recognize, yeah, that's Y/N," Mr. Holst lets out a long sigh on the other end of the phone. 

He doesn't sound excited at the mention of your name. 

"She's the young college student who works for us, tirelessly, I must admit, to support her education. That's the only reason why I keep giving her chances."

"Put her on board my crew, then," Toto says while signing a cheque at his office, briefly holding his iPhone with his ear.

"Toto, I must warn you, she is inexperienced and really clumsy. I advise choosing someone else." the boss says.

"Add her, please," Toto commands what he pleases. He knows he can tip you well to help you with the bills.

"Okay, you are going to make me say I told you so," Mr. Holst jokes. "I love you here, my friend, but why the sudden rush to arrive? Shouldn't you be on cloud nine in Milano? You are giving us no time."

A small, sarcastic sigh escapes Toto's lips. "See you soon, my friend," his deep voice ends the call; there is no further explanation.

Your pulse quickens as you stand before Toto. You can smell his delicious cologne, mixed with the scent of saltwater and hints of citrus from the cocktails having served.

"It's a pleasure to see you again," he greets you; his words carry a subtle warmth. "I want a Daiquiri; take it to the in-pool chaise area. I will be there," he orders. "Oh, and I hope you don't throw some keys in it," he winks at you. 

"You dislike rusty flavors, noticed, sir," you joke back, seizing the moment; a small smile forms on his lips, and you feel like you won a prize.

-

Oh, the view that greets you minutes later as you go to deliver him his drink is just too much for your poor heart.

Toto is sprawled on one of the pool's chaises, sunlight dancing on his skin. His fit body is covered in a sheen of sweat from the heat, his muscular physique in full glory for your eyes to enjoy, looking impossibly hot. 

Under his sunglasses, he notices how your gaze goes all over him, his body getting you all distracted before he grabs his drink. "It's a good thing you didn't throw it all over me," he says, confusing you. "Watch your step." 

He points with his head to your feet. You are standing at the very edge of the pool. One millimeter more, and you could have taken a good swim with him, embarrassing yourself as usual.

"Oh God," in that moment, you want to drown in the pool. "Sorry, I'm not, I..."

"Don't mind, you can leave," he says, and that's all. 

There's no more Toto for you that day.

Is he always this cold?

-

You arrive home exhausted after today's work. The bar's closing always takes time, and it's late at night when you enter your aunt's apartment, where you two live. 

She has already left for work. 

She is a nurse and usually works the night shift, so you two see each other only occasionally, even if you share the same roof, just on weekends.

During the bus ride home, you made peace with the fact that you were going to bed with an empty stomach.

She left you a sticky yellow note on the fridge, letting you know she left food for you. God bless her heart! You felt too tired to cook. 

As you microwave your dinner, Léo texts you. 

Apparently, a kid threw up at the restaurant, and his father caused a big scene by calling the Chef and making him bring out the employee who cooked his son's meal to address him.

"You tried to poison my son! He screamed at me with a thick Australian accent. Can you believe the nerve?!"

Léo is 30 years old and works as a cook in the Yacht Club kitchen under a highly demanding Chef. He is as low-salary as you and middle class, too. 

Because of that and many more things you share in common, you two were able to bond and become great friends. 

Your aunt has always tried to play cupid with you two. She likes him and, well, you too, sort of. 

He is a good person and good-looking, and according to everyone, he is also into you.

You would let him win your heart if he wasn't determined to move countries and leave as soon as he finishes studying his cuisine master's.

There is nothing that frightens you more in this world than the fear of someone leaving you because your parents did that to you. 

Well, your dad was never present anyway. 

And your mom was an irresponsible and immature mess with you. She even called you an "oopsie baby" to your face once while being exasperated with you, but it was the truth anyway. 

She always blamed you for your father leaving and for stealing her youth, all that before she got sober and cleaned her act. 

Now, she is the world's greatest mom to her kids, your stepbrothers. You don't see her much, and she still doesn't care much about you. Still, she calls you on your birthday and sends you money every once in a while.

God, you hate people who abandon and hurt.

So that's why you fear a relationship with Léo. 

Paris is a goddamn expensive and challenging city to live and navigate, more so with a low income, so following him along is not within your reach.

But you really yearn for affection, a body to hold, for someone to touch you and make you feel special.

A boyfriend would be great.

-

As you lay in your bed, in the darkness, inside your small room, frustrated about not being able to fall asleep, you can't win the dirty thoughts running wild in your head as the night's warmth enters through the open window.

The light fabric curtains sway in the wind as the warm breeze caresses your thighs, and you succumb to the temptation you have been trying to resist for more than 20 minutes. 

You spread your legs wider, feeling the soft cotton of your pajama bottoms rub against your sensitive spot. You start to slide a hand between your legs, with a finger teasing the skin under your panties, getting aroused. 

You close your eyes and begin caressing your folds and picturing Toto's broad, sweaty, naked body approaching you at the bed.

You could almost hear his deep voice whispering, "You're so beautiful." His aftershave fills your nostrils as he leans in for a kiss. 

His big hands gently part your legs, revealing your bare, moist pussy to him before placing himself on top of you in one of the villa's bedrooms.

You fantasize about being buried under his weight, lost in the sensation of Toto's fingers teasing and exploring your insides. 

His soft, dirty whispers in your ear make you shiver, and you find yourself arching into his touch.

Back in real life, the sound of your shallow breaths fills the room as you dare to push an entire finger inside you all the way in while a soft moan escapes your lips as the scene in your head continues:

"Do you like that? Do you like me inside?" Toto asks, his voice low and husky. 

"Yes, sir," you breathe, your hips bucking against his hand, willing and trembling. 

As your finger moves faster, causing soaked sounds, your mind pictures Toto's intense gaze fixed on you; the thought of submitting to him, of being his completely, makes you quiver.

You feel the heat and wetness of your core and slide a second finger into you, eager for more. 

The soft fabric of your bedsheets rubs your skin with the movement you produce on the mattress as you go all for it, reminding you of Toto's rough yet gentle grip. 

"Tell me what you want," he says, working his hand faster between your legs, making you splash some drops of your wetness.

"I want you inside me," you beg, your voice barely above a whisper hidden below a moan. 

You are all pink in the cheeks and sweaty, and a need to pee sensation starts building in you. 

"And what do you think I should do about that?" he asks with a wicked grin.

"Please fuck me, sir; I need you inside me," you beg.

You close your eyes, lost in the dream, feeling as if he was entering you balls deep as you thrust your fingers as deep inside you as you can take them. 

Your moans hitch as you start pulling them in and out of you as you picture Toto's hip movements till you reach climax, your body shuddering with pleasure, whetting your sheets all over.

The warmth spreads through your core and leaves you content and relaxed. You bite your lip, and you are now feeling embarrassed to face Toto tomorrow morning after this.  

You clean yourself up and change your sheets, then fall asleep like a baby. Your best night of sleep in a long time.

-

OH, YEAH, SPRING BREAK IS OFFICIALLY HERE!

Which means no more classes, no more university, and no more annoying classmates. However, still lots of work to do at the Club.

-

You are all happy and peacefully cooking your breakfast with a lot of the extra time you have now on your hands.

Yesterday, Chloé authorized you to switch to the morning shift since college is on break. 

She left you many tasks for the day in the digital agenda the Club gave you, which you are now reading as you enjoy your avocado toast.

You have to look extra lovely and put together this week because you will spend three entire days alongside Toto in the middle of the ocean since he got invited to Mr. Holst's extremely exclusive getaway at his gigantic and modern yacht that could easily fit a nation in there, along with other five old farts.

-

Two days later, you are getting ready to join the crew on board to help with everything Mr. Wolff needs and what the harbor crew, the dock master, the Chef, and the sailing master ask you to do.

It also means you must wear the sailing slut-ish uniforms, keep them pristine, look on point all the time, and avoid embarrassing yourself.

After brushing your teeth and doing your hair and makeup, you check yourself in your bedroom's oversized, full-length mirror, fixing every detail on your sailing uniform.

This one attracts much attention from people on the streets as you travel on the bus to work. Guys always send you dirty looks or discreetly stare you down. 

Everyone finds it sexy, but not the Yacht's Controller, who always makes fun of it; he and his entire team nickname it "The Slut Navy Uniform."

It's a tight white long-sleeve button shirt with golden handcuffs and a v-neck cleavage, along with a French blue loosen kipper short tie and six golden buttons in the waist area to make it look smaller, with the Club's patched logo on the upper left side, and pair with a too short white knife pleated skirt that you always have to work around to avoid flashing the guests.

And to whose surprise, honestly?! Mr. Holst is quite sexist and still thinks his female staff must look pleasing to men's eyes.

You have a conflicted sentiment for him; sometimes, he is the nicest boss on earth, but he spans from that to a neurotic asshole.

He has a sweet, healthy, young-looking face for his age. Being a billionaire, having a plastic surgeon on call, and being chubby sure helps him with that, but he was definitely once good-looking.

His wife is way too hot for him, tho, and his three sons and heirs are also stunning but extremely posh, a bit deadpan, and out of touch. 

They aren't that reachable, but you have a good relationship with them all. 

You got hired to work there because your aunt was the nurse who helped him take care of his elderly mom for the last decade of her life.

-

The sun rises over the crystal-clear waters, reflecting on the luxurious yachts docked in the harbor as you walk along the pier, admiring the beautiful vessels.

"Here it comes, the Slut Navy!" the dockmaster yells at you from afar, greeting you and the other girls while joking around as there are no guests near.

He is a pretty quirky character, and you do a little dance in response, extending your arms and rocking your hips while reaching the edge of the pier, where he offers you a hand to board the yacht, along with the four other female coworkers.

You step onto the dock, feeling the cool wood beneath your feet, and take a deep breath to steady your nerves.

"Please don't break my ship," he jokes with you, double-checking on his list that you are part of today's crew. You are his favorite. That's why he is always teasing you.

"Girls, we have lots to prepare before guests arrive. I need you to split into teams. Let's go, people!" he stops fooling around and goes full business mode as he checks his Rolex Daytona.

-

On time as ever, the guests board the ship while you pour the cold iced tea into the glasses and help the Chef label which plate belongs to whom since one of the guests is allergic to cheese.

"SHIT!" you let out loud in the staff's kitchen, watching the clock on the wall. You were supposed to welcome Toto on the deck about 10 minutes ago. "Gotta go, guys." 

You rush to place the last sticky notes with names frantically before exiting and climbing the metallic stairs to ground level fast to look for him.

You find Toto standing at the railing, his eyes scanning the water. You can't help but admire his tall, muscular frame and the way the sunlight glints off his hair.

There he is, the man you've been secretly fantasizing about, just a few feet away. With a sudden burst of courage, you clear your throat. 

Toto turns towards you, his piercing eyes locking onto yours. You feel your cheeks heating up as you get closer. 

He raises an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Ah, there you are, kid. I thought you had fallen overboard already since there was no one to welcome me," he replies, his voice deep and resonant.

"That's why you were looking at the water, right?" You try to beat with humor the slight reprimand you got. "What can I offer you, sir?" you quickly ask. 

The yacht rocks gently under your feet, waves lapping against the hull as he gently brushes a strand of hair from your face. His touch sends shivers down your spine. "There, better," he says. 

Your hair got a bit messed up from working like crazy. Seconds later, Mr. Holst reaches you two, which explains Toto's move.

Mr. Holst checks you out, expecting you to look perfect, as Ava, his stunning assistant and assigned crew lass, moves to stand beside you.

