#Clemson Class

[redarmyscreaming]

USS Bulmer DD-222 circa 1936 riding out a typhoon between Shanghai and Chefoo.

[wutbju]

Gloria Ruth Richards, BJU Class of 1966.

On Monday, October 7, 2024, Gloria Ruth Richards ended her labors here on earth at the age of 82 and is now at rest in Heaven in the presence of her Savior. Gloria was a loving mother and wife, and a member of Faith Baptist Church in Taylors, SC. She graduated from Bob Jones University in 1966, and earned a Master of Education Administration from Clemson University in 1975 after which she worked in the Greenville County School District for 49 years. She retired in 1999 and continued professionally with the district for another 20 years.

Gloria was an accomplished multi-instrumentalist. She served as a church musician for her entire life. She sang in quartets with her brothers in churches across the country and in various institutions in Greenville where her father ministered. She found great joy in serving her Savior.

She also found great joy in her life's work in the Greenville County School District. She spent the majority of her career as an administrator first at Berea HS and then at Berea MS until her retirement. She was known by many of her students as “Ma Richards” both for her caring demeanor and stern sense of justice as a vice-principal and principal.

Gloria was known by her friends as a tender-hearted and loving individual who was always more concerned with the needs of others than her own. Her legacy is one of love, sacrifice, and determination.

Gloria is survived by her husband Charles Hargreaves; brother Paul Nestberg; six children: Kenneth Richards, Tanya Kreft, Daniel Richards, Deborah McCrorie, Jonathan Richards, and Ruth Chambers and their spouses; three step-daughters: Linnea Peter, Athea Hargreaves, and Tamara Simms and their spouses; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gloria is predeceased by her mother and father Hazel and Victor Nestberg, by her husband Kenneth Richards, and by her brothers David and James Nestberg.

Her memorial service will be held at Faith Baptist Church in Taylors, SC on Friday, October 18 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Faith Baptist Church of Taylors, SC.

[goldfades]

forever begins | JOE BURROW⁹ [prologue]

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MASTERLIST

⟢ ┈ 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 | 910

⟢ ┈ 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 | your engagement under the stadium lights, after lsu beat clemson 42-25, claiming the national championship.

⟢ ┈ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 | nothing but sweet, soft and just CUTE!

JANUARY 13, 2020

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐃 𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆, a symphony of celebration and chaos but all you can hear is the wild thrum of your heart. You stand on the edge of the field, the air electric with the kind of magic that only comes when dreams collide with reality. Joe is in the center of it all—confetti clinging to his purple and white sweat-soaked jersey, the golden glow of victory etched into his every step. He looks like a man who’s just conquered the world.

But he’s searching for you.

You’ve always been the calm to his storm, the steady rhythm to his racing pulse. Tonight, though, it’s different. Tonight, his eyes find yours, and you see something there that’s bigger than the championship, bigger than the moment.

“Y/N,” he says, his voice cutting through the cacophony as if it’s meant for you alone.

He’s never been one for grand gestures. Joe Burrow is all about quiet confidence, about letting his actions speak louder than any words could. But this—this is something else. You step onto the field, your shoes crunching against the glittering confetti, and before you can process what’s happening, he’s dropping to one knee.

The world tilts.

“I’ve been winning since the day I met you,” he says, his voice steady, his blue eyes never leaving yours. “But this... this is the only ring I’ve ever really wanted.”

He opens the box, and for a moment, all you can see is him—the boy who walked you to class, the man who dreamed with you under the stars, the love that grew from shared hopes and stolen moments.

Time stands still, and the stadium around you fades. You can’t even hear the crowd anymore. It’s just you, Joe, and the kind of love that feels like coming home.

You’re not sure if you’re still breathing. The world has narrowed to this: the soft velvet inside the ring box, the gleam of the rock that is the diamond he picked for you, catching the stadium lights and Joe kneeling there like it’s the easiest thing he’s ever done. Like he’s been waiting for this moment since the first time he heard you laugh in a crowded hallway. His hand is steady, even in the aftermath of a game that demanded every ounce of strength he had.

You want to say something but your throat is tight, words tangled somewhere between your heart and your lips. Joe doesn’t seem to mind. He’s patient in the way he always is with you, his gaze unwavering, his small, crooked smile coaxing you back into the moment.

“I know this is a little public,” he says, his voice low, just for you. There’s a lightness in his tone, a hint of teasing. “I figured, you know, if I can win a championship in front of a million people, I can do this too.”

You huff out a laugh—soft, shaky, full of disbelief. “A little public? You’re on ESPN, Joe.”

He grins, the kind that crinkles the corners of his eyes, the one that makes your heart do that annoying fluttering thing you’ll never admit to. “Yeah, well,” he says, shrugging like this isn’t the biggest moment of your life. “Might as well make it memorable.”

You feel the weight of the moment settle into your chest. This isn’t just about a proposal, about a ring, about a promise. It’s about every quiet conversation you’ve had in parked cars, every dream whispered in the dead of night, every time he’s looked at you like you hung the stars.

Joe’s smile softens, his thumb brushing against your knuckles, grounding you. “Y/N,” he says, and there’s something in his voice that makes your breath hitch. “We’ve been through everything together. From high school games to this—standing here in the middle of something we built together.”

He takes a deep breath, his confidence giving way to something more vulnerable, more raw. “I don’t want any of it without you. Not the games, not the wins, not the losses. None of it matters if you’re not by my side.”

You blink, and suddenly your vision blurs and your throat begins to tighten. Damn him. Damn him for knowing exactly what to say, for always making you feel like you’re the only person in the room—even when the whole country is watching.

“So,” he says, his grin creeping back, his tone lighter, but his eyes still serious. “What do you say? You and me? Forever?”

It’s not a question, not really. You’ve always known the answer. It’s been written in the way he holds your hand, the way he cheers you on, the way he believes in you even when you doubt yourself.

You nod quickly, the words finally spilling out in a breathless rush. “Yes,” you say, your voice cracking, but you don’t care. “Of course, yes.”

The crowd erupts again, but it barely registers. Joe stands, slipping the ring onto your finger with the kind of precision you’d expect from a QB, and then he’s pulling you into his arms. You’re laughing, crying, a mess of emotions, but none of it matters because you’re here, with him, and everything else fades away.

He presses his forehead to yours, his voice low and full of promise. “We did it,” he murmurs. “And this is just the beginning.”

And under a sky of falling confetti, surrounded by the cheers of thousands, you know he’s right.

↳ make sure to check out my navigation or masterlist if you enjoyed! any interaction is greatly appreciated !

↳ thank you for reading all the way through, as always ♡

[trunk--slamchest]

WWII naval history is split in two camps:

"The German battle cruiser Der Fuhrer Prinzip was made, sat in port for 4 years and the combined forces of the RAF and USAAF developed special precision munitions to strategically delete it from existence. Knocked out of action, sunk as a nuclear target in 1946"

And

"The USS Willy Walters, a Clemson class destroyer who's commander won command of it in a poker bet sets a record for sunk tonnage on accident when a torpedo it launches sinks the IJN ETERNAL REIGN OF THE SYMBOL OF AMATERASU, a prototype new light cruiser that took 6 years and 2 dead IJA majors to build"

[madridnoora]

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ Forbidden - National Championship

Twelfth instalment of the forbidden au - lsu!joe x oc

Full AU masterlist here -> ౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ Forbidden

Summary: Joe plays against Clemson in the national championship final while Daisy is supposedly half the world away, still in London. Then, they take to the bars of New Orleans to party.

⋆｡˚ word count: 6.5k

18+ Content. MDNI :). Mentions of drinking, drug use, smoking and sex. ⋆｡˚

January 13th 2020

The locker room didn't feel like a room anymore. It felt like the inside of a pressure cooker. Steam from the showers clung to the ceiling in a misty haze. Tape snapped, cleats clicked against the concrete floor. Faint music rang out of headphones as players bobbed their heads, everyone getting in the zone. The coach wrote out on the whiteboard. Players padded up.

Tonight was the biggest night in college football.

The national championship game against Clemson.

Everything blurred together and pulsed into a subtle pounding behind Joe's eyes. He sat with his elbows resting on his knees, his helmet sat on the bench beside him. The fabric of his jersey clung to his shoulder pads, and a light sweat was already beginning to form on the back of his neck -- not from heat, but from the weight of what was coming. The last game of his college career. Everything he had worked for came down to this. From Athens, Ohio to the fluorescent hum of New Orleans Superdome.

One chance to become immortal in college football.

And still, as he tried to get himself into the zone, beneath the raw of expectation and the adrenaline that simmered underneath his warm skin, there she was.

Daisy.

Like a ghost haunting his every thought.

She still wasn't back. She was still in London. They hadn't spoken since New years, if you could even class the like of a message speaking. Joe did, any acknowledgement that he existed he would class as speaking. It cut him deep to know that she wouldn't be here tonight. Justin had asked her if she would be back, and she had told him no. So that was that. And here he was. Alone on a locker room bench trying to dull the electrifying yearning that beat so harshly in his chest.

Maybe she was watching in London and if she was -- Joe had to win.

He was playing for more than himself and his team tonight. He wanted her, on the slim chance she was actually watching, to see the poised version of him, the mature one, the guy that made every pass, meant every yard.

'Burrow' Coach O's gruff voice cut through his thoughts. Clipped and direct. 'It's time'

Joe stood slowly, fingers curling around the rim of his helmet, drawing in one breath as he prepared himself to give a small team talk, to hype up his guys and get ready to take down a phenomenal Clemson side.

The noise built around him -- a rising tide of slaps on shoulder pads and dancing cleats, hollers and war cried. Ja'marr bounced beside him with so much energy that he couldn't wait to get out on the field. Justin was calmer, more focussed.

'LETS FUCKING WIN THIS! GEAUX TIGERS!' One last cry of motivation before the locker rooms doors opened and the familiar scent of sweat and turf rolling in like a storm front.

Helmet's on. Tunnel vision.