She is everything you want to achieve at work and excels at her job. Although Ava acts cold and diva to you and the other girls, feeling above you all.

"Hi," you greet the breathtaking young, fit woman, low and quickly, discreetly waving your hand at her. 

She looks at you with the corner of her eyes. Her piercing blue eyes stay on you for a few seconds. Ava remains quiet and then moves her gaze back to the boss.

You wonder if the rumors of Mr. Holst and her are true; wait, that's misogynistic of you. 

Well, you will keep trying to make friends with her. She has no friends here, and you don't like that. You can't cope with abandonment.

"Good morning, my friend. It's good to see you," Mr. Holst greets Toto warmly and squeezes his arm fondly. "We have some catching up to do," he notices Toto isn't holding a glass in his hand yet and addresses you. "Go bring him his beverage."

You were standing there like an idiot, staring at Toto shyly. "Oh, yes, sir, immediately."

"That wasn't necessary," Toto bumps Holst.

"I know, but she didn't get hired to act like a lampost," They both laugh.

"Is Y/N always that nervous and shy? Not the best traits working in hospitality, I must say." Toto asks.

"Really?! No, gosh, I wish she was. I would like her to contain herself more." Holst chuckles as some of your incidents come to his mind. "You want me to have a word with her?"

"No, no," Toto says. 

Then, he is the one making you act like that?

-

The yacht's interior is even more luxurious than the outside, with plush carpets, gleaming marble surfaces, and intricate woodwork adorning every inch of space. 

You wander through the spacious halls, attending to Toto's requests and admiring the paintings and sculptures lining the walls. 

At the same time, you navigate the ship as you bring him the rye bread he requested to the long outdoor table on the bridge deck, where the brunch takes place. You face the mesmerizing view of Monaco's coastline as you step outside.

You place the plate in front of him and step back to your position behind him, at arm's reach, in case he needs something else.

You can't help but overhear the conversation and pay attention to his words.

"So, how is Irina? And your mom?" Mr. Holst addresses him, sitting at the head of the table and turning in Toto's way.

"Fine" is all Toto answers, deminors changing.

"Oh, okay, please, you don't say more," Mr. Holst jokes at Toto's lack of words; the Austrian chuckles.

The Chef then asks you by the open-ear bud headphones to bring out the sliced fruit dishes.

As all the staff heads back to the kitchen, Toto's eyes are drawn towards the action while the rest of the table doesn't bother paying attention.

When you are about to cross the massive slide door, a strong breeze comes your way. Toto gets to enjoy the view of your legs and ass on display as the wind pulls you a trick and raises your short skirt for a brief second before you rush to move your arm and hand to fix it.

He finds you so fascinating. The two of you couldn't be more opposite. 

"Those are some cute lacey panties," he thinks.

-

As the day goes by without significant incidents, you start to feel more and more confident around Toto. 

You stare at him for a while, driving the jet ski fast and wild on the waters, breaking waves and revolving, with a firm grip on the steering control and his delicious biceps flexing. 

You are glad he has the life jacket on; otherwise, you be drooling. Then, the sailing master distracts you from him as he asks the guests to return on board. 

The yacht will cruise to deeper waters so Mr. Holst can free dive.

You wait for Toto's arrival, holding the soft, high-quality towel while enjoying the view of a wet him up close as he climbs, dripping, on the swim platform. 

He playfully sprinkles you with some drops with his hand as you come close to remove his life jacket.

"Hey!" you complain, smiling at him being an ass.

"Just a small taste of the fresh waters. I saw you looking over a lot, and I supposed you wanted to join me in the fun," he explains as he dries his hair with the towel, messing it up. "How do I look?" he jokes around. His wet hair is all up and wild, going in every direction.

You laugh and smile at the sight, "Like lighting is about to strike us." 

He then combs his hair with his hand in a handsome man's move and drops the now-wet and heavy towel on your extended forearms. "I will be on the sun deck," he informs you and moves along.

-

Everything is going so well.

Toto sunbathes for a while and only asks you for one drink the entire time before he leaves to nap in his cabin. 

So you move on to your other tasks as he isn't around but still keeping an eye on his call bell.

-

All until later, when you hear commotion on the main deck. 

As you enter the living room area, you see Mr. Elrod, looking all red and swollen, sitting on one of the curved sofas as the aid crew offers him an EpiPen.

"Oh, no, no!" escapes your lips, watching the scene from afar as you feel the Chef and Mr. Holst's eyes set on you standing next to each other.

You sense Toto passing you around and standing by your side, observing the scene two steps behind you. The commotion woke him up.

Mr. Holst points you with his finger to the left, which means, "See you at my office now!"

Toto watches you release a loud sigh before moving your feet.

-

He waits for you outside the double wood doors of the office, sitting in the empty chair beside them, hearing the muffled screams from inside. 

After a while, it quietens, and you finally emerge from inside, distressed and fast, trying to hold back tears. 

You don't notice Toto.

You start heading to an empty place where you can cry in peace while avoiding being seen by guests. 

Toto follows you all the way to the flying bridge, keeping a reasonable distance from you and trying to be discreet.

It's dark already, and the air feels chilly up there as the night fully sets. 

He hears you weeping near the railing as you feel a jacket being placed on you. 

"It's cold," Toto's deep voice says, making you jump. 

You immediately wipe your tears, fix yourself, and turn to face him. 

"I'm so sorry, sir. I didn't notice you were here. I apologize." 

God! Why did he have to be there and see you like this? You wanted to avoid getting into more trouble!

He notices your overly apologizing trait and feels slightly sorry for you. "I followed you here."

Your stupid mind takes another angle. "I'm so sorry if I didn't hear you calling me; how can I help you?"

He stares at you. "I meant it as I saw the entire thing with Mr. Elrod and then with Holst and followed you here from his office. He loses patience quickly but is a good-hearted man." 

You nod, now getting it. 

"Did you poison the allergic guy?" he asks, a small smile forming on his lips at the situation's absurdity as he listens to himself.

"Yes. I messed up the plate's labels all for being in a rush." You aren't in the mood to light things up with humor as you hold back tears again. "It won't happen again." Toto notices it; you gulp and look directly at him. "You don't have to worry about it, sir. I will pay extra care with your food and beverages."

"You think I'm here because I'm worried you'll get me poisoned?" his voice is serious. 

You glance at him, confused and surprised. 

What's going on?!

"Just talk to me. What's the reason for the tears?" Toto wipes the tear running down your cheek. "Without the sir bit, please, just Toto."

"Understood, si-r-Toto," you quickly answer. "Well, I-yeah, I feel like I'm not good at anything! I always screw things up. It doesn't matter how hard I try! It keeps happening to me, and they had enough of it."

"Did Holst threaten to fire you? I can always talk to him," he offers you, concerned.

"No, I'm getting a fine, a big one. I can barely afford it, but I can't lose this job either."

"And you told Holst that? That you needed the money? I don't know, maybe he could give you additional chores, or you could stay free for extra hours?"

"Yes, I tried, but he knows that's the one punishment that would make me not dare to commit the same mistake again. It's a bit cruel, but I'm used to it, I guess," you explain to him before you literally have a breakdown in front of him, much to Toto's surprise.

He holds you in his arms, trying to calm you down while a more violent and cold current hits both of your bodies. 

You feel his thumb rubbing your back as you bury yourself in his warmness. His tender touch relaxes you so much that you start falling asleep, feeling exhausted. 

He then notices you struggling to keep your eyes open and to remain on your feet as you lean more into him. 

He lifts you from the ground with a firm grip and carries you around as you fall asleep on him. 

He takes you downstairs through the empty hallways to his cabin, not knowing where yours is or how to get there, and softly places you in his bed.

He pulls your skirt in place, respecting you, even if he likes the idea of spooning you and feeling the lace of your cheeky panties with his fingers as his eyes go down your sound-asleep figure.

Toto hasn't fucked anyone in over five weeks, and the urge to do so starts building inside him. 

But it's not proper to get involved with you.

-

The following day, he wakes up as the sun sneaks through the massive glass window of his bedroom, heating Toto's face; he then stretches and yawns before turning your way.

But you are already gone. 

It's about 8 a.m., meaning breakfast is about to occur. Toto gets on his feet, feeling hungry already due to his CEO routine, usually waking up between 4:45 and 5:00 a.m. and eating breakfast early. But he has to remind himself he is on a break.

-

He spots you as soon as he arrives at the bridge deck.

You are wearing a uniform similar to yesterday's. A white button t-shirt with a v-neck, this time no tie, but today's blue A-line plated panel mini skirt with four golden buttons seemed in it looks so tight on your ass, which is anything but good for Toto's horniness as he feels the urge to pin you against the hallway wall and rub your asscheeks against his groin.

He notices the nervous energy among the staff members, hurrying to attend to his and the other guests' every need as they start to breakfast.

Your eyes dart at him in awe and fear after last night's events as you give out the glass bottles of sparkling water to everyone at the table.

Toto chuckles to himself, aware of the power he wields on you simply by his presence. 

He looks at you with a cheeky grin and, on purpose, drops his fork.

The sound it makes when hitting the floor causes Mr. Holst to turn Toto's way and joke out loud. "It's alive! The fruit is alive!" he messes around.

"Y/N," Toto calls your name, a smirk already on his lips. "Would you mind picking it up for me?" he requests you in the sweetest tone in front of everyone.

"You little shit," you think, but you say, "Sure, sir," and struggle to get down to the floor in that fucking tight as hell mini skirt, trying to bend without your pussy greeting everyone. 

He enjoys watching you try and struggle all the way down and is pretty surprised when you achieve it without revealing yourself.

"Let me get you a new one, SIR," you emphasize the last word while looking at him with murderous eyes as he laughs under his breath.

Once you are back and have handed him his new fork so he can resume enjoying his fruit, Toto grabs a strawberry with it and gets it in his mouth. 

As soon as the fork makes contact with his lips, Toto feels them burning violently.

He turns your way, eyes wide open, and since you are just two steps behind him, you come closer to mutter near his ear, "Oopsie, I must have dropped it in the wasabi sauce."

-

After a long chat with the other guests about business, Toto excuses himself to get a shower. 

He dismisses you and gifts you some free time before they dock in Eze Village. 

He asks you to go get him in his room when they arrive.

-

Toto steps into the steaming water, letting it cascade over his muscular body. He closes his eyes, trying to clear his mind of the sudden life crisis that brought him here. 

As he soaps up his body, he can't help but reach between his legs and begin to stroke his growing erection. 

He could be fucking anyone instead of jerking himself off in the shower. After all, he is a handsome billionaire who can afford life's finest things but is stranded here with few options.

A slight smirk forms at the corner of his mouth as he thinks you would probably be more than happy to join and help him with this as he runs his hands over his well-defined abs and chest. 

He pulls all of his strength not to call you in.

Instead, he focuses on pulling himself harder, faster, and more intensely as he gets lost in the moment. 

"Ahh" he moans, arching his back as he feels the familiar tightening in his groin. His cock is as hard and curved as possible and bounces slightly with each move.

After minutes of going at it, he hears the soft and muffled knocks on the door. 

It must be you, as he instructed you, obedient girl! He would reward you for good behavior if you were in there with him.

He rushes to pleasure himself, or otherwise, if he stops and steps out, after opening that door, he is going to fuck you right against it, not being able to contain himself.

His grip tightens on his shaft. He can feel the familiar tightness building in his balls, warning him of his impending release. 

As he approaches his climax, he lets out a long, intense groan, his fingers founding the way on his throbbing cock. 

With a deep breath, he allows himself to cum, feeling the warmth spreading through his body.