Concrete wall funnelled the team forward, light buzzing overhead. A dozen cleats striking the pavement. A dozen heartbeats pounding in sync. Joe led them out towards the blinding mouth of the Superdome, crowd noise thundering closer with every step. It was deafening -- a rolling tide of purple, gold and orange. The air itself seemed to vibrate with sharp sound waves. The dome was a cathedral and they were all here praying to football.

Joe didn't blink. He soaked it all in.

The field was ready, set up before him like a battlefield. Green and spotless, for now. The LSU sideline was already rampent with boyish energy, players bouncing up and down, coaches prepping plays and barking orders.

Joe stepped out onto the turf, feeling it softly give under his feet. Springy, perfect. The kind of field you grow up dreaming about playing on, but this wasn't a dream. If it was she would be here.

Floodlights burst across the stands like lightning. His name announced out into the stands and cheers cried back. He put his hand up and gave a wave, twirling so he hit every stand.

As he looked at them, all he could think about was the time Daisy had showed up at a practice, sunglasses on, doing work on her laptop and looking unimpressed as he shot her a wink from down on the field. But her smile was truthful and unforgiving, it gave her away. Too bright to not be genuine.

He shook his head as he jogged onto midfield.

Trevor Lawrence stood opposite, expression unreadable, his long hair tucked under his helmet. Camera's surrounded them like vultures, capturing history for the whole of America.

The coin flipped, catching the floodlights, a spinning fate dangling in mid air.

The coin landed.

LSU deferred.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚-

The ball snapped, and the game took off.

It was crisp and clean, it always was when Joe was focussed on winning.

He dropped back, eyes scanning, feet planted, then light -- a slow shuffle as he stepped into a pocket of free space while chaos brewed around the edges. The field was loud with movement, but Joe's mind was silent.

Ja'marr broke left while Justin angled deep.

He threw down field, finding the magic hands of Ja'marr. The crowd around them exploded. Twenty three yards, and a first down.

Every play blurred into the next, muscle memory taking it's control over him. Each decision made in less than seconds. Instinct to execution. He could feel this game already going in LSU's favour, a gut feeling that tonight was going to be perfect. A walk in the park.

His jersey clung to him in damp patches; the heat beneath his helmet was intense. His breaths already sharp, short but still steady. Always steady.

Another snap. Some pressure coming from the left, but he side stepped it. Eye's never dropping from down field. Ja'marr once again was on fire down the wing, and Joe let his cannon release. The ball spiralled under the floodlights, slicing through the tense air. The pass was perfect, as was Ja'marr's catch.

He jogged downfield, slaps on hands on his shoulders. The purple and gold fans roaring. He glanced to the side and saw his parents cheering for him. A small smile curled at his lips, but he couldn't get ahead of himself. There was still so much left to do.

He prepared himself for the next drive. Waiting for the snap. Calling out plays.

He was ready, ready to convert this to a touchdown and get some meaningful points on the board.

Then, he saw something out the corner of his eye.

The jumbotron flicked above the field, cycling through crowd shots -- painted faces, wide smiles, cheering fans but then out of nowhere it lingered on her.

Daisy.

She was smiling beside Cassie, a cold beer in her hand. She looked shy at the fact the camera was on her, but only for a moment, then she wagged her fingers and gave a wink. Then the camera cut to someone else, like it hadn't just rocked the very foundations of the turf beneath Joe's feet.

She was here. In the crowd. Somewhere.

Joe was frozen, he hadn't even realised the ball was in his hands.

A current of heat mixed with ache flooded through his chest.

He tried to look around field, look for Justin and Ja'marr, try to think of a play to could do, a throw he could make but he was lost in the thoughts of her. His heart pounding so strongly it was the only thing he could hear. His breath now ragged and messy. Rapid.

She was here.

She was watching him.

She came back.

He snapped out of his thoughts a second too late. The ball remained in his hands but his protection had shifted. The edge was broken. A Clemson defensive end was barrelling towards him, he should have just taken the sack, but he wasn't thinking straight. He tried to throw in a non existent gap.

Intercepted.

Snatched. Momentum stolen. Possession gone.

The orange army of fans roared. The purple and gold fans gasped in horror. It was unlike Joe to throw an interception, especially in a game which held so much importance.

Joe stood motionless in the midfield for a beat, then he ripped his helmet off and started to make the long walk back to the sideline. A hundred thousand eyes following him, cameras zooming in close. Commentators mumbling words about his mistake, calling it a lack of focus, already starting to blame it on the images that had been posted from the New years party.

'The fuck was that man' Ja'marr shouted at him.

Joe's jaw clenched. His breath so tight in his lungs. One hand ran through his sticky hair as he dropped onto the bench and grabbed his water. He slammed his helmet beside him in anger, anger at himself and anger at the fucking camera guy who had no idea what he had just done.

'You mute now' Ja'marr poked him.

'She's here' That was all Joe had to say for Ja'marr to get the message loud and clear.

His coaches began to approach -- urgent voices offering notes he didn't need to take. Joe just nodded, but he wasn't fully listening. Instead, he was taking the time to search the stands. To find where she was sitting, see her in the flesh so he knew that he hadn't hallucinated what was on the big screen.

He couldn't find her. Not in the sea of people. Not from where he was sat on the bench.

All Joe could do was sit and wait, with his heartbeat hammering in his ears as the first quarter marched on with out him and Clemson scored first blood.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚-

Call it cruel, call it sinister but Daisy couldn't help but smile as Clemson scored the first touchdown of the national championship game. At least she didn't cheer, Bella did though.

It's the least he deserves, she thought. She knew LSU was going to win anyway, in fact she had no doubts about Joe's ability to take victory tonight.

She hadn't been planning on coming, but something in her gut pulled her to New Orleans. At least this way, Daisy had control over the situation, at least this way the first time she saw Joe was on her terms and when he was untouchable rather than an unfortunate crossing of paths on campus. That, and Cassie and Bella had convinced her it was the best way to get some revenge. Show up looking smiley, with makeup and hair done, in a nice outfit and honestly, to Daisy it felt like a foolproof plan.

But she didn't account for the emotions she would feel when she saw him come out of the tunnel.

The air around her froze, her lungs seizing. Number 9. On the field and on the jumbotron. She saw those ice cold blue eyes of steel and determination. Then the memories of how he began to look at her came flooding through her. The way he looked at her as she played with her hair in the early mornings. The way he would laugh at something she would say. Then, the memories of Macy came, her blue eyes looking at Daisy with such sympathy and sorrow. After that, it was the dull ache of stabbing in her chest, just slightly off centre and to the left. Subtle tears swelled in her eyes, but she never let them fall. She swallowed them away. This was a mistake. She tried to push them thoughts back and tell herself that she had made the right decision, but every fibre of her being felt regret.

She couldn't stand it. Seeing him so...so fine.

But then the camera panned to her, and she winked and waved.

Then, she watched Joe give the worst throw of his career. She smiled as the orange Clemson jersey player grabbed it from the air, snatching it and dragging it close to his chest.

and she knew it was because Joe had seen her. She could tell because she watched him march back to the bench in anger and throw his helmet down. Then, she watched as his eyes scanned every section of the crowd with glaring intensity. She knew he was looking for her. She ducked behind a stranger when she saw his gaze turn to her section of the stands. He wasn't allowed to see her, not now, she wasn't ready to meet his eyes. She wasn't ready for the pain that was inevitable.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚-

Daisy sipped away on her warm liquor in the plastic cup.

Clemson's quarterback had once again tossed an incredible and slick pass down the sideline, threading through two LSU defenders like he was controlling the game entirely. The stadium groaned around Daisy as she sat tucked between her friends with her denim jacket wrapped around her.

'Oh c'monnn' Cassie groaned in her purple knit jumper.

'let em' lose, they're playing like shit anyway' Bella said nonchalantly, earning her a dirty look from a few people sat in front.

They watched on as an uneasy hush rippled through the crowd while Clemson fans cheered from the other side of the stadium. LSU's defence reset, scrambling, shoulders tight and ragged breaths illuminated by the cold air.

Another touchdown came for those in orange.

Joe adjusted his helmet in his palm as he stalked up and down the sidelines, eyes flicking from the field to the scoreboard and to the stands--still looking, still hoping that he hadn't hallucinated her on the big screen. Her wink, her glowy skin, her smile, her wagging fingers. It all ran through his mind on a constant repeat.

Clemson was up 17 to LSU's 7. It wasn't a blow out, but that's what it was beginning to feel like. Every second Joe wasn't on the field, his legs itched to do something, to get out there and throw, create a chance for greatness and bring his team back to victory.

She wasn't supposed to be here. She was meant to still be half the world away, ghosting him with haunted dreams.

Joe cracked his neck and shook out his arms, trying to focus on the task at hand. Re-running plays and game data in his mind rather than images of her, but his attempts were only half successful. He couldn't focus on anything until he saw her here, in person. Until the blue of his irises met the sage of hers--only then, could he do what he was destined to. He just had to know she was okay.

It wasn't long after he was running back onto the field as Coach O barked a play into his ear. He nodded only half listening, already seeing a vision of the formation in his mind. He jogged into the huddle, feeling every eye and every camera trained on him. And he could feel her. He didn't know how, but he felt that same prick of heat on his skin, he felt the air around him pulsing with a weight stronger than gravity.

He still hadn't seen her, but feeling her was enough to make it till half time.

'Okay, let't clean up' He snapped at his team, sharper than he had intended mainly because he was talking to himself. 'let's execute and focus up, we haven't lost all season and we sure as hell aren't about to start tonight'

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚-

When half-time came around the game was tied. 17-17. Everything still to play for.

Joe jogged towards the tunnel under a cacophony of cheers, brass marching bands beat their drums and drunken roars sounded out from the audience. He gave a quick smile to his parents who gave him one back. His lungs burned from the last two minutes of play, but his mind was on fire for the same reason it always was. He took another opportunity to look around but still no sight of her, or Cassie or Bella. All of them out of sight.

As he crossed into the tunnel, the light around him shifted. Adrenaline still pumped through his veins and it swirled dangerously with frustration. They'd clawed their way back in the second quarter, but it was ugly. Sloppy. Not the typical football he played.

His cleats clicked against the grey dull concrete floor as he made his way back to the locker room, the sound was sharp and fast as though it was a countdown. In a way it was. Fifteen minutes. They had fifteen minutes to sort their shit out before they went back out on a green field of mud and war. Player's peeled of their helmets, towels were thrown over head and the room filled with heavy breathing, quick glances and unspoken tension.

Coach O wheeled over the whiteboard.

Joe didn't sit, he stood still for a beat, his eyes distant both focussing on nothing and everything. He couldn't stop thinking about her face and that stupid wink that had been seen by the whole of America.

'You gotta get your head in the game man' Ja'marr's voice hummed from beside him.

Joe knew he had a point but he just ignored his words.

'Where is Cassie sitting?'

'Joe' Ja'marr said, disapproval grasping onto his words. 'Somewhere close to the field, that's all I know, but it won't matter if we lose this fucking game'

Joe nodded his head, swallowing hard before finally dropping down onto the bench. His elbows rested on his knees. His head down. The locker room felt hotter than it should have been. His skin damp with sweat and tension. The coach began yelling but he drowned it out. His jaw ticking harshly.

Joe didn't need the coach to tell him something he already knew. He wasn't playing like himself. He could feel it in his throws, in the slight delay on his reads, in the way his rhythm was faltering. A disconnect between his head, his heart and his body.

As the minutes of halftime came to an end, Joe and the team got ready to exit through the tunnel once again. He took a deep breath exhaling through his nose, trying to steady his ragged heart. Trying to not let the aching hollowness overwhelm him.

He shook it off. Come on, Joe. He said to himself. Focus.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚-

The Superdome once again cracked open with lights and thunderous noise. LSU fans surging to their feet, stomping and chanting as the tigers ran back onto the field. The third quarter was about to begin, and his nerves tingled with anticipation and pressure. Two quarters. Thirty minutes. One shot.

He didn't look for her as he warmed up on the sidelines, Ja'marr's words sinking into his skin.

He didn't even look for her as he took his last sip of water before getting ready to run on the field.

But fate is a funny thing.

As he gave a nothing glance around, someone caught his eye. There, in Section 132, walking down the stairs back to her seat with a beer in hand, was Daisy and it was like everything else froze in time.

The dome lights hit her just right, like some god had planned this moment to perfection and it had been waiting for them all along. Her dark hair was wavy and caught in the light breeze drifting across the stadium. The strands swirled in sweet spirals around her, framing her sculpted face. A bigger gust of wind came and pushed a few strands over her vision, she brought up a gentle hand and brushed them away. She smiled so brightly, like she was chuckling to herself. Joe's chest tightened, his jaw stuck agape. A breath which held everything caught in his throat.

Another gust of wind came and again pushed the dark hair across her face, only this time she twisted her head to let the strand fall on her shoulder. Then she brought her hand up and flicked her hair so it fell back down her spine. She turned her head back to the direction she was walking but then she froze.

Every muscle in Joe's body tensed.

He found her. She found him.

And the world around them seemed to crash in electricity and silence.

Daisy's face faltered as she stood static on the stairs. Her sage eyes wide and her brows furrowed. Her puffy pink lips, the ones he missed so much, hung agape in a way that his own did. Neither of them were breathing.

Everything came rushing back to Joe. Her voice, sharp and teasing. Her skin, soft and kissable. Her laugh, loud and heavenly. He felt her icing his ribs, he felt her running her hands through his hair. He heard her dainty breath as she slept beside him.

She looked different. Changed. Almost a month had gone by. Her skin was paler, but it still held that glow. Her denim jeans were looser than when she left. Her cheekbones were more prominent. Joe swallowed the bile that clawed up his throat. He had done this too her.

Everything came rushing back to Daisy. His voice, arrogant and cheerful. His hands as they burned against her skin. The noise of his heart thumping as she lay her head on his chest. His smile, so charming and gleaming like he was crafted from the greek gods themselves.

He looked the same. He held that same tan in his skin, the one that never seemed to fade. His hair was messy and licked by hard work's sweat. The jersey clung to every inch of him. It was all coming back to her. Every moment they ever shared.

She wasn't ready for this. She shouldn't have come back. She shouldn't have come here, not tonight. Nausea swirled around in her stomach, or maybe it was the heavy beer. Nope. Definitely nausea, she thought as she shut her mouth. Heat pricked at her skin as they still held each other's gaze, panic began to form and she felt it whisper up her spine and to her neck.

When everything felt lost. When she was about to drop the beer and bolt out of the stadium, she remembered Carson's last words.

don't let a man make you forget who the fuck you are.

Joe watched as something unreadable flashed over her face, then she smiled. Not an honest smile, but a different one. One that seemed almost mocking. His brows furrowed in confusion. Daisy looked at him up and down, not checking him out, no, it was something far more insulting than that. She was looking at him like she couldn't believe she had ever known him, like she couldn't believe that had ever shared a bed with one another. A firm pang rattled Joe's chest. Daisy rolled her eyes and went to find her seat, slipping back into the crowd of people.

Joe felt so much.

Embarrassment. Guilt. Care. But mostly, it was anger.

Fine. Daisy wanted to play it that way. Act like it all meant nothing. Look at him like he was a piece of dirt on the bottom of her shoe. He could play games too.

And now that he had seen her, he could focus on becoming immortal.

It was time to remind everyone across America--and mainly her--who the fuck he was.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚-

The second half was a blur of utter brilliance. Joe was a man possessed--calm, lethal and unstoppable. Every throw was sharper, the reads faster. Once LSU had found its rhythm, once Joe had seen his girl in the flesh, and everything started rolling, it didn't stop. Clemson couldn't breath. The crowd fed off it like hungry dogs.

Touchdown after touchdown. The tigers surged ahead.

The final whistle blew. LSU 42 - Clemson 25.

Purple and gold rained from the heavens. The air filled with the sound of brass clashing together over and over. Players yelled and cheers, hugging each other like brothers on the edge of the world.

Joe stood in the middle of it all. Helmet off and tossed to the side. His hair damp with the sweet smell of gatorade and champagne. He held the trophy and kissed it, but it wasn't the most special thing in the building that night. His teammates hoisted him onto his shoulders and the crowd chanted his name. He'd done it. They all had. Undefeated. One of the greatest college seasons of all time. Confetti stuck to his skin and his jersey. Camera's swarmed them with bright flashed. Journalists tried to shove their mic's into conversations.

Tears welled in his eyes as he spotted his parents on the field. Their smiles so proud.

Joe had done it.

His last game of college football was done.

and now he just had to wait for the draft in April. Then he would be out of Louisiana. Back in Ohio. Home. Except it didn't feel like that anymore. He hadn't really thought about what was going to happen in a few months when he was gone and she was still here. He only ever lived in the moment with her.

He pulled his eyes away from his parents and spun his head to where she had been sitting, but before his eyes could find her there, they found her somewhere else. She was talking with Justin, he had his arm wrapped around her and she was smiling, laughing even. Someone took their photo.

It felt like someone ripped Joe open. That should have been him. She should have been with him, wrapped under his arm while he took her to meet his parents. They should have been posing with the trophy, and he would get it framed, hang it on his wall in Ohio and he could stare at it once he was gone. He blinked it all away. Shoved it under the invisible rug.

He wore a fake smile that was real only moments ago on his face as he tried to forget about her.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚-

Daisy barely had anytime to protest before Justin's hand closed around her wrist.

'C'mon, you can't miss this' He told her, his eyes so bright and his grin so wide it was practically lighting up the tunnel. She laughed despite herself, Bella followed behind while Cassie was speaking with Ja'marr, likely still on the field. Justin pulled her past security, past clusters of families celebrating in each other's arms, past girlfriends who she recognised as classmates or simply faces around campus with mascara streaks running down their faces. She felt a pang when she saw that, because she knew if things were different it would have been her.

The air inside the tunnel with thick with celebration. The smell of sweat and gatorade clung to nostrils. Purple and gold confetti lay against the grey concrete in stark contrast.

Everything blurred past her vision until Justin brought her to a stop. She stood in a group with some of his teammates, ones she already recognised from parties while Bella stood to her side. Congratulations and small talk buzzed around them.

When she heard more cleats and cheers she turned around without really thinking.

She wished she had thought.

Joe.

With a camera following him.

A haze of cigar smoke lingering around him as the cigar itself hung lose in his mouth, balanced between his fingers as he exhaled slowly. Letting it linger. His jersey was stained with grass and damp.

Joe was already watching her. His face hard and cold. His head high with arrogance. He knew this was his moment and he was basking in it.

She felt like crumbling under his gaze, but she held herself strong. She didn't look away, that's what he wanted.

Joe didn't miss a beat in his step either, wrapped up in perfect poise.

He was rugged and sweaty. He looked manly and Daisy couldn't stop the heat spreading between her thighs and the butterflies twirling whimsically in her stomach. Forbidden emotions betrayed her. She knew she shouldn't be feeling that way, not after what he did but she couldn't help it. He looked too good, she felt almost lightheaded but he wouldn't know that by looking at her, at least she hoped not.

His ice eyes didn't leave her once.

The corners of his mouth curled around the cigar, slow and knowing. He passed her with just a breath between them, smoke trailing behind in his wake as he took a corner and disappeared into the cheering dressing room.

The camera caught it all, even though most watching wouldn't have noticed her but everyone who knew about them would know. They would feel the eyes that lingered, the ghost of a smirk and the silence that shared so many words.

Once Joe was out of sight, Daisy exhaled.

'Fuck, that was intense' Bella said from beside her. Daisy gulped and nodded in agreement.

'I need a drink. A strong one'

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚-

New Orleans seemed to have turned itself inside out.