As his last drops of cum splash against the glass, Toto then opens his eyes, catching his breath, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

He cleans himself before quickly stepping out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist while he hears you knocking again.

He opens the door for you, still undressed, wet hair dripping on his bare chest. 

You can't help but look surprised and get a notorious blush, trying to stop your eyes from going all over him. 

"I'll be there in a minute, kid," he says, letting you peek at him before closing the door to your face.

Is this man sending you mixed signals, or are you going crazy?!

-

Much to his surprise, you remain on board the yacht doing other chores instead of joining him at Eze Village. 

Ava stays in charge of Toto and Mr. Holst as they tour the small village; their first stop is the cigar store.

As they exit the shop after spending a couple of hundred, Toto notices the nearby street where many men wander around, going up or down a broad stone stair to a redwood door. 

At 2:00 p.m., that place looks already buzzing, bright daylight still on the streets.

"That strip club is unbelievable," Holst whispers near his ear, noticing Toto's eyes wandering there. "It's pretty hidden and offers lots of privacy. That's why it's so popular amongst the elites, plus the girls in there, woaf." Holst throws a kiss in the air. "We should stop by after lunch, you know, as our dessert." Holst bumps him, and Toto nods, agreeing. 

He very much needs it.

-

Everyone is back in the yacht at the time set. The night starry sky looks beautiful on board, and the waters are calm, but the crew isn't.

The guests look bored and a bit pissed off of waiting for Wolff and Holst; they are nowhere to be seen.

"Should we go look for them?" you ask, concerned for his wellbeing, you mean, their wellbeing.

"No one else gets off here," the sailing master declares after sending two male crew members after establishing contact with Ava; after four tries, she finally picks up the signal.

"We are on our way back," she updates him on the radio, sounding exasperated and a bit emotional. "Also, send Hob to receive us at the platform, but make it tactful."

Everyone in the crew looks at each other with a "Did something happen?" expression as they are all gathered around the radio in the small lobby of the crew's cabins.

"Walk," Hob tells you as he passes you by. Moving fast, you follow him without questioning much. 

As you two reach the platform, you see Arvin and Hob teaming up to carry a totally hammered and passed-out Mr. Holst to get him to his suite.

And Carlo helping out a drunk but still awake Toto to walk him to his room, the Austrian hanging from his shoulder to help his balance. 

Carlo signals you with his hand to move your ass to Toto's cabin.

"Pour him a tall glass of water," he asks you as he lowers Toto on his bed. "Stay in here if he needs something else or throws up."

"Puff, I'm fine!" Toto says, making fun of the large man as he tries to remove his shoes but fails completely. 

Carlo exits the room and closes the door behind him, leaving you two alone.

"Do you need help with those?" you offer Toto, a bit amused. He looks way less intimidating when drunk.

He shakes his head way too much. Finally, he gets them out with much force, and one bounces around the carpet floor.

Then he attempts to unbutton his shirt. You watch him struggle with that until he gets exasperated, unable to coordinate his hand movements, and wants to sleep now.

"Would you mind?!" he looks pissed off at you as if it was a duty you were supposed to do.

You don't take it wrong and gladly reach out to help him get undressed. 

Toto is sitting at the end of the bed. You stand between his slightly open legs, placing yourself between his knee. As you undo his shirt, he looks up at you, looking straight at your eyes, chin up.

Jesus! That smell! Why he smells like whore? 

Which turns out to be a good thing; otherwise, you would have to resist the urge to throw yourself at him.

As you unbutton the remaining two lower ones, he says, "I picked the one who looked like you," and you have no idea what he is referring to.

He manages to take his pants off; good thing! You would have lost it! And then Toto drops himself face down on the mattress, quickly falling asleep in his trousers.

You place a pillow under his head and involuntarily comb his hair with your hand.

-

He wakes up to the vision of you sleeping all curled up in the armchair you dragged near his bed; a weird feeling washes him over before he rushes to pee.

Once back, he falls asleep again, and no human force will wake him up.

-

After tidying up the room and grabbing Toto's clothes from the floor to the laundry, you leave a hungover kit and a new glass of water on his bedside table before leaving.

Your list of things to do today is nuts.

- 

That same morning, the Chef sends you to get more flour sacks. 

When you open the big, heavy, metallic pantry door, you unexpectedly find Ava crying inside there under the bright light bulb.

"Oh, sorry," you quickly add. Ava immediately turns around and pretends she's looking for something, reading the labels on the cans before her.

You know a crying girl spot when you see it; unfortunately, you have used almost all of them.

"Are you okay?" you ask her, concerned.

"Yes, it's all good. I was looking for this!" Ava answers in her usual tone, picking up a random can.

"The anchovies got you emotional? Got it! I also got emotional in here once for a jar of mayo, and also when choosing which broom to use in the broom closet, and while folding napkins in the linen closet. I get it, girl." You confess to her all the places where you have cried in the yacht due to circumstances.

You make her smile a bit. "No, but seriously, are you okay?!" You ask and try again, sensing she opens up a bit.

Much to your surprise, she starts telling you: "I can't believe he did this to us!" in between cries. "This was supposed to be our gateway trip, not this!"

She sounds hurt. "I'm sorry. I'm not sure about what or who. Still, fuck them for hurting you!" you reassure her, trying to be empathic and supportive while also trying to figure it out.

"He and Wolff spent the entire afternoon inside that fucking strip club! Getting God knows what! I wasn't able to go inside; that stupid no women-allowed policy, you know, fuck them! And that fucking security guy even threw me out of the street, he made me leave, and I had to wait for them FOR HOURS!" now her sadness was starting to become anger. 

"God! I looked like an idiot sitting for hours in that cafe at the corner, forced to ask for food or drinks every once in a while until I saw them pass by through the windows, looking like a mess, barely able to walk and holding rolls of euros in their hands! That's when I sent the signal!"

WAIT A MINUTE! Toto went to the strip club?! You feel a sting of pain and jealousy. Oh, that was the smell! You feel pissed off, with no right howsoever. 

WAIT. Ava is referring to Mr. Holst?! Fuck!

-

Toto looks very comfy in one of the bulky sofas in the living room. This time, he is enjoying the inside of the yacht, staying away from the sun like a vampire, with his sunglasses on and a stern expression; his head must hurt.

You notice Toto's nasty hickeys on his neck in broad daylight as you approach to check on him, the ones that make your stomach revolve in jealousy as if you had the right to feel mad at him.

"I heard there are good natural remedies for hickeys. Maybe we have the ingredients on board. Would you like me to bring you one, sir?" you can't contain yourself.

He pays attention to your every expression. "Just Toto, remember? When it's just the two of us. And, yes, bring it." 

You return with a peppermint oil mini jar on your hands. Toto stays there staring at you without reaching his hand. 

What is he expecting?! For you to rub it on his neck?!" Yeah, you're mad. 

Finally, he grabs it.

"Let me know if you need something else for other regions," he detects your displeased undertones. 

"That's all. I don't need anything else for any other areas. Nothing happened in any other area," Toto hints to you.

"Understood, sir" you willinly ignore him, still giving him shit.

"Kid, are you allowed to go to Holst suite? Tell him if he will face me at the pool table or if he chickens out." Toto stands up and reaches you closer, his chest a centimeter away. Then he pats your head. "Be a nice pet, little one."

You stare, thirsting at his lips. Also, you want to strangle him! Also, he wants to strangle you, but in a different way.

-

As you are about to knock on Mr. Holst's suite's massive entrance door, you hear Ava's muffled, intense moans coming from inside while she groans to him to give her his dick harder.

Yeah... maybe later.

Damn, he must be fucking the "please, forgive me" out of her! Why is Toto not doing the same?!

You laugh at the thought.

-

"Mr. Holst isn't available right now," you inform him upon your return.

"Chicken!" Toto says, pouting.

More like "Cheater," you think. That guy has a wife and kids.

-

Toto ends up playing pool with two of the other male guests at the man cave, nicknamed "The Captain's Delight." 

The room has rich, dark wood paneling and sleek silver accents. It smells of fine leather and cigars. At the center of the place sits a gorgeous pool table crafted from the finest materials, with an emerald green top and balls made from solid, gleaming ivory.

You call the bartender in and start helping him serve the drinks for Toto, Stellan, and Bram.

Stellan's eyes gleam with confidence and arrogance as he sips his drink and makes a ball hit the pocket with a loud crash.

Toto is a bit of a show-off, always trying to prove himself as the best player. 

And Bram isn't much into the game as he can't help but steal glances at you, his eyes lingering on your curves every time he chalks up his cue, acting anything but discreet.

The bidding starts slow, but the stakes grow higher as the game heats up. The men raise their bets, and their voices grow louder and more aggressive as they argue over who made the best shot. 

Bram eyes get bloodshot from too much drinking, and his speech gets slurred as the game progresses. Their competitive spirits fueling the intensity of the round.

Bram's eyes continue to go all over you, from your legs to your ass, where he keeps staring for more than you like and at your breasts every time he addresses you.

On any occasion you pass by near him, you hear him throw a dirty innuendo whisper really low, only for you to listen to it, which makes your skin crawl.

When he misses a hit, he gets angry and throws a fit.

As he remains out of the game, he asks you for a refill of his drink. As soon as you are back, he pulls you by the waist to sit you right next to him, forcing his hand behind you, making you feel really uneasy.

Toto notices it and quickly approaches you, sitting right by your side, with no inch of space between you, causing the other man to slide away casually.

Bram returns to the game as they start a new final round; another "all-in" bid is placed. 

Stellan takes the price, being the best player of the night, much to the dislike of his peers.

Everyone calls it a night. But you stay in, tidying everything up and helping the bartender clean the bar. 

He wishes you a good night, and you turn off the lights and exit the room minutes later. It's almost 3 a.m.

As you leave the man cave into the long, empty hallway that leads to the stairs, you notice from the corners of your eyes that Bram is leaning against the wall there, waiting for you.

You quicken your pace, but Bram follows you, his eyes fixed on you. "Hey, babe," he slurs, his voice growing louder. "You're really something special."

You try to ignore him, but Bram continues, his words getting more and more aggressive. "Come on, babe. Let's get you a drink. I have Tequila Ley in my cabin and have a great idea for a game."

But you are having none of it. You keep moving. The stairs aren't that far away now, but the hallways are empty and dark, making you feel nervous, as Bram is relentless. 

As you reach the base of the stairs, he goes for your arm, feeling you are slipping away. He spins you around to face him, pushing you against the railing, which makes a loud sound. 

He places his hands on your legs and rubs them up, starting to pull your skirt up as he slides them in while you panic, not knowing how to react.

"I heard a collision sound. All good?" a deep voice booms above you.

Bram looks up to see Toto's imposing figure with an enraged face and stabbing eyes, and he immediately yanks away from you.

You take advantage of the distraction to pull free and hurry away up the stairs to Toto. He watches Bram leave, heading back in the direction you were coming.

"Are you okay?" he asks you.

You nod, looking relieved. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for intervening."

Toto nods. "I noticed him creeping on you all night long; I was waiting for you in case he tried something stupid. I should have stayed in the hallway by the door and avoided you this."

You take a deep breath and let it out slowly. You had previously dealt with similar situations, but this one went too far.

"Why don't we get some fresh air? You look like you could use it." Toto suggests, and both think of the same place to go: the flying bridge.

-

"Are you really okay?" Toto asks with concern etched on his face as he notices your eyes lost in the sea. 

You are sitting at the edge of the wooden floor, shoulder to shoulder, with your legs hanging in the air and leaning on the railing as you admire the moon's glow reflecting on the waters.

Even with that beautiful landscape, you can't shake the memory of that creepy guy harassing you earlier. 

Thank goodness Toto noticed how the man leered at you, making those crude comments under his breath. 

God knows what could have happened if he hadn't stopped it before it went too far!

The incident left you with an uneasy feeling in your stomach.

"You know, if you want to explain to me what hap...," Toto starts saying, but his voice trails off as he looks into your eyes and sees the vulnerability. 

He knows that he should keep things professional between you, but there is something about you that he can't resist.

He places his hand on top of yours, and the warmth of Toto's hand takes you out of your trance. 

He can't help but lean in closer, your heart racing as you see him approach to rest his temple on yours. 

You lean into the touch and wrap your arms around his waist, holding him tight, making you feel safe and protected. 

Finally, you can't take it anymore and whisper: "I don't know what's happening between us, but I can't resist you anymore." you smile, your cheeks flushed, fresh tears drying. "But I want you, Toto," you confess.

He looks at you in total silence for what feels like an eternity, just looking at your eyes.

Before your lips meet in a tender, soft kiss that sends waves of electricity through your body, before you move your hands around Toto's neck, pulling yourself closer to his body as the kiss deepens. 

The kiss grows hungrily, and you keep rubbing yourself against him until he wraps you around his waist and lifts you.

He leads you to his cabin, his footsteps echoing in the quiet space. As he closes the door behind you, a wave of nervous anticipation washes over you.

He looks straight at you, his eyes searching for any sign of hesitation. You look back at him, your gaze unflinching, and he knows then that you are ready before lowering you into his bed. 

You glimpse at the bulge on his pants as he moves to place himself on top of you, parting your legs; you pull him closer once more, his lips finding yours as he undoes the buttons on your shirt, his fingertips grazing your bare skin. 

You close your eyes, savoring his gentle touch, feeling his warmth and hardness. 

He trails a line of kisses from your collarbone to your stomach, taking his time to explore every inch of you as his hands trace the curves of your body; slowly, he slides your skirt off and tosses it aside.

He leans in and places a soft kiss on your inner thighs, eliciting a gasp from you; he quickly removes his pants, not being able to contain his erection inside them anymore.

You stare at his dick shaft to the side, and it makes you get wetter with arousal.

Your breath hitches as Toto unclasps your bra, revealing your breasts and teasing your nipples with his fingertips until they harden under his touch. 

His mind is whirling with desire for the beautiful young woman you are. He returns to his position between your legs and starts rocking his hips in circles, rubbing his erection on you. 

You grab his ass and squeeze it, pulling him closer. "Toto..." you whisper, arching towards him. His tongue teases your earlobe, making you shiver. 

"Do you really want this?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper. 

Your answer comes in the form of a moan as you lean into him, your hands finding their way to his chest. "I've wanted this for days."

He then removes his trousers and, in a single move, pulls down your soaked panties before penetrating you slowly, feeling your body tense up at first but then slowly relax into him. 

Your breaths become synchronized as you both sway together. Your moans fill the cabin, echoing off the wood-paneled walls as you enjoy his length inside you. 

The feeling of being taken so roughly sends waves of ecstasy through your body. Toto runs his fingers through your hair, pulling it. 

With each thrust, you can feel yourself falling deeper in love with Toto. For him, you taste sweet and innocent, yet wild and untamed at the same time. 

He thrusts balls deep into you, taking you completely. Your bodies clasping together in a rhythm. Sweat dripping down as you desperately fuck each other. Your pussy clamps down around his cock, driving him crazy.

After a while of intense fucking, with a couple of final hits, you feel an orgasm releasing from you as you come all over his dick. He groans into your mouth, his hips bucking and his cock throbbing inside you. 

Minutes later, Toto quickly pulls out in a fast move, removes his condom, and lets his cum spill over you. 

You gasp in surprise but then moan as the warmth spreads across your sensitive skin.

He leans down and kisses you passionately, your tongues dancing together in the aftermath of intense lovemaking. You look completely satisfied. 

"That was amazing," he whispers against your lips. You nestle closer to him, your breathing still ragged. 

"No one has made me feel like this before," you murmur, tracing the head of his cock with your fingertips, caressing with your hand all over his chest, then kissing him for a while, tongues dancing, moist lips rubbing.

Then, you both get clean and return to bed, where you are about to spend the rest of the night embracing.

As you are comfortably wrapped naked in his arms while he tenderly runs his fingers on your lower back, Toto tells you: "I have been restraining myself from having you for days.

"Why?" curiosity is filling you.

"Because it seemed inappropriate, plus we couldn't be more different, starting for our ages. I could be your dad!"

"Daddy..." you sigh as you look straight into his eyes, moving your gaze away from his bare chest.

"Stop it," he lets out in a dangerously low voice.

"What? It turns you on? I wouldn't mind another round, daddy," You moan out the last word, being an ass and teasing him. "My shift starts in about 2 hours."

Suddenly, you feel his weight all over you as he, in a fast move, places on top of you, and you laugh. He starts kissing your neck and heading all the way down, biting every inch of your skin.

You release many "daddies" out as he devours your pussy and fucks you hard till the sun comes out. To be continued... < Masterlist | Next chapter >

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Into, Across and Beyond! Scripting: Unexpected Turn of Events

PREVIOUS POST

The following morning, Tails was walking through Spring Yard on his way to school, seeing Sally was holding a tribute to Sonic on live television.

Sally: My boyfriend, Sonic the Hedgehog, was a fairly ordinary guy. He always said it could've been anybody wearing the shoes. He was just the one who happened to gain super-speed.

He arrived at a corner shop, having a browse about the wares present.

Mysterious Shop Owner: You okay there, kid?

Tails: Yeah. Just looking for something while remembering all Sonic did for us.

Shop Owner: Yeah... I miss the guy as much as you do. We were friends at some point, you know?

He thought for a moment, before putting some odd glasses on the counter.

Tails: What's this?

Shop Owner: Some special shades that interface with your eyes to project your vision through them! Figured they might come in handy for you!

He looked at them curiously before trying them on, his eyes showing through blue LEDs.

Tails: Seems cool! Is it possible for me to return these if they don't fit later?

Shop Owner: Of course! They're adjustable, though, so they should find an eventual fit!

Tails: Thanks! How much is this gonna cost me?

Shop Owner: Just a couple of rings.

He passed two rings to the shop owner, who took them. Later, he had a look at himself in a mirror.

Sally: He may not have asked to be the fast blur we know him as today. But he chose to save South Island from danger from his first adventure onwards.

Tails gave some of Sonic's poses a shot, taking time to have a breather between each. During a school break, he took the time to attend the tribute, walking amongst a sea of well-wishers with their own things to honour the late hero.

Sally: Sure, he may have had flaws along the way, like his impulse, but my favourite thing about Sonic is that he made us all feel powerful in some form! We all have powers of one kind or another. But in our own way, we're all the hero that Mobius needs. And we're all counting on you!

Tails (quietly to himself): Even now, they're all counting on me...

After the service was over, he reminded himself of the things Sonic pulled off (using some of his merch as direct reference if need be). One of these depicted Sonic racing down a building back when the landmasses were separated. With this in mind, Tails hurried up some stairs and came out to a rooftop, looking out over Central City.

He looked down, and then to some platforms nearby, taking the time to calculate how he was going to pull it off. He braced himself to make the leap... before chickening out and running back down the stairs. Ashamed of himself for doing so, he eyed up a taller skyscraper, seeing that as a better way of practising.

After managing to pull it off without a hitch, he took the time to go and pay a personal tribute to Sonic, visiting the cemetery to see his tombstone.

Tails: Hey, Sonic. I've... helped Central City out again, just like you wanted me to. Heh, it was just Fang and his crew causing some trouble today. Since we're pretty used to their tricks, I knew what I was doing, hehehe.

He sighed sadly, placing an inactive item monitor next to the grave.

Tails: You know, I know it's been about a year by now, but I still miss you a lot, buddy. I mean, you've always been the one to lift us up whenever we felt down. You'd always tell us that if we wanted something done, to do it right away and when we can. The only way to live a life without regrets, huh? I know things look grey for me as I am, but I know there's a world of colour out there waiting for me! I just gotta know where to look.

He got up after a moment.

Tails: I promise I'll make you proud out there, Sonic. I know it's tough, but someday, I'll be out stopping the worst of villains just like you once had!

As he said that, he felt a presence behind him. Feeling it was trouble, he quickly slipped on the digital shades, turned around...

Sonic?: Hey, dude-!

...and unwittingly caused a blue figure to be catapulted backwards from an electrical jolt. The figure's enerbeam bracelet catapulted Tails forward as well.

Tails: WOAH!

They both landed within the road, which was currently devoid of vehicles.

Tails: What did I do to him? Uh...

He had a proper look at the figure, seeing he resembled Sonic in almost every way save for the height, the SOAP shoes... and a notable potbelly.

Tails: Who... is he?

Sonic?: Alright, people, let's do this one last time.

The pile appears again, this time with a comic cover for the Crossover Realm appearing.

Sonic?: My name is Sonic Maurice Hedgehog. I was transformed by one of Robotnik's machines, and for the last seven years, I thought I was the one and only hero of Mobius. What a day, huh? I'm pretty sure you know the rest. I saved Mobius, fell in love with Sal, saved Mobius some more, maybe too much, beat the heck out of Exegod and Corrupt, and blah blah blah, saved Mobius again... and again... and again. Fast forward!

The montage zipped forward to one of Eggman's Badniks charging at Sonic's face.

Sonic: One of Robuttnik's robots flew at my face and broke my back, my relationships got testy, made some dicey money choices - Don't invest in a Sonic-themed restaurant, by the way. - then, like, 2 more years passed, yada yada yada. A freaking drone flew at my face, I hurt my back again, entities that want to kill this stupid lemon idiot came around, I buried Uncle Chuck, who passed from old age, I realized I'm reaching adulthood, Sally and I... split up. But I handled it like a champion!

Contrary to his words, he was left sobbing in the shower afterwards.

Sonic?: 'Cause you know what? No matter how many times I get hit, I always keep on moving without regrets. I also got a lot of time to reflect and work on myself.

Cut to him watching a program about seahorses.

Sonic?: Did you know that seahorses mate for life? Could you imagine a seahorse seeing another seahorse and making it work? She wanted a family and kids, and for us both to rule over Mobius... and it scared me.

He anticipated calling Sally again, only to decide against it shamefully.

Sonic?: I'm pretty sure I broke her heart. Flash forward, I'm doing my part, doing ab crunches, getting "strong"...

Again, he's lying about it, as he's instead shown in a crummy apartment wasting away on chilli dogs.

Sonic?: ...when this weird thing happened.

A portal opened up above him, though he was more concerned about finishing his chilli dog until it suddenly glitched out.

Sonic?: I gotta say, weird things happen to me a lot, given I live in a crossover multiverse and stuff, but this one was especially weird.

He flailed about, quickly using his enerbeam bracelet to snag his SOAP shoes and a chilli dog for the ride. Only the former made it through, and when he arrived in Dimension MP-2021, he bounced around the area like a pinball before crashing straight into a billboard.

Sonic?: You see, I was still in Mobius, but... a lot of things were different.

He saw a screen in the distance showing the news mentioning it had been a year since OMT!Sonic had passed away after destroying the Outbreak Malware Threat.

Sonic?: I was this... embodiment of hope the island looked up to. Also, I was dead... and young. It felt... nostalgic. It was like going back in time!