The streets were thick with people, purple and gold draped over every shoulder, balconies raining glitter and brass bands spilling from corners making the city seem alive. The french quarter was like a living heartbeat, pulsing with passionate soul. That was the Louisiana magic. So much culture and vibrance, it embraced you like a warm hug from an old friend.

In the middle of it all, Daisy was pressed into a corner of a crowded bar. The place itself was some half-dive with warped floorboards and chipped fleur-de-lis painted across the walls. Some players were inside, including Justin, but not Ja'marr and Joe. Everyone stood almost shoulder to shoulder with drinks for the tigers family and friends being on the house. Music thumped through the squeaky floorboards, a bounce track played by a overexcited DJ. Everyone seemed to be glowing--drunk on victory, adrenaline and the type of joy that only came rarely in a lifetime.

The whole place was chaos, beautiful loud chaos--and Daisy smiled, rather beamed at her surroundings.

Nights like this were a stark reminder of just how much she loved Louisiana, just how much she had a family there. She laughed as Justin and Terrace say incorrect lyrics drunkenly. She laughed as Cassie poured fireball into Bella's mouth but pretty much missed every drop in her drunken haze.

She had missed this. A month away from her girls was far too long. She cringed when she thought about the fact she was considering transferring to online college and not coming back. She cringed when she thought about the fact she wasn't going to come tonight. Then she would have missed this, missed these moments and memories.

The bar glowed under the neon lights. Daisy finished off her tequila sunrise and placed the empty glass on a tall wooden table ready to finally join in fully.

Justin grabbed her hand and twirled her around under the purple glow. He was sweaty, drunk and breathless. He tossed an arm over her bare shoulder, she had changed at the hotel before coming out. A simple low cut white cami top with a pair of straight leg jeans and a kitten heel. Her hair still down and wavy with big thick silver hoops in her ears. Something simple and effortless.

'London didn't have this huh?' Justin mocked in her ear. She laughed and shook her head.

'This is living, texas--l.i.v.i.n.g' Justin smiled with the lazy quote of dazed and confused. He knew she liked that movie, she'd mentioned it once or twice.

'I almost forgot what it felt like'

Justin pulled back enough to look at her properly, the intensity made Daisy anxious. The memory of knowing he loved her more than a friends creeping around in her mind. She softened as Justin did.

'Yeah, well, you look like you remember'

And she had. The magic of being young and free, surrounded by people who loved and cared, by people who made the world bearable and worthwhile. The fierce loyalty of Cassie and Bella. Justin's friendship. That overwhelming sense of belonging.

Justin let her go from under his arm as Cassie and Bella called her to dance. She tilted her head back and let the music carry her with them. For a few perfect minutes, she no longer felt that ache. She felt weightless and numb, but in a different way than she had in London.

That was until her eyes popped open and for a brief moment she swore she saw Macy. The same red hair moving around the bar, she didn't see her face but the hair was enough of a trigger.

Daisy snapped cold again. Her body stiffened.

'I'm going for a cigarette' She shouted over the music to Cassie and Bella, then she pushed her way through the crowd and out to the back of the bar where there was a small garden.

She usually only smoked in Austin, but she had a feeling she may need one tonight so she brought a fresh pack with her. Marlboro's as always. The throb of music was muffled out the back of the bar. Outside, the night air was breezy with the scent of beer soaked pavement, fast food and sweet tobacco.

Daisy lent back against the brick wall and lit the cigarette between her swollen lips. The flame flared against her cheeks giving her a kiss of warmth before she tucked it away. She took a drag, closing her eyes and taking in the moment of tranquility. No one else was out there with her. She was all alone. She felt the tension in her shoulder blades release as she tried to dull the pain. It wasn't her. It wasn't her. She told herself over and over. And if it is, she's not here with Joe.

She ran her hand through her hair, pulling it up and off her neck to cool her heated skin as the cigarette crackled quietly. The wind gently brushed past her placing delicate kisses on her skin. She inhaled and exhaled, smoke curling under the faded neon lights around her. She wasn't sure how long she had been out here, but she was around half way through the cigarette--

'Got a light?'

The voice was low and smooth, full of charm and arrogance but an underlying note of hesitation.

She slowly turned her head, moving off the wall to stand upright.

He stood in a dark blue t-shirt and a white backwards cap. A cigar between his lips. He looked both exhausted and energised. The neon lights above casted long shadows down his cheekbones.

Daisy blinked.

'You don't need a light' She cooly replied, looking away from him and up to the night sky taking in another breath of her Marlboro.

He shrugged, inching a tiny bit closer but the gap between them was still a few feet. His voice was low and steady, his lips curled in a frown. 'You're right, just needed a reason to talk to you'

Daisy scoffed. Half defensive and half amused. Her heart hammered traitorously in her chest. 'Is smoking cigars part of your post-match ritual now?'

Joe let the corner of his mouth tug into his famous smirk. She was jabbing him and that was better than shutting him out completely. He could work with taunts.

'If it means seeing you, then yes'

Daisy snapped her head to where he was standing, smoking away at his stupid cigar like some mob boss. How dare he? He had me and he lost me, now he stalks me.

Joe enjoyed the death glare she gave him, because that was better than her pretending that they had never even met. She turned away from him again, looking straight ahead.

Silence stood between them for a few beats. Both of them huffing and puffing on toxic smoke.

'You were really shit in that first half'

Joe coughed out some smoke not expecting the stern insult.

'reallllyyyyy shit' she dragged on.

'Yeah, well I still won didn't I' Joe shot back.

'Unfortunately' Daisy rolled her eyes.

Another beat of silence lingered between them.

'I've missed you' Joe's voice is hushed and reluctant.

'okay'

'Dais--it wasn't what it sounded like okay. fuck. I know it sounded bad but I was super drunk in Arkansas and I--. Look, I'm not making any excuses I did it but it was like four messages over five minutes before I snapped out of it and realised what I was doing' Joe was a ball of frustration and regret. His words stuttering out of his lips with little poise and control.

Daisy took it all in, her heartbeat twitching in her chest. She took the cigarette between her lips to give her hands something to do. The dull pain in her chest becoming less dull by every word he said. She kept her head high, but refused to look at him.

'it's fine'

'Don't do that bullshit act with me'

'It's not an act, Joe' Daisy huffed. 'It's fine, you didn't break the agreement and if you want to fuck her now, go and do it. She's inside'

Daisy didn't mean for so much venom to drip off the last of her words, but she meant them nevertheless.

'I don't want to fuck her'

'Yeah, then what do you want'

'you, always you. only ever you.'

'I've been and gone, Joe' She threw the cigarette on the ground and stubbed it out with her foot before she turned to look at him.

'I'll never stop trying to get you back' His eyes softened in sincerity, but Daisy wouldn't let herself buy it.

'You'll never get me back, Joe' Daisy shook her head as she looked up at him, staring so deeply into his soul.

Joe took that as a challenge, and he never backed down from a challenge. He pursed his lips, breaking eye contact as looking out the the side then back on her.

'I will'

Daisy's stomach flipped.

Energy sparked between them.

Something in the air shifted.

Joe let his gaze fall to her lips as his held the cigar loosely between his lips.

Daisy bit them, part because she knew it would drive him wild and part because she felt so nervous.

Joe let out a low noise, almost like a short deep moan.

That made Daisy snap out of the daze they were in. Without another word she walked back into the crowded bar where the music bumped and drunken people swayed.

She needed to stay away from him, because out there in that small smoking area she nearly slipped right back into December, before it all.

-౨ৎ ⋆｡˚-

cassdaviess

too busy taking pictures to focus on the game but I think our team won :)

tagged - daisyymoore

Liked by joeyb_9, lahjay_10 and 186 others

@.daisyymoore: nooooo clemson didn't win cass :(

-> @.lahjay_10: weren't you our cheerleader a couple months back

->@.daisyymoore: you must have me confused

-> @.joeyb_9: i remember

@.isabellasfreut: divas

౨ৎ

[hugshughes]

Pretend C. Loveland

Cole Loveland x fem!reader

synopsis - You're right there next to him when Cole wins the big one, and he realizes he can't pretend with you anymore.

wc - 4k

contains - based off this request! barely edited sorry. it starts on like January 3rd, not like cause it's exact just after the rose bowl and before the champs. cursing, kissing, makin out, hugging, touching, allusions/talks of sex but no smut, fwb relationship (for part of it), nothing else??? L WORD.

an - this one is pretty long, and all over the place, but it's cute and i love Colston so. so happy someone requested him. he's so cute and hot. i LOVED this request. i read it the night i got it (night of the cfp champs) and thought about it all night. I LOVED WRITING THIS.

-

Your phone rang from its place on the couch. You were sat on the floor of your childhood living room, watching some college basketball game, Miami was beating Clemson by 7. You grabbed your phone, seeing Colston's name across your screen.

"Who is it?"

Your brother's voice sounded from across the living room, where he laid on the worn recliner, your cat in his lap. Your mother and father's eyes were now on you, expecting an answer. You were home for winter break, and they were nosy as ever.

"It's Cole, give me a minute."

You stood up rounding the corner into the kitchen, leaning back against the counter, sliding the answer button.

"Hi Coley, what's up?"

Colston smiled on his end of the call, he'd missed your voice, missed you saying his name. Although, you two had called two nights before, after they'd won the Rose Bowl.

"Hey sweetheart, I have a question for you. It's kinda big."

Your eyebrows furrowed, though your heart clenched at the endearment.

The situation with you and Cole was a little messy. You were friends with benefits. You two were very good friends, but one night in the first semester of freshman year, when you were both a few drinks in, you decided to sleep together. It was good, the best you'd ever had. It was kind of unspoken, you guys went home together, slept in each other's beds, but were still only friends. You knew that Colston had a lot going on in his life, with football on top of school, he was busy. He'd never told you that, you'd just assumed he wasn't looking for anything other than someone he could call when he needed to.