He watched the tribute service quietly from a rooftop, trying to take it in.

Sonic?: I got a feeling that, whatever brought me here, it must've been the thing that got him killed. Wanna know what happened next?

We cut back to this Sonic getting unwittingly blasted back by Tails.

Sonic?: Yeah, me too.

Back to the present, where Tails was looking at this Sonic's unconscious body.

Tails: Who... are you?

???: What are you doing over there? Freeze! S.I.G.U.!

Tails looked up, seeing some SIGU officers and some of their Beetle unit approaching.

Tails: Are you kidding me right now?!

He tried to bolt it, but found he was now stuck tied to an unconscious body. Panicking, he quickly carried the unconscious Sonic on his back.

SIGU Officer 1: Hey! Stop!

SIGU Officer 2: Kid! Drop the body!

He picked up top speed, noticing the enerbeam bracelet. Thinking fast, he aimed it and connected to a nearby tree, the pair catapulting forward.

Tails: See you, officers!

However, it caused them both to smack into a wall from Marble Zone, sliding down onto the grass.

SIGU Officer 1: Hey! Come on now. Put 'em up, son.

He did so, accidentally setting off the enerbeam again and causing it to connect to a helicopter flying towards Central City.

Tails: Uh... See you later?

The two critters were flung upwards. Sonic woke up for a brief moment, only to get knocked out again when his head crashed into his counterpart's tombstone. Tails got off the chopper once the city was in view, getting moving to avoid the sight of the SIGU and the pursuing Beetle drones.

Sonic?: Woah... What the...?

Tails: Oh! Thank goodness you're still okay.

Sonic?: Who are you?

Tails: Who are you?

Sonic?: W-Why are you trying to kill me?!

Tails: I'm not! I'm trying to save you!

After enough evading the cops, they came to a stop just over a crossing, where Sonic had passed out from the repeated injuries along the way. The enerbeam wore off, dropping them both down in the middle of various passers-by.

Tails: Uh, maybe you all could walk around us? Okay, thanks, Central City.

End of One More Hero Prologue

NEXT POST

[eidolocene]

The overgrowth was a sudden apocalyptic event. To creatures on the surface, it seemed like only two minutes passed as nature swept away buildings, people, and societies. Everything became- well, overgrown. The catastrophe didn't spare a single place on Irt, though urban areas with heavy architecture were hit the hardest, and aid efforts were for naught. It's hard to trace, but for every five creatures, four seemed to perish in a cataclysmic instant.

This is Jack Springbridge, a character I'm playing in a friend's green-apocalypse D&D campaign where a gaggle of unlikely heroes traipse all over fantasy Appalachia trying to figure out why time is speeding up (before their time runs out).

Backstory (w/ song explanations) under the cut. If you are playing this campaign with me (ily), read no further at risk of spoiling the surprise!

Steam Powered Aereo Plane - Jack grew up well-loved, well-rounded, and well-fed. Though he was the middle of three children, he never felt overlooked, thanks to five generations of family living on a large, prosperous farm. The work was hard, but it was shared between many hands.

Soon, the load will be even lighter - Jack intends to propose to his girlfriend, Doris Stillwater, soon. They've been dating five years and are hopelessly smitten with each other. Jack would have proposed sooner if not for the... quirks of Doris' family. They expect her to settle down on the same high-topped plain between the mountains that they've always tended to, but she's finally decided: her life is her own and she'll spend it as she wishes.

He's going to propose after the flight.

The jewel of the family is Jack's innovative grandfather, Nolan Springbridge. After a lifetime of daydreaming, sixty years of study, and two decades of test flights and prototypes, he has finally made a flying machine he feels is safe enough to put his family in - so, he does, for its inaugural flight.

It goes off without a hitch. Jack and Doris, along with children, parents, grand-, great-grand, and great-great-grandparents all soar through the sky, while onlookers cheer and gasp from the ground.

But, when they landed, they found the world had changed underneath them.

Devil's Hollow - There are countless dead and missing, whole towns and cities destroyed. The Springbridges alone are left un-touched, and they begin to offer what they can. They turn away from their dreams of the sky and from the momentum of their comfort to tread water alongside their neighbors.

Jack helps, too. He works as hard as the rest of them, but most of his care is turned toward Doris, the only surviving Stillwater. It's strange: Jack had thought whatever obligation she'd been saddled with would have died with her family, but their absence has cemented her back to that strange, flat-capped mountain, like she's the warden of her own prison.

Ain't No Ash Will Burn - The grief is overwhelming, clinging like pollen in spring, like the coating of black fungus fed by the distilleries upriver.

But, suddenly, it all fades into a singular numbness from which Jack fails to draw any feeling but one: anxiety. Between the floods of non-feeling, he sees himself laid bare. Here is a man who lost nothing.

The shame of being whole is too much. He withdraws. He ends things with Doris.

It's better this way. How could she be properly cared for by someone whose life was still upright? She didn't cry - she was empty of tears - but he couldn't put a name to that last look she gave him. It seemed the world was giving him many chances to try, though; it was now reflected in the face of every stranger and of every relative.

Heart You've Been Tendin' - Jack can't keep living like this, in a town where everyone knows he escaped unscathed; where everyone knows how he isolated Doris in her grief. He will break here, withering away under everyone's pain and judgment. The only way forward is out and away if he has any hope of keeping whatever remains of his heart. Maybe with strangers who don't know a single Springbridge, with people who don't know how goddamn fortunate he is - maybe he can salvage some small piece of goodness. Maybe he can repent by repairing a part of the world far, far away from this one.

This Too Shall Pass - He enlists in an expedition to the roots of all this ruin. He finds he can meet the eyes of those in his party - free of judgment and contempt. And they don't mind that he doesn't want to talk about his past. Everyone's backstory is the same, after all. Why rehash tragedy?

Besides. Maybe if he keeps his fingers crossed, his luck will finally run out.

[sacredwrath]

P5. Breakfast

Past captivity + torture, panic attack, ptsd, confusion, angst, whumpee thinks caretakers are whumper (briefly)

Jesse watches their family eat. Jordan is the only person seemingly unaffected by the events of yesterday. The break neck speed of their story doesn't leave room for thought, much less interjection. Jesse is glad. Hearing about the new pine fort they’re building in the forest relaxes them, keeping them grounded in the moment.

“OH- and Jes, when your leg is better, you also have to see, there's a new nest! It's over by beaver creek! I couldn't tell if they were swallows for sure, but they looked like it. One has a blue head, and you can hear the babies from all the way down the path!”

“Wow!” Jesse tries. “How's the dam? Are the beavers still working on it?”

“Oh yes! They've made so much progress. I don't really know what a finished dam looks like, but it must be getting close now! I saw one of them…”

It feels strange to see life move on. To Jordan and the rest, to the beavers, life just kept moving. They feel strangely out of place, like a time traveler peering in at their own life, their past life.

Jordan chugs their apple juice, quiet for the first time the whole meal. They slam their cup down on the table and Jesse berates themself for their flinch, glancing quickly around to see if anyone noticed.

“Anyways, see you losers later! Bye Jesse, I have to show you my bow and arrow later, Jake helped me make it while you were gone.” They hop off their chair gathering up trinkets and shoving them in a bag.

“I can't wait!” Jesse smiles. They have to look away, tears springing unbidden to their eyes. They missed this, missed breakfast, missed Jordan and their wild adventures. “Hey Jordan” they call after the scurrying figure “can I have a hug”

“Of course!” Jordan sprints back to the table and tackles Jesse in a hug.

“Oof” they grunt, but squeeze back just as tightly.

Once they've left and only the adults are left, Jesse dabs at their eyes with a napkin, keeping their eyes on their plate. They aren't ready for the gentle questions, the concerned glances, having to explain. They can sense their family's curiosity, their concern, but aren't ready to face it.

Isa jumps in, expertly filling the silence with casual conversation. Drawing everyone in and carefully steering talk away from Jesse. They have never been more grateful for that particular kindness.

Jake talks about a new girl he met down in the city. They're getting coffee, again, on Saturday. The others tease him about the disastrous end of his last whirlwind romance. Jesse missed it.

Nora complains that Misha keeps sabotaging her tinctures. “You're the worst mentor!” She exclaims. “she keeps assigning me all these formulas, then changes the recipe halfway through.”

“Don't question my methods, young one. I'm teaching you medicine not how to follow a recipe.” Misha grins wickedly. Nora rolls her eyes.

“You see what I put up with every day.” she leans over as if for a kiss, but snaps at Mishas lip instead.

“ow! You animal!” Misha snaps, dragging her into a hug.

Jesse finds themself smiling, letting the normalcy wash over them. It feels so good to finally be home.

Without warning Jesse's throat starts to feel tight. They gasp, feeling hands close around their neck. Throwing themself back, away from the table, they topple their chair and land hard, jarring their leg. Panic floods them, their blood runs ice cold. They have to get away.

Hands reach for them and they scream, scrambling back, throwing up arms to protect their face even though they know it's pointless. Hands squeezing their throat, they claw at them, trying to rip them away.

Too many people,

Nowhere to go

Escape

Escape

Escape

Escape

They scramble away

Away from what?

They lash out at something, nails ripping through skin

Are they screaming?

Their back slams into a wall

They try and wedge themself behind something, try to hide

Their heart is beating too fast, pain ripping through their chest, and the hands are still crushing their throat

“Please-” They try to beg, but the word gets stuck

“Jesse” It's Isa's voice, calm and clear

They must be hallucinating. Isa can't be here.

“Jesse, it's me, Isa, can you hear me?”

Why is Isa here?

They can't breath, how did they catch her too?

The hands are so tight on their neck.

They're getting dizzy, but still trying to push Morgan back. They aren't strong enough, there's no point fighting. There never is.

He smothers them, arms encircling theirs, pinning them to their sides.

Thought slows, their head turning to mud

They feel every millimeter of skin against theirs burning in anticipation of pain

“please…” They whimper through numb lips. The most pointless word to ever exist, but against all experience the arms let go

It's Isa, stepping back from them

Confusion and hurt flash through them. Why is she her? Why is she the one hurting them?

Their visual field broadens and they see everyone else too. Their whole family arrayed in front of them

Slowly, reality oozes back into focus

Isa isn't there, back in their cell, they themself aren't there. Not anymore, they were rescued. Now they're here. They're home

Here and home

They take in the room, large windows letting in sunlight and a soft, cool breeze.

Wooden floors under them, the smell of breakfast still in the air.

They realize they're huddled in a ball under the breakfast bar, a fallen chair on onside and their friends panicked faces on the other

What just happened?

“Isa?” They ask.

She reaches for them, but stops before they make contact.

“Jes! Are you ok? What just happened?”

They breath a short, unconvincing laugh. “Don't know.” They struggle, “can you help me up?”

Isa is careful to touch them, and they suddenly feel embarrassed. They never wanted their friends to see them like this. Like they were with him

Averting their eyes, they mumble a thank you as Isa half carries them to the couch.

They still feel shaky, light-headed, and confused. Now that the panic is fading, they find they can't clearly remember what just happened.

“I'm sorry.” They try “I'm not sure what happened.”

“That's ok, it was probably a panic attack. Here,” Isa takes a glass of water from Jake and holds it out to them.

In still shaking hands, they take it, focusing hard not to spill. A few sips help them feel more present, but they can't stop their trembling

“Sorry-” They try again, not sure what else to say. A tidal wave of pent-up emotion building in their chest. They fight to keep it in. “Sorry- I don't- sorry”

“It's ok Jes, there's nothing to be sorry for.” Isa reaches for them again and they flinch, tears building in their eyes faster than they can blink them away.

“Sorry, it's not you-”

“I know, there's nothing to be sorry for. You've just been through- something terrible. We all understand-”

“You don't.” Jesse snaps, regretting it immediately. Heat rushes to their cheeks “I'm sorry-” they don't want to look up and see the hurt on their faces. They bury their face in their hands.

“You're right, we don't understand, but we'd like to, we want to help you.”

Jesse says nothing. No one should understand, but selfishly, they wish someone did.

The manage to regain control of the tears, shoving them back down.

“It's ok.” They try. “I'm ok now.” They force a smile. “Sorry you had to see that.”

Isa narrows their eyes at them in displeasure. “Jes we want to help you. Just tell us what you need.”

“I- right now, I just want to drop it ok? I can't…” They trail off

“Ok. It's dropped. For now.” Isa puts on a shaky smile. “But we're all here for you when you're ready.”

Jesse nods, wondering if they'll ever be ready.

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Tag list: @whumpacabra

[gaijin-fujin-resonance]

雷神 風神 - レゾナンス #rising / Raijin Fujin – Resonance #rising

Looking back through this blog, I realise that I never actually wrote a full Track-by-Track for the album version of this song! I certainly wrote about the lyrics, about the Primal Scream reference of ‘Higher Than The Sun’, about both the Earthly and the Spiritual meaning of Resonance, but not the actual music.

In early interviews. Imai reckoned this had a BritPop / Oasis feel. I can see where he’s going with that - it definitely has an early 90s British Guitar Rock sound. But to me, Oasis always sounded unpleasantly thick, almost treacly. They had a sluggish, rather ungainly sound which could only drive ahead at speed, but couldn’t take corners. I can hear a definite Stone Roses / Madchester influence to the drumbeat on the chorus. (The ‘down, down, you bring me down’ intro to I Am The Resurrection, a venerable drum pattern which dates all the way back to the Stones.)

But these guitars are far lighter, more streamlined, beautifully weightless like a glider riding a thermal in the sun. It owes far more to early shoegaze than britpop. The chiming guitar chords and slightly choirboy open fifths on the vocal harmonies are very reminiscent of early Ride, while the chugging, wide open road breeziness of the distortion sounds like something off the first Swervedriver album.

But I’m really showing my age here when I say that the song it reminds me most of, with its handclaps and cheerful blasts of noise and upbeat harmony vocals is actually The Dandy Warhols TV Theme Song:

I think that impression may be down to the big, fat synth-bass sound that kicks off the song. When the guitars kick in, they gleam like a  bright blast of sunlight after a too-long stretch of bad weather. The high, yearning lead riff is so light, so breezy, as it soars above the rhythm section’s poppy groove like a seagull. Is it ironic that the album’s sunniest track is named after the two Japanese storm gods? No, I think that’s actually the whole point. The song is not about perfect weather, but about choosing to transcend your troubles - a sentiment in Imai’s lyrics that dates back as far as ‘all hail psycho bitch rise above yourself.’ (The lyrics ‘behind the clouds, it’s lovely’ always spring to mind.)

The soaring guitar drops out when the vocals first come in, but on the second half of the verse, Hide’s gorgeous high vocal harmony occupies the same sonic territory. In the background, B-T’s trademark electronic insect noises chatter and buzz, bubbling around the vocals like swifts chasing insects high up into the atmosphere. Hide takes lead vocals on the second verse, leaving me wondering who sings the high harmony behind his verse - surely it’s not Imai?

The chorus is so insistent, so stompy and cheerful it’s like something out of Slade. Haha, OK, maybe this is a little Oasis-like after all. (The joke in UK music journalist circles back in the 90s was that Oasis were constantly aiming at the Beatles but achieving only the heights of Slade.) But Slade’s relentless joy and positivity in the face of soggy British 70s Christmases is surely a good comparison point for Imai’s defiant cheerfulness on this track.

Imai’s scrappy punk voice fits the tone of the chorus so perfectly - the little Johnny Rotten curls he does at the end of the phrase ‘ハートに火をつけろ’ - ‘tsukerrrrrrrroooooo!’ are just classic Imai cool. It’s not quite howling, but it’s still a raised fist of defiance, a refusal to be beaten down by tragic events. I love the little laser-blast pulses that punctuate the end of each bar! And the swagger of the bass as it does a quick run down the scale before returning to the pedal point. So glam-punk! A little bit Trevor Bolder, a little bit Sid Vicious.

Immediately after the first chorus, the breakdown. Oh man, the electronic chaos of the break! Yes, I have been mourning the lack of theremin on this album, but it’s clear from the wibbling insectoid buzz of this break that the new Buck-Tick are progressing from spooky electronic theremin-noises to the complete panoply of strange slithery sounds that a full analogue synthesiser offers. Those little squiggles of sound and filter sweeps drive me wild with delight! There are those chattering nanorobot sounds that I associate with Yokoyama’s ‘manipulation’ and it seems that the idea of the long double interlude was down to him. 

The Hooverphonic sweeps are like a palate-cleanser, blowing the cobwebs away, and then we’re back to the Lange Gerade motorik rhythm, and a troglodyte 2-note repeating guitar ‘solo’ (I think it’s a guitar? It’s so heavily treated with a heavy chorus and wobbly echo that it could be anything TBH.) This is a real trick of Imai’s, to combine melodic simplicity with textural complexity. It’s just an itchy, 2-note scratch, but the shifting timbre of the effects makes it so compelling, satisfying the neurodivergent brain’s need for sameness and novelty at the same time.

One more triumphant verse, this time with the high harmony vocals all the way through - as sweet as anything the Beach Boys dreamed up - and then it’s Chorus all the way to the fade. There’s a neat trick at the very end - at 4:20 the bass suddenly goes double time (I think from eighth notes to sixteenth notes?) hurling the song forwards so propulsively that it *sounds* like it speeds up even as it stays at the same BPM. The backing vocals reach a fever pitch in a kind of football chant, completely taking over when the main vocals drop out about 4:33. The space noises snap into focus like a giant engine warming up. A very slow rising phaser effect on the guitars creates a sense of intense movement as the bass starts to climb the scale - honestly it feels like the song takes off and blasts into orbit during the last 10 seconds. Truly an explosive ending to a propulsive song!

Best Bit: Come on, am I really going to pick anything except Yokoyama’s first extended noise break? At 2:46 one gigantic filter sweep seems to glide right across the stereo field, crash-landing about 2:50 and immediately exploding into a cloud of busy, termite-like robots chattering among themselves, followed by the gear-change turnabout at 2:55. You can tell they had so much fun in the studio, mucking about with the synths to create these sounds.

[ithinkineedamoment]

2. Paris, France

1 of 1,000

I feel like it’s way too early in this process to even fully begin to unpack this one, but here we go. 

Realistically, it makes sense. Barely a month ago, Sergio and I got off a plane from attending the 2024 Summer Olympics in France. It was a once in a lifetime event that I had been planning and replanning tediously since January 2023. There were tickets to be won, booked out hotels, over priced planes, and a whole lot of unknowns. 

Sergio had never been to Paris or France. I, on the other hand, grew up no less than 20 minutes from the French border, in Germany, for my teenage years. Birthdays, long weekends, grocery shopping, flea marketing - it’d all happen in France. So in planning this Tour de France, it was less about me, and more about what I thought was worth seeing in France for Mr. Man’s first time. I stressed over every detail - was it worth going out of our way to Mont Saint Michel? Will he like staying in this neighborhood in Marseille or should I pick somewhere closer to the water? I begged and pleaded for his engagement for over a year and piecemealed together a plan. So much needed to be figured out, but not for a single minute did I worry about our weeklong stay in Paris. 

It was September 25th, 2010 and our high speed train from Kaiserslautern had just arrived in Gare Montparnasse. My family had barely been in Europe for two months and there we were, dressed in our American best pretending we were citizens of the world. The photos of this trip are hilarious given that these were before years of military propaganda and attempts at assimilation (our military TV, AFN or Armed Forces Network, showed several commercials threatening terrorist attacks if you left your military base looking or acting like an American). 

Regardless, we were there for one day to celebrate Mom’s birthday. It had not been an easy move to Europe. Over the past few months, Dad returned home from a year long deployment and he and I quickly fell into a quasi-estranged relationship. Weeks later, we found ourselves in Germany living in a concrete box on a military base, ostensibly, in the middle of nowhere. Mom would lash out, leaving scuffs and indents in the walls of the staircase that would never be fixed. The four of us were each other’s only support system, changed by the reintroduction of Dad to the mix after his yearlong absence. Who we were to each other and how we operated as a family unit was actively being rewritten in a militaristic world we had always been a part of but never formalized. It’s been 14 years, but I don’t remember we were ever happy in those early months. So stepping off that train felt energizing. Here we were in Paris - Paris! We were finally fulfilling the promise we were told of travel and seeing the wonders of Europe. It felt like the pain of getting to this point was finally paying off. 

Truth be told, I barely remember anything from this specific trip to Paris. Scenes of this trip playback like the photographic screensaver that used to run on the family computer. But there would be more trips. A Memorial Day foray through the Louvre and the Gardens of Versailles with family friends, a spring break stay at EuroDisney, the three of us zipping through the Metro to catch sights of Mom running her first and only half marathon, a couple days here, an evening or two there - all these visits from our time in Europe exist in my mind as a living map of the city. “Remember when we were here last?” we would ask each other, only to respond “of course! New years 2011,” while standing under the Eiffel Tower. Each trip was significant enough to be noteworthy, but when played back over and over again, they lose their place in time.

This timelessness, I feel, is the point. When you’re sneaking down the Cour du Commerce Saint-Andre, just off the Boulevard Saint-Germain on the Left Bank, it makes sense. The stories you hear of winding streets flush with candlelight, the chattering of wine glasses and the clinking of vape pens against the metal tables, and somewhere, a street performer playing an Edith Piaf song because beauty is innate in every Parisien (and not because they’re catering to a tourist economy) - all of this combines to reaffirm your preconceived notions. Some find it romantic, others, a caricature to be avoided at all costs. And yet, we visit - experiencing a city designed to be beautiful by people who inspired its destruction.  For every cathedral vault, there is a riot and barricade, for every newly built city wall, there was a force itching to invade. 

In the fall of 2019, in the “blissful” months of post-college “freedom” that usually consisted of downing a bottle of wine by myself in bed watching old seasons of “The Amazing Race”, I felt the need to leave. I had some extra cash, not because my job paid well, but because I was paying next to nothing to live in the converted living room of a shared apartment with two former classmates. It was lonely - feeling as if you were entering adulthood having spent the past four years destroying yourself for a chance at success. So I planned a trip that I knew would hopefully spark some joy into my life. I booked my first solo trip to Paris. 

Except it wasn’t solo. Within a few weeks of booking, I reconnected with Rick for the first time in months. I don’t remember who reached out first but after my fallout with Sergio, it felt harmless enough. While sipping a margarita at some restaurant in Midtown New York, long since closed, we caught up. He pummeled me with questions about what I was doing, where I was living, who I was fucking - convincing himself that the two classmates I was sharing an apartment with were my two boyfriends. I sipped on my drink and wondered what I was even doing there. It was just good to see him. 

Eventually, we parted ways, tearfully. Texts became more frequent and the fear of repercussions dwindled and I mentioned that I was going to France - had booked a whole trip to go to Paris and see other places in the country I had never been to as a treat for myself. I never asked him to or made any indication it was something I wanted, but the next thing I knew, I was planning a trip for two. It’s funny how organizing a trip with someone who has money makes the entire planning process significantly easier. I didn’t complain, but knew that it was most likely a disaster in the long run. 