You couldn't lie and say you didn't have more intimate feelings for Colston, but you would never tell him that. Not when you assumed they were definitely unrequited. You'd been in the same situation with each other for over a year now, why risk it?

"Yeah? What is it?"

Colston took a deep breath, he didn't want to be embarrassed if you said no to him.

"Do you want to come down to Houston and watch us play on Monday?"

Woah. You weren't expecting that at all. Colston wanted you to come watch his game? Like you specifically, over anyone else? You were speechless for a few seconds, and Colston got nervous and filled the silence.

"Like it's all covered, you wouldn't pay for any of it obviously. I've got another ticket like where all the families are and I just would like if you were there. But obviously like you don't have to-"

"Colston, you're the sweetest. I really would love to. Are you sure, though? There's no one else you'd pick over me?"

You said it jokingly, but you seriously wanted him to be sure that you were the person he felt deserved it. You filled with nerves though, thinking about sitting with his family, thinking about sitting with other player's families.

"Of course. You're the first person I thought of. It's Monday and classes don't start till Wednesday so everything's fine there. So you really wanna go?"

Colston was giddy. You're the first girl he'd ever been giddy over. You seriously were the first person he thought of when he realized he had an extra ticket. He wanted you there, so badly.

"Yeah of course, Colston. What girl doesn't want to go support her best friend in the biggest game ever?"

Best friend. Colston's smile faltered for just a second, he knew that's all you two were, but God, did he want to be more. He quickly snapped out of his haze of disappointment, his smile returning.

"Perfect. I'll send you the stuff for your flight and ticket, okay? You'll be sitting with my parents, they're excited to meet you."

He'd already told his parents about you? That made your heart glow in warmth.

"Yeah that's perfect Coley. I know we'll talk sooner but I'll see you on Monday, okay?"

He said another sentence and then you two said goodbye. You giggled to yourself, extremely excited to go watch Colston play.

You walked back into the living room with a small smile, one that your mother immediately recognized.

"What'd Colston say that has you smiling like that?"

You blushed immensely, your eyes widening at your mother's bold question. She could tell you had a crush on him, even if you swore up and down you didn't.

"Oh well um, I'm going to Houston for the game on Monday now? Cole just invited me."

Even saying it out loud was surprising, you don't even belive it yourself. Your whole family gasped, passing shocked looks to each other.

"What?! You get to go to the college football playoff championship for free just because you like the tight end!"

Your brother shouted from across the room. You immediately threw a pillow at him, telling his to shut his mouth. Your mom giggled, giving your dad a knowing look.

-

You'd just landed in Houston, it was Monday morning and you could tell by the airport crowds that the city would be crazy. Everywhere you looked you could spot someone in either Michigan or Washington merchandise. You personally, were wearing your Michigan football sweatshirt that had LOVELAND and 18 splayed across the back.

You got an Uber to the hotel Colston had sent you the address of. Apparently, it was the same one the team was staying at, so you knew it would be ballistic. You had to fly out extra early so that you could get to the hotel before the send off for the boys, so Colston could try to see you before the game.

You reached the hotel just after 9am and the lobby was already filling up with Michigan fans. You checked in quickly, filing into a packed elevator and calling Colston as you scanned your key card for your room, opening the door.

"Hey Colst, I just walked into my room."

Colston excitedly sat up on his bed where he'd been laying for the past little bit. The guys had to head to the lobby a little before 10 so they could leave to the stadium. His roommate for the night, AJ Barner was in Donovan and Blake's room currently.

"That's perfect. You should come hang in my room for a while before I gotta go."

You agreed, talking for a few minutes before hanging up the call. You quickly made sure your hair looked good and you didn't look like you just woke up before you left your room, entering the elevator and going up two floors to Colston's. You walked down the hallway, knocking on the door he'd told you to.

The door opened quickly, Colston immediately pulling you towards him, wrapping you up in his arms. He smelled familiar, warm and strong hands around your hips. Your arms squeezed around his shoulders, savoring this feeling.

"Hey sweetheart."

"Hi Colston."

You both giggled as you pulled away. Colston closing the door behind you and guiding you through the front hall of his hotel room, his hand on the small of your back. His eyes made contact with the 18 on your back, his hand coming up to move your hair over, his eyes darkening when he saw his name. It was so fuckin' hot to see you proudly wearing his name.

"Nice sweatshirt."

You giggled, turning around and making a joke about it, before sitting on the bed that you could tell was his, since the other one was covered in AJ's stuff. You kicked your Uggs off as you scooted back onto his bed, leaning against his headboard. Colston looked down at you from his place standing at the end of his bed. He'd missed you a lot. He threw himself onto the bed next to you, using his tattooed hand to grab your legs and pull them over his. His love language was physical touch.

You two sat there for about thirty minutes, talking about the couple weeks since you'd been home for break and he'd been busy with football. You check your phone, seeing it was 9:50.

"Cole you gotta get downstairs."

He sighed, agreeing with you. You both got up, Colston grabbing everything he needed before you both exited his hotel room, seeing a couple other players out in the hall as well. You greeted the guys, getting in the elevator. The elevator stopped on your floor, so you grabbed Colston's hand giving it a quick squeeze before saying bye and wishing all the guys good luck.

The other players in the elevator all looked at Colston with smirks, making comments on how down bad he was.

"Bro, you need to make a move. You are in love, boy."

"You guys need to get together already."

He quieted them down, insisting there was nothing more than being friends in the books for you two. None of the guys believed it, they all saw the way you two looked at each other. You were like the sun, and Colston was the moon, the moon only glows when the sun shines on it. You made Colston the happiest he ever was, his mood significantly increased whenever he saw you, and everyone saw it. His mom hadn't met you yet, but she already loved you, because she saw how happy Colston got when he talked about you.

You reentered your room, laying down on your bed. You had to leave for the game at 5:45, so you took a nap. You woke up around 4, getting up so you could get ready. You pulled your outfit out, laying it on your bed. Your favorite jeans and your navy Colston Loveland jersey. He'd gotten it for you as a joke for your birthday, but you loved it.

You headed into the bathroom, fixing your hair up, doing a half up half down with a little maize ribbon bow. You did your makeup and then checked the time. It's was just a little after four, so you had a good amount of time still.

You changed into your outfit, slipping on your navy sambas to match your jersey. You sat in your room until 5:35, before heading downstairs. You were immediately recognized by Colston's mom, whom he had shown multiple pictures of you to.

"Hey honey!"

You turned and saw a smiling woman, wearing a maize Michigan top and a navy hat that had 18 embroidered onto it.

"Hi! Are you Mrs. Loveland?"

She nodded, grinning at you. She hugged you introducing herself and her husband and insisting you call her Rachel. You spoke with them for a couple minutes before they led you to the car that was waiting to escort you three to the game. When you pulled up to the stadium, Mrs. Loveland gave you a lanyard game pass, telling you to put it on.

You guys go through security, showing your passes to get into the stadium. When you sat down, it was 6:40. You talked to Colston's mom for a long time, she wanted to get to know the girl who had her son so enamored. She told you about life in Idaho, Colston's career in rodeo, all of it.

"Colston would hate me for asking this, but are you two dating? He doesn't like telling me too much about his love life."

You blushed, even his mom was wondering if you were together. You laughed, shaking your head.

"No ma'am, we are not. Colston is insanely sweet, though."

She gave you a look you knew all too well. It's a look that was given to you almost everyday at this point. A look you received whenever you were with Colston, or he was the topic of conversation. Everyone knew, everyone except for him of course.

The conversation between you two fizzled out, comfortable silence taking over before a girl a few years older than you, sitting on the other side of you, started talking to you. She was one of the D-Line's sister and she was super sweet.

You spoke more with the people all around you as the game proceeded, standing up sometime in the second quarter and never sitting back down.

The score was 13-20, and there was 9:15 left in the fourth quarter, we needed something big this drive, at least a field goal. You stood, hands on your hips as you drummed your fingers back and forth in stress. You closed your eyes and crossed your fingers, taking a deep breath before opening your eyes again.

The ball was snapped to JJ, and your eyes latched onto Colston as he sprinted out, cutting across the field as JJ sent the ball soaring down the field. Colston jumped up catching the ball perfectly. You jumped up and down, shouting his name as stumbled a little before he took off down the field.

You hugged the sister next to you as she gave you the look. Colston's catch had gotten them deep into Washington territory, the drive ending in a touchdown!

You hugged everyone around you as you watched the final seconds run out. You chanted and clapped with the Michigan fans one last time as some began to leave. All the family members stayed for a while longer. You watched as the boys ran onto the field, smiles on each and every one of their faces. You watched them put their hats on, holding the trophy, hugging each other.

Your focus on Colston was interrupted when his mom grabbed your attention to tell you it was time to go so all of you could get down onto the field. You followed behind his mom as you were led back into NRG then through a hallway that led to the tunnel. You walked down the tunnel, staying right behind the Lovelands.

As the three of you descended into the crowd of boys, coaches, reporters, and more, you made sure to keep your eyes on the back of Mr. Loveland's head, so you didn't lose them.

They found Colston rather quickly, burying him in a tight hug. They laughed and teared up as their son hugged them, you couldn't help but take a couple candids of them. When Colston lifted his head from his dad's shoulder and his eyes caught on you, he practically lunged at you, wrapping you up in his arms and lifting you up swiftly, laughing.

Your arms wrapped tightly around his neck, squealing as you were no longer on solid ground.

"Colston! Oh my God babe! You did it, you played so good!"

"Well, you were here! You're seriously my good luck charm."

You shook your head, denying it. But if anyone ever cared to look at the stats, Colston always played better at the games you attended. He was on an adrenaline rush, his head going at a thousand miles a minute. He pulled away just slightly, so he could see your face. You both smiled brightly, you were so proud.

Colston saw something different in your eyes, something he hadn't ever seen before. His breath still lightly heaved form the activity of the games but his heart rate increased as you looked at him. He had to, he had to.