A few days before the trip, Rick visited the doctor with a horrendous cough. He was told it was the flu and it’d pass, but it certainly wasn’t contagious anymore (Covid was knocking at the door). He could walk only steps at a time before needing a break and was constantly breaking out in a cold sweat. He was adamant that he’d still go on the trip. So there we went. 

The trip was emotionally brutal for the most part. Traveling to Paris with him felt like trying to recover from alcoholism in a winery. Insane on my part. But he was sick! He couldn’t do anything. I’d leave the hotel and roam for hours just to return back to sweaty and upset Rick. I didn’t blame him. He could barely talk yet wanted to know everything, he couldn’t walk, but wanted to experience the city. I felt bound by some duty to give up the things that I wanted to do to support a man who I had loved through the city of it. Suddenly, the sights and sounds of the city I had treasured as the escape from my life through my youth felt like a prison. I was there but I shouldn’t be, I wanted to grow but I couldn’t. I was reminded of all the ways I would minimize my existence growing up in my parents house and performed them with wine stained lips - filling the silence while refusing to acknowledge my part in it. I missed him and I missed his company. I still do now, at times. However, that shouldn’t have been the reason I let him come on this trip. A part of the depression and mess I had been recovering from in New York was now sitting across from me at the dinner table in a foreign country I wasn’t supposed to be in. He wanted so desperately for me to love him again, and I knew a part of me did, but to admit that would have destroyed what was left of me. 

So on the day before we were to leave Paris for our next city, I set off on the day’s journey. I remember the streets being quiet as I crossed the Île de la Cité. In December, the cold hangs over the city like a layer of frost no amount of warmth could penetrate. The buildings, the sky, everything seems a bit paler than it should be. I roamed and I roamed, climbing to Montmartre and realizing I had never been there. Ascending the winding streets and into Sacre Coeur, my mind flicked through the rolodex of bad ideas that could save me from my current situation. After cresting the hill, I found myself going west and eventually to Montmartre Cemetery. The sun was peeking through the grates of the Pont de Caulaincourt while the trees’ remaining leaves swirled down to their crunchy grave. It was cold, and it was quiet. 

I took to the uneven cobblestones that lined the cluttered pathways of the cemetery. The tombs and mausoleums crowded each other like the misshapen buildings of a neglected city. I was alone in this necropolis, the city of the dead.

At a certain point, surrounded by the silence, I found a bench under a Maple tree.  I don’t remember how long I sat there, sipping in the silence as one might a Vin Chaud, letting it numb me. Hector Berlioz, Edgar Degas, thousands of others all lay in their final resting place around me at peace and I was living. Why couldn’t I be at peace? Why did I have to be living? Living with the regret of not being strong enough to save myself, with the want of falling asleep there in the cold and praying I’d awaken to a different life. I had loved so hard and loved so deeply, but could never seem to love correctly. I gave everything I had to everyone else, and with everyone gone - I had nothing left. 

Almost in response to my isolation, a small black cat emerged quietly from the untrimmed brush that twisted between the two tombs in front of me. The only other sign of life in the cemetery curled their way to the top of the tomb and pawed gently at the leaves, clearing a place to rest. I don’t remember whose tomb it was but time seemed to collapse. It didn’t matter whether the interred died 100 years ago or 500 years ago. Side by side, they were all equal in death. And we, the cat and I, were there now.

In the epilogue of Alistair Horne’s Seven Ages of Paris, which I only read this past year, he muses on the significance of the French words for love and death being so similar. Paris, to me, had always been a city of history, of art, of good food, and of love. It was an escape - a vision of a better world, a better life. It was never anything real. Love, as I knew it growing up, was using and being used - it wasn’t care. Paris was a city I used. Now death - death I could understand. Growing up in the military, it surrounded me. I begged for death several times before I should have. Death is inevitable and everyone will know it. All around Paris are markers of this knowledge - these memento mori. Cemeteries, catacombs, monuments, statues - all in remembrance of those who have come before us and had made this city beautiful. It is on the mounds of the dead that the sprouts of new love and life are able to be shared. It is in death that a tomb can become a bed to a sleepy cat. 

I can’t say I bounded from the cemetery, energized by the notion of life. I did not run back to Rick and take him in my arms and promise myself to him forever. I knew that France would be the last time I would ever see him and as of today I’ve yet to be proven wrong. For the rest of the trip, I treated the death of our connection with patience and care, lulling it to sleep as you would a child. I knew that I could not give more of myself to him and I had to stop pretending that I could. What mattered more now was remembering that I will, in fact, die having lived a life for myself. I knew what was left of me was worth saving. I might have felt there was nothing left for me to give, but I could always create more. I couldn’t die without ensuring I left even the smallest bit of beauty behind. 

Now, almost 5 years later, I’m freshly returned from another stint in France, this time with Sergio. We still have never discussed what happened between Rick and I or what happened in France, and I don’t know if we ever will. As I stated at the beginning, we were there for the Olympics and I cannot overemphasize how incredible it was. Yes, most of the city was empty save for the hordes of tourists, but who am I to complain? We were tourists too. It was exciting to return to a city I felt I had history with and not for the city’s sake. Seeing Sergio witness the city with fresh eyes and fresh criticism brought the city to life. In walking hand in hand down the banks of the Seine, it didn’t matter that we were passing the Musée d’Orsay. It mattered that we were there together. We had multiple, lengthy conversations about the struggles of our relationships and the ways we don’t show up for each other while also unpacking complicated feelings of family and home. It was hard, tiring, emotional - but the person I was 5 years ago could never have done so. My parents, who were also attending the games, made guest appearances a few times during our trip. It’s worth noting that shortly after that cemetery visit in 2019, my parents and I fell out of touch - no longer on speaking terms for years. Yet, here we were, back in the city that started it all in 2010, each willing to give Paris and each other another chance. 

On our final night in Paris, as the Olympics drew to a close, Sergio and I grabbed a bottle of wine and made our way to the Jardin du Carrousel. The Olympic cauldron, as made famous by the fact it wasn’t a fire, was a giant hot air balloon whose basket was a ring of lights and smoke that would lift into the air at sunset and shine over the city and all the various arenas. I posited that it was most likely because the first manned hot air balloon ride that brought man to the skies back in the 1800s had taken place in Paris. Either way, we stayed in the garden commenting on the past 16 days of travel and what it meant to each other. For him, an opportunity to discover and appreciate a history he had always known but had strong prejudice against due to France’s imperialism (fair, lol). And for me, an appreciation of feeling present in a place with a history that had not always been easy. Home is a concept that I struggle with, but sitting there with him, it felt like home. 

The sun set and the crowd around us leapt to their feet as the giant balloon in front of us unceremoniously slid into the sky. The empty wine bottle laid at our feet as the two of us stayed seated. The city had never felt so magical and this love had never felt so beautiful. 

[pixel-bloom]

rules // chrono // previous

Spring is almost over, so Dakota feels like she has to speed run her crop harvesting. She's also depending on the pact she made with Maru and Sebastian, on bringing back the community center. Dakota has never been to a community center, but she imagines it to be filled with free food and endless events...with more free food.

Maru: Are you day dreaming again? Dakota. Dakota!

Dakota: Mmmm, infinite pizza parties. With wings and a cookie cake....

Maru: I think it's time for a break. Maybe even some lunch.

[toronto-aces-and-aros]

We're still active! (but we're taking a break from tumblr)

Toronto Aces & Aros continues to be an active group:

We have in-person meetups on the 2nd Sunday of the month at the 519 (usually for the full group but occasionally we may use this space for "caucus" discussions, so check the facebook for the topic/activity ahead of time)

We continue to have some online meetups (though not at predictable times)

Weather permitting, we're also planning some additional outside meetups (including another speed-friending event coming up this summer)

And the Toronto Aces & Aros discord is still active! (email us for the link)

And we also still facilitate educational workshops and table at events sometimes too!

Unfortunately, we don't have anyone to run the tumblr reliably at the moment. We haven't been posting regular meetup info here and it might be a while before we're able to do that again.

In the meantime, you can find meetup info on our public facebook page and/or on our email group and our Discord (email us for the link) We will still share info here for our group in the upcoming Pride Parade and Trans March. (And we will be tabling at the May 24 and 26th Etobicoke and North York Community Connect Pride events if you're like to check us out-- maybe pick up some stickers if they're ready on time) Just remember, we're still here and still active! (even if we're taking a break from tumblr) And you can always reach us at toronto.aces.and.aros@gmail.com

Happy spring and summer everyone! - May, 2024

[thefalloutsideblog]

These are my fallout ocs. I don’t feel like making three separate posts because then I can’t pin it. I’ve been adding to this whenever I get the inspiration.

TW: long ass post

My sole is a vampire who was turned back in the 1800’s he finally decided to settle down and have a kid only for the events in the game to happen, he has your basic vampire powers, turn into giant bat monster, hypnosis, super strength, super speed, enhanced hearing, he is terrified of his companions being afraid of him if they find out about his vampirism. Danse would depend heavily on if it’s post or pre BB for obvious reasons. If post bb they would argue but after some time and watching sole Danse would see how sole sacrifices himself for those he cares for. This would lead to him idolizing sole even more. Deacon would be the one who takes it the worst because he knows all of the old stories about vampires. Hancock is wary of him

Courier Six is a winged fey person (heavily themed after a Harrison’s hawk) who has amnesia from Benny shooting him he can hide his wings at will when hidden they appear as tattoos on his back. He’s in a relationship with Boone and Arcade, he had been interested in Boone for a while but Boone didn’t join the relationship until after bitter springs. Arcade and six hit it off right away with Six’s high intelligence, but Arcade often gets frustrated with Six’s habit of not communicating his plan well. He has many bird like mannerisms that he suppresses such as chirping and trilling, preening his friends, he can change his normal human feet into bird talons. He sees his companions as his family but because of bad experiences he doesn’t fully remember he is hesitant to show them his wings, he wants them to know that part of him but he knows that others haven’t accepted him in the past though he doesn’t know who.

When his companions find out some of them will blow up at him accusing him of keeping other secrets.(Cass) Boone stops talking for a few days and just thinks. Some will want to examine his wings and ask if he’s some kind of angel (Arcade, Raul, Veronica) Lily just goes with it and loves Six Regardless.

Preening his friends is a bit different for each of them because of personal differences, with Boone and Raul is more adjusting their outfits, and getting dirt and twigs and stuff off of them because they don’t have hair. And even then with Raul it’s more of patching him up. and with Boone it’s patching up the damage because that man will not be stopped from throwing himself into near death situations. Veronica is probably the like second easiest, just after Rex, because she is both very tactile and has long hair and actively wants an outfit change. Cass is more guarded and less tactile and so Six holds back a lot but sometimes he slips up and will brush dirt off of her back or something. Arcade is fascinated with Six’s behaviors and mannerisms so he lets Six do all of his bird preening and fussing over him,but the gets flustered by Six chirping and cooing while running his fingers through his hair or dusting him off. Lily asks the least amount of questions so he keeps his wings out with her more.He will always choose the Independent Vegas Ending.