He put you back down, not letting go of you. His bright smile changed into something much more serious, worrying you.

"I know the title of whatever we are has always been weird, and iffy, and whatever but I just- Like I can't keep pretending with you."

He looked anywhere but your eyes, you had no clue what he could say next. You cupped his face, forcing him to look into your eyes.

"What, Colst? You can't pretend what?"

"That I'm not in love with you. That I haven't been in love with you since we first starting bein' whatever it is we are. I really love you. And I understand-"

You smashed your lips onto his. Colston immediately responded, pulling you closer, tightening his grip on your waist. You pulled away from him when you needed air, but he just tried to chase your lips. You put a hand on his chest, laughing as you stopped him.

"And you had me sitting here for the last four hours trying to convince all these people we were just friends?"

"Well you're the one who kissed me, so."

He cut off your next sassy remark with his lips, kissing you again. Your hands ran through his sweaty hair as his warm body engulfed you. You again were the one pulling away from him when you realized exactly where you were again. You blushed insanely, catching sight of his mom, who just smiled knowingly, sending you a wink.

Colston laughed as he followed your line of sight, turning back to you. Before he could let a word slide through his smirking lips, you pulled him down by his jersey, kissing him one more time. You both smiled into the kiss, laughing like 15 year olds who'd just kissed for the first time ever.

Soon it was time for everyone to get off the field, the guys had to head back to the locker room. You walked back up the field to the tunnel, while Colston held your hand the whole way up, until you two had to part ways.

"Wait for me, okay? We should be back by like midnight. I'll come to your room."

You nodded, smiling up at him, urging him to go. Colston couldn't resist tugging you into him by your connected hands, crashing his lips onto your once more. When you pulled away, the air between you two was filled with nothing but love.

"I'm so proud of you, Colst. You're so talented, and hot, and good at football. I love you."

"I love you."

"Now go! Go celebrate, and have fun, and smoke a cigar but don't come to my room smelling like one."

He pulled you closer again, your attempts to urge him towards the locker room failing.

"I wanna celebrate with you later."

His hand slipped down to the curve of your ass, his fingers rubbing back and forth. You quickly slapped his hand, your face inflamed as you looked around, making sure no one saw or heard him. Thankfully no one had.

You pushed him towards the locker rooms, and he finally went. Not without blowing you an exaggeration kiss, which you "caught", and pressed against your heart.

You made your way over to Mr. & Mrs. Loveland, who were talking with other parents. When they noticed you come up, they both smiled. Colston's mom asked if you were ready to go, to which you nodded with a grin.

You were back in your room around 11, surprisingly. You showered and dried your hair, putting on pajamas that consisted of one of Colston's football tees and shorts too short to see under it. You laid in your bed, looking through the TV. You smiled to yourself as you seemed to flip to the ESPN channel at the perfect time, a clip of Colston's catch being discussed. You kept flipping until you stopped on a channel playing a movie you knew nothing about, but knew Colston liked.

It was a while after midnight when you heard a knock on your door. You giddily jumped up, running over to the door. You opened the door with a smile, seeing a smiling and clean Colston.

"Hi Coley, come on in."

You grabbed his hand as he laughed greeting you and shutting your door behind him. He took his backpack off and slipped off his shoes.

"Are you sleeping over? Shouldn't you be in bed with AJ right now?"

He threw his sweatshirt he had been pulling over his head at you. He was now shirtless, and you stared at his toned body.

"Shut up, we do not share beds. And also this'll be our secret. You don't snore as loud as AJ does."

He tried to give you a cute and innocent smile as he finished his sentence, to not act like he was about to burst out laughing. You tossed his sweatshirt onto his backpack, giving him a middle finger.

Colston covered the few feet between you two in no time, pinching the material of "your" shirt with his fingers.

"Nice shirt, wonder where you got it?"

"Some hot guy, don't remeber his name."

Colston laughed as you turned around letting in an amused 'oh yeah?' as you climbed into your bed, signaling for him to do the same. He climbed over you, pulling the covers up to his torso. You quickly scooted over to him, turned into him and sitting on his lap.

Your hands wandered his now bare chest before finding their way to his hair, the ends were still a little damp from his shower. You tug his hair lightly as you plant your lips on his. He quickly deepened the kiss, sliding his hands onto your hips.

You'd made out with Colston many times before, but this time it was so different. This time it was more than just making out, because you wanted to. It was you making out with the boy that was finally yours. When you pulled away, Colston smiled at you, his eyes glazed over in love.

"Can I be your boyfriend?"

Hearts swarmed in your eyes, you smiled at Colston, nodding gladly.

"It's almost like I've waited over a year for you to ask that."

Colston rolled his eyes sassily, and you giggled as he pulled you into a kiss. This kiss was sweet and chaste, full of love and nothing else. He pulled away from you, leaning his head back, the biggest smile on his face. He tilted his head to the side, looking at you.

"Hi girlfriend."

You giggled, leaning forward to hug him, burying your face in the crook of his neck.

"Hi boyfriend."

It was muffled into his shoulder, but didn't fail to make Colston incredibly happy. You were finally his, fucking finally. You didn't have to pretend with each other anymore, you were proudly and openly in love.

"I love you, Colston."

"I love you more."

[little2nerdy]

also fun resource for aftg fic writers: you can access clemson’s old course catalog/requirements through their website (since palmetto is based on clemson) i love using this for what classes the foxes would be in

here’s the link!

[redarmyscreaming]

USS Lamson (DD-328).

[swiftsmlb]

5- tee higgins

tee higgins x fem!reader

warnings: none!

in which: tee gives you the best birthday gift.

warnings: none really? fluff. (this is short) - sorry. more tee imagines coming soon! i promise!

the bright sun came through the blinds of the huge windows in your shared bedroom with tee. your eyes fluttered open, making you groan a little. you absolutely hated mornings - but this was different. it was your twenty-third birthday today.

you stretched out, to wake tee up. but to your surprise - he was already up. you were confused, usually on a day off - he didn’t wake up this early.

you got up, making your side of the bed. before putting one of tee’s hoodies on, that went below your knees. before looking into the bathroom - maybe he was taking a shower? you thought.

but tee wasn’t there either. you decided to check downstairs to see if he was there. he would’ve told you if he was leaving. tee and you always told each other when you were going to leave.

and there he was. in the kitchen, making your favorite breakfast. a huge smile appeared on your lips. before walking into the kitchen.

“mornin',” you spoke

“morning beautiful. happy birthday.”

tee pressed a kiss onto your cheek, wrapping his arms around your shorter frame. the comment made you blush. tee made it worse by kissing your cheek.

tee was a gentleman, always treating you right. it was only eight-thirty in the morning and he was making you breakfast?

the two of you met at clemson. having the same classes together. you were partnered up for a project for one of the many classes you had with one another. and the two of you hit off. ever since then — you two have been together.

you were by his side through it all. you supported him through everything. even when you had classes - you still showed up to his first ever nfl game. you were there on draft night. and of course when the bengals went all the way to the super bowl.

and then you graduated. tee was there for that as well. you found a job in downtown cincinnati so the two of you could be closer to one another.

“breakfast is almost done. go sit and i’ll be over soon?”

you nodded in agreement. the smile never leaving your face. gosh, you loved tee so much. he was so beyond perfect.

you sat down on one of the barstools you had on the breakfast bar the both of you picked out. your e/c watched as tee placed the breakfast items on two plates. he really was beautiful.

tee came over, sitting next to you. placing your plate in front of you — and his plate in front of him. tee made some eggs, bacon, and pancakes and cut up some fresh strawberries.

“it looks good. thank you tee.”

“anything for you. it’s your birthday. you deserve to be treated like a queen.”

“i love you so much.”

“i love you more.” tee smiled. before the two of you met in the middle for a kiss.

“hurry up and eat. i have a gift for you— that i can’t wait for you to open.”

the two of you began eating your breakfast. making small talk and making jokes. it really was the perfect morning so far. tee always knew how to make you feel special. he knew you so well.

the two of you finished up. with you telling tee you would wash the dishes. but the man wouldn’t let you, grabbing the plates before you could even say anything else.

tee was giddy. he was very excited to give you this gift. you got excited by the minute. wondering what it could be. why he was this excited for a gift?

“alright. this is it… i hope you like it.” tee handed you a box.

you opened the box. your eyes landed on the beautiful item inside. it was a necklace, but not just any normal necklace. it was tee’s number 5. covered in diamonds. it had to be really expensive — but above all, it was so beautiful. it was perfect.

“i love it.” you look up at tee, with happy tears escaping your eyes. it was probably the best gift you’ve ever received.

“really?”

“it’s beautiful! can you um.. help me put it on?” you asked, taking it out of the box carefully.

tee nodded with his famous smile. helping you put it on and attaching the two pieces together. your fingers traced the “five.” it was beautiful, no words can describe how much it meant to you.

“i love it so much tee. thank you so much. it means a lot. it’s so beautiful.”

the two connected their lips once again. tee’s arms wrapped around your waist against. you leaned your head onto his chest.

“i love you so much.” you whisper

“i love you more princess. so much more, you have no idea.”

_

hey!!!

i hope you all liked this!!8 had this idea for so long. and figured i would do this idea with tee!!

only a couple people write about him - and he just deserves so much more!!

so sorry this is short. i have more imagines in the works of tee. so be on the look out for that!

anyway, i hope you all are doing well! and have a good day/night

[the-football-chick]

Philadelphia Eagles 2024 Draft Class _____________

Round 1: No. 22- Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Round 2: No. 40 (from WAS through CHI)-Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Round 3: No. 94 (from SF)- Jalyx Hunt, EDGE, Houston Christian

Round 4: No. 127 (from HOU)- Will Shipley, RB, Clemson

Round 5: No. 152 (from WAS through SEA)-Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M

Round 5: No. 155 (from LAR through PIT)-Jeremiah Trotter Jr, LB, Clemson

Round 5: No. 172-Trevor Keegan, G. Michigan

Round 6: No 185 (from NYJ)-Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State

Round 6: No. 190 (from NO)-Dylan McMahon, C, North Carolina State

[materialsscienceandengineering]

A team of Clemson University chemists has constructed a novel two-dimensional electrically conductive metal-organic framework (MOF), a breakthrough that could help advance modern electronics and energy technologies. MOFs are nano-sized architectures, which resemble miniature buildings made of metal ions linked by organic ligands. The structures are mostly hollow and porous with an extraordinary amount of internal surface space. As a result, MOFs can store guest molecules, catalyze chemical reactions and deliver drugs in a controlled manner. Certain MOFs can even conduct electricity, making them potential next-generation semiconductors. "We need new materials for semiconductors for electronics and energy technologies, and this class of materials has shown great potential," said Sourav Saha, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, who led the study. "These materials (MOFs) are much easier to synthesize, process and tune their electronic and optical properties than traditional inorganic semiconductors."

Read more.

[ledenews]

(Publisher's Note: This article was published initially just before Brett Phillips quarterbacked in live action for more than a year ago, and he performed very well despite the team's one-win record. Well, he's now training this summer for his sophomore season at Bethany College, and that's because Brett has continued to beat the odds - and Crohn's Disease. In celebration, LEDE offers his story once again.) This Saturday at Bison Stadium in Bethany, W.Va., Brett Phillips will win. Maybe or maybe not on the scoreboard in his team’s season opener against Allegheny, but a victory he still shall have. The first-year quarterback and 2023 graduate of Wheeling Park High School, see, has been chasing physical stability for longer than even he knows. Crohn’s Disease and colitis haunted him during his high school days just as it does one in every 100 Americans, and it’s buckled him, secluded him, grounded him, and it’s scared him, too. Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease and until an individual is diagnosed, prescribed medications, and then adapts to a different diet, their guts will twist, throb, bloat, cramp, punch, and hurt a person to tears. It causes diarrhea and frequent trips to the nearest restroom, and the disease doesn’t care if you’re watching a movie or marching the Park Patriots’ offense down a football field on Wheeling Island. Ya gotta go, ya gotta go whether you’re on a bus heading to an away game or if it’s third-and-one on the six-yard line. Nature calls. Brett and his father, Keith - a football coach for Wheeling Park - have worked together on his game, and on his health since Crohn's Disease was diagnosed just a few years ago. Despite his everyday battle against the disease, Phillips, a multi-sport standout in high school and one of three Phillips sons (Zach, 29, and Nate, 24), completed 326 passes in 541 attempts for 4,906 yards and 52 touchdowns in 26 games for Wheeling Park. He signed with Frostburg State but was struggling with his health when he reported. Brett returned home to his family after just three weeks in Maryland, but that Phillips family sure came to his rescue. His father, Keith, contacted Crohn’s specialist Dr. David Rubin at the University of Chicago, who actually (and miraculously) consulted on Brett’s case. Keith also touched base with Kelly Bryant, a former Clemson and Missouri quarterback whose played a few pro seasons in Canada despite digestive issues that’s required mayor surgery. He’s helped Brett, as well. And his mother, Terry, mastered diet after diet for her son so, following a semester of classes at West Liberty University, Phillips could transfer to Bethany College in time for the Spring Semester of 2024. In August, he reported to preseason camp, and head coach Brandon Robinson has named him QB1 for Game One against the Gators. Allegheny will be Brett’s first “real” on-field opponent since he guided the W.Va. North All-Stars over the South All-Stars 23-10 at South Charleston’s Black Eagle Stadium in June 2023. Phillips was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, and now, finally – FINALLY! – he’ll return to live action this weekend for the first time in more than a year.    “I came to Bethany,” the young man said, “because I believe I can do something special here.” That’s why, this Saturday at Bison Stadium in Bethany, W.Va., Brett Phillips will win. The Phillips family enjoyed Brett's high school success, but when it was time to go to college, Crohn's Disease forced him to the sidelines. How have you prepared differently for this season than you did at Wheeling Park? Preparing for this season at Bethany has had some similarities, as well as some differences to my time at Park. One major difference being the game itself. Playing at any college level will provide new challenges that you have to prepare for. The game gets a little more complex, and the teams you go against are more talented. Preparation is a big key to being successful at this level. Breaking down film, learning the playbook, and learning about the other team will all factor into whether we will achieve success or not. What’s your secret to being a successful double-threat quarterback? I think the biggest secret to being successful is staying healthy. In order to run the way I do, I have to take great care of my body. The season is long, and in order to maintain my ability to be a threat on the ground, I have to make sure I am always feeling my best. To make this happen I do a variety of different things, including taking ice baths, stretching, flexibility/mobility work, and eat a good diet. Brett suffered far more than most of his friends and teammates ever knew during his high school days at WPHS. What are the keys to keeping a healthy balance while a student/athlete with Crohn’s Disease? The disease provides a numerous set of challenges. However, one of the biggest challenges is managing your diet. There are certain things that I can eat and that I cannot eat. It is all about learning what is best for your body in order to keep it healthy. I also make sure taking my Humira injection once a week is also a top priority, and another major factor is keeping stress levels down. As a college quarterback, I can be exposed to stress in a variety of majors, and that’s why it’s important to have good stress relief methods. My stress relief is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My faith is something that I have relied on during hard times, however, Crohn’s made me truly understand my religious calling. What’s the best advice your father – “Coach Phillips” – has ever given you? He’s always told me to have confidence in myself. I always play my best when I believe in myself, my ability, and in the hard work that I have put in. There truly is a difference when I play or practice with confidence compared to when I don’t. In addition, when you play with confidence, the game becomes more fun. When you play with confidence, and when you have fun while playing, your game excels to a new level. This is some of the best advice that he has given me, and it is something that I tell to my teammates. Phillips was outstanding his junior and seniors for Wheeling Park, and very few people realized at the time how his health was affected by Crohn's Disease. Why is Bethany your best choice? I originally signed with Frostburg State University to play football. However, I had a Crohn’s flare-up and had to return home to seek treatment. I then proceeded to take a year off in order to get healthy. The time away from the game made me realize how much I love the game, and this led to Bethany College. Bethany was the best choice for me because of a variety of reasons. The first is that I am close to my friends and family. It is very important to me to be close to the people that I love, and playing at Bethany gives me the opportunity to see my family, and they can also come to my games. Also, the coaching staff at Bethany truly led me to the school. Coach Robinson is a great coach and a better man. He is someone I truly look up to, and I am excited for our future. Plus, Coach Desanti also played a big part in my decision to come to Bethany. He brings a lot of experience to the table, and I enjoy being coached by him. These two coaches already have played a big part in my Bethany football career. Read the full article

[sanchezsidelinereport]

Oh, man, this is a tough one to write about. Just got word of some unexpected news out of Clemson.

Shockwave in Tiger Town: Four-Star RB Dismissed Before Arrival

Well, Banter Nation, here we go, there's some unexpected news hitting the wire from Clemson. The Tigers have officially announced the dismissal of true freshman Marquise Henderson. This one stings, as Henderson was a highly touted four-star recruit from the 2025 class, a guy many thought would make an immediate impact.

The program's statement was pretty brief, simply wishing Henderson "the best as he moves forward." As is often the case with these situations, no specific reason was given for the decision. It’s always tough to see a promising young player's collegiate career end before it even begins, especially when details are scarce.

Who Is Marquise Henderson?

For those who might not have been tracking every recruit, Marquise Henderson is a significant talent out of Belton-Honea Path High School right there in South Carolina. He was ranked as the No. 161 overall player and the No. 11-ranked running back in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. On3's own evaluators were even higher on him, slotting him as the No. 152 overall player and No. 8-ranked running back in their On300 Rankings.

On the field, Henderson was a stat machine, leading his high school to the 2024 state semifinals. He amassed nearly 8,000 total yards in his high school career, including an astounding 6,369 rushing yards at the time he signed with Clemson, averaging a ridiculous 11 yards per carry on 577 attempts. He was actually the fourth-highest rated player in Clemson's loaded 2025 recruiting class, a group headlined by five-star defensive lineman Amare Adams.

This is certainly a blow to Clemson's incoming talent, especially at a position where depth is always key.

Looking Ahead for the Tigers

Despite this unexpected development, Clemson is still riding high after an impressive 2024 season that culminated in an ACC title and a College Football Playoff appearance. And let's not forget, quarterback Cade Klubnik had a breakout year, and he's back for another go-round, looking to boost his NFL Draft stock.

Klubnik continues to develop under Offensive Coordinator Garrett Riley, as they enter their third season together in Dabo Swinney's program. He's openly spoken about his commitment to getting better, telling On3's Andy Staples that development was a top priority for him. "I’m kind of the epitome of the word development," Klubnik said. "When I was coming out of high school, I wanted to go win and go to a great culture. But overall, I wanted to leave that school better than when I got there."

It’s clear the Tigers are focused on continued growth and success on the field. This news about Henderson is certainly a wrinkle, but the focus will quickly shift to how the current roster and remaining recruits step up.

What do you think, Banter Nation? How big of a loss is this for the Tigers?

[reserve-atclemson]

Live Where the Extras Matter

Great amenities can really make your day-to-day life more enjoyable. If you’re checking out housing options near Clemson University, The Reserve is definitely worth a look. They’ve got two- and four-bedroom apartments that come with access to a resort-style pool—perfect for hot afternoons or just unwinding with friends. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center, which is super convenient if you like to work out on your own schedule. Whether you’re an early riser or more of a night owl, you won’t have to adjust your routine to anyone else’s hours. It’s nice to live somewhere that offers more than just the basics, especially when those extras help you feel more relaxed and at home. It’s the little things that make a difference.