Lone Wanderer is a werewolf who has never seen the moon or been in moonlight until he gets kicked out of the Vault. The only information he has on what he is a book on lycanthropy, he’s looking for his father for answers on top of everything else. He has claws, wolf ears, a tail, and fangs. On full moons he turns into a wolf that is a bit bigger than a Yao guai he is still himself but he can’t talk and he has increased instincts like hunting and protectiveness. He sees his friends as his pack. All of his companions find out by accident, some of them catch him mid-transformation and have to listen to his bones breaking and shifting,(Fawkes, Star Paladin Cross) some get attacked by something in the middle of the night and get rescued by this mysterious giant wolf that try’s to help them with their wounds and transforms into their companion in the morning,(Clover, Charon) and some get awoken by a giant wolf keeping a vigil near wherever they’re camping out that night and either panic and get scared or attack him.(Butch) He wouldn’t travel with Jericho cause he gave off bad vibes.

I am welcome to any questions about my characters. I actually would really appreciate any name suggestions for these three.

[bestgaragedoorrepaircompanymesa]

Mesa's Top Choice for Garage Door Repairs: Why Stapley Action Garage Door Stands Out

Your garage door might not be the most glamorous part of your home—but when it fails, it suddenly becomes the most important.

In Mesa, Arizona, where weather extremes can wear down even the toughest garage systems, homeowners need someone they can trust for fast, reliable, and honest service. That’s where Stapley Action Garage Door comes in—and over the past 15+ years, they’ve earned a reputation that’s hard to match.

Whether you’re dealing with a snapped spring, a door off its track, or a motor that just gave up in the middle of the night, this is the company Mesa turns to time and again. Simply put: Stapley Action Garage Door is the best garage door repair company in Mesa—and here’s why.

1. They’re Fast, Friendly, and Always Ready

When your garage door stops working, the last thing you want is to be stuck waiting days for a technician.

Stapley understands that. That’s why they offer 24/7 emergency service, with a real human answering the phone and a team ready to roll, even after hours. Whether it’s early morning or late evening, if your door breaks, they’ll be there—with tools in hand and a solution in mind.

This speed is a huge reason why they’ve gained such a loyal customer base across Mesa.

2. Experience That Speaks for Itself

Stapley Action Garage Door isn’t a new name. They’ve been serving the Mesa community for over 15 years, with thousands of successful repairs under their belt.

Each technician they send out is certified, experienced, and background-checked. They’ve handled everything from minor adjustments to complete door system replacements. No second guessing. No unnecessary replacements. Just honest, skilled work.

And with a 97% repeat customer rate, it’s clear their clients trust them to get the job done right—every single time.

3. A Wide Range of Services—All Done Right

Stapley doesn’t just fix garage doors. They provide a full suite of services designed to cover every homeowner’s needs:

Garage door spring and cable replacement

Off-track door repairs

Noisy opener fixes and motor upgrades

Garage door installations (residential and light commercial)

Smart garage system setup

Wireless keypad and remote programming

Insulation upgrades for energy efficiency

Preventive maintenance and tune-ups

Whatever issue you’re facing—or whatever upgrade you’re dreaming of—they have the tools and the talent to make it happen.

4. Technology Meets Trust

We live in a smart world, and your garage door should keep up.

Stapley offers Wi-Fi-enabled openers, app-controlled access, and ultra-quiet motor systems. You can open your garage from anywhere, set timers to close it automatically, and get notifications if you accidentally leave it open.

And because they’re authorized dealers for major brands like LiftMaster and Clopay, you’re not just getting cool tech—you’re getting dependable products installed the right way.

5. Transparent Pricing, No Surprises

One of the biggest frustrations with home service companies is hidden fees and vague quotes. Stapley does the opposite.

They provide clear, upfront pricing. No technician fees just for showing up. No surprise parts charges after the fact. They explain what’s needed, give you options, and let you decide—without pressure.

That’s why reviews consistently mention their honesty, professionalism, and how they “never try to upsell.”

6. Deep Roots in the Mesa Community

Stapley Action Garage Door isn’t a big-box chain or out-of-town contractor. They’re Mesa locals, and they treat their work like it matters—because it does.

They regularly sponsor youth sports teams, participate in community events, and even offer free garage door repairs for elderly veterans. Their team volunteers time with Habitat for Humanity and runs garage safety workshops in local schools.

They’re not just in Mesa—they’re part of it.

7. A Reputation Built One Customer at a Time

Stapley doesn’t rely on fancy marketing. Their reputation is built on real results, great reviews, and word-of-mouth referrals.

They’ve won multiple service awards, including:

Angi Super Service Award

Top Rated Contractor on HomeAdvisor

A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau

And more importantly, they have hundreds of 5-star reviews from Mesa homeowners who’ve experienced their service firsthand.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait for a Breakdown—Call the Best

Garage doors might not be glamorous, but they’re essential to daily life. And when they fail, you don’t want to gamble on a random repair company.

Choose the team that Mesa trusts. The team that shows up fast, does the job right, and treats you like a neighbor—not a number.

Stapley Action Garage Door is the best garage door repair company in Mesa, and they’ve got the experience, the integrity, and the reviews to back it up.📞 Need help? Call (480) 655-1255 🌐 Or visit stapleygaragedoor.com to schedule service today. 🛠️ Your garage door deserves the best. So do you.

[luxeatmarketcommon]

Convenience and Comfort at Your Fingertips

When it comes to finding luxury apartments in Myrtle Beach SC, convenience is key. Luxe at Market Common offers modern features that make life easier. You’ll have high-speed fiber internet, so streaming, working, or gaming is a breeze. With online billing, you can manage payments from anywhere, making it hassle-free. Plus, if you ever run into an issue, the 24-hour on-call certified technicians are ready to help. The on-site professional staff is always available for any questions or needs you may have, adding that extra level of comfort. Whether you’re working from home or just relaxing, these apartments are designed to make your life as smooth as possible.

Climate and Environment in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The weather in Myrtle Beach is something you’ll probably love—or at least get used to fast. Summers are hot, for sure, with lots of sun and humidity, but that’s kind of what makes the beach days great. You’ll get warm temps even in spring and fall, which stretches out the outdoor season. Winters are mild, so you’re not shoveling snow or bundling up all the time. One thing to keep in mind is hurricane season—it’s a real part of life here, so being prepared just makes sense. The area’s full of green spaces, marshes, and that salty ocean air. You’ll notice a lot of locals enjoy being outside, whether they’re fishing, walking on trails, or just hanging out by the water.

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC

You’ve probably seen the SkyWheel even before getting close to it. It’s huge and lights up at night with a bunch of colors, so it really stands out along the boardwalk. Riding it gives you a slow, smooth view of the whole beachfront, and the gondolas are enclosed, so it’s not too windy or scary even if you’re not into heights. It’s a fun break from walking around, and it only takes about 10–15 minutes to go all the way around. You can go during the day or at night—both give a totally different feel. If you time it right around sunset, the view is especially cool. It’s one of those things you end up recommending to people after you try it.

Breeze Airways Announces New Routes from New Orleans to Myrtle Beach and Savannah

It’s great to see more flight options opening up between cities that don’t always get direct service. Adding nonstop flights from New Orleans to Myrtle Beach and Savannah makes travel easier for folks who want a quick getaway without the hassle of layovers. It’s especially helpful for people looking to visit family, attend events, or just enjoy a change of scenery. Having more affordable and flexible choices can make a big difference, especially when you’re trying to plan a trip on a budget. Plus, it’s nice to see airlines paying attention to routes that aren’t always top priority for bigger carriers. If you’ve been thinking about visiting either spot, this could be a good time to check it out. More options usually mean better deals and less stress when booking.

Link to map

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach 1110 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States Follow N Ocean Blvd and 8th Ave N to US-17 BUS S 4 min (0.5 mi) Turn left onto US-17 BUS S Pass by IHOP (on the right in 1.5 mi) 7 min (3.4 mi) Follow Farrow Pkwy, Pampas Dr and Meyers Avenue to Hadley Cir 5 min (1.9 mi) Luxe at Market Common 1231 Hadley Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

[ournachojesus]

Update - day 3 of cookie run kingdom

Lovely! Spent a couple hours more today. Definitely things are becoming harder to get, still reasonable to me so far.

Peppermint cookie is a new favorite of mine. Black Forest cookie disturbs me (it’s my favorite flavor but omg girly is spooky).

I made it to level 4 castle and got the blue banner for the gladiator thing (don’t remember the rank, just the color. I’m too lazy to check right now.)

I’m sad the events are all ending in a few days since I just joined so I won’t be able to fully experience em. Wish I could upgrade crafting speed separately from the buildings level like how to increase the slots for the amount you can pre order.

Since spring break is coming up I need to get my ass into gear to finish some work so hopefully things turn out ok on that end.

I got a legendary from one of those events that aren’t the ones leaving soon, it’s a fish.

[bpdigitaldiary]

Diary Entry #1 | 03/13/25

Columbus, OH ∙ 7:30 PM

Current Loves:

Kansas Anymore Deluxe Album - Role Model

Anything by the Smiths

My gifted Denim Jacket

My new Saie Lip Gloss

The warm weather !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay first blog post! I decided to do this for myself so I can document the good things and in general events that are happening in my life. Unfortunately, I do not have the resources for a physical diary, or the time to make it look perfect, so I thought digital documentation would be more convenient.

It's almost the end of spring break! eek. It is actually crazy how fast college has flown by. I honestly don't remember high school flying by like this, but I also hated high school which probably caused the turtle-speed-like feel of it all. Reflecting on the empty campus and the city I am in has genuinely centered me. I remember how much I longed to be in Columbus and I am so so lucky to be here. However, there are a mixture of emotions that come with breaks and the loads of time alone I get quite often.

I remember thinking in high school how much I wanted time alone, how much I wanted to escape and be physically independent (because let's face it, I basically was). However, I have absolutely hated my own company through these 2 semesters. I'm not really sure why. I think comparison in college is just so different than high school. I'm an adult now and I feel like I am lagging behind the crowd. STEM has a good way of making you feel that way when in reality, the beauty of college is that everyone is on their own unique paths. There will always be someone 10 steps ahead of you, but their progress should not cloud over my own. Nobody actually cares in college and that's a great thing.

I feel that my internal frustration is caused by my lack of connection with my creative side. Throughout high school, I loved to read and write and do anything creative. I remember being a penpal during COVID, improving my calligraphy skills and crafting cute, little envelopes for the different people I was writing to. I read more than I sat in my own thoughts. But when I got to college, I lost that spark. I even noticed the dimming of that corner of my life during my junior + senior year, especially when my whole life was centered around working, paying my car off, and AP Chemistry. I have realized that I need to keep up with that part of myself in order to see myself improve and genuinely be happy.

Don't get me wrong, I love my major and the possibilities that come with it. However, I don't want my life being centered around Chemistry and Engineering. I loved history in high school and writing. I think it's funny how Humanities-centered I was in high school and I ended up in engineering. I have always wanted to be good at STEM because it has interested me so much. My major is *so* interesting to me and I can't wait to pursue research in it and have a job in it. I love the possibilities that lie in engineering. However, I do still enjoy the humanities, which is why I am going to try and pick up a history minor.

Current Life Things

Let's hope I can fit a history minor into my course map so I can try something new

Loved loved loved Roaming Goat coffee shop, 10/10 vanilla oatmilk latte

New goal: put away laundry right when it is finished instead of letting it sit in my bag (so we don't abuse the wrinkle release on every article of clothing)

Another goal: do well on the chem exam! at least a 90 pls.. (no caffeine this time--it makes me go insane)

Let's also hope I can land a job for the summer because i need money

I kinda want to get into running over the summer so that might be a new hobby (i need hobbies help)

That's all! I love this warm weather and I hope my overall mood will improve in the coming weeks. Birthday is also soon!!!!!!!!!!!!