Climate and Environment in Central, South Carolina

The weather in Central stays pretty mild, with hot summers and winters that don’t get too harsh. You’ll definitely feel the humidity in the summer months, but it’s manageable with some shade or AC. Spring and fall are really nice—plenty of sunny days, colorful leaves, blooming flowers, all that good stuff. You’re also surrounded by greenery, which makes outdoor time more enjoyable. There are trails, parks, and lakes close by, so if you’re into hiking or fishing, it’s easy to get out there. You’ll probably notice how clean the air feels too, especially compared to more crowded areas. The mix of small-town living and nature kind of makes it easy to slow down a bit. It’s a good place if you like being outside now and then.

Central-Clemson Recreation Center in Central, SC

You don’t have to be a serious athlete to enjoy the Central-Clemson Recreation Center. It’s a popular local spot with something for just about everyone. There’s a gym, walking track, indoor pool, and space for classes—think yoga, spin, or whatever’s trending that month. It’s also a nice place to bring kids, with play areas and summer programs that keep things interesting. The space stays clean, and staff are usually helpful if you’ve got questions or need to sign up for something. Whether you’re trying to get a workout in, swim some laps, or just hang out with friends at the courts, it’s easy to find your routine here. You’ll probably run into familiar faces after a few visits, too, which keeps things feeling local.

SCRA Awards $150k In Grants to Four Upstate Businesses

This kind of news gives you a little hope, especially if you care about small businesses and local startups. When groups step in with funding like this, it can make a real difference for people trying to get new ideas off the ground. You know how tough it can be to find that early support, so grants like these help businesses move forward without taking on a ton of risk. It also shows that there’s confidence in what’s being built right here in the Upstate. You might not hear about these companies every day, but they could be working on something useful, creative, or even game-changing. It’s good to see resources staying local and being put toward fresh ideas that have the potential to grow.

Link to map

Central-Clemson Recreation Center 130 Commons Way #4107, Central, SC 29630, United States Head northwest toward Commons Way 151 ft Turn right onto Commons Way 240 ft Turn left onto Cross Creek Rd 0.1 mi Turn left onto SC-93 N/W Main St 0.6 mi Turn left onto Vickery Dr 312 ft Turn left onto Sumter Ln 269 ft Turn left Destination will be on the right 49 ft The Reserve at Clemson 103 Sumter Ln, Central, SC 29630, United States

[oldsalempost-blog]

The Old Salem Post

                   Our  Local Tamassee-Salem SC Area News each Monday except holidays                                          Contact: theoldsalempost@gmail.com      Distributed to local businesses, town hall, library & more.                             Volume 8 Issue 26                                                                                  Week of June 9,  2025                https://www.tumblr.com/settings/blog/oldsalempost-blog                         Lynne Martin Publishing                                                                                                                                                          

EDITOR: For a little town, we have A LOT going on!  There is always a needed project and thankfully, always a wonderful community of volunteers.  Giving and helping one another is infectious!  Once you “get it”  you realize it is a great gift to pass on!   And, you will never “get over” how good it makes you feel!   Lynne R Martin                                                                                                                                      

Town of SALEM: 5 Park Avenue  Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. Closed 12-1 for lunch.  864-944-2819  Get Ready for the annual July 4th celebration on the ball field!   Bring your chairs starting at 8PM.                                                                                                                     Salem Library:  5 Park Avenue Mon 10AM-6PM, Tues-Fri 9AM-5PM. Closed 12-1. 

MOBILE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE thru the Clemson Rural Health comes twice each month to Downtown Salem located across or beside the Fire Department, offering  primary and acute care including chronic disease management. June Dates for Salem: June 10th and 26th, 9AM-3PM.  Walk-in or call  864-656-3076.                                                                                                                                

Healthy Choices:  What you put in your ears is as important as what you put in your mouth!  Negative conversations, foul language, trashy television and radio programs and music affect your thoughts and ultimately your actions.  So “you are what you eat” is also “you become what you listen to.”  Turn the channel to find uplifting music and helpful programs.  Choose friends who are positive, helpful, and encouraging.     

Jottings from Miz Jeannie  by Jeannie Barnwell   ENAC's Successful Art & Science Camp                                Eagles Nest Art Center provided a variety of activities for the attendees.  Classes included song writing, making   guacamole, painting nature scenes and classes on local wildlife: turtles and snakes.  I brought  "Tobias the Box Turtle" who has been a household guest for 20 years.  My neighbor, Layla Ambrose, helped to teach the lesson on snakes by portraying a sleepy snake.  When kids spotted Layla stretched out on the floor in her "snake" hat,  they were asked to demonstrate the right and the wrong ways to react.  RIGHT WAY: Stay quiet and slowly back up.  WRONG WAY: hoop and holler and jump around. When the kids annoyed the snake, Layla, the snake, would strike at them with a pool noodle.! Students were asked to teach the RIGHT WAY/WRONG WAY exercise with their families. Let's hope simply practicing the RIGHT technique will help us co-exist with our reptile neighbors!  Miz Jeannie wishes a safe and happy summer to all and closes with a joke: The elementary school lunchroom served up peanut & jelly sandwiches one day, and a 3rd grader commented, "It's about time they made us a home cooked meal around this place!"

ASHTON RECALLS by Ashton Hester    ROAD FROM S.C. 11 TO STATE PARK CONSIDERED TWICE BUT NEVER BUILT - (The following story was in the August 22, 1984 Keowee Courier). . .The possibility of constructing a new road from Highway 11 to Oconee State Park is again being considered, according to Highway Commissioner Blake Griffith of West Union. . .Griffith said he has brought the project before the Highway Commission's Maintenance and Construction Committee, and it is "one of the things we're looking at". . .This road, which would pass near historic Oconee Station, has long been discussed. In fact, in 1978 it was approved for construction, with financing to come largely from federal funds from the S.C. Appalachian Council of Governments (COG). However, a survey of the terrain over which the road would pass found that it was much rougher than anticipated, and this would drastically increase the cost. Thus, the project was abandoned. . .The road was to have been named in honor of Bruce Rochester, who had played a prominent role in the development of Oconee County during the past two or three decades. When the project was abandoned, Highway 130 from Seneca to Salem was named in his honor instead. . .Griffith said this week that, if the Highway 11-Oconee State Park Road project is again attempted, federal funds from COG would again be pursued. . .(Footnote written by Ashton Hester: Once again, the new road was not built. But who knows? Maybe someday!?)                                                                

JOCASSEE VALLEY BREWING COMPANY,(JVBC) & COFFEE SHOP* 13412 N Hwy 11  Hours: Wed–Sat 9am-9pm & Sunday 12pm-7pm   Events this week: Thurs: 9AM-9PM  Food: Wheelie Good Food!  Music:  Old Time Jam 6:30PM    Fri: Food:  KODESH   Music: Kaylee Noelle 6:30PM    Sat:   Food Truck:  Sarap Fillipino   Music:  CHRIS WAYNE  6:30PM    Sun:  Happy Father’s Day! 12PM-7PM    Music:  Steve McGaha    Food:  Fermental Farm to Fire Pizza                                                                                                                                   

2025 Golf Tournament for Crime Stoppers of Oconee County & Oconee County Sheriff’s Foundation:  Friday, Sept 12 at the Oconee country Club, 781 Richland, Road, Seneca SC.   $500 per team (4 per team) 8AM registration.  More information call 864-247-4083 pr 864-775-9810

EAGLES NEST ART CENTER

Located 4 Eagle Lane, Salem SC 29676                                                                                                  2025 UPCOMING EVENTS                www.eaglesnestartcenter.org                                              Email:   eaglesnestartcenter@gmail.com                                                                                                                                                                                  Oconee Mountain Opry: July 19, 2025 7PM    Original variety show of local and regional talent. Enjoy  a fun entertaining evening.  Unique Old Time Entertainment!  Come early for homemade concessions,  visit the OPUS museum, the Alumni Room, or search for nice gifts at our Treasure Store.  Tickets $10 on line or at the door day of the event.    For more information 864-280-1258                                        

A CHRISTMAS TEA!- If you enjoyed the Mother’s Day Tea, save the date for A Christmas Tea, Saturday, December 6, 2PM-4PM!                SAVE THE DATEs for October  10-11, 2025 for original play at ENAC.  Stay tuned.  

                                                                                                                                                                                           Ongoing 2025 Events                                                                                                                                         Treasure Store Open every Saturday 9AM-12PM and will begin opening on the first Wednesday each month from 12PM-6PM. Call to deliver donations 864-557-2462.  We have some very nice items, vintage and brand-name clothing.  Come check us out!  We need more volunteers to open more hours!                                                                                                                      

YOUNG APPALACHIAN MUSICIANS – Cost is $50 each month.  3rd grade through adult.    Call 864-280-1258 for lessons!

Senior Exercise every Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-10:30AM and  Saturdays at 10AM.  Evening classes each week on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5PM-6PM.    Cost  $2.50 each class or $22.00 each month for unlimited classes.  Classes are growing and the ladies are really enjoying the benefits of exercising and socializing together.                                           NEW:  Leisure Time Activities    Each Wednesday  at 12 noon. Reserve your seat $2.50. Text 864 612-0912 for more info.

Keowee Krafters is a nonprofit Maker Space for crafts, artisans and skills. Contact makekeowee.org                        Upcoming Classes at ENAC:   June 10: Origami Swam 5:00-8:00. $10  June 16: Open Sewing: 12-4. $10     For more events or questions Email:  Events@keoweekrafters.org      THE MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL planned for June 21 has been cancelled.                                                                                                            Thanks to all for supporting a successful fundraiser for Brinlee Cannon at the Salem Fire Department  this past Saturday. Continue prayers for this precious 12 year old girl and her family as they wait for a heart transplant.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

[jethroscousin]

Prep Athletes of the Week: Katie Kelzenberg of Wayzata makes track and field her focus

Plenty of colleges’ volleyball teams could have added Wayzata senior Katie Kelzenberg to their roster. So could an array of basketball programs. But this year, the three-sport Trojan decided she will take her talents to Clemson’s track and field team. She showed off those talents at last week’s Class 3A Section 6 meet, setting a section discus record and recording the best mark in Minnesota this…